Chapter 21

Lia

“…and how long have you and my son been dating?” Mom took a bite of her brownie, a grin lighting up her face as she chewed.

“I’d say about eight months now?” Addie cleared her throat, not meeting Mom’s eyes as she stood up from the couch in their living room. Hands trembling, she rubbed her palms down the front of her colorful skirt. Poor girl was all sorts of nervous. Probably even more than I was. Granted our issues were over two different things, but still.

“Well, I’m certainly pleased you’ve stolen his heart. He needs a good, strong woman in his life after everything he’s been through. As does Chloe. She’s lucky to have you.” Mom stood and wrapped Addie in a powerful hug.

And just like that, my brother’s girlfriend was an official member of the Montgomery clan.

“I’m going to see if Chloe’s doing okay. She was up half the night with an upset tummy.” Addie pulled back, her hands twisting with nervousness. Apparently, she didn’t do the parental meet and greet that often, most likely because of her own nonexistent relationship with her parents. But I’d say she handled herself like a pro. Mom was already wholeheartedly in love with her because of the way Collin doted on her. She wanted him happy, just like I did, and knowing that someone could help make him that way was all she could ask for as a parent.

Sparing us a smile, Addie slipped out the door that led to my parents’ back porch like her feet were on fire. Seconds after, Mom turned to me, wearing a wide, hopeful smile. “Do you think she’s pregnant?”

The possibility of more grandchildren made her all but dance a fertility jig.

“No idea.”

She clapped once, then said, “Now, let’s talk about this thing between you and Max. What’s been going on? He seemed pretty upset earlier this evening about you moving away.”

“He what?” And there it was. The real reason he’d been avoiding me all night. Crap, crap, crap. I shut my eyes and hung my head. “Did you tell him about my interview, Mom?”

“I mentioned it, but I didn’t… Oh dear. He didn’t know, did he?”

I looked at her again, finding her hand over her mouth. “He does now.”

“Oh, Leanne. I’m sorry.”

I cringed and looked away, trying to hold back my scream. It wasn’t her fault. She didn’t know I hadn’t told anyone. But Mom also wasn’t supposed to know there was something going on between Max and me.

“We’re just friends, Mom. It’s fine.” My voice shook, the lie so clear I could taste it on my tongue.

Before she could reply, Max came into the living room using the same door Addie had left through. Angry eyes met mine before flashing sweetly at my mother. “Care if I steal Lia away for a minute?” he asked her, not me, which I’m pretty sure meant he was ready to spank my ass or worse…

Mom shot me a look, silently asking Are you okay with this? I nodded and smiled, knowing I couldn’t avoid the conversation any longer. If only I had told him the truth. As I’d said to myself on Monday, word of mouth hurt worse than anything else.

After Mom headed out to the porch, I blew out a breath, just in time for Max to put his hand on my lower back. I jumped in place as he leaned in to whisper, “Follow me.” Then he dropped his hand and headed out of the room, not even bothering to wait for me.

God, this was worse than I thought.

My fingers curled into fists, yet I couldn’t stop the shivers of unease that slithered through me. “Max, wait a sec.” I bit my lip.

He froze, a hand on the wall.

“I’m done waiting.” He spun back around, hurried my way, bent over at the waist, and shoved his shoulder into my stomach.

“Hey!” I squealed as he lifted me, my legs dangling over his chest. “Put me down.”

Ignoring me, he powered through my parents’ house and landed at the coat closet by the front door. “This looks to be as good a place as any.” He whipped it open, looking both ways before walking us inside.

I blinked, trying to adjust to the blackness as he shut the door from behind.

He plopped me onto my feet. With his hands still wrapped around my waist, he said, “Why didn’t you tell me about your interview?” His demeanor changed so suddenly that I could barely catch my breath.

“W-why are we hiding in the closet?”

“Don’t try to change the subject, Lia. Did I fuck up or something to make you not wanna tell me? Are you having second thoughts about us?”

“No, no. That’s not it at all.” I grabbed the neck of his shirt and held tight, wishing I could see his face. “This was all me and my stupidity. I’m so sorry. I should have told you. I just…I chickened out is all.”

His eyelashes fluttered against my cheeks as he moved in close. Lips brushed over my skin, not kissing, but touching as he sighed. “I thought I did something. I mean, I was pissed you hadn’t told me, but I kept thinking you’d changed your mind about us. Scared the hell out of me.”

“I’m sorry,” I apologized again, pressing both hands to his face. “I never meant for you to find out this way.”

“I forgive you.” He pulled my hands off his face and flattened them over his heart. “I will always forgive you.”

Beneath my palms, his heartbeat fluttered and I shut my eyes, shame washing over me. He touched his forehead to mine and whispered, “But, Lee-Lee, you feel this? My heart?” He rubbed his thumbs over the backs of my hands. “Do you feel how fast it’s racing?” I swallowed hard but nodded. “It only beats for you. No other woman will ever make it speed up like this. Which also means you’re not the only one who can get hurt in this relationship.”

“I’m a hypocrite. I wanted honesty, but I didn’t give you the same. I get it.” Tears filled my eyes, and I was thankful it was too dark for him to see me. “It won’t happen again. I promise.”

“Just tell me things, Lee-Lee. Keep the communication going. That’s all I’m asking.”

I swallowed around the lump in my throat, saying what I needed to say before I grew too chicken to admit it out loud. “I’m moving, Max. I got the job. I…I’m moving to Springfield.”

He kissed my lips, just once. “I want to be with you, Lia. I love you, and I don’t care how far apart we are. If you’d told me about this earlier, I would have said the same thing and meant it.”

“What if you decide I’m not important enough to have a long-distance relationship with? I mean, what if you change your mind down the road about us?” I asked, worrying my lower lip.

Boxes went flying as he urged me back against the wall. “Don’t even think I’ll be the type to walk away if shit gets tough. You hear me? I’ve never wanted to commit to a woman until you, and you can damn sure bet I’ll work my ass off to make it work, no matter how far apart we are.” He fell to his knee before me and nuzzled his face against my stomach.

Tears stung my eyes, and my throat burned with a trapped sob. The okay was on the tip of my tongue. Any girl would be an absolute fool to say no to someone like him. Max was a good man, but could I push past my insecurities and fears to take a chance at being with him? Could I have things both ways? Find myself and love him too?

“Please, Lia. I’m down on my knees, begging you to believe in this. Believe in us.”

If he was willing to try, then I would too. But in my own way. “Day by day, okay? We can’t think forever right now. Not yet. Because if this doesn’t work out, I’m afraid it’ll break me.”

I felt his lips part into a grin against my stomach. “Day by day. We’ll take it slow.” He stood, leaning forward to scoop me up into a hug. “We’ll make this work. I promise you.”

And just like that, I believed him.