Liam's eyes narrowed, turning a dark forest green.
"You need some help with that?" he asked.
I knew exactly what he meant.
The tips of my fingers dragged against the rough texture of my chipped nail polish. I wet my lips, tasting the slick gloss coating them. I considered Liam's offer.
I was bold when it came to the stage, when it came to music.
I wasn't bold when it came to…this.
Liam seemed to sense how awkward I was feeling.
He stepped up to press against me, radiating warmth, his firm chest hot against mine.
I took a deep breath in to steady myself. A warm, woodsy, masculine scent filled my nose.
Damn. He smelled even better than he looked, which should have been impossible.
Forget the fluttering in my stomach. This was a swirling cyclone. A raging storm. This was the beginning of an armageddon ready to destroy every last inch of my resistance.
He tilted his head at me with a knowing smile.
I nodded.
He placed both hands on my arms. I felt every indentation of his fingertips, every whorl, as if it were branded into me. His palms ran up and down in a sensual, soothing motion, from my shoulders to my wrists.
I shivered, my insides turning hot and achy.
He took both my hands in his, lacing our fingers. I curled my fingers around his.
He placed a soft kiss on my neck.
My fingers clenched, squeezing his hands tight. "Wait."
I was surprised to find my voice was steady. No hint of the tempest racing through me.
Liam stopped, his lips still on my skin. I pulled away, untangling our hands. My heart jackhammered in my chest.
"I'm sorry," I said, avoiding his eyes. "I don't think I can…"
"Don't be sorry," Liam said. He tilted my chin up to meet his gaze. He studied me carefully.
"It's just—" I started.
He put a finger to my lips.
"You don't need to explain," Liam said. With a gentle smile, he pressed a kiss to my forehead.
I closed my eyes, breathing deeply.
It was justwhat? All I knew was that my fight or flight instinct had kicked in and I couldn't figure out why.
"I should go meet up with my band," I said weakly.
Liam nodded. I made a motion toward the door. I stopped.
"Will you be at our next concert?" I asked.
