Page 57 of Recklessly You
She shakes her head and laughs again, pulling out a rolling pin from her purse. My eyes widen, and I want to laugh at how she’s carrying a rolling pin with her.
“I know you’re not his girlfriend,” she says. “Is that what youngsters call it these days? Liam has never introduced me to a girl he’s into or brought someone to his place, so this must mean you’re his girl.”
I drop the knife.
Her confession has me swooning on the inside, melting like a stick of butter. I know he doesn’t do relationships, although I had no idea he had never taken a girl home for his family to meet. She only knows about me because she showed up. Otherwise, he would have never introduced me to his family. Hell, he barely talks about himself. All I know about him is his body and the small conversations he has with me, which do not include talking about his personal life. If I’m really the only girl he’s brought to his house, then I’ll feel like a gourmet grilled cheese.
“How do you know he hasn’t brought a woman here? I mean, he could have, since you don’t live here,” I say. Hopefully, I don’t sound rude, but I want to know her answer.
She glances up at me, and her lips curl in a smile. I must look like a scared chihuahua. She begins rolling the dough into circles, stretching it to form a circle. “Liam has repeatedly said he doesn’t want a girlfriend, for whatever reason. He’s very private, so he won’t bring just any girl into his home. If he has you here at his home while he’s at work, then you must mean something to him. I know my son is stubborn as they come. It might take a while for him to admit it.”
I’m not sure what she means by that, but a sense of relief washes over me, knowing he hasn’t brought other women to his bed. I guess I can add it toourgrowing list of firsts.
* * *
Andrea placesthe last of the tortillas in the hot skillet and watches as they bubble, filling the kitchen with a heavenly aroma. She adds pieces of steak to the pan, followed by slices of peppers and onions, allowing their fragrance to mix with the smell of the cooking meats. The combination is familiar and comforting, like an invisible hug from a mother. I prepare a pitcher of ice-cold lemonade.
During our conversation, Andrea shares that she has been working as a receptionist at a doctor’s office for several years. She also mentions that she used to work two jobs when Liam was younger. Although I am curious about Liam’s father, I hesitate to ask, since I just met Andrea and don’t want to overstep any boundaries.
I can’t help but wonder what has made Liam so closed off. It seems he had a good upbringing. He’s a sweet, compassionate man with a heart of pure gold. He doesn’t seem to see himself as I do. Last night he glared daggers at Eric and protected me. His possessive, protective behavior was undeniable proof that he cares about me and that even with blinding jealousy, he can’t hide how much he cares.
His words are forever printed in my mind.Take out my cock.I still remember the taste of the smooth velvet of his skin, my lips wrapped around him. It was so erotic, the way his lips curled and his grip on my hair as I took him in my mouth, every inch of him.
“Did you find it, sweetheart?” Andrea asks.
Oh yeah, right—she wanted the bag of rice. Closing the pantry, I hand her the rice. Her smile is contagious. I can’t help but return it. My tongue thickens with anticipation, and it slips out of my mouth before I stop myself.
“Um, is Liam’s dad around?” I swallow hard at the mass in my throat.
She drops the bag of rice on the counter, her sparkling eyes—gone. Her shoulders slump, the glow in her beautiful face pales. I want to kick myself in the ass for being so intrusive.
“Liam didn’t tell you? Oh, of course not…he doesn’t like talking about it, although I wish he would. It might help him,” she mumbles, the last part more like she’s talking to herself. She grabs the bag of rice then pours it into a pan.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
She glances at me over her shoulder.
“No, it’s fine, Sophie. My husband passed away. Yesterday marked eighteen years since my Manny left this world,” Andrea says in a gentle, soft voice.
My blood drains from my face, leaving me pale as a bedsheet. My eyes sting with unshed tears, and my heart aches for them. Yesterday—oh, God, he was hurting, and he had to deal with my shit…with Eric. I feel like even more of an ass now.
“I would tell you what happened, but I feel it’s Liam’s story to tell.”
I nod. “I’m so sorry, Andrea, for your loss.”
She smiles and gazes out the kitchen window as if she’s thinking. She stays quiet for a minute, then looks up at me. “Liam is so much like my Manny—handsome, kind-hearted, and caring. Every day I look at my son, I see a piece of his father. That’s what has kept me going all these years.” She stirs the rice. “Manny would be so proud of the man Liam has become. He takes care of me, my mother-in-law, and Rosaline. You have yourself a good man, Sophie. Maybe you’re the key.”
I’m unsure what she means by the key, but before I can think about what she means, the door swings open, and Liam walks in.
“Ladies,” Liam says.
Andrea wags her eyebrows at him.
“Mamá, nice of you to drop in.” He grins, and they share a look only they understand.
“Oh, yes, honey. Me and your girl made lunch. Sophie here is one of a kind.”
He nods. I’m feeling a little uneasy, but Liam seems fine. He gives his mother a kiss, places a kiss on my forehead, and asks Andrea what’s for lunch.
