Page 90 of Something Forever

“That’s why I’m trying to protect you from this boy. You’re just gonna get yourself hurt. Do yourself a favor and get a divorce. This was a huge mistake, Whitney.”

My anger rears its head again as she attacks Liam. “How will you get your precious payout if I get a divorce, huh?”

I don’t wait for her response.

“Get out, Mom. Just go.” Suddenly, I remember the phone that I got for her. Shaking my head, I pull it out of my bag and thrust it into her hands. I cross the room to the front door and yank it open, gesturing to the hallway.

“Take the phone. It’s programmed with my number. Next time you decide to ride into town and fuck with my head, call me first.”

She stares at me, tears swimming in her eyes. She looks like she wants to say more, but she doesn’t. Tucking the phone into her pocket, she grabs her bag off the floor, and walks out the door.

She doesn’t look back.

I don’t let myself cry after my argument with my mom. I know that if I think about it too much, I’m going to turn into a puddle of tears on the floor. Instead, I throw myself into work. After signing up for an online marketing class and spending a few hours working on a website for All Rhodes, I’ve successfully avoided all emotions related to my mom. I’ve channeled all that rage and sadness into preparing my salon for a killer launch. According to the contractors, they only need a couple of months to finish everything. By my calculations, I should be able to schedule the grand opening by early spring. I can’t wait.

My phone buzzes with a text from Liam.

Liam: You free tonight?

Whitney: Yeah, why?

Liam: It’s a surprise. Be ready at 7. Wear something sexy, wife.

My mouth drops open as I read Liam’s message. Of everything I was expecting him to say, that was not it. After three rounds this morning, I figured he’d be tired of me, especially after spending basically the entire weekend attached at the hip. But now he’s planning a surprise? one that involves me wearing something sexy?

I type a response, trying to cool the heat rising in me as I guess what he’s planned for tonight.

Whitney: That sounds awfully string-y, husband.

He just sends back the shrugging emoji. I toss my phone onto the bed, falling backwards with a groan. The mystery of what Liam has planned is sending a thrill of excitement through me. I just hope it involves his dirty mouth.

The next few hours are a whirlwind of outfit changes and a very lengthy FaceTime with Abbi in which she comes up with three different nicknames for Liam’s dick. Eventually, I settle on a blue dress and my black platform boots. I haven’t heard from Liam, so I text him and ask what the plan is.

Liam: Be home in 10.

True to his word, Liam bustles through the front door after ten minutes. I hear him from my room as I stand nervously in front of the mirror, touching up my lipstick.

“Hey!” he yells from the hallway. “I gotta shower, but we’ll leave in a bit.”

“Where are we going?”

His only response is a door slamming and the running water of the shower.

Great.

Bracing myself for The Return of the Grump, I grab my purse and head to the kitchen. I scroll on my phone for a few minutes, waiting for Liam. After a few minutes, he pads into the kitchen, barefoot.

My heart seems to skip a beat at the sight of him. His wet curls fall gently around his face, his tattoos peeking out from his t-shirt. I try not to gape at him as he crosses the room. My eyes widen as he braces his arms on either side of me, his mouth descending onto mine. I barely have time to react, but my body seems to respond to him instinctively, melting into his embrace easily.

“You look beautiful,” he murmurs against my lips. “As always.”

He pulls back and smiles that secret, subdued smile that feels like it’s just for me, and my stomach swoops impossibly lower.

Liam grabs his keys and wallet off the counter, then gestures to the door. “Shall we?”

“Are you going to tell me what this is?”

He just grins. “Patience, love.”

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