LIAM
I gripped my phone tightly between my fingers, the edges of the smooth device digging into my palm. I was in town, waiting in a bookstore Mark had chosen for us to meet.
The cold winter air seeped into my bones, but I was more irritated by Mark's tardiness than the chill. This was typical Mark – always pushing boundaries, testing patience.
A soft voice apologized behind me, and I turned to see a woman with warm brown eyes scanning the shelves for last-minute gifts. Her gaze met mine, and she smiled before returning to her search.
I nodded, relaxing my tense shoulders, and slipped my hands into my coat pockets. My gaze drifted back to the shelves, and I found myself thinking about Nora.
It wasn't like I was avoiding her, it was more of the fact that I knew I wouldn't be able to re
