Page 46 of Stuck with my Guarded MVP
I paused. She had a point. It was reasonable.
And that look didn’t help. I nodded slowly.
"Alright. You’re on."
She smiled and reached for her mug. "Then it’s a deal. I’ll clear my calendar for your gourmet magical mystery tour."
"You’d better."
She took her coffee and headed toward her room, mentioning a few work calls she had to prep for.
The idea of risotto had popped out of my mouth, probably because of that first day with Arturo. I had been trying to convince him it was the best risotto he’d ever had.
Or maybe I had been trying to impress the beautiful woman stranded by a no-show real estate agent.
She’d barely looked at me then. Now here she was, inviting herself along to go grocery shopping.
Focus.
Grocery list.
I found myself wondering how much saffron I had left. If Omar at the fish counter would have the scallops I liked. I stayed in the kitchen, flipping open the notes app on my phone, even though I didn’t need a list. I could cook this blindfolded.
ButI was shopping for two now.
Side by Side
Claire
Liam was already waiting at the door with two reusable bags in his hands.
A quick trip to the market before practice for him. A culinary rite of passage for me.
We’d spent hours together in that apartment, but somehow, we’d never stepped out into the world side by side. Maybe that’s why, as I slid my arms into my coat, I glanced sideways at Liam, just in time to catch him doing the same.
“Ready?” Liam asked, facing me.
“Gloves, wallet, phone,” I said automatically, patting each pocket. “Check.”
When I looked up, he was smiling. Not in a teasing way. More like he genuinely found that response... very me.
“You have the keys?” I asked.
He tapped his pants pocket. “Right here.”
He pulled the door open and stepped aside. “After you.”
I smiled, couldn’t help it.
As we stepped into the elevator, I caught a glimpse of us in the mirrored panel. We looked like a couple. Comfortable. Familiar. Like we’d done this a hundred times.
I tried not to look at the reflection. Or him. Especially him.
Too late. That image had already made itself at home.
Outside, the cold hit my cheeks with a sting. I zipped up my coat as Liam adjusted his scarf.
We didn’t talk at first, just walked. When the light changed at the crosswalk, Liam rested a hand on my back to guide me forward.
