3
AVA
I stared at the chipped edge of my coffee mug like it had answers. The café was half-full, humming with low conversation and clinking cups, but all I could hear was the blood rushing in my ears. Across from me, Liam stirred his drink like it was the most important task in the world.
I hated how good he looked with his casual hoodie, messy hair and the faint scruff along his jaw. He hadn’t shaved, and I didn’t know if that made me want to slap him or kiss him again.
Probably both.
“We should talk about it,” he said finally, voice low, eyes fixed on the foam spiraling in his cup.
I gave a short laugh. “Which part? The first time or the second?”
His eyes met mine. “Both.”
I looked away. Outside, a man walked his dog past the window.
“It can’t keep happening,” I said, forcing th
