Author’s POV

Aria’s small confession played over and over in Liam’s head.

She had been too shy to say it again, her lips sealing up the moment the words escaped her, but it didn’t matter. Those words stayed with him, echoing softly as the night stretched on, Aria curled against his chest, her fingers holding his shirt like she might drift away if she let go.

Liam barely slept.

The rich scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon crept into the room, tugging Aria from sleep. Her ...