I’m flustered at how attractive he is. And not only physically—because, wow, yes. But everything. Lately,everything.
There’s a burst of sunlight peeking through two of the buildings that were previously blocking it from my line of sight, and I squint one of my eyes to adjust.
“We can switch spots.”
I shake my head. “Oh no, that’s okay. I’m fine. It’ll pass.”
But Liam’s already up and standing beside me as I peer up at him.
Black shorts, a white T-shirt, and a backward hat. I’m fully aware of the position I’m in and how many,many,women would kill for this view.
I feel myself swallow hard as I stare up at him.
“Dem?” He says my name, stirring me out of my daze. And I don’t miss the way he smirks when he takes a step back.
“Oh, please,” I mumble.
“No, no, by all means continue staring at me like that.”
“I wasn’t staring at you,” I lie to save face, but I’m certain he sees right through me.
“Okay,” he says, nodding at me sarcastically as he gives me a thumbs-up, and it makes me want to shove his thumbs-up into his eyes.
His really pretty, sparkly hazel eyes.
“Scoot over.” He bends down, motioning his hand toward the shadier part and he sits where the sun is literally cooking his face.
“Liam,” I urge. “You’re directly in the sun?—”
“Dem, I’m fine. It’ll go down soon and I’ll do just about anything to keep this conversation going.”
My eyes glance his way, and I’m suddenly wondering how it might feel to lean closer to him. To be closer to him. With the way his eyes are scanning my body, I’m curious if he’s also thinking the same thing.
But anything more than what we’re already doing would be reckless on my part and quite honestly, unfair to him. Except my body’s reacting to him in ways I hadn’t expected and most certainly can’t handle right now.
His gaze is shamelessly rotating between my eyes and my mouth, and I can’t say that I’m bothered by it. I’ve never been in this intimate of a setting with Liam, even though we’re literally just on the damn roof having a conversation. It’s quiet. It’s secluded. It’s just us, and it’s calm. It’s like the second I stepped out here my nervous system could feel the relief.
“Should we keep talking, or are you really into this staring contest? Just a hunch, though, but I’d probably win,” he quips, shifting his weight more to one side.
“Well, you’ve had a lot more practice than I have.” I say the response without thinking it through, and he starts to laugh at my admission.
“I knew you were staring,” he whispers.
“That’s…not what I meant.”
Electricity feels like it bolts through me as he plants his hand on the blanket next to mine, our pinkies grazing.
I’ve shaken his hand before. Hugged him even. But this? I feel pathetic and hopeless knowing how this small touch makes me feel.
“I like talking to you.” He stills.
And I like this side of Liam.
“Me too,” I let myself admit.
My phone chirps as it’s beside me and it’s just another notification from those stupid dating apps. Note to self: turn off the notifications.
“You can take that if you need to,” he says, looking away from my phone.
