The first let me know that my sweet little kitten friend had made it through surgery with flying colors. The vet wanted to keep him at the clinic for about a week, but he was optimistic that the little guy would make a complete recovery.
Then the inquisition started. Usually, questions made me clam up and run for the hills, but Liam kept his promise. Nothing about my past. And true to his word, the questions mostly revolved around food.
Liam:What’s your favorite kind of cookie?
Me:What?
Liam:These are the important questions that are vital to our friendship. Favorite kind of cookie?
Me:Uh, gingersnap.
Liam:Interesting.
Liam:Hamburgers or hot dogs?
Me:Trick question. Cheeseburger.
I laughed softly at the reminder. The easier the questions that came, the more my guard lowered, and the more I was charmed by Liam’s unexpected and gentle humor.
A knock sounded on the doorway to the kitchen. I spun, the bag of icing I held in my hands erupting as I did. The frosting landed right smack in the middle of Liam Fairchild’s chest. My hand flew to my mouth.
He looked down at his icing-covered shirt and then up at me. “Well, to be fair, I was going to ask for a cupcake.”
Taylor, who had been standing behind him, dissolved into laughter. “His need to get to the food finally gets the best of him.”
“Shut it.” Liam turned, swiping some of the frosting with his finger and attempting to wipe it on Taylor’s face.
Taylor dashed out of his reach and ducked behind me. “Save me, Tessa!”
I couldn’t help the giggle that rose. Reaching behind me, I grabbed my mixing spoon. “Now, Liam, that’s no way to treat a lady.”
Liam pressed forward, frosting-covered finger extended. “That’s no lady. That’s a traitor.”
Taylor peeked out from behind me. “Liam Fairchild, you wipe that frosting on me, and I’ll tell Sarah not to give you any more leftovers.”
Liam’s hand and jaw dropped. “You wouldn’t.”
Taylor grinned. “I would.”
“You don’t fight fair.”
Taylor released her hold on me, victorious. “I fight to win.”
“Here.” I handed Liam a towel. “Sorry about that.” My cheeks heated.
Liam took the cloth from my hand, our fingers brushing for a brief second, sending a tingle up my arm. “No big thing. If I had to be mortally wounded, death by frosting would be a good way to go.”
I ducked my head. “So, what are you guys doing here?” I looked at Taylor, but she pointed at Liam.
“I’m here to tell you we’re going horseback riding today. When you get off at two.”
I set the empty bag of frosting down on the counter. “I don’t know.”
Taylor squeezed my shoulder. “I promise you, he’s harmless. Well, as long as you don’t come between him and his next meal, he’s harmless.”
I wanted to laugh, but all I could think about was how Garrett had seemed harmless at first, too. I’d thought he was kind and charming. How wrong I’d been. I squeezed my eyes closed.Not every man is Garrett.
Liam cleared his throat. “I invited Noah to go with us, too. I hope that’s okay.”
