Page 48 of Accidental Baby With My Brother's Best Friend

“Actually, I’m not letting you skip the Ferris wheel.” I smirk when her cheeks turn red under the fair lights. I lift my shirt, ringing out the excess water from the fabric, and her eyes drift to my stomach, and when they do, a carnal look passes over her face.

“Later.” I mumble against her ear and lace my fingers with hers.

The past few days have changed something between us. Spending the week away from everyone and everything has made Lily open up. Both of us are exploring sides of each other we hadn’t even known existed, up until now. We’ve talked about our families, laughed harder than I have in months, and talked about pretty much anything and everything.

It feels different. It feels… better.

I can feel it tonight, more than ever, and I just want to hold on to it. I’m not so sure what I want to make out of this yet. All of this is unfamiliar territory for me, but I want to keep this going for as long as I can. It’s a shame we have to go back to the States in two days. There’s a lot to think about, and a lot to consider before I decide what direction I want this to go. But again, worry later, enjoy now.

Once we get to the Ferris wheel, I hand the attendant our tickets, and he puts us in a red car on the ride. Lily slides in beside me excitedly, ready for the ride to begin.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this.” She says anxiously.

“You can believe it alright. Lily Sanders is gonna conquer her fears tonight.”

“I’m more surprised you’re willing to do this than anything else.”

“I got in a dunk tank for you, Lily Sanders. Nothing beats that.”

She simply smirks in response, holding my gaze for what seems like forever before leaning closer to me, resting her head on my chest. “Thank you for everything, Liam.” She murmurs.

“It’s nothing, Lily.”

She shakes her head, her stormy eyes holding mine just as the ride lurches forward.

“No, it’s... it’s everything. I just feel like I know the real you now. And you’re a lot different from the man I thought you were.”

Side by side, the Ferris wheel takes us higher, high above the fair, and the people scurrying around below us. It feels like I could reach out and touch the clouds.

“You hated me, Lily. You can just say that.” I laugh, trying to lighten my tone because the words sound harsher than intended. “You’re nothing like I thought either. I always thought you were gorgeous. But you clearly hated the ground I walked on. I’m just glad we’re past that now. I hope we keep this going for as long as possible.”

Her gaze lingers out to the darkened sky around us, a mask of hurt etched on her features.

But why?

“I’d love that too.” She averts her gaze. “As friends or something more.”

My brow furrows. “Huh?” I pretend not to hear what she’s just said. As expected, she repeats herself however her voice is much lower and unsteady.

She must see the confusion on my face as she sighs softly, averting her gaze again. This time, I place a finger under her chin and tilt her head up. Her warm breath dances across my lips and she closes her eyes, waiting for it to happen.

It does.

Our lips meet in a soft but intense kiss. She wraps her arms around my neck, holding me close as her lips move slowly against mine. She moves her lips carefully, as if she’s afraid of messing up and somehow ruining this beautiful moment. Finally, I manage to pull apart, feeling a pang of guilt course through me that I can’t give her the sort of assurance she needs right now.

“Lily. I want that too but I need a little time. This is unfamiliar territory for me and I need to —“

She silences me with another deep, heated kiss, and it feels like we were made for each other. Our tongues tangle, dancing and twisting in perfect synchronization, as fireworks explode overhead. They burst into flames, shooting into the night sky, painting it an incredible color of oranges and yellows before fading into black as the stars blink into existence. When I look at her, I can see her eyes shimmer in the darkness, and I swear they’re sparkling.

She smiles, a genuine one this time, and leans in once again, pressing her forehead against my own.

“We both deserve to take the time that we need and figure this out, Liam.” I lean in and grab her face for a kiss as we continue to ride above the crowds below.

Chapter22

Liam

As we arrive back to our hotel, we are both still buzzing from the euphoria of the evening. I feel so familiar with Lily, and it’s apparent that we are in a comfortable and safe space with each other at this moment.

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