They were both sitting up, breathing heavy. The sunlight glinted off his hair. His eyes sparkled with the remnants of his laughter. And his grin was something to behold. Yeah, she could definitely see how a woman would fall in love with Liam.
But it wouldn’t be her.
Chapter14
Chloe took her parents’ porch steps, then placed her hand over her stomach to tame the pterodactyls flapping around in there.
Liam paused beside her, clutching a bouquet of flowers. “Smile, for heaven’s sake. You’re not on your way to your execution.”
“Says you.” Faking it in public was one thing. Her family was another.
“It’ll be fun.” Liam pushed the doorbell.
She tapped her foot as she took in the house, trying to see it through fresh eyes. Hollywood eyes. The modest Cape Cod with its small stoop and weathered red door was a long way from a Beverly Hills mansion.
Welcome to middle-class America, Liam Hamilton.
Mom flung open the door and beamed from the well-lit entry. “What are you doing ringing the doorbell, darlin’? Get in here, you two.”
Liam ushered her inside with a hand at the small of her back. It was all Chloe felt until he released her into Mom’s arms.
When they parted Chloe made the introductions. “Mama, this is Liam Hamilton. Liam, meet my mother. Oh, and this is my dad, Jerry,” she added as the man rounded the corner. He was a big teddy bear of a guy with brown hair, a brown beard, and a gentle smile.
Dad shook hands with Liam, then Mom gave him a big ol’ southern hug. “Honey, it’s so good to meet you. I’ve heard such wonderful things about you.”
“Same here, ma’am.” Liam extended the bouquet. “These are for you.”
“Well, aren’t you sweet! You have to call me Millie, though, or you’re gonna make me feel old. Supper’s almost ready. Jerry, get ’em something to drink, will you, sugar?”
“Can I help, Mom?”
“Not a chance. You two just go on and make yourselves at home in the living room.”
Chloe led Liam into the room to their immediate left, while her mom and dad continued through the dining room to the kitchen. The house was immaculate—all three hundred throw pillows in their places and not a stray sock in sight. The lights were dimmed and candles flickered on the table.Candles.She didn’t even know Mom owned decorative candles.
The TV was off—an occasion she was pretty sure hadn’t happened since Hurricane Isaias—and soft country music played in the background.
Chloe sat on the plush gray sofa and Liam sank beside her, thighs touching. “Nice place. This is where you grew up?”
“Yeah. They’ve done some remodeling over the years, though, and added a sunroom on the back.”
His gaze flittered over the space.
What was he thinking over there? And why did she care so much?
The front door squeaked open, then Sean came around the corner and stopped at the sight of Liam and Chloe on the sofa. “Hey.”
“Hey, Brother.”
Liam stood and approached, extending a hand. “Hi, Sean. I’m Liam.”
Sean’s lips pressed together.
Chloe tensed as the moment lengthened. So yeah, Sean had been a little sour on her fake boyfriend since the paparazzi showed up atDocksiders last night and caused a scene. The restaurant was busy so they hadn’t had a chance to talk about it.
But then Sean took Liam’s hand and the two exchanged pleasantries.
Chloe’s shoulders loosened.
