Page 10 of All That She Needs

"I didn't mean to look," he said, his tone softening, almost apologetic. "But you opened your phone right in my line of vision—it was impossible for me to miss it. I know I have no right to ask. But I'm dying to know."

"Why? Why do you want to know?" I asked, more confused than anything.

"Because it made you look so sad," He answered quietly. "And seeing you sad—it felt like something pinched me." he pressed his right palm against his chest, right over his heart. "Right here."

"Liam," I said, struggling to find the right words. I honestly didn't know how to respond. "We just met."

He smiled softly, suddenly sheepish. "I know, and I don't understand it myself, but I swear to you, I didn't say that as a cheap line to impress you. I really felt the pinch."

"Maybe it's just gas." I offered.

His lips twitched. "Perhaps."

"I chose not to answer that, though." I told him.

"Okay,"

"And I'm supposed to be upset with you, but I had an incredible meal, and I didn't want to ruin it."

"I'm glad."

I frowned. "You're too compliant. I'm starting to worry."

His expression briefly shifted to amusement, looking at me like he wanted to squeeze my face. But just as quickly, his usual mischievous look returned. I figured it was all in my head.

"Are you single?" I asked, boldly. My inhibitions had left me, and I had no filter in my mouth anymore.

One perfect brow rose, looking even more amused, his grin almost splitting his cheeks. "Why do you want to know?"

"The same reason as why you wanted to know why I didn't reply to Aiden's text."

"Curiosity, is it?"

"Probably."

"I was indeed curious, but I was also interested."

"In what?" I pressed, my heart beating just a little faster.

Liam leaned in slightly, his eyes locking onto mine. "In understanding you, Asha. There's something about you that draws me in, makes me want to know more." He paused, searching my face. "And what's going on with you and your husband is a part of that."

That rendered me speechless for a moment, and I wasn't sure if this conversation would be safe to continue. Then I remembered that he still hadn't answered my question. "So? Are you single?" I asked again.

"Yes," he replied with a slight shake of his head. "I don't have a girlfriend."

"Boyfriend?"

He chuckled softly, the sound warm and genuine. "Not that either."

"Why are you still single, Liam?"

His eyes flashed with mischief. "Why is that hard to believe?"

"Well," I began, my gaze lingering on his clean-shaven, gorgeous face, noting every sharp angle and smooth line. Then my eyes traced his flawless skin, his unique, captivating turquoise eyes, and those perfectly sculpted eyebrows and thick lashes. And his full lips—my God, he was stunning. "It's just surprising. For someone who looks like you."

"Are you saying that I'm good-looking, Asha?" he asked, tilting his head slightly to the left, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Oh, come on." I rolled my eyes, dismissing the pretense. "Let's stop pretending here. You know you are. And those muscles...those arms..." I pointed at the bulging arms that strained the fabric of his hoodie, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing a complex design of colorful tattoos on both his forearms. "They're bigger than my thighs."

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