Page 150 of Power Play

It takes a few minutes for us to escape, a conversation between Liam and his dad about the 4 Nations Face-Off later this week unfolding before we dive into another round of goodbyes.

Thirty minutes later, we find ourselves in our room, and I yawn.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever been this tired.” I unzip my suitcase and pull out my pajama set. “I think I’m going to fall asleep standing up.”

“Exactly why I stopped Alana from asking us out. She likes to do things big, and a night with her almost always rolls into the next morning.”

“Maybe tomorrow.” I smile and walk to the bathroom, too tired to even admire the lavish room and what I’m sure is an ocean view. “I think it went well with your parents, though. I’m pretty sure they believe us.”

“They need to believe us for a few more days.” Liam pulls off his shirt and folds it neatly before setting it on top of his suitcase. “Alana loves you, by the way.”

“She does?” Our eyes meet in the mirror, and my gaze drops to his muscles. I admire the sharp lines of his body and the smattering of hair across his chest and down his stomach. “What makes you say that?”

“The text I got when we were in the elevator.” He snorts and unbuttons his jeans. “She asked how much I’m paying you to be here.”

“I’ll have to tell her I’m doing it for free. She’s going to be disappointed.”

“Are you done objectifying me, Mitchell? I can see you blushing from here.”

“I’m not objectifying you. I’m admiring the view. There’s a big difference, Sullivan.”

Liam walks toward me. When he gets close, he spins me so my back is against the bathroom counter. He lifts me by the backs of my thighs and sets me on the marble. “Never thought I’d see the day Piper Mitchell talked back.”

“What can I say? I’m gaining more and more confidence every day. Pretty soon you’ll think I’m a brat.”

“This is new. I like it. Can I sleep without my shirt on? Or are you going to have trouble keeping your hands to yourself?”

I tap my fingers on the waistband of his briefs. “Sleep naked for all I care, Sully. I can behave.”

His palms rest on my thighs and move up my legs. “Are you sure you want to?”

I’m not sure.

Especially when he’s crowding my space. When he’s looking at me with heat in his eyes and making me feel important, even in a hotel bathroom.

“No,” I whisper, and the corners of his mouth hook up in a smile. “I’m not sure.”

“Shower first. Then we’ll see if you can resist me.” He reaches for the hem of my shirt then pauses, delaying my undressing. His voice dips low and he clears his throat. “I like when you call me Sully. I like when you read to me on the plane. I like that you’re patient. I like that you’re here with me.”

“A lot of people call you Sully.”

“They do. But it feels special when you say it.”

I trace over his biceps. His muscles flex under my touch, and I still my hand. “I like that I’m here with you too, and I’ll read to you whenever you want.”

Liam pulls my shirt over my head and freezes when he sees my necklace. “You’re wearing your ring?”

I bristle with the silver chain, trying to hide it from view. “Yeah.”

“Why?”

“It’s silly.”

“Tell me anyway.”

“It didn’t feel right to throw it away. I feel like… like it represents this new part of my life. A part that wouldn’t be possible without you. So I keep it close to me.”

It’s embarrassing to admit this to him, and when he doesn’t say another word, I panic that I’ve crossed a line. He walks away, bending to rifle through his bag, and I have no clue what he’s doing.

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