Page 34 of The Savior

Wait!Liam was at her condo and not patrolling the Nymans. Had he let go of the depressing and impossible need to fix the past? She wanted to ask but didn’t want to rehash what had happened.

“You know what?” he asked.

“If you tell me another glass-shard-pimple fact, I’m going to throw you out.”

His wide chest lifted with a stifled laugh. “We need to get drunk.”

Her eyebrow arched. “I’m sorry.What?”

“We need a drink. Preferably a shitload of them.”

“We don’t.”

“Ido.”

Well, she wasn’t going to tell him to go drink alone. But maybe she was too practical for weekday drinking. “I could make you a smoothie.”

His eyebrow arched.

“They’ve been known to do the trick.”

“Unless your smoothies include tequila, triple sec, a couple limes—”

“I’m not making you a margarita!”

“I’m more of a bourbon or beer guy, anyway.” He narrowed his eyes. “And you’re what? Gumdrops? Lemon drops? Whatever they’re called?”

She dropped on the couch next to him, cocking her head.

“I know you drink.” He faced her. “You might not curse, but I know you drink.”

“I curse.”

“Yeah, what the Scooby Snacks did that snickerdoodle do isn’t—”

Chelsea smacked his arm. “Oh, excuse me that I employ a little creativity to liven up the day.”

“If you think calling out fudge berries is great, you have to let me introduce you to my good friend tequila.” He leaned close and whispered, “That asshole really knows how to liven up a day.”

“I know tequila,” she insisted.

“Do you?” He tilted his chiseled jaw.

“Promise. But I’m not going anywhere tonight.”

“All right.” Liam clucked and pushed off the couch. “Your loss.”

Disappointment swelled in her chest. She wanted their laughter to linger. “Some other time?”

“Sure.” His shot-down grin mirrored how her chest felt, but he headed to the door. “Whenever. Let me know.”

Chelsea stood. Remorse pushed her to rush. With quick steps to catch up, they bumped when he slowed and turned.

“Whoops.” Flustered, she took a step back. “Sorry.”

The slight space separating them was still too close, and Liam had to look down.

Chelsea inched back again, flush and offering another apology.

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