Page 34 of The Temptation
Liam made a noncommittal movement with his head as he lifted his green-and-white ceramic mug to his lips and took a sip of his coffee. He looked rather dashing today in a cream-colored sweater and slacks. His dark-red hair was a bit disheveled after he pulled off his knit hat. There was something sweet and boy-next-door about him. It was sometimes a little hard to believe that he actually had a PhD in paleontology and that he gave lectures at the Cincinnati Natural History Museum when I also had clear memories of him swearing like a sailor while playingMario Kartwith Rome. “You’d have a lot more people willing to give you a hand if you told them what’s going on,” he reminded me.
“I can’t. They were all close friends of Sawyer. Way closer to him, and I’m afraid they wouldn’t approve. You’ve given me plenty of help. Pierce needs to keep me close if he’s going to convince his parents that we’re dating. The more I see him, the more chances I have to win his heart.”
Liam set his mug down with a softthunkand leaned closer. “How are things going on that front? Making progress? Is he putty in your hands? Swooning at your feet?”
A snort broke from me. “Yeah, because that’s totally how it worked out for you and Rome.”
“Hey!” Liam snapped, holding up one finger at me. “There is nothing normal about how Rome and I date. Do not take lessons from us. We’re probably a better cautionary tale of why friends shouldn’t date.”
“Whatever. You and Rome are as disgusting as Sebastian and Byron now. The only thing that is worse is when you have Declan, Parker, and Joy together in a room. The sweetness overload sends my body into shock every time.”
“Fine. Rome and I are doing great. I was asking about your progress with Pierce. Spill it.”
His choice of words made me smirk because I happened to be cradling a cup of hot herbal tea in my hands. Around us, the sounds of the coffee grinder and the chatter of other customers faded into the background. The rich scent of coffee and pastries drifted through the air. Outside the large picture window, the city was gray and dreary as either rain or snow promised to fall on our heads. A hot cup of tea, a cranberry scone, and a friendly chat were the perfect way to fill the day.
“Pierce and I…are okay,” I stated haltingly. “If you compare it to where we were a month ago, it’s loads better. Sort of like he reached this mental agreement with himself that we’re going to be friends, and it doesn’t conflict with whatever nonsense has been haunting him for so long.”
“And you still don’t know what his hang-up was?”
A frown erased the smile that had graced my lips since Liam had joined me. “Nope, but I know it has something to do with my brother. Asshole is still making my life hell from the grave. That is so like him.”
Liam gave an awkward laugh, and I grunted.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love my brother and miss him every day. It’s just…” My voice trailed off, not sure how to explain it. Sawyer had been loving and protective, but he’d also been a self-centered, bossy know-it-all.
“Family is complicated,” Liam finished for me, and I nodded, relieved that he got it. But of course, I’d forgotten that Liam had a complicated family situation too.
“Aside from Pierce’s issue with my brother, I feel like we’re making some progress. We’ve hung out several times now. Hetalksto me. Really talks. About work and what he’s thinking. He listens to me and worries about whether I’m taking proper care of myself.” I sucked in a breath and held it, practically bubbling over with excitement. “We’ve kissed.”
“What?” Liam gasped. “Really? Kissed?”
“Well, technically it has been me kissing him each time, but he doesn’t explode with disgust or immediately leap away from me. In fact, I can tell he wants to kiss me. I can feel it.”
Liam sat back and stared at his mug for a couple of seconds as if contemplating what I’d told him. I froze, waiting to hear him say that it was probably wishful thinking on my part.
“That is some damn good progress,” Liam suddenly agreed, and I exhaled in relief, practically melting into a pool of goo in my seat. Maybe I had been afraid that some of this was a daydream on my part, but if Liam agreed with me, I was moving in the right direction.
“I wish you would let me tell the others. At least Rome. Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep this secret from him? When we were kids, we told each other everything, and now that we’re together again, we’re sharing everything. Besides, Rome actually has some damn good ideas for romance. He might be able to help you.”
I immediately shook my head. “No, not yet. Soon, hopefully, but not yet. I don’t feel like I’ve truly snared him. Pierce is skittish. Very cautious. If he realized he was in a trap and falling for me, he’d freak out and run.”
“Okay.” Liam nodded. “But he’d better get his shit together soon. This is stressing me out.”
“Sorry.”
Liam waved off my apology and took another drink of his coffee. “Don’t. I’m being a grump. I also want to share it because I think Rome would love the idea of you and Pierce together. He’d want to help. But I totally get your hesitation to tell anyone.”
“Thanks. I want to tell everyone, but not yet. All my focus needs to be on winning Pierce.”
To my surprise, Liam frowned as he glared at his coffee, seeming unwilling to lift his eyes to look at me.
“What are you thinking?”
Liam jerked his head up and opened his mouth, but nothing came out before he closed it again. He swore softly under his breath. “I…I can’t…”
“Come on. What are you thinking?”
“I’m a little worried about you,” he admitted.
