Page 85 of The Reno
“Well, yes,” I offered meekly. I’d dealt my cards now; I couldn’t take themback.
Liam exhaled, running his hand through his hair again.
His eyebrows pinched.
“Hey,” I said, pulling him closer by the arm. “We don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. If it’s not what you want—”
“I’ve done ‘just sex’ before, Kat. It’s not my style anymore.”
Disappointment flooded my chest.
“I understand.” I nodded. “It’s not something you’re comfortable with. I get it.”
I met Liam’s eyes. I could see the deliberation in them. He ran his hand through his hair. His eyes flickered across my face. Then, he gave a frustrated groan, moved and started pacing the kitchen.
“Why can’t I say no to you?” he murmured, then walked back to me, pinching my chin between his thumb and forefinger. “I have some conditions. We can keep things casual, like you want. But we’re exclusive. No dating anyone else while you’re here.”
“That kind of feels like the opposite—”
“And you let me take you on one date.”
“Liam, both of those things are literally the opposite of casual.”
“One date, Red.” He smirked. “I’m not asking you to marry me. Come on.”
I rolled my eyes. “You are so pushy.”
“Are you going to be able to stop?” Liam asked, caressing my jaw, running a thumb across my lower lip. “I’m not sure I’m going to be able to stop, even if I wanted to.”
My breathing became uneven. I could practically feel my eyesdilate. I wanted to wipe that smug look off his face with my lips. I wanted to push him away and pull him back at the same time. Liam was right. We’d started something with momentum, something inevitable. How were we going to keep our hands off each other?
People were going to know.
“Okay,” I said. “I agree to your terms.”
Liam’s lips lifted. “Do we need it notarised?” He went to turn away. “I can get a solicitor on the phone—”
“Stop it.” I laughed. “Don’t be a dick.”
“I think you like the look of my dick, actually. From the way you were ogling it, about”—he checked his watch—“five minutes ago.”
My stupid eyes couldn’t help but flicker down.
“Make that five seconds.” He laughed, kissing my jaw and neck. It was distracting, so distracting.
“I was thinking…” I sighed and leaned my neck to the side. “We should keep this… discreet.”
Liam pulled back, frowning. “Why?”
“Well”—I laughed—“for one, everyone is taking bets. On us. Becoming a couple.”
Liam stilled. “Who is everyone?”
“According to Lydia, the whole town. Or at least every member of the club. Apparently, standing up in front of everyone in that meeting was a declaration of love—” I snorted, but Liam didn’t crack a smile.
“I’ll make them stop.” Liam’s lips were straight, and I missed his playful teasing. I took his hand, weaving his fingers through mine andwatched as the touch softened his shoulders.
“It’s not the bets. They can have their fun. I just don’t want to leave the town a pariah. People will side with you, their golden boy, not some random woman.”
