30. Broken Strings

CHAPTER 30

Broken Strings

CALEB

I pushed the mashed potatoes around on my plate, my mind a million miles away. Or more accurately, about ten miles down the road, at Liam's place. I couldn't shake the image of his face when we left the diner, pale and panicked. What the hell had spooked him so badly?

"Caleb?" My mom's voice cut through my thoughts. "Honey, are you okay? You've barely touched your food."

I blinked, looking up to find both my parents watching me with concern. "Yeah, sorry. Just thinking."

Dad raised an eyebrow. "About Liam?"

I felt my cheeks heat up. Was I that transparent? "Maybe," I mumbled, shoving a forkful of potatoes into my mouth to avoid elaborating.

Mom's face softened, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "How's he doing at the ranch? Is he settling in okay?"

I swallowed, grateful for the change of subject. "Yeah, he's doing great, actually. The animals love him, even that ornery old Midnight."

Dad chuckled. "Midnight? I never thought that I would see the day."

"Well, I think it's adorable," Mom said, her eyes twinkling .

I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. It was nice, being able to talk about Liam like this. Like he was a part of my life again, a part of my family.

"So," Dad said, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. "How are things going with you two? You taking it slow like we talked about?"

I sighed, setting down my fork. Leave it to Dad to cut right to the chase. "We're figuring it out," I said carefully. "Taking things day by day, you know?"

Mom reached out, covering my hand with hers. "That's good, honey. After everything you two have been through, it's important to rebuild that trust."

I nodded, grateful for her understanding. "Yeah, we're working on it. It's good, though. Being around him again. Even if it's not always easy."

Dad leaned back in his chair, studying me. "You really care about him, don't you?"

I met his gaze, not backing down. "I do. I always have."

He held my eyes for a long moment, then nodded, seemingly satisfied with what he saw. "Well, just be careful, son. I don't want to see you get hurt again."

"I know, Dad," I said softly. "But I think it's worth the risk. Liam, he's special."

Mom squeezed my hand, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Oh, honey. I'm so happy for you. And I'd love to see Liam again, if he's up for it. It's been far too long."

I felt a smile tugging at my lips. "I'll work on it, Mom. Maybe we could have him over for dinner sometime?"

She beamed at me, and I felt a rush of affection for this amazing woman who'd raised me. Who'd fought so hard to be here, to see me find my way back to happiness.

"That would be wonderful," she said. "Just let me know when, and I'll make all his favorites."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Mom, you don't even know what his favorites are anymore. It's been years. "

She waved a hand dismissively. "Please. A mother never forgets. It's pot roast and apple pie, right?"

I stared at her, dumbfounded. "How did you…?"

She winked at me. "Like I said, a mother never forgets."

Dad cleared his throat, drawing our attention back to him. "Speaking of Liam, didn't you mention something about a fundraiser idea he had?"

I nodded, grateful for the chance to talk about something other than my love life. "Yeah, he thought we could do a big event at the ranch. Games, food, maybe even a concert. Get the whole town involved, you know?"

Mom's eyes lit up. "Oh, that sounds wonderful! We could set up booths in the barn, maybe have a petting zoo for the kids…"

As she launched into planning mode, I felt a warmth spread through my chest. This was nice, seeing her so excited about something. After everything she'd been through with the cancer, it was good to see that spark back in her eyes.

Dad leaned in, his voice low. "You think this fundraiser could really help with the loan situation?"

I shrugged, trying to keep my tone optimistic. "It's worth a shot, right? And even if it doesn't cover everything, it'll at least buy us some time."

He nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "We'll make it work, son. This ranch has been in our family for generations. I'm not about to let it go without a fight."

I reached out, clasping his shoulder. "I know, Dad. We'll figure it out. Together."

After dinner, I headed out to do one last sweep of the ranch. The night air was cool on my skin, a welcome relief after the stuffy warmth of the house. This was my favorite time of day - everything quiet, peaceful. Just me and the land.

I made my way to the kennels, the dogs' excited barks echoing through the stillness. "Alright, alright," I chuckled, grabbing the feed bucket. "I know you're hungry. Hold your horses."

As I was doling out the food, my phone started buzzing in my pocket. I fished it out, frowning at the unknown number on the screen. Normally, I'd let it go to voicemail - not much for talking on the phone if I can help it - but something made me answer.

"Hello?" I said, wedging the phone between my ear and shoulder as I continued feeding the dogs.

"Is this Caleb?" The voice on the other end was vaguely familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.

"Yeah, that's me. Who's this?"

There was a pause, then, "It's Jimmy. Liam's friend."

I froze, my hand halfway to the feed bucket. Jimmy? Why the hell was Liam's best friend calling me?

"Uh, okay," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. "What can I do for you, Jimmy?"

He sighed, and I could hear the worry in his voice. "It's Liam. He needs you right now."

My heart rate kicked up a notch. "What's going on? Is he okay?"

"He's not hurt or anything," Jimmy said quickly. "But look, it's not really my place to say. You should hear it from him. He could really use a friend right now."

I ran a hand through my hair, my mind racing. What the hell was going on? "Yeah, okay. I'll head over there now. Thanks for letting me know."

"No problem," Jimmy said. "And Caleb? Liam doesn't know I called you. So maybe don't mention it?"

I nodded, then remembered he couldn't see me. "Got it. I'll keep it quiet."

After hanging up, I stood there for a moment, trying to process. Liam needed me. But why? And why couldn't he call me himself?

The dogs whined, bringing me back to the present. "Right, sorry guys," I muttered, quickly finishing up with their food.

As I headed back to the house, my mind was whirling.

I took the fastest shower of my life, throwing on the first clean clothes I could find. As I was heading out, I nearly ran into my mom in the hallway.

"Whoa there, speed racer," she said, steadying me. "Where's the fire?"

I hesitated, not sure how much to say. "It's, uh, it's Liam. I think he might need some help with something."

Her eyes softened with understanding. "Go," she said, patting my cheek. "Take care of your boy."

I felt my face heat up at her words. "He's not… we're not…"

She just smiled, shaking her head. "Whatever you say, honey. Just be careful driving, okay?"

I nodded, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading out to my truck.

I pulled up to Liam's place, my heart hammering against my ribs. The porch light was on, casting a warm glow over the front steps. Before I could even get out of the truck, the front door swung open, and Jimmy stepped out.

"Caleb," he said, relief evident in his voice. "Thanks for coming."

I nodded, shoving my hands in my pockets. "No problem. What's going on?"

Jimmy glanced back at the house, his brow furrowed with concern. "It's complicated. Look, I'm going to head to a hotel nearby, give you two some privacy. Just be patient with him, okay? He's going through a lot right now."

I frowned, not liking the sound of that. "Is he okay? Is he hurt or something?"

"Not physically," Jimmy said, shaking his head. "But emotionally? He's pretty messed up. He needs you, Caleb. Even if he doesn't want to admit it."

"Alright," I said, squaring my shoulders. "I'll do what I can."

Jimmy clapped me on the shoulder, a grateful smile on his face. "Thanks, man. I owe you one. "

As he headed off to his car, I made my way into the house. The place was a mess - empty whiskey bottles littered the kitchen counter, papers strewn everywhere. Shit. This was bad.

I headed for the bedroom, my stomach churning with anxiety. What the hell had happened to get Liam this worked up?

I knocked on the door, but there was no answer. After a moment's hesitation, I turned the knob. The room was dark, but I could make out Liam's form sprawled across the bed, a half-empty bottle of whiskey dangling from his hand.

"Ah, hell, Liam," I muttered, moving to his side. I gently shook his shoulder, trying to rouse him. "Come on, buddy. Wake up."

Liam's eyes fluttered open, unfocused and glassy. "Caleb?" he slurred. "What're you doin' here?"

I ignored the question, focusing on getting him vertical. "You need a shower, man. Come on, up you get."

He groaned but let me help him to his feet. "You stayin'?" he asked, his voice small and uncertain.

"Yeah," I said, surprised by how easily the word came. "Yeah, I'm staying."

We stumbled to the bathroom, Liam leaning heavily on me. As I reached to turn on the shower, he grabbed my arm.

"Join me?" he asked, his eyes pleading.

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. "Liam, I don't think that's a good idea. You're drunk, and-"

"Please," he cut me off, his voice cracking. "I don't… I don't want to be alone right now."

Fuck. How was I supposed to say no to that? I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Alright. But just… just to make sure you don't fall and crack your head open, okay?"

He nodded, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. "My hero."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the warmth that spread through my chest at his words. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get you cleaned up, Cinderella."

Somehow, we managed to get undressed and into the shower without any major incidents. The hot water seemed to revive Liam a bit, washing away some of the alcohol-induced haze.

As I was taking care of Liam, I couldn't help but notice how his body had changed over the years. He was more built now, tougher, not like the lanky teenager I once knew. As I wrapped the towel around him, I couldn't tear my eyes away from his muscled arms and broad chest. He looked up at me, his eyes wide and vulnerable, and suddenly, he leaned in and kissed me.

I was surprised, but my body responded instinctively, kissing him back with a hunger that had been buried for years. His lips were warm and soft, but there was an urgency in our kiss that quickly escalated.

"Liam," I murmured against his lips, my hands gripping his wet hair.

"Caleb," he breathed, pulling me closer.

We stumbled into the bathroom, our lips never parting, our hands exploring each other's bodies. The water was still running in the shower, and without a second thought, we stepped in. The hot water cascaded over us, making our skin slick and our movements more desperate.

I pressed Liam against the shower wall, my hands roaming over his muscular body. "God, Liam, you've changed so much," I whispered, my voice rough with desire.

He let out a low moan, his hands gripping my hips. "So have you, Caleb. I missed you."

His words sent a jolt of electricity through me. I kissed him harder, my cock throbbing with need. Despite my growing desire, I hesitated, knowing how much he'd had to drink.

"Liam, you're drunk. Maybe we should take it slow," I said, trying to keep control.

"No," he gasped, shaking his head. "I need this, Caleb. I need to forget. Please, don't be gentle."

I looked into his eyes, seeing the desperation there, and any remaining resistance melted away. "Are you sure?" I asked, wanting to be certain .

"Yes," he moaned. "Fuck, yes."

I turned him around, pressing my body against his, my cock sliding between his cheeks. He gasped, arching his back, and I knew he wanted this as much as I did.

I reached for the soap, lathering it up and using it to prepare him. His moans echoed in the small bathroom, driving me wild. I took my time, making sure he was ready, and then I positioned myself at his entrance.

With a slow, steady push, I entered him, both of us groaning at the sensation. The heat, the tightness, it was almost too much. I gripped his hips, my body trembling with the effort to go slow.

"Caleb," Liam panted, "Please, fuck me."

I didn't need any more encouragement. I started to move, slow at first, then faster as our bodies found a rhythm. The sound of the water, our moans, and the slap of our bodies filled the air. It was raw, primal, and everything I'd ever wanted.

After we both climaxed, I held him close, our bodies trembling with the intensity of our release. We stayed like that for a moment, catching our breath, before I turned off the water and wrapped him in a towel again.

We dried off quickly, the heat between us far from dissipated. I helped him into a clean t-shirt and sweatpants, and he looked up at me with those same vulnerable eyes.

Liam led me to the bedroom, and we climbed into bed, him immediately curling into my side. I wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice already heavy with sleep.

I pressed a kiss to the top of his head, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions I couldn't quite name. "Anytime, Liam. I've got you."

But as much as I wanted to just sleep, Liam's warmth and the closeness of our bodies reignited the fire within me. I looked down at him, his eyes fluttering closed, and I couldn't resist the urge to touch him again. My hand slid down his back, under his shirt, feeling the taut muscles there.

Liam's eyes opened slowly, and he looked up at me with a sleepy smile. "Caleb," he whispered, and there was a question in his eyes.

"Are you too tired?" I asked, my voice husky.

He shook his head. "No. I want you, Caleb. I always want you."

I kissed him deeply, my hand moving lower to cup his ass, pulling him closer. Liam moaned into my mouth, his hands clutching at my shirt.

"Take it off," he murmured, tugging at the fabric.

I pulled back just long enough to strip off my shirt, then helped him out of his. We pressed our bodies together, skin to skin, the heat between us building once more.

Liam's hands were everywhere, exploring, caressing, driving me wild. I rolled us over, pinning him beneath me, my cock hard against his thigh. "Tell me what you want, Liam," I growled, my voice thick with need.

"I want you to fuck me," he replied, his voice breathless. "Hard."

I didn't need any more encouragement. I reached for the lube, slicking up my fingers before pressing one inside him. Liam arched his back, a low moan escaping his lips.

"More," he begged.

I added another finger, stretching him, preparing him. His breath came in short, sharp gasps, his eyes locked on mine. When I finally pulled my fingers out and positioned myself at his entrance, he looked up at me with a mix of desire and trust.

"Ready?" I asked, my voice gentle.

"Yes," he whispered. "Please, Caleb."

I pushed inside him slowly, savoring the tight heat. Liam's hands gripped my shoulders, his nails digging into my skin. I paused once I was fully seated, letting him adjust.

"Fuck, Caleb," he gasped. "You feel so good. "

I started to move, setting a slow, steady pace. Liam's moans filled the room, spurring me on. I leaned down to kiss him, our tongues tangling as I thrust into him harder, deeper.

"Caleb," he panted, "Harder. Please."

I increased my pace, fucking him with everything I had. The bed creaked beneath us, our bodies moving in perfect sync. It was intense, overwhelming, and absolutely perfect.

Liam's moans grew louder, his body tensing beneath me. I reached between us, stroking his cock in time with my thrusts.

"Caleb, I'm close," he warned, his voice strained.

"Me too," I gritted out, my own release building.

With a few more hard thrusts, Liam came, his cock pulsing in my hand. The sight and feel of him coming undone pushed me over the edge, and I followed him into oblivion, my body shuddering with the force of my orgasm.

We collapsed together, panting and sweating, but completely sated. I held him close, pressing a kiss to his temple.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice already heavy with sleep. "For everything."

I smiled, my heart full. "Anytime, Liam. I've got you."

As we lay there, Liam's head resting on my chest, I felt a surge of protectiveness wash over me. This man, who I'd known practically my whole life, who I was falling for all over again was hurting. And I wanted nothing more than to take that pain away.

"Liam," I said softly, running my fingers through his hair. "What's really going on? Talk to me."

He was quiet for a long moment, and I could feel the tension in his body. Finally, he took a deep breath and started to speak.

"I'm Corey King," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The musician. It's me."

"Wow," I breathed. "That's… that's pretty huge, Liam."

He nodded against my chest. "Yeah. And now the vultures are here. In Oakwood. They're looking for me, and I'm terrified they're going to find out."

I tightened my arms around him instinctively. " Vultures?"

"Paparazzi," he clarified. "They've been chasing Corey King for years, trying to figure out who I really am. And now they're here, in our town. If they find out…"

I could hear the fear in his voice, could feel it in the way his body trembled against mine. "Hey," I said, tilting his chin up so he'd look at me. "We'll figure it out, okay? You don't have to face this alone."

His eyes, those beautiful blue eyes that had always been able to see right through me, filled with tears. "There's more," he said, his voice cracking. "My dad he found out somehow. And now he's threatening to go public with it if I don't come back to New York and take over the family business."

I felt a surge of anger on Liam's behalf. "That's fucked up. He can't do that to you."

Liam shrugged, looking defeated. "He can, though. And he will, unless I do what he wants."

I shook my head, determination setting in. "No. We're not going to let that happen. We'll figure this out, Liam. Together."

He looked at me, hope and gratitude shining in his eyes. "Yeah?"

I nodded, pulling him closer. "Yeah. You're not alone in this anymore, okay? I've got you."

We lay there in silence for a while, just holding each other. But there was still something nagging at me, something I needed to address.

"Liam," I said softly. "Can we talk about the drinking?"

I felt him stiffen in my arms, but he didn't pull away. "What about it?"

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I'm worried about you. That's a lot of empty bottles downstairs."

Liam was quiet for a long moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was small and vulnerable. "It's the only way I can cope sometimes. The only way I can forget and not have nightmares at night. "

My heart broke a little at his words. I'd had no idea he was struggling so much.

"No more," I said firmly, but gently. "I'm here now, Liam. I'll help you, okay? We'll find other ways to cope."

He looked up at me, his eyes wide and uncertain. "You'd do that for me?"

I cupped his face in my hands, pouring every ounce of sincerity I could into my words. "I'd do anything for you, Liam. Don't you know that by now?"

And then, because I couldn't help myself, I leaned in and kissed him. It was soft and sweet, a promise sealed with a kiss.

When we pulled apart, Liam's eyes were shining with unshed tears. "Caleb," he whispered.

I smiled, brushing my thumb over his cheek. "You don't have to say anything. Just let me be here for you. Let me help."

He nodded, burying his face in my chest. "Okay," he murmured. "Okay."

As I held him, feeling his breathing even out as he drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed in just one night. Liam was Corey King. The man I'd grown up with, the one I'd been falling for all over again… he was also this incredibly talented, secretly famous musician.

Now that I knew, I could hear it in his voice, see it in the way he carried himself. How had I not noticed before? Corey King's music had always resonated with me in a way I couldn't quite explain. Now I knew why.