“Yeah. One minute.” I grabbed my purse and met him on the landing. “How far is it to the lake?” I asked walking down the stairs.
“Not too far. Maybe about ten minutes in the car.” He picked his car keys up out of the dish on the table by the door. “The restaurant at the lake has tables out on the deck with views across the lake.”
“That would be great.”
“What would be great?” Stephanie asked. I hadn’t noticed her standing in the doorway to the kitchen. She didn’t look as elegant as she had yesterday; today, she was in jeans and shirt, and she actually looked like a ‘mom’.
“I’m taking Thalia to the lake for breakfast.”
She frowned. “Are you sure? I can make you some pancakes if you’d like?”
Oh God, no!
“It’s okay, mom. I promised Thalia we’d spend the day there, and I want her to see the view from the restaurant. You know it’s not as busy in the morning as it is for lunch and dinner.”
Stephanie turned around and started to head back into the kitchen. “I’ll see you both later then. Enjoy yourselves.”
Liam took my hand and dragged me out of the house. “Glad we had that arranged before my mom spotted us. I need a break after last night.”
I laughed at his response, because it had been what I was thinking.
We’d no sooner climbed into his car; we were speeding down the drive.
“Slow down a bit. I can’t look around at this speed.”
He glanced over at me, rolling his eyes, but a warm smile spread across his face. He shifted into a lower gear and the sights of Alabama became clearer through the window. “You do realize that there are only trees and fields between here and the lake?”
“That doesn’t matter. I’ve never been to Alabama before so I want to take it all in.” Take it in I did, the hills, trees, farms, the covered bridge we drove through and then the beautiful view of the lake as we approached.
The day was starting to warm up some, as Liam pulled the car in to the lot at the restaurant which didn’t look too busy. He parked out front of it before climbing out of the car and running over to open my door.
“Thalia, I’m not sure this was a good idea,” Liam said, looking worried while I climbed out of the car.
What was he on about? I thought it was the best idea he’d come up with. “Why?”
He seemed on edge. “Jack’s here with Mia.” He pointed towards two cars parked towards the back of the lot.
“I haven’t met Mia yet so let’s go in.” I took his hand while we walked towards the entrance, about to let go once we were inside, but Liam tightened his hold on me. I gave him a quizzical look. “Liam?”
He glanced over my shoulder then groaned. Turning I spotted, who I presumed to be Mia, sitting with Jack, a frown on her face.
“No escape,” Liam grumbled.
As we walked closer I chanced a look in Jack’s direction, only to find his eyes fixed on me, while Mia hugged Liam in greeting.
“Mia, this is my girlfriend, Thalia. Thalia, this is Jack’s fiancée, Mia.”
Mia seemed to wince and I wasn’t sure whether it was because Liam introduced me as his girlfriend or herself as Jack’s fiancée. “Hi,” I said, feeling embarrassed with Jack’s gaze not wavering. What was he doing looking at me like that when his fiancée was sitting across from him?
“Thalia, that’s a real nice name. Why don’t you and Liam join us? I’m not eating anything so you can keep Jack company.” Without waiting for a reply, she pulled Liam down beside her on the bench seat, which meant I had to take the seat next to Jack.
Jack slid further along to make room for me to slide in next to him. I met his eyes again, which hadn’t moved since I’d walked into the restaurant. He made me so damn hot with just one look. It was so unfair. Why didn’t I have that kind of reaction to Liam?
The server appeared with menus so I ordered sausage, pancakes with syrup and a large coffee. Sitting back in my seat I ended up brushing against Jack’s arm. He froze and straightened in his seat; his thigh brushed against mine. He cursed under his breath, but didn’t move. All I wanted to do was climb astride him. I could feel my blush working its way up my neck as tingles shot through me from where we touched, ending between my thighs. I felt like squirming.
“How can you eat so much?” Mia asked, as our piping hot food was placed in front of us.
Mia had a glass of water and that was it. “I’m hungry, plus I like my food. Fast metabolism, I guess.” I shrugged and glanced at Liam. “Are we going on the lake after breakfast?”