Page 43 of Hired By the Enemy
I roll my eyes. “Brag much?”
“Yep. And I believe you know my physical abilities as well.” He quirks an eyebrow at me.
“Some of your physical abilities are in the tolerable category,” I admit.
“I’m totally taking that.” He reaches for me, pulling me to him for a quick kiss, his lips soft and warm against mine.
This is what I’ve struggled with regarding my interactions with Liam over the past few days. It’s not the having hot sex with him. It’s the random affection he shows me at other times.
It’s just part of the act, right?
“You’re such a good fake boyfriend,” I say when he pulls away.
He runs his hands through his hair, not meeting my eyes. “Yeah, I’m good at everything, remember?”
“You guys ready to play?” Paul asks.
“I was born ready.” And Liam’s back in his cocky persona as he engages in some good-natured shit-talking with my colleagues as we warm up.
But when it’s time to coach me, he’s surprisingly patient as he explains how to position my body and serve the ball correctly.
And when we go into the actual beach volleyball game, he’s encouraging and supportive, giving me a high five every time I get the ball over the net.
Although it’s fair to say that ninety-five percent of the reason we win is because of his superior athletic skills.
When we sit together at dinner, I find myself watching him be his usual charming self, but I’m not watching him in a resentful way. Instead, it’s more in aholy hell, I get to go back to the villa and have sex with himway.
He sees my expression, and his hand moves to my lower thigh then rides up slightly to stroke the skin under my shorts.
“Stop looking at me like that, or I won’t be responsible for what happens,” he says in an undertone.
I give him an innocent look from under my eyelashes, and his eyes darken.
“So, Liam, tell me more about your plans to open a gym,” Henrietta says, and Liam snaps his attention to her, pulling his hand away from me.
He shifts in his seat. “Um…what do you want to know?”
Henrietta gives him an encouraging smile. “I know nothing about the fitness industry. Is it difficult to start your own gym?”
“Well, I’m actually thinking of opening a therapeutic gym, so it’s slightly more complicated than opening a standard gym.” Liam plays with the napkin on his lap rather than looking at either Henrietta or me.
Henrietta’s forehead creases. “What’s a therapeutic gym?”
“It’s one specifically aimed at people recovering from accidents, surgery, or illness. I’ve dealt with a few clients who have been recovering from severe illness or injuries, and I think there is a real need for a gym that caters specifically to their needs.” He rubs the back of his neck, shooting a look at me. It’s almost bashful.
“I love that idea,” Henrietta says. “My mother battledcancer when she was in her forties, and she was so self-conscious going back to the gym after surgery.”
“Oh, I’m sorry your mother went through that. How is she now?”
Henrietta talks to Liam about her mother’s cancer journey, with Liam asking insightful questions while I attempt to digest what Liam confided in Henrietta.
How did I not know this? How have we been together so much for the past four days, yet I haven’t asked any questions about what his plans for his life are? I mean, we have been occupied doing other things, but that’s really no excuse.
I’m still mulling over Liam’s conversation with Henrietta as dinner ends and everyone migrates to the dancefloor.
But I’m snapped out of my contemplative state by dancing with Liam.
This is unlike the first time we danced together when we held each other so gingerly.
