that earns her a small smile from me. ” flattery from a stranger doesnt count.”
+25 Bonus
((
he is not a stranger,” she says softly and theres something about her tone that makes me pause. ” just give it a chance. One date. Worst case, you get free coffee.”
I stare into the cup between my hands. The foam’s collapsed, leaving only a swirl of light brown and shadow. I think of Aiden–the way his voice cuts like glass when he’s in control, the way he hides everything soft behind precision.
Then Dylan, who never saw me as anything but convenient.
Maybe Kiera’s right.maybe i need to remember what it feels like to start over.
i take a deep breath. “Fine. One date.”
she squeals so loudly the couple at the next table glances over. “Yes! you wont regret it.”
I’m not so sure.
the day of the date arrives faster than i expect.i stand outside the café heart jittery like i have had too much caffeine.the late afternoon light spills through the windows golden and soft.inside the scent of sugar and espresso clings to the air.
i smooth my coat take a breath and step in.
he is supposed to be here already Liam Kiera’s mysterious boss.i scan the room past the baristas the students buried in laptops the clink of mugs and laughter floating through the hum of conversation.
and then i see him.
The man who stands when our eyes meet.broad shoulders kind smile a familiar tilt of the head that makes my stomach flip.
I blink once. Twice. “You’re… Liam?”
He grins, warm and easy. “Guilty.”
My mouth goes dry. “You’re that Liam? the online sports journalist the one friend I have I been chatting with for months.?”
((
the very same,” he says chuckling. “your friend been trying to set us up for weeks but i wanted to make sure you would actually say yes before she did.”
i let out a shaky laugh disbelief and warmth tangling in my chest. “Wow. Small world.”
“Or fate,” he says, half teasing.
i shake my head smiling despite the nerves. ” thats debatable.”
we sit and at first its awkward the kind of small talk that feels like balancing on ice.but it doesnt last.
He asks about my work i ask about his. Turns out he’s been covering the football scandal I’ve been avoiding
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Chapter 50
+25 Bonus
online, though he’s careful not to mention Alden’s name. His approach to journalism feels different–human, curious, grounded.
“I like stories that make people feel something,” he says, stirring his coffee. “Sports are supposed to connect us, not divide us.”
Something about that strikes me–simple, honest. I nod. “You sound like you actually care.”
He smiles. “I do.”
our conversation stretches looping through favorite films terrible coffee dates our shared hatred for crowded subways.it is easy the way talking to him always was online. No pretenses. No power plays. Just… real.
and for the first time in weeks i forget the constant weight pressing on my chest.i forget how complicated everything’s become.with Liam things are simple.
he laughs at one of my stories about Kiera’s disastrous baking attempts and I cant help joining in.the light from the window catches in his eyes and for a moment everything around us blurs the noise the people the sting of memory.
when he reaches across the table his fingers brush mine. Just a light touch. A test.
my breath catches.
the warmth of his hand is familiar but unexpected like sunlight on skin after days of rain.i want to let it stay there.to see what happens if i do.
but my chest tightens and Aiden’s voice flickers in my head quiet dangerous controlled.Then you fight harder.
i pull my hand back gently offering a small polite smile. “im sorry,” i say softly. ” im just not…”
he nods before i finish. ” thats okay i understand.“his voice is kind steady. there is no tension in his tone no hidden edge.Just understanding.
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