The One For Me(49)

I go to the kitchen and pull out some lunch meat and bread. I fix a sandwich and walk up to my room. I stop short when I open my door. A little bear is sitting in the center of my bed, a rose fastened to it. I nervously glance around my room. Please, don’t let Hayden be here again.

I set my sandwich down on my desk and walk to the bear. I untie the rose and hold it in my hand. I wait for something to happen. Maybe Mom thought this would make me feel better? But that’s kind of a romantic gift for a mother/daughter relationship.

“You know,” I hear and I turn toward the door. Liam is leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, his big grey eyes wide, a dangerous smile crawling up his face. “If I ever thank Hayden for anything, it’s going to be pointing out where the extra key is hidden.”

I try not to smile but I do anyway. It sends a few tears down my face. I look down at the bear and pick it up. “Little bear,” he whispers, kicking off the doorframe. I wait patiently for him to make it to me. I smell him first, that salty sea water and mellow sandalwood. His fingers tilt my chin up toward him. “I’m sorry,” he whispers.

I bite my lip and nod. I can’t risk saying anything; a sob is riding on my lips.

“I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry I overdramatized the situation; I know you were hurting; it just hurt me to see you with him. It hurt worse than anything else I’ve ever felt.”

I nod.

“I’ve missed you, Katy,” he whispers, moving his mouth closer to mine. “I’ve missed you so damn much.”

“Brian is here,” I mumble out.

He grins. “He is, so is my mom. She wants me to bring you by their new house. Thank you, Katy,” he coos. I lick my lips and nod. “Little bear,” he whispers. “I want you back. I want you back with me. I’m not pretending anymore, I haven’t been for a long time. I want you to be with me, because I want you. Not to stop some rumor.”

I let the sob out of my throat and smile helplessly at the sound. “I’ve missed you, too,” I whisper.

Liam lowers his mouth toward mine and kisses me. It feels like the first real thing I’ve felt in weeks. It feels like he really is kissing me, for me, not for an agreement. Liam lifts me up and places me on the bed, showering me with kisses.

“I don’t want to let go,” he whispers.

“Then don’t.”

He sighs into my hair and whispers, “I think it’s time to give Avalon High more things to talk about.”

I gasp. “Liam, you wouldn’t be suggesting anything our parents wouldn’t approve of.”

“I am little bear.”

“I’m both appalled and turned on,” I whisper.

He laughs and pulls me closer to him. “Come here, we have some rumors to start,” he says, before bringing his lips back down to mine.



The End.