Page 42 of The Red-Hot Stakes

I woke up to a stiff neck and an alarm buzzing. Disoriented, I looked around, and it took a minute to realize I was still on Liam’s couch. A blanket covered me, one that hadn’t been there when I’d started watching Phantom of the Opera on my phone the previous night. And my phone was plugged in. I smiled—both at the evidence of Liam’s thoughtfulness, and the fact that he’d come home in one piece.

Oh crap, my alarm. It was Monday, and I had class. I shot upright, flailing to get out of the blanket. I yanked the cord from my phone, pulled on my shoes and ran out of the door. My door handle was sock-free. Thank goodness.

Avery sat at the island, sipping coffee as I rushed in. She grinned. “Ooooh, walk of shame, and it’s only the first date!”

I glared. “No, you guys had the sock on the door, and I fell asleep on Liam’s couch. Now I’m going to be late for class.”

Her face fell. “Yeah, we completely forgot to take it off until way later. Sorry about that. How was the date?”

“You don’t get to hear about it.” I sniffed and stalked to my room, calling over my shoulder, “Maybe next time you’ll give a girl a warning!”

* * * *

I was at the on campus dining hall, crunching away on my salad and making sure everything was in order for my afternoon classes when my phone dinged.

It was a text from Liam.

You ran off before I got up this morning. Some guest you are.

I huffed an indignant breath, writing back a quick response.

That’s what you get for sleeping late. Sorry I crashed out. Thanks for the blanket, and charging my phone.

*smiley face* No problem. What’s going on tonight?

Homework, homework, and to change it up, more homework.

Lol. You gonna eat anytime in there?

As I chewed, I thought over his offer. Would I have time for that? I ran through my workload so far—mostly studying for exams, and some research for one project in market analysis.

Maybe if I ate late, say seven?

*beaming emoji* Takeout at my place? Or you wanna go out?

Throw in something to drink and your place sounds perfect.

Chapter Eleven

By the time seven rolled around, my brain was exhausted. I couldn’t wait to stuff my face and veg in front of a good movie. I didn’t even bother changing out of my comfy pants—Liam had said to keep it casual.

I played with the strings of my hoodie as I waited outside his apartment. The door swung open to reveal him in practically an identical outfit, down to the same color scheme.

“Great minds think alike, huh?” He chuckled, motioning for me to come in.

A weird wave of nervousness hit me. I tried to shake it off, but it didn’t dissipate even as he shut the door, wearing his easy grin.

We awkwardly stood there for a moment, and I needed to break the silence. “Something smells good.” My stomach growled.

“Um, I didn’t know what you liked, so I just ordered a few different things. I figured you’d be hungry.” He gestured to the island, which was covered with food.

My jaw dropped in disbelief. “You did this when we came over to play pool at your parents’ too. I think you have a serious ordering problem.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “You may be right about that. It won’t go to waste though. I’ll eat like a king the rest of the week.” Those emerald eyes found mine again, hope lighting them. “Or maybe you’ll come back and help me out.”

“Ah, I see what you did there.” I glanced at the food then back at him. “And I’m not saying no.”

Shock crossed his face, followed by delight before he cleared his throat. “Well, ladies first.” He handed me a plate, which I unabashedly piled high with food. “And what do you want to drink? I cheated and asked Ave what some of your favorites are.”

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