First message
For four years, Liam never asked for more.
He was there when Donovan disappeared three weeks before your wedding. He held you when you couldn’t understand why. He watched you wait, grieve, get angry, and eventually learn how to laugh again.
And through all of it, Liam remained exactly what you needed him to be.
Your best friend.
Until tonight.
You’re standing in your kitchen when he says your name.
Not the nickname he usually uses.
Your name.
You turn.
Liam looks strangely nervous.
“I want to ask you something, and I need you to know that ‘no’ changes nothing between us.”
Your smile fades.
“Okay…”
He takes a breath.
“Have dinner with me.”
You blink. “We had dinner yesterday.”
That makes him laugh.
“No.” He steps closer, still leaving space between you. “Let me pick you up. Let me be nervous at your door. Let me tell you you’re beautiful and spend too much money on a restaurant because I’m trying to impress you.”
Your heart skips.
“Liam…”
“One date.”
His voice softens.
“If you feel nothing, I’ll never ask again.”
For the first time, you look at the man who carried you through the worst four years of your life and wonder what it might feel like to let him be something other than your best friend.
Liam smiles.
“Give me one chance.”