Liam parked his truck in the alleyway beside The Anchor & Bean, turning off the ignition as the coastal wind rattled the coffee shop’s sign.
Instead of just walking her to the street door, he unbuckled his seatbelt and climbed out, meeting her at the base of the wooden staircase leading to her apartment.
“Mind if I come up for a minute?” Liam asked, offering a warm arm to steady her on the steps. “Make sure you actually rest instead of trying to clean the kitchen?”
Leah smiled, the gentle humor in his voice cutting through her lingering exhaustion. “If you’re coming up, you’re helping me carry my bag.”
Inside, the small apartment was cozy and warm, filled with the soft aroma of roasted espresso beans rising through the floorboards. Leah set her keys down and insisted on making a fresh
