Chapter 71

Aria’s POV

“I’m really not sure it that’s a good idea,” I said, just as Liam replied, “That’s a great idea, buddy!”

Liam and I looked at each other.

“You are really okay with it?” I asked.

“Why not?” Liam said with a shrug. “It is a big bed. The three of us would comfortably fit.”

I could think of plenty of reasons why not. For one, it was Liam’s first night in his new home. He hadn’t even settled in yet. Secondly, Joe had a pretty strict bedtime, which meant all three of them would have to be in bed with lights out by 9.

Thirdly, and maybe most troublesome, I didn’t know if I was ready to sleep in a bed at Liam’s side again. Would it send me back to the days when I thought we were meant to be? When we curled together like two perfect puzzle pieces, comfortable and happy even as we drifted off to sleep?

Liam, watching me, must have seen the hesitation in my face, because in the next moment, he looked at Joe. “I’m sorry, Joe, but maybe it’s not such a good idea after all.”

Just as Joe’s face started to crumple, I spoke up, “No. It’s fine.”

Liam’s attention snapped back to me. He raised a questioning brow. “You sure?”

“I’m sure,” I confirmed.

Joe cheered.

“We have to go back to our own house for now though, Joe, and let Liam finish unpacking.” It was a polite excuse to hide the real reason to give Liam space: I needed time away from him to prepare myself for what I would be facing that night.

I needed all my wits about me and my walls firmly in place so that I could resist Liam and his charms.

“Okay…” Joe said, his voice lilting now.

“Listen to your mom,” Liam added. “You’ll see me later.”

Reassured, Joe scurried back to our side of the fence.

“Until later then,” I told Liam.

His bright smile softened. “See you then.”

For the rest of the day, and well into the evening, I was a bustling ball of nervous energy. At one point, I spent way too much time worrying over what pajamas I should wear.

I wanted to be comfortable, but I couldn’t wear anything too revealing.

Should I wear a bra? Would I be able to sleep in a bra? Would Liam get the wrong idea if I don’t?

Question after question plagued my thoughts, driving me to distraction.

With my mind so occupied, time moved strangely. Sometimes the seconds ticked slowly by, making it seem like the night would never come. Others, I blinked and an hour had flown by.

As the evening started to set in, and the moving trucks drove away, it was time.

Joe and I both changed into our pajamas. I’d forgone the bra for the sake of comfort, but even on the walk to Liam’s, I was regretting that choice with every step.

At Liam’s door, Joe rang the doorbell.

Liam answered, holding up a few dvds and a yet-to-be popped bag of popcorn. “Movie night?”

“Yay!” Joe said and rushed past Liam into the house.

“I’m sorry about him,” I said. “He’s excited.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” Liam replied. “It’s nice to have someone around who is so eager to see me. It’s been a while.”

At the height of his career, Liam had so many invitations to things, he couldn’t physically attend them all, despite his best efforts. So many nights, I had been left home alone while he attended parties, dinners, and other events.

How long had it been since those invitations stopped coming?

Liam stepped aside, allowing me to enter. With a swift, subtle glance, he inspected my pajamas. To keep from giving him the wrong impression, I’d chosen a bulky t-shirt with a pair of long pants covered in white and black polka dots.

He was already in his pajamas too, a white t-shirt and flannel pants. He seemed comfortable and relaxed, with his hair slightly mussed. It made me want to slide into his arms and fall asleep with my ear on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, just like I used to.

“I have a television at the foot of the bed, so we can watch movies and eat popcorn upstairs,” Liam said.

“Joe’s sure to make a mess…”

“It’s fine. I’m just glad that you – that both of you are here.”

Liam led me through the living room toward the kitchen. Joe was bouncing around, ducking into every room. I couldn’t deny I was also curious, so I glanced at the furniture and the décor.

Everything looked new.

He hadn’t brought a single thing over from our old house. He must really be keeping it then. Or he felt like entirely starting over.

I hoped he was truly keeping it. I wasn’t ready to return to that house, but the thought of it being lost forever never sat right with me. Even if it was out of reach, I liked knowing that it was there, perfectly preserved.

Liam made popcorn in the microwave, and then carrying the bowl and the movies, led us upstairs to the master bedroom.

The room wasn’t intended for a king bed, it seemed, as there was limited walking space around the bed and the furniture. Joe didn’t mind, immediately diving on the bed. Liam, however, gave me a sheepish look.

“I should have measured better, but it all fits. That’s what matters, right?” he asked.

“Sure,” I told him. In my head, however, I was immediately making adjustments.

If he removed the dresser and turned the bed this way…

The second I realized what I was doing, I shut down on those thoughts. This was not my house. Joe and I were just visitors. Liam could arrange things however he wanted.

Joe moved over to the far side of the bed. I crawled onto it next, taking up the middle space. Liam joined last, bracketing me between Joe and him.

This was fine as we ate popcorn and watched a movie. It was even fine as Joe fell asleep midway.

The problem began when, after Liam and I shared a look, he turned off the lights and we settled down into the bed to sleep.

Then, I realized the closeness of Liam beside me. In the quiet dark, I could hear his steady breath. The bed was large, but we were still close enough for our arms to touch now and then. Each time they did, I would inch mine back slowly, not wanting him to notice my panic.

But as I relaxed, my arm would slide back and brush his again. And it was so easy to relax.

I could feel myself falling into the same sweet trap that had ensnared me years ago, when I first met Liam.

Six years ago, after leaving him, I had cried in my pillow for weeks, every night, hating how cold the space was beside me.

Now that the space was once more filled, I stayed awake, staring at the ceiling, frightened by how… comforted I was.

I had to resist. I couldn’t fall back into him without being certain that he changed.

But my heart was weak with longing…

Liam’s POV

I tried to push down on the rising satisfaction within me, but I couldn’t help it.

Aria was here, in my bed, right beside me. Just like old times.

I wouldn’t mess this up again. This time, I’d hold onto her forever.

Buying this house was clearly a good step forward. It earned me this moment, sharing the bed.

Now, I had to figure out how to make her want to stay.