“Whatever. So, how many days do I need to call out of work for?”

“I already talked to Muff and Twilight. You’re good.”

I look over with wide eyes. “You did what?”

I’m not sure whether I want to slap him or kiss him. On one hand, it shows he cared enough about my job to even think of it. On the other, it’s my job and I should be the one to handle things.

I’ve only been working for Jackson for a few months and I love it there. I don’t want to risk losing my position. Although, I highly doubt that Jackson would ever fire me. I’ve increased their manpower and reduced costs in some areas. I’ve also been able to utilize my contacts through my time as a journalist. I did a lot of military reporting and knew a few people who worked in similar companies. They were all too happy to give me some new people looking to create some areas of opportunity for growth.

“I called Muff and told him my plan. He said—and I quote—take her for as long as you want.” Liam pauses and let’s that sink in. “So I’m taking you.”

I let out a deep breath. Relax and enjoy. Relax and enjoy. I tell myself repeatedly so I don’t go postal.

“I’m going to just say thank you.”

“There’s a first,” he grumbles.

“Why does this feel so easy with us?” I ask out of nowhere. I don’t know why it came out of my mouth, but I wonder it often. Our relationship feels like it went into hyperdrive. It’s not instant because I fought him for months, but when I gave in . . . it just felt natural.

Liam looks over with his brow furrowed. “Easy? I don’t know I’d call this easy.”

“No, I mean being with you. It’s easy and effortless. As if we’ve been doing it forever,” I muse.

“I think it’s because it’s right. I don’t know. Why? Are you wanting me to be difficult? Because I can.”

I laugh and shake my head. “I’m sure you can. You already are difficult, but I mean us as a couple. I wonder if this is normal.”

Liam’s hand grips the inside of my leg. “I’ve never felt like this with anyone. I think it’s because we’ve been friends for a long time. I know you and you know me. There’s no getting-to-know-you phase. I loved you before we were ever more—just not like I feel now. You were one of my close friends, but you were off limits. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have done anything for you, though. Now, it’s just different.” Liam looks out the window as he tries to figure it out too.

“I loved you, too. That being said, I never thought about making out with you all the time. This is new to me so I wasn’t sure if this is how it happens. To go from friends to lovers and feel as if it’s the right choice.” I grab his hand and lace our fingers together.

“I stopped fighting feeling wrong about us and it happened. Maybe that’s why it feels so easy, because it’s right. We’re not two strangers who met at a bar. I know your family, friends, and I would’ve kept being a part of your life even if Aaron hadn’t died.” He pauses and scratches his jaw. “I never looked at you the way I do now and I can’t honestly say when it happened for me. I can pinpoint when I decided it was okay though. In the hospital, after we were flirting, I decided I was allowed to feel for you. I think you were meant to be mine.”

“Do you now?”

“I do.”

“And how exactly do you think that’s the case?”

I love this part of our relationship. We can go from serious to playful in a second.

Liam huffs. Maybe he doesn’t love this part so much. “I don’t fucking know. I think you were in love with me years ago.”

“No, I thought you were hot though. Always have.”

He smirks and nods his head. “I’m a catch.”

“You know you wanted me.”

He turns his head slightly to give me his sexy panty-melting smile. “Oh, I did. You’ve always been beautiful. Only now, you’re mine and I will have you.”

“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch there, pumpkin. Maybe I’m going to meet a handsome stranger on this trip who’s going to whisk me away on his yacht. Show me all the things I’m missing out with you,” I joke and watch the muscle in his jaw tick.

Oh, alpha men are all the same.

“I’ll fucking kill anyone who tries.”

“So scary.”

“Keep testing me, woman. Watch what happens,” Liam warns and I grin.

Liam smiles and pulls off the highway toward the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I didn’t even notice where we were going until now. I knew we were going south, but it didn’t dawn on me that we would be going to one of my favorite beaches.

“Why are you smiling?” Liam asks.

I didn’t realize I was. “I’m just happy. I love OBX.”

“See? Superior.”

“Oh, shut up,” I laugh and smack his chest.

We drive north a ways and through all the quaint little towns that make up the Outer Banks. There are tons of little shops and restaurants. I love where I live now, it’s the old feel of Virginia Beach, but these towns are homey. They have charm and scream beach living. Where my house is still has a lot of tourism. All of these towns thrive on the summer tourists, but they still keep their roots.

Liam enters the town limits of Corolla and I close my eyes and breathe in the salt air. The smell of sun and sand mixed with the sea. It’s home to me. We pull into the drive of one of the most breathtaking houses I’ve ever seen.

“Wow,” I say, looking up.

“It’s Quinn’s family’s house.”

I look over and Liam looks as surprised as I am. “Who knew?”

“No shit. Aara’s still sleeping. Do you want to grab her and I’ll get the bags?” Liam offers.

“Sure.” He goes to exit the car, but I put my hand on his arm stopping him. He looks over with his mouth slightly open.

“What’s wrong?”

I lean across the console practically into his lap. “Thank you,” I say and press my lips to his.

The second our lips connect, something shifts. Liam’s hands thread into my hair and he kisses me roughly. Our tongues move together and my body ignites. I’m euphoric in this moment as I give my appreciation to him. He holds my face to his and I feel his teeth nip at my lip.

There’s no way he’s sleeping on the couch.

Liam gently pulls my face back and kisses me tenderly. “You can thank me anytime you want.”

My laugh is short and my breathing is heavy. “I bet you’d like that.”

“Damn right I would.”

“Go get the bags. I’ll get the baby,” I instruct and climb back over to my side.

I get Aarabelle out of the car miraculously without waking her and look closely at the house. It’s a beautiful, blue, two-story house with white plantation shutters. The porch wraps around the left side and sits on stilts. Even though it’s old, you can tell it’s been well cared for. Through whatever storms it’s been dealt, it’s strong and stands proud. The front door is white and the sand dunes almost cover the wood stilts. I walk up the stairs and Liam’s behind me.