Page 96 of Fall For Me
“Yeah, sure,” he agrees, his mouth twitching. “Going in there to reaffirm my orientation skills.”
We enter the maze holding hands and make it approximately forty seconds before he pulls me behind a wall of corn and kisses me until I liquefy. He cups my face, tilting me to the exact angle he wants, and I grab fistfuls of his leather jacket to keep from floating away.
We kiss at every turn and dead end. But this time, between make-out sessions, Liam keeps track of our turns, muttering directions against my mouth between kisses. And, miracle of miracles, we emerge from the exit.
“Whoo-ooh.” Rebecca slow-claps from the information booth. “No rescue required. You nailed it, guys.”
* * *
On Sunday, I go from having two of my favorite people with me 24/7 to being alone. Emma has to go back to Springfield, and Liam’s phone rings during brunch.
He steps away to take the call, and when he returns, his jaw is tight. “I have to fly out today. The new, smaller-format stores we’re setting up in Arizona need on-site overview. I’ll be gone a week.”
“A week?” I’ve been waiting all weekend to be alone with him, and now, having to wait another seven days seems like an eternity.
Liam must read the disappointment on my face; maybe he shares it. “I’ll be back Friday.” He leans down and kisses my forehead. “A week will fly, I promise.”
We drive Emma to her car that’s still at the Moonshine. She hugs me so tight my ribs creak.
“I know the situation is complicated,” she whispers in my ear. “But don’t overthink it. Pretend you’re in college and crushing on your roommate.”
Liam leaves for the airport forty-five minutes later.
He texts me after a few hours.
Liam
Landed. The hotel is in the middle of nowhere
Peyton
Why did your secretary book it?
Liam
It was the only five-star in town, but it took forever to get here. And the in-room coffee is instant. It’s barbaric
Peyton
The fact that I’m 99% sure you’re writing all that unironically is tragic
Liam
They also don’t offer strawberry toothpaste
Peyton
Aww, forced to use adult mint? Sending my thoughts and prayers
Liam
Mockery noted. You in bed already?
Peyton
Not yet, I’m debating which of your hoodies to steal
Liam
