Anywhere With You (8 page)

“I really want to see where this goes man. I need to work out these feelings.” I stand up and pace the floor. “I know that she’s like a sister to you and you’ve told me multiple times that there is nothing going on, but speak now, man, if there’s more. I plan on seeing where this attraction goes. And before you go ape shit, if you want her, I’ll back off but that is the only damn thing that will keep me from trying to work out these feelings that I have for her.” The words are out of my mouth before I know what I am saying. I realize that I mean every word. Aiden’s words flash through my mind
“She deserves better, she deserves, respect and love.”

“Liam, you and Ash both mean a lot to me. Do.Not.Hurt.Her. I will support you as long as you agree that she is not a fuck buddy. She’s special and needs to be treated that way. Think about Hailey and how you would feel about her being treated like a quick fuck.”

I nod my head, understanding what he is telling me. Allison really is like a sister to him and he wants to protect her. Problem is, so did I and I’m not sure just how to deal with all of these emotions running rampant through me. Can I deal with giving her more? Can I deal with the close relationship that they share? If I am going to give her more, she is going to be mine.

Aiden senses that I am hanging by a thread and changes the subject as we make our way out to my Pathfinder. “So what’s on the menu for today?”

I laughed, “Not sure but you know mom. Whatever it is there will be an abundance of it and it will be delicious.” I hand him my phone. “Text Hales and let her know that we’re coming to get them.” The plan was to surprise her and try to catch a glimpse of Allison. However, now that Allison is going, I need to make sure she doesn’t leave before I get there.

Grabbing my phone, he nods and proceeds to text Hales and let her know that we will be taking them to mom and dad’s.

Aiden stays in the car while I go up to get the girls. I knock on the door and Hales answers. “Hey, you guys ready?” Before she can answer, Allison comes walking out of the bathroom. She is wearing jean shorts and a tank top with flip flops, I want her. She looks surprised to see me. Hailey must have seen the question in her eyes so she starts explaining that Aiden and I are also going to our parents for lunch and that we are all riding together.

Hailey is already out the door talking about who is riding shotgun. I can only hope that it will be Allison. Although I know that I’m not that lucky. Allison walks over to me and without even thinking, I lean down to tell her how beautiful she looks. I pull back as I catch her scent. Not able to control myself I place my hand in the small of her back and lead her out to my SUV. I open the door for her and wait until she is settled in before closing it.

I’m not lucky enough to have Allison beside me in the front seat, but she is sitting directly behind me and I keep glancing at her in my rear view mirror. She has her long locks loose hanging over her shoulders, she is beautiful. She doesn’t need make-up she just needs to be Allison. I grip the steering wheel tighter and focus on the road. She wants more, I’ve never done more. Can I focus on her and football, not to mention, school. If there is ever a reason to try it would be for Allison, she’s intoxicating. This is the same question that has been running through my mind all day.

The conversation is flowing; I listen trying to remain focused on the road and not on Allison. All of a sudden, I hear Hailey giggling like a school girl, which pulls me out of my thoughts. Aiden asks them what they are up to. Hailey says that she and Allison have a bet going. I am intrigued.

Allison and Hailey are laughing and talking about some type of wager and I am fine until Aiden mentions it involving the male species, someone other than me. I am instantly pissed off!

Allison leans forward and punches Aiden in the arm at his teasing. I turn my focus back to the road. I clench my jaw tight. It pisses me off beyond comprehension to hear the words male and sex mentioned with Allison. Just the thought of her with anyone else has me seeing red. The thought of someone else kissing those sweet lips, running their hands through her beautiful locks, touching her soft skin.
Fuck!

We pull into my parents drive and I hop out of the truck. I open Allison’s door and offer my hand to help her out. She grabs my hand and in that instance I feel all the anger I am feeling fade. As soon as she steps out, Hales is dragging her by the hand up the steps to meet my parents. Thoughts of her being here with me as mine flash through my mind. I should be introducing my girl to my parents not my sister.
My girl? What the fuck is she doing to me?

I watch as my parents embrace Allison and welcome her to our home. She smiles her heart stopping smile and I can tell they love her. Hailey leads us all inside as Aiden talks to my mother about his love for her cooking and deserts. As we gather around the table, Allison gets a far-away look in her eyes. Before I know what is happening, Aiden walks over to her, whispers in her ear and pulls her close as he kisses the top of her head.
Why the fuck does he keep touching her?
I slam the salad bowl down on the table which causes me to receive questioning looks from both of my parents.

Aiden returns to his seat. “This looks great Mrs. Mac, thanks again for having us.”

“You know you are always welcome,” mom tells him.

“So can you believe that Allison and Aiden grew up living next door to each other? Small world, huh?” Hailey says as she fills her plate with lasagna.

“Really, are you two dating?” this question coming from my mother. I am taking a drink as she asks this and begin to cough, her question not sitting well with me. No matter how many times Aiden tells me they’re just friends, like siblings he still touches her intimately. I hate every second of it. I want to be the one to wrap my arms around her.

Aiden laughs, “No, Allison and I are best friends.” He looks at me, “She’s like my little sister.”

My mom looks at Allison. “So you’re Ash?” she questions. Aiden has pretty much been a permanent fixture at my house whenever I’m here. He has talked a lot about Allison or “Ash” as he calls her.

“Yes, we call each other by our initials. It’s something we started when we were really young. I moved in with my Gran when I was ten. I lost my parents in a car crash. I was scared and lonely.” She looks at Aiden and smiles, “Ace here made sure I knew my way around school and we bonded. We have been best friends ever since.” Allison discretely wipes a tear that’s starting to escape. It takes everything in me not to wrap her in my arms. The thought that she is sad or hurt is ripping my heart out.

“I am so sorry about your parents, dear,” my mom tells Allison. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

“No, it’s fine. It was a long time ago,” Allison replies. “May I use your restroom?” she asks softly.

Hailey speaks up, “Of course, it’s the last door down the hall on your right.”

Allison leaves the table and I release the breath I am holding.

“You alright son?” my dad asks.

I shake my head yes, not wanting to get into the fact that Allison has me tied in knots. That the thought of her in pain is making my arms ache to hold her.

After a few minutes Hailey says, “I’m going to go check on her.”

“No! Let me do it.” I quickly excuse myself and head down the hall. I know that I, as well as Allison, are going to be the topic of conversation, but I can’t bring myself to care. I want to be there for her.

I stop in front of the bathroom door and lean my forehead against it. I can hear her soft cries. I knock softly, “Allison, it’s Liam. Can you let me in, sweetheart.”

“Just give me a minute, I’ll be fine,” she chokes out.

“Please,” I whisper.

I hear her shuffling towards the door and then hear the handle move. When she pulls the door open her face is blotchy and her eyes are red and swollen. Without even thinking I step inside and shut the door. I pull her close to me and wrap her in my arms. I kiss the top of her head and as I do she begins to cry harder. I’m not sure how long we stay like that but, while I am holding her I lose a piece of myself to Allison Shay Hagan.

She pulls away from me slowly. “Sorry about your shirt,” she whispers.

I pull her chin up with my thumb and forefinger so that she is looking me in the eye, “Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?”

She shakes her head no. “I feel like such a baby. It was years ago, I should be able to talk about it.”

“Is there something in particular that upset you?” I ask softly as I pull her back into my chest and slowly rub my hand up and down her back.

“Not really, it’s just …” she sniffles.

“What baby, what happened?

“It’s just family dinners. I miss those, for the last eight years it’s just been Gran and I.”

I can’t find words through the lump in my throat. My only reply is to pull her tighter. As I do, she in turn wraps her arms tight around my waist. After getting my emotions under control, I pull away from her and cup her face in my hands. I wipe her tears away with my thumbs. “You are amazing, you have so many people who love you, Aiden, his parents, Hailey. My parents adore you.” I swallow back my emotions. “You have me,” I whisper never tearing my eyes from hers.

“Liam,” she murmurs.

Her plea sends me over the edge, and I slowly bring her face to mine as I lean down. I stare at her lips and then back to her eyes letting her know my intent. I need to kiss her more than I need my next breath. I wait, as my intentions set in, I can see when understanding flashes across her face, she licks her lips. I lean a little closer, closing the space between us. Hesitating, giving her the opportunity to stop me, she doesn’t.

When my lips touch hers I feel the tremor in my hands that are gently holding her close to me. She must have felt it to because she places her hands over mine as I continue to caress her cheeks while I kiss her. She opens her mouth and I slip my tongue inside. The taste of her on my tongue causes me to release a deep moan, as I do Allison slows the kiss and rests her forehead against my chest.

“Liam.”

“Mmm,” I am again at a loss for words. I have kissed my share of girls and not once did any of those kisses elicit this kind of reaction from me. I have never in my life felt this kind of connection with any other human being.

“What are we doing?”

I kiss her forehead as I pull back to look her in the eye. “I was kissing the most amazing girl I have ever met.” I need her to know that she is different.

She blushes, “I want more Liam. Not that I expect a proposal next week but you’ve already made it clear that you won’t make a commitment, so what are we doing?”

I shake my head and pull her back to my chest. “I don’t know baby. All that I can tell you is that kiss was incomparable to anything I have ever felt. You wreck me, you know that?” I ask searching her face for understanding.

“Well, since that was officially my first kiss, I don’t have anything to compare it to, but this feeling,” she grabs my hand and lays it over her heart. “This connection that makes my heart race is uncharted waters for me. I wish that I could hold onto it and never let go.” She sighs, “But I need all of you, Liam, I don’t want to share you, and I can’t just be a fling. My heart can’t take it.” She brushes her hands across my cheek. “If you ever decide that you can give me all of you, you know where to find me.” She lifts up on her tip toes and gives me one last chaste kiss on the lips. “Thank you for listening and for the kiss,” she says as she turns and walks out of the room.

I stand there trying to regain control of my emotions while her words race through my mind.

When I hear the knock on the door and then Liam’s voice, I cry harder. I am so embarrassed that I can’t control my emotions. My parents have been gone for a long time. I should be able to tell people about them without turning into a blubbering idiot. I am missing Gran, and to see Liam and Hailey so carefree with their parents, even Aiden, I lost it. I just need a minute to get myself under control. When I hear Liam’s whispered “Please,” I find myself opening the door. As soon as he sees me, he steps into the room, shuts the door and wraps me in his strong arms. I feel safe and content, that feeling is not one I have much experience with. I always feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Liam holds me tight as I attempt to explain my breakdown. After a few minutes, he tells me I am amazing and that I have Aiden and his parents as well as Hailey and his parents. After a short pause he also tells me that I have him. That simple statement sends heat pooling throughout my body. What I wouldn’t give to have this man be mine. To always know that he will wrap me in his arms and cherish me as he is in this exact moment. As if I am the most important person in his life.

“Liam,” is all that I was able to get out, my mind is reeling. I want him to want me. I want to be enough for him. I want all of him. There is no way that I can settle for less.

The connection that we have is unexplainable. I look into his eyes and the want I see there mirrors my own. He leans in closer and I know that he is going to kiss me. I want him to kiss me, just this once. I will take his kiss as a token of what I can never have. Liam is a player, a no commitment, sexy football god. I am one of many women who swoon over him daily. As he leans in closer, I can feel his breath against my face. He hesitates and I know that he’s expecting me to stop him, but I don’t, I want this. I want my first kiss to be Liam, a reminder of this overwhelming chemistry that flows between us. I lick my lips and within seconds his lips touch mine. Liam has my face cupped gently in his hands and I feel them start to tremble. I place my hands over his as he deepens the kiss. I open my mouth, inviting him in and he takes full advantage. Once his tongue slips in I hear him growl deep in his throat and I know that I need to stop this. I want him and he is unattainable in my eyes, we have to stop.