Cookie

30

"Are you already regretting this?"

Liam's voice is soft yet laced with concern as he watches me, his dark eyes filled with worry. We’re finally alone in our room, the world fading into the background. I shrug off my cardigan, letting it fall onto the bed, leaving me in just my white t-shirt and dark jeans. Slowly, I step toward him where he leans against the white wall. Stopping just inches away, I run my fingers through his dark curls, tugging slightly so he has no choice but to meet my gaze.

"My only regret, Liam, is that you're not kissing me right now."

A deep groan rumbles from his chest before his lips crash into mine, stealing my breath. His tongue finds mine, igniting something deep within me, and every place his hands touch on my bare skin sends jolts of electricity through my body. He tastes like something dangerously intoxicating—sweet yet rugged, like pure Liam.

Wanting more is an understatement—I need more.

I wrap one leg around his waist, and in one swift motion, he grips my thighs, lifting me into his arms. The moment I feel his hardness pressing against me, my thoughts blur, my body lost in sensation. His lips trail away from my mouth, finding that delicious spot on my neck that I hadn’t known existed until today. The world spins around me as pleasure takes over.

Liam moves us toward the bed, laying down with me on top of him. My body molds against his in a way that feels new, exhilarating, and utterly addictive. His strong hands cup my ass, squeezing just enough to make my head spin. I never knew it was possible to feel this much, like my entire body is on fire, every inch of me burning with desire.

"I can't even tell you what you do to me, baby," Liam murmurs, his voice husky.

"My heart is about to explode, and I swear my skin is literally burning."

He chuckles against my collarbone, his fingers threading through my hair before he looks up at me like I’m something precious—something irreplaceable.

"You're beautiful, Nataly. More than that, you're smart, kind, and all mine. Do you have any idea how lucky I am?"

I smile, my heart swelling. "I'm the lucky one."

I search his eyes, my emotions bubbling to the surface. "Liam, you saved me. You helped me find my way out of the darkness after the accident. You’re my light, my superhero, and I love you."

His chest rises and falls beneath me, his breathing uneven. His eyes, shining with emotion, hold mine as if he's memorizing every word.

"I love you too, Nataly. You have my heart, and I promise, you never have to be afraid."

I lean in to kiss him just as—

BANG!

The door swings open, and Mary waltzes in like she owns the place.

"Oops!" she says, feigning innocence. "Didn’t mean to interrupt…"

Mortification doesn’t even begin to cover what I feel. I’m on top of Liam in a very compromising position, both of us flushed, lips swollen, my t-shirt halfway up, his hands still on my ass.

"Mary, what the hell?!" Liam growls, his voice rough with frustration. He helps me adjust my clothes as I quickly scramble off of him, my face burning.

Mary smirks, completely unbothered. "Funny you mention knocking, Liam, considering you never do. How does it feel when the tables turn, dear?"

I gape at her. "Seriously? Revenge?!"

"Oh, don’t be mad, twinkle," she says, pulling me into a hug. "At least I came in first. I made Logan wait outside." She turns to the hallway and calls out, "Okay, love, they’re decent!"

Logan strolls in, hands in his pockets, his grin matching Mary’s. He throws Liam a smug look.

"So, how does it feel to be cock-blocked, bro?"

Liam scowls. "You're both idiots."

Mary elbows me playfully, whispering, "Aww, baby, you guys are so sweet."

I roll my eyes but smile at my best friend. Meanwhile, Liam and Logan are locked in a silent, sibling stare-down.

Finally, Logan smirks. "You're lucky I like Nat, otherwise I would’ve done exactly what you did to Mary…"

Liam actually looks guilty for once, his expression shifting. "I told you I was sorry! I didn’t know it was serious between you two at the time!"

Mary and Logan exchange a look, then shrug as they head toward the door. Before leaving, Logan winks at me.

"Nat, I’m glad you’re with him. He really loves you."

Liam wraps an arm around me, kissing my temple. "Yeah, yeah, can we eat now? I’m starving."

---

Downstairs, the dining table is set, and everyone is already seated, waiting for us. As Liam and I take our seats, Alicia clears her throat, drawing everyone’s attention.

"Can I say something?" she asks, her expression more serious than I’ve ever seen.

Liam and I exchange glances before nodding.

"I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re really happy for you guys. We’ve all seen how much you care about each other, and honestly, you two make a great couple."

She raises her wine glass, and everyone else follows, including me and Liam.

"To Liam and Nataly!" they all cheer before taking a sip.

My chest tightens with overwhelming joy. A few months ago, I had only Mary and my nightmares. I never even dreamed of finding love. Now, I’m surrounded by friends who genuinely care for me, and I have Liam—this incredible guy who makes me feel like a princess.

What more could I ask for?

Liam squeezes my thigh under the table, and I lean against his shoulder, smiling as he pulls me into his embrace.

"Thank you, guys," Liam says. "Now can we eat? I’m starving!"

Laughter erupts around the table as we dig in. The room fills with noise—jokes, teasing, and laughter bouncing off the walls.

---

Later, in the kitchen, Mary pulls me aside while we grab snacks. She eyes me with a mischievous grin.

"Okay, tell me everything!"

Laughing, I fill her in on the entire day—the necklace, my insecurities, the way Liam said he’d wait for me.

Mary’s smile softens. "Liam really loves you, twinkle. And you deserve every bit of it."

I hesitate before lowering my voice. "Mary… how long do you think Liam can wait to have sex?"

Her eyes widen before she bursts into laughter. "Did he pressure you?"

"Of course not!" I shake my head. "But… how do you know when you're ready?"

Mary leans in, her expression serious. "If you trust him completely and don’t want things to stop when you’re together, that’s a good sign. But it’s important to know he’ll stop if you ask him to."

I trust Liam with my life. And every time we kiss, stopping is the last thing on my mind. But does that mean I’m ready?

"You just started dating," Mary says, laughing. "Take your time. You haven't even hit second base yet, and you're already thinking about the home run!"

I groan. "Ugh, baseball metaphors again?!"

We both dissolve into laughter just as Liam walks in.

"Ready for bed, cookie?" he asks.

I nod, giving Mary a quick kiss on the cheek. "Good night, Mary."

As Liam and I leave, hand in hand, she winks at me. "Good night, lovebirds!"