Page 114 of The Science of Attraction

I thought about that for a moment and then asked the question we’d both been avoiding. “And my father? Does he have an opinion?”

Liam sighed. “That’s a very complicated question. Your father’s still in shock over what happened. I’ve never seen him so pale and uncertain. I’d like to say he’s had a wake-up call, especially since Zach and your mother have also made their feelings brutally clear today.”

I blinked. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” Liam grinned. “Your mother stated she wanted a home that would welcome both her sons and their families and that she would create that with or without him.”

“She—” My heart hammered in my chest. Was he serious? “She did? And Zach, too?”

“Told your father he was running out of sons and headed for a lonely death. He even mentioned him missing out on his grandchildren.”

Grandchildren?I gaped and Liam flushed... again.

“I know,” he said quickly. “Crazy, right?”

But there was something in his voice, and —“No.” I reached for his hand. “Not crazy at all.”

A shy smile crept over Liam’s face. “Something to talk about, right?”

I returned his smile. “Yeah. Something to talk about.” And there I was, leaking again. Big, fat, ugly tears that Liam wiped aside with his thumb. But his own wet eyes weren’t fooling anyone.

I grabbed his hand and threaded our fingers together. “And what did my father say to all those home truths?”

“Nothing directly.”

My heart sank. “Nothing?”

“But—” Liam wagged a finger in front of my pouty face. “—when the doctor asked who was coming in here first to see you, it was your father who sent me in. Even said I was your boyfriend.”

“He... what?” My mouth dropped open. I couldn’t believe it. “He actually used the word boyfriend?”

“He did.” Liam smoothed the frown lines on my forehead. “Shocker, right? And your mother practically beamed. All in all, a hopeful sign.”

I was still gaping, trying to make sense of what I was hearing when Liam tipped my chin up and pressed a kiss to my lips. “It’s something to consider when you’re making your decision about where to go from here. Maybe we should strike while the iron’s hot and call his bluff. Go back to my—ourcottage and see if he can walk the talk?”

I arched a brow, about the only thing that didn’t fucking hurt, and considered the idea for a long moment. It was risky, but a quick follow-through while my father was still off balance might be our best chance. No opportunity for him to double down. “I agree. Nothing to lose, right?”

Liam nodded, then winced. “But there’s something I should tell you. My sister is coming to check you out.” He swallowed hard. “Tomorrow.”

I blinked. “Tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I know. But I couldn’t stop her. Your mother said she could stay on the station, but I can put her in a motel in town?—”

“It’s fine. Iwantto meet her.”

Liam’s hazel eyes grew soft. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. I want to meet everyone who’s important to you.”

Another blush. I was on a fucking roll. I drew him in for another kiss, this one long and slow and hot enough to curl my toes.

When we parted, Liam cleared his throat. “Your doctor says you’re gonna need some work on that shoulder as it heals. I can give you the number of the best rehab specialist around if you want?”

I couldn’t stop the huge smile that broke over my face. “I doubt I could afford his fees.”

He shot me a sultry smirk. “I’m sure you could work out a mutually beneficial payment plan.”

I huffed out a laugh. “I’m sure we could.” Then it occurred to me. “But you can’t stay here looking after me. What about your business? Your contracts?”

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