Page 58 of Shared By my Ex's Best Friends
I reach over, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. My fingers linger—not just because she’s beautiful, but because she’s breaking, and I want to be the one who holds her together. I keep my hand near her face a moment longer before letting it fall back to the steering wheel. The way she says “better now” doesn’t quite convince me, but I’m not about to press too hard—not yet.
The streetlights flicker overhead as we drive through quiet neighborhoods, the only sounds the hum of the engine and our breathing. Maya’s eyes keep darting to the window, watching the world go by, but every now and then they flick back to me like she’s trying to find the right words. She bites her lip, but the tension in her hands loosens a bit as she relaxes against the seat.
We pull up outside her apartment, and for a moment, neither of us moves. The porch light spills a soft pool of yellow onto the steps, inviting but quiet.
I kill the engine, turning to face her. “Do you want me to walk you inside?”
Her gaze meets mine, a flicker of something unspoken passing between us. She nods slightly. “Yeah, please.”
We climb out together and I fall into step beside her, the night air crisp against my skin. We move slowly, like neither of us wants this to end just yet.
When we reach the door, Maya pauses, then turns toward me. “Liam…”
I look down at her, waiting.
She steps closer, eyes searching mine, and then without another word, she presses her hand to my chest, right over my heart.
“I don’t want to be alone right now,” she admits, voice fragile.
My breath catches. “You’re not alone.”
Her hands slide up, fingers threading through the hair at the nape of my neck, pulling me closer. I respond instinctively, my arms wrapping around her waist, holding her like she’s the only solid thing in a world that feels unsteady.
The kiss deepens—no longer gentle but urgent, charged with everything neither of us has said out loud. I taste the faint trace of wine on her breath, warm and intoxicating.
Her breath mingles with mine, quickening in sync, and I feel the steady thump of her heart against my chest.
Her body presses tighter against me, her curves fitting against my body perfectly. There’s a vulnerability in the way she clingsto me, like she’s seeking safety, comfort, and maybe something more.
I break the kiss slowly, breaths mingling in the cool night air. Her eyes flutter open, wide and searching, and I see it there—trust, a flicker of hope, a need for connection that matches my own.
I keep my forehead pressed to hers, letting the quiet between us stretch. Her fingers tighten in my hair, and I feel a shiver run through me.
Slowly, I cradle her face, thumb brushing over the curve of her cheek. Her eyes flicker shut again.
“I don’t want to stop this,” I admit, almost a whisper.
Her lips part in a small, shy smile. “Me either.”
I lean back enough to look at her properly, tracing the line of her jaw with my eyes. “You can say no, but…do you want me to stay?”
She nods, her gaze softening. “Yeah… I’d like that.”
It’s not just about sex. It’s not even about comfort. It’s about being chosen, trusted, let in. And tonight, she’s letting me in.
Chapter twenty-four
MAYA
Liam’s mouth is still warm on mine when I pull away—just enough to catch my breath.
In my driveway. In the dark. The weight of everything pressing so heavily on my chest, it’s hard to draw air.
I drag my hands down his chest and take a small step back. “Come inside.”
He hesitates—just for a second—but then he nods and follows me quietly through the door. Everything feels too fast and not fast enough, like I’ve jumped into a current that’s pulling me under and I don’t know which way is up anymore.
Once we’re inside, I leave the lights off. Moonlight spills through the blinds. Liam sets his keys on the entry table but doesn’t say anything and doesn’t move to sit.
