Page 50 of Had To Be You

“Everything okay?” I ask, as he drops into the seat beside me, reaching again for his laptop.

“Everything’s fine, Ells,” he says, pressing a kiss to my temple then turning his attention back to his work. “I’m just managing multiple cases right now that all require urgency, with looming deadlines and court dates, and some idiot is not making my life any easier. It’s nothing I can’t handle, though.”

“I don’t know how you do it all, Liam, and still make time for your family and Murphy,” I tell him, adding, “and you obviously exercise like it’s a full-time job.”

Liam chuckles, but his eyes are laced with trepidation. He roughly drags his hand through his hair, clearly lost in thought. We sit in silence for a little while, Liam completely focused on his computer. Every so often, he’ll reach for me, brushing his thumb over my knuckles or resting his hand on my knee. A reminder that he’s here, that he knows I’m here, too. And it dawns on me he’s not just stressed about work, but for the first time he’s also trying to juggle his job and his relationship with me. This is new territory for Liam. He’s never allowed himself the distraction of a relationship, and that breaks my heart. Liam deserves love.

Liam catches me watching him from the corner of his eye and flashes me a sheepish grin. “I’ve always been this way. I like to work. I like what I do.”

“I get that. It doesn’t feel like work when you enjoy what you do. But we all need a little downtime. A reset. And it’s possible to have both,” I say cautiously, afraid of pushing him too far. Liam has been wired one way for so long, and to some extent, I have been too. But Liam is who I want. I’ve been missing out on so much, never getting close to the men I’ve dated, always keeping them at an arms-length. I’m ready for more. I want more…with Liam. I want to surrender myself to this man who makes me feel things I’m not used to feeling. He makes me feel alive. He makes me feel whole. So I attempt to reassure him.

“You don’t have to worry, Liam. I’m not going to push you. I like the way things are.”

A crooked smile curves one side of his mouth, and he reaches for me, one hand brushing the side of my jaw. “I’m not worried, Ells,” he says, his eyes on mine. “I’m happy with where things are at too. You know that, right?”

“I do. I just want it to be clear that there’s no rush. We can take our time. No pressure.”

“You are amazing, Ells. And fucking gorgeous. And I hope you’re ready for what I’m going to do to you tonight when I get you alone.”

“Counting on it,” I say. My body heats at thought of Liam’s hands on me, my mouth on him.

This feels like a turning point in our relationship, and my pulse quickens at that realization. We are accepting each other for who we are, flaws and all, and it feels exciting. And so damn worth it. There have been walls up guarding my heart for as long as I can remember, and the thought of letting anyone in is scary as hell. But if anyone is worth taking that chance on, it’s Liam.

I close my eyes, leaning my head on the back of my chair, enjoying this moment, hoping I never forget it. My body softens and the frenzied beat of my heart eases.

We sit in silence for a while, Liam switching from his device to a folder of paperwork while I tackle my word puzzle. He seems to have relaxed, his jaw now void of tension and his shoulders less taut. Every now and then I sneak a glance his way and I’m reminded of how beautiful he is and of the overwhelming effect he has on me. The emotions he incites in me threaten to pull me under, to consume me.

“Pin,” he says out of nowhere.

I shoot him a confused look. “Pin?”

“Bulletin-board material. A pin,” he answers, barely suppressing a smile, motioning towards my crossword.

I laugh. “I hadn’t gotten to that one yet, oh ye of little faith. That was an easy one.”

“Are you saying I’m incapable of doing your crossword puzzles?”

“Maybe,” I say with a coy smile. “Besides, don’t you have work of your own you need to be doing?”

“I do. So please stop asking me for help and do your crossword puzzle on your own.” He laughs as I swat at the side of his thigh. “Your glass is empty. Let me have the flight attendant bring you another drink.”

Liam presses the button that I wouldn’t dare to and seconds later a flight attendant appears. She leaves after taking the order, quickly returning with another flute of champagne for me and a coffee for Liam. She also informs us we will be starting our descent to our destination shortly. After we descend through the clouds, I watch as the sun streams in through the small window and wonder yet again where it is we are going.

I catch Liam gazing out the window and I can’t help but admire his profile. His strong jawline, long dark lashes that cast a shadow over his cheeks, the curve of his nose, the thick dark hair that is starting to curl at his neck from needing a haircut. I reach for the back of his neck, running my fingers through his hair. He leans into my touch, moaning as I use my fingernails to increase the sensation. His eyes close.

The serious, focused side of Liam fades, replaced with the softer side that I know he doesn’t share with many. His usual intensity is suddenly gone, his body relaxed as I rub the muscles at the back of his neck. I like being able to release some of his tension. I love knowing that I’m the one who has the privilege of touching him whenever I want.

A warmth spreads through me as I realize how much Liam has come to mean to me in such a short amount of time. He’s captured my heart.

Liam is my person. My future. I’ve never been more sure of anything.

And…

I’m in love with him.

Chapter Twenty

Ellie

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