Page 72 of Seeking Stars
Cursing, she stretched back to reach her phone. She checked the notification; it was an automated message reminding her that her driver would be there in ten minutes.
"Shit," she said, pulling away from him. "I still have to finish packing."
She got up from the bed. Liam stood up as well, reaching for his shirt on the floor. She jumped to the dresser, to stuff her bag with the few clothes still there.
"I'll take over," he said, a proud smirk on his face as he reached into a drawer. "You might want to fix your hair."
She lifted a hand to self-consciously pat at her head. "Thanks."
She stepped into the bathroom to check herself in the mirror, raking her fingers through her hair to put it back in order. She couldn't help the butterflies taking flight at seeing the twisted shirt, messy hair that had resulted from their kissing. She straightened her clothes, belatedly buttoning and zipping up her jeans.
When she came out of the bathroom she aimed for her bag, hoping to check that everything was packed, but he grabbed her from the waist and brought her to him for a kiss.
"Your bags are ready," he said. Kissed her again. "If anything stays behind, I'll keep it safe. And I'm keeping your dress, so it doesn't get ruined. I can mail it to you at another time, if you like."
"Thanks." She let herself surround his neck with her arms. Kissed him. Like they needed to make sure this was really happening, despite her leaving in a few minutes.
Her phone dinged again, just as the gate's doorbell rang in Liam's phone. He grabbed his cell from his back pocket and opened the gate for the driver. She attempted to take her bags, but he took them from her before she could.
"I'll do it," he said.
They walked to the main door and out. Liam put Ana's bags in the already-opened trunk before closing it.
She stood by the car's door. He came to her and, with hands around her face, kissed her deeply.
"Is this it?" She asked, putting her hands over his on her face. "Our month together is over?"
"Just this month is but… we'll make more time. This is really the beginning."
Her smile was fueled by the warmth in her heart.
"I'll miss you," he said.
"Me too. We'll talk soon."
"Yeah, there's a lot we need to discuss."
He opened the door for her and closed it after she'd settled down. He stood next to the car and stayed as the car drove away.
"Really the beginning," she whispered to herself.
Chapter 17 - Going, gone
"My friend," Ely said as she hugged Ana. "I'm so glad you're back."
Ana bit her lip so as to not let it slip yet that she'd done something unexpected. They made their way to the parking lot and found Ely's car; they quickly drove out of the small airport that served their city.
"So, did you leave Liam sad and desolate over your departure?" Ely joked.
"No, I think he was fine."
"Can't believe it— so no tears, desperate cries to get you to stay?"
"No. We agreed to talk on the phone, text. We need to discuss some things. And we need to get together for a round of rough editing, at least. I might see him before that, though, I hope."
"Ah," she said as if she understood but was disappointed. "Always the professional."
"I think we'll have to be professional at times, yes."
