There’s a lot on his plate, so I try not to push him to talk about it because there’s nothing that can be done until Victoria sends the papers. Until then, we’re living in limbo.
“What are you hungry for?” Tyler asks as I sit at the breakfast table.
“A triple berry smoothie from Frenchie’s Cafe,” I smart off. “They have the best muffins too. Mmm.” I release a dreamy sigh as I think about being back in Sacramento.
“Alllllright, well…” he ponders. “I can make you a fruit and yogurt smoothie, and there’s some blueberry muffin mix in the pantry. How’s that?”
“Deal.”
“Good, then you can do my laundry while I cook.”
“Oh my God. You too? Liam does the same shit to me.” I groan.
“What do I do?” Liam comes behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, then presses a kiss to my neck.
“Sneak your laundry in mine so I’ll do it,” I tell him, then elbow him in the stomach. “Now Tyler is trying to be sneaky and barter for his cooking.”
Liam walks around me and goes toward the fridge. “Smart man. He works his strengths in his favor.”
“I’m good for more than just cleaning.” I groan.
“Like what?” Tyler pries. “Because all I’ve seen you do is watch Netflix, do yoga, and dance around the living room for the past three weeks.”
Liam whips his head around and faces me. “You were doing yoga and dancing in front of him?”
“I. Was. Bored!” I say for the hundredth time this week. “He’s the one who watched…” I hold out my hand, putting the attention on Tyler instead.
Tyler snickers, shaking his head. “It was my job to watch you. Remember?”
“You better be keeping your beady little eyes off her now,” Liam warns, and I can’t tell if he’s being serious or not. His voice is firm, and he flashes Tyler a murderous glare. Liam looks like he’s ready for a fight.
“Liam, relax,” I tell him, walking over and rubbing my hand over his arm.
“Yeah, Liam, relax,” Tyler mimics in my same tone. “Plus, I only saw her naked one time. Nice nipple rings.”
I knew he looked, the bastard!
Tyler shrugs, and within two seconds, Liam’s charging for him.
“Dude, not fuckin’ cool!” Liam has Tyler’s shirt fisted in his hands as he pushes him up against the wall.
“Liam!” I scream. I’ve seen Liam pissed off before, but never like this. He’s worked up and taking it out on the wrong person.
“Maddie, stay back. It’s fine,” Tyler says, then looks back at Liam, not even defending himself. “Go ahead, punch me. Get your anger out.”
Tyler’s voice is calm and calculated, which means he knows what he’s doing, and that Liam won’t actually hit him.
Liam pulls back, dropping his arms. “Shit.” He glances at me, looking fucked up, then goes back to Tyler. “I’m sorry, man.” Liam shakes his head, then lowers it. “Being stuck inside and not being able to work out and not hearing from Victoria…” He pauses and inhales a deep breath.
“It’s okay, really.” Tyler puts his hand on Liam’s shoulder. “I get it. You’re used to an outlet, and you’re not getting one.”
“It’s no excuse. I should never lose my temper like that, especially to lay a hand on you.” Liam sounds distraught, and I’ve never seen him like this before.
“Liam, it’s fine.” Tyler rests both of his hands on his shoulders and pushes him back slightly so he’ll look in his eyes. “You’re at your breaking point. We all have one. Perhaps you need to do a yoga workout video.” He smirks, causing Liam to relax and blow out a breath.
“Maddie told you, didn’t she?”
“What can I say…” I chime in. “I’m a rambler when I’m bored.” I shrug when he eyes me.
Liam steps toward Tyler and wraps his arms around him in a big, manly hug. I smile wide at the gesture, knowing Liam isn’t close to many people. There’s his small inner circle of Mason, Hunter, and my sisters, but now Tyler is one of us. He’s our family now, too.
“Sorry again.” Liam slaps his back before pulling away.
“We’re cool, man. Don’t worry about it.”
The rest of the day passes, and by ten, we’re ready to pass out. This routine is getting old, and I can’t wait until I can go back to my dance classes—assuming I haven’t been dropped from them.
I’m woken up the next morning by Liam’s booming voice echoing in the distance. I blink, then look over and see he’s not in bed with me. Right after I throw off the covers and set my feet on the floor, the door whips open. Liam charges toward me with a wide smile.
“What’s going on?” I ask, confused. It can’t be any later than nine.
“Victoria just texted me. She has the papers and signed them.”
My brows rise. “She did?” I throw my arms around him, and he lifts me up, my legs wrapping around his waist.