Chapter One #4
Her feet cramped as she walked to and from the bathroom. He was still sitting at the bar when she returned. In front of him was a margherita flatbread. He inched the board toward her. “Your stomach’s been grumbling since Esprit. Eat something.”
“If you’re sure.” It looked delicious, like him. At his nod, she lifted a piece. “I’ll have just one.”
He gestured toward the wooden serving board. “Take half. I ate at the gala and normally don’t eat this late. I only wanted a nibble or two. And it seems I was born with my mother’s need to feed people.”
Lexi put three additional slivers onto her plate.
Ingrained habits were hard. She’d always maintained a carefully curated diet, one that had devastating consequences as she’d tried to maintain the correct weight.
Salvaging her mental and physical health had been one reason she’d quit being Melynda.
The bartender came by and set a glass of water in front of her, and Lexi nodded her appreciation.
“Okay then. As long as you tell me how much my half is. I insist on paying for my fair share.”
Liam bit into the flatbread, which made a crunching sound. “I don’t want your money. It’s on me in exchange for some good conversation. Will that work? No ulterior motives.” His smile threatened to undo her.
“That’s kind. Thank you.” She’d leave once she’d eaten something. “I appreciate you sharing. It’s really good.”
He tilted his head, giving her a perfect view of the sexy little dip in the center of his chin. “I’m glad you like it. Didn’t figure you for a vegetarian, but went with that option anyway.”
“It’s perfect. I’m not a finicky eater.” At least not anymore.
Because the bar served more than wine, he’d ordered a finger of bourbon, and the bartender set the glass in front of him before moving away.
He wiped his hand on a napkin and took a sip.
“I’m glad you’re staying,” he told Lexi.
“It’s been a while since a beautiful woman graced me with her presence. I’m enjoying your company.”
No way would she believe that. He was a sexy, big bad wolf.
He’d eat her alive, and she’d enjoy every minute.
Innate sensuality radiated, along with a powerful undercurrent that roused the butterflies in her stomach and made them flit about.
When he smiled, the action lit up his whole face, softening the angles that begged for a woman to trace.
“Surely not. Women must throw themselves at you.”
“That doesn’t mean I want to date them. I was in a long-term relationship and since then...” He shrugged. “Even though I’m straight, women have held little appeal. Until you.”
Disbelieving, she fingered the stem of her empty glass. “It can’t have been that long. You’re joking.”
He held her gaze. “I never joke.”
Three words delivered like cannonballs. Her eyes widened and she sucked in a breath. “Never?”
“No. I’m the serious one in my family. They say I’m too serious. Too fuddy-duddy. If you need someone to bring down the mood, they say I’m that guy.”
“I can’t believe that.”
Those wide shoulders shrugged. “It’s one reason I escaped and left the party early. I’d rather be here by myself than in the ballroom with hundreds of people.”
“I see.” But she didn’t. He was an enigma. His irresistible aura had kept her sitting here, hadn’t it? Sucked into his shimmery web? She found herself compelled by an unseen force to get to know him. “Surely you do something for fun?”
He conceded that point with a brief nod. “I like being outdoors. Hiking. Mountain climbing. Another reason I hated that fancy gala. But I went to keep the peace.”
“Sometimes that’s important.” How many times had she done just that? She sipped some water and tried to focus on something positive. “Have you hiked anything I’d know? Not that I’m a hiker. I probably wouldn’t know anything you mention. I’m just trying to make conversation.”
“Which I appreciate. How about the entire Appalachian Trail?”
“Okay, I’ve heard of that. All of it?” She pushed her empty plate forward. They’d finished the entrée.
He grinned and pushed his own plate forward. “All of it.”
“How long does that take?”
The corners of his mouth inched up as if he could tell he’d impressed her. “Five to seven months.”
She leaned back, stunned. “You must really be into hiking.”
When he grinned, his smile was infectious.
“I was. Racked up quite a few summits. The Matterhorn. Denali. Longs Peak. There are others. Made it to Camp One on Everest but...” His face clouded.
“Circumstances on the mountain changed, so the quest was abandoned. Doubt I’ll ever go back. I stopped climbing after that.”
“I’ve read lots of people die on that mountain.” She gave a small shudder.
Liam took a sip of his bourbon, calling her attention back to his tantalizing lips. “It’s unforgiving, that’s for sure. How about you?”
“Well, I’m not a mountain climber. Not even a social climber.” Much to her father’s disgust and disappointment, she’d hated the celebrity lifestyle.
Liam chuckled, good humor restored. “Good to know. But hobbies? Things like that? Are you from Beaumont?”
“Are you always this inquisitive?” Not wanting to go too deep and threaten exposing her past, she turned the question back around on him.
A strong forefinger absently tapped the top of the bar. She liked his hands. They appeared strong yet not necessarily calloused. As a brief silence fell, she worried if she’d offended him, but then he spoke, as if choosing his words carefully.
“Actually, I’m not normally like this. I’ve quite surprised myself tonight. I’m amazed by how interesting I find you. It’s been a while since I’ve even wanted to talk with anyone, much less a woman. But here we are.”
Unsure of what to read into that statement, Lexi shot back, “Well, six months ago I swore off men, so maybe I sort of understand where you’re coming from. I’m assuming you’re like me, once burned, twice shy. Wondering why we’re sitting here but not really ready to move away.”
“Something like that.” The bartender removed the empty flatbread board, catching both of their attention, providing a small break. When the bartender stepped away, Liam pushed his empty glass aside and turned his full attention to Lexi. “Do you want to get out of here?”
Copyright ? 2025 by Michele Dunaway