Page 91 of Something Forever

We stumble out of our building, and he leads me down the sidewalk, taking my arm in an exaggeratedly gallant gesture. This is the part where I would make a joke about how much this feels like a date, but I hold my tongue. I don’t want to burst this bubble between us. On the train, Liam asks me about my day and lets me rant about the salon. After we exit the station and head down the street, I feel Liam tug lightly on my arm and nod towards the building next to us.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he says with his signature grin. “We’re here.”

I glance up to a sign that says Mel’s. It’s an upscale restaurant that I read an article about around two weeks ago; I was making dinner in the kitchen while Liam sat at the counter doing work on his computer, and I went on and on about how I’ve been dying to go here but I can never get a reservation. I had no idea he was actually listening to me.

Turning to face Liam, my brows furrow in confusion.

“I remembered…” He rubs the back of his neck with his hand, another gesture I’ve come to know. A pink hue grows on his cheeks as he glances away from me.

My stomach flutters. Is Liam… nervous?

“You mentioned that you wanted to try this place, right? I thought you did, so I got us a reservation.”

I nod, my confusion melting away. “I did. I can’t believe…” I’m caught off-guard by an unexpected wave of emotion. “Let’s go in.”

Blinking back tears, I let Liam press his palm to my lower back as he guides me inside. He gives the hostess his name, and she brings us to a table in the corner. I glance around at the decor with a smile. When we settle into our seats, I flash Liam a wide smile.

“This is so thoughtful. Thank you.”

He nods, his gaze unsure. “I just… yeah. I’m glad you like it. It’s not much of a surprise. Probably should’ve just told you what it was.”

I reach across the table, setting my hand over his. “It’s the best surprise. I love it.” I flip the menu open with a smile. “Let’s split a whole bottle of wine and order the escargot.”

Liam crinkles his nose. “Snails? No way.”

“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it, Clark. After all, I have exquisite taste.”

He locks his eyes on me, his gaze darkening. “Yes, you do, sweetheart.”

I nearly choke on my water, but thankfully we’re interrupted by the waiter. We order some appetizers, a bottle of wine, and decide to split the duck confit.

When the plate of escargots arrives, Liam eyes it like it’s a foreign object, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Come on,” I chuckle, sipping my wine. “Just try it. Don’t be a baby.”

He rolls his eyes. “Fine. If it will get you to stop bullying me.”

Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes. Smiling despite myself, I show him how to spread it onto the bread and watch as he takes a bite.

“So? What’s the verdict?”

He chews, swallows, and glances up at me. “It’s not terrible,” he says, taking another bite.

Laughing, I refill my wine glass. “I knew it. You like it. Admit it. You love it.”

“Wow.” He smirks. “Very mature. Next you’ll be chanting and spelling out the word kissing.”

“K-I-S-S?—”

“Alright, I like it. Thank you for pushing me outside my comfort zone. You are a genius, you’re always right, and you win,” Liam says, his voice dry.

I clap my hands together, cheering in delight. “Cheers to that.” Clinking my glass against his, I take another sip.

My eyes flicker up to see Liam reaching across the table. He swipes his thumb against the corner of my lips, smearing off a droplet of wine, then brings his thumb up to his mouth and sucks. His gaze doesn’t leave mine.

“Don’t drink too much,” he says, his voice deceptively soft. “I want you sober for what I’m going to do to you tonight.”

I don’t respond, because I have no idea what to say. I squeeze my legs together, my whole body reacting to his words. God, how is it possible this man can turn me on so much with just a few syllables?

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