Chapter 12 #2
Addyson shifted in her seat, trying to figure out why she felt unsettled.
Sure, the night before played a part, but why did she call him instead of dialing 911?
Her stomach lurched as she considered all the possibilities.
The fact she called Liam first because she trusted him to come to her aid brought up too many other questions.
For instance, why did she avoid his room whenever possible when he stayed there as a patient?
When he spoke to her, why did she feel a warmth low in her belly?
Her heart raced when she saw him. None of it made sense.
She made a vow not to marry anyone again, and she certainly didn’t want to date another military man.
Liam may be retired, but it didn’t mean he didn’t have the habits and discipline of anyone who joined the service.
* * *
Liam watched as Addy shifted uncomfortably in her seat. They seemed to enjoy each other’s company until the intimate moment between them while picking out the couch.
It seemed like Sam liked having control in his and Addy’s relationship. From what Liam knew of him, Sam made an excellent SEAL. But it didn’t make him a good husband. Liam even put off marriage himself because of the high divorce rate in the military.
Usually, women like to pick things for their home, yet Addy hesitated to make a single decision as if she might pick the wrong one.
Liam took another bite of his burrito, studying her. Addy bit her nails when she got nervous or indecisive. Yet, at work, she remained a force to be reckoned with. He struggled to piece the two personalities together.
“I’ve monopolized almost your entire day. Maybe it’s best if we return home. I can order something online and have it in two days. There are paper plates in the cabinet,” she said, picking at her food.
“Nope. The jerk threw them all over the floor while he searched the cabinets for drugs,” he informed her. “I threw them away this morning. Plus, I have the day off and don’t mind spending it with you.”
Taking another chunk of her shell, Addy scooped some of the meat and toppings onto it.
“Do you want dessert?” he asked as he saw her glance over at the menu attached to the salt and pepper holder.
“No,” she let out a nervous laugh. “Sam says, I mean said, it’s silly to pay for one slice of cake when I can make a whole one at home.”
“I’m sure even Sam might agree you deserve a treat,” Liam said, taking the menu down and scanning it. “ The Tres Leches Cake sounds good. Or maybe the churros with the chocolate sauce.”
Seeing her eyes light up, Liam flagged down the waitress. “May I please order the churros?”
The young woman turned around and headed toward the kitchen. Addy finished the rest of her salad, placed the silverware on the plate, and folded her napkin.
A few minutes later, the waitress brought out the dessert.
Liam dipped the churro in the warm chocolate sauce. He slowly brought it to his mouth, gazing at her. Her eyes followed the churro as if imagining the taste of it. He took a second one and passed it to her, moving the sauce closer.
“I can’t finish this myself. Those burritos filled me up. I insist you don’t let me act like a glutton by myself.”
Smiling, she took the crispy fried pastry dough and dipped it in the chocolate. Addy chewed slowly, enjoying it immensely. Why did Sam deprive her of something as simple as dessert? Did his strict military regimen keep him from partaking in the little things in life?
Addyson swirled her churro in the sauce and plopped it in her mouth. Her eyes sparkled as she took the last bite.
The waitress approached and handed him the bill. Liam took out his wallet when she hurriedly grabbed it from him.
“I want to pay,” she insisted. “After all your driving and taking time out to chauffeur me around, it’s the least I can do.”
It went against every grain in his body, but he knew this meant something more to Addy than paying a bill. It represented her independence.
“How about you pay and I’ll leave the tip?” he bargained.
Believing she won this battle, Addy pulled out her card and placed it on the table. When the waitress returned, Liam took the holder and added the tip while Addy signed the receipt.
They walked beside one another to the SUV.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “For everything. After seeing the destruction, I felt overwhelmed, and you’ve made it seem easier.”
“I can’t take all the credit. You have a lot of friends. Did you see how many of the veterans showed up for you this morning? Then you have the team and their wives,” he said, helping her in the SUV. “Don’t sell yourself short, Addy.”
He turned toward the store she mentioned earlier. Once she painstakingly made her selections, he drove them back toward Serenity.
“Did you want to check on Zeus before I take you home?” he asked, glancing over at her.
“I already saw him today. Jake and Carol don’t want me interrupting their evening,” she said, sounding melancholy.
“Did you know Ice stepped on something sharp and hurt his foot? It about killed Sparky to leave him. She visited him every morning, at lunchtime, and before she went home.”
“I recall one of the veterans mentioning they picked him up for her and drove Ice to Jake’s. I didn’t realize how serious it must have gotten,” she said, gazing at him. “How did you know about it?”
“Cole told me about it when he visited me,” Liam explained. “Why don’t you call Jake and tell him you’re in town. We spent the afternoon picking out dishes, a new coffeepot, and serving dinnerware. I can pick up a pizza while you check on your baby,” he suggested.
“You’ve done enough already,” she said, taking out her phone.
“I’m enjoying myself,” he assured her. “We still have to carry everything in and wash it. Rumor has it I’m pretty handy with soap and water.”
“I have a dishwasher,” she said, laughing. “All right, I’ll call Jake.”
Knowing the old vet, Liam headed toward Jake’s house.
“Hi, Jake, it’s Addyson Parker. I’m in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by and see Zeus. Do you mind?”
She beamed as Jake welcomed her to stop by.
“He said we can,” she turned to Liam.
“I’ll drop you off and order pizza. Do you have any special requests?”
“I like it fully loaded, but without anchovies,” she told him as he pulled into the driveway.
Liam nodded. “What about pineapple?”
“Duh. Is it even a question?” she asked, opening her door. Liam went around to help her down from the high step.
Grimacing, he replied. “We’ll have to agree to disagree. It’s disgusting. When does fruit belong on pizza?”
“Tomatoes are a fruit,” she reminded him. “Can you imagine eating pizza without it?”
“Touche,” he said, watching her run up the steps. “I’ll be back in a bit.”
Jake welcomed her inside, and Liam doubted she heard him.
After spending the day with her, Liam surmised Zeus took the place of the baby she and Sam never had.
Addyson spent too much time working and then returned home to mother her dog.
Seeing her come out of her shell today delighted him.
Addyson seemed to enjoy his company as much as he did hers.
But did he have a chance with her if he needed to compete against Sam’s ghost?