Always Mine (Roommate Duet 5)

“I’m so happy about Mason and Sophie.” I’m giddy thinking about my sister marrying the man she’s been in love with for years.

“Me too. It’s about damn time, too.” Liam’s wearing a smirk that’s adorable as hell. “I’m just surprised Mason didn’t die from blue balls first.”

I snort. “You know I’ve been sending him pictures of engagement rings for the past three months? I’d like to think I helped.”

A laugh escapes him. “I’ve heard.”

“Really? So I did have some influence after all. Have you seen the ring?”

“Not yet,” he says, turning his attention back to the movie.

I’m curious as to which one Mason picked out. I’ve been asking Sophie what her favorite styles are, and as soon as she’d answer, I’d text Mason. Though he never said he appreciated it, I know deep down he did.

“I can’t wait until someone proposes to me. Though I really need to get rid of my V-card soon or I’ll be single forever,” I blurt out just to watch him squirm, which he does. “I’m not getting any younger, and now that my sisters will both be married soon, it’s my turn. I love weddings. I’ve been dreaming of mine since I was a little girl.”

“I don’t know what the rush is.” Liam lets out an annoyed sigh because he hates talking about this, especially with me.

“For starters, I’m tired of being treated like a delicate little virgin flower who will wilt. I’ve been told to wait for the one all my life. Did my sisters wait?” I glare at him, my frustration evident as he stays silent. “Exactly. Plus, I really could make some money. Then once it’s gone, everyone will be over it, and I won’t be the subject of conversation. Maybe if you would’ve just taken care of it years ago…” I allude, and Liam glares at me. We don’t really discuss it, but now seems like the perfect time.

“Maddie,” he says in a hushed tone as if someone could hear us.

I sit up straighter and peer into his blue eyes. His breathing is shallow, and I see his pulse racing in his neck.

“Liam,” I say his name in the same tone as he said mine. “You should’ve taken me then.”

“You were underage,” he barks out harshly.

“And now I’m not. So what’s the issue?” I know I’m putting him on the spot, and he despises it, but dammit, we’re having this conversation.

He opens his mouth, then closes it before standing and walking to the kitchen. I follow him, refusing to let him avoid me. Going to the fridge, he grabs another beer, trying hard to ignore me. “Tell me,” I push.

“I’m not talking about this right now, and nothing will change my mind. End of discussion.” After taking a big swig, Liam glances at me, then goes back to the living room. He’s the most stubborn person I know. I’ve given him so many opportunities to reciprocate the way I’ve always felt about him, but he pushes me away each time with some lame excuse as to why we can’t cross the line. There have been times I feel I’ve made a breakthrough, but then he builds a wall taller than the one I scaled. It’s annoying as hell.

Instead of following Liam, I make my way to Sophie’s room. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I wonder how I’m going to survive being around him this weekend. We aren’t alone often, and I want to take full advantage.

Wanting the day to be over, I turn off the light and climb under the blankets. I don’t have an appetite, so instead of eating dinner, I play on my phone until the inevitable happens. Tomorrow’s a new day, and if Liam thinks he’s getting out of this conversation anytime soon, he’s sadly mistaken. I can count on my fingers how many times we’ve been alone together since I’ve been here. It doesn’t take long before my eyes are heavy, and I drift off.

The next morning, I force myself out of bed. I slept longer than I intended but realized after yesterday that I needed it. I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but I make my way into the kitchen and put a kettle of water on the stove for tea while I cook breakfast. Because I’m nice, I make enough food for Liam because the smell typically wakes him from his cave, or so I’ve learned from being here when Sophie cooks.

The kettle whistles, and I steep my peppermint tea, inhaling how good it smells. It doesn’t take long to make everything, and as soon as I split the scrambled eggs and avocado onto two plates, Liam walks into the kitchen, wearing jogging pants that hang from his hips. My jaw nearly hits the floor when I see those delicious muscles rippling down his body.