Page 146 of Ward Willing
“Not sure, don’t care,” he mumbles, kissing the top of my head. “I’m just here among the youths so I can feel my hot fiancée up.”
I smile as I lean against his chest—and the hard evidence of his delight. “Hmm, I see. Are you ever going to stop telling everyone that I’m your fiancée?” I ask, thinking back to him telling both the man checking our phone for tickets, the bathroom attendant,andthe security guard that he was here with hisfiancée.It would be annoying if it weren’t so adorable, especially coming from him.
Turns out Liam Ravage is a giant cinnamon roll.
“No, never. Not until I get to call you my wife.”
His words send shivers down my spine, and when his right hand comes to rest on my bare thigh—despite not being alone—I scoot down slightly so it’s resting right at the hem of my cut-off shorts.
“I know what you’re doing, little rebel,” he growls into my ear as his other hand moves my hair away from my face. “Are you trying to tempt me in front of all of these innocent people?”
“I would never,” I tease, raising my leg slightly so his fingers catch on the edge of my shorts.
My breathing hitches as they curl around the hem, lightly caressing my skin. Even now, almost a year into our relationship, I still can’t breathe when he touches me.
I am a woman consumed, and all I want to consume ishim.
“I never took you for an exhibitionist,” he says, murmuring into my ear.
“I’ve beensopreoccupied with wedding stuff,” I tell him honestly, and his hand leaves my thigh to play with my hair. It feelsso goodto be cradled by him like this—to have him running his large hands through my hair. Humming out loud, I close my eyes. This might be the first time I’ve felt this relaxed in weeks. “Remind me never to release a book the month before we get married again.”
Liam’s low, rumbling laughter behind me relaxes me further. “No one told you to release a book the month before you get married, baby girl. But you can do it. I know you can.”
I smile when I think about how supportive he’s been of my writing. After spending six months querying agents, no one took a bite ofBetween All Realms.So, I decided to take things into my own hands, and I started marketing it on TikTok. When I got enough hype to justify it, I decided that traditional publishing wasn’t for me. I had it professionally edited and bought the most gorgeous cover from a highly sought-after cover artist, and now I’m self-publishing it next month.
The number of preorders for a debut author makes me want to cry every single day in the best way, and I know my choice of staying in school was the right one. Studying and trying to publish a book—all while planning a wedding—is a lot. I’m taking fewer classes this semester, and I want to be sure I finish my English degree. The wonderful thing about giving up my law school dream is that I can go slowly, and I won’t have to graduate next semester like I originally thought.
I think Lena, my academic advisor, nearly died of shock when I told her I wanted toslow downearlier this year.
“How many preorders have you gotten today?” Liam asks.
Dashboard Confessionalstarts to play next, but we’re far enough away to be able to talk loudly and still hear each other. Plus, as I crane my neck to look up at Liam, I can tell from his closed eyes that he needs to rest for a little bit.
“I haven’t checked. I’ve been too busy at the festival with my fiancé.”
He chuckles, and I twist around and push him down to a lying down position, curling my body around him. My head rests on his chest, and he begins to trace patterns along my exposed back with the arm underneath me.
“See? You do it, too.”
I smile and close my eyes, enjoying the warm earth below us, and the tendrils of warmth from the setting sun, all while listening to my favorite music.
“The last time I checked, I had over eight hundred preorders.”
Liam stiffens. “Seriously?”
I lift my head to look at him. “Yeah, why?”
He grabs my face with his free hand and crushes his lips against mine for a quick kiss. “That’s fucking incredible. I’m so proud of you.”
My heart soars at his words, and I laugh as my left hand comes to his face. The orange sun reflects beautifully against the ruby stone of my engagement ring.
“Are you nervous?” he asks, holding me tight against his chest.
“Terrified,” I admit. “Two of the most important things in my life happening in succession…” I swallow and close my eyes, afraid to put a voice to my deepest fears.
“But…?” Liam asks, his low voice gentle and soothing, like always.
It takes me a few seconds to answer. I’ve never been one to withhold how I’m really feeling, but for some reason, the book release followed closely by our wedding has me so scared that it’s all going to disappear at any minute. Not only is life with Liam incredible and dreamy, but the writing has gone really well, too. I’ve started writing book two, and I hope to be done by the end of the year. I’ve surpassed three preorder goals, and I spend my weekends thinking about marrying the man of my dreams. It’s so good—toogood.
