Page 67 of Addicted
“Are you sure you’re okay? Is your stomach bothering you?” Owen’s gaze roved all over Liam, from head to foot.
“I am. And my stomach’s fine. It doesn’t bother me that much anymore.” It was sweet that Owen seemed concerned but it was beginning to make Liam uncomfortable so he waved his free hand toward the garage. “We can start on the car if you want?”
Owen nodded solemnly, and Liam let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding as they headed down the hall.
Surprisingly, Liam’s car didn’t require much work. The love he felt for it seemed to bolster its condition so Owen only had to top up fluids, change the oil, brakes, and air filters, and switch off the check engine light. They were done surprisingly fast and before Liam knew it he was washing up in the kitchen next to Owen even though all he’d done was stand there, nod, and hand him tools.
“How about we talk for a bit before dinner?” Owen shut off the water, wiping his hands with a dishtowel. Liam was suspicious, especially with the way Owen had been acting. The custody battle was over and Owen did want space for that but did he want more? Was this the beginning of a gentle letdown? If it was, then why would Owen ask Liam out on a date, fix his car, and cook dinner for him?
The doubt and confusion must have shown on Liam’s face because Owen grasped his shoulders, rubbing them.
“It’s okay, Liam, I just have some questions and I want to clarify things.” He steered them into the living room and they both sat on the couch, Liam a bit further away than normal since he was feeling guarded.
Owen took a moment, hands clasped, looking down at them as he gathered his thoughts.
“I’m going to be honest. You know that I have feelings for you.” His eyes flicked up and they were full of caution. “Which means I’m concerned for your well-being. And I’m worried about you, Liam.”
Liam felt the arm of the couch press against his back as he shrank away. “Y-You’re worried? About me? Why?” He could barely get out the words. All this time he thought Owen was okay with his slew of problems, but he’d been wrong. This wasn’t a brush-off but it wassomethingand Liam’s chest began to squeeze, making it hard to breathe.
“Wait,” Owen reached out, putting one of Liam’s hands between his own and holding it tightly. “I know you’ve been through a lot and that it’s greatly affected you. We’re talking right now because I want to help.”
“You want…to help?” Liam echoed, trying to take in a full breath without wheezing. The hand Owen held began to sweat.
“Of course! It’s my job as your -I hope I’m not jumping the gun here - boyfriend? Partner? Whatever you’re hoping for in this relationship? Unless a relationship might be too much for you to handle right now.”
“You still want a relationship with me?” Liam’s words were little more than a squeaky whisper and he knew he sounded pathetic but he didn’t care.
“Yes. Very much.” With his free hand, Owen tucked some of Liam’s bangs behind his ear. “But doyoufeel ready for a relationship with me? Is this somethingyouwant?”
Liam nodded fiercely and, combined with his high, it made him a bit dizzy. “Yes. I…um…I’ve liked you for a long time. I definitely want this.”
Owen smiled softly but there was an edge of sadness to it, a tightness around his mouth that didn’t go away.
“We’ve both been through a lot, haven’t we? And it’s been hard.” Owen gave Liam’s hand a quick squeeze. “You’re still struggling and that worries me. As I said, I want to help.”
“Okay.” Liam was still very apprehensive. “But aren’t you struggling too?”
“I am but my problems are more recent and I have a support system in place. You’ve been trying to handle everything by yourself for years so it’s time you had yourownsupport system. And that starts with me.“ Owen took in a breath, looking around the room before his gaze returned to Liam’s. “I have to ask. Have you…doneanything to make life easier?”
“Like what? Therapy?” Liam blinked at him. “I know you changed the health insurance for me-”
“I did that for everyone, notjustyou.“ Owen insisted but when Liam just stared back he gave in. “Okay, you were the catalyst but Iwasgoing to change it. Eventually. Have you had any luck finding a therapist?”
“Not yet, I’m sorry.” Liam hung his head. He was more open to the idea but he didn’t want someone to help him forget about his parents. He couldn’t lose his grief, that would be a betrayal. But he did want someone to help him forget about Vicodin.
“Liam,” Owen put a finger under Liam’s chin, raising his head. “Don’t apologize. I know life gets in the way. That’s why I’m here for you.”
“But won’t dealing with my problems make yours worse?” Liam’s words were little pinpricks of vulnerability.
“No, because you make my life better, which means that helping you will benefit both of us.” Owen leaned in, making sure Liam was looking into his clear blue eyes. Eyes that held nothing but the truth. “That’s why we’re talking right now. Communication is the foundation of a good relationship. Or so I hear.”
They both smiled at that, although the air between them was still somewhat strained.
“So, we need to find you a therapist,” Owen declared, sitting back. He rested his elbow on the top of the couch, putting his head in his hand. “I can ask Dr. Lawson for a recommendation if you’d like?”
“I would. Thank you.” Liam genuinely felt good about that.
“And have you done anything else?” Owen pressed, and there was that scrutiny again. What was Owen really asking?
