“All right, it’s about done.” Hayes surveys the massive pot of pasta and a bubbling pan of chicken in cream sauce. It’s full of sun-dried tomatoes, onion, mushrooms, and enough garlic to fill the kitchen and dining room with a sharp hit of the fragrance. “You guys set the table while I put this in serving dishes.”
“I can help,” I offer.
Hayes shoots me a scandalized look. “Not a chance.”
“I’m perfectly capable of setting the table.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I glare at him. “I may be a little clumsy, but I’ve never broken a dish.”
Sawyer chuckles, kissing my temple as he walks past me into the kitchen to grab plates. “He wasn’t implying that you’re clumsy, Liv. But you’re a guest in our home and we’re courting you. There’s no way in hell you’re lifting a finger.”
“Then, how am I supposed to eat?” I sass back.
“I can feed you. Perch you on my lap and give you little bites.” Wilder waggles his eyebrows at me.
Liam chuckles, rolling his eyes. “She’s not a baby bird.” He extends a hand to me. Suddenly, I’m transported back to the ballroom, Liam, younger and scrawnier, gesturing for me in the same way. My heart had fluttered then, but I had confused it with general anxiety. Now that I know what it feels like to really like someone, I understand it was always about him.
“Come on,” he says. “Let’s get you settled, and I’ll pour you a glass of wine.”
My fingers tingle when I place my hand in Liam’s. I know it’s nothing more than a response due to my body’s heightened state of arousal and the pheromones thatare filling the room, but for a moment, I let myself forget all that. I’m just a girl again, taking the hand of a boy who looks at her like she’s his fate.
Sometimes, I like the idea of fate.
As if his mind has gone to the same place as mine, Liam lifts our joined hands and spins me before wrapping me in his arms, my back against his chest, and whispers, “I still can’t believe you’re here.”
“Those were some fancy moves,” Wilder says, his voice full of amusement. Within moments, he and the rest of the guys have set the table with the practiced efficiency of a family used to sitting down at the table together. One who enjoys the togetherness of a meal, not one simply fulfilling an obligation. “Are you two going to tell us how you know each other tonight? I tried to get it out of Liam, but he was awfully tight-lipped.”
The beta in question rolls his eyes as he pushes in my chair and sits down beside me. “It’s embarrassing.”
That has me shrinking in on myself. I’m aware that ballroom dancing isn’t exactly considered cool, but I didn’t think he’d be embarrassed to have been there with me. My scent sours.
“Gorgeous, no.” Liam squeezes my hand. “Whatever just filled that brilliant head of yours, I promise that’s not what I mean.”
“Then, you better spit it out,” Hayes growls. “Before I punch you in the balls for making Liv frown like that.”
The sound of silverware clinking against ceramic fills the silence in the room, and a plate full of pasta, chicken, and the creamy sauce, as well as a large portion of steamed broccoli, is placed in front of me. I meet Hayes’s eyes and offer him a soft smile of thanks.
“If any of you give me shit for this, I’m moving out.” Liam runs a hand through his short brown hair. He glances at meand sucks in a breath, steeling himself. “Olivia and I met when we were barely teenagers, before our scents fully came in. We took the same ballroom-dancing class.”
“Ballroom dancing?” Hayes asks, eyebrows rising higher and higher by the second. “Like foxtrotting and stuff?”
“Oh, they both grew up fancy fancy,” Wilder mumbles, pushing his pasta around.
Sawyer studies his friend. “You never told us this.”
Liam shrugs. “I try not to think about all the etiquette lessons my parents forced me into, and the memories of Liv’s body pressed against mine? Well, I liked keeping those all to myself.”
“Liam was really good.” I spear a piece of broccoli. “He might’ve been the best lead on the floor.”
“We have to see this,” Wilder says quickly. “After dinner?—”
“After we play some games,” Hayes corrects.
Wilder nods. “Right, after we play some games, you two have to show us your moves.”
I glance at Liam. It’s been a long time since I’ve danced. I’m out of practice, but I can’t be that rusty. Besides, with Liam leading me around, I’ll practically be floating. He’s that good. “I’m up for it if you are.”
The thought doesn’t seem to bother him, though he gives each of the men an appraising look. “Promise not to laugh?”
“I mean, if you suck, I might laugh,” Wilder says with a shrug.
