Chapter 34 Bossy
Ava Reed
I heard him before I saw him.
The heavy footsteps. The sharp exhale, like he was barely holding it together.
"Ava."
I took another slow sip of my drink, barely glancing up.
"Hey, hockey star," I said lightly, like I wasn’t fully aware of what was happening
Liam looked like a storm. Hair disheveled, still in his practice gear, eyes burning with something dangerous as he loomed over me.
My friend, Emma, glanced between us, sensing the tension. "Uh, you should go…”
"I’m sorry," Liam said, eyes locked on me.
“Anytime” she smiled at me, before shooting me a look and muttering something about not wanting to be here when the sexual tension explodes.
Liam didn’t move until I was on my feet.
Then, without a single word, he picked my bag, grabbed my wrist and started dragging me toward the door.
I raised a brow but let him.
"What, no charming pickup line first?" I teased.
"Get in the car, Snowflakes." His jaw clenched.
"Bossy," I muttered, sliding into the passenger seat as he slammed the door shut behind me.
The silence stretched between us as he started the car, knuckles white on the wheel, every muscle in his body coiled tight.
I could feel it, the tension and frustration. The way he was barely holding himself together.
And I knew exactly why.
But I wasn’t going to make it easy for him.
Not when this was way too fun to watch.
He drove fast. Not reckless, but with purpose, like he had one goal and it was getting me alone.
When we pulled into the driveway, he killed the engine, then turned to me, breathing hard.
“Ava, I swear, I had nothing to do with that bullshit Mia pulled.” He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “And the way she was acting at practice today? I fucking lost it. I shut that shit down in front of everyone.”
I just sat there, watching him, my lips pressing together to stop myself from laughing.
“I should’ve seen it coming,” he muttered. “I should’ve known she’d try something. But I was too focused on…” His eyes snapped to mine, his throat bobbing. “I was too focused on you.”
My chest squeezed at that, but I stayed quiet, waiting.
He sighed, gripping the steering wheel like he was trying to keep himself from grabbing me instead. I wouldn’t mind for a second
“I just need you to know, okay? I need you to know that I’d never lie to you about something like this.”
I let out a small hum, pretending to consider.
Liam frowned, his voice dropping lower. “Ava”
“You done?” I tilted my head.
“I…” He hesitated.
"Say something," he muttered after I let the silence sink in again
"About what?" I blinked.
"You know what." His nostrils flared. “About everything”
I sighed dramatically, shifting in my seat like I had all the time in the world.
"I mean, I did see the news"
"Ava" he’s grip tightened on the wheel.
“But, Captain,” I said, finally letting the smirk pull at my lips, “if you’d shut your beautiful mouth for a second, you’d have known that I didn’t believe the news.”
Liam froze.
"And I have to say," I continued, fighting a smirk, "Mia really embarrassed herself, huh?"
I tilted my head, pretending to be deep in thought. "I mean, imagine throwing yourself at a guy in front of cameras, thinking he’d take you back. Damn”
"Ava." Liam exhaled sharply.
I ignored him.
"Only for him to publicly reject you and announce he likes someone else." I whistled low. "That’s gotta sting."
Liam ran a hand down his face, then turned to fully face me, eyes dark. "You don’t believe it?"
I snorted. "Please. I was there, Liam. I saw you walk away. And I know that look on your face when you’re pissed."
"She was never even a threat, was she?" I leaned closer, grinning.
Liam’s jaw ticked.
Then he laughed, low and dangerous.
And just like that, the air in the car shifted.
His hand shot out, curling around the back of my neck, tilting my face just enough for me to feel the warmth of his breath.
"You think this is funny, don’t you?" His voice was low, dark with something that sent heat pooling in my stomach.
"A little." I smiled sweetly.
Liam hummed, running his thumb along the side of my throat.
"Perks of living with a hockey star," I added with a wink.
That was his breaking point.
Liam snapped.
His mouth crashed into mine, all teeth and heat and frustration. His hand fisted in my hair, the other gripping my waist, dragging me into him like he was done playing.
I gasped against his lips, but he swallowed it, kissing me harder, groaning as my fingers tangled in his hair, tugging, pulling him closer.
He pulled back just enough to murmur against my lips
"You’re a fucking menace, you know that?"
"And you love it." I grinned.
He didn’t even hesitate.
"Yeah, I do."
Then he kissed me again.
And this time, I didn’t hold back.
But…he loved..? NO! I wouldn’t dare think that