6
I just offered Liam Scott my help. Me. Emily Hansen. I”ve just dared tooffer my help to the captain of the university hockey team, the campus hottie, and incidentally the notorious womanizer that he is. I”ve just thrown myself into the lion”s den. But I think I”m enjoying the fangs...
I swallow when he accepts. I can hardly believe my ears.
He agreed!
I avert my eyes from his gaze, which seems to probe and read my innermost being, before clearing my throat. I try to ignore the horde of butterflies raging in my stomach.
“Great!” I exclaim, my voice almost hoarse.
“How do you want to proceed?”
“The best thing would be to exchange numbers so that we can set up a meeting... I mean, a date to study something...”
I”m still blushing. Silly girl.
Liam nods slowly. Asking for help probably isn”t one of his strong points. I can tell by the look on his face when my proposal becomes more concrete.
Nevertheless, he hands me his cell phone and I type in my number.
“If you”re worried about it, we can keep it between us. I won”t tell anyone, I promise.”
“Thanks, Emily. It”s not that I want to make a secret of it, but yeah, with my captain status... Um... It would be awkward if anyone finds out I need a hand,” he replies when I hand him back his phone.
Especially coming from the first year I am, not necessarily popular and not necessarily cool. I get it!
Liam stands up and scratches his chin.
“Well, I”ll... I”ll see you around... And thanks for the coffee. I”ll...”
He hesitates.
“I”ll see you soon!” he says simply, before running off in a huff.
This guy is weird... Is it too much shame for him to be seen with me for more than an hour? Then, you can”t ignore the fact that he”s already flirted with me, and it”s as if at the same time he”s trying to get away from me or that I”m annoying him, and so he ignores me. I think I was too nice when I offered to help him.
I pout, disappointed.
As I watch him go, my doubts start to creep in. Have I just made a big mistake? I should be concentrating on my studies, not playing tutor. I”ve got so much more to do with the paper. Not to mention the fact that I”m studying something completely different. But Liam”s doing the business management course, and as my dad”s a pretty successful businessman, I know quite a bit about it...
I sigh.
Whatever happens, I mustn”t lose my concentration if I want to succeed in getting into a big newspaper. I need to set some rules before studying with him, so it can really stay within a serious and useful framework for both of us. Yes, that sounds good!
On the way home, I”m thinking about the best way to organize things.
In any case, the most important point is that I have to control my reactions. Liam is incredibly seductive, and he knows it. I don”t know what his game is with me, blowing hot and cold, but I mustn”t let myself be fooled. Girls like me don”t get with guys like him, and vice versa. We can”t let ourselves get distracted. And he told me in an interview: for him, sport comes first.
***
I”m sitting in my media management class, diligently taking notes. The subject isn”t as difficult as I first thought. I”ve managed to retain the most important points and understand the broad outlines. That”s pretty positive!
For the umpteenth time, I glance at my phone. I hate myself for doing this, but I still haven”t heard from Liam, and I can”t help feeling disappointed. He”s probably changed his mind about us working together... I can”t force him! It”s up to him.
I will probably see him soon anyway, as today I”m off to hockey practice. I have to cover the team”s preparations for the newspaper, as there”s another big game this weekend. Coach Franklyn is still hoping that my articles will attract the attention of sports agents.
In any case, readers seem to enjoy my writing, and spectators are always more numerous at each game. Maddie and my editor are also very satisfied with my work so far. I”m very motivated by this confirmation. It feels good to know that I”m on the right track.
Arriving at the rink, I take my usual seat on the substitutes” bench. Before the boys come out of the locker room, I still have ten minutes to spare. I take a few notes that will help me structure my future article. Finally, I hear them arrive. I notice that Liam looks tired and I feel guilty for thinking that, if he hadn”t contacted me, it was out of lack of consideration. I suppose he has a busy life too. And with the game coming up, he must surely be training hard.
When he passes me on the ice, he barely nods. This little game of pretending I don”t really exist is starting to get on my nerves!
I lose myself in my thoughts, and it”s a whistle from the coach that brings me back to reality.
Crap.
Liam is becoming too much of a distraction. Instead of observing the training and analyzing what”s going on, I”m busy thinking about him.
I shake my head, concentrate on my notebook and write down a few impressions.
Today, the captain is slower than usual. It’s in stark contrast to his usual fiery spirit, which seems to have repercussions for the rest of the team. Everyone lacks the drive and bite that normally characterize them. It’s interesting to observe how much the atmosphere on the ice depends on the captain. I can understand the pressure on Liam.
Passes have no impact, the puck gets lost, sticks bang and bang. It feels like they”re in slow motion, and if I can see it, so can Coach Franklyn, who”s getting tenser by the minute.
“Holy shit! What the hell is this? Liam, move! Eliot, tighten up on your skates, for God”s sake! Chase, do you want me to get you a coffee, maybe? What”s the matter with you today?” finally yells the latter.
He kicks the fence surrounding the rink and continues to scream at the whole team. The name calling continues and I shrink back to my bench. Suddenly, as if remembering that I”m there, he turns to me. His index finger points at me, and I feel an aura of anger emanating from him.
“And you, not a single word about this in your notebook! If you write anything about this catastrophe, believe me, you”ll be in trouble!”
I swallow nod and quickly gather my things. I”d rather not witness this disaster any longer and stay on the coach”s radar.
Once in my student room, sitting on the sofa, I sigh. That was just awful! I reread my notes, but no positive words seem to fit such a horrible training. I want to be nice, but there are limits. The coach is right, I might as well not write anything down... Too bad! I”ll concentrate on the game.
Suddenly, my phone vibrates, announcing the arrival of a message. The number is unknown, and I unlock the screen with a frown.
* Hello Emily. This is Liam. Can we see each other tomorrow at noon to study?
This guy”s got some nerve! I roll my eyes and toss my phone aside in frustration. If he thinks I”m going to answer him right away, as soon as he writes me a poor text message when he barely said hello earlier, he”s mistaken. After days of radio silence, he deserves to stew a bit!
I open my laptop and choose a film. Immersing myself in another world for a while will do me good.
After half an hour, I”m already feeling calmer. I finally grab my smartphone and type a reply to the damn captain.
* All right. At the library, at noon tomorrow.
There you go. I didn”t say ‘hello’ or ‘are you all right?’ I remained firm. Proud of myself, I put the phone down before it vibrates again for an answer.
* Thank you
Well, I don”t know what to expect tomorrow, but deep down I feel a restlessness, which makes me think that I”m not insensitive to the idea of studying with Liam Scott.
The library doors close behind me as I spot Liam sitting at one of the tables, his eyes riveted to his notes. He seems lost in thought as I approach.
“Hi,” I say, sitting down next to him.
An annoyed “shh” comes from a corner of the room and I put my hand in front of my mouth. Oops...
Liam raises tired eyes to me, and he gives me a weak smile.
“Hi,” he replies in a low voice, rubbing his chin.
He really looks like he”s at the end of his rope, and I feel guilty that I thought he was snubbing me. Obviously, it”s something else, and he seems to be struggling with a whole host of problems.
“You don”t look so good...” I say timidly.
“I really have a lot of catching up to do if I”m going to pass the next exam. With the game coming up, it”s hard for me to keep up with everything. That”s why...”
He seems to hesitate for a moment, as if embarrassed.
“That”s why I decided to send you a message,” he continues. “I”m not in the habit of asking for help, but right now I”m struggling.”
His confession touches me and I nod.
“All right, then. Where do you want to start? What”s your study methodology?”
He opens his round eyes and stares at me, as if I”ve just said something atrocious, or spoken a foreign language.
“I... Uh... My methodology...”
He pushes a notebook full of shapeless notes, scribbles and numbers towards me.
“Oh, yeah. Well... I think we”re going to go over the basics a bit so you can get better organized. Sound good?”
I smile at him to lighten the mood, and he gives me a sincere smile that warms me from head to toe.
Damn, he”s handsome!
“That”s fine by me! And... thank you, Emily. I really...”
I sweep away his thanks with a wave of my hand as if it’s no big deal, and we both lean back over his notebooks, our heads strangely close together. I feel his spicy scent returning to my nostrils and the butterflies in my stomach awaken.
No, no... Not now! Concentrate!
I end up dissecting his working method. He recognizes that I”m more organized, which makes me laugh. Through my university studies, I’ve learned by default to be structured in everything I do: an article has a starting point, a statement, a thread and a conclusion. I use all these points in my everyday life. Liam seems to like the way I do things, and we make a few lesson plans together. He”s a quick learner and a studious one. He asks the right questions, takes notes and makes a real effort. I like that about him.
He rubs his three-day beard, his brown curls falling over his forehead.
“That”s much better! It”s crazy!” he exclaims softly, so as not to disturb the other students.
“You”re doing a really good job,” I remark.
“Your help makes all the difference! I”m such an idiot for not contacting you sooner!”
The joy in his eyes warms my heart. It”s good to know I can help him. Whatever happened with him during the last training session, or during our last meetings, seems to have evaporated. Nor are there any misunderstandings, flirtations or long, icy silences. How nice! I feel like I”m discovering him in his true light, and I like that.
Calm down, Emily!
As we pack up, Liam asks:
“Tomorrow, how about we meet at the same time? Are you free?”
I look at him, hiding my surprise, and smile.
“Yes, no problem.”
“Are you sure about this? It doesn”t slow you down in your own work, does it?”
“No, don”t worry. You”ll settle in gradually, and I”ll be able to study my subjects and you yours, without it slowing us down.”
He smiles broadly, as if relieved.
“Great!”
As we say goodbye, he seems to hesitate, he raises his arm, motions towards me, and finally taps me on the shoulder as if I were one of his buddies. Disappointment twists my heart, and I try to pull myself together to put on an appropriate smile.
No, but seriously? Liam Scott wasn”t going to hug me for studying for over an hour together, was he? What an idiot I am...
“Goodbye, Liam,” I mumble, turning on my heels.
Lost in my thoughts, I take the wrong route back to my room and wander around the campus for a while. After a while, I pull myself together and get back on the right road. I hope Cassy isn”t back yet. She might see that something”s bothering me, and I can”t see myself admitting to her that I”ve got a thing for the university playboy. It”shard enough for me to understand what”s going on!
The next day, we meet at the library, and end up agreeing on a daily meeting.
Our study sessions go on in the same studious way as the first. But I notice that every day I”m looking forward to spending more time with him.
It”s not just about learning together. We laugh about our mistakes, discuss our opinions on certain subjects and share our thoughts on the world we live in. Little by little, I get the impression that a bond is forming between us that goes beyond simply sitting next to each other and dissecting our lessons.
I”m discovering a more mature person than I thought, more inclined to have interesting opinions on things other than sport, and above all with a sense of humor. Of course, he”s terribly sexy. But let”s just say that”s not his main character trait in the end. That”s for sure!
Today, we”ve completed a good work session, and Liam stares at me for a few seconds, seemingly searching for his words. I pretend not to have noticed and keep my eyes glued to my media rights manual, unable to read a single line.
“Emily?” he finally says softly.
“Hm?” I answer, looking at him as stoically as possible.
My heart is pounding in my chest, and I can”t calm it down. All it takes is for his blue eyes to land on me insistently and my world shatters. This uncontrollable reaction both annoys and terrifies me. I know that one day our sessions will come to an end, and I”ll go back to being the simple little journalist who writes articles about him and his team. The one who might have helped him get a good grade in an exam. I don”t know what else I could be to a guy like him.
“Thank you,” he continues. “Not only for your help, but also for our discussions. I feel like you understand me...”
Stunned, I feel my mouth round and close again. His words touch me. Too much.
“You don”t need to thank me. I”m happy to help you and also to have someone to talk to.”
I try to give him a sincere smile. It”s not that I don”t want to, but right now I”ve got an irresistible urge to press myself against him, run my hand through his hair and do things to him that you wouldn”t normally do in a library - well, normally, because I”m pretty sure Maddie”s already had sex here!
I swallow at having such naughty thoughts and tense up that he might eventually read me. It doesn”t seem to fail, because his smile widens, and his eyes start to sparkle.
Shit... You”d think I was talking out loud from the look on his face.
It both distresses and comforts me. Does he like me, even a little? A tenth of the appreciation I have for him would be a lot!
“Good luck on your exam tomorrow!” I finally blurt out to ease the tension.
For a brief moment, a shadow passes before his eyes.
“Thank you,” he mutters.
I gather my things and get up.
“Keep me posted! See you at Saturday”s game.”
“Yes... See you later,” mumbles Liam.
I turn on my heels and almost run away.
***
I”m having trouble concentrating on my course. I”m thinking about Liam and his exam. I really hope our study sessions have paid off!
Subconsciously, I check my cell phone every few minutes, hoping that he”ll send me a message when he”s finished. Yet the day goes by without a word. I”m really disappointed and find it hard to put on a brave face. It”s crazy that this guy can have such an impact on me! I curse myself for reacting this way, but I can”t stop my thoughts and my heart from going in all directions.
Finally, in the evening, I decide to send him a message. I”ve got to know for sure! Then again, it”s also a way of getting back in touch...
* Hi Liam, how did your exam go?
I see that he”s writing a reply and I wait, but nothing comes. I sigh and am about to let go of my phone when a message appears.
* Not bad at all
No punctuation. Not even an exclamation mark. Nothing. ‘Not bad at all.’ He could at least have written, ‘Hi’. I don”t know what I was expecting, but I feel annoyed by this response.
My phone vibrates again and my heart misses a beat, but it”s a message from Maddie. She”s suggesting we go to a party at one of her friends” houses tonight. Cassy will meet us there.
A girls” night out sounds like a good idea to get Liam out of my head. I tell her I”m up for it and immediately start getting ready.
Thirty minutes later, there”s a knock on the door. Half-dressed, I jump up to open the door for Maddie.
She hugs me, euphoric.
“Why aren”t you ready yet?” she asks, examining me from head to toe.
I groan.
“Give me five more minutes!”
I have a hard time deciding on my outfit, and finally pull out a low-cut top from my wardrobe. I slip on some heeled ankle boots and turn to my best friend. Maddie looks at me and whistles approvingly.
“Too low-cut?” I ask, unsure.
“No! It”s perfect, sweetie. You”re sexy!”
Arm in arm, we set off. When we get there, we enter the fraternity house hosting tonight”s party, when Cassy comes running up to us, shouting joyfully and hugging us.
“I”m so happy to see you! Cute outfit, Emily!”
She looks me up and down with appreciation and I can”t help but laugh.
The whole house is surprisingly full, and I notice that the hockey team seems to be there too. I pout and scan the crowd until my eyes meet those of Liam. His gaze settles on me for a moment, then he gives me a charming smile and winks. I answer soberly, nodding. Yet I can”t stop a treacherous warmth spreading through me and end up looking away so that my flushed face doesn”t reflect my emotions.
“I have to go to the bathroom,” I announce to my friends.
“What, already?” exclaims Maddie.
“I”ll see you later.”
I get out of the way so as not to remain in the seductive captain”s line of sight. I still feel his eyes on me, and I continue to liquefy by the minute.
It”s got to stop!
No sooner have I firmed up on this idea than I brush past someone as I make my way into the crowded main room. I look up and catch Liam”s azure gaze, which electrifies me even more at such close quarters. My body throws lightning bolts where we touched, and I continue to charge ahead before he calls out to me.
Alone at last, with the toilet door closed behind me, I take a deep breath. I lean over the sink and cool my rosy cheeks with cold water.
This is nothing. All this is nothing. I can have a good time with my friends. His presence won”t change the course of my evening.
After a few deep breaths, I”ve calmed down a bit and feel ready to go out again.
When I open the door, Liam is standing right in front of it. His eyebrows are furrowed, and he seems to be deep in thought. Finally, he looks up and scrutinizes me.
“Hi Emily,” he says.
With his fingertips, he sweeps a brown lock from his forehead and approaches me gently as I back away, ending up against the door at my back. His gaze roams over my face, and his tongue licks his lips.
What”s he looking at? Has the water ruined my make-up?
Slowly, he places his left hand beside me, blocking my access to the corridor, and soon does the same with his right arm.
There”s no way out.
My heart is racing. We”ve never been this close on purpose. I don”t understand what he”s playing at. Or at least, I”m afraid I do. I feel my whole body tense up, and the hollows of my thighs heat up.
He then leans towards me and stops just inches from my face. I swallow, my eyes still locked on his. I mustn”t give in; I mustn”t let him do this to me.
But I want him so much...
Just as I”m about to give up, he lowers his head, right next to my lips. His breath exudes a faint scent of alcohol and fruit. His scent envelops me. His warmth overwhelms me. I feel the pressure of his firm torso against my chest and my lower abdomen stirs.
“You look damn sexy tonight, Emily,” he whispers.
Shivers run down my spine, threatening to bring me to my knees. I”m incredibly hot. This guy is the devil himself. But a very attractive devil!
Before I can say anything, a voice calls out to him from the other end of the corridor.
“Liam? Where are you, buddy?”
He winks at me before stepping back. He walks quietly up the corridor and disappears into the crowd. I stand there, petrified.
What the hell was that?
We were supposed to have a professional relationship! Well, yeah, I was hoping for more... I can”t deny it. But now... we”ve made a big leap! He”s trying to seduce me openly! Was he drunk? Maybe even high? No, I don”t think so. The coach would smash his head in and he”s too keen on his sporting career. It was just mind-blowing!
Now, even a deep breath or cold water on my face wouldn”t be enough to calm me down. My legs won”t obey me, and I can”t think straight. I lean my head against the door and wait for my body to recover.
“Ha, there you are!” exclaims Maddie as she approaches me. “How are you? You look funny.”
“Uh, yes... I have a headache, but it”ll pass,” I lie.
Maddie gives me a scrutinizing look and finally nods.
I feel guilty about lying to my best friend, but I don”t feel ready to tell her everything right now.
Together, we hurry to the bar. She orders me a large glass of water and takes an aspirin from her purse.
I accept both gratefully and drink the cold water greedily. It helps to refresh me a little and get me back on my feet.
At the other end of the bar, Liam, surrounded by his teammates, glances at me with a satisfied smile. I ignore him and focus on my friends. Cassy and Maddie are chatting happily, and I pretend to listen. In spite of myself, my gaze regularly wanders to Liam and each time, our eyes meet. The more time passes, the more restless I become.
“Earth to Emily,” says Cassy, patting me on the shoulder.
“Huh?” I reply.
She laughs.
“Are you listening to us?”
“Sorry... I think I”d better go home; my headache won”t go away.”
They look disappointed but say nothing. I decline their offer of a lift and hug them in turn before leaving.
The fresh air does me a world of good.
As I walk back to my university building, the scene from earlier is replayed in my head.
How can I study with Liam now? That”s all right, he can manage on his own now. But what about the interviews I have to do at every game? How can I be relaxed in front of him after what”s just happened?
***
On the day of the hockey team”s game, I arrive at the rink just in time. The guys are still warming up on the ice and, predictably, the stands are overflowing with spectators. Coach Franklyn greets me, quick to apologize for the last practice where he yelled at me.
I take a seat on the bench and get out my camera to illustrate my article. As I focus the lens on Liam, he winks at me. Immediately, what happened at the party the other night comes to mind. No wonder women fall at his feet! He has an incredible charm... Embarrassed and confused, I put my equipment down beside me and take out my notebook.
The game begins.
The team seems to have regained confidence compared to the training session I attended the other day, and I put that down to the admonishments the coach must have given them. Liam is excellent. This time, all his shots are on target. The crowd goes wild when the whistle blows for the victory of our university team. Another one! Even I get caught up in the infectious good mood and clap my hands. The players celebrate their success, and I take the opportunity to snap a few photos.
Before leaving, I ask Coach Franklyn a few questions. This way, I don”t have to meet Liam in person. I find this tactic very clever, and I”m glad I thought of it.
I quickly pack up my things and head home to work, before the captain - who”s too sexy - comes to meet me.
As I sit down at home and start writing my article, the vibration of my cell phone pulls me out of my concentration. It”s Liam...
* I thought we had to debrief together at the end of every game. What a disappointment to have learned that you had asked your questions to the coach... If you”re ever in the mood come party with us.
Reading his message, I feel angry, but also terribly attracted by the idea of joining him. My body reacts immediately, and it takes a lot of effort to suppress the urge to see Liam again.
This guy”s got a lot of nerve!
* I can”t tonight, I”m busy
A clear and concise message. I”m so proud of myself!
Another vibration immediately follows.
* Come on, Emi, just for an hour!
He insists... Does he really want to see me? Is this another game of seduction? Why is he trying to seduce me in the first place? I hope he hasn”t made a bet with his buddies...
I think back to our encounters in the library, to this Liam who”s so different, and I know he”s hiding behind that air of a playboywho can have it all. If only he had enough self-confidence to be like that all the time. But anyway, I think I like every side of him! I”m so screwed!
I sigh. I can”t deny it”s nice to be wooed by such an incredibly attractive guy. Well... I can write my article tomorrow, can”t I?
* OK but just for an hour. Where are you?
The pizzeria where I meet him is next to the campus. It”s packed and the noise inside is insane.
Why did I give in?
Suddenly, I feel a warm presence on my back and a breath on the back of my neck that I”d recognize between a thousand and one. There”s only one that has such an effect on my body.
“Good to see you,” Liam whispers in my ear.
He turns me towards him and scrutinizes me with his shining eyes. A horde of butterflies dance in my stomach and my heart beats wildly. Liam”s hands are still on either side of my shoulders and he”s grinning with a smile that borders on indecency. I get the impression he”s enjoying torturing me.
I swallow the lump in my throat and stammer out a less than charming ‘hello’.
“Are you hungry?” he asks, letting go of me.
My shoulders tingle where his hands used to be.
“Uh, yes...” I struggle to articulate.
Liam disappears for a moment and returns with a plate containing various slices of pizza. As he hands it to me, my fingers brush against his and a bolt of lightning shoots through me, nearly knocking everything to the ground.
“Did you enjoy the game?” he asks nonchalantly, his gaze shifting from my lips to my eyes.
It looks like he”s trying to make conversation, when that”s the last thing he wants to do.
I nod without saying a word.
“Come and sit down.”
As I look around for an empty seat, I suddenly feel Liam”s hand on the small of my back. He pushes me through the crowd to a small table in the corner. I put the plate in front of me and sit down on the bench. To my surprise, Liam sits next to me, not opposite. Our legs touch lightly and my cheeks flush.
To keep my hands busy, I take a slice of pizza.
“You were really good today,” I end by saying to fill the silence.
He laughs.
“Better than the training session you attended, yeah, for sure...”
“I didn”t want to say it.”
“Oh, you can. That day, I was really out of shape.”
He scratches the back of his neck, as if this admission were costing him.
“I had a lot of things on my mind, including my difficulties in studying. And... your help really helped me see things more clearly.”
He suddenly looks up at me and I feel suspended in an abyss. I swallow my mouthful with some difficulty. His arm slips behind me on the back of the seat, like it’s natural, and his body turns slightly towards mine. We look into each other”s eyes again.
The tumult around us echoes in my ears like absorbent cotton. I can think of nothing but the desire to feel his lips on mine.
“Isn”t the pizza good?” he asks mischievously.
I look away and bite hastily into my margarita, while he grabs a piece to do the same.
He”s doing it on purpose, I”m sure. He”s playing with my nerves!
It”s confusing, but now that we”re sitting side by side and just eating, I feel good and my body relaxes. We can be together in silence, without it feeling weird.
When we”ve both finished, Liam smiles in satisfaction and leans in a little closer to me. He looks deep into my eyes, and I feel as if I”m drowning in the ocean of his blue irises.
“I really have to keep working on my article,” I exclaim suddenly.
“Let me take you home,” he offers.
“Don”t you want to take advantage of your evening to celebrate your victory?”
“No, I have to study again tomorrow. Now that I”ve got a good teacher, I mustn”t waste these efforts,” he replies with a casual smile.
I look at him thoughtfully for a moment, then finally nod, as if guided by a remote control.
As we stand up, he puts his hand on the small of my back again and we maneuver through the crowd.
We barely speak the whole way. To tell the truth, it”s only a ten-minute walk and I feel like I”m walking on cloud nine.
Once we’re in front of my residence, I rummage in my purse for my key.
“Thank you and good night, Liam,” I say before turning towards the door, leaving him little choice as to the outcome of this evening.
“Good night, Emily.”
The sound of my name in his mouth electrifies me, and I try to put the key in the lock so as not to snap. But behind my back, I don”t hear his footsteps receding, on the contrary, he”s drawing closer to me and once again the warmth of his presence stuns me.
That”s when my body takes control of my mind. I turn around and find myself very close to him. Unable to resist, I grab his jacket and close the distance between us. Rising on tiptoe, I search for his lips.