Chapter 44
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Liam
I flipped the burgers and closed the grill and decided that if Jenna wasn’t back by the time they were done, I was going in to check on her.
I’d been patient long enough. She was safe in my house with Juliette, Nicky, and Hayden, but I didn’t like not being able to see her for myself.
I knew I had to give her space to get back to normal, but I wasn’t ready yet.
I loved that our friends all wanted to come see her the day we were home. I loved that we had the backyard for everyone to come together in, and that Jenna was happy to have them over. But I really just wanted to be alone with her so I could show her how damn proud I was.
The back door slid open, but only Juliette, Nicky, and Hayden came out. I passed the tongs to Ethan and beelined to them.
“She’s fine,” Nicky said with an indulgent smile, like she knew I was crazy, but she liked it. “Your mom called, so she stayed in to talk.”
“Thanks.” I walked in and followed the sound of Jenna’s voice to the kitchen.
“...love to meet Chris and Emma. We’d love to have all you here, or we can come visit you and taste test ice cream by the beach.
Just your family, though. I need a break from mine.
” She paused, obviously listening to my mom, then continued.
“I honestly don’t know. I want to believe her, but I don’t. Not really.”
I stopped outside the kitchen, hidden behind the wall. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I didn’t want to interrupt, though, and I couldn’t walk away. There was some seismic-level shift happening inside me, freezing me to the spot.
“Either way, they should’ve tried harder to be the kind of parents I could open up to, who knew me enough to know something was wrong. Even if they didn’t understand why, they should’ve listened when I said I didn’t want to see him. So, I’m not ready to forgive them yet, but...”
I quietly walked into the living room, leaving Jenna to talk to my mom, and dropped onto the couch, her words replaying in my head.
I wasn’t surprised by what she said, or that my mom was able to earn Jenna’s trust so quickly.
I was surprised by how hard it hit me, though.
Pulling my phone out, I searched for a photo I hadn’t looked at in years.
The last picture ever taken of me and my team.
“Hey,” Jenna said from beside me. I startled, turning quickly, and her brows drew together, little creases furrowing her forehead.
“You had a nice talk with my mom?”
“Yes, it was very nice.” Jenna sat next to me, Thor right beside her. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” I said with a reassuring smile. The worry in her eyes didn’t ease, though, and my chest tightened. “What about you?”
“Your mom brought up a good point. Do you think Tyler will go after Brian?”
“No.” I felt fairly confident he wouldn’t.
She narrowed her eyes. “What did you do?”
“Nothing yet. But I made him a promise that if the law didn’t act swiftly and adequately, we’d take care of it. And I made him promise in return that he wouldn’t do it without me.”
Jenna put her hand over her heart, as though that was some grand gesture. She had no idea I’d do anything for her. The hardest part was doing nothing. “Thank you.”
I kissed the tip of her nose. “You went through enough to protect Tyler. It’s my honor to do it now. And it’ll be my greatest honor to give that piece of shit everything he deserves.”
“Thank you, Liam.” She hugged me, and with her arms wrapped around me, she said, “Now tell me what’s wrong. I know something must be wrong for me to be able to sneak up on you.”
“I’m good,” I said sincerely. “Great. I’m glad you talked to my mom.” I traced her jaw and tilted her face up to look into her tropical blue eyes, clear and bright and so beautiful it took my breath away. “I’m glad I could give you that.”
Jenna and Thor both tilted their heads, making me chuckle.
“Remember when I said I’ve had too good of luck, I’ve gotten off too easy, and it wasn’t fair while others suffered?”
“Uh huh. And I told you that was bullshit.”
I kissed her, hard and quick. “You’re cute when you cuss.
And you’re right. I’m glad my family is awesome, so I can share them with you.
I’m glad I wasn’t with my team, so I could be here with you.
The guys would agree, too, if they could.
They’d love you, Firefly. And instead of feeling guilty, I’m grateful my path brought me to you. ”
Jenna smiled, her expression radiant. “I’m proud of you, and I’m really, really happy you’re here with me, too.”
“Move in with me,” I blurted.
Her jaw dropped, her eyes going comically wide. Honestly, I was almost as surprised. I didn’t plan on asking that. The words just popped out. But I meant it, with every cell of my being.
Her lips parted, then pressed together, hope flickering across her face before she tamped it down. “I want to say yes...”
“So say yes.”
“Are you asking just because you’re scared to let me out of your sight?”
My chest squeezed. “No, Firefly. Not gonna lie, the thought of anything happening to you terrifies me, but that’s not the only reason I don’t want to let you out of my sight. It’s because I’m happier when I’m with you. I want your brightness in my life all the time.”
“How do you know I’m not going to agree just because I’m scared, and I don’t want to go home?”
“Because you’re tougher than that. And we’re more than that. I know we’ve only been together a short time, and it’s been complete chaos for most of it, but I know how I feel about you. I love you, Jenna. And I know you love me too.”
“I do. I love you so much, Liam.”
“So move in with me. I want to sleep with you in my arms, and cook for you, and enjoy every day with you. We’ll have my family and Tyler and our friends over. We’ll plant flowers in the yard and make this our home, you, me, and Thor.”
She still looked hesitant, and I felt like an ass for putting her on the spot.
“It’s okay if you don’t feel ready,” I added.
“Whatever you decide, you can still stay here as long as you want, and I’ll support whatever you want to do, whether you want to go home after a while or find a new apartment.
It’s your choice. Always.” I didn’t like it, but I did mean it. It would always be her choice.
“Okay. I’ll do it.”
A jolt of happiness shot through me. “Yes? You’ll move in?”
“Yes! I’d love to live with you!”
I picked Jenna up and spun her around, both of us laughing, and Thor jumped up to join us. “You too, buddy. I’m excited to have you here.”
“He loves it here.”
“I know. Can we kick everyone out so we can celebrate?”
“No, we didn’t even eat yet.” She laughed again, bright and happy and carefree, and everything settled within me.
I might not be able to keep her safe from every danger, no matter how much I wanted to or how hard I tried, but I could keep her happy and loved.
I would protect her heart and her inner light; that was a guarantee.
I set her on her feet, holding her against me.
“Let’s go back out to everyone,” she said.
“Fine,” I grumbled, kissing the top of her head before I glanced out the window. Ryan was glowering at something—or someone—on the deck. The subject of his wrath was out of our view, but I had no doubt it was Nicky.
Jenna followed my gaze. “Maybe we can spread some of our fairy dust to them.”
“He has to get out of his own way first, and he’s a stubborn, grumpy asshole to shove out of the way.”
“And Nicky’s mission in life is to fill it with joy for herself and everyone around her before karma comes knocking. He’s not exactly full of the happiness and goodness that she’s looking for.”
“Happiness, no. But goodness, yes. He just hides it well.”
Ryan looked away and tossed a log onto the fire, prodding it with the poker harder than necessary.
“Let’s get back out there.” Jenna took my hand and led me out, following the delicious aroma of burgers, but she only made it as far as the deck where the girls were playing Connect Four.
They were squealing before I even got to the food.
I brought her a plate, eliciting “awws” from them, then I settled by the fire with the guys.
“Everything cool?” Brady asked.
“Yeah. Jenna’s moving in,” I said, grinning like a fool.
“Congrats, man.”
“That’s awesome.”
“Happy for you, brother,” Ryan said. “You and Jenna are great together.”
“Thanks. I hope you find your happiness, too.”
He grunted in response.
The guys congratulated me then went over to Jenna.
I followed, happy for the connection between her and my crew, but not quite sure if she was ready for them to swarm her.
I should’ve had more confidence, though.
They approached her one at a time, respectful of her boundaries, and she responded to them with the same warmth that had filled the evening.
Seeing she was okay, I let myself be distracted by Juliette, Nicky, and Hayden.
When I glanced back over, Jenna was wiping her eyes, and talking intensely to Ryan. I hurried over. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Jenna said quickly. “I was just thanking Ryan for the self-defense class.”
“I’m sorry you needed it,” Ryan said, his voice gruff. “You can come to as many classes as you want.”
“I’ll go again. It did help.”
Ryan blinked quickly, his eyes suspiciously wet. “Like I said, you’re always welcome.”
Jenna gave him a quick hug, looking as surprised by it as Ryan did.
The guys and I settled around the fire, and a little while later, the girls came to join us. Hayden paused on her way over. “I’m going to get another hard seltzer. Anyone else want?”
Juliette said yes. Nicky and Jenna declined, and Hayden beamed at Jenna.
Dylan jumped up to meet Juliette and guide her around the firepit, sitting back down with her on his lap. Nicky veered behind us to sit on the swing. And I stood up to give Jenna my seat.
She shook her head, and with her tiny hand on my chest she pushed me back down, as though she could actually move me.
I let her, of course. Then she sat on my lap, her back against my chest, her ass against my cock.
She took my hands and wrapped them around herself, tilting her head back to look up at me, happiness dancing in her eyes. So damn beautiful.
I whispered in her ear. “You’re gonna make me hard, Firefly.”
“I hope so.”
The teasing in her voice went straight to my cock.
She stiffened for a moment before she relaxed, melting into me. Fuck. I wanted to push her away and also hold onto her like this forever. “You good, Firefly?”
“Yep.”
I brushed her hair back and held her gaze. “You sure?”
“Positive. You can kick our friends out now,” she whispered. “I want to make love to you in our house.”
Hell yeah. I spared a quick glance around the firepit. “Hey guys, thanks for coming. It’s been a long day, though, and we’re beat.”
The guys snickered, and the girls too. “Something’s long and about to get beat, that’s for sure,” Cole said.
I glared at him, then at the rest of them too, for good measure. “Get home safe. See you soon.”
I watched them leave, holding onto Jenna even when she tried to politely see them out.
“Stay put or it’ll be more awkward than letting them leave on their own,” I whispered.
She chuckled, and when we were finally alone, she completely dissolved into laughter.
On me. With my erection digging into her ass.
Laughing. My girl was fucking incredible.
“So damn beautiful, Firefly. You’re amazing.”
She looked down at me, her eyes filled with happiness and love and lust.
“I love you, Liam.” She brought her lips down on mine, fireworks exploding between us.
“I love you, too,” I groaned against her mouth. “How about we start in our hot tub? Then we’ll see how many rooms in our house we can christen.”
“Yes, please.”
“Stay here; I’ll get us towels.”
She nodded, and I hurried to get them. I slowed as I came back out, pausing to take her in, aglow with firelight and her own radiance.
“C’mere, Firefly.” I reached for her hand and pulled her into my arms, carrying her bridal-style to the hot tub. “May I undress you?”
“Yes,” she breathed as I lowered her to her feet.
“Everything?”
“Yes.”
I took off her top and bra, sucking her pebbled nipples while I pushed down her skirt, leggings, and panties.
She stepped out of them and kicked off her flip flops, her hands already working at the button of my shorts.
She pushed them down, her hands teasing over my ass.
She pushed my T-shirt up, and I helped pull it over my head, and then I had her in my arms, kissing her like she was the air I needed to breathe, carrying her into the hot tub.
With the bubbles lapping at us, I kissed and caressed her everywhere, the jets and my fingers and my mouth and my cock making her fall gloriously apart. “So beautiful. So strong. And all mine.”
“All yours,” she cried out. “All yours, Liam.”