Page 27 of My Sweetest Temptation

Once I reached my floor, I spotted Liam bounding up the stairs, his duffel bag slung over one shoulder. His tousled hair caught the faint light, and upon spotting me, he broke into his bright, infectious smile.

“Hey, Winter,” he called, his voice full of that easy charm I had grown so fond of.

“Hey, Liam,” I replied, resting my laundry basket against my hip. “Did you just got done with work?”

“Nah, I was at the gym,” he replied.

He flashed a devilish smirk, leaning in slightly. “You know, I could use a workout buddy. Working out on my own gets kind of boring.”

Amused, I shook my head. “I doubt you’re ever alone. The gym is full of people.”

“True, but having a friend beside me would be nice.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“So,” he said, his voice light, “what’s your plan for tonight or tomorrow? Just chilling? Or working?”

“Working tonight, but tomorrow...well, if by ‘chill’ you mean curling up with a blanket and watching Netflix, then yes.”

“Sounds like fun. Do you want company?”

I hesitated for a second.

“I’ll bring the popcorn and drinks,” he said, tilting his head as if coaxing me into saying yes.

“Like a Netflix date?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Call it what you want,” Liam shrugged.

“I don’t know,” I teased. “Do I get to pick the movie since it’s my apartment and my TV remote?”

“Yeah, I suppose,” he conceded with a mock sigh. “Since I picked the last one. But you’re not picking a horror film that makes you scream like a freaking banshee and nearly knee me in the balls.”

I busted out laughing, the memory of that night flooding back. Poor Liam and his franks and beans. I thought he was going to pass out.

“I’m serious, Winter. If you try that again, I’ll steal your remote and throw it out the damn window,” he warned.

“Oh, I don’t think so, buddy,” I said with a chuckle, shaking my head. “Then I’ll definitely knee you in the balls on purpose.”

“Fine. How about this?” He crossed his arms, a smirk forming on his lips. “We use vetoes.”

“Vetoes? How many do we get?” I asked, intrigued.

“Three each,” he replied. “So? What do you say?” He adjusted his bag on his shoulder, his hope-filled eyes searching mine.

“Yeah, okay,” I said.

“Sounds like a plan. Shall we meet on the couch at seven?”

“It’s a Netflix date.”

“Sweet.” His grin widened as he started to walk toward his apartment and I turned to mine.

Just as I reached my door, I paused with my hand on the doorknob and glanced over my shoulder. “Hey, Liam?”

He had already opened his door, and the soft glow from his fish tank spilled into the hallway.

“Yeah?” he asked, looking back at me, curiosity etched on his handsome face.

---