Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,332

him tighter. I feel Liam lean down and kiss the top of my head, then he rests his cheek there. We slowly sway to Kenny Chesney telling us the love of his life had him from hello. I know the feeling. Liam’s slowly rubbing my back, and I feel my heart shift. In the arms of this man, I can see the future I want, a family, someone to love me. I know it could never be Liam, but I realize that’s my dream, I think about Gran and her words to me, “Life is a giant canvas, Allie, and you should throw as much paint on it as you can.” My dream is to have a family, a husband, kids, in-laws. Yes, in-laws. I’ll take all the family I can get, anyway I can get it. It’s just been Gran and me for so long now. Aiden’s family has adopted me into theirs, and I love them dearly, but I want more. Selfish, I know, but it is what it is.

The music changes again back to a fast tempo, and I lift my head to chance a look into Liam’s baby blue eyes. He rests his forehead against mine. “Thank you for the dance, sweetheart,” he whispers. I’m worried he can hear the thunderous beat of my heart. He kisses my forehead, laces his fingers through mine, and directs me through the crowd back toward the booth. Hailey and Aiden are there now, sitting beside one another with fresh drinks for all of us. Liam lifts our entwined hands to his lips and kisses the back of my hand, then places his hand on the small of my back and guides me into the booth.

The four of us continue to sit, laughing and talking. Aiden and Liam keep us supplied with drinks. Liam’s still sitting next to me with his arm draped over the back of the booth. He’s lazily making circles on my shoulder. He’s driving me insane. The attraction I feel for him is like nothing I’ve ever felt. It scares the shit out of me. Liam isn’t exactly what you would call a player, but Hailey has told me multiple times he doesn’t date and is never serious about anyone. Football is his life. As much as I want the college experience, I also want the love and connection. One-night stands and hookups aren’t my thing, and never will be. I want more. Dancing with Liam tonight confirmed that for me. I can never be a hookup for him, and he can never be committed to anyone. I know nothing will go beyond innocent flirting, no matter how sexy he is. I’ve just confirmed to myself, I’m an all or nothing girl, and I vow to stay true to that.

“I need the ladies’ room,” Hailey announces. “Allison, come with me?”

I nod my head as Liam and Aiden let us out of the booth. Aiden looks at both of us. “Be careful, if you aren’t back in ten minutes, I’m coming to look for you.” I try to focus on what he’s saying, I really do, but Liam has his hand on the small of my back again as we were waiting for Aiden to finish lecturing us on safety.

Hailey winks at them and pulls me away to the ladies’ room. Once inside she smiles at me. “My brother’s into you.”

I feel my face flush. “He’s just being friendly,” I manage to reply.

Hailey giggles, we’re definitely feeling the drinks. “He’s different with you.”

I shrug. “Let’s do our business and get out of here. I don’t want Aiden coming to hunt us down.”

As we exit the ladies’ room, “Country Girl” by Luke Bryan comes blaring through the sound system, so that’s exactly what we do all the way back to the guys. Once we reach our booth, we continue doing what Luke asks us to, and continue our onset of shaking and grooving. I watch as Aiden and Liam stand up from the table. I’m excited thinking they’re going to join us on the dance floor. Before I realize what is happening, Aiden has me by the waist and is leading me to the exit. I look back to see Liam following with an angry expression, pulling Hailey with him.

“Hey! We aren’t ready to leave,” Hailey slurs.

“Too damn bad,” Liam growls and pulls her tight against him. “We need to get you two home, so that you can sober up.”

Aiden helps me into the passenger seat of my