Page 47 of Landing Liam

“The perfect combo,” she says, clicking her tongue as if it’s obvious.

Her hand is still in mine, and I’m acutely aware of the how her fingers tighten around mine. I clear my throat, trying to focus. “Crackers, chips, and chocolate?”

She tilts her head, considering. “What about sour candy?”

“Sour gummy worms?” I suggest.

Her eyes light up. “Perfect!”

When she finally lets go of my hand, I feel an unexpected pang of loss, but I shake it off as I turn toward the oversized pantry. It’s packed with everything you’d expect and more. I grab a little of everything she mentioned: crackers, chips, pretzels, chocolate, and the holy grail—a bag of sour gummy worms.

“Jackpot,” I whisper, holding up the bag triumphantly.

Maggie grins, her eyes sparkling even in the dim light. “You’re really good at this whole heist thing.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” I tease, tossing her the bag. “You’re an excellent accomplice.”

She catches it with ease, her laughter soft and genuine, and for a moment, the cold and the dark are forgotten.

I load up my arms with our bounty, Maggie still clutching the sour gummy worms. She flashes me a playful grin, and I can’t help but grin back.

“We should head back before someone realizes we’re raiding the kitchen,” I whisper, but I make no move to leave.

Maggie glances around, her eyes falling on the long marble counter in the middle of the room. She leans against it, tearing open the bag of gummy worms. “One for the road,” she jokes, holding one up before popping it into her mouth. Her lips curve into a smile, the kind that lights up her entire face, and I feel my chest tighten.

“You’re enjoying this way too much,” I tell her, setting the rest of the food down and stepping closer.

She tilts her head, a teasing spark in her eyes. “Maybe I just like breaking the rules.”

“That makes two of us,” I murmur, closing the space between us. Her breath hitches, and before I can second-guess myself, I lean in.

Our lips meet in a soft, electric kiss. It’s slow at first, but the moment her hand brushes against my jaw, everything deepens. In this quiet, dimly lit kitchen, nothing else seems to matter.

Chapter Twenty

Liam

Maggie’s hand rests securely in mine as we ascend the dark stairwell. Each step echoes softly in the quiet, but it’s her touch that drowns out the cold and shadows surrounding us. My grin is impossible to suppress, and when we reach the second-floor door, I hold it open for her.

She brushes past me, her arm grazing mine, and whispers a soft, “Thanks.” Her hand slips away, leaving behind a void that feels far too noticeable.

But then, just as I step through the doorway, she turns and reaches for me again, her fingers lacing effortlessly through mine. That simple gesture makes my heart skip a beat, and I swear my smile could rival the glow of the flashlight.

“You’re really good at this whole leading-the-way thing,” Maggie teases as she glances at me.

“Well, I do like the company,” I reply, squeezing her hand lightly.

She rolls her eyes, but there’s a small, soft smile tugging at her lips that tells me she doesn’t mind my comment one bit.

“Come on,” I say, tugging her gently down the hallway. “Let’s get back before the chocolate freezes.”

“Priorities,” she chuckles, falling into step beside me.

Maggie enters first, kicking off her boots and dropping the bag of snacks onto the bed. I follow behind her and lock the door with a soft click. The fire still burns warm and steady in the corner, casting a soft golden glow across the room. It’s inviting, enticing—and way too tempting for two people who just shared a kiss in the lodge kitchen.

“You’re hogging all the good spots,” I tease, nodding toward the bed where she’s already perched, cross-legged, rummaging through the bag.

Maggie tosses a mischievous glance my way, holding up a bag of sour gummy worms. “What can I say? I’m a firm believer in claiming territory early.”