Liam told himself he was over Ryan. He almost believed it — right up until Ryan walked into the wedding reception wearing the same easy confidence that had wrecked Liam the first time around.
Three years ago, Ryan couldn’t commit. Liam paid the price. He’s not interested in paying it again.
Except Ryan isn’t acting like the man Liam remembers. He’s showing up. Slowing down. Choosing connection over easy physical gratification, which Liam did not see coming and cannot stop thinking about.
Day by day, the walls come down. Day by day, Liam finds more reasons to stay — and fewer reasons to run.
He knows trusting Ryan is a risk. He also knows that playing it safe has kept him alone for a decade.
Sometimes the only way forward is straight through the thing that scared you most.