We'll be meeting the rest of the wedding guests, including Chase and Lindsey's families and the hockey team, on the island. The guest list was small as they wanted. So, the only people coming are immediate family and close friends, which includes most of the team.

We were able to get seats for all of us in first class, but each pair of seats is separated by at least a row. The obvious seat pairings were determined by couplings- Tay and T.J., Lins and Chase, and, by default, Liam and me.

With everything going on between Liam and me lately, you'd think I'd be a nervous wreck having to sit next to him in such close quarters for the next four and a half hours. Surprisingly, I'm not. I have this strange feeling of excitement and anticipation coursing through me. I'm anxious to see what will happen between us next.

I'm so wrapped up in my thoughts on the me and Liam situation that I've forgotten somehow that I'm sitting on a plane. Ever since I was young, I've had this irrational fear of travel by plane. Not because I'm afraid the plane will crash, but because I fear taking off and landing.

I'm not sure why. I've just always hated that part. It's so bad that I usually take medication beforehand to help calm my nerves. I pull my bag out from under the seat in front of me, sifting through it to find my meds and my drink from the airport.

Panic starts to settle in as I dig through the bag, unable to find the bottle I need. Oh no! Oh, no, no, no, no! Fuck!

It's not here! I forgot my meds!

I feel my body's reaction as I frantically claw through my bag, hoping to see my pill bottle in the bottom of the bag. I come up empty.

Oh, fuck!

I feel myself starting to hyperventilate. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to remain calm. It doesn't work.

I'm about to have a full-blown panic attack when I feel a strong arm wrap around my shoulders. "Mel, hey. Talk to me. What's going on?"

I inhale a shaky breath and slowly release it. "I don't have my meds. I always take them before a flight. Take off, and landing freaks me out."

My eyes are still tightly closed as I try to focus on my breathing.

In. Out. In. Out.

The tears I've been holding back are threatening to spill over as I hear the pilot overhead. I tune him out and try to focus on anything else.

That's when I hear Liam. "I've got you, Mel. I'm right here. You're not alone. I've got you."

His hold on me tightens, making me feel safe. I suck in a deep breath as he continues repeating his words over and over again. His voice is soft and soothing in my ear as his hands massage my shoulders tenderly.

I barely register the shifting of the plane as it starts to move. I'm zoned into the feeling of the man next to me. I focus on the strength of his arms as they hold me and the silky melody of his voice as he gently talks me through this ordeal.

His words mean so much to me right now. He has no idea how much strength he's lending to me with such a simple act. I concentrate on the tenderness of his words, the tone of his voice, and the heat of his breath as it caresses my skin.

The more I concentrate on Liam, the more relaxed I become. Before I know it, I'm no longer in a state of panic. Instead, I feel calm, peaceful even.

Suddenly, I feel a light pressure on the top of my head as Liam places a kiss in my hair. "Hard part's over, Mel. We're in the air. You did so well. I'm so proud of you."

I hold myself steady in his arms a while longer, relishing in the safety of his embrace. He doesn't seem to mind.

I don't know how I would have done that without him. And I didn't even have to ask. He just stepped up and worked his magic.

Still curled against Liam, I try to keep my voice steady as I find my next words. "Thank you, Liam. I don't think I would have made it through that without you." My voice is barely more than a whisper, but I know he hears me.

He doesn't speak. Instead, he pulls me closer, nuzzling his face on top of my head. I let myself rest against his chest, inhaling his scent as I start to relax further. He smells so good- so intoxicating.

I must have dozed off because the next thing that registers in my mind is Liam gently shaking me awake, asking if I want something to drink as one of the flight attendants inches her way closer to us. Sitting up, I notice Liam still has his arm around me, and I was sleeping on his chest.

We get our drinks from the flight attendant and sit back- each of us now occupying the middle of our own seats. We spend the rest of the flight exchanging quick glances and making polite conversation.

The entire time, I can't help but wish I were still wrapped up in Liam's embrace. He made me feel so safe, so calm, so...

Loved.

I want that again. I need that. And the only person I can think of right now who can give me what I need...

Is Liam. 

Left With Liam (Available through the end of Feb. 2025)Where stories live. Discover now