Chapter 27
TWENTY-SEVEN
LIAM
On Friday afternoon, I’m passing the university coffee shop on my way to her flat when I see Ellie through the window.
She’s at the counter, her chin in her hand, smiling like a woman in love. The barista is leaning on the counter with his forearms flat on the surface, listening to her with rapt attention.
I slow down, watching my foster sister for a moment.
She laughs at something and tips her head, and he watches her do it with an expression I recognise. I’ve seen the same look reflected in Kat’s window. Damn, she looks like she’s got it bad for this guy.
A surge of protectiveness hits me, and I shove it back down. She’s an adult, and she doesn’t need me lurking around judging her relationship. Kat’s the one who needs me right now.
But still, something doesn’t sit quite right looking at the two of them together.
I push it down. He must have something that she likes. Ellie is pretty and bubbly. I can see in an instant why he would fall for her. But what she sees in the slim guy with the plain face… I don’t know. Not that I can talk, I’m not even willing to show Kat my face in case my scars make her baulk.
He looks up and catches me staring. Our eyes meet for a long moment through the glass.
He looks away first. Goes back to Ellie, saying something that makes her laugh.
I head for my girl, but the unease follows me the whole way to Kat’s door. I can’t explain what’s bothering me.
But the moment I see her face, the rest of the world and its problems disappear. When I’m near her, it’s like she’s the only light, and everything else fades unless it’s close to her.