Penelope's POV
"If that's why I can't let go completely." I look down at my feet, scuffing through the fallen leaves with the toe of my shoe."Maybe I need to know what else is out there before I can appreciate what we have."
The suggestion is loaded with implications neither of us wants to examine too closely as Liam takes a step back.
"Are you asking for permission to sleep with other people?" Liam's tone remains carefully neutral, but his shoulders tense.
"I don't know what I'm asking for." Frustration bleeds into my voice as I throw my hands up. "I just know I feel like I'm stuck between who I used to be and who I'm trying to become. And I don't want to hurt you while I figure it out."
Liam drops my hands, running his own through his hair, his movement sharp and agitated.
"Okay. L
