Page 37 of Liam
“Great. Everything’s been quiet.”
He dipped his head. “That’s good to hear.”
“You guys are so cute,” Violet said under her breath, but everyone heard.
Pierce smiled. “Good to see you too, Vi.” When he looked at Eleanor again, his eyes heated. “You ready to go and grab something to eat?”
Okay, not only did they not kiss like a two-date couple but the man didn’t look at her like they were new, either. He looked…devoted.
“I just need to clean—”
“Get out of here,” Violet said, moving around the counter and just about shooing them out with her hands. “Nylah and I can take care of it, can’t we?”
Nylah nodded. “Definitely. You two go.”
Eleanor grinned. “If you’re sure?”
At their nods, she went into the back, grabbed her stuff, and waved as she left.
Violet sighed. “I’m so glad she’s happy. She deserves it.” She grinned at Nylah. “Where canIfind a guy like that?”
Nylah lifted a shoulder.
“Oh, don’t pretend you don’t know. You have your own man walking in right now.”
Nylah looked back at the door, and sure enough, Liam was crossing the dark parking lot, moving toward the shop.
* * *
Liam pulledup outside the coffee shop. There was a pit in his gut, one he hadn’t been able to shake all day. Because tonight, Nylah was leaving his place and returning to hers. The week had gone too damn quickly, and suddenly he regretted ever agreeing to the deal. Not that he’d had much of a choice.
He wanted her with him because he wanted her safe, but also because of the undeniable attraction that was building between them.
She felt it too. He saw it in the flickers of heat in her eyes. The acceleration of her heart when they touched. But she was fighting it—hard.
With tight muscles, he crossed the lot. The second he was inside the café, his gaze found hers. She was looking right at him, her chest immediately rising, like she was sucking in a deep breath.
He couldn’t stop his smile. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey.”
That soft voice flooded his chest, heating his blood.
“Well, well…Liam.Anotherperfect man. Nice to see you tonight.”
He smiled at Violet, not sure what she meant by that, but quickly turned back to Nylah at her question.
“What are you doing here?”
He took a small step forward. “I thought I could follow you back to your condo. If you’ll let me, that is.”
A ghost of a smile played at her lips, but it was Violet who answered. “If she’llletyou? Who the heck would say no to you?”
Oh, Nylah could definitely say no. But on this occasion, he was hoping she’d take pity on him.
He shrugged. “I don’t want to push. But Iwillbe disappointed if she says no.”
Violet raised her brows and glanced at Nylah. “Are you actually going to send this guy away?”
