“So says my ex-girlfriend,” Liam said softly, his voice taking on an almost reflective tone. “Makes finding a soulmate pretty difficult, don’t you think?”
I froze mid-step, his words sending a ripple of unease through me. Was it what he said or how he said it? Before I could press him further, Liam took my hand and gave it a gentle tug, urging me to follow.
“Our time is ticking,” Liam said with an easy smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Let’s make the most of it.”
HOLLY
The streets buzzed with a strange energy as Liam and I walked side by side, a blend of chaos and quiet. On one side, the shops stood closed and dark, their windows lifeless against the night. But on the other, bars came alive, pulsing with music and neon lights. Every so often, laughter or a drunken shout would cut through the rhythmic thumping bass that echoed through the night.
I glanced at Liam, letting a smirk play on my lips. Walking next to him was easy. There was no pressure to make conversation or awkwardness lingering in the quiet. There was just a tingle in my center and a feeling of familiarity. Something I couldn't quite pin but wanted to discover. “You’re not one of those creeps who’s going to murder me, are you? Just so you know, I’m fully not murderable.”
Liam’s brows shot up, and a laugh escaped him, warm and genuine. “Not-murderable? What does that even mean?”
“It means you wouldn’t want to kill me,” I explained, waving a hand dramatically. Out of the blue, I was nervous—not scared—but my heart raced again, and I felt a little anxious at the thought of explaining why I was special. I mean why I’d be missed. “Well, for starters, people would notice. I have threesisters who are constantly up my butt. They’d sound the alarm if I went MIA for more than twenty-four hours. Plus, I’ve got a cat, two guinea pigs, and a succulent garden. Deny them their care, and you’ll have bigger problems than me.”
Liam’s head tilted as he shook it, his lips tugging into a reluctant smile. “Noted. Lucky for you, I’m not the murderous type.”
“Isn’t that exactly what a murderer would say?” I teased, stepping closer so my shoulder brushed against his. A zing of warmth shot through me. I eased away, unsure what to make of the feeling. Was it magic? Or something more…
“So, where are you taking me, Mr. Not-a-Murderer?”
Liam gestured ahead, his gaze steadily still on me. “Have you ever been to Abbott's?”
“Of course I have. It’s the most popular spot in the city, but there’s no way we’re getting in. Tonight is a special event night. Unless you have pre-ordered tickets, which I doubt considering the shithole we just left, we’ll be stuck in line all night with like zero chance of getting in.”
Liam tucked his hands into his pockets and shrugged. The action was so inconsequential, so mundane, but there was something in the way he looked at me. I couldn’t explain it, but it felt like he had a secret.
“I didnotpre-order tickets. I actually planned to stay as far away from that place as possible, but something tells me you could go for a drink that doesn’t taste like ass and maybe a little fun.”
“You’re not wrong,” I admitted, folding my arms. “But unless you’ve got some serious connections…”
“You don’t know half of what I’ve got,” he interrupted smoothly. “You don’t know me yet.”
I snorted. “Touché. Speaking of things I don’t know, what’s your last name?”
His confidence faltered, just for a second, but then it was back in place, like a mask protecting him from the outside world. “I think I’d rather not say.”
“Secrets. Secrets.” I teased, nudging him lightly. “Fine, I’ll start. Mine is Flynn. See? Easy. Now, it's your turn.”
“Smith,” he replied too quickly.
“Smith,” I whispered, rolling it over my tongue. I couldn’t explain it, but the name didn’tfeelright. I felt crazy, but my intuition had never steered me wrong. His last name was definitely not Smith. I stopped mid-step, narrowing my eyes. “Really?”
“Yeah. Problem?” Liam said, his expression unreadable.
Yes.I pretended to think it over and then shrugged. I was in no place to judge Liam. I’d kept the secret of what my family was all my life. He probably had a reason not to tell me who he was, so I decided not to push the matter. “It’s fine, I guess. Pretty basic, though. I expected something cool like Pitt or Coleson.”
Liam looked up at the sky and chuckled. “Good thing my name isn’t all I’ve got going for me.”
As we turned the corner, the line outside Abbott’s came into view, snaking down the block with impatient chatter and bursts of laughter. My stomach sank looking at it. I’d only been to Abbott’s twice and both experiences were amazing. Tonight would probably be just as fun.
If we could get in.
“You only have two hours left of your wish. Actually,” I pulled my phone from my back pocket and glanced at the screen. “A little less. Are you sure you want to waste it standing in line?”
Liam didn’t slow down. “I can spend my time however I want.”
“With some restrictions,” I shot back, mostly as a reminder to myself.
