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Losing breath…
The arms around me squeezed and my ribs dug into my side. The pain barely registered. I just needed air.
Another squeeze and the lump moved. On the third squeeze, the food dislodged. It flew out of my mouth and across the room.
Dad ducked in time to avoid it. “Ava.” He collected me in his arms. “You okay?”
I took in gulping breaths as I shook. “I'm fine.”
“Jesus, Peanut. Next time pinch something you can swallow on short notice.”
“I didn't.”
Dad eyed me.
Sighing, I mumbled, “Okay.”
“Liam, thank God you were here.” Dad looked behind me.
I froze and bit my lip. He was really here.
“It's no problem, Thomas. Choking is quite common. Helps to know the Heimlich maneuver.”
This cannot be happening. My wild hook-up was supposed to remain anonymous. Now he was at my dad's house. And how did he make the word “choking” sound so sexy?
“Not in this house, it's not,” Dad replied. “But I should learn to do that instead of screaming like a banshee the next time.”
Dad shared a laugh with his friend. Liam. Oh my God. I could put a name to his face in my head now.
What happened to good old anonymity and one-night stands?
Dad would find out. He'd be mad, and I'd—
“Ava, say hi to Liam. He's the friend I told you about.”
Forcing myself not to cringe, I inched my way around to face Liam.
As on Friday night, he wore a button-down and black pants with dress shoes. This time, there was no tie. Just two buttons cracked open to reveal tanned skin.
My cheeks flamed and my gaze shot up to his face. He was assessing me just as I was him.
His dark brows were a bit drawn over gray eyes that looked like a storm ready to unleash its power. High cheekbones. Full, sensual lips that had gone down on me two nights ago.
“Hi.” My voice came out choked, my heart rate spiking.
“Jesus, I forgot. You need water.” Dad scrambled behind me and produced a glass. “Drink.”
I collected it and chugged, avoiding Liam's eyes.
“Come on. Come sit.” Dad herded me to my spot at the table.
I dropped into the chair and drained the glass.
“You need more?”
Before I could answer, Dad collected the glass. I offered him a thankful smile. The moment his steps receded, I threw a glance behind me to make sure he was truly gone.
Then I leaned forward. “You’re my Dad's friend?” I hissed at Liam, who sat across from me.
