Page 22 of Izzy and Her Off-Limits Love

“A three-pack,” he says evenly. “Black, gray, and navy.”

I don’t think he’s being serious, but he doesn’t crack, his expression neutral until he says, “If you’re lucky, I might have some Costco pajamas you can borrow for the night.” Then he winks before disappearing from the room.

Liamwinked—and it didn’t even feel cheesy. It was more adorable and charming andgah,my heart is in serious trouble.

It’s just so easy to like this man. To beimpressedby who he has become.

Even if he picked up his stepdad’s propensity for Costco clothing.

While he’s in his room looking for something I can sleep in, I pull out my text and rapid-fire text Alisa.

Izzy:No coffee tomorrow.

Izzy:Long story involving a fumigation tent and my apartment.

Alisa:WHAT?

Alisa:You can’t just drop that in a text and not tell me more.

Izzy:My apartment is apparently infested and currently covered by a fumigation tent.

Alisa:Like Breaking Bad?

Izzy:I guess I really should watch the show.

Alisa:Need somewhere to crash?

Izzy:That’s the second part of the story. I’m staying with Liam.

Alisa:[ten dancing lady emojis] [six fire emojis] [one American flag emoji]

Alisa:Sorry—that last one was an accident. YOU’RE STAYING WITH LIAM?

Izzy:Yes.

Alisa:Details. Soon. And you owe me a coffee.

Izzy:Fine. Talk later.

Alisa:K. Have fun with your cousin!

Izzy:HE IS NOT MY COUSIN.

“Will these work?” Liam asks, returning with a pair of soft flannel pajama bottoms and an Appies hockey t-shirt. He grins. “All my Costco sets are in the wash.”

“These are perfect,” I say, and he drops them into my hands. Without thinking, I lift the clothes to my nose and take a deep breath, closing my eyes. They smell so good, like clean laundry and Liam.

When I open my eyes again, Liam is watching me, brows lifted and amusement in his expression. “Do they pass the smell test?”

“Yes!” I say a little too quickly. “They’re good. Great.”

His lips lift into the tiniest of smirks, like he knows exactly why I was smelling his clothes. He points toward the hallway. “There’s a bathroom right across the hall with towels in the closet. Just make yourself at home. Do you need anything else?”

“I think I’m good. Thanks for letting me stay.”

“No problem.” Liam moves to the door, then turns back, lifting his hands and gripping the door jamb overhead. The movement untucks his dress shirt the slightest bit, and I catcha glimpse of smooth, tan skin. I jerk my eyes back to his face before he catches me looking.

“So, listen,” he says. “I’m sure you already had plans for this weekend, and I know it sounds crazy when there’s still so much I need to unpack, but would you maybe want to help me decorate for Christmas?”

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