Collided: Dirty Air (Book 2)(24)
We visit different shops in Barcelona to purchase a new outfit. I may not want to go on this date, but it doesn’t mean I can’t look the part.
“Really, I don’t know why you can’t go out by yourselves. It’s one date and you’re both adults.” Maya exits her dressing room, showing off a sexy red dress.
Innocent Maya. Unaware of Liam’s seductive nature.
I toy with the satin dress in front of me. “You know what happens when you go on one date? It ends with two dates, and then three, and next thing I know, TMZ is featuring an ugly picture of me leaving a hotel claiming I’m pregnant with Liam’s love child.”
Watching him last week as he stood on the Sochi podium solidified how I need help because a moment of weakness hit me. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, all smiles and sexiness, teaching me how temptation and self-doubt pairs nicely with a race suit and fuck-me smile.
Her eyes dance with humor. “Ay, dios mío. You’ve really thought this out?”
“Duh. Have you seen Liam? His looks alone could get me pregnant.”
Maya throws her head back and lets out a melodic laugh. “You know, there’s a first time for everything. That’s one hell of a conception story that your dad might believe.”
I give her a pointed look. “No thank you. Let’s go on this one date and call it quits before anything begins.”
“Mm, sounds like you’re worried about wanting to do more with him than only one date.”
“You’re underestimating the power of a strong-willed woman with enough restraint to challenge a chastity belt.”
We wrap up shopping and head back to our respective hotel rooms, needing time to get ready for the night.
Sadly, a few hours later, my self-control is nearly thrown out the window when Liam and Jax pick us up from Bandini’s hotel.
Liam strolls up to me, his expensive leather shoes clicking against the lobby tile. His muscular legs strain against the material of his tailored pants. My eyes land on his golden arms, accentuated by the rolled-up sleeves of his button-down shirt. He shoots me a wink when my eyes meet his. They’re the same blue as the sky on the brightest day of the year, shining as he assesses me from head to toe.
I step back, but he moves closer to me, not allowing for any space. Liam’s a sneaky man who keeps learning my tricks. My brain cells run amuck inside my head at his clean and fresh scent, not interpreting my desire as dangerous.
“You look lovely tonight. Did you do all this for me?” He motions toward my outfit before he grabs my hand and twirls me in a circle.
I let out a laugh as my dress swirls around me, dark chiffon material whooshing before falling flat once he lets go. “No, I thought I’d dress up for Maya. See, I want to sway her to the other side, but she claims her parents wouldn’t agree. She describes them as a religious bunch.”
“Here I thought I could sway you toward me, but it turns out you’re playing for the other team. Now tell me, have you ever been with a man? Because if not, one night with me will make you change your mind.”
I groan. His lips tug into a smile before they brush up against my temple, giving me the faintest kiss. One so soft, I almost think I made it up.
I push away, ending our exchange. It’s the only moment of weakness I’ll allow.
Good luck with that, Sophie.
Jax and Liam show us fine wining and dining at its best. They rent a fancy car to drive us to a trendy Barcelona restaurant, ordering us an expensive wine bottle once we’re seated. The hostess situates us in a back corner hidden away from other diners, shrouding us in low lighting and privacy, a deadly combination with the man seated in front of me.
“They don’t have chicken tenders for you, but I can ask for the kid’s menu.” Liam beams at me.
I softly kick his leg under the table, making him laugh. “As tempting as that sounds, I’ll pass. I was thinking about a salad because I’m trying to watch my figure. You?”
“What?” He barely hides his distaste.
“I’m joking. No need to look like I asked you to retire from racing.”
Liam rubs his stubbled chin. “I would’ve been disappointed. Here I thought you were perfect, but then you’d ruin it with ordering a salad when they have steak on the menu. With me paying, I thought you’d consider ordering a fifty-dollar plate to give me a run for my money.”
“You think I’m perfect?” I put down my menu and stare into his eyes.
His bright smile hits me straight in the chest, my heartbeat quickening while blood rushes toward my cheeks. “More like someone sent from the gates of heaven to tempt me,” he grumbles under his breath, low enough for only me to hear.
“Don’t let anyone in on my secret. I’m trying to hide in plain sight.” I sip wine to give my hands something to do.
“You can’t hide from me, no matter how hard you try, but obviously, you enjoy the chase. Good thing for us, I don’t mind our company tonight because I told Jax to distract Maya. A double date can’t ruin what I have planned for us.” He speaks with the utmost confidence.
I engage in diversions fit for war, pulling Maya into a conversation despite Liam’s attempts to have Jax occupy her. That’s how it is between Liam and me. A battle of wills, of two headstrong people fighting for control of one another.