Liam cackled. “He probably thinks I’m awesome!”
“He’s a huge fan of your books,” Jude told him. “He showed me a few. Told me about them.”
“Yay! I have a fan.”
Jude shook his head. “I looked you up after he left. You have more than one fan. You’re very popular.”
Liam shrugged. He was always so embarrassed when someone mentioned his books or being a fan. He never knew how to respond. Liam wrote because he loved the stories. In his own heart and mind, he questioned if they were good enough, if the books really meant something to someone. He was just a simple man who loved sharing the worlds that called to him.
“I think you’re blushing,” Jude said.
“It’s…” Liam didn’t have the words, even as a writer to explain it. “Hard to explain.”
“You don’t have to,” Jude replied. “I bought the first book in the series.”
“Are you going to read it?” Did Liam want Jude to read the books? If he hated them, it would be so embarrassing.
“Already started it,” Jude responded. “I had a hard time putting it down. It’s very good.”
“Yeah?” That was a relief.
“You painted quite the picture,” Jude said. “It was obvious to me that you understood the little mindset very well.”
“Thanks.”
“I mean it,” Jude told him. “Sam tried to explain it to me multiple times. As I shared why I liked the Daddy side. Neither of us were ever able to get the words together right. You helped me not only understand myself more but Sam as well.” He gave a short laugh. “I feel like I should thank you.”
Jude’s words were better than any review he’d read. Jude got it. Got him. It was just a shame that Jude wasn’t ready to try again. Friends. Liam needed to concentrate on being friends with Jude. “Friends don’t need to say thank you.”
“And we are friends,” Jude said. “Friends should talk.”
“And play. Make sandcastles. Drink lemonade,” Liam offered.
Jude narrowed his eyes.
“Or talk.” They could talk. “What do you want to talk about, friend? Oh! And you can’t be mybestfriend. Nicky has already claimed that title. He’s very possessive.”
“I’ll try not to steal his spot,” Jude promised.
“See, that’s a good start to a friendship.” Liam approved.
“Law said I should tell you about Sam,” Jude said quietly.
“I would love to hear about him,” Liam replied sincerely.
Jude nodded.
“When you’re ready. Only when you are ready. Just know that I’m here to listen. That I want to know all about Sam.”
“I’ll try,” Jude said with a smile. “I want to try.”
Liam squeezed Jude’s fingers tight. They would try together.
Chapter Eleven
Jude
“What do you think?” Law asked as he rocked back on his heels. He leaned against his desk as he stared at Jude. Like he was really interested in Jude’s opinion.
