Page 25 of Anywhere with You (With You #1)

Allison

I wake up feeling like I’m being crushed.

I open my eyes, and it all comes rushing back to me.

Liam. I’m lying flat on my back, and he’s sleeping soundly with his head on my chest, arms around my waist, and his leg thrown over mine.

I can’t prevent the smile I know I’m wearing.

He held me in his arms all night. I glance out the window and it’s still dark outside, good.

This gives me some time to watch him in the shadows.

I move my hand to his head and begin running my fingers through his hair.

Liam has taken me by storm; body, mind, and heart.

I was worried he would want more from me before I’m ready and even that he’s ‘playing me’ to get into my pants, but he’s treated me with nothing but love and respect.

Love? I highly doubt it’s love, but I can tell he truly cares for me.

The way he looks at me, touches me, holds me. He makes me feel cherished.

I can feel myself falling harder and faster by the minute. I’m scared as hell, but I’m going to go with it. I’m going to paint my colors on the canvas of life and see how the picture turns out. My greatest hope is Liam and I can continue on this journey together.

I continue running my fingers through his hair, watching him sleep, when a loud clap of thunder rumbles through. Not expecting it, I jump, and Liam bolts up. “Allie, what’s wrong?” I can’t contain the laugh that escapes me.

“Nothing, the thunder just scared me, I wasn’t expecting it,” I tell him as he pulls me into his arms.

“Did it wake you up, baby?” he asks softly as he strokes his fingers across my back.

“No, I was awake,” I reply just as softly.

“What? Why were you awake? Are you okay?” he asks.

I giggle at how concerned he is for me. “Liam, I’m fine.

I was—I was watching you sleep.” I reach up and run my hands through his hair.

“I was doing this, and memorizing everything I can about you.” I decide honesty is the best policy.

Well, almost, I refuse to tell him I think I’m in love with him.

Hell, to the no. That would scare him off for sure.

“I thought I was dreaming, but you’re really here,” he speaks softly, his breath tickling my neck.

“Yes, I’m here. You can go back to sleep. I’m sorry I woke you.” I curl tight against his chest.

Liam tugs the covers back over us and kisses the top of my head. “Can we spend the day together?” he groggily asks me. I’m not completely sure he’s not talking in his sleep. I hold in the chuckle that wants to escape me. I don’t want to wake him again if he’s sleeping.

“I want nothing more,” I reply honestly.

I lie here against his chest, feeling the rise and fall for several minutes, before I start to feel my eyes grow heavy. I shift a little, settling in further, and feel Liam’s grip tighten on me. Safe in his arms I drift off to sleep.

I wake up to the sound of pouring rain and pounding thunder. I reach across the bed for Liam, but he isn’t there. I hear a soft chuckle and the sound of the door closing. I look over to find Liam walking toward me, carrying a tray full of food.

He sets the tray on the side of the bed. “Good morning, my beautiful girlfriend.” He leans down to kiss me. “Did you miss me?” he asks cockily.

“Always.” I decide he needs to know the truth. I’m so far gone when it comes to him, and he needs to know he has the power to tear me apart. “Why were you laughing?” I question him, although I have a pretty good idea.

He smiles at me. “I saw you reach for me. The pout on your face once you realized I wasn’t in bed was adorable.” He taps the tip of my nose with his index finger. He then proceeds to feed me bites of fresh fruit and French toast.

“This is amazing, did you make this?” I question between bites.

“Yes, beautiful, I did. I wanted to do something special for you.” He laughs. “Hales, however, is not too happy she had to take over and finish for her, Blitzen, and Aiden. I was in a hurry to get back to you.”

I lean in to kiss him on the lips. “Thank you for making me breakfast in bed.”

“I have to admit I kind of had an ulterior motive.” He winks at me.

“Oh, yeah, and what might that be?” I ask as he feeds me my last bite of French toast.

Liam sets the tray on his nightstand. “Well, I have an amazing, beautiful, sexy girlfriend, and I’m hoping I can convince her to spend the rainy day in bed with me.”

I bite my lip, am I ready for that? “Liam—”

He places his fingers over my lips. “Baby, I just want to hold you and spend time with you. When we make love for the first time, we’ll be alone, and you’ll be one hundred percent certain you are ready to take that step.

All I need is you, beautiful girl.” Then he kisses me soft and slow.

We kiss for what seems like hours, only stopping long enough to catch our breath before our lips merge once again .

Liam’s so gentle and caring with me. Touching me everywhere, caressing me, but never taking things too far.

Honestly, I want him to take things further.

I crave the way he makes me feel. I’m also really enjoying making out with my boyfriend.

This isn’t something I’ve experienced, so it’s nice to lounge around in his bed kissing, touching, and getting to know each other more intimately.

We also talk a lot. Liam tells me about the draft and how nervous he is.

I don’t want to think about that. As of this morning, I’m able to admit to myself I’m in love with him.

When he gets drafted and has to leave me, I’m not sure how I’m going to cope.

I knew going into this I would get my heart broken, but it didn’t stop me from forging ahead.

I guess we’ll cross the bridge when we come to it.

Liam tenses up when we talk about him moving away.

I can tell it’s not something he’s looking forward to, now that we’re together.

We still have several months before we need to worry about the draft. I’m going to take it one day at a time.

I’m currently wrapped in Liam’s arms, his front to my back. We’ve decided to take a nap when there’s a light knock at the door. “Go away,” Liam growls at the intruder.

I can’t help it, I giggle. In retaliation, Liam starts to tickle me, and my giggle turns into full blown laughter. “Uh, guys, ready or not, here we come,” Hailey says as she swings the door open. Liam releases me, and I try to gain my composure.

Hailey shakes her head. “Hey, love birds. Aiden and I are headed to Mom and Dad’s for lunch, are you two coming with us?”

“No,” Liam growls at her. “We’re staying in this room all day. Tell Mom and Dad we said hello.” With that he draws me tight into his arms and kisses my shoulder.

Aiden appears behind Hailey. “He said no, didn’t he?” he asks her.

“Yep, the beast has been tamed.” They both roar with laughter.

“You’re damn right I have, now get the hell out, so I can take a nap with my girl.” He then throws a pillow at the door.

Hailey and Aiden back out and shut the door. I can hear them laughing all the way down the hall. “Liam, we can go to your parents’ if you want.”

“I don’t want. I want to lie here with you in my arms. I want to enjoy the fact that you’re mine, and I no longer have to lie here in this exact spot and wonder what it would feel like to hold you.

I can do it, and that’s all I want. Allison, you have no idea the effect you have on me.

I’m consumed by you, and until forty-eight hours ago, having you here was a dream.

You’ve now made my dream a reality, and I’m not ready to step outside this bubble of happiness.

The football season is gearing up, and my time with you will be cut short with away games, school, and practice.

” He leans over me, so he can look in my eyes.

“I just want to be with you today, baby.”

I nod in agreement because words fail me. If there were ever any doubts that I love him, his last little speech washed them all away. Liam holds my heart, and I’m scared as hell to tell him.