Page 24 of The Liar in Room 5

“You’re getting awfully bossy,” Drew said, his cheeks still pink beneath the faint flush high on his cheekbones.

“You were the one who accused me of going Daddy on you,” I said with a smile.

Truthfully, the idea of him calling me Daddy sounded more and more appealing, but I wasn’t sure how he’d feel about it, and tonight wasn’t the time to bring it up. He’d just let me kiss him. I didn’t think he’d be up for that kind of discussion quite so soon.

Although, if he was, I’d be down for it. Full stop.

“I think I promised you some food, and I’ve yet to deliver,” I said.

“You did, and you haven’t.”

“Well, in that case, let me go grab the steaks and throw them on the grill. But I do have a serious question for you before I go.”

I kept my voice intentionally somber, and instantly, Drew hesitated.

Well…hell.

I meant it as a joke, but of course he was going to take me seriously. I should’ve anticipated that.

“Do you like wine at all? There is no right answer.”

Drew chewed on his bottom lip before answering in a whisper, as if he were sharing some shameful secret.

“I think it’s all disgusting. I don’t understand how anyone thinks it’s good.”

“Thanks for being honest, sweetheart,” I said with a broad smile. “How about beer? And there’s still no right answer.”

“I… I…”

I realized it was physically difficult for Drew to admit an actual preference, which broke my heart a little. I hadn’t realized just how much of himself he’d shoved aside to make everyone else the center of his attention.

I stayed quiet and let him decide what he wanted to say.

“I don’t like that either.”

I didn’t think it was possible, but I smiled even wider. It felt like my face might crack in half.

I was so damn happy.

Drew looked at me, then slowly returned my grin.

“And the world did not end.”

“It sure didn’t. How do you feel about sweet tea?”

“I love it.”

Thanks for dinner. The steak was delicious.

Thanks! I thought the company was pretty fantastic.

If I say yes, does that mean you or me?

You’re definitely the great company, but I’ll accept myself as alright.

I’m going to leave it at that.

How’s your day going?