“Liam,” Christy said sharply.
“Just wait, Mom. You’ll see.”
We turned to see Liam’s nemesis striding toward us, microphone in hand. Two cameramen followed.
“Yes.” Theo rubbed his hands together like a villain. “We get to see the Liam and Sariah Grudge Match live and in person.”
Jules gave me a questioning look.
I leaned over and whispered, “We’re pretty sure these two are headed for an enemies-to-lovers romance. If they can ever stop bickering long enough to let it happen.”
Charlie snorted. “Not if he keeps saying she crawled out of Satan’s anus, they aren’t.”
Liam shoved a hand through his hair and put his back to Sariah, like he was genuinely considering sprinting off the field.
“Liam,” Sariah said, all business, not a hint of excitement compared to the other three sports reporters scattered behindLiam, interviewing other players. She tapped him on the shoulder. “A quick word.”
Reluctantly, he faced her. “Sure.” He gave her a closed-mouth smile.
Christy moved to his side and took his arm, planting herself like she intended to stay.
Sariah’s whole face reorganized itself into a smile. “Liam, incredible run just now. What was going through your mind as you broke free down the field?”
“I was thinking about getting there,” he said. “Didn’t want to let my team down.”
“Of course,” Sariah said. “And with your family right here watching—” she swept a hand toward our group, “—did you feel any added pressure to finally deliver a moment like that?”
There it was. The verbal jab. She always got it in at some point.
“Enemies-to-lovers romance?” Sophie crossed her arms. “Over my dead body.”
Liam’s smile held, but his eyes went cold. “No more than usual. I always want to come through for my team and my family.”
“We’re proud of him, no matter what.” Christy kissed his cheek.
“Mmm.” Sariah’s gaze dropped to the scar on Aunt Christy’s arm, then back to Liam. “And what does a play like that do for you moving forward?”
“Just means I’m ready,” Liam said. “Whenever my team needs me.”
“Right.” She nodded. “And if you don’t mind—what do you make of the story that broke tonight? That’s got to make the family dynamic…” She paused, letting the silence do its work. “Tricky.”
Liam’s head tilted. “Sorry, I’ve been a little busy playing football. What story?”
Her eyes moved deliberately from Jules to me. The corner of her mouth lifted. “It was on the six o’clock news. Everyone’s talking about the story of how Juliette Serrant, who just happens to be here tonight—” One of the cameras panned over us, “—is married to your favorite cousin, Griffin, for starters.”
I felt Jules go rigid.
I patted my pocket for my phone, then remembered—it was in the car.
Liam chuckled, but it was stilted. “Why is that tricky? We’re thrilled Griffin found someone who makes him this happy. And the Dupree women are loving all the free makeovers.”
We all laughed.
“Interesting,” Sariah said. “So it doesn’t cause tension between you, knowing Juliette had a list in high school—one that mentioned marrying you…”
I looked at Jules.
She shook her head likedon’t you dare believe it.
