Page 146 of Power Play

I haven’t let myself think about it too deeply, because we havesucha good thing going right now.

It’s easy and fun.

It’s sex, yeah, but I’ve fallen in love with myself again.

I’m happy. I’m healthy. I’m sleeping with a man who makes me feel like I could be queen of the world, and I’ve never had this kind of confidence before.

Through learning and exploring and his guidance, I’ve found my voice in and out of the bedroom. I’ve been quiet for so many years, but I’m not anymore.

If I had asked any other man to take on this task, they would’ve failed. I would’ve given up because of my low self-esteem. Because I felt judged or inadequate.

But not with Liam.

With Liam, I can fly.

“I guess I’ll have to experiment and find out,” I say, keeping my tone neutral. “Which dresses do you think I should bring? I have four I was trying to pick from.”

“The pink one,” Emmy says. Maven and Lexi hum in agreement, and I crawl off the mattress. “It’s going to look great with your hair.”

“That’s what I thought too.” I add it to my second suitcase and gesture to the other options. “I need one more. We’re not there very long, but I don’t want to feel like I have nothing to wear.”

They help me decide on two more to bring. After we pack my bags and I know where my passport is, we move to my living room with bowls of ice cream. I listen to the things going on in their lives feeling warm, happy, and content.

I’d go through hell and back a thousand times if it meant finding my friends on the other side, and no matterwhatman I end up with, he’ll always come second to the three that helped put me back together.

THIRTY-NINE

PIPER

Liam

Be out front in five minutes.

Me

Okay! I’m ready and looking for you!

Liam

You’re going to be looking for a long time.

I rented a car.

Me

Wow. Goalie Daddy is riding in style.

Liam

Thought I hated that nickname.

Now I’m not so sure.

Me

It’s because you tolerate me.

“Why aren’twe going to departures?” I look out the window as we zoom past DCA. “Oh, no. The driver is your kidnapper from before, isn’t he? I knew this friendship between us was too good to be true.”

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