Chapter Two
MADDIE
After Liam gives me his babysitting speech, one I’ve heard from him several times, I make my way to Sophie’s room. It looks as if she hasn’t stepped foot in here in weeks.
I rummage through my duffel bag and grab some clean clothes before heading to the bathroom.
I practiced my ass off today, something I like to do during my long school breaks, and I’m sweaty and sore.
After I shimmy out of my tights and leotard, I step into the shower and hope the hot water melts away the stress and anxiety that quickly built when I smelled the smoke.
Though I’m still unnerved, I’m safe and have a bed to sleep in for the rest of the weekend.
The two girls who lived next door to me went home for Thanksgiving, but I can’t imagine being told that all my belongings were destroyed.
If I were home visiting my parents, they’d try to coax me into staying.
They mean well and love us with all their hearts, but I need my freedom.
Moving to Sacramento was one of the best decisions I ever made.
While it hasn’t always been easy to live on campus, I have zero regrets. Liam being here is just a bonus.
After I’ve washed my body and hair, I dry off and get dressed.
When my foot hits the last step of the stairs, Liam’s staring with wide eyes, which only causes me to smile.
His reaction says more than it should, and his attention only encourages me more.
Booty shorts and crop tops will be worn all weekend.
“Take a picture. It’ll last longer.”
He nearly chokes on his beer when I plop down next to him. “What the fuck are you wearing?”
Tilting my head at him, I narrow my eyes. “This is what we call clothes.”
I hurry and grab the remote, and while I’m flipping through the channels, I notice Save the Last Dance is on.
The movie’s almost over, but it’s at the best scene, the one where Sara auditions for Juilliard.
I remember memorizing the choreography in my bedroom until I nailed it when I was a kid.
Standing up, I bust out a few moves, and Liam glares at me.
“You know the entire dance, don’t you?”
I step up on the coffee table in sync with Julia Stiles as she pops up on the chair. “You know it.”
“Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me,” he says with a grin. I’m half-tempted to do the handless cartwheel to show off but don’t push my luck because the last thing I need to do is break an ankle with my winter recital coming up in a few weeks. So I sit and hold back the urge to finish the routine.
“You make it look so easy,” he says, still mesmerized.
Regardless, I’ve never really been able to take compliments when it comes to my craft because, like most art, it’s subjective.
Everyone tells me how good I am, but I only notice the mistakes.
I’m my biggest critic, which is why I practice so damn much.
My childhood dance instructor used to say the only way to be a better dancer is to keep dancing, and it’s true.
“Anyone can do it if they apply themselves.”
Hefty laughter releases from Liam. “Doubtful.”
“It’s true. Anyone can be taught. Some are just better than others, more coordinated and such.”
“Maddie, you don’t just dance. You breathe it in and let it out, allowing the music to stream through your body. I’ve never witnessed anything like it before. Even when you’re just playing around.”
His words leave me speechless. I turn back to the TV and try to drown myself in the movie, though my heart is beating out of my chest. I don’t lose my train of thought very often, but when Liam is so fucking nice to me, it throws me off.
I wish he’d give me a damn chance—a real one.
Sometimes when he looks at me, it’s like he’s contemplating us, but then he catches himself and puts on his macho act again.
I’ll eventually break through or die single trying, but regardless of how frustrating it is, I’m not giving up.
Clearing my throat, I break the silence.
“I’m so happy about Mason and Sophie.” I’m giddy thinking about my sister marrying the man she’s been in love with for years.
“Me too. It’s about damn time, too.” Liam’s wearing a smirk that’s adorable as hell. “I’m surprised Mason didn’t die from blue balls first.”
I snort. “You know I’ve been sending him pictures of engagement rings for the past three months? I’d like to think I helped.”
A laugh escapes him. “I’ve heard.”
“Really? So I did have some influence after all. Have you seen the ring?”
“Not yet,” he says, turning his attention back to the movie.
I’m curious as to which one Mason picked out. I’ve been asking Sophie what her favorite styles are, and as soon as she’d answer, I’d text Mason. Though he never said he appreciated it, I know deep down he did.
“I can’t wait until someone proposes to me.
Though I need to get rid of my V-card soon or I’ll be single forever,” I blurt just to watch him squirm, which he does.
“I’m not getting any younger, and now that my sisters will both be married soon, it’s my turn.
I love weddings. I’ve been dreaming of mine since I was a little girl. ”
“I don’t know what the rush is.” Liam lets out an annoyed sigh.
“For starters, I’m tired of being treated like a delicate little flower who will wilt.
I’ve been told to wait for the one all my life.
Did my sisters wait?” I glare at him, my frustration evident as he stays silent.
“Exactly. Plus, I could make some money. Then once it’s gone, everyone will be over it, and I won’t be the subject of conversation.
Maybe if you would’ve taken care of it years ago…
” I allude, and Liam glares at me. We don’t really discuss it, but now seems like the perfect time.
“Maddie,” he says in a hushed tone as if someone could hear us.
I sit up straighter and peer into his blue eyes. His breathing is shallow and his pulse races in his neck.
“Liam,” I say his name in the same tone as he said mine. “You should’ve taken me then.”
“You were underage,” he barks out harshly.
“And now I’m not. So what’s the issue?” I’m putting him on the spot, and although he despises it, we’re having this conversation.
He opens his mouth, then closes it before standing and walking to the kitchen. I follow him, refusing to let him avoid me. Going to the fridge, he grabs another beer, trying hard to ignore me.
“Tell me,” I push.
“I’m not talking about this right now and nothing will change my mind. End of discussion.” After taking a big swig, Liam glances at me, then goes back to the living room.
He’s the most stubborn person I know. I’ve given him so many opportunities to reciprocate the way I’ve always felt about him, but he pushes me away each time with some lame excuse as to why we can’t cross the line.
There have been times I’ve made a breakthrough, but then he builds his wall even taller.
Instead of following Liam, I make my way to Sophie’s room. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I wonder how I’m going to survive being around him this weekend. We aren’t alone often, and I want to take full advantage.
Wanting the day to be over, I turn off the light and climb under the blankets.
I don’t have an appetite, so instead of eating dinner, I play on my phone until the inevitable happens.
Tomorrow’s a new day, and if Liam thinks he’s getting out of this conversation anytime soon, he’s sadly mistaken.
I can count on my fingers how many times we’ve been alone together since I’ve been here.
It doesn’t take long before my eyes are heavy, and I drift off.
The next morning, I force myself out of bed. I slept longer than I intended but realized after yesterday that I needed it. I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but I make my way into the kitchen and put a kettle of water on the stove for tea while I cook breakfast.
Because I’m nice, I make enough food for Liam because the smell typically wakes him from his cave, or so I’ve learned from being here when Sophie cooks.
The kettle whistles, and I steep my peppermint tea, inhaling how good it smells.
It doesn’t take long to make everything, and as soon as I split the scrambled eggs and avocado onto two plates, Liam walks into the kitchen, wearing jogging pants that hang from his hips.
My jaw nearly hits the floor when those delicious muscles ripple down his body.
“Morning,” he grumbles, and I hurry and say it back before he notices me staring.
“Made you breakfast,” I tell him cheerfully, handing him a plate.
He glances up with a crooked grin. “Where’s the meat, Mads?”
“Beggars can’t be choosers, Hulk,” I playfully say. “Didn’t feel like cooking it. Trying to get some healthy fat and protein in before doing some yoga.”
“Yoga?” he asks, scoffing. “Wussie.”
I chuckle. “Oh really? Bet you wouldn’t last an hour.”
With a cocked eyebrow, he grins. “That’s a bet I’m willing to take.”
“Yeah? What’re the stakes?” I ask, plopping down and digging into my food. I nearly inhale it, considering I didn’t eat last night.
Liam runs his hand across the scruff on his chin.
It’s clear he’s not awake yet, so I take the opportunity to study the tattoos lining his shoulders and chest. They’re impossible to miss, especially when I’m fantasizing about my tongue tracing them.
“If I last an hour without messing up before you, then you have to cook dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow.”
“And what’s in it for me if I kick your ass?” I counter, knowing his big muscles won’t help him when it comes to balance and stamina.
“Then I’ll cook.”
“But I want breakfast tomorrow too. So, a healthy dinner tonight, then breakfast and lunch tomorrow. Do we have a deal?”
Liam holds out his hand and we shake on it. “Better bring your A game, Mads.”
A snort escapes me. “You’re going down, Hulk.”