Page 10 of Not Like Christmas At All
Liam squeezes my shoulder. “No problem.”
Walking over to the counter, he tosses the hot cocoa into the trash as he passes it by. I’m still stunned, but grateful, because I would have sat awkwardly with it in front of me otherwise. The gesture speaks volumes to his character, and I relax into my seat further, shrugging off my jacket.
The ugly Christmas sweater I put on is sweltering, but I know once we start caroling I’ll be cold, which is why I wore the extralayer. There’s always a chill in my bones, which does nothing to combat my blanket buying addiction.
From over my shoulder, I watch as Liam reorders my drink, then turns back to give me a small smile. He waits patiently for the barista to remake it, then saunters over to me once it’s in his hands.
“Here you go.” He places it in front of me, then rounds the table back to his seat. “So, caroling, huh?” Leaning back, he crosses his arms casually over his chest.
“It was either invite you or decline your offer, and I’m sorry to say I was far too intrigued by your profession to say no.”
“That’s fair. Most people are enamored by the job title.” Liam’s face falls slightly, his eyebrows knitting together.
A nerve was struck, and as fascinated as I am by what he does, his occupation isn’t what makes himhim. “Well, it’s pretty cool. But you can tell me about it later, if you want. Tell me aboutyou.”
Instantly, his spirit seems to lift.
Guilt laces with curiosity—do most women only care about his social status? Do they use him to get to the Bears players, or something? A crack fractures my heart thinking about it.
“Where’d you grow up?” I ask, starting with something basic.
“Well, my father was in the military, so all over the world, really. But California is where we stayed the longest, and where I eventually made my home.”
For the next hour, Liam and I sip on our hot cocoas and get to know each other better, and while I’m not sure I feel a rush of endorphins in his presence, I sense he’s one of the good ones.
He has to be. He agreed to go caroling on our first date.
Speaking of which, it’s almost time…
By the time Liam and I leave Perk Up to head to the neighborhood we’re meeting everyone at to carol, thetemperature outside becomes frigid, and by frigid I mean California cold which is around forty-eight degrees.
Pulling up along a residential curb, I cut my engine, turning off my headlights. Liam’s headlights blind me through my mirror as he pulls behind my car. They go dark, then we both exit our cars at the same time. He greets me with a warm smile and steps closer, waiting as I engage the lock.
“It got chilly,” he comments, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Up ahead, I see Zee, Miller, Lincoln, and his date waiting for us by a large camphor tree. My car door’s slam echoes through the quiet street.
“Yeah, it did.” I rub my hands over my jacket-clad arms, smiling at my friends. Zee sees me and waves excitedly.
Liam tips his head in the direction of where everyone stands. “Is that the caroling crew?”
Nodding, I loop my arm through his, and we start walking their way. “Sure is! Zee—the girl in the red jacket—and Miller, her boyfriend, are great, you’ll love them.”
“What about the other couple?”
My heart sinks at the wordcouple. “That’s Lincoln, Miller's cousin, and his date. I haven’t met her yet.”
The words die on my tongue as we take our final steps and are face to face with the group.
“You made it!” Zee squeals, tossing her arms around my neck. She squeezes tightly, and whispers, “He’s freaking cute!”
As I laugh, she pulls away and extends her hand in Liam's direction, shaking it with enthusiasm. “Hi, I’m Zee. This is Miller”—she gestures to each person as she introduces them—“Lincoln, and Ashlee.”
Miller gives me a side hug. “Good to see you.” Turning to Liam, he shakes his hand too. “Nice to meet you, man.”
“Likewise.” Liam grins, then says to the whole group, “You know, I’m really not much of a singer, so this is a first for me, but I’m looking forward to it.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll just hide behind the women and let them do their thing,” Miller reassures him.
