Page 29 of Worth the Risk

“How’d you know pepperoni was my favorite?” She asks as she finishes up her first slice.

“I didn’t.” I give a small shrug. “Good guess, I guess.”

She laughs at that, before flicking her attention back to the television and continuing to eat her pizza. Truthfully, I didn’t know what her favorite kind of pizza was and I was tempted to buy one of everything in hopes I could get it right. That seemed a bit extreme though so I landed on pepperoni, hoping and praying she liked it.

Emilia gets lost in the show, comfort washing over her. She looks two seconds from falling asleep so I grab the plate out of her hand and quickly wash them off in the sink. When I get back to the couch I pause, standing there for a moment contemplating what I should do. I should go, I should let her go to bed but when she pats the cushion next to her my legs move to sit before my brain has even caught up. She scoots herself slightly closer to me and I can feel myself tense up at the anticipation of having her so close to me. Then she rests her head on my shoulder and I can’t help but relax at the contact.

Emilia lets out a breath, “I crossed two things off my college bucket list today.” She’s playing with the strings on her hoodie.

“Two?” I gulp. I don’t like where this is going. A date was one but the other? It must have been the kiss.

“Yep.”

“That’s good.” I try to keep my voice even. “Right?”

She tilts her head, her baby blue’s eyes meeting mine. “I guess.” She shrugs, pulling back from me slightly to face me more. “He kisses like a fish though.”

I throw my head back, a laugh escaping out of me. As much as I hate the idea of her kissing someone else, I don’t have any claim over her and him being a bad kisser softens the blow. She giggles right alongside of me, man I love that sound. When our laughter subsides she nestles back into my side, head back on my shoulder.

“Do you like him?” It’s a question I have to ask. She hesitates for a moment, playing with her hoodie strings again.

“He’s nice,” she lets out a long sigh, “but I think we’re better off as friends.” I try to tame down the smile threatening to play at my lips, glad she can’t see where the corners of my mouth have started to twist up. “I’m so tired.” She yawns, reaching for a pillow.

I steal it from her, placing it on my lap. “Here.” Emilia shifts herself so she’s laying down with her head in my lap while we continue to watch New Girl. Mindlessly, my hand runs through her hair, playing with her strawberry locks. I realize pretty quickly that Emilia has fallen asleep but I’m not ready to let her go yet so I continue to watch a few episodes before I get tired myself.

I scoot out from under her and then stand, scooping her into my arms. Once I have her in my arms she stirs awake, her eyes blink a few times like she can’t quite remember where she is.

“Liam…”

“Shh, go back to sleep.”

“Are you leaving?” She whispers.

“Yeah. Gotta head home and get some sleep.” Emilia just nods at that while I place her in her bed, tucking her in under her lavender comforter.

“Text me when you get home. So I know you’re safe.” Her eyes lock on mine and I nod.

“Good night Emi.” I press a quick kiss to her forehead. It’s probably a bad idea but I can’t stop myself. I don’t want to stop myself.

Chapter 18

Emilia

Liam kissed me last night. Well my forehead, but my mind went wild. Between that action and him calling me his girl, all hope of me getting rid of this crush went out the window. There was also something about the action that made me wonder if this was truly platonic for him. Between the pizza, carrying me to bed and the press of his lips to my skin it just felt like he could also, maybe, potentially see something more with me too. I’ve been way too scared to risk his friendship to tell him anything and I still am so all I can do is wait and hope he makes a move. Which is incredibly childish of me, I’m aware, but having him as a friend has truly changed my life for the better and that’s not something I’m quite ready to ruin.

Rolling over, I grab my phone to check the time, instead I’m greeted with a text from Liam saying he’s going to be at my apartment in an hour and to be ready. I shoot out of bed taking the world's fastest shower and then attempting to get ready. Getting ready when you don’t know what for, turns out to be incredibly difficult. I manage to find an outfit that reads both casual and cute, a pair of light wash mom jeans paired with a brown belt and cream sweater. Just as I finish applying some mascara there’s a knock at the door causing my heart to race. I take a few deep breaths, it’s just Liam no need to freak out.

Opening the door my breath is nearly knocked out of me, maybe there is a reason to freak out. The outfit Liam has on is totally different from the athletic gear I usually see him in. As the months turned into fall his athletic shorts were replaced with sweatpants but the vibe remained the same. Today however, he’s dressed in jeans, boots, a black top layered with a green shirt-jacket that makes his eyes pop. He’s hands down the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“I come bearing gifts.” Liam holds up a box of pastries snapping me out of my haze.

“Come in.” Moving out of the doorway and into the kitchen, he sets the box of pastries on the counter. “What’s all this?” I’m already prying the box open, revealing a few different croissants and pastries.

“Fuel.” He states simply, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. He pulls out a barstool for me to sit and then round the corner into the kitchen to grab some plates.

“Fuel for what exactly?”

“Apple picking.” I don’t miss the smirk that spreads across his face.

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