Page 10 of Skating the Blue Line
“You did promise me a deep dish pizza if I was able to take your breath away.” I say, fluttering my eyelashes at him for effect.
Liam lets out a chuckle and gives me a nod. “I did and since you took more than just my breath away, I think I owe you the whole pie.”
The butterflies I was feeling a few minutes ago, are back and a hell of a lot stronger.
Not only are the butterflies in full effect, but I can also feel a blush creep up my cheeks.
For a second I get lost in his gaze, one that I’m positive he uses on everyone, before I remember we have company.
I move my smile from Liam to the older gentleman and give him a nod. “I do apologize about not being able to accept your offer. I hope you find someone.” I say as politely as I possibly can. “Have a great rest of your night.”
At the last few words, Liam holds out a hand for me to take and without question, I place my hand in his.
The second my hand is wrapped around his, I have the feeling of normalcy swimming through me. A feeling that I definitely shouldn’t feel with a complete stranger.
We both give the older guy one final smile, before Liam pulls me away and walks us over to a door that leads us to a second ball room the theater has to offer. Thankfully, it’s empty.
The second we’re behind closed doors, Liam drops my hand. I don’t know why, but the second that my skin isn’t touching his, I miss it.
I push that feeling aside and give this practical stranger a smile.
“Thank you for saving me,” I say through a small laugh feeling awkward.
Liam matches it. “You looked a little uncomfortable from where I was standing, so I walked over there to see if you needed some rescuing. Then I heard his offer and wanted to rescue for real.”
“Well, I appreciate it. I don’t want to know what else he would have proposed.”
We both let out a small laugh, and then we go silent, just looking at each other with smiles on our faces.
After what feels like a long minute or two, I shake my head and nod toward the party.
“I should get back in there.” I tell him, not wanting to leave but turning to do so anyway.
Liam doesn’t say anything until my hand is close to wrapping around the doorknob.
“Or you can let me buy you that deep dish.”
I turn to find him looking at me, standing in a relaxed stance with his hands in his pant pockets.
“And why would you want to do that?” I ask, curiously.
Liam shrugs, throwing yet another boyish grin in my direction. “I wasn’t lying when I said you took more than my breath away during your performance. Seems fitting that I repay you.”
“Shouldn’t you know my name first before you buy me pizza?”
The smile he wears grows and he closes the distance between us and holds out a hand. “Hi, I’m Liam and I was captivated by your performance tonight. Every damn minute of it.”
I might have blushed earlier but that blush sure as hell won’t compare to the one that is currently coating my checks. There is no doubt that my face is red beyond belief with his words.
Not wanting to waste any time, placing my hand back in his.
“Hi, Liam. I’m Chloe and I will love to take you up on that deep dish offer.”
3
LIAM
I didn’t lie.
