“Good to know. And you’ve been very good for my following—my numbers have more than doubled already.”
“That’s great. And Spencer said the general opinions are favorable. I’m happy, you’re happy, and the studio’s happy.”
“Favorable.” She tested the word on her tongue. What did that mean exactly?
“It’s just like I told you. My fans can see you’re something different.”
She snorted. “I’ll say.”
Still basking in the sun, he gave a wry smile. “They’ve even started blending our names. We’re Chliam now, just so you know.”
“Chliam?”
“Don’t look at me. I didn’t make it up.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“It’s a good sign. They’re seeing us as a couple. We’ve joined the ranks of Brangelina and TomKat.”
“I don’t recall either of those working out so well.”
“Well, let’s just ride the wave. That picture of us I posted already has over two hundred thousand likes.”
She gaped at him. He was still sprawled out beside her, calmly soaking in the sun like half the universe hadn’t paid homage to their picture.“What?”
“They think you’re in love with me,” he singsonged through a grin.
She elbowed him in the side even as her face warmed. “Shut up. They do not.”
“They do. They think you’re completely smitten.”
“That’s absurd. We’ve known each other a grand total of six days.”
“Ah-ah-ah. Let’s not forget all those midnight phone calls over the past few months. I wooed you from afar and posted a photo, and now everyone’s seen that moony expression on your face.”
“It wasn’t moony. I was grimacing. Your kiss was, was... it waswet.”
He burst out laughing, eyes still closed. “You are so full of it. That kiss was perfect.”
“It was waterlogged. You drooled in my hair.” Since he wouldn’t stop laughing, she poked him in the side again—and found a ticklish spot.
He jumped, his eyes snapping open. “Hey.Watch it.”
“I am.” She poked him again.
He rolled toward her, a threatening glint in his eyes. “Now you’ve done it.”
“Is your side a little ticklish, Liam? Do you have—aaAHH!”
His hands were all over her, jabbing and poking every ticklish bone in her ribs. She tried to push away his hands. Couldn’t evade them. Rolled away.
But he followed. “Not so funny now, is it, sweetheart?”
“I’m laughing, aren’t I?”
And oh, how he made her regret those defiant words. She was gonna pee her pants if he didn’t stop. She went for a counterassault that had sand flying and caught him just in the right spot, over and over.
He jerked away. “Okay, okay, truce.”
