The Man Next Door

Chapter IV

Considering how Monday was, the following days were pretty uneventful. Sam and I kept in touch and I was glad to know she was doing a lot better. As for Liam, I barely saw him since our last encounter and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed about it. Soon Friday came and after avoiding the gym for the worry of running into Cole, "I didn't do anything wrong, he's the one who should be avoiding me" I talked myself into going after leaving work.

Outfit: (sorry, same photo) the below set but in black, white trainers
Hair: wavy, messy braid

Walking out of the locker room, I felt agitated and I was on high alert for anyone that even resembled Cole. I got through my workout without any sightings of him, but my luck ran out and, while making my way back to the locker room, I saw him ahead talking to a group of guys, "shit" I muttered to myself. Before he could see me, I quickly turned around and made a dash for it, not really paying attention to my surroundings. Turning around a corner I bumped into something hard and stumbled backwards.

Liam's POV

As soon as I saw Annabeth, especially in her tight gym clothes, she was all I could think about, so I subtly watched her workout. I couldn't help but glare at every guy who looked at her, even if I was one of those guys. I didn't know what it was about her, but despite the lack of interactions, whenever I saw her I just wanted to grab her and make her mine. Having finished a set with heavy weights to get rid of the sexual frustration, I noticed she wasn't around anymore. Feeling disappointed I headed towards the locker room to get changed, when something, or rather someone, bumped into me. Noticing Annabeth stumbling backwards, I quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards me.

Annabeth's POV

With my heart racing, I yet again found myself in Liam's arms. As I got lost in his eyes, I heard Cole's voice approaching so, in a panic, "sorry, see ya" I said after quickly pulling away and turning around to leave. I wasn't even able to take one step as he held my wrist again. Turning me around to face him, he looked at me amused, but there was no time for explanations. Not knowing what else to do, I closed the distance between us, with my heart threatening to jump out of my chest from the anticipation of what I was about to do.

I rested my hands on his chest and his arms wrapped around my waist in response while he looked at me intensely. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him, taking him by surprise. There was no hesitation, shivers of pleasure shot through me as he deepened the kiss. He pinned me against the wall, caging me in and hiding my small frame with his muscular built. I was lost in the kiss, when, "get a room" I heard one of the guys Cole was with joke, making them all laugh as they walked away. Liam didn't seem to care as he carried on, pressing his body against mine and holding me close, while his tongue slid between my parted lips. I softly moaned in his mouth, craving more, craving him, but I suddenly felt conscious remembering we were in a public space.

Liam's POV

I was curious as to why she was in a rush, but the last thing I expected was for her to kiss me. She was addictive, I couldn't get enough of her. When the random guy told us to get a room I wanted to punch him for not minding his own business, but I wanted to punch him even more after he made Annabeth gently push me away, "sorry about that" she said in a small voice while looking down to avoid eye contact. Despite knowing I shouldn't get involved, damn it I wanted her.