Mom held up the phone. “Oh, come on, you two, act like you like each other.”
Chloe leaned closer, holding her expression. But Liam grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into his lap. She squeaked in surprise and was vaguely aware of her family’s laughter as she settled in his lap and met his twinkling eyes.
Their gazes held. And as the moment lengthened, his smile faded.
Chloe became hyperaware of his sturdy arms locked around her. Of the way the breeze ruffled his hair. Of the clean scent of himwashing over her like a cool wave. The moment hung suspended like a mist over the water.
His eyes dropped to her mouth, making her lips tingle. If they’d been alone, if this had been a date, he might lean down to kiss her next.
“Now that’s more like it!” Mom said.
Chloe jerked her attention forward and lifted her lips as Mom took more photos. All the while Chloe’s mind spun.
What was that?
Had she imagined that moment of... what? Attraction? Or had Liam only been pretending—playing his part for the camera? If the latter was true, he was a better actor than she’d ever given him credit for. It had felt so real. The goose bumps on her skin were certainly real. As were her racing pulse and fluttering stomach.
Her thoughts were disrupted by Dad’s call from the deck. “Come and get it!”
Five minutes later Dad said grace and the meal was underway. Chloe hadn’t had time to analyze that moment in the yard. Instead she tucked it away for later.
“The steak is delicious, honey,” Mom said.
“I cooked them a little too long.”
“It’s just the way I like it.” Mom turned to Meghan. “How’s your bookshop doing, sweetheart? I’m sorry I haven’t been in for a while. I keep meaning to get over there and pick up the newest Debbie Macomber book.”
“The store’s been pretty steady. I think you’ll like her new novel. I would’ve brought it with me had I known you wanted it.”
“I’ll grab it for you next time I’m in,” Chloe said.
“Is everyone’s steak okay?” Dad asked.
“Mine’s perfect.”
“Just right.”
“Delicious.”
“I met the nicest guy at the restaurant,” Mom said. “He’s new to town and works at the marina, comes in for supper a couple times a week. James Whitley. Have you met him yet, Chloe?”
“I don’t think so.”
“He’s single, about your age, Meghan—very handsome.” Mom winked. “If you should happen to stop in for supper on a Tuesday or Thursday night, I’ll make sure to introduce you.”
Meghan’s attention flickered to Sean—who suddenly seemed very intent on forking his green beans. “Oh, thank you, Millie, but I don’t know about that. I’m, uh, not much for fix-ups, I guess. And I’m not dating just yet anyway.”
“Give it some thought, honey. He seems like a really great guy, and you’d make such a nice couple.”
As Mom went on about the guy, Chloe’s gaze toggled between Sean and Meghan, whose neck was now mottled pink. Her friend wasn’t particularly shy and she was probably ready to move on romantically. What was going on between the two of them? They would’ve told her if they were dating, wouldn’t they?
The tension in the air dissipated when Mom changed the subject.
“How’s filming going, Liam?” Mom asked. “It must be very interesting, the work you do.”
Dad’s brows pinched as Mom added steak sauce to her plate. “I should’ve added more seasoning.”
“You know I like my A.1., sweetheart.” She turned her attention back to Liam, waiting.
