Page 70 of Something Forever

“Where’s your ring?” he snaps.

My eyes widen. “Why do you care?”

His gaze darkens. “You’re supposed to wear it. I got it for you.”

I scoff, indignant. “It’s not like you wear one. I’m sure all the girls hitting on you at the bar would back off if they saw a ring on your finger.”

I realize what I’ve said too late, and Liam seems to realize it too.

He smirks, twisting open his beer and taking a sip. “Jealous, Mrs. Clark?”

“Oh my God. Don’t call me that.”

“But it sounds so good.”

“Liam,” I warn. “Stop flirting.”

A flutter runs through me at the energy sparking between us. Minutes ago, it was awkward. Now, it feels like the temperature in the room has skyrocketed with the blush I’m sporting.

“I don’t wear a ring because you didn’t get me one,” Liam says, pushing off the counter.

My smile drops.

What?

“Was I supposed to?” I turn from the sink and meet his eyes.

His Adams apple bobs as he swallows. “I’m kidding.” His gaze flickers back to my hand. “But seriously,” he says. “Where’s yours?”

I roll my eyes and point to where the ring is sitting on the counter next to the sink. “I didn’t want to wear it while doing the dishes.”

Before I can blink, he crosses over to the counter, plucks the ring up, and stands in front of me. As I dry my hands with a towel, he grabs my left hand and intertwines our fingers. Slowly, he slips the ring back on, gripping my wrist lightly as he meets my gaze.

“Promise you’ll never take it off again,” he breathes out, a low, unexpected command.

“I promise,” I reply in a daze.

Trying to shake off the intensity of the moment, I slip out of his grip and cross to the living room, settling on the couch. I turn on the TV and press play on my favorite reality TV show, forcing myself not to glance towards Liam.

“Is this Love Island?” he asks, his voice moving closer.

“Yeah. Season five. I’m catching up,” I tell him, keeping my eyes focused on the TV.

“Why is everyone addicted to this stupid show? My dad never shuts up about it.”

I smirk. “At least we’ll have one thing to talk about. A shared love for head-turning and triangles.”

“Is that some sort of inside joke?”

I shake my head with a laugh. “Yeah. Just funny phrases they use.”

My head turns at the sound of pots and pans banging together in the kitchen. “You want cookies?” Liam shouts, hidden behind the cabinets.

“Sure?” I call back. “Why are you making cookies?”

He pops out, holding a bag of sugar. “Feeling restless.”

This is the part where I would ask him if he wants to talk about it, but every time Liam peels back some layer of himself, I feel myself drawn further and further into his orbit. That’s the last thing I need right now. I need to find my way out of Liam’s orbit.

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