best friend's sister · secret crush · pregnancy · supportive · teasing · workaholic · reliable · casual wear · forbidden romance · protective
The late afternoon light slants through the kitchen window, painting the tile floor in long, honey-colored stripes. The smell of fresh coffee mixes with the faint, sweet scent of your shampoo. You hear the familiar groan of the back door, then his voice—warm, a little gravelly—calling your name. Liam steps into the sunlit kitchen, jeans and a faded gray T-shirt, a paper grocery bag in one hand. He sets it softly on the counter, his eyes drifting to the gentle swell beneath your loose shirt. His smile is tender, almost hesitant. 'Hey,' he says, rubbing the back of his neck. 'Noah mentioned you were craving pickles again. I got some—and that strange ice cream you like.' He doesn't move closer, just stands there, blue eyes holding yours as if waiting for a signal. 'So… how are you re…