“I wasn't feeling up to it after last night. But if you're there,” he grins, “I’m up to it.”
Hudson pulls up to my building. Liam follows me to the door, his hand at the small of my back. “Can I come up?”
“I have to go back to the office.”
Liam is visibly disappointed. “Fine. But tonight, we go home together.”
I can’t help but smile. “Tonight,” I agree.
He backs me against my building door, his body pressing mine into the wood. “Look sexy,” he whispers, then kisses me hard enough to make my knees weak.
“What are you coming as?” I ask when we break apart.
“You'll have to wait and see.” His smile is wicked. “But I'm planning to find you the second I get there.”
“We have to be careful.”
“I know. I will be.” Another kiss. “But I'm bringing you home with me after. That's non-negotiable,” Liam says, finger hooked under my chin.
19
Liam
I feel like an idiot.
I’m standing in Cole and Harper's apartment dressed as a pirate, complete with tricorn hat, eye patch, a fake beard, long coat, and boots.
The apartment has been transformed it into something out of a fantasy. Low lighting casts dramatic shadows across the walls. String lights and candles create an atmospheric glow.
Music pulses through hidden speakers, just loud enough to feel the bass but quiet enough for conversation. The décor is perfect for a costume party.
I adjust my eye patch for the third time in as many minutes. The thing keeps slipping, and the fake beard itches like hell. But at least no one can recognize me, which is the point.
I scan the crowd, searching for Avery.
The room is packed with people in elaborate costumes. A flapper chatting with what looks like a zombie. A cowboy doing shots with an astronaut. Someone dressed as Napoleon is holding court near the kitchen. It's surreal and disorienting, not being able to recognize anyone.
I make my way toward the bar, still searching for Avery's face in the crowd.
“Arrr, matey,” someone says beside me in an exaggerated pirate accent. “Looking for buried treasure?”
I turn to find a guy in a pinstripe suit, fedora pulled low, holding a cocktail. He's grinning like he knows something I don't.
“Just a drink,” I say, signaling the bartender.
“Rum, I presume?” The guy is still grinning. “You know, I always thought pirates were overrated. All that seafaring and plundering. Seems like a lot of work.”
“Uh, yeah. Sure.” I take my beer and start to move away.
“Where you going so fast, Nova?”
I freeze. Turn back. “Jake?”
He lifts his fedora slightly, his grin widening. “Took you long enough.”
“How did you recognize me?” I slap him on the shoulder.
“Dude, you walk like a hockey player. Even with the pirate getup, I'd know that stride anywhere.” He claps my shoulder. “Nice beard though. Very convincing.”
