Chapter 11

Cessnock

Liam

I didn’t intend to put Chloe on the spot like that. I really didn’t. I just saw an opportunity to get rid of the dare element from the day and took it.

If I had a choice, I wouldn’t have wanted our first kiss to be like that. Not that I’d ever imagined we’d even kiss in the

first

place. But it wouldn’t have been forced fun. It would have been because we both wanted it. And probably not in front of all our friends and a bunch of randoms who happened to be in the pub.

But despite all that . . . It was a good kiss. I almost forgot where I was. Let my brain temporarily misplace the fact that we were being timed and observed by a crowd, like some sort of weird science experiment.

And I think –

think

– that Chloe enjoyed it too.

I put the drink I’ve purchased for her – a sort of apology/victory tipple – in front of her with a smile and then think it’s probably best to give her a bit of space – she must be sick of the sight of me by now. Luke and Colin are standing near the door now, so I wander over, my own glass in hand.

“Alright, loverboy?” Luke grins when I pop up beside them. “How was

that

for you?”

I play dumb. “You know I’m not a fan of dares,” I shrug.

“But you’re obviously a fan of Chloe,” Colin sniggers.

“We were just giving you all what you wanted.” It’s surprisingly difficult to act like I’m unbothered when I’m still thinking about the kiss and how much I just want to do it again. Maybe without the audience, and with Chloe more of a willing participant. But I think it’s definitely time for a change of subject before I give myself away anymore than I already have.

“All ready for the wedding?” I ask Luke. His eyes light up. I don’t think I’ve ever known a guy more excited to get married before. I actually think he’s looking forward to it even more than

Becky

is. Must be nice to have someone you care that much about.

He laughs. “Yeah, we’re all set. Although, to be fair, Becky has pretty much covered it all; I just need to turn up.”

I’m not a massive fan of weddings myself, but I know this one will be a good one. I’m nearly as close to Becky now as I am to Luke, so it really does feel like I’ll be watching not one but two of my best friends declaring their everlasting love for each other.

Even if I’m not entirely sure I believe in love myself.

I’ve not always been a cynic; in fact, once upon a time, I was a fully paid-up member of the Hopeless Romantics club. I thought I was madly in love with Tasha, Alex’s sister, five years ago. But it turned out she was fucking me about and had another guy on the side. It took me a long time to get over that, and I’m still a bit scarred emotionally from it. I

definitely

have trust issues.

It also doesn’t help that in the last year or so, she’s been reappearing in my life every couple of months, asking if we can try again. I always say no – I just couldn’t go back there, couldn’t put myself through it again.

But I think this is one of the reasons why Alex has such a problem with me -I suspect she’s been spinning stories to put herself in a good light in all of this. I definitely don’t think he knows about her cheating – although I’m sure he would take her side anyway, blood being thicker than water and all that. But I think if he knew the truth, he would take it a

bit

easier on me.

There’s been several times I’ve nearly blurted it out when he’s been particularly annoying me. However, I’ve always managed to hold my tongue. I don’t particularly want him to know I’ve been cheated on either. I have my pride, after all.

So let him think I’m the bad guy in all of this all he wants. I know the truth, and I don’t particularly need his friendship anyway. It’s not like we’ve ever been close; our friendship Venn diagram just happens to overlap.

Unfortunately

.

I glance over at him now. He’s not looking very happy; I think when he suggested I be the one to kiss Chloe, he believed we would both object and it would cause a massive ruckus. Well, it certainly caused some sort of upheaval, but definitely not in the way he expected. He’s probably adding it to the list of offences he clearly has under my name inside his brain.

Looking away before he spots me, I find my eyes drawn to Chloe. Much to my surprise, she’s watching me, looking thoughtful. Even more oddly, she doesn’t look away when our gazes meet. Her cheeks are tinged with colour; there’s a chance she’s still embarrassed by the very public kiss. She definitely doesn’t seem like the sort of person who enjoys PDAs. Much like myself.

I take a swig of my drink as our eyes continue to lock. It’s now getting a bit awkward, like we’re engaged in some sort of staring contest, and neither of us wants to be the first to look away. The problem is, I really don’t want to break the contact. It feels suddenly like there’s an invisible thread of electricity humming between us. One that has only made itself known since that kiss.

Then Becky says something to Chloe across the table, and she looks away from me, the spell broken.

Feeling a bit disappointed, I try to tune back in to what Luke and Colin are saying, feigning a laugh I don’t really mean but seems to be the right move to make based on their own actions.

I’m definitely not used to

this

level of attention from Chloe.

And I have to admit it’s

really

throwing me.

Chapter 12

Glasgow

Subway

Chloe

I’m starting to suspect that I might fancy Liam.

It’s not the most welcome of thoughts, but ever since that kiss, I’m struggling not to think back over our previous encounters. And wondering if my hackles have partly always been up around him because I’ve been attracted to him all along and just didn’t want to admit it because 1) he’s not my type and 2) I’d been in a relationship.

In amongst the thoughts muddling my brain, I had barely realised I was staring at him until we ended up in a massive staring contest. And it . . . It was

hot

.

I’ve never felt that way from just eye contact before. It definitely feels like there’s a bit of sexual tension between us now, different from the tenseness that has normally enveloped our encounters for years.

I wonder if I gave any hint of interest, would he make a move? (The kiss doesn’t count because it was a dare, obviously.) But I also know it would be a silly thing to do with my ex en route at any moment. Plus, just because there’s attraction there doesn’t mean we need to act on it. Like I’ve already said, Liam is not my type. I can’t even imagine what we would have in common – well, apart from the fact that we both don’t like subcrawls or dares.

Probably no point in even considering it.

Right

?

I’m still deep in thought when we head back towards the subway to get to our next stop. We’re skipping the next station as we’re not sure if the nearest pub is open, so we’re headed straight to Govan.

Skipping all these stops is certainly making the day go faster, that’s for sure.

I groan as we enter the station, and I see a sign stating that the inner circle is currently out of service. This means our train will likely be busier as people will be jumping on the outer circle instead for a slightly longer journey to their destination. Sure enough, as it pulls up, the train is already pretty packed.

I’m trying to stay calm but but my heart is already starting to beat faster. Crowded public transport is one of the many things that set me into a panic spiral, and I was really hoping to be able to avoid it. Apparently, I’m being flung straight into the fire, though.

“Come on guys, shove your way on!” Lola is already elbowing folk out of her way, and she grabs my arm and drags me along. Somehow, I end up trapped inside the doorway opposite, grabbing the pole next to me with a death grip. I feel completely trapped into the corner, and my breath catches and then quickens as the train pulls out of the station.

“Focus, Chloe,” I tell myself. I close my eyes and try to calm myself down. The train is so noisy though and there are just too many bodies. I’m being jostled about both by train and by other people, and my senses just can’t take it.

I breathe a sigh of relief as we pull into the next station, but it seems like no one has gotten off the train, and more people have got on, including another noisy subcrawl group. I wince, telling myself I only need to put up with another minute or two of this before we get to Govan Station, and I close my eyes again.

Suddenly, I feel the crowd push towards me again and then part, and I jump as someone touches my shoulder. It’s Liam, his face concerned. He’s somehow managed to push through to reach me. “Are you okay?” He asks. He has to lean into my ear to whisper, and it sends a shiver through me.

“I’m not good with . . . Uh,

this

!” I use my free hand to gesture around the enclosed space. “I feel like I can’t breathe.” I know I’m blushing. “Sorry, I’m just being stupid.”

“You’re not.” And suddenly his warm hand closes over my hand clutching the pole. His dark eyed gaze moves over me, settling on my face. “Just try and take deep breaths,” he says, still close to my ear, his voice soft and calm. “I’ve got you.”

Somehow, it is working. I’m calming down. My breathing is returning to normal, my heart slowing.

But then everything starts to ramp up again for entirely different reasons.

Turns out Liam’s touch, combined with his undeniably handsome face being mere inches from mine, is causing an entirely new reaction in my body.

Remember when I said earlier I was glad there hadn’t been a spark between us when we shook hands? Well, it must have just been on a temporary loo break or something because energy is now throbbing in the small space between us. Once again, I can’t look away from him. Heat pulses through the hand he’s holding. There’s a look in his eyes too that I’ve never noticed before.

And his pupils are rapidly dilating.

All the background noise has receded. I’ve practically forgotten where I am. All I want is for him to kiss me again . . . And

mean

it this time.

Surely everyone around us must be aware of the sexual tension here? It seems too vast for the train carriage to contain it.

Suddenly, the place that was hell on earth to me two minutes ago is a place I never want to leave.

What the fuck?

But the train is now screeching to a halt in Govan and the door beside me has slid open. Whatever

this

was is now over.

Liam gently pushes me into the platform and out of the way of the crowd waiting to get on before he releases my hand. “You good?” he asks briskly. He waits for me to nod, my brain on slow-mo mode, before he turns around to speak to Luke about something and walks away.

The train pulls out and, on the other track, I can see the inner circle train pulling in. Apparently the track is up and running again already.

As if nothing ever happened.

Chapter 13

Govan

Liam

I have to walk away from Chloe as soon as we get off that train, and I know she’s okay.

For one thing, my brain is wrecked thinking about how much I just wanted to bend my head and kiss her again. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like that about anyone.

On another –

very

related – note, I have a fucking erection.

So safer to get as far away from her as possible before she potentially notices. Because it feels like she’s all-seeing and all-knowing now when it comes to me.

When I spotted her face briefly on the subway and saw how panicked she looked I

had

to go to her, had to try and help. It was instinct. But it’s now made me feel even more exposed and vulnerable in a way I really don’t like.

I don’t like dropping my guard like this.

So I chat to Luke and hold my subcrawl goody bag in front of my crotch until the tension moves to another part of my body. Only

then

can I partially relax.

It’s mid-afternoon now and, as it’s a Saturday, the pubs are naturally getting busier. I can spot at least three other subcrawl groups in this pub. Sometimes I wonder if the locals hate us. We must drive them crazy, surely?

“Liam!” A very drunk girl bounces up to me and flings her arms around me as we enter the next pub. I’m momentarily flummoxed until I remember it’s the girl who asked for my phone number earlier.

“Sandy, right? How are you?” I extract myself from her grasp and move a couple of inches back.

“I’m very very pissed,” she reveals, unsurprisingly. “How’s it going with that girl? You managed to pull her yet?”

Jesus, I wish she’d lower her voice.

I also don’t particularly want to talk to a relative stranger about this. Particularly an inebriated one. But then who

else

am I meant to talk to about my rapidly developing feelings for Chloe?

So I end up spilling my guts.

At some point Becky, looking a bit puzzled, places a drink in my hand. I nod thanks at her and continue telling Sandy what happened with the dare and then the moment on the subway. I leave out the part about my hard-on; it seems unnecessary to share that.

Sandy nods, drunken wisdom lighting up her face. “I’d say she definitely likes you,” she announces eventually. She shoves my shoulder. “You should go for it. Make a move.”

Not sure I’m going to take my moroculous new pal’s advice but it was good to voice it out loud. To actually

admit

it to someone other than myself.

“If

she

doesn’t want you,” Sandy continues into the silence I’m leaving, suddenly placing a hand on my leg. “I’ll have you. You’re just my type. Tall, dark, tattoos . . .” She looks me up and down, her blue eyes slightly crossing as she does so. “God, the things I would do to you.” She reaches around to presumably try and pinch my arse, but nearly topples over in the process.

Apparently very drunk Sandy doesn’t take the hint as well as slightly less drunk Sandy did. I find her group of friends and deposit her back with them, suggesting to them they might want to maybe get her a glass of water or five.

I go to find my own group and find they’ve managed to secure a big table in the corner. I can’t see Chloe there. Before I can even take a seat, Alex opens his mouth. “On the pull again?” He asks sarcastically.

I’m really starting to get sick of his attitude. I’ve never actually hit anyone in my life but the urge to slug him right in the nose is strong in me right now. I’ve never been so relieved to feel my phone vibrating in my pocket as it gives me an excuse to go outside and take the call.

“Liam, is she okay?” My sister asks without any preamble, sounding more than a little panicked. She lives in the south of England so I know she feels a bit powerless.

“They’re doing tests to try and work out what’s wrong but she’s comfortable for now. They do think it’s probably just an infection though so I don’t think we need to be too worried,” I report. I tell her what I know from my visit to the hospital earlier.

When we end the call, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. When I open them, I’m surprised to see Chloe standing there, several bars of chocolate in her hands.

She holds out a Galaxy bar. “I felt the need to go on a chocolate run. You want this?”

I take it gratefully. I actually don’t think I’ve eaten today. “Thanks.” I unwrap the bar.

She leans against the wall. “You okay? I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop but sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate.”

I sigh. “My gran got taken to hospital last night,” I reply.

Chloe bites her lip. “Sorry to hear that,” she says hesitantly. “I’m assuming you’re very close?”

“You could say that.” I don’t actually know how much Chloe actually knows about my life so I just decide to throw my family history at her briefly in a nutshell. “My mum died when I was 12; we moved over here to stay with my gran as my dad couldn’t cope with me and my sisters alone. So she’s essentially been my substitute mum for 16 years.”

“Shit,” she says quietly.

“Yep.” I stare down at my trainers. “I went to the hospital to check in on her before I came here and she’s in good spirits.”

“And that’s why you were late and didn’t follow the theme,” she remarks, almost to herself. I look up at her sharply but she just shrugs.

“You want another chocolate bar?” She asks. I hadn’t even been aware of the fact I’d practically inhaled that one but the sugar seems to be immediately taking effect. I shake my head.

“I’m alright. Thanks.”

What she says next surprises me. “Can I give you a hug then? I kinda feel like you need one.”

How can I say no to that? Chloe encircles me with her arms, her sweet smelling silky hair pressing against the side of my face. Yep, I take a massive inhale of her hair and I don’t even care if she notices.

A hug from Chloe was exactly what I needed. She was absolutely right.

Fuck, I like her so much.

Chapter 14

Govan

Chloe

I’d decided to go on my chocolate run because Liam chatting to that girl from earlier was getting under my skin and I couldn’t watch it anymore. Even when Becky came back to the table with the drinks and said she was sure she’d heard my name mentioned, I was still annoyed. It’s not like I had any context. Getting the hell out of the pub for a breather seemed like the best option.

But now, after our brief conversation outside, I’m realising more and more that I’ve misjudged Liam all along. Assuming the worst of him. I’d thought he was late and had ignored the theme due to some sort of one night stand, when he’d actually been at the hospital checking in on his gran. Guilt gnaws at my insides.

What else have I guessed wrongly about him all this time?

I think, deep down, I offered the hug as a gesture of apology for my snap judgements over the years more than some sort of comfort. However, if it was meant to be some sort of sacrifice on my part, it certainly didn’t feel that way. My body still feels warm from it. Happy.

Safe

.

When we go back inside, all hell has broken loose at the table. The drama seems to be centering around Lola and Colin, who are clearly arguing with each other. Lola is crying. Colin looks furious. Which is odd because I’ve never really witnessed Colin being anything other than just . . .

Colin

. Sturdy, dependable, maybe even a little

boring

, dare I say? Seems like there’s life in the old dog yet.

“What the fuck?” Liam says, under his breath.

Becky has slipped out of her chair and joins us. “Lola took the dares a wee bit too seriously,” she whispers. “You just missed her deciding to kiss a stranger herself and then just going for it.” She indicates a guy standing at the bar, who is looking a bit shell-shocked.

“In front of her boyfriend?” I blink. “Surely that’s the one dare she shouldn’t have done?”

“You’d think, wouldn’t you?” Becky rolls her eyes.

Aw Lola. What an eejit. I glance over at her. She’s clearly had way too much to drink. Luke is directing Lola and Colin towards the door, maybe to get them to stop making a scene. Lola points at us. “I just . . . After I saw

them

kiss I just wanted to see what it was like . . . It looked so amazing.”

Dear God. She wanted a kiss like me and Liam? Oh come on. I mean, it

was

a great kiss, don’t get me wrong. But it was a

dare

kiss.

Poor Colin. Hopefully they can resolve this, and fast. I definitely think that the issue here has been too much booze and a case of Lola getting too carried away with her dares, rather than anything more serious. I don’t think she has a secret thing for Liam, and I don’t think she was too interested in the guy she kissed either.

Luke reappears. “Colin is taking Lola home,” he reports. “She’s absolutely pissed, and he’s not much better.” He gives Becky a quick hug and pulls her back to the table.

I definitely didn’t expect to outlast Lola on the subcrawl. Seems her chaos has came to an end… for

now

, anyway.

I turn to Liam, laughing nervously. “Here, if we’d known Lola was only going to last for one more pub we could have probably gotten out of that kiss.”

He shrugs. “Good point.” He looks down at me and his eyes darken suddenly. “To be perfectly honest though, I didn’t really want to get out of it,” he says softly.

My stomach starts to churn nervously as his gaze flits away from me briefly then back. Time stops once again.

I try to speak but can’t straight away. The words want to come out but I’m so nervous to admit the truth. “Me neither,” I finally manage to say.

“It was a good kiss,” he murmurs. There’s

that

look in his eyes again, the look from the subway. I can’t quite decipher it but it makes my legs feel weak.

“A great kiss,” I reply, my heart thudding wildly against my chest. The eye contact is intense.

“The question is . . .” He trails off, running a hand through his hair. Which seems to be something he does when he’s confused or stressed, I’ve realised. He takes a deep breath before he continues. “Do you think it’s something you might want to do again?”

I’m shaking with nerves by now. This is definitely not something I was expecting when I came to this subcrawl today. I was anticipating a lot of awkwardness . . . just from myself in general. I was worried about my ex showing up. About having to be switched “on” all day. About possibly getting too drunk and embarrassing myself. I was even, I suppose, fretting a bit about seeing Liam and wondering what the hell we would end up arguing about this time.

The one thing I did not forsee was this growing attraction to him. It’s accelerated at speed throughout the last few hours and it seems I can’t struggle against it anymore. I

have

to give into it.

I close my eyes briefly. Relinquish control. “Yes,” I confess.

Now, I don’t know what I think is going to happen once I admit this. Do I think he might kiss me then and there? I’m not sure. I sort of hope so, but also kind of don’t. Because to kiss immediately would be to do it in front of our friends, without hiding behind the excuse of a dare . . . And it has been hard enough to be honest with Liam himself. I’m not sure I’m ready for anyone else to know yet.

But it turns out there’s need to worry about that. Because two things happen almost immediately within a few moments of me saying “yes” – apart from me seeing the hope sparking irresistibly in Liam’s gorgeous dark eyes at my agreement, the genuine grin that spreads across his handsome face.

The first thing is that blonde girl, Sandy, who shouts “kiss her, you fool!” from the other side of the bar.

Which of course causes both of us to immediately shake our heads and start to laugh off everything that had just happened, given that she’d drawn everyone’s attention to us. “We’ll talk soon, okay?” Liam whispers as he moves away to join the others, hesitating until I nod quickly in response.

And, as I go to follow, I glance over at the door just in time to see Michael finally making his appearance.

Oh

yay

.

Chapter 15

Govan

Liam

So Chloe actually

does

like me back, it seems. I’ve

finally

redeemed myself. Maybe she’ll even forgive me for Ferris Bueller at some point. Or maybe it’s something we’ll just laugh about one day somewhere down the line in our relationship.

Whoa…

relationship

? I catch myself in shock at that thought. Am I actually considering Chloe West as a potential girlfriend?

It seems I actually

am

.

But then her ex walks in and everything is complicated again.

Chloe walks over to him and they hug briefly before they come to the table. The ex greets everyone happily. “Where’s Lola and Colin?” He asks almost immediately, looking around.

“They partied too hard too fast,” Claire says dryly. Michael looks confused. “You don’t wanna know,” she adds. “Be grateful you missed the drama.”

“Let’s just say Lola was . . .

Inspired

by Chloe and Liam.” That’s from

Alex

, of course. He’s smirking. Michael’s confusion grows. Chloe’s face reddens.

“Um, you’d better grab a drink, Michael,” she says hurriedly. “We probably need to be moving pubs again soon.”

“So can we all tear up our dare sheets now Lola has gone?” Claire asks as Michael wanders up to the bar.

“I dunno, I still quite fancy kissing a stranger myself,” Alex muses quietly. I have a feeling he’s going to make sure Michael knows about the kiss one way or another. Although it shouldn’t really matter, given Chloe and Michael are no more. Yet, it still makes me anxious. It’s not like Michael and I are exactly friends, but it still somehow feels I’ve gone behind his back.

Probably because of the fact I’ve obviously fancied Chloe for a good while, so now it feels like I’m just swooping in as soon as they broke up, even though that wasn’t the case at all.

Or

was

it?

Michael pulls up a chair and joins us, pint in hand. “I hope you don’t mind but I said to Nat she could come along for a bit,” he addresses Becky and Luke.

I’m assuming Nat is the new girlfriend. Judging by Chloe’s slightly awkward expression, that appears to be the case.

I see Becky look at Chloe once more and Chloe’s almost imperceptible nod before Becky smiles. “Of course,” she replies. “When do you think she’ll be joining us?”

“She’s still at work right now so possibly Kelvinhall,” he replies. “I’ll let her know where we’re likely to be at once she lets me know she’s finished.”

“Are things going well?” Chloe asks. It must be difficult for her to be normal about this, even if she’s okay with the break-up. But she’s doing a good job of acting like she cares.

He nods, smiles. “Yeah, really good, thanks! She’s uh, looking forward to meeting you.”

“Likewise.” Chloe’s smile is definitely forced. She had been starting to loosen up, seem more relaxed, before Michael appeared but now she’s tense and stiff again. I catch her eye, send her a reassuring wink. Her tight grin loosens a bit, which makes me feel better.

I’m desperate to get her alone so I can talk to her properly. I could kill Sandy for ruining the moment but in truth she’s probably done me a favour… if I had ended up kissing Chloe there it would have been the first thing Michael saw when he walked into the pub.

As if on cue, my phone beeps with a message. From a number I don’t recognise.

I can’t believe you didn’t kiss her.

Followed by another.

Remember, if you decide not to go for her after all, I’m available. Ready and willing. X

I

really

should have given Sandy a fake number.

After another five minutes or so, we decide to make a move, back north of the river to the next stop, Partick. I’m relieved to get out of there. Sandy’s group are still there- they’ve either given up on the subcrawl entirely or that was their last stop. I suspect the former – and she’s making “call me” gestures as we leave.

“You’ve really made an impression on that one, haven’t you?” Alex says nastily, trying his best to let the door hit me in the face as he exits in front of me. I easily stop it with my hand. Good thing I was paying attention.

He’s such a prick.

As we head into the subway station though, he hangs back. I wish we could lose him but even if the train turns up before he catches up there’ll be another one along in five minutes and he knows what pub we’re going to. He’d just appear a bit later, like the proverbial bad penny.

Sure enough he materialises just in time to hop on the train. And he’s looking very smug. Something is definitely afoot.

It becomes clear as we speed towards Partick when he makes a little announcement to those near enough to hear.

“I took the liberty of filming a few of the dares, thought they would be fun to look back on.” He’s smiling but it’s pure evil. “Just sent them all to the group chat so we can all enjoy them.”

I see Chloe freeze, knowing exactly what she’s thinking. Everyone on the subcrawl is in that group chat…

We’ve no signal right now, being somewhere under the river, but in just a minute or two, everyone is going to see the footage of me and Chloe kissing.

Including her ex.

Shit

.

Chapter 16

Partick

Chloe

I very briefly panic about how Michael might react to the footage of my kiss with Liam once it comes through on our phones . . . but then I think “Fuck it.”

He’s

the one bringing his new girlfriend to an event that

he

barely made the cut for, after all.

And

yes

, it’s quite a big deal for me that I’ve somehow put the worry to one side. Normally I would be more stressed. Somehow my newfound feelings for Liam – as well as a great deal of alcohol, probably – have distracted me from my normal fears.

Thankfully this train is far emptier than the last one, which is a relief. Although I wouldn’t have minded another opportunity to get Liam close to me, I think to myself, shooting him a quick glance. I’m strangely disappointed to discover he’s not looking at me and instead staring into space, seeming a wee bit annoyed.

Oh well

.

As we leave the train and head up the escalator, I notice Luke making a beeline for Michael while Becky hangs back to wait for me. “I know Alex is trying to cause trouble,” she says quietly into my ear as we walk up the escalator. “So Luke is just going to tell Michael what the videos are likely to be before they are in the chat. Including how Alex was partly the reason you two ended up kissing in the first place. We figure if we all just laugh it off it won’t be a huge thing.”

“Makes sense,” I nod, relieved despite myself. I know Luke, silver-tongued devil that he is, will make it sound like it is no big deal, and Michael will buy that and not read too much into the kiss. Perhaps he won’t even watch it. And if he

does

. . . Well that’s

his

bad.

“I mean, it didn’t mean anything so . . .” Becky trails off and stops walking. She turns around and looks at me closely. “Wait.

Did

it?”

“Did it what?” I play dumb, my heart hammering.

“Did the kiss mean something?” She probes me. I know Becky better than just about anyone, and so I can almost read her thoughts as she’s processing them. “You were spending a lot of time together prior to it actually happening . . .”

“We sort of made a pact to try to avoid any dares,” I admit, trying to head her off at the pass.

“Well, that didn’t work, did it?” She asks archly. “And you’ve been together a lot since it happened too, it’s not like you’ve been avoiding him. I’ve witnessed a lot of moments, it’s just I’ve only just realised that’s what they were.” Her face lights up. “You like him, don’t you?”

I feel my cheeks burn crimson. “Maybe?”

“Oh my god!” Becky throws her arms around me. “This is amazing!”

I look at her questioningly.

“I’ve always thought you’d be perfect together,” she confesses as we start moving towards the next pub. Seems we’ve been left behind by everyone else.

“But . . .

Michael

?” I’m confused. I thought she liked us together.

“Michael is a great guy,” she nods. “And as long as

you

were happy then I was happy

for

you. But . . . Well, from the moment I met Liam I thought you and him would hit it off.” She frowns. “And then you met and you

didn’t

. I’ve always suspected that he had a thing for you though. When you and Michael split up I thought maybe –

finally

– you and Liam might happen.”

“Wait.” It’s my turn to stop walking. “That’s not why you organised today, was it? To try and push us together somehow?”

Becky looks me straight in the eye. “No,” she replies immediately and I can see nothing to indicate she’s lying. “I was going to wait for the

wedding

to do that,” she adds. “Honestly though, I do think you’d be great together. He’s genuinely such a good guy. Sweet, smart, funny . . . And, of course, hot.”

“In a just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-didnt-bother-to-try sort of way,” I snipe. Although it’s growing on me. A lot. I mean, some guys actually make an

effort

to look like that.

She shrugs. “Hey, its a look that seems to work for him,” she nods. “That Sandy girl was definitely into it.”

I roll my eyes and she starts to laugh. “Come on, admit it, you were jealous when she was talking to him.”

I know I’m busted and hold my hands up in surrender. “I was. I like him, okay? But Becky, I don’t know what is going to happen here so can you just . . . Not get your hopes up and not say anything to anyone about it?”

“Promise,” she vows. “But in turn you need to just stay open to this and give it a chance, okay?”

I take a deep breath. I can do that. I shake her hand, making this my second deal of the day. This one might be even more scary than the first one.

We push the doors open to the pub and the first person my gaze falls on is of course Liam. This time he is looking directly at me and I suddenly realise this is the least guarded he’s probably ever been around me. Right at this moment, I have absolutely no doubt from the expression on his face that he really likes me. I can feel my mouth involuntarily curving into a smile.

And it hits me how much I don’t want to fuck up this chance with him.

Chapter 17

Partick

Liam

I can’t stop looking at Chloe.

How has something I thought was just a silly crush managed to snowball into proper feelings over a couple of hours? This definitely wasn’t the way I saw today going.

But it’s been a pleasant surprise.

Michael watched the videos. Even the one of me and Chloe kissing. He looked momentarily troubled then laughed. Which is probably a relatively normal reaction to watching a film of your fairly recent ex being kissed by the guy who is standing beside you.

Alex is fuming that, once again, his evil plans have not worked in his favour. I’m

almost

starting to feel sorry for him. But not quite.

Currently, I’m more preoccupied with how to get Chloe alone. Turns out it’s more difficult than I anticipated. Now that Lola has gone, there’s less drama which actually means fewer distractions. Less opportunity to try and get her to one side without other folk in the group noticing.

In the end, Becky’s refusal to wear flat shoes today is what actually benefits me. One of her heels has snapped.

“What am I going to do?” She’s waving the useless shoe about, wobbling on her one remaining intact shoe. This is not going to end well.

“My flat isn’t far, why don’t I go and get you a pair of my shoes?” Chloe offers. She glances around the group, humour sparkling in her eyes. “Funnily enough, despite the fact I’m about five inches taller than Becky, we actually both have tiny feet.”

“What will I do until then?” Becky asks. A bar stool frees up so she pulls herself up onto it, pouting as if this is everyone else’s fault and not her own for choosing inappropriate footwear.

“I’ll give you a piggyback to the next pub,” Luke nudges her and grins, trying to cheer her up.

“How very dignified,” she sniffs, but she’s smiling now. Becky is never down for long.

Chloe downs the rest of her drink. “So I’ll go back to mine now and I’ll just get you in the next pub?” She suggests. “Pair of ballet pumps alright?”

Becky nods. “Someone should go with you, keep you company,” she says. “I would come but . . . You know!” She waves her ruined heel in the air again.

“I can come,” Michael offers immediately and I curse inwardly. This was my chance to get Chloe alone.

Thank goodness for Becky. “You’ve only just got here Michael, you need to catch up with us on booze,” she insists. “Plus, aren’t you expecting your girlfriend at the next pub? You don’t want her to turn up and you’re not there.”

“Oh yeah, good point.” Michael looks apologetically at his ex. “Sorry Chlo.”

“It’s fine,” Chloe nods. She actually seems relieved. “Anyway, I’m happy to go myself.”

Becky ignores her. “Liam, can you go with her?” She asks.

I could kiss her. Well, if it wasn’t for the fact she’s about to marry my best friend. And I actually fancy her cousin. But I’m very grateful to her.

“Of course,” I say before anyone else can volunteer. Chloe seems to be trying to hide a smile and I find myself doing the same. I drain the dregs from my glass. “Shall we?” I ask her and she nods. As we go to leave, Becky shoots me a sly wink. Which makes me wonder if the heel breaking was an accident or not.

“Where do you live?” I ask Chloe as we leave the pub.

“White Street, so not very far,” she replies. “We’ll just have to double back on ourselves very slightly to get to the next pub.” She shoots me a glance. “You really don’t have to come if you don’t want to,” she adds. “I know Becky put you on the spot.”

I shake my head. “Becky did me a massive favour,” I tell her honestly. I can’t waste this chance. “I’ve wanted to get you alone since the previous pub.”

Her cheeks redden. This girl blushes a lot. And it’s really bloody cute. “I’m really nervous,” she says quietly after a moment of silence.

“Why?” I have to ask.

Chloe shrugs. “I’m not really sure. Probably because whatever is going on here, between us . . . It’s new to me. I don’t really know how to act . . .

Normal

about it.”

“If it’s any consolation,” I say. “I feel that way too.”

She sighs. “That does help.” She hesitates before she speaks again. “So tell me something I don’t know about you, Liam McCall.”

“Christ, you couldn’t really be less specific if you tried, could you?” I smile to soften my words. Don’t want her thinking I’m trying to pick an argument again. There’s been enough of

that

over the years.

She returns my smile. “That’s the beauty of it. I have literally no idea what you’re going to tell me.”

Okay. I nod, gather my thoughts. Try to think of something incredibly random to lead with. It’s really quite difficult. “When I was younger, I wanted to be a priest. I used to pretend to do masses in the living room and my sisters would have to sit there and listen to me giving sermons.”

Chloe starts to laugh. “No way. Your poor sisters! What age were you?”

“27,” I joke. “Nah, definitely less than 10. It took me a while to come out of that phase though.”

“You think you can be anything when you’re that age though,” she says wistfully. “Then reality hits and you grow up.”

I can only nod at this. My mum dying definitely forced me to grow up fast, virtually overnight. I think Chloe can sense what I’m thinking about as she reaches out and briefly squeezes my arm in reassurance.

“Here we are.” She stops outside a tenement and reaches in her bag for her keys. “Home sweet home.”

“I can wait out here,” I offer as she fits her key into the door of the building. I don’t want her to feel awkward.

“Don’t be daft,” she replies, standing aside to let me walk into the hallway. “You’re welcome to come in.”

We enter the flat, which is one floor up. “I live with three other girls,” she explains as she leads me along the corridor to her room. “Had to find something cheap and cheerful in a hurry after Michael and I split.” It’s a decent size, as most tenements in this area are, and her room is actually pretty massive.

She drops her bag on the floor and pulls off her jacket. “I’m just going to nip to the loo; make yourself at home,” she throws over her shoulder as she leaves the room again.

And then I’m alone.

In Chloe West’s bedroom.

Chapter 18

White Street

Chloe

I’m a bit nervous to go back into my room. I can’t believe I’ve left Liam in there.

Liam McCall

is in my flat.

What the actual fuck?

We’re about to be

properly

alone.

When I push my bedroom door open, he’s standing at my bookcase examining the spines of my book collection. I wince as I remember him slagging off my taste in novels.

He turns around and smiles at me. “You really

do

like romance, don’t you?” There’s no challenge in his tone this time though. Was I perhaps imagining it that last time?

“It’s good escapism,” I reply. “I don’t want to read something depressing, it seems too much like real life. Give me a feel-good story and a happy ending any time.”

Oh

god

… “Happy ending” can mean something dodgy too can’t it? I cringe inside my own head. I’m glad I can’t immediately remember what it means. However I know I’ll be googling it later so I can beat myself up about it.

Thankfully he doesn’t take that comment as bait. Maybe he’s more innocent than I am. But I doubt that somehow.

I distract myself by digging in my wardrobe for a pair of ballet pumps. There’s some sparkly pink Primark ones with the tags still on. I immediately regretted buying them, they were a bit bright for me. Primark regret is real. Becky can keep them.

I throw them into my bag and then check in on Liam again. He’s now running a finger along my DVD collection and, ruefully, he pulls one out and presents the cover in my direction.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

I smirk, and he sighs.

“I’m sorry if I ruined this for you,” he says. “I’d not long read an article about the film with the whole Ferris-being-a-sociopath theory and it had . . . Opened my eyes. And it was so fresh in my head the first time I met you. In some misguided way, I think I was trying to impress you with my intellect.” He winces.

“It’s fine. I’ll get over it eventually,” I say. I realise I already have.

“Maybe we could watch it together sometime?” he suggests tentatively. “It might be . . .

therapeutic

.”

I laugh as he slides the DVD back onto the shelf. “I’d like that.”

Liam’s eyes are dangerously dark as he turns back to face me. The atmosphere in the room has thickened considerably, although we’re still standing at opposite ends of the room. I feel a bit dizzy, overwhelmed by the way he is looking at me.

“I don’t know what to do next,” I confess finally. My voice sounds really small.

He walks towards me. It seems to take an age. “I know what I want to do,” he says softly, as he finally reaches me. I study his face, wondering how I ever considered him to be too much for me, too messy. He’s handsome and grinning and he’s absolutely

adorable

. And he’s . . . Yep, he’s bending to kiss me.

Thank goodness.

His mouth presses against mine and this time I melt immediately into the kiss, without an audience or someone timing us. He tastes sweet, like the JD and Cokes he’s been drinking. His lips are soft and warm and I feel myself sigh as his hands slip up my body, and then he caresses my neck, tugging me closer.

The kiss deepens. I used to worry that I was bad at kissing. I’m not wondering about that with Liam. Because it’s as good as I remember. It’s like we’re

meant

to be kissing each other.

We’re next to the bed so the next logical step, of course, is to sink down onto it together. “We’ll have to go back in a few minutes,” he whispers, lightly tracing my face with one hand before he lowers his lips onto me again. “I wish we could stay here longer,” he adds, between kisses.

“Me too,” I admit, catching his lower lip between my teeth and hearing him groan. He pushes me back onto the bed and braces himself above me, his kisses hot and feverish now. I’m trying not to moan in excitement but, honestly, I feel like I could just rip his clothes off right now.

But I won’t

.

Before we can reach what would likely be a point of no return, he rolls off me and sits up, dragging a hand down his face, clearly trying to recover himself. “I really like you, Chloe,” he says quietly, eventually. “Do you think we could . . . Spend a bit more time together? See where this goes?”

I nod. “I want to try.” I agree. All my nerve endings are on fire from our kisses. I’m still not sure what we actually have in common – or if that even matters – but the connection, the chemistry, is just too amazing to ignore.

He smiles again. Yep, there’s definitely a dimple in there somewhere. Probably best it’s disguised under the scruff, it would make me even weaker – I’ve always been a sucker for dimples. “I need to warn you though, my life is a bit of a mess right now. If this does go somewhere, I can’t promise it’s going to be easy. I’m also,” he bites his lip, hesitating. “I’m not that great at relationships.”

“Well, I’ve only ever been in the one relationship so I’m not sure I am either,” I say, although his words do disturb me a bit.

Am I just setting myself up to get hurt?

I think he senses this because he tilts my head up gently, forcing me to look him directly in the eyes. “I had an ex a few years ago, Alex’s sister Tasha, she did a bit of a number on me. It’s just made me a bit wary . . . Trust issues, you know?”

“I get it.” I may never have had reason not to trust Michael in our relationship but I’ve seen it happen enough in all those books I read.

He sighs, his eyes not leaving my face. “I feel like this –

us

– could be something special though. I know we don’t know each other that well, but I want to find out.”

His honesty is so refreshing and I can’t help but lean in for another kiss. I know exactly what he means.

“That Sandy girl?” I ask, when I pull back. “Is there something there? You spent a lot of time talking to her.”

He shakes his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “She asked me for my number as a dare. And every time I talked to her it was about you.” He unlocks his phone and shows me the messages she sent him. “I might actually have to block her.”

I laugh, relieved, as he pulls me to my feet. “We’d best get going,” he says. “Time to meet your ex’s new girlfriend, after all.”

“Yay,” I respond weakly. “That’s not going to be awkward at all. And if it’s not already awkward, I’ll make it weird and uncomfortable somehow. It’s my gift.” I think back to me scaring Lola in the first pub earlier. It seems like a lifetime ago now.

Liam takes my hand. “I’ll be there for moral support,” he promises, leaning over and kissing the top of my head reassuringly. Why didn’t I realise what a great, sweet guy he was before? He’s

amazing

.

But then, because I’m a chronic-overthinker and my very own worst enemy, I immediately start to wonder if he’s actually too good to be true. Surely I’d have seen this in him sooner if he was such a genuine guy?

I immediately rebuke myself for those thoughts. Remind myself I need to give this a chance. That Liam’s been nothing but honest with me from what I can see. That I should let myself enjoy whatever this could be.

I

want

to, I really do. But, because I’m me . . .

I’m still just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Chapter 19

Kelvinhall

Liam

I may have only set out today to get Chloe to like me, but wow, I seem to have achieved so much more than that.

Could it be that we

really

might have a chance as a couple? It’s hard for me not to be a

wee

bit cynical about it. Mainly because my life has rarely been that straightforward.

Especially

not my love life.

I feel like I’ve gone out on a ledge, putting myself out there for Chloe, and that’s not a risk I’ve taken for a very long time. But there’s always been something about her for me, and there’s already feelings there I haven’t experienced in so long. Once I realised it was reciprocated on her side too, I needed to man up and act on it for a fucking change.

I’ve never been that thankful for a dare in my life. Because I don’t know if either of us would have opened up otherwise if that kiss hadn’t proved once and for all there was definite chemistry between us.

I really hope we can go on a date together. Alone.

Soon

.

But there’s also just this little voice niggling at me, inside my head. Telling me “something is about to go wrong, just you wait.”

I’m trying to smother it.

Chloe is smiling at me now as she locks the door to her flat, and it’s doing something to my insides. “You okay?” She asks. “You looked deep in thought for a minute.”

“Just thinking how this day hasn’t went how I expected it to,” I say honestly. “In a good way.” I hurry to add.

Her smile widens. “Likewise,” she replies. As if she can’t stop herself, she curls a hand around the back of my neck and pulls me close for another kiss. As she pulls back, her hand drifts up to my eyebrow piercing. “I have to ask,” she says. “Do you have anything . . .

else

. . . pierced?”

“Like what? My

cock

?” I tease. Colour flares in her face. I do love making her blush. “No, I don’t have any other piercings.”

“Kinda relieved,” she mumbles, giggling as we head back down the stairs.

I mean, I hear it’s meant to . . .

Heighten

pleasure

but sorry, no one is sticking a needle through my dick.

We wind our way through the streets, hand in hand, until we’re nearly at the pub. “Do you mind if . . . ” Chloe trails off, looking awkward.

I know what she’s thinking though. “If we don’t advertise this right now?

Us

?” I finish for her. She nods, biting her lip. “I think that might be for the best too.”

Relief washes over her pretty face. “It’s not like I want to hide it,” she insists. “I just – I hate being centre of attention and I feel like this would be . . . Well, I feel the whole group would put us under a microscope a bit. “

“It’s okay, I absolutely get it.” I do. And I feel exactly the same. The last thing I want is anyone picking whatever is going on between me and Chloe to shreds. I’m pretty sure Alex would have a field day with it, for a start.

“I mean, you can tell Luke – if you want. I’m pretty sure Becky will see right through me anyway.” She laughs. “I’m not convinced she didn’t break her heel on purpose.”

“I had my suspicions too,” I agree.

“Apparently she’s always thought we’d be perfect together,” Chloe says lightly. Our eyes lock and, as if we’re magnetically drawn in, our lips meet again. The kiss is long and sweet and really makes me wish we could just sack the rest of this bloody subcrawl and go back to her flat.

I clear my throat when we finally pull apart. “I think your cousin is pretty smart.”

She winks. “I’d like to say smart runs in the family but it took me an embarrassingly long time to catch up with her theory.”

I drop another quick kiss on her lips. “Hey, we got there in the end.”

Right – time to get back into the subcrawl scrum. We round the corner and both take synchronised deep breaths before we enter the next pub.

Holy crap, it’s

heaving

. It’s starting to be late enough on a Saturday that an increasing amount of folk have now descended on the pubs, all determined to get bladdered while taking up every available inch of space in every drinking establishment. I’ve never been a big fan of busy pubs – it’s something me and Chloe thankfully do seem to have in common.

We manage to find our group squirrelled away in a standing-room-only corner, squished between a window and a wall. “Guys, we’ve got you drinks!” Becky shouts, waving us over. She’s given up on shoes completely and is now barefoot, which seems slightly impractical given how high the likelihood is of someone standing on her toes.

“Here.” Chloe fumbles in her bag for the ballet pumps she brought for her cousin. “Stick these on quick – god knows what crap is on the floor. My boots are already sticking to it.” Her face twists in distaste.

“You’re the best!” Becky flings her arms around Chloe. She looks knowingly at me over her shoulder, a questioning glint in her eyes. I just shrug – it’s up to Chloe to spill, if she wants to.

“And no, she’s not here yet,” Becky adds in as low a voice as possible, answering Chloe’s unasked question. “Any minute now, apparently.” She rolls her eyes. ” It’s like she wants to make a big entrance or something.”

That seems like an odd thing to do when you don’t know anyone apart from your new boyfriend, I can’t help but think to myself. But maybe Becky just doesn’t want her thunder stolen.

Chloe untangles herself from Becky’s tipsy grasp, which at the moment seems slightly tentacle-like, and turns around to accept the drink Luke is passing over to her. Michael walks past, shouting into his phone. “Oh you’re here? I’ll just come outside and get you.” Chloe shoots me the ghost of a smile, her raised eyebrows saying “Here we go!” We all turn expectantly towards the door to see Michael leading an attractive red-haired girl in. So this is Nat.

Except

. . .

My heart sinks as I get a proper look at her face. Because I know this girl. And, frankly, she’s the very

last

person I want to be near right now.

Because Nat, Michael’s new girlfriend, more commonly goes by the name of Tasha.

I mentioned Tasha, didn’t I?

Alex’s sister.

And my ex, of course.

What the actual hell is going on?

Chapter 20

Kelvinhall

Chloe

I don’t really know what I was expecting Nat to look like. Possibly not dissimilar to me?

In reality, though, we couldn’t be more different.

How do I describe Nat?

Okay, so if this was “Love Island”, she would come in as the ultimate bombshell and disrupt every safe couple with one perfectly aimed smile. She’s small and “curvy” . . . You know, in the frustrating way the media describe people like Kim Kardashian. She has long wavy red hair, bright blue eyes and freckles, and she is so bloody hot it’s unfair. She’s dressed in top-to-toe black: figure hugging leather leggings, black boots, and black vest top. No adherence to the theme, but maybe Michael never told her what it was.

Except I know he

would

have, because he’s

Michael

and would do anything and everything he could to make sure she would fit in. He’s thoughtful that way. (I mean, apart from thinking it was remotely appropriate to invite her in the

first

place!)

Maybe, I can’t help but think – restrospectively once I realise who she really is, of course – she

planned

to dress like a villain.

She grins around the group, flashing gleaming white teeth, and there’s nothing to indicate the smile is anything but friendly, but I immediately get bad vibes. Perhaps it’s just jealousy on my part though.

Michael definitely traded up when he landed her, that’s for sure.

Suddenly I realise how quiet the group is as a whole compared to the rest of the bustling pub. There’s something weird in the air, the atmosphere loaded with tension. I glance around and notice Becky, Luke and Liam all look completely blindsided.

But it’s Alex, who is also wearing a similar expression, who steps forward first. “What are

you

doing here?” He blurts out.

Nat blinks in what seems to be surprise. “I’m here for Michael.” She walks towards him. “What are

you

doing here, brother dearest?” She asks, throwing her arms around him.

Alex is Nat’s

brother

?

Which makes Nat . . .

Tasha

.

I shoot another glance at Liam. His eyes are locked on Nat and they are burning. I can’t identify the emotion and it makes me uneasy.

“I’m friends with these guys,” Alex explains, smiling. His smile seems a bit

off

, I can’t help but notice . . . But Alex, in my opinion, has been a bit off in general today so that’s nothing new. “You know that.”

“What a weird coincidence, I had no idea Michael was friends with you all too!” She looks around. “Becky, Luke . . . So nice to see you again!

Liam

. . .” She virtually purrs while I barely hold back a proprietary growl. “Long time, no see.”

“It’s only been about two months since I last saw you,” he snaps.

“Nice to know you’re keeping track,” she says smoothly. She then looks directly at me, extending a toned, tanned arm. “I don’t think we’ve met, you’re . . .?”

“Chloe.” I bite out. I fear my smile is similar to that one I terrified Lola with because I feel like I’m having some sort of out-of -body experience right now. Her perfectly manicured hand is icy cold, and I can see her eyes are too. This smile definitely isn’t friendly.

“Ah, so

you’re

the ex!” she exclaims.

As are

you

, I feel like saying. But right now, it somehow seems important that she doesn’t know about me and Liam.

It was going to be weird enough meeting my ex’s new girlfriend. Her turning out to be gorgeous hasn’t exactly helped, but the fact she’s also Liam’s ex, the one who in his own words, did a number on him, has just made it about fifty million times more awkward. Especially when I’m just starting to develop feelings for someone other than Michael for the first time in so long.

When did my life turn into a bloody soap opera?

Poor Michael. He is even more confused than I initially was. He still isn’t quite aware of the dynamic yet. He hasn’t yet connected the dots to realise Nat/Tasha is Liam’s ex but, to be fair, no one has given him the pencil.

Tasha – nope, I can

not

call her Nat now that I know her true identity – immediately turns to make sure he’s clued up. “This might be a

wee

bit awkward,” she winces at him. Wow, her acting is . . .

over-the-top

. “But me and Liam used to go out.”

The colour drains from Michael’s face. “

Oh

.” He doesn’t seem to be able to say anything else. Like me, he’s not really equipped to deal with this level of social drama. Our natural instinct is to metaphorically drop to the ground and commando-roll away out of such situations. Which is probably why we lasted as a couple for so long.

And here I thought Lola leaving had put an end to the chaos.

I almost wish she was still here – I have a feeling she would be most capable of diffusing the bomb Tasha has lit. I mean, she’d probably dare us all to have a mass-kissing session, or have us hold hands and sing a soothing hymn, but at least we wouldn’t all just be staring awkwardly at each other.

“Uh – let’s go get you a drink,” Michael finally speaks again, leading Tasha away. Alex follows them.

I find myself shuffled together with Becky, Luke, Claire and Liam. “What the

fuck

?” Becky says quietly.

We’re standing in a weird formation, all facing the bar but huddled together in a tiny group, talking out the sides of our mouths to each other.

It would probably be prime sitcom fodder

, I can’t help but think. Trapped

inside

the scenario though, it’s not so amusing.

“This

can’t

just be a coincidence,” Luke states, his face grim. “I’m sorry, but there’s absolutely no way Tasha and Michael are a genuine thing. He is definitely

not

her type.” He looks at me apologetically. “Sorry, but . . .”

“I know,” I bat his comment away, completely agreeing with it. Michael is a nice guy, a good looking guy, and he knows how to treat a girl . . . But I feel like I already have the measure of Tasha enough to know she would never fall for him. I’m actually quite amazed

Liam

was even her type – now I know him better he seems too sweet for her too – but he possesses a steely edge that Michael most definitely doesn’t.

“We need to get to the bottom of this,” Becky spits out. She drains her drink and marches towards the bar too.

I’ve been trying not to look at Liam throughout this exchange but I suddenly feel his hand on my back. He ducks his head forward and whispers. “Are you alright?”

“Are you?” I tilt my head back towards his.

“Yeah.” His breath is tickling my ear and catching the side of my neck and it’s making me feel . . . well, it’s probably

wrong

to say turned-on when both of our exes are mere feet away but it is what it is. “I just wish she wasn’t here,” he chokes out bitterly. “Her timing is pretty much impeccable as usual though.”

And suddenly I can’t help but wonder if he’s really over her.