Turns out, the rest of the cabin was just as insane. There were three large bedrooms, two full bathrooms with glass and stone showers, a game room that had a large TV and a pool table, and a firepit outside facing the gorgeous view of the lake and mountains. I was in love. 

Savannah and Kat insisted on sharing a room so that Aaron and I could have a room to ourselves, and Liam a room of his own. We were in my bedroom for the weekend, when I turned to face the two ladies partly responsible for the "Liam situation" downstairs.

"So... which one of you thought it was a good idea for Liam to be here this weekend, and not tell me?"

Kat and Savannah immediately pointed at the other with widened eyes as they said at the same time, "Her."

If my emotions weren't still everywhere from my encounter with Liam, I would have laughed.

"I'm sorry, Maddie. Aaron didn't tell us until the other day. I know I probably should have said something."

"Probably? I am pretty sure you mean definitely."

Kat sighed. "Okay, yes, definitely. I just didn't want to give you the chance to self-sabotage. Honestly, as much as I love you and have your back, I also kind of feel like this is the perfect opportunity to figure things out. I know you're still hurt with what happened between you guys. Maybe this weekend, you two can finally get it all out there."

My lips twisted in annoyance, knowing she was right. I nodded and looked to Savannah who had been unusually quiet. She looked back and forth between me and Kat before shrugging.

"What? I just thought he'd be fun to look at this weekend." She smiled sheepishly, causing me to break out in laughter joined by Kat.

I couldn't stay mad at those girls even if I tried.

We headed back downstairs with the intent on going outside to grab our bags and unpack when I stopped short at the doorway. Our bags had already been brought in, placed in the entrance as Liam closed the door with the last bag in his hand. He faced me, setting it down.

"You didn't have to grab our bags, Liam, but thank you."

He gave me a small smile before nodding toward the kitchen. "Dinner is ready. I was just about to come get you guys."

"Thank you, I know the girls are starving." I turned toward them, but they were already gone. Shaking my head, I smiled back at Liam. "It was really sweet of you to cook. You didn't have to do that either."

"I know I didn't. But I wanted to." He tucked his hands into his pockets as he fixed a steely-eyed gaze upon me.

Acutely aware of the energy in the air, I took a moment to study him. His black joggers and gray, long-sleeved shirt did wonders for him with the silver chain I almost always saw him wear, tucked into his shirt. Both his tousled hair and the light scruff on his face seemed to scream out at me to run my hands through it and over it.

I didn't of course.

Oh, but I want to.

Snapping out of my daze, I followed him into the kitchen where I saw the girls were already at, filling their plates up with the pasta. A bowl of salad sat in the middle of the island and Kat was helping herself to a big portion.

"Wow, Liam. This all looks amazing."

"It's nothing special. Just spaghetti and meatballs. But it's about the one thing I can make."

"Don't play this down. It's an amazing gesture." Liam locked eyes on me, his stare unwavering. My pulse quickened as my heart stuttered, and I wondered how a simple stare could make my body react so strongly.

After dinner, we all decided to start a fire outback and sit in the chairs facing the lake. Savannah, Kat, and I scooted our chairs closer as we shared a blanket in the cool October evening. Liam kneeled as he started the fire. The wild flames soon began to roar to life, crackling and popping in front of us.

As he stood up, the light from the flames highlighted his face, and I found myself staring. He caught my eyes, and a slow smirk lifted the corner of his mouth. He wiped his palms on his pants and turned to face the lake. Savannah and Kat were quietly talking, but I couldn't be sure of what as I silently watched him standing there with his hands in his pockets and shoulders relaxed. He looked so at peace in that moment.

He turned back to face me, our eyes locking in an unspoken understanding.

He feels it too. Those summers from long ago.

Clearing his throat, he nodded in the direction of the cabin. "I'm gonna head in and give you guys some time alone."

"You don't--"

"Thanks Liam, that's totally needed." Kat glanced over at me, interrupting my objection.

I gave him a tight smile as he walked back toward the cabin. Turning to Kat, I lightly nudged her.

"What the heck was that? He's been nothing but kind to us, and you're being a bit of a turd."

She chuckled, looking over her shoulder before glancing back at me.

"You've got the look, Maddie."

"Mmhmm, totally do." Savannah agreed. "Though, I cannot blame you."

"The look? What the heck does that mean?"

"You know. The look." Kat emphasized, batting her eyelashes and making a kissy face.

I shoved her in the shoulder, shaking my head. "Oh my gosh. I do not have any kind of look. Especially like that." I laughed, poking her cheek.

"Girl, you are in denial. I'm not sure what is going on with you two, but there's definitely something brewing."

"Come on, Kat. You know better than anyone. Liam was my best friend. I cared for him. That's not something you can just turn off. Especially when he's acting like the guy I used to know. But nothing is going on. I mean, I can't even call him a friend. This is the first day where we've actually been able to stand one another."

Both Savannah and Kat shared in their own "look." I was getting oddly tired of those.

"Maddie, no one is blaming you for caring about Liam. We know he was a big part of your past." Savannah said, reaching over to touch my hand.

"And you're right, he's been nothing but amazing tonight, despite my reluctance to him. We just want you to be careful. I don't want you to get hurt." Kat added, placing her hand on top of mine and Savannah's.

"I hear you guys. But you have nothing to worry about. Like I said, I'm not giving anyone any look. I'm just doing what you proposed. I'm taking advantage of this weekend and moving forward." I placed my other hand on top of our hand sandwich and smiled. "I'm lucky to have you guys."

"Well duh!" Kat joked, causing me to laugh.

We changed the subject and talked about things back in South Carolina for Kat and her boyfriend. Apparently, they were closer than ever, and things were going really good for her at her new job as a yoga instructor. I was so happy for her, and Savannah too as she started gushing about Josh.

"You know, you girls could have brought your men on this trip. I wouldn't have minded."

"Chase couldn't get off work. He has a Saturday shift. But he told me to wish you Happy Birthday." Kat smiled, pulling the blanket further up to her neck.

"Yeah, and Josh had his nephew's birthday party to go to. But I know he would have loved to be here. What about Aaron? When is he supposed to get here?"

"He should be here soon." I said, pulling my phone out to check the time. "He had a late class he couldn't get out of because of a test. But he's definitely missing out. It's only our first night and I already don't want to leave. The only thing that would make this better is some wine. You girls want some?"

"Yes!" They both said in unison as they nodded in agreement. I chuckled, throwing the blanket off my lap and standing up.

"Be right back."

Once inside, I made my way to the kitchen to grab one of the bottles of wine we had brought for our trip. Nearing the room, the sight in front of me had me pausing at the entrance way.

Liam's back was toward me as he loaded the last plate into the dishwasher and started it up. I pinched myself just to make sure I wasn't sleeping.

"Ouch!"

Oops, too hard.

Liam spun around, raising an eyebrow as he looked down at the arm I was now rubbing.

"Um, everything okay?"

"I don't know, is it?"

His eyebrows scrunched together as he quirked his lips to the side. "I'm not following."

"Well, you cooked and now you're in here cleaning." I explained, walking closer to him. I reached out, poking parts of his chest. He looked down at my finger assaulting his hard frame before looking back up at me with amusement in his eyes.

"May I ask what you are doing?"

"Oh, just checking to see if you're really you and not some robot."

He threw his head back and laughed; the sound of it struck me immobile as my finger froze in its' attack. I peered up at him watching the way his eyes were lit up as he looked down at me, still grinning from his previous amusement.

I swallowed back strong emotions as they fought to break through the walls I had put up with a lock that read Liam's doing. It had been so long since I had heard that laugh and the shock of it nearly took my breath away.

I regained my composure, pulling my finger away upon clearing my throat, and walked around him, heading for the wine.

The now very much needed wine.

I felt Liam's eyes on me as I grabbed three glasses from the cabinets. Turning around to place them on the counter, I startled when Liam was suddenly standing next to me, his body heat igniting my own. I ignored him as I attempted to pull the cork from the previously opened bottle.

Okay, I attempted to ignore him.

Why can't I get this dang cork!

From my peripheral vision, I saw him cover his mouth, hiding a snicker. Still struggling with yanking the cork out, I turned to him in frustration.

"What!?"

He held his hands out, still fighting a grin. "Nothing."

Rolling my eyes, I went back to the task at hand.

Oh my gosh, come out already!

Liam, doing a lousy job at covering his laugh, had me blowing a strand of hair out of my face and turning to face him with a huff.

"Okay, seriously, what?"

"Oh, nothing. Just wondering if your plan is to drink that?"

Looking to the bottle and then to him, I rolled my eyes again in obvious annoyance. "Well, duh. What's it look like?"

"That you're trying to uncork the wine by just yanking on it?"

I looked down at the offending bottle in my hand and the small amount of cork squeezed between my two fingers that I had, indeed, been trying to yank out. I squeezed my eyes shut in utter embarrassment as I realized my mind may have been elsewhere during my ridiculous struggle.

Warm hands covered mine as Liam gently pried the bottle from my hands, causing my eyes to snap open and face him. His eyes darted across my face as any playfulness left him, replaced by a certain seriousness that held me captive.

"Here. Let me." He gently took the bottle, setting it down and walked toward the cabinets where he grabbed a corkscrew. He inserted it into the cork and twisted, pulling it out. Then, he grabbed the three glasses, carefully pouring us our drinks.

"Thank you."

He slid my glass over to me, meeting my eyes. "You're welcome."

I picked up my glass and took a drink.

And then another.

And another.

Liam's eyebrows shot up as I gulped the last sip of the wine he had poured. I set my glass down, stepping closer to him to reach the bottle and pour me another glass. His eyes stayed trained on me the entire time, and I looked up and shrugged.

"What? I was thirsty. Plus, wine portions are really ridiculous." I picked up my glass, preparing to take another sip. "I mean, why have a glass only filled halfway when there's all this other space to fill?" I asked, lifting my glass in the air to show it off, only to unintentionally spill half of it down Liam's bottom portion of his shirt and pants.

I quickly slammed my hand over my mouth as I set my now "properly proportioned" wine glass down on the counter. Liam's hands were palm up in the air as he looked down at his shirt. He grabbed the bottom of it, holding it out, and slowly peered up at me.

"This has become quite the habit." His lips twisted to the side, and I fought back a laugh.

"I'm so sorry! I promise, this isn't intentional." I rushed to the sink, grabbing a dish towel and wetting it before walking back to Liam. "Let me try to get this out. I don't want it to stain." I hurriedly said, as I pressed down on the shirt with the towel several times before rubbing it. Not wanting him to feel sticky, I lifted his shirt and swiped the towel across the bottom of his abdomen.

"Maddie--"

"Seriously, I don't know what is wrong with me." Pressing the wet cloth repeatedly to the top of his pants now and rubbing, I began soaking the material to limit the stain. "Although, you have to admit, it is kind of funny--"

"Maddie--"

"--how this keeps happening. Maybe it's your fault."

"Maddie!" Liam's forceful grab of my wrist had me freezing as I met his eyes.

"What? I'm only kidding." 

"Unless you plan on finishing what you started, I suggest you quit rubbing." His voice was strained as his jaw clenched.

My eyes widened, the rag slipping from my fingertips in the same moment. The material of his joggers now the only barrier between my hand and what I realized to be his ever growing hard on, as my palm rested at his base.

The realization of what I had begun to touch caused a small, traitorous moan to slip past my lips, surprising both myself and Liam. His body tensed, his grip on my wrist tightening as he pressed my palm harder into him. My eyes snapped up only to meet his darkened ones.

He continued to hold my wrist in place, neither of us moving an inch. His penetrating stare held my own waiting to see what would happen next, almost as if daring me to make a move. Beneath my palm, I could feel his erection grow, causing my eyes to flutter closed as I worked to steady my breathing. This moment was so charged, I could practically see the ions floating in the air between us.

The sound of footsteps approaching seemed to kickstart my brain cells and had me yanking my hand from Liam's grip, practically jumping back as Aaron's voice floated through the air. I quickly turned away from Liam, unable to face him and what just happened. I heard his movements behind me as he cleared his throat and stepped around me, greeting Aaron who had just walked into the kitchen.

Unable to meet Aaron's eyes just yet, I busied myself with pouring more wine, filling my cup back to the brim and carefully taking a sip.

"There's the soon to be Birthday girl. I'm sorry I'm just now getting out here. How's it been so far?" Aaron asked, stepping toward me.

Willing myself to look up at him, I smiled. "It's been...fun. I was just getting some wine for me and the girls. We're out by the fire if you want to join us."

I felt Liam's stare on me, but I forced myself to avoid looking at him as Aaron kissed the side of my head. "Yeah, sounds great. But can I talk to you for a second first?" He asked, smiling down at me before looking up at Liam. "Do you mind?"

"No, it's fine. I was just going to jump in the shower anyway. Things got a little...wet." His verbiage had my heart skipping beats as I peered up at him, meeting his electric eyes. He held out his shirt to Aaron, giving me one last look as he left the room.

If I had to guess, it was the exact look Kat and Savannah were talking about.

Well, damnit.

👀👀