Begin Again novel Chapter 14

Liam's night wasn't about to get any better. He found Laura waiting in his living room.

"What are you doing here?" He demanded as he dumped his messenger bag on the couch and threw off his jacket. He was planning to go over the dozens of reports waiting for him and prepare for an out of town meeting.

"I missed you, Li." She pouted as she pranced to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his back.

They were ‘on’ again it seemed, Liam thought. After being ‘over’ for four months. He couldn't remember what ticked her off the last time. But he was pretty sure it was his fault. It was always his fault.

"I have to work tonight," Liam pushed her hands away and turned to the stairs. He had to be upfront with her; there could be no misunderstandings and unnecessary expectations. "I have to work every night from now. If you thought I didn't have time for you before, I sure as hell won't have any now."

"I know," she cried as she ran after him, her blond curls bouncing all over the place.

He paused and stared at her. She pushed him against the railing and kissed him. He kissed her back, frowning when he felt nothing. No warmth. No excitement.

"Mr CEO," she purred as she unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged it off. She jumped in his arms, and he held her, remembering another body he'd held so closely just a few weeks before, the feel of her legs when they wrapped around his waist, and the way her glasses had fogged up when they kissed as he’d laid her down on his bed.

"Fuck!" He grunted and closed his eyes, trying to banish all thoughts of Eden.

Laura read his frustration as excitement and kissed him harder as they made their way to his bedroom.

Liam stripped off the remainder of his clothes and slipped into the shower. Laura was in there in a flash and on her knees, sucking and touching him. But she gave up when he remained as flaccid as a dead fish even after she brought out every trick from her naughty playbook.

"What's wrong?" She asked, searching his face, sadness and confusion swimming in her eyes.

Liam held her close, wishing he could tell her something, anything. But he was just as stunned. It's never happened before.

"Don't you want me anymore?" Laura asked in a small voice.

That wasn't true. He wanted her. He would gladly take her. If only his body would come to the party. The mind was willing. He just wasn't sure why the body wasn't.