He nods solemnly. “We’re considerate people.”
“And when did you realize I was more than just a coworker?”
I take another sip, waiting. Wondering if he’ll say something that’ll make my heart do that dumb, fluttery thing again.
He hums, thoughtful. “Probably when you didn’t shoot down my ‘more mounts than a rodeo cowboy’ t-shirt idea.”
I snort. “Solid reasoning. Very romantic.”
“Well, give me time. I’ll come up with something sappier. We’ll circle back.” He leans in slightly, eyes gleaming. “So… we’ve been together a few months. First date was at Sam’s concert in Broken Heart Creek.”
“Smart,” I say with a nod. “There are enough tabloid photos of us from that night to make it believable.”
I can still remember the flashes in our faces, and people asking Liam who he was with. He named off everyone in our group, but the photos posted were of the two of us.
“Exactly.” He winks.
I ask, “Where was our second date?”
“My bed.”
I make a face. “Seriously?”
He just shrugs, unapologetic. “What? Sometimes I don’t even make it to a second date before things heat up.”
“Lovely.” I roll my eyes. “I hate to break it to you,boyfriend, but I’m not that kind of girl.”
“Pity,” he murmurs, all mock sorrow, before giving me a grin that’s far too amused. “Alright then. You tell me. Where did I take you on our chaste, deeply respectful second date?”
I lift my chin, holding his gaze. “You took me stargazing. Out on the ranch. Blanket in the bed of your truck. Just us, the sky, and that ancient thermos of yours that somehow always tastes like campfire and cheap bourbon.”
Liam stares at me for a beat, the grin slipping just slightly, like maybe that idea hit a little closer than he expected.
“That’s good. Romantic and thoughtful.”
I take another sip of my drink, and glance down, cheeks warming. Great. At this rate, I’ll finish the whole thing before the breadbasket even makes it to the table.
Then, like he’s just asking about the weather, he says, “What about kissing?”
My head snaps up. “What about it?”
He lifts a shoulder, casual as ever. “Are you prepared to kiss me in front of Teddy?”
I laugh. “Why on earth would I need to kiss you in front of him?”
He flashes a wolfish grin. “Because we’ll be staying at their home for a few weeks. Didn’t I tell you that?”
My lips part. “You most certainly didnotmention that.”
He winces, then gives me a shrug so unapologetic it could be trademarked. “Oops.”
“Oops?” My voice jumps an octave.
“Come on, Olive.” He leans forward, elbows on the table, eyes dancing. “You didn’t really think this would be a one-dinner-and-done kind of arrangement, did you?”
I stare at him. Because no, I didn’t. But also? Yes. I absolutely thought that we’d get by without PDA.
“So,” he says again, like we’re back to ordering appetizers, “kissing. Yes or no?”
