I step back, but he moves closer to me, not allowing for any space. Liam’s a sneaky man who keeps learning my tricks. My brain cells run amuck inside my head at his clean and fresh scent, not interpreting my desire as dangerous.
“You look lovely tonight. Did you do all this for me?” He motions toward my outfit before he grabs my hand and twirls me in a circle.
I let out a laugh as my dress swirls around me, dark chiffon material whooshing before falling flat once he lets go. “No, I thought I’d dress up for Maya. See, I want to sway her to the other side, but she claims her parents wouldn’t agree. She describes them as a religious bunch.”
“Here I thought I could sway you toward me, but it turns out you’re playing for the other team. Now tell me, have you ever been with a man? Because if not, one night with me will make you change your mind.”
I groan. His lips tug into a smile before they brush up against my temple, giving me the faintest kiss. One so soft, I almost think I made it up.
I push away, ending our exchange. It’s the only moment of weakness I’ll allow.
Good luck with that, Sophie.
Jax and Liam show us fine wining and dining at its best. They rent a fancy car to drive us to a trendy Barcelona restaurant, ordering us an expensive wine bottle once we’re seated. The hostess situates us in a back corner hidden away from other diners, shrouding us in low lighting and privacy, a deadly combination with the man seated in front of me.
“They don’t have chicken tenders for you, but I can ask for the kid’s menu.” Liam beams at me.
I softly kick his leg under the table, making him laugh. “As tempting as that sounds, I’ll pass. I was thinking about a salad because I’m trying to watch my figure. You?”
“What?” He barely hides his distaste.
“I’m joking. No need to look like I asked you to retire from racing.”
Liam rubs his stubbled chin. “I would’ve been disappointed. Here I thought you were perfect, but then you’d ruin it with ordering a salad when they have steak on the menu. With me paying, I thought you’d consider ordering a fifty-dollar plate to give me a run for my money.”
“You think I’m perfect?” I put down my menu and stare into his eyes.
His bright smile hits me straight in the chest, my heartbeat quickening while blood rushes toward my cheeks. “More like someone sent from the gates of heaven to tempt me,” he grumbles under his breath, low enough for only me to hear.
“Don’t let anyone in on my secret. I’m trying to hide in plain sight.” I sip wine to give my hands something to do.
“You can’t hide from me, no matter how hard you try, but obviously, you enjoy the chase. Good thing for us, I don’t mind our company tonight because I told Jax to distract Maya. A double date can’t ruin what I have planned for us.” He speaks with the utmost confidence.
I engage in diversions fit for war, pulling Maya into a conversation despite Liam’s attempts to have Jax occupy her. That’s how it is between Liam and me. A battle of wills, of two headstrong people fighting for control of one another.
Liam whispers wicked things in my ear all night whenever he can. The way Maya glances at us with sweet eyes makes me think he looks adorable. But no, Liam isn’t one for cuteness.
Everything is going fine until the double date becomes some weird pissing contest between Jax and Noah, who randomly joins us before our food comes out. Noah pulls up a chair, acting wounded about not being invited. I have a feeling his appearance has everything to do with my Spanish amiga here who keeps blushing and hiding behind her menu.
I can’t help feeling a sense of relief when Noah crashes the date despite how Liam’s jaw ticks whenever he looks at Noah. Maya’s frazzled state amuses me until she spills her glass of water, the cold liquid pouring all over Jax. Her clumsiness distracts the three of them and gives Liam full access to me.
Liam closes the distance, occupying my personal space, the smell of him invading my brain. I fan my face with a menu the waiter left behind.
“Are you hot? I can ask them to lower the thermostat?” Liam’s mischievous grin screams everything but kind and thoughtful.
I pull my glass of water to my lips, eager to cool down.
“Did you buy a vibrator yet? If not, I thought about having a company create a copy of my dick for you. I googled it and found a website that seems legit. You can even pick the color, although I’m partial to Caribbean blue.”
I choke on my water. My eyes cloud as I fight for air, all while Liam stares at me, his eyes darkening and his grin expanding.
“Who invents these types of things, and why are you even googling this in the first place?”
He places a hand against his heart. “I’m committed to helping you. Count it as my good deed for the year, a noble cause in the name of helping you live a little.”
“And your plan somehow includes a replica of your cock?” My eyes bulge.
He winks. “As much as I love hearing that word from your mouth, behave for our guests.”