Chapter Ten
We ate in silence for several moments before I ventured into the murky waters of conversation. “So, did you play football? You’ve mentioned a couple times going to school and football together, but all past tense. Did something happen?”
Some of the light went out of him, and he set down his burger as he finished chewing. Wiping his mouth with his napkin, he sighed. “Yeah, I was kind of a big deal for a while. Since you don’t follow sports, I’m not surprised you didn’t hear about me, but I even had a few fan clubs.”
His smile was close-lipped, and he wouldn’t meet my stare. “I grew up with a football in my hands. Instead of sleeping with a teddy bear, that’s what I snuggled with at night. I was fast, too. I could catch anything they threw at me, so they made me a running back.”
He swirled his straw around his shake, the whip cream disappearing into the rich chocolate. “We won state the three years I was on Varsity in high school. Scouts from all over came out to watch me play, offering me scholarships, but I chose to stay here and be with my friends.” He shrugged.
“I got a full ride.” He stared at the wall, his gaze harsh and unseeing. “Me, Liam Davenport, son of one of the wealthiest couples in the area. I got a full ride.”
The guilt dripping from his words made me want to wince on his behalf.
“I’d been in the spotlight in high school, popular because of football and who my parents were. But coming here? Playing college ball?” He shook his head. “It was like being a god. Women throwing themselves at me, companies begging me to endorse their products, students buying me drinks every time I went out.”
I could tell he was back there, seeing it all happen again, like it was yesterday instead of three years ago. A wistful air clung to him, tinged with regret.
“Then, boom, one wrong hit to my knee, and it was all gone. I didn’t even finish my second season.” His jaw clenched, and he scooted out of the booth. “Excuse me.”
I watched him walk away, wishing I hadn’t said anything, but at the same time, happy I knew that about him. It filled in some of the gaps. When he came back, he stayed quiet, and so did I. I studied him as he dunked a fry in ketchup before shoving it absently in his mouth.
I needed to bring him back from the funk the memories had pulled him into. An idea popped into my head, and I acted before I could second-guess myself. I found a small fry, tossing it at his shoulder.
It hit him square on, and he jerked his head up, startled. I kept my attention on my plate, acting like nothing had happened. He stared for a long moment before going back to eating. As soon as his gaze left me, I threw another fry, this time hitting his forehead, and I couldn’t help a snort.
But I still tried to act innocent.
“I saw that.”
“Saw what?” I asked, sipping on my shake.
The beginnings of a smile played on his lips. Then his focus went back to his plate, and I threw another fry. Only for him to catch me red-handed. “Ha!”
I stared defiantly back. “Yeah? And just what are you going to do about it?”
He leaped out of the booth, sliding into mine to pin me to his side with one arm. Cedar and pine enveloped me as I squirmed to get away, but he just said, “I think I’ll hold you hostage until you decide to behave.”
“Not fair!” I wriggled, laughing as he held me tighter.
“Promise you’ll keep your fries to yourself, and I’ll let you go.” His eyes danced with laughter.
“Fine, I promise.” I shoved at him, after he released me. “Go back to your side.” Even as the words left my mouth, I hoped he wouldn’t.
“Nope. I’m going to stay right here, and keep you out of trouble.” He grabbed his plate and his shake, pulling them in front of him. Then he shifted, so his hip and thigh pressed firmly against mine.
I elbowed him on purpose before I went back to eating, congratulating myself on a plan well-executed. I looked up to find Sally watching us from across the diner. She nodded at me, a hand on her heart, and I knew she’d seen what happened because her smile was full of gratitude.
Liam and I finished our meal like that, side by side. Sally brought me a box for the other half of my monster burger. I was amazed when Liam cleared his plate, reaching over to steal a few of my fries as well.
“Do you have a hollow leg or something?”
He shrugged, popping another fry into his mouth. “We walked all day, and all I had was a donut, a granola bar and an apple.”
Sally came over to clear our plates. “Don’t let him fool ya. He eats it all, every time.”
I laughed, even as Liam frowned.
“Sally, you’re giving away all my secrets.” He stood up, making sure I was ready to go, then he reached for his wallet.
The waitress scowled. “Sugar, you know your money’s no good here.”
He started to protest, but her expression brooked no room for argument. Evidently they’d had this particular conversation before, and I hid my grin as I watched. Sally took our dirty plates away. As soon as her back was turned, Liam pulled out his wallet and tucked some money under one of the shakes.
“Run!” He grabbed my hand, pulling me after him
Breathless and laughing, I flopped into the front seat of his car. He buckled, threw the car into reverse and peeled out. I laughed even harder at Sally shaking her finger at him from the front window.
I gave her a big wave as we drove by. “So, you’re not allowed to pay?”
He pointed us in the direction of the apartment and shook his head. “She says that every time, but I try to anyway. After my football career was over, I stumbled upon that place, and it was exactly what I needed. Sally treated me no different than anyone else. No one fawned over me because I was rich or used to play football. I’d hobble in there on my crutches, and she’d light up, just because it was me.”
I was even more thankful for the sweet waitress, helping Liam through his tough time. “That’s awesome, but it doesn’t explain the money.”
“Impatient, much?” He raised his eyebrows, and I pretended to pout. “The diner was my first investment, but I didn’t do it to make money. It was for Sally and the others. The place was going belly up, and the previous owner couldn’t afford to keep it going. The employees wanted it but were short, so I chipped in the rest. They made some changes and were quickly able to pay me back.”
He glanced at me. “I know it didn’t seem like it just now, but they’re actually really popular, especially for lunch.”
His story confirmed what I’d been learning about him all day—that he had a heart of gold. A lot of rich people I’d encountered were snobs, Derek and Rhonda’s parents, for example. Not only had they sold Derek’s talent short for most of his life, only recently recognizing his accomplishments, but they completely rejected Greg when Rhonda had announced she was dating him.
But Liam hadn’t let his money stand in his way. He used it to benefit everyone, all while being a down to earth, amazing guy. Why did it take me so long to see it?
“The best part was it showed me how much fun investing could be, giving me something to be excited for again. So Sally and I like to argue over who helped who the most.”
I laid a hand on his forearm. “That’s really great, Liam. I’m so glad you took me there.”
A hint of vulnerability tinged his smile. “I don’t take most girls there because they won’t get it. They’ll just wrinkle their noses and judge, thinking it’s some gross diner.”
I heard what he didn’t say, that he took a chance on me and was grateful I’d seen the diner for the treasure it was. That I understood what it meant to him. He turned his hand over, palm up, in a silent request. I answered by sliding my hand into his, lacing our fingers together. We rode in comfortable silence the rest of the way home.
In the elevator, Liam leaned against the wall, facing me. He was back to being unsure, shifting his weight and clearing his throat. “I had a nice time today.”
“Me too.” He didn’t seem to believe me, so I added, “Really. I can’t remember a more wonderful day, to be honest.”
His gaze dropped to my lips. “Can…can I kiss you?”
I nodded. “I’d like that.”
He stepped closer, cupping my cheek and stroking it with his thumb as we soaked in the intensity that crackled between us. Then he moved, closing the gap.
Those full lips touched mine, and my stomach flipped as his heady scent wrapped around me. I rested my hands on his chest, needing to brace myself against the electricity coursing through me.
One strong hand slid to my back, pulling me flush against him. I forgot to breathe, concentrating only on the way his lips felt against mine, the way my heart raced, and the roaring of blood in my ears. The elevator door dinged as it slid open, announcing our arrival at my floor.
When Liam broke the kiss, I couldn’t move. Never had I felt anything like that in my life. It was like I’d just made out with a light socket, but in a good way. I gingerly stepped backward, unsure if my knees would hold me. Liam’s eyes followed my every movement.
I couldn’t form words, so I nodded before I walked into the hallway, watching the doors glide shut behind me. The grinding gears and sliding pulleys seemed overly loud as I stood there, trying to right my world once more.
No way was I walking into the apartment like this. Avery would jump all over me.
It took several minutes before I felt like I might be able to form an intelligent answer to a question. I was grateful no one had come down the hallway while I’d been standing there like an idiot. Shaking my head, I walked to our apartment and reached for the door handle, only to find a sock hanging from it.
I stared at the offending signal, pulling out my phone to be sure I hadn’t missed a heads-up text. It was blank. With an annoyed sigh, I tromped down the stairs to Liam’s room and knocked on the door. When he didn’t answer right away, I sent him a text. Radio silence, great.
I sank to the floor, carefully pulling my dress over my knees so no one got a show. I leaned against the door, gently banging my head on it. What a stupid end to a wonderful day. The door opened behind me, and I went sprawling into the apartment.
“Gina?” Liam stared at me.
“Hey.” I didn’t bother moving, just lay on the floor like an idiot.
He frowned. “What are you doing?” He’d already changed his clothes.
Is he going back out? “There’s a sock on our door handle. I guess Sunday is now sex night.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Are you propositioning me, Red?”
“Nah, I mean, that kiss was really something, but I’m not that easy.” He chuckled, but I just stared, wondering again about his outfit change. “So, you got a hot date?”
“Would you just get in here so we could have a normal conversation?”
I shook my head. “Nope, too tired. Must rest.”
He heaved a long, weary sigh, then grabbed my arms, dragging me in from the hallway and shutting the door behind me. “There, at least you don’t look like some stoner passed out on my doorstep. No hot date. Already did that today, and I’m not interested in anyone else. You’re more than enough to keep me on my toes.”
Delight washed over me.
“Actually, I have to go meet Desi’s husband. I’d have you ride along, but he’s into some shady shit, and I don’t know if any of it’s going to spill over into our meeting. You’re welcome to hang here though.”
That sounded serious. I lifted both my hands, asking, “Help me up?”
He obliged, tugging me to my feet.
“Be safe, okay?” I placed a palm on his chest, kissing his cheek before I thought twice.
A broad smile spread over his face. “Why, Red, I think you might actually care.”
I crossed my arms, faking a glare. “Nah, I’m just really excited about starting that management job in a couple weeks. If you die, then what?”
He laughed, touching my cheek. “See you later.”
The light caress gave me goosebumps, and I waved. I went over to the couch, collapsing onto it as the click of the closing door echoed through the empty apartment. I replayed the day, smiling to myself. After I got over being annoyed at Avery for not giving me a heads up, I’d have to thank her again for making me give Liam a chance.
* * * *
I woke up to a stiff neck and an alarm buzzing. Disoriented, I looked around, and it took a minute to realize I was still on Liam’s couch. A blanket covered me, one that hadn’t been there when I’d started watching Phantom of the Opera on my phone the previous night. And my phone was plugged in. I smiled—both at the evidence of Liam’s thoughtfulness, and the fact that he’d come home in one piece.
Oh crap, my alarm. It was Monday, and I had class. I shot upright, flailing to get out of the blanket. I yanked the cord from my phone, pulled on my shoes and ran out of the door. My door handle was sock-free. Thank goodness.
Avery sat at the island, sipping coffee as I rushed in. She grinned. “Ooooh, walk of shame, and it’s only the first date!”
I glared. “No, you guys had the sock on the door, and I fell asleep on Liam’s couch. Now I’m going to be late for class.”
Her face fell. “Yeah, we completely forgot to take it off until way later. Sorry about that. How was the date?”
“You don’t get to hear about it.” I sniffed and stalked to my room, calling over my shoulder, “Maybe next time you’ll give a girl a warning!”
* * * *
I was at the on campus dining hall, crunching away on my salad and making sure everything was in order for my afternoon classes when my phone dinged.
It was a text from Liam.
You ran off before I got up this morning. Some guest you are.
I huffed an indignant breath, writing back a quick response.
That’s what you get for sleeping late. Sorry I crashed out. Thanks for the blanket, and charging my phone.
*smiley face* No problem. What’s going on tonight?
Homework, homework, and to change it up, more homework.
Lol. You gonna eat anytime in there?
As I chewed, I thought over his offer. Would I have time for that? I ran through my workload so far—mostly studying for exams, and some research for one project in market analysis.
Maybe if I ate late, say seven?
*beaming emoji* Takeout at my place? Or you wanna go out?
Throw in something to drink and your place sounds perfect.