Page 33 of Hate To Love You
“This is pretty meaningful to me,” admits Teague, still gazing at Liam. “Isn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
“And I want you to be able to rely on me being there for you when you need someone to take care of you.” Teague puts an arm around Liam, squeezing him against his side. Liam’s eyes go big. “I want you to feel safe.”
“Uh, Teague …”
“I want you to feel cared for.”
“People can see us …”
“And I mostdefinitelydonotthink this is ending anytime soon either,” Teague goes on. “For you, it might have just begun this summer. But for me, this started the days of high schoolwhen I first saw your adorable face and couldn’t let you out of my sight.”
Liam turns to Teague, at once lost in his eyes—and his words.
Whoever might be looking doesn’t matter anymore.
It’s about time they stop hiding the blaringly obvious fact that something deeper than just a passing summer fling exists between the two of them.
“One way or another,” says Teague with pride, peering back at Liam adoringly, “I’m gonna be a part of your life. I’m gonna be the man who makes sure you don’t forget to eat between your study sessions. I’m gonna be the man who holds you at night and makes sure you get the rest you need.”
“But … how are you gonna hold me at night when we attend totally different colleges?”
“Who knows? Maybe I can transfer at some point. Y’know, if this keeps going on between us and you don’t get sick of me. Not really vibing with the crowd at mine, to be honest …”
“Teague, I … I’m …” Liam can’t fight the smile trying to stretch across his face anymore. He also appears unable to make a full sentence. “You’re … I just … I-I’m …”
“What? Got your tongue tied in knots?”
Liam finally manages a sentence: “I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Lightning-farting butt cheeks and all.”
Teague grins. “Don’t worry, Peanut. I’m gonna love on you so damned much, you’ll hate to love me back.”
Liam frowns. “What did I tell you about calling me that?”
“That I’ll have to give you a hundred kisses each time to make up for it.” Teague grins in Liam’s face, puts a peck on his cheek, then says, “I guess I got a lot of making up to do, huh? One.” He gives him a peck on the other cheek. “Two.” Another. “Three …”
“Teague …”
“Ninety-seven to go,” he warns.
“I regret the rule!”
“You sure?” The next kiss is on the lips. Liam’s eyes go big. The two gaze at each other. Teague combs fingers through Liam’s soft hair, then lets his hand settle at the base of his neck. “I think I will never get tired of kissing you, Liam Knott.”
All of Liam’s resistance melts away under Teague’s words.
After that, they can’t stop themselves anymore. As they bring their mouths together, they lose all hope of restraint as they pour their endless love into each and every kiss shared. For all they know, everyone in the store knew it was coming long before they ever did. Every single one of their coworkers is probably at the front windows right now paying witness to this adorable scene, silently cheering them on as the two at last give in to their first proper public kiss.
Liam can’t care less. He’s captured in the arms of his very own satyr—his protector, his muse, his personal god of festivities. Their summer together is only the beginning.
14
Love To Hate You
It’s the best Christmas Eve Liam could have asked for.
All day, Gracie’s house is packed with their coworkers from the grocery store as well as friends from around town—even the neighboring town of Spruce. The gathering is all over the front and backyard, too, the house not big enough to accommodate all of its guests. Liam is sure a fire code or neighborhood ordinance is being broken, but no one around here cares.
