He blinked once, then again.
“Hi,” I said.
Liam opened his mouth, then cleared his throat. “You look…” He paused.
His brain appeared to have left the building.
Cris leaned around the corner behind me and said, in a stage whisper, “Use your words.”
Liam glanced at her, then back at me. “You look incredible.”
The sincerity in his tone sent warmth coursing through me. “Thank you.”
His gaze moved across my face again with a calm focus that made the hallway feel much smaller.
Before I could decide what to do with that, he stepped in and pulled me gently against him. He lowered his head and inhaled slowly, like he couldn’t help himself.
Something soft and dangerous filtered through me, and that feeling only increased when he pressed his lips lightly to my forehead.
When he pulled back, it was only so he could look at me again, like he had needed that and wasn’t entirely sure what to do with the fact that he had taken it.
“I brought the truck,” he said quickly. “So, we can drive.”
“That’s generally how trucks work.”
Markie chose that moment to shout from inside the apartment. “BAD DOG.”
Liam closed his eyes briefly. “He and I are still working through that situation.”
I laughed lightly. “Understandable.”
“Before we go,” he said carefully, “may I use your restroom?”
Cris snorted behind me.
“Yes,” I said. “You know where it is.”
Liam headed down the short hallway toward the bathroom.
“He is gone for you,” Cris whispered. “That man looked like he forgot how language works.”
“Don’t be so dramatic.”
She grabbed my arm and squeezed it once. “You’re about to have the best date of your life.”
I rolled my eyes, but my heart was beating much faster than usual.
From down the hallway, Liam cleared his throat. “Markie,” he said.
“BAD DOG.”
“I maintain that you escalated the situation unnecessarily.”
Cris covered her mouth. “Oh my god.”
I shook my head.
“Let’s go before the bird files another police report.”
