Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

Caroline and some of the other girls want to take me out tonight to celebrate the engagement. It’s perfect timing since my friend Sara is in town on business. Her and I have dinner together before we meet the ladies at a club. Liam and some friends are going out for drinks, then they’ll meet us at the club later.
“Wow, Liz, I still can’t believe you and Liam are engaged. I remember when you called and told me about the whole friends with benefits thing.” Sara tells me.
I laugh. “Yes, things have changed a bit since then.”
She laughs. “Which part? The friends? Or the benefits?”
“Well, he’s still my best friend. And there are still lots of benefits, and they happen quite often.” I smirk.
Sara’s eyes get big and she looks curious. “Really? How often?”
I laugh. “A girl shouldn’t kiss and tell.”
Sara sighs. “Come on, I’m between relationships right now. Humor me.”
I laugh. “Alright, only because I trust your discretion. Several times a day.”
Her mouth drops open. “Seriously? Who initiates?”
I smirk. “Both of us.”
“Wow.” Is all Sara can say. “No wonder you look so happy.”
I laugh loudly. Probably too loudly.
“Seriously though Liz, I’m so happy for you. No one deserves this more than you.”
“Thanks, Sara.”

Later at the club we are all having a great time. The girls ask me about wedding plans. I fill them in on what we’ve decided so far. They all think it’s incredibly romantic and a great idea.
I pull Caroline aside to ask her a question. “Would you be my maid of honor, Caroline?” Her eyes fill up with tears. Causing mine to do the same. “Yes, sweetie, I’d be honored.” She says before giving me a big hug
We return to the other girls. Sara points out a gorgeous guy across the room watching us. With a bit of coaxing I convince Sara to go talk to him.
She bravely walks over and talks with him for a bit then returns to us. “How’d it go?” I ask.
“His name is Nathan. He’s a model. And he’s interested in you.” She says with a pout.
“What? I’m sorry Sara.”
She gives me a hug. “It’s not your fault.”
I hate seeing her like this. I make my way over to talk to Nathan the model. He smiles as I walk up to him. He puts his hand out to introduce himself. I take it and politely introduce myself.
“I couldn’t help but notice you across the room, Liz. You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you Nathan, but I’m engaged.” I flash my ring.
He grins. “That’s an engagement ring, not a wedding band.” He winks.
“Look Nathan, you are very handsome.” He is. Tall, dark hair, blue eyes, muscles bursting out of his shirt. He’s got nothing on my Liam though. “However, I am very happily in love with the most handsome, most amazing man in the world. For me, no other men exist. He is my everything.”
“Wow, you literally light up when you talk about him. He’s a very lucky man.”
I blush. “Actually, I’m the lucky one.”
“Alright Liz, I will respect your relationship and back off. I hope we can be friends though.” Nathan says with a hopeful smile.
“Of course we can. By the way, my gorgeous friend Sara is single.” I smile.
Nathan grins. “You know Liz, you could get me to agree to anything with that smile of yours. I will get to know Sara.”
I laugh. “You won’t regret it. She’s amazing.”
Nathan looks across the room then back at me. “Is your fiance by chance coming here? Cause there is a guy heading this way, looking like he wants to kill me.”
I turn just as Liam reaches me. He wraps his arm around my waist and his mouth is on mine. A passionate kiss with tongue, clearly marking his territory. Liam pulls back and I wipe my lipstick from his lips.
Liam gives Nathan a dirty look.
“Liam, this is Nathan. I was just talking to him about Sara.”
Liam smiles. “Oh hey, mate.” And puts out his hand to shake.
I laugh quietly. That’s my Liam.
Nathan shakes Liam’s hand. “Nice to meet you Liam, I’ve heard a lot about you. You are a lucky man.”
Liam smiles and looks at me. “Yes, I am.”
“Excuse me.” Nathan gives me a wink as he heads over to talk to Sara.

Notes