One night stand with my daddy's best friend
27

Chapter 27 Ava

My phone buzzed on the coffee table. Farther than an arm's length away.

I stretched for it and my muscles screamed in protest. Lying around on the couch from dawn till dusk didn't make for very flexible joints. Snack wrappers tumbled to the floor and my blanket fell away.

It'd probably be Linea checking to make sure I wasn't having another meltdown.

That was my MO this past week. Mourning the ruined relationship with my dad while avoiding Liam. I had barely gotten by. When the weekend arrived, it hit me that today-Sunday-would be the one-week anniversary of everything falling apart. Linea was there when I broke down, tears filling my eyes. She'd held me and asked if there was anything she could do. Everything I wanted-everything I needed, she couldn't give. So I claimed I'd be alright.

But I was far from it.

I woke up this morning with a gaping hole where my heart used to be. I sat in front of the TV, ate snacks, and napped. Yet, I couldn't avoid the memories. Dad's anger. Leaving Liam.

Avoiding him all week.

Now, to reassure Linea.

I finally reached the phone and slid my thumb across the screen, already forming the words that would set her at ease. But it wasn't Linea who sent the text. It was Liam.

My heart skipped a beat. What did he want? My fingers fumbled as I clicked the message open.

Come over to my house.

That was it. I frowned.

Did he forget my dad didn't want us together? Was he drunk texting?

I'd never seen Liam drunk. He was always poised. Always in control of himself.

Always intentional.

If he asked to see me, he meant it. Could I risk it, though?

Dad would hurt Liam if he saw us together. That was the last thing I wanted.

I didn't want to resent my dad and I also didn't want Liam injured. Despite this, I was tempted.

I missed Liam. I missed his deep, rumbling laugh. I missed his gray eyes that went from soft to stormy in a flash. I missed his touch.

A need greater than reason rose inside me.

Even if it made Dad mad, I couldn't stay away. I had to see him.

I jumped into action, racing to the bathroom and tossing off my clothes. After a quick shower, I threw on a simple dress and sandals. Then tied my hair up into a messy bun.

I drew my purse strap over my shoulder and stopped in front of the door.

I read the text one last time.

It wouldn't be impossible that I imagined it because I missed him so much. But there it was, word for word.

I took a deep breath and stepped out into the warm evening.

A short drive later, I climbed the porch steps to Liam's front door, exhaled, then knocked. Everything was quiet but I found myself scanning the area, paranoid that my dad would see me here.

But no one was around.

I still wasn't eager to keep standing out here.

Where are you, Liam?

I knocked again.

The door finally opened.

I wasn't sure what I expected, but it wasn't seeing Liam looking so happy.

Lines framed his gray eyes and his lips pulled up in a cheeky grin.

My stomach flipped, but I tamped down that feeling immediately. How could he be so cheerful when I was such a mess?

"What's going on, Liam. Why did you invite me here?" "To see me." His lips twitched. "Is that so bad?"

My stupid stomach dropped. I wanted to kiss that smile off his face until he was moaning my name.

"It would be if my dad found out."

He chuckled like it was nothing and took my hand.

My body melted at his touch but I held my head high. Wasn't he worried about, well, everything?

"Liam, I don't think I should be here." The door shut behind me.

"You'll see.” His fingers curled around mine and he led me toward the stairs.

"Liam."

"Hey." He stopped at the foot of the stairs and faced me. "Do you trust me?"

I looked up into gray eyes. My heart thumped with a resounding yes. "This is reckless."

He smiled. "Come on."

His carefree attitude had my belly alight with butterflies, but I couldn't forget all the things that could go wrong.

Namely, my dad replaceing out I was here.

"Where are we going?" I asked as we reached the top step. His answer was a gentle tug that led us down the hallway. Was he taking us to his bedroom?

But instead of his bedroom, he stopped by a spare room and pushed the door open.

"Liam, what is " My eyes caught the figure in the room and my heart lurched. "Dad!" He stared at me.

I whisked my hand out of Liam's and pressed myself to the door jamb to hold myself up.

"Dad, hi. What are you" I looked at Liam, then back to my dad. "It's not what you think. I just " My brows pulled together. "Wait, what are you doing here? I thought you were angry at us, at Liam. What's happening?" A slow smile tugged at my father's face, his brown eyes shining behind his glasses. He stepped forward. "I asked Liam to invite you over."

"Is this a test?"

"No." He pushed his glasses up his nose. He only did that when he was nervous. "Dad, what is it?"

"Well.” He cleared his throat. "We put this together and we wanted to show you."

Put what together? I followed his gesture and took in the room.

"Oh!" I took a step inside and my mouth hung open. "What-what did you do?"

"It's a nursery for the baby," Liam answered from behind me. "What do you think?"

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Tears filled my eyes. I spun in a circle, seeing everything in one sweep. "It's gorgeous! But how?"

Liam placed firm hands on my shoulders, grounding me. "Your dad helped bring it all together." "Dad." My voice broke.

I ran across the room and jumped into his arms. He held me against him. "I'm sorry, Ava. I'm so sorry."

Tears leaked out of the corners of my eyes. "I should have told you about me and Liam. But I was so scared."

"And I proved you right. I should never have acted that way." He pulled back and cupped my cheeks, wiping my face with his thumbs. "You know I only want what's best for you, don't you?"

I nodded, fighting back a fresh batch of tears. "I was just afraid Liam was using you." "And now?"

Dad looked past me. "I'm willing to believe otherwise."

"Oh, Dad." I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Thank you." "No, thank you for not being mad at me."

"Oh no." I pulled back. "I'm still mad at you." "What?"

"Mm-hmm. You owe me a fresh batch of focaccia and all the other goodies I missed out on."

Dad grinned. "Anything you want. For you and the little one." His eyes dropped to my belly.

I smiled, then my gaze slipped behind him and my mouth turned into a giant "O." "What is that?" I went to the wall.

"We had Meghan paint a mural when she was in town this weekend," Dad explained.

"The Meghan? Oh my goodness, it's gorgeous."

My eyes slipped away from the cream, pink, and blue mural and fell on the wooden crib. It was carved with stylish designs and laid with a soft mattress.

"This is so precious." I could picture my baby snuggled in it.

"Liam had it specially designed." Dad pressed a button and a border kicked out. "To ensure the baby's safety."

"Oh, wow." I pressed a hand to my chest. "Any more and my heart is going to explode."

Dad instantly frowned. "Should we be worried?" I laughed. "No."

"Well, then, there's more. Liam ordered a rocking chair." Dad hurried to stand by a corner next to the window. "It'll sit right here."

Soft evening sunlight spilled through the window. It already looked so peaceful.

I turned to Liam, my heart full and spilling over. "Thank you." A smile tugged at his lips. "Anything for you."

"Really?"

"Always.” He nodded, kissing my forehead and drawing me into his arms.

We gazed at each other for a full minute, then Dad reminded us of his presence by clearing his throat.

I pulled back, not yet used to the fact that we no longer had to hide. Dad bent to pick up a bag. "I won't be in your way much longer." "Dad..." I laughed.

"Nah, I understand." Dad drew close and pulled me into a hug.

He lingered longer than usual before pulling back. A look passed between him and Liam, and Liam inclined his head.

My brows furrowed, but I put it out of my mind. At least they weren't fighting.

Dad was almost out the door when he turned. "Dinner is on, as always, tonight. See you both in a couple of hours."

My eyes teared up. After last Sunday, I treasured every moment of harmony together.

"See you soon," I called out.

Once my dad left, I faced Liam. "How?"

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He chuckled and circled his arms around my waist. My body met his and a thrill ran through me.

"It took a bit of explaining to clear the air." "No punches?"

He laughed and shook his head. "None. We're good." "Liam." I sighed. "I'm so relieved. I was scared."

"Never again, princess." He ran his hands down my arms.

I shut my eyes and placed my face in the crook of his neck. "We'll be fine?"

"Yes." His voice washed over me. "You, me, and our baby."

I smiled and kissed his neck. His fingers dug into my hips, so I kissed him again.

"I've missed you," I whispered. "I've missed you more."

I was airborne the next second.

I yelped and grabbed onto his shirt. His laughter was warm as he carried me into his bedroom.

My back hit the bed but I sat up immediately, reaching for his belt buckle.

He helped me work it off and then stepped out of his pants.

His hands were on me a second later. He pulled my zipper down and my dress fell off, leaving me in just my bra and panties.

Liam's eyes darkened. "Take it off. All of it," he rasped.

I did as he asked, getting naked in record time. When I looked back up, he was completely nude, too.

I couldn't help it. I reached for him and sighed as I caressed his bare skin.

He cupped my face and kissed my lips. We both groaned as our tongues tangled. Liam eased us onto the bed and covered me with his body.

It'd been a long week. I had thought we were over. That there was no going back.

And now, experiencing all of him after the fear and anxiety, I held nothing back.

I eased my legs open and Liam's hard length came to rest where I needed him the most.

"Ava," he whispered my name like a prayer, then sank himself deep. A moan broke from my lips and I wrapped my legs around his waist.

He rocked inside me, brushed my hair back, and kissed the shell of my

ear.

"I love you so much, Ava."

A shocked gasp left me. But that quickly turned into a moan as Liam

changed angles and stroked deeper into me.

Before I knew it, my back arched and I was crying out. Seconds later, his liquid heat filled me up and we collapsed onto the bed.

Liam pulled me against him and kissed my temple.

I turned in his arms and rose on my elbow so I could see his face. "What did you say?"

He gave me a warm smile. "I love you."

I just stared into his eyes, not quite believing the words. "I mean it, Ava. I love you."

My heart warmed. "Are you sure you're not just saying that because of the baby?"

He chuckled. "I love our baby, too. But I don't only love the life we created, princess. I love you. Your giving heart, your freckled face, your sweet nature, your everything. All of you."

I choked on a tear and buried my face in his chest. "Oh, Liam. I love you, too."