Page 102 of A Simple Reminder

Adeline leans over the moment I hit send, trying to peek at my phone. “Who are you texting? Is it Liam?” she asks, her words slurring just enough to make her sound like she’s also five wines deep—which she is.

“None of your business,” I tease, clutching my phone to my chest. But my grin gives me away, and she lets out a loud, dramatic gasp.

“Oh my God, it is Liam!” she says, smacking my arm playfully. “What did you say? Did you send him a drunk love confession? An old nude?”

“No!” I protest, laughing. ”Just…that I miss him.”

Her teasing expression softens, and she leans back with a dreamy sigh. “You’re so in love.”

“Yeah,” I admit quietly, my heart pounding as another message comes through. No, it’s not a message. It’s a Video Call request. My pulse spikes and I stare at the screen for a moment, debating whether to answer.

Adeline, however, has no such hesitation. She snatches the phone from my hand and taps to accept the call before I can stop her. “Hiiiii, Liam!” she says cheerfully, her voice high-pitched and sing-songy.

Liam’s voice comes through, low and amused. “Is she drunk?”

“She’s adorably drunk,” Adeline declares, tilting the phone in my direction before handing it back to me with a grin that’s way too smug for her own good.

I take the phone, shooting her a death glare before turning to the screen. His face appears, his dark eyes crinkled slightly at the corners, warm but with a flicker of something that makes my stomach flutter.

“Hi,” I say softly, suddenly shy, the confidence from my texts completely evaporating.

“Hi,” he replies, his smile tugging at the corner of his lips, impossibly charming even through the screen. “She’s right—you’re adorable.”

My face burns, and I pull the phone closer to hide from Adeline’s prying eyes. “I’m notadorable,” I mumble, pouting slightly.

A low chuckle rumbles through him, and the sound makes my stomach flip. “Drunk you begs to differ,” he teases, his tone light, but there’s a tenderness in his expression that makes my heart squeeze. “Are you heading home?”

“Yes,” I say, nodding a little too quickly. “We’re almost there. The driver is very nice. I think. Adeline says he’s nice. Are you nice?” I glance up to ask the driver, who just shakes his head at me, clearly done with our antics.

Liam’s laughter spills through the phone again, rich and deep but there’s a touch of concern in his eyes. “That’s good to hear, Sunshine. But, I’m staying on the line until you’re home.”

“You don’t have to,” I protest, though more warmth spreads through me at his protectiveness.

“I want to.”

We continue talking, mostly about nothing—the way the lights look through the taxi window, Adeline chiming in with tipsy commentary about the driver’s music choice, and Liam teasing me about my drunk texts. Every so often, he asks how far away we are.

When the cab pulls up in front of my building, I lift the phone to show him. “See? Home safe.”

“Not yet,” he murmurs, his brow lifting. “Get inside first.”

We walk in and take the elevator, and Liam still doesn’t hang up.

Adeline unlocks the front door as I hold the phone. Liam stays quiet, his eyes watching me through the screen as we step into the apartment, and I slump onto the couch with a dramatic sigh. “There. Inside.”

“Good,” he says, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Now go to bed, Sunshine.”

I nod, my eyelids already drooping. “Goodnight, Liam.”

“Goodnight,” he replies, his voice wrapping around me like a warm hug. Then, with a playful wink, he adds, “Dream of me.”

A sleepy laugh escapes me, but as I end the call and sink deeper into the bed. What he doesn’t know is that I will most definitely dream of him—because he’s already in every thought I have. In every waking hour and every dream-laced night.

FORTY

LIAM

“Are you ready?” I clutch her soft hand tightly in mine, feeling the buzz of anticipation thrumming between us.

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