“Are you in legal trouble or something? You know you can talk to me about anything,” I reassure him. Even though we have a complicated relationship, and most days, he barely tolerates me, I consider Liam one of my closest friends. Though I want to jump him, I also know how to be there when he needs someone.
He shakes his head and plasters on an obviously fake smile. “Nah, everything’s fine. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”
“Wow…” I roll my eyes dramatically. “My pretty little head?”
Liam snorts at my tone. “How are your rehearsals going? You have a recital coming up soon, right?”
I appreciate the fact that he remembers and acts as though he cares, but I still notice how he abruptly changes the subject. But I drop it for now. After what Sophie told me a few weeks ago, I have my own suspicions as to what’s been bothering him.
“Yep, and it’s going well. Joel is my dance partner in one routine, and we’ve been working hard to get it right. I’m excited. You’re coming, right?”
“As long as I’m not called out for a job,” he says. It’s not exactly the answer I want, but I’ll take it. I know he can’t always control where he goes and when.
We arrive home, and I immediately take my shit to my room. I want to shower, but I’m starving and need time to decompress first. Sophie texted earlier that she and Mason were planning a date night, hence why Liam picked me up from school. So that means we’ll be alone, but considering the way he’s acting, I’m not sure he’ll even stick around.
After making a smoothie and a sandwich, I sit on the couch and scroll through the TV channels. Dirty Dancing is on, and I stop on it. Shortly after, Liam comes down the stairs wearing gray sweatpants and a muscle shirt. It’s hard enough living with the guy I fantasize about, but when he dresses like this, I wish I were immune so the sight of him wasn’t so torturous.
“What are you watching?” he asks, plopping down next to me.
I wrinkle my nose and stare at him. “You’ve never seen this before? Patrick Swayze? All the famous quotes?”
His expression contorts, and he shrugs before reaching over and taking half my turkey club.
“Help yourself.” I deadpan.
Liam smirks but stays silent. We settle into the sofa, and I keep my eyes locked on the screen.
“Get ready for one of the best comeback lines ever…” I smile, holding up my hand while Robbie gets in Johnny’s face about what he can and can’t lay his hands on. Then I speak when Johnny does.
Liam grins, glancing at me. “You have it memorized, huh?”
I lean back and kick my feet up on the coffee table. “Who doesn’t? This movie is a freaking classic! I’ve watched it more times than I can count.”
“Maybe that’s why you’re still a virgin. You never leave the house,” he cracks, and when I scowl at him, he laughs harder. It’s good to finally see him relaxed.
“Pretty cocky for a guy who’s hanging out with said virgin.” I glower, leaning over and snatching my half-eaten sandwich out of his hand. “Asshole.”
“Oh, lighten up, Mads.” He bumps my shoulder. The teasing look on his face makes it hard for me to actually stay mad at him. “Stay one forever. Guys are trouble.”
I snort at the irony. “I already told you, I’m selling it. Gonna post videos of how flexible I am and give it to the highest bidder,” I say lightheartedly as if I were talking about flowers and kittens. It’s a first-class ticket to getting under his skin.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he hisses. “That’s how you get sold into sex trafficking. Just keep your legs together and stay where I can watch you.”
“Watch me?” I push away and glare at him. “I’m not a fucking child.”
His shoulders slump as if he’s already exhausted from this conversation. “That’s not what I meant, so relax. I just know how guys are, and you’re too good for any of them.”
“So…stay a virgin, or what? Turn into a lesbian? Those are my options?”
Liam smirks, and I smack him, rolling my eyes. “You’re such a pig.”
He takes me by surprise and moves closer, wrapping his arm around my waist and nearly pulling me onto his lap. “I’m just protective of you, Maddie. Yeah, you’re a pain in my ass most of the time, but I’d kill any motherfucker who hurt you.”
“You can’t just go around killing everyone I come into contact with,” I retort, and his face hardens.
“Yes, I can.” His voice is deep and serious, causing shivers to run down my body. Liam’s split personality gives me whiplash. One moment, he’s flirting with me, and the next, he acts annoyed by my existence. But this Liam? I can’t even comprehend what’s going on in his damn head. Does he like me, or does he see me as a little sister?