When we got back upstairs, he unlocked the door and held it open.“Home sweet home,” he said casually.
Home.
Just a phrase.
But my heart didn’t get the memo.
We set the bags on the kitchen island, and Liam started unpacking with quiet efficiency. He handed me the basil without looking up.
“You can handle that, right?” he said, already turning toward the fridge.
“I think I can manage putting basil in a jar of water,” I replied, arching a brow.
He glanced over his shoulder with the faintest smile. “Just don’t bruise it. Basil’s sensitive.”
I rolled my eyes but did as instructed.
We prepped side by side.
The stove clock blinked 10:11. “Liam, you need to leave for practice.”
He didn’t move.
“I can stay a few more minutes,” he said quietly.
“I can handle the rest. I promise not to commit any culinary crimes while you're gone.”
He didn’t laugh. Just inhaled, stood a little straighter, and looked at me.
“That’s not the reason.”
My fingers stilled on the basil.
I opened my mouth to ask what he meant.
But he was already turning, reaching for his coat.
Working Together
Liam
It was the first time we were doing something outside the apartment together. She slid into her coat. “Gloves, wallet, phone.” Her checklist. It made me smile.
As the elevator hummed, I saw our reflection in the mirrored panel. I smiled and looked away. Nice to do this with someone.
As the light changed, I caught the churro smell. I put my hand at the small of her back and steered us that way. She looked at me but didn’t move away. I kept my hand there until we were headed in the right direction, then let it go.
We hit the cart. I paid, shook the bag once so the sugar spread and angled the top churro towards her. “First bite?”
She bit in and her eyes widened. Sugar dusted her lips. I had to look away. Good detour.
We finished the churros and crossed the street to the market.
I grabbed the basil, pinched the stems, let the oil coat my fingers and took a sniff. “The oil has that sweet, sort of spicy aroma.” I said as I showed her the oil. She leaned in, caught my wrist, and sniffed my fingers. I pressed my lips together. Of course she’d want proof.
I grabbed a few soft rolls. She drifted toward the crustier rolls. I took two and left the soft ones. I grabbed an extra lemon. She likes it in water.
We kept moving through the market. I didn’t aim for the fastest route.
