Page 70 of Liam

Our kisses turn messy, broken up between moments of pure, unexpected bliss.

And maybe—maybe that’s how Liam and I got here. And maybe that’s what we are…

Two messy, broken people, finding joy in the unexpected.

In each other.

“Mama!” a little voice calls from behind me. “Uncle Twinny’s sexing a girl on the floor!”

Liam

“I’m so sorry!” Mia shrieks over her shoulder, turning Benny around by his shoulders.

As soon as Benny spoke up, Addie rolled off me with so much force she spun over twice before finally stopping. I glance at her quickly, suppressing my laugh, before getting up and going after Mia. I call out her name from the front door just as she and Benny reach her car. “What’s up?”

“I’m so sorry!” she repeats.

I make my way toward her, asking, “What’s going on?”

She turns to me, only to stare at my chest when she shakes her head, says, “It’s nothing. I’m sorry we interrupted. You… carry on with?—”

“It’s fine,” I assure. “What’s wrong? You’re all panicky.”

“I’m not.” She won’t meet my eyes. “I’m just pissed that I ruined?—”

I grasp her shoulders, forcing her to stop. Then wait until her eyes are on mine before smiling, askingagain,“What’s going on?”

Mia glances at Benny, then back at me, and I know what she’s hinting without having to say a word. “Addie,” I call over my shoulder, and like the magic she is, Addie appears on the porch steps. I settle my hand on Benny’s shoulder and lead him toward the studio. “This is my friend, Addie,” I tell Benny, then face Addie. “This is my nephew, Benny.”

Addie smiles. “Hi, Benny.”

I tell Benny, “Addie has these cool fidget clickers she’d love to show you.”

Addie nods, taking the hint. “I’ll be right back,” she says, disappearing and reappearing within seconds. She sits on the porch steps, urging Benny to do the same, and as soon as I know he’s occupied, I turn back to Mia and make my way over.

“She’s pretty,” is the first thing Mia says.

“I’m aware,” I say, trying to force the heat away from my cheeks.

Clearly, it doesn’t work, because Mia pokes my stomach and teases, “Aww. Are you blushing?”

I shake my head, heave out a sigh.Sisters,man.

“Were you guys really sssss-” She can’t even say the word.

I crack a smile. “Were we reallywhat?”

“You’re going to make me say it, aren’t you?”

I chuckle. “No, we weren’tsexing.”

“Good. I mean, not good that you weren’t. I want you to—” She cuts herself off with a head shake. “Anyway. You know how Benny has that game tomorrow?”

I nod. “What about it?”

“He’ssoanxious about playing.”

“What?” My eyes narrow as I look over at my nephew. We’ve spoken about the game a few times, and he’s never once mentioned it to me. I should’ve picked up on it. Not just as his uncle, but as hiscoach.

---