Mel

Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod!

Why did I let myself get so drunk last night?

I curse myself as another sliver of what happened after mojito number seven creeps into my memory. Apparently, Mojito Mel decided to get sloppy and stumble her way to her room, latching on to Liam like a dancer to a pole when he tried to be chivalrous and keep me from falling flat on my face.

Oh no! Why, Mel? Why?

I groan as I step out of the shower, wrapping a towel tightly around myself as I try to remember what else I did last night. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I shake my head. Whatever it was, I just hope I didn't ruin what Liam and I have built between us over the last several months.

I know he stayed in my room last night. When I woke up, I was greeted by a view of his tan face and chiseled jaw as he slept soundly next to me. My eyes nearly leaped out of my skull when I remembered drunkenly asking him to stay with me the night before.

I was mortified as I lay there beside him. Several times, I chastised myself for being so reckless at the bar. With a heavy sigh, I turned my face toward him again. I watched as his chest expanded with every breath he took. He still wore his shirt from the wedding, though the top buttons were undone, allowing me a peek at his sculpted chest.

I studied him as I debated fleeing my room, hoping to find a way to avoid the awkwardness that was sure to follow once he woke up. My mind wandered as my eyes roamed his sleeping form. Fuck, he was beautiful.

The strain of his muscles against his shirt, the contrast of his golden skin against my white sheets, the echoes of strength emanating from his entire body. All of it had me captivated. I soon forgot what I was debating as I allowed myself to stare at him.

Before I knew it, his eyes were open, and I found him looking back at me with a sleepy smile on his face. He told me good morning and asked how I felt. Such a gentleman!

I told him honestly that I felt awful and couldn't remember much from the previous evening. He simply smiled and told me not to worry- that I hadn't done anything too embarrassing.

Not long after, he excused himself back to his room to shower, reminding me that we had a breakfast date with the gang before Chase and Lins disappeared for their honeymoon. There was no awkwardness on his part, nothing to indicate that I made him feel uncomfortable, but I still felt the anxiety sinking into my pores.

The second he left, I started wracking my brain, trying to remember every bit of last night that had become foggy. I hopped in the shower, hoping the steamy water would wash away the haze.

It didn't.

Another groan left my mouth as I bent down, placing my cheek against the counter. I tried to take a calming breath as I let the coolness of the marble seep into my skin. Please, at least tell me I didn't make a move on him while he was trying to sleep. Oh, God! Please, tell me that.

Still- nothing. No memory to confirm that I did or didn't try something while Liam graciously stayed with me after I pitifully begged him in my drunken state.

Ugg.

I was so lost in thought as I dressed that the soft knock on my door nearly made me jump out of my skin. I panicked, thinking it was Liam, worried about how I could face him after last night. But it wasn't Liam standing outside my door; it was Taylor.

She grinned at me as she took in my appearance. "I sent the boys on downstairs. Thought you could use a few extra minutes to get ready."

"Thank you," I told her as we walked toward the elevator.

If she had questions, she was kind enough not to ask. Knowing Tay, she probably already guessed what happened and knew that I was stewing about it.

Maybe that's why she said what she did next. "You're overthinking it."

I quickly looked at her as I leaned against one of the elevator walls.

"Whatever it is. You're overthinking it."

I sighed deeply. "I can't remember, Tay. Everything is so foggy."

Her head tilted to one side as she took in my miserable state. "I'm sure nothing-"

"I asked him to stay last night," I blurted out.

Her eyes widened. "I asked him to stay with me, and he did. But I can't remember if I did anything embarrassing. If I made a move or said anything while I was drunk."

My words were barely a whisper as they came pouring out of me. I couldn't bear to look her in the eyes after that; I felt so ashamed.

She was quiet for a few seconds before moving closer to me, setting a warm hand on my shoulder. "Hey. Mel, look at me."

I did. "Liam is a good guy. I'm sure he stayed because he was worried about leaving you alone in that state. If you said or did anything, he won't hold it against you. And he would never take advantage of you. I know it."

I shake my head. "I'm not worried about him doing anything. I know he'd never... I'm concerned about what I may have done."

She eyed me sympathetically, understanding my worry. "Then, talk to him. Sometime today, when you two have a moment alone. Talk to him. Ask him if you did anything. He'll tell you the truth. You'll feel so much better after that, trust me."

I nodded before pulling her in for a side hug. "Thanks, Tay."

"Any time, babe."

~

Our talk ended just in time for us to reach the main floor as the elevator doors opened in front of us. I sucked in a breath as we walked into the restaurant and immediately spotted our friends.

My gaze quickly locked on Liam as we approached. He smiled at me, giving me butterflies as my feet carried me closer to him. He was relaxed, not the least bit anxious or uncomfortable, as Tay and I greeted everyone. Tay took a seat next to T.J. as I eyed the empty one by Liam.

He stood, pulling out that very seat, offering it to me as I gnawed on my cheek. Nothing about him seemed tense or awkward. It was as if last night never even happened- at least, not the embarrassing parts.

Maybe Tay was right. Maybe there is nothing to worry about.

I still planned on taking her advice. I would talk to Liam about everything later. I still needed to know what, if anything, happened.

~

After breakfast, we all said goodbye to the newlyweds. They were headed to their honeymoon- a ten-day cruise in the Caribbean.

Once we saw them off, we headed back to our rooms to change. We all decided to take it easy today- relax poolside as we let the previous night's excitement wear off.

The four of us rented a cabana and relaxed as the summer sun beamed down around us. Tay and T.J. claimed one of the queen-sized loungers, leaving the other for Liam and me to share.

He smiled at me as he sprawled on one side of the oversized cushion, closing his eyes as he started to relax in the heat surrounding us. I felt my blush as I sat down next to him, trying to leave enough space between us that we wouldn't touch.

A while later, I finally felt the tension start to leave my body as the warmth of summer enveloped me. I sighed as a soft breeze blew in, caressing my skin.

I heard Tay ask T.J. to come with her to the pool for a while. Seconds later, they disappeared. I knew what she was doing. She was giving me time alone with Liam. I knew she was letting me have this so I could do what I needed to. So I could ease my mind about last night.

I took a deep breath before rolling over to face Liam. His head rolled to the side as I did. When I dared to look at him, he was already watching me; a soft smile painted on his lips.

Alright, Mel. It's now or never.

I took one more big breath in. "Can I ask you something?"

He nodded. "Ask away."

I swallowed hard, licking my lips as I tried to work up the courage to say what I needed to. "Uh, last night. Did I say or do anything after, you know... After I asked you to stay?"

His eyes furrowed slightly as he sat up, resting his body on one of his strong forearms. "Did you say or do anything?"

I couldn't look at him. So, I nodded, looking down at my fingers. "Yeah, you know. Anything forward or embarrassing?"

He chuckled lightly, drawing my attention to his mouth. "No, Mel. Nothing happened. You asked me to stay, so I did. I'm glad too. I would have been worried about you getting sick or wandering off alone otherwise."

He paused, eyes still observing me. "And no, nothing forward or embarrassing happened. You passed out as soon as I agreed to stay. And we both stayed on our own sides of the bed. Promise."

Relief flooded over me as I heard the answer I needed. "Thank goodness!"

Liam laughed again as a shy smile crept onto my lips. His deep voice washed over me again, filling me with warmth and peace. "You can relax, Mel. Nothing to worry about. We have a week left here. A week where we can just enjoy life and leave all our worries behind."

My smile grew at the thought. A week left. A week in paradise with one of the most kind, amazing men I've ever met.

I wonder what will happen during this week here in paradise... 

A/N:

Thank you for taking the time to check out Left With Liam. If you are enjoying so far, don't be afraid to vote and/or comment and let me know :)

Every vote and comment helps elevate the story so others will be more likely to find it on Wattpad and hopefully enjoy it as much as you all have. I really enjoy reading your comments and hearing any theories anyone has on what they predict will happen next.

Also, if you want to be kept up to date on the latest book/series news, head over to my Instagram and follow me there. I post teasers daily for future chapters and that is where I will make any pressing announcements as well as post character/book aesthetics. The link is in my bio. :)

I'll be back tomorrow with another chapter!

❤️