Free Alone with Liam by Jessica Jarman Page B

luck. The phone was out. Not surprising with the weather. Damn it. She replaced the receiver and returned to sit on the bed. What else could possibly go wrong?
    Suddenly, the lights went out.
    “Had to think that, didn’t ya?” she muttered in the darkness.
    A knock sounded just as she was feeling her way toward the door.
    “Erin, you okay?” Liam called.
    “I’m fine. Hold on a sec.” She fumbled for the knob and pulled the door open. He stood, flashlight in hand, a wry smile curving his lips.
    “What luck, huh?” she muttered.
    He chuckled. “I’ve got a fire going. With this wind and no power, the bedrooms are going to be wicked cold soon. You’ll be more comfortable out there.”
    She gave a nod and scooted past him. He followed her into the living room. The fire flickered and cast the room in shadows and light.
    “Cozy, huh?” he joked. “I’m going to go grab some more firewood from the shed. Don’t know how long we’ll be without power; we might as well stay warm.”
    “Sounds good,” she murmured. “Do you need help?”
    “Nah, got it covered. Just relax.”
    Erin stared into the flames and listened as Liam bundled up and went out the back door. Nervousness caused her fingers to tremble as she swept her hair away from her face.
    She’d avoided him since that night. Had been so careful never to find herself alone with him since she’d taken their friendship and effectively ruined it. Humiliation filled her at the memory. She should have never come onto him; it made it difficult to just be friends. Though even that hadn’t exactly been easy. On her end, anyway. Only Penny knew how nervous and flustered Liam made her. In fact, it had been Penny who’d urged her to take a chance on him.
    Go talk to him, Erin. Seriously, I’ve seen him look at you. He’s interested. Make your move. It’s better than sitting and wondering.
    Only it wasn’t better. Not only had she made a fool of herself, she’d lost a good friend in the process. She should have just left things the way they were. Giving herself a mental shake, she decided enough was enough. It was months ago. Surely, the two of them could be around each other without awkwardness.
    “Here we go,” Liam announced, carrying an armful of split logs and stacking them beside the fireplace. Before straightening, he tossed another log in, sending sparks dancing.
    He disappeared briefly to take off his outerwear then settled himself in the armchair.
    “So, why are you here?” Erin resisted smacking her forehead as soon as the words were out of her mouth. So much for avoiding awkwardness. “What I meant,” she hurried to stress, “was this was supposed to be a ladies’ weekend away, so I’m surprised to see you here.”
    Liam laughed. “I was up this way for work, visiting a job site. The same weather that put the kibosh on your weekend would have made for a treacherous drive home. Ryan and I were supposed to do some work on his house tomorrow, so I called to let him know I was stuck. He told me to stay here instead of a hotel.” He shrugged. “And that’s why I’m here.”
    “Well, I wish I’d have gotten Penny’s messages. This sucks.”
    He lifted a dark brow, and the corner of his mouth quirked upward.
    “God, I can’t say anything right, can I?” she groaned. “I meant the drive sucked, and having no power sucks. Not being here with you.”
    “Good to know.” He rose to his feet. “I’m going to go see if I can find us something to drink. Be right back.”
    Well, shit, she kept putting her foot in it, didn’t she? Erin let her head drop to the back of the couch. Damn it all, how was she going to get through this weekend alone with Liam?

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
     
    Liam strolled back into the living room, a bottle of water in each hand. Erin had her head back and her eyes closed. He stood a moment and just looked at her in the glow of the fire. Her golden hair fell to her chin, framing her delicate face. Behind