Page 79 of Liam
“I plan for everything.”
I settle back in my seat as the city lights blur outside the window, a swirl of neon and shadow. I must have dozed off after that because before I know it, the car slows, and Liam nudges me awake.
“Wake up. You’re gonna want to see this.”
I rub my eyes and sit up, blinking at the sight in front of me. A massive, glowing amusement park stretches out before us, the rides illuminated by twinkling lights standing tall against the night sky.
“Liam…” I trail off, my jaw hitting the floor. “You rented an entire amusement park?”
He shrugs, a cocky smile tugging at his lips. “Well, I couldn’t have you screaming your head off with the public watching, could I?”
I shoot him a look. “Idon’t scream.”
“Oh, you will,” he teases, leaning in, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Logan said the Ferris wheel ride might, uh...inspirecertain reactions.”
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued but not ready to let him win. “Logan recommended the Ferris wheel, huh? Did he also recommend the ridiculous smirk you’re wearing?”
Liam laughs. “Oh, no. The smirk’s all me. But the Ferris wheel? That was a very specific suggestion from Logan. Something about the top being the perfect spot for an unforgettable moment.”
I roll my eyes, pretending to be unimpressed, but the excitement bubbling up inside me betrays me.
“Let’s start with something easy.” Liam pulls me toward the game booths. The park glows around us, neon lights casting everything in shades of candy-colored pink and blue.
I laugh as he stops in front of the classic strength game—the one with the hammer and the bell at the top.
“You can’t be serious,” I say, eyeing the oversized hammer leaning against the game.
“Dead serious,” he says, winking at me. “How else am I supposed to impress you?”
I arch an eyebrow. “You’re going to impress me by showing off your biceps?”
“Not just my biceps,” he says, flexing one arm in an exaggerated pose. “Mytechnique.”
“Your technique?” I laugh, crossing my arms. “Please, enlighten me.”
“It’s all about the way you handle the hammer, babe,” Liam says, leaning in, his voice dropping to that low, suggestive tone he knows drives me wild. “Firm grip, good stance. And you’ve got to put your hips into it.”
I swallow hard, the double meaning of his words hanging thick in the air between us. “Oh, really?” I manage, my voice not as steady as I’d like it to be.
“Mmhmm.” He rolls his shoulders, loosening up, then turns toward the game with a look of sheer determination. “You have to be strong.” His hands slide down the length of the hammer, his fingers tightening. “Precise.” His muscles ripple as he lifts it in one smooth motion, adjusting his stance like he’s about to give another masterclass.
I watch, my eyes drawn to the way his arms flex, veins standing out as he swings the hammer high, then slams it down with a grunt. The sound reverberates through the night air, the bell at the top ringing loud and clear.
I clap. “Alright, I’ll admit it—you’ve got skills.”
Liam spins the hammer, setting it down with a cocky swagger. “Told you. Hips, Aleria. It’s all in the hips.”
I raise an eyebrow as we step away and snort a laugh. “Well, your hips seemed pretty effective back there.”
He steps closer. “Are we still talking about the game?”
“I’m not sureyouwere ever talking about the game,” I quip, crossing my arms. “Anything else you want to show me?”
“I’m a man of many talents,” Liam murmurs, his lips brushing my ear. “Care for a private demonstration?”
“Depends. Is this going to be another lecture on the biomechanics of your hips?”
Liam chuckles. “Only if you’re ready for an advanced course. Maybe I’ll throw in some oral skills?” he says, his voice dropping to a velvety purr.
