That earned me another smile as she recalled her words from the other day.

“A dick the size of your thumb?” She chuckled as I held it up, and she shook her head. “That’s being generous.”

It was my turn to laugh.

“And your cock trying to grab the wheel, Liam? You need to write a country song about that one.”

“A number one hit, I bet.”

She grinned. It was real, warm, and perfectly Paige. I leaned forward and kissed her. “My voice. Listen to my words. Not his.”

“I’ll try.”

“I’ll be around to remind you.”

She cupped my cheek. “I like those words.”

“Oh yeah?” I pulled her onto my lap. “Here are some more. I love you.”

She cuddled close. “Those are the best.” She looked up, her eyes no longer worried but peaceful.

“I love you, Liam.”

She was right. They were the best.

Paige

I hung up from another work call and rolled my shoulders. I glanced at the clock and grimaced. It was barely noon, and I was exhausted. Yesterday’s emotion with Evan then Liam had taken its toll, and although I had slept for over five hours, today, I felt drained.

Liam had left around five, and I had lain in bed, holding the pillow his head had rested on, and thought about his words. He was right—I had to stop hearing and feeling everything with the echo of Alan’s nasty words, his anger. The boy I had fallen in love with wasn’t the man who walked away from me. From Lucy. He was angry and twisted, a shadow of the person I’d thought he was.

He was my past.

Liam was my future.

A knock on the door roused me from my musings. Ronan was on the doorstep, his wide smile greeting me.

“Hi.” I opened the door wider. “Beth isn’t here.”

He stepped in. “I know. I’m not here for her. I’m here for you.”

“Sorry?”

“You need to call in sick for the rest of the afternoon. I have it on good authority that my brother is at his place in Port Albany working for the afternoon. I also know nothing would make him happier than a visit from you. A long, quiet evening with you. He brought Beth to me, so I’m bringing you to him.”

“But Lucy—”

“All arranged. Beth isn’t up to going out tonight with this Evan shit going on. We’ll pick up Lucy and spend the evening. Liam will bring you home in the morning.” He lifted his eyebrows, tapping his foot. “What are you waiting for?”

I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him. “Give me ten minutes.”

“I went to the store and got you the things Beth said to pick up. Liam’s favorite is pot roast, and Beth says yours is awesome.”

My mind spun as I hurried away. “Okay,” I called over my shoulder. They’d thought of everything.

Lucy would have a blast with Ronan, Beth, and Evan. I knew she’d be well cared for. And I got Liam. Alone.

My day just got brighter.

Ronan was fairly quiet on the drive, although his phone was a constant barrage of noise. He got a lot of texts, which he ignored, and the calls were one-sided conversations thanks to the Bluetooth he had in his ear. He was obviously planning something, and when he hung up from the last call, I glanced at him.

“Is all that about Evan?”

“Yeah.”

I didn’t ask any other questions. I knew he’d share when he was ready.

“How was Beth after I left this morning?” he asked.

“She was still upset, but calm. I haven’t spoken to her to see how the meeting with the principal went.”

He grunted. “About how she expected. No one is talking, and the other boys insist Evan fell on his own.” He slammed his hand on the wheel. “I really hate bullies.”

“I think he’s been dealing with it for a while. Beth tries to get him to talk, but he never says anything. Some days, though…” I paused, and Ronan prompted me.

“Some days what?”

“Some days, he’s quieter when he gets home. Goes right to his room. I think those are the days he’s picked on more. I always try to cheer him up, get him to talk. He puts on a brave face, and I know he licks his wounds in private so Beth won’t worry—”

“But she still does,” he finished for me.

“Yes.”

He glanced over at me as he slowed down at the gate to the houses. “She won’t have to for much longer. He’s not alone in this. I promise you.” His gaze was intense and focused.

I smiled as I patted his arm. I knew he had something planned. “I’m glad she has you, Ronan. She and Evan.”

He grunted. “I’m the lucky one.”

He pulled into the driveway at Liam’s. He grinned as he handed me the bag of groceries. “Tell Liam we’re square now. See you in the morning.” He winked and grinned, watching me walk to the door. Unsure what else to do, I knocked and waited. A case of nerves hit me. What if Liam wasn’t happy to see me? Maybe he was too busy for an impromptu visit. I looked behind me where Ronan was waiting. Is that why he wasn’t leaving?

Tags: Melanie Moreland Vested Interest - ABC Corp Romance
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