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When we’re all in position, Adam talks us through the show. It’s been a slow news day so there’s a big report from today’s parade plus a story about a house cat who keeps jumping in cabs and hitching a ride all over town. It’s the story they’d drop if breaking news came in, but one that we need as a filler on a day like today.
Just before the green recording light goes on, I look up at the glass window where the production team sits. And I see Liam.
He’s wearing jeans and a t-shirt, talking to the news editor, that trademark grin pulling at his lips.
And my stomach does a little somersault.
I gave his name to security earlier but I expected him to be waiting for me in the lobby, not to be watching me live. And as the light switches from red to green I find myself looking up again. He’s looking straight at me this time, and mouths ‘hi.’
I mouth hello back but look away because I can’t let him distract me. And then Lorena introduces the team and I look at the camera and smile, before she launches into the headline news.
It’s fifteen minutes until my first forecast and I spend most of it surreptitiously looking up at the window. A couple of times our gazes meet and I feel it all over my body.
He’s taking me to his house tonight. He’s cooking for me tonight.
And if he wants more? My heart slams against my ribcage at that thought.
“After the break we’ll be hearing all about the weather for tomorrow,” Lorena says. “Is it going to be as glorious as today, Sophie?”
“You betcha,” I say smiling.
The camera is back on Lorena. She tips her head to the side and looks directly at it. “Don’t go anywhere. We’ll be right back.”
* * *
“A very good night to you from all of us here at WVFY Weekend Evening News,” Lorena says twenty minutes later. I’m still standing on my spot because the camera will pan out at the end, showing the studio and presenters before going back to our affiliate programming. I put a smile on my face as the closing music starts up, and Dan leans over to talk to Ray on the sports desk, the two of them laughing softly about something.
And then it’s over and I breathe a sigh of relief because I didn’t mess up either of my forecasts.
Dan puts his hand on my shoulder as we head out of the studio. “You did good tonight.”
I smile at him, thankful that my blooper about his daughter’s wedding weather is now history. “Thank you.”
He veers off to the right when we’re in the hallway, heading straight for the men’s room. I head to the left to grab my things from the office when Liam appears in front of me.
“Hey.” He looks completely relaxed in his jeans and a black t-shirt.
“Hey yourself,” I tell him, feeling a little giddy. “Did you enjoy the news?”
“Best thing I’ve seen all week.” He glances down at my clothes. And yeah, I dressed carefully this evening. On top I’m wearing a red jersey crossover blouse that makes my boobs look good because I knew I was seeing him. It goes perfectly with a black skirt that lands just above my knees. “You ready to go?” he asks.
“I just need to grab my bag and make sure tomorrow morning’s forecast is loaded on the website,” I tell him. “Do you want to meet in the car?” I left mine at home this morning and took an Uber to work, knowing I wouldn’t need it this evening.
He shakes his head. “I can wait.”
So he joins me in the office, watching patiently as I load up the back end of our website and check that everything is ready for go live in the morning.
That’s when I realize I’ve forgotten to take off my battery pack. The box is digging into my thighs. Without thinking, I stand and put my foot on the seat of the chair, unclipping the strap that’s hooking the mic pack around my leg.
When I glance to my left Liam is watching my every movement, his eyes dark. Then he lifts his gaze to mine.
And I feel breathless.
“I’m ready if you are,” I tell him.
“I am.”
We’re on the road toward his place when I remember that I’m not just going to his place for a meal. I’m going because I need to tell him something.
