Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3
LIAM
“ O kay, just hear me out,” I say as Andie walks through the door to her office. Better to rip the bandaid off before she has too much time to overthink things, because trust me, once she makes up her mind about something, it takes an act of God to persuade her to change it.
Andie rolls her eyes. “I sincerely hope you brought food, Liam, or I might be inclined to shove your butt in front of a bus.”
“Whoa! Hey, now! You think I’m an amateur? Of course, I brought food. I even brought your favorite iced coffee gag-me-with-a-butter-knife drink.”
“I think the saying is gag-me-with-a-spoon.”
“You gag yourself your way, and I’ll gag myself mine.”
“Really?”
I squint my eyes at her. “Yes, really.” I cock my head to one side and study her golden eyes. She seems…tense. Flustered.
She sucks in a deep breath and releases a sigh. “Thank you. You can stay.”
“Good thing,” I say, chuckling. “Because I don’t plan to leave your office until I can talk some sense into you. ”
“Probably shouldn’t lead with that, Liam. I am not in the mood.”
“Why? What could have possibly happened between our phone call less than an hour ago and now?”
She eyes the drink I set on her desk. She hasn’t moved since she stepped into her office, so I pick up her drink and hand it to her. She takes a long pull on her straw and closes her eyes on a moan. “Mmm. Thank you for this.”
“Anytime. You know I love it when I cause you to moan.” Andie skewers me with a look. “Teasing.” I hold my palms up. “Dang, girl.” I almost make the mistake of telling her to relax, but thankfully, I catch myself in time. Andie does NOT like it when I tell her to relax, calm down, settle down, or anything in any way related to the idea of her needing to chill.
She doesn’t sit in her usual spot behind her desk. Instead, she settles into one of the two chairs that face her desk. She picks up one of the to-go containers and looks inside.
“You brought me zesty lemon chicken?”
I tip my head toward her container. “You know you love it,” I say, as I take the seat next to her. I point to two of the other containers. “And your choice of white rice or chow-mien. I brought both because I know you’ll want some of each.”
This earns me a grateful smile, and for reasons I cannot explain, the sight of her upturned mouth warms me from the inside, which is deuced irritating, because I’ve made her smile a kazillion times, without feeling any warm flutters in my gut. Maybe it’s because of what I’m here to do.
We sit in comfortable quiet and eat our lunch, only breaking the silence to comment on the food. I wait until she’s downed half of her drink before asking her about her meeting with legal.
“What’s going on upstairs?” I ask. “Sidni mentioned you were summoned to legal for some urgent meeting?”
Andie rolls her eyes and swallows her bite of chicken. “It’s the Landmark deal. Riley handed the entire project over to Addison this morning, and she was meeting with two of the general partners and their legal counsel.”
“So, why summon you?”
“I still haven’t figured that out. Addison introduced me as a director.”
My eyes widen in surprise. “Really? That’s…interesting.”
“Right? Then the GPs basically requested I have a complete marketing and demographic analysis for them within three to four weeks.”
I release a low whistle. “Dang, girl. Is that even possible?”
“Of course, not. Not working on my own. So Addison told me–in front of everyone–that she would see about adding some people to my team. She’s going to send over some names this afternoon.”
“That’s…ambitious of her.”
“I know! That’s what I was thinking. And then, she told me if we pulled this project off, she would recommend me for a promotion.”
“Sounds like she’s already done that.”
Andie shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head. “It all happened so fast. I didn’t know what to think or what to say. I just played along, followed Addison’s lead, and channeled my inner Liam.”
I laugh. “Your inner Liam?”
“Yeah, you know, for when I need to act all cool and casual and say things that make me sound intelligent.”
“Wow.” I give her an amused look. “Smart move.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“Want my help? I mean, why not channel your outer Liam, too? I’m no marketing specialist like you, but I know the ins and outs of land development. I’m happy to help however you need me. ”
Surprisingly, despite having a full plate of my own, I hope she wants my help.
Andie finishes her lunch and sits back in her chair. She stretches her legs in front of her and rests her hands on top of her full belly, a satisfied smile on her face, and I like knowing I contributed to it.
“Okay, Liam. You’ve buttered me up with food and beverage–smart of you, by the way–so let’s get this over with. You already told me you won’t talk to Layton for me.”
Time to rip off the proverbial bandage. “You should go to the benefit with me.”
Andie shakes her head as she inhales a deep breath.
“Before you nix the idea, just hear me out.”
“I don’t need to hear you out, Liam. Us going together is a terrible idea.” She folds her arms tightly against her chest and lifts her stubborn chin. Not a good sign.
“Exactly how is it a terrible idea? Douchebag Derek hates my guts, so it seems to me it’s a brilliant idea.”
“You’re right about him hating you,” she chuckles on a sharp exhale, “but he would never buy that you and I are a thing.”
“He will if we sell it.” I waggle my eyebrows.
She’s shaking her head again. Why is she so opposed to being my date? It makes no sense to me.
“Look, Liam. I spent five years convincing Derek that you and I are solidly in each other’s friend zones. There’s no way he’s going to believe we suddenly developed romantic feelings for each other.”
I shake my head. “The fact that you had to convince him suggests he’s already suspected there’s more than friendship between us.”
Andie’s eyes drift to the ceiling and she lets out a frustrated groan. “You know what I mean.”
“No, I don’t think I do. ”
“Derek knows you and I kind of had a thing for each other in high school–.”
My brows snap up in disbelief. “Kind of?” Kind of? Really? “We kind of had a thing?”
Andie ignores me and continues. “You’re missing the point. He knows we’ve only ever been friends since then. He’ll see us together and immediately know it’s a pity date.”
“A pity date? Are you for real right now?”
She pinches the bridge of her nose and closes her eyes. She’s stressed, and not just about attending the benefit. After releasing a long breath, she opens her eyes and says softly, “Everyone will think I couldn’t get a real date, so I had to borrow from my friend pool.”
“A real date? Seriously?”
“Shall I repeat everything I say or do you plan to keep doing that for me?”
“I’ll stop repeating what you say when you stop talking nonsense.”
“You’re infuriating, Liam! I called you because I wanted your help.”
“Yes, and I’m trying to help you.”
“Then please,” she closes her eyes again. “Please. Would you ask your brother if he’d be willing to be my date for the benefit?”
Mirroring her body language, I cross my arms and give her a defiant, “No.”
Her stubborn chin lifts slightly and she glares at me. “Fine. I’ll ask him myself.”
I shake my head. “He’ll never agree to it.”
“Why not? He’s not dating anyone, is he?”
“Of course, he is. Duh.”
“Who?”
“I already told you, anyone and everyone,” I scoff.
“So why not me? It’s one date, Liam. A one-and-done deal. ”
“Perfect. A one-night stand, his favorite kind of date.” I shake my head more emphatically. “He won’t do it, Andie.”
“Why? Because I’m not pretty enough for him?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I already told you, it has nothing to do with your looks.”
Andie’s hands rest on her hips and she tilts her head to one side. “Then why are you so sure he’ll say no?”
I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees, and look her squarely in the eyes. “Because decent guys don’t date their brother’s exes, Andie. Even that cheating douchebag ex of yours knows that. And for all my brother’s faults, Layton is a decent person at heart.”
Andie sighs and drops her gaze to her lap. “Fine,” she says, resolution in her voice. “I just thought it would be fun to show up on a hot tamale’s arm.” She shrugs. “You know?”
I chuckle. “A hot tamale?” I guess I’m back to parroting Andie’s words.
“Yeah,” she looks at me like I’m a simpleton.
“It sounds like you want to make Derek jealous. Please tell me you’re not secretly hoping the two of you get back together!”
“Of course, not. That’s the last thing I want.” Andie’s face looks like she just took an unsuspecting drink of rotten milk. “I want to send a clear message to everyone that I’ve happily moved on. That I’m not sitting around pining for Derek. He and I run in the same circles–I can’t escape being around him, and I hate that people still feel sorry for me after all this time. Showing up with some eye candy on my arm would make me feel good for a change.”
A sharp laugh bubbles up, and I do my best to choke it back because I can see beneath the surface that Andie’s still in pain. “Eye candy?”
Andie lifts her shoulder and pushes a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She almost looks shy, which surprises me. “Yeah, well, you’re brother is a hottie, so–”
“I feel like I should be offended.”
“Oh, get over yourself,” she says, rolling her eyes.
“I’m just saying, if it’s eye candy you want–” I gesture to myself, pointing to and lingering on my most visible assets: my biceps and abs. I know what I look like. And not to brag, but I know women like what they see when they look at me.
Andie rolls her eyes and shakes her head at me. “Stand down, Liam.” Her cheeks turn a soft shade of pink. “Everyone knows the hot gene runs in your whole family.”
I smile, loving that even after all these years I can still make Andie blush. Some things never change. “Be my date to the benefit, Andie. It’ll be fun.”
She’s shaking her head but this time she doesn’t say no.
“I can’t be a pity date, Liam. And you and I both know we’d never be able to sell it as anything else.” She exhales a low chuckle. “Frankly, I’d rather go solo than be someone’s charity case.”
Ouch . Not gonna lie, her words sting a little. But not before an idea begins to take shape in my mind. As usual, I act before thinking it through.
“Andie,” I lower my voice as I study her face through hooded eyes. I stand, and she takes my outstretched hand, rising to her feet. When I don’t let go of her hand, she narrows her eyes and takes a hesitant step back.
“What are you doing?” she asks. She’s right to be suspicious.
I raise a single brow and step toward her.
“Liam,” she warns, then takes another step backward.
One corner of my mouth raises in a flirtatious grin. Layton’s not the only Graham brother who knows how to flirt dangerously, and right now, I’m making Andie uncomfortable–an intriguing observation I file away for later. I close the distance between us until I’m standing directly in front of her. This time she doesn’t back away because there’s nowhere to go. Downside of having such a small office. She locks her gaze on mine, our chests rising and falling in sync with each other.
Have her brown eyes always had gold specks in them?
I place one hand on the small of her back and pull her against me. With my other hand, I trail the back of my fingers down the side of her face.
She takes a shaky breath, and worry lines appear between her brows. “Liam,” she whispers, “what are you doing?” Her gaze flicks to my mouth but quickly snaps back to my eyes. Interesting.
I bend toward her and rest my cheek against hers, my lips nestled near the base of her ear. I’m struck by how quickly I’m transported back in time, as memories begin to claw their way to the surface. Damn. I forgot how soft her skin is. And how good she smells. Which is strange because I’ve hugged her hundreds of times over the years. Why would a fifteen-year-old memory suddenly crop up now?
“Liam,” she whispers so low it’s scarcely audible, but it’s enough to jerk my mind back to the moment.
Savoring her scent, I barely resist the urge to nuzzle her neck before whispering, “What was it you were saying?”
“About what?” Her breath trails over my cheek. It's taking great effort for me to remember the point of this conversation. She pulls back, a question in her eyes. “What are you doing, Liam?” Her words come out on a shaky breath.
I give my head a quick shake and clear my throat. Right. Taking a step back, I tap her nose with my index finger, a lame attempt to reset my mind and remember that I actually do have a point to make. I offer her my most charming smile, which, judging by the additional creases in her forehead, she sees through immediately. That’s what happens when someone knows you as well as Andie knows me, so I shove my hands in my pockets and rock backward on my heels. You know, being all casual-like. Except for some reason, right now, I’m not feeling very casual. I’m exactly the opposite of casual. Absolutely zero casualness.
I take a beat to study her for a moment and organize my thoughts. “You said you don’t want doofus to think you’re a charity case–that you and I wouldn’t be able to sell the idea that we’re a couple. I’m just trying to prove to you that we could…you know…sell it.“
Shaking her head, she releases a humorless laugh. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Thank you,” I preen, but she’s not smiling.
“That wasn’t a compliment.”
I shrug a shoulder and try a different approach. Suddenly, for reasons I’d rather not dwell on at the moment, it’s very important to me that I be the one to take Andie to this event. It’s more than just the challenge of getting her to say yes, although, what the “more” part is, I couldn’t tell you, because I literally have no clue.
“Come with me to the benefit, Andie. Be my date–not a charity date or a pity date. An actual date–a real date–a date date. We’ll people watch–watch the ones with their noses stuck in the air, judge every single pretentious action, and rate their levels of snobbiness. It’ll be fun. Forget about what your douchebag ex does or doesn’t think. Forget about what everyone else thinks.” I reach over and take her hands in mine. “I can make you laugh–” She’s shaking her head at me. “Nope, don’t even try to deny it. You know it’s true.” She’s still shaking her head, but the corners of her mouth twitch as though she’s fighting a smile. “What better way to prove you’ve moved on than to show that dumb-as-a-stump idiot ex of yours–and everyone else for that matter–that you’re enjoying yourself and you’re happy?”
She’s giving me a very “Andie” look, but she’s close to caving, I can see it in her expressive eyes.
“And, I mean, I’m not trying to boast or anything, but we both know I’ve got the eye candy part nailed. Locked down solid.”
“Hmm,” she chuckles. I notice she doesn’t correct me about the eye candy comment, and I stand a little taller but manage to refrain from puffing out my chest or flexing my biceps. Okay, maybe I flexed a little. The important thing is her resolve is weakening and I’ve almost got her. Just gotta reel her in.
“Is that a yes?” I ask.
“And you’ll dance with me?” she asks.
Bullseye.
“Until your legs collapse with exhaustion.” I can’t help the grin that’s beginning to spread across my face. Victory tastes sweet. “Any other requests?”
“Just one.” She holds up her index finger. “No. Make that two.”
I’m full-on smiling now–and not a flirty smile, a triumphant smile. “Name it.”
“First of all, if we attend this shindig together, you cannot, under any circumstances, pick a fight with Derek.”
My all-too-angelic eyebrows shoot to the top of my head and my eyes widen. “Me? Why would–”
“Cut the innocent act, Liam. I know you’re dying to bloody that perfect nose of his. You’ve been itching for a fight ever since we broke up.”
Hah! If she only knew.
I open my mouth to protest, then close it with a tilt of my head. She’s right. It would bring me a happy dose of satisfaction to bloody that idiot’s nose–which, by the way, I would not describe as perfect–and maybe rearrange how said nose sits on his annoyingly pretty face.
In truth, I’ve wanted to slam my fist into Derek’s face since long before he and Andie broke up. Before I suspected he was cheating on her.
Okay, I suppose if I’m being honest with myself, I have to admit I’ve felt the urge to pummel him since the night Andie first informed me they were officially a couple.
“Liam?”
“Okay,” I say with a labored sigh. I raise my palms to her. “I won’t cause a scene with Derek.”
“Uh huh,” Andie shakes her head. “That’s not good enough.”
“All right. Fine. I’ll be good. I promise.” She eyes me with suspicion, so I quickly add, “Cross my heart.”
“Okay.” She gives me a terse nod.
“What’s your other request?” I ask, curious as to why her second request causes her to look away and shuffle her feet nervously against the carpet.
She inhales a stiff breath. “If we go to the benefit together, then we leave together.”
I cock my head to the side in confusion. “What’s that supposed to mean? Of course, we’d leave together. Why wouldn’t we?”
“Liam, you know I love you, but let’s face it. You are a man sl–”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” I wave my palms at her. “Don’t you dare finish that thought!” Andie’s unfinished comment strikes painfully true to its mark, as my mind drifts back to a conversation I had with Grams not long ago.
“I’m just saying, if we’re going to sell this as something other than the pity date it truly is, then you can’t have roaming eyes while we’re there.”
“Hey! I can’t promise not to notice a pretty woman.”
“It’s not about noticing other women, Liam. In fact, flirt all you want--that’s who you are. But this is about sending a clear message that you’re with me, that we’re on a legit date, and I’m the one you’re taking home.”
“Hold up, Andie. My eyes may snag on a beautiful woman for a second, I mean, I’m human, but you can’t possibly think I would do anything other than look. ”
Andie raises a brow in a silent challenge. “This coming from the man who had red wine dumped on him for booking two women for the same date.”
“It was a mistake!” I all but yell, but catch myself when I remember we’re in Andie’s office. “I made a mistake, Andie.”
“Liam, grown, mature men who hold prestigious positions in successful corporations don’t forget when they invite a woman to be their date at an important event.”
“Well, butter my backside and call me a biscuit!” I mutter with a dark chuckle. “I may be a flirt, but I’m not some sleazeball who disrespects women. I made an honest mistake–the first and only time I’ve ever asked two women on the same date.” I spin away from her and drag my hand through my hair. “I can’t believe this is your opinion of me,” I murmur in a voice I’m not certain she heard.
An uncomfortable silence stretches across the space between us, and just when I can’t stand it any longer, I feel Andie approaching from behind me. She rests her hands on the outsides of my arms, giving my biceps a gentle squeeze. Then she presses her face against my back.
“I’m sorry, Liam. That was harsh of me. It’s just…I was with Derek for almost five years. Five freaking years! And I trusted him with everything, you know? I gave him all of me. He used to tease me for being bothered when he looked at other women. He swore it was just a guy thing and said even if he was attracted to someone else, he would never act on it. And, well, we both know how that played out, don’t we?”
I dip my chin in a single nod.
“I was foolish for believing him, I know that, but part of me didn’t want to face the reality that I’d invested so much of myself in a doomed relationship. And now…” Andie squeezes my arms again and releases a heavy sigh against my back. “Derek’s girlfriend will likely be there with him, and I don’t want them to see me with someone who might…I don’t know…I mean , let’s face it, you’ve always been super friendly. With everyone. Especially around pretty women. It’s who you are, you know? Part of your charm.”
I turn and wrap my arms around her, pulling her snug against me. “I get it. You don’t want Derek to see you on a date with a guy who notices other women.”
Andie rolls her head against my chest. “That’s not it exactly. It’s not about you noticing other women. Noticing them is fine. But I don’t want Derek, or any of his friends or associates, to see me with a man who’s more interested in other women than he is in me. Does that make me sound pathetically insecure?”
Pressing my chin to the top of her head, I tighten my hold on her. “There’s nothing pathetic about you, Andie. I understand why this is important to you. I just never realized this part of my personality bothered you.”
“It doesn’t, normally. I mean, I have no claim on who you flirt with, Liam. But as much as I love you just the way you are, I can only agree to be your date if you treat it like an actual date. I can’t bear the thought of Derek thinking I’m not interesting enough to hold your attention.”
Andie’s eyes drop to the floor, and I already want to break my promise about not hitting Derek. “I can’t do it, Liam,” she shakes her head, her gaze focused on her shoes. “My wounded pride and ego can’t suffer a hit like that–especially not in front of Derek.”
I don’t bother to point out that Layton is exactly the type who would flirt with other women while on a date. Only he would do it secretly, not openly.
I step away and lift Andie’s chin with my index finger until she finally makes eye contact with me again. I notice the sheen of unshed tears in her eyes, and my anger flares. And now I definitely want to renege on my promise not to bloody Derek’s nose. Maybe I could crack a couple of his ribs. I never promised not to do that, right?
I rest my palm along the side of her face. “Let me take you to the benefit. I promise it will be the best date you’ve been on in years. Scouts honor.” I lift my fingers in a Boy Scout salute. “I’ll be your pretend boyfriend, and if you don’t have a great time, you can call my grandma and complain all about it to her. She’ll make sure I pay for it double-times-over.”
Andie grins, and it’s the sweetest sight I’ve seen all afternoon. For the slightest, fleeting flash of a moment, I have a desire to pull her to me again, only this time, not in the way you hug someone who’s only your friend.
Something else to circle back to later.
Closing her eyes, Andie leans the tiniest bit into my palm. “Before I say yes, I want to know why you’re so insistent about doing this. What could possibly be in it for you?”
“What? You mean besides the fact that I get to spend the evening with the coolest and prettiest woman in Eugene?”
She laughs. “Yeah. Besides that.”
I chuckle and cross to the other side of the room–which only takes a handful of steps. “The truth?”
Andie nods.
“It will keep my meddling parents from trying to set me up with the daughter of one of their friends. And, as an added bonus, it may give me a chance to redeem myself after what happened at the last event. I know my parents are angry about it, though I suspect they’re more embarrassed than angry. And Grams,” I shake my head. “Andie, I’ve never seen her look so disappointed in me. It gutted me.”
Andie seems to consider this, then bobs her head in understanding. “So, you’re finally going to throw your family a bone, eh?”
“Not so much my parents, but I hate knowing I’ve let Grams down.”
Andie gives me a sympathetic smile.
“Plus,” I add, “it will bring me a whole lot of pleasure to see your weasel-scum ex-boyfriend turn green with envy. Consider yourself warned, Andie, because I full-on plan to make everyone in attendance believe I’m head over heels in love with you.”
“Oh boy,” Andie rolls her eyes. “Good luck with that, Liam.”
“Challenge accepted.”
“Okay, Prince Charming. You’ve successfully made your point.”
“This isn’t a pity date, Andie. This is a revenge date! And you have no idea how much I am looking forward to it. I may not be able to break the slime-ball's nose, but I’m sure going to enjoy rubbing his nose in a whole lot of green jealousy slime when he sees you and me together. I plan to make him question every single time you had to convince him that you and I are only friends.”
Andie laughs. “Now, that’s an offer I cannot refuse. Okay then. You’re on, Liam. I guess you can tell Layton he dodged a bullet. And he’s welcome.”