Page 64 of The Red-Hot Stakes

“What are you thinking?”

All his pants would just fall right off me. “How about a hoodie?” He tossed me one, and I caught it, my towel slipping a little. He tried to peer at my newly bared skin, but I smacked his arm. “Out. Give a lady some privacy, would ya?”

He pretended to pout then said, “I’ll get the movie going.”

A few minutes later, I waltzed out into the living room in his navy-blue hoodie and a pair of underwear. The sweatshirt was big on him, so it almost reached my knees. It was perfect.

“Here’s your mai—” He stopped short at the sight of me. “Where are your pants?”

“Don’t have any.” I plopped in the middle of the couch, leaning far over for my drink and baring my thigh in the process. Not that he hadn’t just seen me climb naked out of the tub, but it was still fun.

He was having all of it. “You are evil.”

“And you love it.” I snuggled into him, snagging two slices of pizza. “Now play the movie. Don’t get annoyed if I quote half of it.”

He grinned. “That’s the best part.”

* * * *

The next night, I walked up to Liam’s apartment, my brain completely mush after four midterms. I didn’t want to think about anything else. No more decisions, no nothing. Just easy food, a drink, and veg.

Hopefully Liam would be onboard with that game plan. I opened the door, inhaling a cacophony of delicious smells.

Liam hurried over. “Hey, you’re home.”

The word hit me hard in the chest, but it felt right, resonating in me. Home. “Yeah, I am. Something smells amazing.”

“It’s just leftovers, but there are plenty. I figured you’d be hungry.”

I walked over to wrap my arms around him. “You’re the best.”

“Want to watch a movie?”

“How about Phantom?” I wanted the comfort of one of my musicals right now.

He wrinkled his nose, handing me a mai tai. “Isn’t that a musical?”

My jaw dropped. “You mean you haven’t seen it? We’re definitely watching it.”

He arched an eyebrow, but he didn’t protest further. We piled up our plates, then settled onto the couch and queued up the movie. I sighed as the opening chords came on, feeling more relaxed by the second.

I tried not to sing along, but it was so hard. I didn’t want to ruin it for Liam though. When it was over, I turned to him. “What’d you think?”

He lifted a shoulder. “Eh. It was okay.”

Annoyance flared in me. “Okay? That is one of the best musicals ever, and you thought it was okay?”

“For a musical.”

I stared for a moment longer then decided to let it go. I wasn’t going to argue with him, and I knew I wouldn’t change his mind. Besides, I was still riding my Phantom high. He wasn’t going to kill that buzz.

* * * *

Tuesday, I finished my last two midterms and was home by midafternoon, so thankful to be done with classes for the week. I set my bag down, following the sound of music. It led me to the bathroom.

The water was running—Liam was in the shower. Music played as well, and it took me a moment to register he was singing along with Phantom of the Opera. I barely stopped myself from bursting into laughter. I paused at the cracked open door, listening as Music of the Night came on. When Liam started to sing, I froze, entranced by his gorgeous voice nailing one of my favorite songs.

Holy shit, that’s hot. I hurried to our room to grab a condom.

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