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He makes a face like he caught what almost slipped out of my mouth. He’s about to say something, but the hostess says, “Reservation?”
Liam clears his throat as he walks over to her. “Reservation for Liam Hastings.”
“Okay. Right this way.”
I didn’t notice before because I was too absorbed in Liam—I can already see Noah frowning—but this place is stunningly beautiful. Red carpet lines the floor, and the tables are adorned with red tablecloths as well, candles and beautiful flowers placed upon them. Lovely paintings hang on the walls, and the guests are dressed in their finest.
“Wow,” I whisper to Liam. “You’re spending way too much money on me.”
“You deserve it,” he says.
“I’ll return the favor…somehow.”
“I don’t need you to return anything. Just being in your presence is a privilege.”
I think I melted into a puddle.
“Was that dorky?” he asks.
“No, not at all.”
“Because if it was, I own it,” he says in a playful tone. “You’re spending the evening with this dork.”
I slide my hand into his. “And I’ll enjoy every second of it.”
He smiles warmly. “Me, too.”
The table the hostess leads us to has a spectacular view of the town. Liam pulls out my chair for me, and I thank him before sitting down. “Have you taken pointers from Lily?” I ask.
“No need.” He gives me a cocky grin. “It’s ingrained in me.”
I giggle. “You’ve been keeping it in all these years and now finally have a chance to show it off.”
He reaches for my hands and clasps them in his. “You have no idea, my beautiful Chloe. I’ve been dreaming about this moment for years.”
“Me, too,” I tell him with a smile.
The server comes with our menus, and Liam encourages me to order whatever I want, no matter the price. He’s being so sweet, but I don’t want him to spend so much money on me. I pick a relatively cheap dish. Our night is filled with amazing food and even more amazing conversation. I almost forgot what it was like when things were awkward between us because we never run out of things to talk about. It feels like before, when we were just friends, but so much more. Now, I don’t have to hold anything back. I’m not afraid to show him exactly how I feel.
“What?” I ask when I catch him staring at me like I’m the most incredible thing he’s ever seen.
He blinks. “Oh, sorry. Was I staring?”
I laugh a little. “Kind of.”
“I can’t help it. I’m just so happy I’m here with you. We belong together, like the Universe is aligned. Like the world makes sense. I mean, I know there will be things in our lives that won’t make sense, but you and I always will.”
I reach for his hands and squeeze them. “I feel the same way.”
He smiles so sweetly at me.
We continue our meal and our delightful conversations. When we’re done, Liam suggests we take a stroll around the park a few blocks away. He holds me in his arms, keeping me warm. He makes me feel loved and protected, and like I’m the most important person in his life, along with his family. I feel the same way about him.
We take a break on a bench. Liam’s arms are still wrapped around me. “Should I call Evie? I don’t want you to get sick.”
“No.” I snuggle closer to him. “I don’t want this night to end. Our parents are going to watch us like hawks now. We need every chance of privacy we can get.”
He chuckles. “You’re right. And I don’t want this night to end, either. Chloe?”
