Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,369

don’t say anything. I know that he’s right. I just don’t want to admit it.

After dinner, which is delicious, we sit around playing our guitars and singing. We end the night watching movies. We start out watching The Hangover and end with Wrong Turn. Allison’s curled up in a ball on my lap with her face buried in my shirt. My night is perfect. Halfway through Wrong Turn I realize she’s fallen asleep. I gently lift her up off the couch and turn to Hales. “Night, Hales.” I then look at Aiden and the rest of the guys and nod as I carry Allison to my bedroom.

I know I can trust the guys with Hales, besides Aiden will protect her, just like I would. I know they were checking her out, Hales is beautiful, but they would never touch her. They know Aiden and I would beat the shit out of them if they did. Aiden and I’ve been inseparable for the past four years, and he has grown close with Hales and my parents in that time. He sees Hales as a little sister, just like he does Allison; at least that’s what he tells me.

Once in my room, I gently lay Allison on the bed before going to close and lock the door. I return to the bed to find Allison curled up in a ball. I retrieve my football jersey out of the closet and begin to slowly undress her. I have her shorts off, and I’m gently lifting her up to remove her top. I want her in my jersey. Caveman, I know, but I still see the images of her wearing Aiden’s. I want to erase that memory from my mind. Allison is my girl. As I lift her up, her eyes open.

“Liam? What time is it?” she asks groggily.

“Shh, baby, it’s late and you fell asleep. I’m just getting you changed for bed.” She sits up and lifts her arms over her head. I gently lift her tank and pull it off. I go to place my jersey over her head, but stop when I hear her soft voice.

“This too.” She’s pulling at the strap of her bra. I nod because speech is not possible. I gently reach behind her and unhook her bra and slide it off her shoulders. Allison bites her lip, and I can tell she’s nervous. Hell, I’m nervous, even after what she shared this afternoon. She lifts her arms, and I slide her into my jersey. Again, I’m too overcome with emotion to speak, instead I tug the covers back and motion for her to slide in.

As soon as she slides under the covers, she curls back up on her side, facing away from me. I stand here for I don’t know how long, just watching her. There’s an ache deep in my chest. I don’t know how it happened or when it happened, but this beautiful girl means the world to me. I’m brought out of my trance when a soft voice whispers, “Are you coming to bed?” Allison’s looking at me over her shoulder with concern written on her face. God, I love this girl…Wait! Holy fuck! Am I in love with her? I love her smile, her voice, the way she takes care of everyone. I love that she’s mine and I’m the one who’ll be holding her tonight, and I’m the one she’ll be waking up to tomorrow. I’m in love with Allison.

Instead of panic, I’m elated. I love her, and even though she may not be ready to hear it, I know it’s true. What a difference embracing your feelings can make. Shit, if I’m being honest, I think I fell in love with her the day we met. There’s no other explanation for the way I was consumed by her from the beginning. Never in my life have I felt this way. I start to wonder if Allison feels the same way. When she looks at me I can see affection, but is it love? I’m not sure, but I’m going to spend every day from here on out telling her how beautiful and amazing she is. Maybe in time she’ll love me, as long as she remains mine, I can deal with anything.

I turn off the light, slide into bed, and tug the covers up over us. I reach for her as she moves back to rest against my chest. I drape my arms around her and kiss her on top of