Because he was Liam, he curled his fists in a fighting stance and punched at the air, complete with sound effects. I snickered.
“I think you’re right,” I conceded. “I don’t necessarily want to go skiing every weekend now, but I won’t be as freaky about it next time around.”
“Good.” He raised his beer in a toast. “To conquering our fears.”
“I like that. Cheers.” I tapped mine to his, then emptied my glass.
“So…what are your plans today?”
“Well, I’m going to return my brother’s rental equipment and head out.”
“You’re going home?”
“No. My brother and Em are leaving today, but I’ll be here till tomorrow. Or maybe Monday. What about you? Are you going to meet your friends now?”
“I should. I want to see you later, though. Do you want to have dinner?”
“With your friends?”
“No. With me,” he clarified.
I cocked my head and did my best to keep my tone light. “Are you asking me on a date or—”
“Yes.” Liam put his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “I know a great Italian restaurant in town. If you’re interested.”
“Yeah, or you could come over,” someone who sounded like me said. “We brought plenty of food with us. If we don’t use it, I’ll just have to schlep it home with me anyway. I can make pasta…if you’re interested.”
Liam grinned as he tugged at my sleeve. “I am. Very interested. What can I bring?”
“Just yourself.”
“No, I have to bring something. I’ll bring wine. Text me your address.”
“Okay.”
I bit my lip in an effort to control my smile from spreading across my face like wildfire. Thankfully, he missed the show when he glanced at his cell, typing the address of the rental as I recited it. Geez, I needed a diversion before I made a fool of myself. I fiddled with the edges of the cocktail napkin under my glass, then peered into the area beyond the potted plant…and froze.
Jade stood a few feet away with her mouth open in a perfect O of surprise. Her expression faded to neutral so fast, I almost convinced myself I’d imagined it. She looked rattled. I didn’t want this to get weird. Whatever I was feeling for Liam was separate from work. In my mind anyway. But I worked with Jade too, so it was important to tread lightly here.
I waved a greeting and called her name.
“Hi, boys.” She approached the table with a friendly smile, flipping her hair as she turned to me. “I didn’t know you were still here, Drew. Are you going to ski with us?”
“Uh, no. I think I’ve had enough action and adventure for the day. I’m about to head out. Did you guys just get here?” I asked politely.
“About an hour ago. We were looking for Li.” She squeezed his shoulder and fixed him with an unreadable look.
“I texted Colin. I’ll join you after we settle the bill. Where will you be?”
“I’m not sure, but…text me instead of Colin, okay? I want a chance to ski with you on my own too,” she replied in a wistful tone as she stepped aside. “See you in Long Beach, Boss.”
“Bye.”
I thanked the waiter when he dropped off our tab, then signaled for him to wait while I pulled my credit card from my wallet. Liam was faster.
He handed over his card and smiled at me. “I got this.”
“Thank you.” I inclined my head and added, “She seemed…upset.”
Liam furrowed his brow. “She did?”
“Okay, upset might be strong, but she obviously likes you.”
“I like Jade too. She’s cool. But we’re only friends.”
“I don’t think she knows that. Were you…lovers?”
“Once. As in one time only. We had a long talk after the fact and both agreed that our friendship was more important.”
“Hmm. Don’t say anything about…us.” I licked my lips and added, “I’m not assuming you want something from me, but—”
“I want to jump your bones.” He grinned, thanking the waiter when he returned with his card.
I crossed my arms. “Is that right?”
“Yeah, but don’t worry…I can be very discreet. But I’m also honest. I want you and you want me too. Or am I reading this wrong?”
“No, you’re right.”
He set his hand on my knee under the table. “We don’t have to do anything tonight, but it’s gonna happen.”
I chuckled softly, but I didn’t correct him. Why lie? I wanted him. Badly. I wanted his time, his attention, his silly jokes and easy manner, and yeah…I wanted his body on me and inside me.
“Yeah, it’s gonna happen.”
5
Liam
A party was underway in the living room. It was still in its infancy stage. Bottles of tequila, gin, and vodka were lined up on the kitchen counter along with an obscene amount of mixers. I sipped my beer, nodding absently at Colin’s wacky story about his heroics on the slopes today while gauging how much time I needed to Uber to the market to grab wine and condoms. I’d already told my friends I was having dinner with Drew, and it had gone pretty much as expected. Initial confusion was followed by a hearty invitation for him to join us for pizza. And that was where things got tricky.