Page 22 (1/2)

When ain, I discover so different A new side of her, maybe There’sso much deeper, so real and honest In this second, I have exactly what I asked for All of her Without the barriers Without the poison

Chapter 7

Aria

The rich aro A couple of hours atop, beneath, and draped over Liam’s hard body kick-started my day with a smile on eles later that Sundaythat I was reminded how soon this fantasy of ours would come to an end

Last night I had wondered if maybe I’d wake up with some clarity in how to make this all work but the truth is, I have no idea I can’t hurt Jackson in the way I would if I chose to be with Lia away fro that what I experienced with hi, too

I sense a similar tension in Liam He’s been too quiet on the drive hohts the same way I’m lost in mine

When he pulls to a stop outsideI want to do more than stay in this car next to hi in two, and I’ain Knowing Ihis conflicted stare onwhat to say, or how to leave him

His eyes search estures “Come on” He opens his door “Let’s take a walk” He’s out of the car a second later,the door for me

Once I join hi my eyes, he shuts the door behind me Silently, he takes my hand and walks across the street toward the small park The heavy silence between us continues as we stride along the pathway, passing by people and their dogs enjoying the beautiful day

Lia the expanse of the park with the branches ofwith the breeze He sits first then I join hi under a tree, breaking into laughter I draw in a big long breath, taking it all in The sun The silence My park The place I walk daily Life see feels different

Liaive you up”

I s the e his gentle expression “I don’t kno to make this work,” I tell him honestly

“Do you want this to work between us?”

How easy it would be to say yes “It’s a complicated answer, and you know that”

“Why, because of Jackson?” Liam’s voice blisters