Bloom

“Friday at eight.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” He bends his knees until his face is level with mine. “Thanks for teaching me a thing or two tonight, Athena. I hope I can do the same for you very soon.”

I stare at his mouth. His top lip dips into a soft curve in the middle. His bottom lip is plump and a shade of pale pink that’s almost too perfect. I imagine the sound he must make when a woman’s teeth latch onto it.

My teeth. My mouth. On his.

Leaning forward, he brushes those lips over my cheek. His breath is warm and scented with mint. “Until Friday, Athena.”

My fingers trail over my cheek when he leaves.

“Until Friday,” I whisper, wishing I had the super power to speed up time.

Chapter 16

Liam

“You chose that movie because you look like the main character,” Athena accuses through a grin. “Just admit it, Liam.”

It’s not the first time someone has told me that I resemble Aquaman. I see it. My hair is a few shades lighter, my beard is shorter, but there’s a similarity that I can’t deny.

“I can’t swim,” I admit on a heavy sigh.

My attempt to change the subject works. Athena lets out a stuttered laugh. “You can’t swim?”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I paste on the best scowl I can muster. “Are you seriously laughing at me right now?”

My weak attempt to look pissed doesn’t faze her. “I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing with you.”

Taking a step toward her, I tilt my chin up. “I’m not laughing, lilac.”

The nickname stops her cold. Her plump lips part before they curve up into a smile. “You want to laugh.”

I want to kiss her. I’ve been fucking thinking about kissing her since I picked her up at her shop.

Her long hair flew over her shoulder when she turned around and saw me. She was dressed all in white. She looked incredible in skinny jeans and a short-sleeve sweater. She topped that with her black leather jacket when we left the store.

She’s the most effortlessly beautiful person I’ve ever met.

I hold steady with my commitment not to crack a smile. “Can you swim?”

Sucking her cheeks in, she purses her lips. “Like a fish.”

I can’t contain the laugh that escapes me. “That’s a great look for you.”

“Try it.” Her finger circles the air in front of my mouth. “Do fish lips for me.”

“Fish lips?” I question back as if I have no fucking idea what she’s talking about.

Fish lips are Winter’s favorite thing at the moment. She’s been trying to teach her younger sister how to master the move. She learned it from me.

My contributions as an uncle go above and beyond taking toys and candies to my nieces.

“Like this?” Athena sucks her cheeks in again. “You try.”

I don’t know why the hell we’re doing this right outside the theater, but I’m on board for whatever this woman wants.

The corners of my lips twitch. “Show me again.”