TWENTY-SIX
Alie
Liam came upstairs to have lunch with me and Seraphina today. After, she insisted on showing him the tiny reading nook she loves. It has fairy lights and a giant beanbag chair. He listened to her like she was unveiling architectural blueprints for the next stadium.
He crouched down beside her to ask her questions. And when she pulled him down on the beanbag with her and let her read to him … I felt like my heart was going to explode.
We’re still smiling when we walk out of the nursery.
“You know, I’m kind of surprised Miss Sandy hasn’t asked about me coming in with you.”
“Oh, I’m sure she’s put two and two together. Anyone who sees you and Sera next to each other can see there’s a resemblance.”
In response, he takes my hand in his, twining our fingers, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world, and smiles down at me.
“I’ve got film in twenty minutes,” he says as he turns us toward the stairs leading down to the locker room.
“Right, okay.”
He leans down and presses a soft kiss to my lips.
When he starts to pull away, I curl my fingers into his shirt, keeping his lips on mine.
And then a throat clears.
We both freeze.
When we look toward the noise, we see my father standing at the end of the hallway leading to the executive offices, his arms crossed over his chest. I can’t really read his expression. It’s not angry. More like surprised, questioning.
“Hi, Dad,” I say, acting as if it were completely normal for me to be standing in the hall, kissing Liam.
“Alie,” he says evenly.
“Hello, sir,” Liam says, lifting a hand in a wave.
He looks from Liam to me. “I think you need to explain … this.”
My stomach drops.
Liam stands straighter.
“Of course. Your office,” I say in a much calmer voice than what I’m feeling.
Liam looks at me. “Can I come with you?”
I shake my head and glance at my father.
“No, it’s fine. Let me talk to him first.”
Liam studies my face.
“It’ll be fine, I promise.”
He nods, looking uncertain. “Okay, but if you need me there, just call me, and I’ll come right up.”
“Thank you.”
He squeezes my hand, then drops a kiss on my cheek.
