nk much.”
I felt my body instinctively leaning into his as he wrapped an arm around me and slowly led me inside. I didn’t want to think about it being our last full day together. Although I was sick of being in the dark, I was craving his sweetness.
“Is there anything you really miss?” he asked as we settled onto my couch. I noticed that he was sitting a tiny bit closer.
“Showers,” I said automatically with a grin. “The baths are okay, and you’re right about the safety aspect. But I can’t wait to scrub my whole face, and feel the falling water.”
“Yeah, I could see that. Anything else?”
I thought for a moment. “Everything, I guess. Reading. Checking the weather by looking out the window. Knowing the time just from passing clocks naturally. I miss walking outside.”
“For what it’s worth, I think you’re staying remarkably calm through all of this.”
“Were you expecting a temper tantrum?” I grinned.
“I guess not, but… you’re very composed.”
I nodded. “Yeah. I’ll admit, it makes me feel a little off-kilter to have company for so long, and I wasn’t sure if I could handle it. But I’m very relaxed around you.”
“You don’t spend a lot of time with people?” he asked softly.
“No. I’m a loner. I need my space.”
“But you go to your classes, and hang out with friends?”
I realized that I sounded like a loser. “Classes are pretty short, and most of my friends are online. Since Angie moved to Australia, I don’t hang out with many people.”
“It’s not my business in the slightest,” he said softly, setting his hand on my knee. “But that’s something to think about. You’re lovely to talk to. You seemed pretty shy at first, then you loosened right up.”
“That’s a rare occurrence, due to bizarre circumstances.”
“Nope. I think you’re ready. I think you want to break out of your shell and take on the world,” he said. I could hear that he was grinning.
I started to laugh. “I sort of want to smack you for being a bit pushy, and I sort of want to reach out and feel how hard you’re smiling.”
Liam took my hands, placing my index fingers on the outer corner of his lips. He smiled widely, drawing my fingers out to the sides of his face.
“You’re a loon,” I giggled.
“You’ve found me out. I’ll have to go back into hiding.”
As our laughter died out, I was hit with a wave of sadness. Hanging out with Liam for the past few days had been wonderful. Somehow his sweetness and quirky conversations had broken through the darkness and left me feeling lighter.
Trying to imagine him not being around anymore was actually painful. I knew that he had a full, busy life to get back to, and I likely wasn’t the sort of person he’d be interested in spending time with. Yet I couldn’t help wishing.
We spent the day eating, hanging out, and chatting about everything under the sun. When I asked my phone for the time, I was surprised that it was an hour later than I thought. Liam was still here.
“I guess I should leave,” Liam said gently. “You should try to get as much sleep as possible before tomorrow.”
I nodded, unable to speak.
“What is it?” he asked.
My expression tightened. “I don’t sleep well before something stressful.”
“Yeah. I’m worried that there will be another fire alarm or something while you’re here alone.”
I wanted to beg him to stay, but couldn’t find the words. He had already done so much for me, and this wasn’t even his job.