Page 39 of Liam

"Same."

"What happened?" he asked.

"Wehappened."

Liam chuckled. "That's one way of putting it."

He sounded pleased with the way things had unfolded. How far did we want to take this connection we'd made? There were things we needed to sort out. "I have concerns."

"I'm not surprised."

I frowned. Was that Liam being self-deprecating? I hoped not.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean I have no idea what a romantic relationship is supposed to look like. My upbringing didn't give me many examples. The only point of reference I have is with Noah and Ethan. And to be honest, Ethan and Daniel's situation … I don't quite understand their relationship."

"But that's what you're looking for … a romantic relationship?"

Liam was silent for a few seconds, then his voice was quiet. "Isn't that whatyouwant?"

God, the uncertainty in his voice just about broke my heart.

This was going to be hard, but it was the truth. "Yes, but I'm worried I won't be enough. That a potential partner will become frustrated with my inability to do everyday things."

"The guy would have to be an asshole to back away from you because of that."

An easy answer until you found yourself in that place.

"My life is challenging."

"Everyone's life is challenging in some way. Yours is just more visible."

"Okay. About that. Won't people wonder why you're with me?" Might as well recognize we were talking about us in particular. "People might think you've taken me on as a charity case."

"Jeezus, Jamal, I'd punch anyone who said that about you." Liam sighed. "Other people don't matter. When we spend time together, I come away feeling better about my life. Hopeful even. You've opened something inside me. I want to be my best with you."

Such beautiful words. My heart pattered in my chest.

"I've felt that too."

"You're not worried about my past?"

"What do you mean? The hookups?"

"All of it. Men pick me up because of my body. They don't give my mind a second look. I'm convinced people think I'm not capable of deeper emotions."

"I don't believe that. Neither do your friends. We all know you're more than your body."

"There have been times when I wanted more from a guy."

"And you never chased up that feeling?"

"I was too scared of being rejected. It was easier to continue playing the part of a toy."

Beautiful, sweet man.

"I'll never treat you like a toy, Liam."

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