Page 22 of The Red-Hot Stakes

My alarm woke me way too early the next morning. Liam was already in the kitchen, and the smell of fresh coffee wafted to me. Blearily, I stumbled toward him.

“Morning.” His deep voice was even gruffer with the throes of sleep.

I rubbed my eye and mumbled, “Morning.”

“Coffee?”

“Yes, please. Not sure I could make it up the stairs without it.” He slid me over a mug, and I took a hot, delicious sip, waiting for the caffeine to jumpstart my brain.

His attention was mostly on his phone, but he asked, “Sleep okay?”

I nodded. “Not enough, but better than if I’d been upstairs.”

“Good.”

I leaned against the counter, enjoying the peacefulness. “You’re a much quieter roommate than Avery.” His chuckle sent a tingle through me, and I clutched my coffee cup to ground myself.

“Yeah, I don’t have any thought-provoking questions prepared. It’s too early.”

“That’s not a bad thing.” My eyes widened. “But don’t tell her I said that!”

Liam mimed zipping his lips. “What’s your Monday like?”

After another sip, I walked him through my schedule. “Oh, and look.” I showed him my bare arm that had no hint of stitches. It had been fourteen days already, and they were just gone. Dissolved, like the nurse said they would.

“That’s great.” He grinned. “And the best part is, no shots.”

I chuckled then glanced at the clock, nearly groaning. “I’ve got to get a move on.” But I didn’t want to leave. “Thanks again, Liam.”

He held up his coffee mug in a silent salute. I paused at the door, giving him a genuine smile as I marveled at the realization that I was reluctant to go. This had actually been…nice.

Chapter Six

It was a long day of classes and, coupled with the lack of sleep the night before, I came home drained. But it wasn’t the bone-weary, all-consuming exhaustion of late, and I was actually looking forward to tonight. Derek and Avery had some event with his parents and weren’t planning to be home until late. With the place all to myself, the possibilities were endless.

I started with a long shower—masking, exfoliating and shaving. Then I put on some undies and a cropped lace cami, slipped in my earbuds and pushed play on my playlist. I rummaged through our drawer of takeout menus in the kitchen, pulling out any that sounded good.

A song I loved came on, and I danced to the living room as I waffled over my options, singing along. It felt so good to just have a moment alone. I let my body fall into the rhythm, making a complete fool of myself and not caring.

When the song ended, I heard a noise. My eyes flew open to land on Liam’s sheepish face as he backed out of the apartment. “Freeze!” I commanded.

He did, halfway out the door.

I crooked one finger, motioning him to come inside. Satisfaction coursed through me when he gulped. My hands hit my bare hips, reminding me how little I wore. But I decided I didn’t care—he was interrupting my time. I took out my earbuds and set them down. “Explain yourself.”

His gaze stayed mostly on the floor, taking a quick peek every so often. “You left your textbook. I just stopped by to return it.” He shifted his weight to his other foot, running his hand over his close-cropped hair.

“Listen, I knew Avery and Derek had that thing tonight. I figured you’d probably need your book and wondered if maybe you’d want some company. I didn’t want to bother you if you were out, so…”

“So you just popped by.” I arched my eyebrow, waiting for further explanation.

He shrugged. “I knocked and didn’t hear anything, so I used my spare key, thinking I’d at least leave the book.” He peeked at my scantily clad body. “I didn’t want to scare you or creep you out. I was just going to leave.”

It was so ridiculous, so awkward and so Liam that I couldn’t help but laugh.

Shock crossed his face. “You’re not mad?”

“Only you. This would only happen to you.” I shook my head, then reached for the two menus I’d whittled it down to. A sharp inhale sounded as I bent over. “Enjoying the view?”

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