EMILIA

    What the hell do I even say to that?

    I just… stare at him. Like an idiot. My mouth opens, but no wordse out,

    Liam gives me this small, sad smile

    dimples and all

    and somehow that’s worse, It

    knocks the air right out of my lungs.

    “You don’t have to say anything,” he murmurs. His thumb brushes lightly against my hand, like he’s trying to memorize the feel of me, “I didn’t say it because I expected you to,”

    A million responses spin through my brain make it out.

    yes, no, maybe, kiss me – but none of them

    So instead, I blurt out, “I still don’t forgive you,”

    His lips twitch. “Deserved.”

    And you’re going to have to work for it,” I add, trying and failing

    –

    to sound stern.

    Liam leans in just a little, like he can’t help himself. His voice drops low, almost like a secret. “Well,” he says, that crooked smile stealing the air from my lungs, “I’d look better begging on my knees anyway.”

    My heart absolutely short–circuits. And judging by the wicked glint in his eyes, he knows it, too. I can start now, if that’s what you’d prefer,” he murmurs, his voice all low and teasing.

    My cheeks burn so hot I’m pretty sure I’m going to catch fire.

    –

    I open my mouth to say something – anything

    anything but all thates out is a squeaky, “Y- you can let go now!”

    I start wriggling in his arms, desperate to escape before I die of embarrassment. It only makes himugh a deep, warm sound that sends shivers down my spine and his arms tighten around me instead.

    “Let me go!” I squeal, pushing against him.

    He doesn’t even pretend to listen. No, he ys dirty actually shriek,

    so dirty tickling my sides until I

    “Please! Please! I surrender! I’m sorry! I gasp between giggles, thrashing in his hold.

    He finally relents, but not before pressing his forehead gently against mine, stillughing. “Do you like watching the rain?”

    “Huh?”

    Later, we’re standing side–by–side on the balcony, tucked beneath the shelter but close enough that the wind sometimes blows tiny raindrops onto my skin.

    The air smells fresh and sweet.

    Every now and then, Liam’s arm brushes against mine.

    And every time it happens, my heart jumps like it’s trying to escape my chest.

    –

    the

    I wonder what it’ll be like when I don’t have his scent clinging to me anymore warmth of his sweater, the quiet safety of standing close to him – like some stubborn part of me already knows I’ll miss it before it’s even gone.

    Because it will be gone. Like most things, soon enough.

    The water below is the deepest blue I’ve ever seen, blending into the sky until it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.

    From time to time, I catch Liam sneaking nces at me, like he’s trying to memorize me

    without getting caught.

    Honestly, it’s a little terrifying. Who the hellys their heart out so casually like that?

    Unless it’s all just pretend.

    My lips curl bitterly. “Don’t you think this would be the perfect time for a smoke?”

    Liam gives me a look, curious and a little amused. ‘Do you smoke?”

    “Not at all, but it kind of matches the aesthetic, right?‘ He just shakes his head silently, a smile on his lips. I tug at the neckline of his hoodie yfully. “It’s really warm. Thank you.”

    The look he gives me is intense ‘It looks perfect on you,” he says quietly. His voice is rough around the edges, so full of meaning it makes my heart stutter. “I should be the one thanking you.”

    My mind’s a mess, a conflict of what I think and what I feel. It’s all too sudden, it makes no sense. I want to ask so many things, but I find I’mfortable staying in the dark. “I can’t run a mile without passing out.”

    I don’t look at him. “I have the stamina of a pregnant sloth on a meat–only diet. Tessa signed us both for a gym membership a few months ago, but I gave up after I nearly died on a treadmill a weekter. And I find myself thinking, if maybe I hadn’t given up, was just a little stronger, Stone wouldn’t be walking right now.”

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