Page 151 of Power Play

A minute later, he comes back over with his wallet and hands it to me. Opening it up, I spot his band safely stored behind an old photograph, and I stop breathing.

My heart leaps to my throat. Almost falls out of me when he says, “Me too.”

I don’t know what it means that we’ve both kept our rings. Something important, probably.

But I don’t have time to think it over, because Liam is taking off the rest of my clothes. Kissing me and carrying me into the shower as warm water wets my hair and runs down my body.

Later, when we’re in bed under the stars, I feel his hand wrap around my necklace and hold it there, like he’s afraid to let go. The longer I listen to his breathing evening out as he slips into unconsciousness, the more I can’t stop thinking about how I’m falling head over heels for him.

FORTY

LIAM

I’mwide awake at four in the morning.

And, after a nine-hour flight that crossed too many timezones to count, it’s goddamn brutal.

I hold back a groan and stretch my arms above my head, knowing there’s no chance I’m going back to sleep. I glance down and find Piper sound asleep next to me, dead to the world, and I smile.

Her arms circle my waist. Her head rests on my chest, and she mumbles something about butterflies. I huff out a laugh and carefully slip out of bed so I don’t disturb her.

I grab my workout clothes, knowing a trip to the gym is the only thing that will settle me. My teammates are at practice, and I don’t want to fall behind. I don’t want to get left in the dust, and there’s this nervous energy running through me.

When I change and make it downstairs, I hightail it to the coffee shop, needing a vat of caffeine in my system to keep my eyes open. My phone buzzes in my pocket before I can order, and I know who it’s going to be before I even look at the screen.

Alana

How do you feel about a walk on the beach?

Me

With anyone else, I’d hate it.

With you, I can get behind it.

Alana

Meet you downstairs in five?

Me

Already here.

I add an extra drink to my order and grab the cups, making my way to the lobby. Leaning against a column, I wait for my sister to join me, smiling when I see her exit the elevator in a white sundress and a hat that says BRIDE over the bill in bold letters.

“Christ, Lani. The sun isn’t up yet and you’re walking around with that thing on your head?” I call out, and Alana flips me off. “I don’t think there’s going to be any doubt about who’s the one getting married.”

“Sorry, I don’t speak smart-ass.” She grins when I hand over her cup and takes a long sip. “Can’t sleep?”

“Nope. My body thinks it’s ten o’clock back home.”

“You’re usually asleep at ten.”

“I know, and I’m all fucking confused.”

“We missed you at cocktail hour last night.”

“No, you didn’t. I would’ve irritated the hell out of everyone.”

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