The Ending I Want

“That would be great,” Liam tells him, happiness clear in his voice.

“Charity?” I say to Liam, looking up at him.

For the first time ever, I see a blush in his cheeks.

He lifts a shoulder in a half-shrug and says, “A while back, I set up a charity for children from underprivileged families and children in foster care. Basically, any kid who needs help, we get them what they’re lacking—clothes, shoes, food, school supplies, anything to try to give them a better chance in life. We also fund education and sports programs, and we organize outings for the kids every once in a while. This is one of the outings. The kids got to come watch The Mighty Storm from the comfort of my company’s box, and then Jake and the guys were kind enough to agree to meet them—after I’d called up Jake and begged him.”

Jake laughs. “He hardly begged.”

“He made me beg.” Liam chuckles, winking at me.

“So, the donation,” Jake says. “I’ll have my assistant, Stuart, contact your people to sort out the details, and we’ll send some money over.”

“And just so you know, the charity runs on a hundred percent donations, so anything you send will go straight to the kids,” Liam tells him.

“You fund the charity yourself?” Jake asks, seeming impressed.

Liam nods. He seems a little uncomfortable, and that blush in his cheeks is back. “It’s not a big deal, but my accountant seems to think so. He doesn’t like it very much.”

“I can imagine.” Jake chuckles.

“That is incredibly generous of you,” I say to Liam, turning to him.

It’s just…such an amazing thing to do. He runs the charity out of his own pocket, so the children see all the donated money. Not many people would do that.

His eyes come to mine. “It’s nothing someone in my position wouldn’t do.”

“That’s not true,” I say emphatically. “There are a lot of rich people out there who don’t even do half of what you’re doing.” Then, I say to Jake, “And I’m not including you in that statement because, clearly, you’re a generous man with your time and money.” And I’m babbling again.

I turn back to Liam. “It’s just…wonderful.”

“It’s not like I can’t afford it.” He shrugs, like it’s no big deal. “I mean, what else am I going to do with my money?”

I…I don’t know what to say. There are so many things he could do with his money.

But he doesn’t. He doesn’t exactly live a lavish lifestyle. Sure he has a nice apartment and nice clothes. But I don’t see him splurging like others would. He flies economy on his own airplanes, for God’s sake.

“Well, I think Taylor is right, man. It’s commendable, what you do. Makes me want to do more.” Jake rubs a hand over his chin. “I’ll have Stuart speak to your people about us getting more involved, fundraising or something. My wife, Tru, owns a magazine. She runs the LA office, but the office here in London is run by her business partner, Vicky. I’m sure Tru and Vicky will also want to get involved.”

“That would be…great,” Liam says. He sounds a little choked up. “We’d really appreciate that.”

I wish I could do something, too. Help his charity in someway. But I’m not exactly in a position to do so.

I do have some money—the money my parents left me and the money from the insurance settlement from the fire and the deed to my family’s home. I could sell the house, and give all the money I have to his charity. Help those kids that Liam cares about. It’s not like I need the money. I could donate anonymously.

But, first, I need to know the name.

“What’s your charity called?” I ask Liam.

“We’re All the Same.”

We’re All the Same.

I love that.

It’s perfect.

It’s him.

“Do you want to meet the guys?” Jake asks. He nods in the direction of where the band is still sitting, talking with the kids. “I’m sure they’ll want to donate to your charity as well.”

“Love to,” I say quickly.

I might be in awe of Liam right now, but I’m still totally aware that I’m in the presence of rock royalty. I’ve met Jake. Now, I want to meet the rest of the band.

Liam chuckles from beside me, and I grin up at him.

As we walk over to meet the rest of The Mighty Storm, I can’t take my eyes off Liam.

I feel like I’m seeing him through new eyes tonight.

Of course I knew he was great. He’s wonderful and charming and funny and smart and fucking amazing in bed.

But this—his charity and what he does to help these kids who don’t have much in life—I guess it’s making me see just how special Liam really is.

And I’m starting to see just how special he is to me.

What he’s starting to mean to me.

This is the exact moment, as I walk over to meet the band whose music I’ve been listening to since I was a teenager, that I realize I have feelings for Liam.

Real, actual feelings that move beyond the realm of just sex.

I can’t tell if these feelings are that of friendship.

Or something more.

Either way, I have feelings for him.

And that knowledge scares the hell out of me.

“Oh my God,” I breathe, waking to find Liam’s head between my legs and his tongue licking me with gusto.

At the sound of my voice, Liam’s eyes lift to mine. “Good morning,” he rumbles. His chin rubs on my clit, the scratch of his morning stubble feeling strangely erotic.