“Salt, tequila, lime,” I repeat. “Understood.” I clink my glass against his and follow the simple instructions. Gorgeous blue eyes gaze intently into mine as he watches me instead of taking his. As soon as I finish, my face contorts as I try to shake away the mixture of flavors.
“Your turn,” I tell him, nodding to his shot.
Liam grins then shoots the tequila and before he can take his lime, I grab it and hold it up for him. With a challenging smirk, I wait for his reaction. Liam doesn’t disappoint as he leans in closer and allows me to feed it to him, his bottom lip brushing against my thumb as he sucks hard on the lime. Juices drip down my finger and before I can clean it off, Liam grabs my wrist and brings it to his mouth.
“Mmm…” He licks my hand, sending shivers down my spine. Then the teasing bastard flashes me a wink. “C’mon.” Liam surprises me when he leads us out on the dance floor.
Closing my eyes, I lose myself in the music as the fast beats move through me. The alcohol flows freely, and I’m slowly losing some of my inhibitions. Tonight, though, I want to get drunk, and the clock is ticking because the bar will close soon. A shot girl walks around, and I call her over and grab one, but Liam declines.
I quickly drink it down and go back to shaking my ass without a care in the world. My head spins slightly, but overall, I feel fine. It’s not the first time I’ve had alcohol, but it’s been a while. Lights flash in the club, and Liam’s a lot more relaxed dancing with me than he was earlier.
“Happy Birthday, Mads.”
I spin around, moving my hips, and smile at him. “Thanks, Hulk.” I’m glad he decided to come out with me after all.
He grabs my waist, and we’re in total sync together. Though people are all around, it feels as if it’s just us. The feeling of his hands on me is indescribable. Heat blazes through my body, and I don’t know if it’s the alcohol or Liam, or a combination of the two. Regardless, it’s a dangerous combination. I’m falling hard and fast for him, and there’s no way he can’t see it. When the song slows, couples fill the area around us. Liam smiles at me, and it’s so damn contagious.
“I want another drink,” I tell him, swaying back and forth, feeling the warmth of his body close to mine.
He chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re gonna have a massive hangover as it is.”
“Then I guess I’ll have the proper twenty-one-year-old birthday experience.” I laugh. “Well, minus the finding a random hookup and letting him take me home to have his way with me.”
Liam looks at me pointedly, and his mouth parts as if he’s holding back what he really wants to say.
“Is that what you want? A drunken one-night stand with a guy who doesn’t deserve you?”
I glance up, and when my hair falls into my face, Liam carefully tucks it behind my ear. The way he’s studying me reveals all his secrets. He hides the way he feels and pretends he doesn’t like me, but right now, there’s no denying anything. It’s more than obvious we’re meant to be together, but he’s just too damn stubborn.
“Well?” he asks, and I almost forgot his question.
“No,” I respond. “You already know what I want.”
His lips curl up just the slightest. “I know.”
“You, Liam. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you that.” The words boldly fall out of my mouth. He blinks, staring at me, and I don’t give him the opportunity to turn me down again. Or give me some stupid excuse. “Kiss me,” I whisper, wondering if he’ll walk away, but instead, he takes me by surprise and closes the gap between us.
Gently, he places his hand under my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes before he brushes his lips against mine. I feel as if I’m dreaming when he moves his tongue against mine, deepening the kiss. Fisting his shirt, I pull him closer, wanting to devour him in case this is the last time. My head swims with a thousand thoughts. My body is on fire, and by the time we pull away, I’m breathless.
“Do you know how long I’ve waited for you to do that again?” I ask, biting my bottom lip, wanting more than he’s willing to give.
Liam smirks and acts as if he wants to say something but doesn’t. “Now everyone in the room knows you’re going home with me.”
I lift a brow. “Because we’re roommates,” I say, not reading into his words though I do want to challenge him. “I think I need to go to the restroom,” I tell him, and he leads me through the crowd and waits in the hallway. After I’m done, I look in the mirror and can’t help but smile. The only man I’ve ever wanted is with me tonight, celebrating my birthday. If only he could see me for me, not who I’m related to, then maybe things would be different. Before joining him, I breathe in courage and exhale confidence.