Chapter 24
TWENTY-FOUR
RUBY
The entire day I’m preoccupied with what is going to happen this evening, and now I’m standing in front of the practice arena, wondering why I didn’t cancel earlier. I picked up my phone to do just that about a dozen times throughout the day, but I couldn’t bring myself to.
Liam was so excited to have me come, and I just couldn’t stand the thought of hurting his feelings or upsetting him, so here I am. But being here very much feels like a mistake. I’m not sure why.
There’s no real reason other than I know I’m not going to fit in with his friends.
Mainly because I don’t fit in with anyone.
I’m not even sure why Liam is attracted to me himself.
I’m frozen in my place, unsure if I should reach for the door, wait here for him to come out, or run back to my car and race home.
It’s a conundrum of sorts.
I take one step backward, my body ready to flee, when the door opens and out walks Liam. He’s wearing the biggest smile on his face, and for a moment, I forget why I was going to run. But then several other tall, handsome hockey players walk out behind him, and I remember.
He doesn’t say anything immediately. I watch as he takes one step toward me, then another. Before I realize what’s happening, he wraps an arm around my waist, hauls me against his chest, and crashes his lips against mine.
This kiss is hard and fast, but not deep. He doesn’t taste my lips with his tongue, even though I wish he would. Instead, he rests his forehead against mine, and I hear him murmur just loud enough for only me.
“I’m glad you came. Missed you today. Let’s eat so that later we can enjoy our dessert.”
Goose bumps break out over my flesh at the mention of dessert, because I know exactly what he means. The way it drips with innuendo makes me wonder if he can skip this early dinner and maybe head straight for that dessert.
“Food first, I want you to meet everyone,” he murmurs as he steps back.
His arm falls from around my waist, and then his fingers lace with mine before he tugs me gently and begins to walk straight for his pickup truck. I’m forced to follow behind him, and because his gait is so long, I’m half jogging.
He stops at the side of his truck, releasing my hand before pulling open the door.
He looks back at me over his shoulder. His eyes are dancing as he takes me in.
I don’t understand how or why he wants anything to do with me.
But he’s standing here smiling, holding the door open for me and waiting for me to climb up inside his truck.
“Ready?” He asks.
“Ready,” I lie.
I’m absolutely not ready. But I climb up into the truck anyway. Clipping my seat belt into place, Liam closes my door, and then I watch as he jogs around the front before he jumps into the driver’s seat and starts the engine.
It doesn’t take us long to get to the restaurant—unfortunately. All I’ve had the chance to do is ask him how his practice was today.
“It was good. Long. I’m going to be sore tomorrow,” he murmurs before he pulls into a parking spot and shifts the truck into park. He turns his head, his eyes finding mine, and his lips curve up into a grin. “They’re going to love you, I promise.”
I want to believe him. But I don’t. Instead of telling him that I don’t believe him, my lips curve up into a grin, and I give him a single nod. He can tell I have doubts. I don’t need to voice them, but they’re there, and they are big ones.
“Stay there,” he says before he opens the truck door and jumps down. I watch as he walks around the front, again, then opens the door for me. It’s really sweet and chivalrous, opening the door for me. It’s just another reason why it’s been so easy to fall for him.
Taking Liam’s outstretched hand, I curl my fingers around his palm and step down from the truck. Together, hand in hand, we walk into the restaurant. It’s a Tex-Mex place, and my mouth waters the moment I step inside.
Maybe I can be okay with this meeting, especially if chips and queso are involved.
Stepping into the restaurant, I’m instantly greeted by the hostess. She smiles at me, then her gaze flicks behind me. Her eyes shift up and her head tilts back slightly as she looks up at Liam, her lips parting in awe as her cheeks tint pink.
Well, at least I know what I looked like the first time I saw him. Although I’m pretty sure I had a little drool coming out of my mouth, she doesn’t.
“We’re meeting some friends. I think they’re already here. Big group of guys,” he murmurs as she stares at him.
I let out a sigh, but my nerves do not subside. In fact, they ramp up. The hostess clears her throat, shakes her head once to get out of her Liam-stupor, and mutters for us to follow her before spinning around to walk away quickly.
We follow her to a room in the back, where there are about five tables pushed together and at least ten massive men who all turn their heads and focus their attention on me. I have never felt more awkward in my life. If I could melt into the floor, I’m pretty sure I would choose that right now.
“Cupcake Girl,” they all cry simultaneously.