“Liam,” my dad says with a smile as Aiden smacks me on the back of the head.
“Ow! What?” I bark at them. They’re both laughing at me.
“Aiden was telling me that the guy who landed Allison in the emergency room broke his arm tonight in the game,” Dad inquires.
I smile and say, “Karma,” as I turn to look at Allison again. The memories of that night rushing back. The night I stopped fighting what I feel for her and made her mine. Best day of my damn life.
I feel a strong hand on my shoulder, and I look over and see it’s my dad with a grin on his face. He nods his head toward the girls and Mom in the kitchen. “I remember when your mom and I first got together, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her either.”
I chuckle. “Dad, you still don’t take your eyes off of her.”
He’s grinning while watching my mom. “She’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
I nod. “I feel the same way about Allison, Dad. I love her with everything in me.”
“I know you do, son, she loves you too. She blurted it out to your mom at the game today.”
I try to control my grin, but it so isn’t happening, not when it comes to Allison. “Any words of wisdom?” I finally ask him.
“Never let a day go by that you don’t tell her what she means to you. Don’t let money or fame or anything else come between you and the ones you love.”
I nod, letting him know I understand. Nothing would ever be more important to me than her.
“I’m proud of you, son, you got a great girl there. Cherish her.”
“Always.”
Instead of driving back to the apartment, we stay at my parents’. Aiden’s staying in the guest room, like he always does, and Allison is trying to tell me she’s going to sleep in Hailey’s room with her. Yeah, not happening.
She’s concerned about disrespecting my parents. I hate to do it, but I finally have to bring Mom into the conversation.
“Mom, please tell Allison she can sleep with me.” I realize how it sounds as soon as I say it. Allison’s face goes red with embarrassment instantly. Aiden, Hailey, and my dad all bust up laughing.
Mom maintains her composure and smiles widely at us. “Allison, you and Liam are both adults and you love each other. We know this isn’t something the two of you take lightly. We’re fine with you sharing a room,” Mom says it much better than I do.
Allison nods, not wanting to discuss the matter any further. We all say goodnight and head off to bed. Once we are in my room, I lock the door to ensure we have privacy. I tug Allison into my arms to kiss her, but she turns her head. “I’m sorry I embarrassed you, but there’s no way I was going to have you sleeping with Hales and me sleep alone just across the hall.”
Allison has yet to look at me, she’s staring at the floor. I gently lift her chin. “I love you so much it kills me to be away from you. You’re the best beginning and end of my day, every damn day.” She’s looking at me, but not saying anything, so I continue. “Falling asleep with you in my arms each night and waking up with you next to me each day…” I shake my head. “You’re everything to me, my world revolves around you, and there’s no way I could’ve gotten any sleep without you in my arms, especially knowing you were across the damn hall with Hailey.” I rest my forehead against hers. “I’m sorry I embarrassed you, but I’m not sorry I fought for you. I’ll always fight for you, for us.” This time when I kiss her she kisses me back.
I lift her in my arms and gently set her on my bed. Without saying a word I lift her arms above her head and gently remove her sweatshirt. The sight of her takes my breath away as always. “Damn,” I murmur. I can’t believe she’s mine. She stands up and lifts my shirt over my head, and then she makes quick work of her jeans. I follow suit, not wanting to miss a moment of what is yet to come. Allison scoots back on the bed and pats the spot beside her. I climb in, lying beside her, my hands instantly travel to her hips, so I can bring her closer. She rests her hand against my cheek.
“Liam...” She’s trying to fight the emotion I can see filling her eyes. I wrap my arms around her and wait patiently for her to collect her thoughts. “You’ve changed my life so much. Thank you for all that you’ve given me. For loving me.” A single tear drips from her beautiful eyes. I kiss it away. “I love you so much,” she murmurs.
I kiss her soft and slow, gently stroking her tongue with mine. Her confession has me choked up, so words aren’t really an option. If the guys thought I was whipped earlier, they should see me now. My man card would be revoked, no questions asked. I kiss her neck, her shoulders, making my way toward her breast, giving both equal attention. I shift, so I’m on top of her and her legs instantly fall open, inviting me in. I lace my fingers with hers and place our arms above her head as I gently enter her. Home. I continue to slowly slide in and out, making love to her. I watch Allison closely as she lies beneath me, eyes closed mouth open. I watch as she arches her back, and I can feel her tighten around me, I know she’s close. “Open your eyes, beautiful girl.” I wait for her to meet my gaze. “I want to watch you fall apart, I want you to see me lose myself inside of you.” I continue my slow deep thrusts until I know we’re right on the brink. “Come for me, beautiful.” She tugs on my hand and places it over her mouth, it’s then she falls apart, and I’m right there with her. I can feel her tighten around me, I can see her love for me in her eyes, and that’s my undoing. I release myself into her. Mine.
I gently remove myself from her and roll onto my side, placing her back tight against my chest. I kiss her shoulder. “I love you, Allison Shay Hagan. I can’t wait to spend forever with you.” Then I fall asleep holding my future.
The next few weeks leading up to Christmas are crazy busy. Aiden and I have three away games in a row, which means time away from Allison. This makes me cranky as fuck, and my teammates and best friend make a point to tell me frequently. Allison takes the opportunity to spend more time with her gran, she would drive up, spend the night, and they would watch the game on TV. I can tell she’s enjoying her time with Gran, so knowing she’s safe and happy eases my temper a little.
Allison and Hailey work it out, so we’ll spend Christmas Eve with Gran and Aiden’s parents, and then Christmas Day with Mom and Dad. Aiden’s parents are going on a cruise and leave Christmas Day. I don’t care either way as long as I get some Allison time. I’m missing my girl.
We arrived at Grans on the twenty-first, and I’m dreading not being able to sleep next to Allison. I’m not sure how Gran will feel about it, so I’ve been building myself up to accept the fact that I’m going to have to fall asleep without her. I’m not looking forward to this. Hales came with us, so I’m sure she’ll be sharing a room with Allison.
Aiden needs to finish his shopping, so he and I venture out to the mall, leaving the girls behind to hang with Gran. They plan on baking, just the thought of that makes my stomach growl. I’m done with my shopping. Hales and I went in together and got Mom and Dad a weekend away at a bed and breakfast. Aiden got a gift card to have his car detailed inside and out, trust me, it needs it. Hales got a gift card to the mall, the way she loves to shop I know this will make her happy. Allison and I bought Aiden’s parents a gift card for a local steak house. For Gran, well, I convinced Allison we should get her a new flat screen TV. She doesn’t leave the house, so I figure this would be a good gift. Hailey agreed. As for Allison, well, let’s just say I did my best to spoil her. I bought her a Coach purse I heard her and Hales talking about. Hales, of course, helped me get the right one. I bought her a diamond heart necklace, because, well, the girl is my heart. I bought her new boots, a couple of outfits, and a day at the spa. Aiden also got this for Hales, so they can go together.