Page 107 of Raise Me Up

I frown at the little furrow lines appearing between her brows. Shepoints a sharp black nail at me. Haven’t seen those wicked things on her before. It screams Emma’s influence.

“A text message? How dare you! Were you honestly planning on leaving things this way?”

Shifting my weight on my hips, I tangle a hand in my hair. “Maybe. Yeah.”

Liam walks down the driveway with the two small suitcases, drool-worthy muscles in his arms flexing to distract me. He sets the suitcases aside on the porch and tucks his hands into his pockets almost awkwardly.

I’m not sure Liam Beckner has ever had to chase anyone before. Yet here he is, a thousand miles from home.

Chasing afterme.

If I wasn’t so concerned about them getting involved in my depressing life, I’d bark out a laugh at the absurdity of it. Maybe even poke fun at him until he threw me over a shoulder and tossed me on a bed to teach me a lesson.

At least he looks less miserable than the last time I saw him. No tension in his jaw or shoulders. I have to wonder if that has anything to do with the beautiful, angry woman staring me down.

I shift my gaze back to Stasi. “How much did he tell you?”

“Doesn’t matter,” she replies firmly.

“Itdoesmatter. It’s a lot to sign up for.”

She cranks up the heat on her glare. I swear, she’s burning hotter than the desert sun. “Well, if you had cared toask, you would know that I’m signed the fuck up. If you think we’re about to let you go through this on your own, then you haven’t learned asinglething about us.”

Shocked, I soak in this new side of Stasi.

“Would it be inappropriate for me to get hard right now?” I ask sheepishly.

Her anger flags, the corner of her mouth quivering with a smile. “You’re unbelievable.”

Feeling more confident that she won’t cut me up with those killer nails, I surge forward and kiss her. I kiss her like it’s been more than a day since I’ve seen her. Like we’ve experienced a lifetime of summers together.

I kiss her like I love her.

Even when we part, I keep her close enough to melt into those rich brown eyes. “Are you sure about this?”

She nods. “I am.”

“I don’t get it. Why would you want this?”

“Because when you love someone, you support them. You take care of them. I want to take care of you. I want to take care of that stubborn man, too.” She stabs a finger in Liam’s direction. “No matter what comes our way.”

She speaks with so much strength, I can’t find it in me to question her further. This wasn’t the plan, but I’m all mush on the inside. Research should be conducted on me because I’m pretty sure my insides are made out of marshmallow.

After she plants a kiss on my cheek and steps away, I’m left with no barrier from the considerable presence that is Liam.

Was I too cocky thinking he came here for me? Maybe he’s only here to support Stasi. Maybe I’m scared to hope he could actually love me when I know for a fact he’ll hold a piece of my heart forever.

Liam approaches me slowly, his dark eyes glinting with resolution. I stop breathing as he brings his hands to my face and gently tips my head back. My pulse skips.

And then he brings his mouth to mine.

It’s the softest kiss Liam’s ever gifted me. It leaves me in a daze when he pulls back.

“Is this real? Are you really here?” I ask breathlessly.

He brushes his lips along my jawline. “I’m here. Not going anywhere this time. Not if you still want me.”

“Want. Fucking want you so bad.”