“Would you like another bottle, sir?” the waiter asks.
Liam doesn’t even glance my way.
“Actually,” he says casually, “could you have it sent to the suite?”
I try not to gasp out loud.
Suite. Oh, there’s a room. There’s a plan.
I feel a shift with him as he gauges my reaction to having the next bottle ‘sent to the suite’. His eyes meet mine. He’s calm and grounded, but there’s a question in his expression. An unspoken question.
He’s not pressuring me.
He’s inviting me.
His gaze makes me feel exposed. But for once, I don’t want to hide. Not who I am. Not what I feel ... not what I’ve felt about him for years.
I swallow past the nerves fluttering in my chest. I think about the overnight bag stashed in his truck. About the kisses. The way his hands felt on me, around me … exploring me in the water.
I love the way he looks at me, treating me like I’m something rare. He booked a room. He had hope. I’m not surprised after today. In fact, I’m ... ready.
I smile, slow and sure. “Champagne in the suite, huh?”
Liam lifts one corner of his mouth. “Best way to finish the bottle.”
I laugh softly and reach for the slender flute one more time.
This may not be a glass slipper moment. But it’s a hell of a lot better. Tonight, I’m not waiting for someone to choose me, or everything to fit perfectly. I’m walking right into this story with my eyes wide open.
Chapter 20
Liam
The sound of her laughter fills the room like light. Tessa is sprawled on the plush duvet, cheeks flushed, curls spilling over one shoulder. She’s holding a glass of champagne in her hand and nothing but confidence in her smile. Her legs are bare, one bent slightly, brushing against my thigh. She’s radiant. A little tipsy. And absolutely in her element.
“You know,” she says, lifting her glass for another sip, “I’ve probably studied more human anatomy than you have.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Is that right?”
“Mmhmm.” She licks a droplet from her lip and grins. “Nursing school was ... thorough. Bones, muscles, blood flow, reproductive systems. Even cellular level components. I could diagram you in my sleep.”
I can’t help the slow smile spreading across my face. “That so?”
She nods, then adds with a wink, “I’m just saying. Just because you’re a teacher and coach, don’t assume I’m the one who needs schooling here.”
I set my own glass on the nightstand and shift closer. She doesn’t pull away. Her gaze follows mine, warm and daring.
“Okay,” I agree, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “But anatomy isn’t the same as ... experience.”
She swallows, and for a second, her confidence wanes. Not from fear, just from the weight of this moment. The fact that it’s real now. That she’s here with me, and we’re standing at the edge of something that can’t be undone.
I run the backs of my fingers down her arm, watching goosebumps rise under my touch.
“I’m not in a rush, Tessa. You know that, right? We don’t have to do anything.”
She nods. Then her voice comes out soft and certain.
“I want this. I wantyou.”
