Page 57 of Knot Really Engaged
“Did you mean what you said in the letter?” she suddenly asks, her voice trembling slightly.
“Every word. I love you, you little thief, and I hope that you’ll let me?—”
“What did you call me?” she cuts me off, her tone a mix of surprise and amusement.
“Little thief?” I repeat, a grin spreading across my face.
She scoffs, but I can hear the smile in her voice. “And what did I steal, according to you?”
“My heart,” I say, my voice low and teasing. “At least you should’ve asked for it.”
“Would you have given it willingly?” she asks, her tone turning flirty and playful. I can picture thesparkle in her eyes, the way she bites her lower lip when she’s trying to be coy.
“Probably. Somehow I think it’s always belonged to you,” I respond, my own voice taking on a teasing edge. It feels good to banter with her like this, to fall back into the easy rhythm we’re accustomed to.
“I wish I could say that I was running away from just my family, but honestly, I was running away from you too. It felt like you weren’t choosing me, and I . . . I don’t like that feeling. Having to bend over for everyone to get rejected is something I stopped doing years ago, and I don’t want to go there. I really want someone to choose me.” Her words come out in a rush, a vulnerable confession that makes my heart ache.
“I choose you, baby. Always. It’s just that things aren’t as simple.” I try to pour all the love and reassurance I can into my voice, hoping she can feel the sincerity of my words.
“I understand that now, and I should’ve let you speak, but I was too flustered back then. Which is why I said to give me space.” She sighs a soft, rueful sound that speaks volumes.
“Understandable,” I murmur, nodding even though she can’t see me. “And I respect that. I just want you to know that I’m here for you wheneveryou’re ready. No pressure, no expectations. Just . . . me, love you, in whatever way you’ll let me.”
There’s yet another long pause, and I grip the phone, afraid that I just scared her or . . . Well, waiting for her to speak.
“I love you too, Liam,” she whispers, her voice soft and tender. “And I want this, want us. I’m just . . . I’m scared. Scared of getting hurt, of losing myself in the process.” Her words are mixed with vulnerability, a raw honesty that tugs at my emotions.
I take a deep breath. That was too much important information at once. She loves me. She fucking loves me and that’s a good beginning. We can build from here, we just have to make sure it’s a good foundation.
After clearing my head, I say, “I know, baby. I know it’s a lot to take. I’m afraid of this too because it is new and something I’ve never dared to experience. Love sounds cruel, but somehow with you seems like the easiest thing that I’ve ever experienced. And I hope you give us a chance.”
“Chances are good,” she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice, the warmth that seeps through the phone line. “I want that too. So what do we do now? I can’t go back to Boston. I have work to do.”
“Just quit, and I’ll hire you. You can workfrom anywhere in the world—after all, you’ll be with the boss.” I offer, half-joking. A grin spreads across my face at the thought of having her by my side.
She laughs, the sound like music to my ears. “Ha, that’s funny. One day, I’ll have enough experience to start my own consulting business, but until then, I know I’m in the company. Thank you for the offer, though.”
“You can’t blame me for trying,” I tease.
“I won’t blame you, so . . .” She trails off, a hint of mischief in her voice that sends a shiver down my spine. “What’s really the plan? I know you like to be spontaneous but I hate to be leaving things up in the air.”
“Give me a few days or maybe weeks. The bookstore is a mess, but I promise you won’t even notice my absence.” I lean back in my chair, anxiously waiting for her response.
“That I’ve got to see,” she challenges, and I can picture the arch of her eyebrow, the playful glint in her eyes.
“Challenge accepted, Little McCallister. I love you, babe.”
“Love you too,” she murmurs, her voice soft and intimate, like a caress against my skin. “Talk to you soon.”
As we hang up, I can’t help but feel a sense ofhope and excitement, giddy anticipation for when she arrives in San Diego.
I glance around the cluttered office, the stacks of paperwork and dusty shelves that seem to mock me with their enormity. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, I feel energized, a renewed sense of purpose coursing through my veins.
Because now, I have something to work toward, a reason to push through the long hours to get this straightened up fast. I have Audrey waiting for me on the other side, ready to . . . figure out what will happen to us and our newfound love.
Chapter Thirty-One
Audrey:You had a limo and flowers waiting for me.
