Page 15 of Mercy
She nods.
“Did painting help at all?”
“Yes, it made me cry. But I feel better.” She wipes her tears with her sleeve.
“How about if I come in every day and paint with you, as long as you feel up to it?”
She smiles but it doesn’t reach her eyes, “Okay.”
“I don’t feel good. Can I go back to my room?”
“Of course.”
Liam lifts her into the wheelchair, and we walk her back to her room, where Liam lifts her into bed.
“Get some sleep, sweet girl,” he said.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said.
Her face is ashen as she waves weakly. On our way out, he instructs the nurses to check in on her through the remainder of the day. We walk outside, and he turns to me as we step to his car.
“Why are you committing to coming to see her every day?”
“Because she needs someone, Liam.”
“You don’t have to. It’s not your responsibility.”
I smile, “I know. But I want to.”
He pulls me into his arms tight against his chest, “Thank you.”
I wrap my arms around him, “I didn’t do it for you, but you’re welcome.”
He kisses me on the forehead, and a shiver runs down my spine.
Lifting my head, I gaze up at him. The air crackles between us and it’s as if there’s a force stronger than either of us, pulling us together. His gaze lowers to my lips, as he darts his tongue out and swipes his bottom lip.
He pushes me back against his car, taking my face in his hands, and leans down, sweeping his tongue across my lips. I part my lips as I moan, and he darts his tongue in my mouth, his dancing with mine with the perfect amount of suction. He moves his hands from my face to my hair. He pulls with force, and kisses me harder, as I melt into him. His lips move from my mouth down my neck, licking and biting as he growls. Pulling back suddenly, he looks dazed. Dragging his hand down his face, he says, “I’m so sorry, Mercy. I don’t know why I did that. Fuck, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again, let’s go.”
The best kiss of my entire life, and he’s sorry. This man is infuriating. I get into the vehicle and stare out the window; I close my eyes and take a deep breath as I grip the armrest. There’s this clear attraction between us that he wants to constantly deny. Then he finally kisses me, and he’s fucking sorry.
“You’re mad at me,” he said as he drove away.
“You think?”
“I’m sorry, Mercy. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“I’m not mad that you kissed me, Liam. I never wanted it to end. I’m mad because you’re sorry, and you want to pretend there’s nothing between us. This attraction is not one-sided, and we both know it.”
I know his son is my best friend, but we aren't married; this man is so frustrating. Why won’t he let this go? He kissed me. I thought I was so close to getting what I’ve wanted for so long but now back to nothing.
He sighs as he turns onto the highway. “I wish it didn’t exist, but it does. Mercy, I still can’t act on it. That’s why I apologized.”
“Do you have a girlfriend or something?”
He laughs, “No, I don’t have a girlfriend.” Running his hand through his hair, “You know why. Nash. It would hurt him, so I can’t. Besides, you’re young. Mercy, I’m forty years old, and not the person you think I am. I’m not the kind of man you need. I’d only hurt you.”
I raise my eyebrows as I stare at him, “How?”
