Page 48
She watched, intrigued as he reached for one of the hats—a green beanie crocheted into the shape of Yoda’s ears. “You have to purchase this to complete your bedtime ensemble.”
Instinctively, Claire’s defenses rose, creating that familiar fortress around her heart as she was brought straight back to her humiliation at being discovered in Liam’s bed.
But when his lips curved up, his eyes doing that delightful squint, her embarrassment was washed away in the thrill of his attention.
“You’re the worst,” she said, fighting off a grin.
“What are you talking about?” His smile grew. “This is perfect for you. Come on. Let’s try it on.”
Claire was about to dodge out of the way, but as he reached toward her, closing the distance between them, her feet rooted to the pathway.
He gently placed the knitted cap over her head, then stood back to examine it. Claire did her best not to fidget, but as his dark gaze roved over her, her anxiousness increased.
Finally, he pulled his lips to the side in disappointment.
“Hmm,” he mused. “I’m not sure about it, to be honest. While it’s adorable, it is a bit wonky.”
Claire didn’t even bother to attempt a comeback, her mind focused on one thing. Adorable. He’d called her adorable.
No, he’d called the hat adorable. Yikes. She needed to get ahold of herself. Pulling off the beanie, she placed it back on the stand. “I’ll decide for you. The hat’s not gonna happen.”
She walked away from the stand as she shook her head, though a secret delight swelled in her chest, swirling around like the glitter inside of a snow globe.
Liam caught up with her, his grin even wider.
“You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?” she asked.
“What, you lying in my bed with your Mandalorian pajamas?” He tipped his head toward her. “How could I forget it? They were amazing.”
She narrowed her eyes, looking away as her heart warmed again. He’d promised that morning not to mention her being in his bed, but for some reason, she didn’t have the desire to remind him. “They are amazing. And anyone—you—who has a problem with them can…eat my beskar.”
He chuckled, the rumbling sound echoing in her ears like a baritone choir. “I don’t know why you’re under the assumption that I don’t like them,” he said. “I’m a big fan of the show myself. Although, I can’t say that I own that exact pair of pajamas.”
She rolled her eyes, doing her best not to smile. “They’re warm, okay? That’s why I brought them. And I definitely wasn’t planning on wearing them in front of anyone other than Melody.”
“Ah, I am of the privileged crowd then, I see.”
How was it that everything this man said made her melt like a mini marshmallow in hot cocoa?
“So,” he continued, “I have to ask, as this is a fairly important distinction. Do you like the show for the story, or do you like it because of Baby Yoda?”
Claire glanced up at him with raised brows. “You mean Grogu?” she asked, using the creature’s actual name.
He looked at her, impressed. “Ah, you’ve passed my first test. Most don’t.”
Her heart swelled to bursting. “I’m a diehard fan, I’ll have you know. Just like with Harry Potter. I don’t claim to be crazy knowledgeable about the lore and everything, but…I’m pretty much in love with the Mandalorian.”
“In love. Wow.”
Claire raised her eyebrows, nodding with a serious expression.
“Now, are you talking about being in love with the show, or with Mando?”
“You mean Din Djarin?”
He met her gaze with another pleased look. “Second test, passed.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “I’m in love with the show.” Then she paused. “Aaaaand a little in love with Mando himself. He’s super hot.”
