Page 29 of Racking Up Penalties
Chapter 14
The warmth of Tristan’s body next to mine is a comfort I didn’t know I needed this morning. His steady breathing, the sandy-brown hair tickling my cheek, it all feels so right, so familiar. Wrapped in the cocoon of blankets, with him by my side.
Last night was perfect.
I have Tristan and Emma was happy for us.
I don’t know how I got so lucky.
My phone vibrates against the nightstand, an intrusive buzz that cuts through the silence like a siren. Reluctantly, I peel away from Tristan’s embrace and reach for the device, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of Liam’s name lighting up the screen.
He sent me a text.
Dinner tonight instead?
He still wants to go out with me after I canceled on him last night.
“Liam wants dinner? Good, you should go!” Tristan says happily.
I shake my head. “Being okay with it is one thing but you’re actively encouraging this.”
“I like Liam, he seems like a good guy.” He presses a kiss to my lips. “I have to go to practice but tell me how the date goes.”
He pauses at the door, blue eyes searching mine for a moment. “Have fun,” he says, and there’s no mistaking the sincerity in his voice. “I love you. This feels like a dream, Tess.”
“I love you too,” I whisper.
Alone now, I clutch the phone tighter, my thumb hovering over the screen as I reread Liam’s words. The eagerness within me is palpable, a bubbling spring of anticipation that I can’t contain. I type out my response before I can second-guess myself.
Sounds great, Liam. What time?
There, it’s done. A date with Liam. An actual date. My insides are a riot of nerves and glee. I flop back against the pillows, a smile playing on my lips as I imagine what tonight might bring.
* * *
The sun dips lower in the sky, casting a golden hue across my little apartment as I stand amid a flurry of fabric, my room a testament to the chaos of choosing the perfect outfit. A pile of discarded dresses lies crumpled on my bed like fallen leaves, each one not quite right for tonight. Finally, my fingers brush against the soft material of a sage green wrap dress that hugs my curves in all the right places. It’s classy with a hint of playful, and it makes my red hair pop.
I slip it on, feeling the fabric settle comfortably around me. The mirror reflects back a girl with a spark in her hazel eyes, cheeks flushed with excitement. But even as I admire the reflection, my mind is a whirlpool of doubts and what-ifs. Is he going to be okay with the Tristan thing?
Shaking off the uncertainty, I focus on my hair, smoothing it into loose waves that cascade over my shoulders. Makeup is next; a dash of mascara to accentuate my eyes, a swipe of blush for a faux glow, and a dab of nude gloss, nothing too dramatic.
I grab my clutch and head out. The walk to the restaurant is short, but my legs carry me there in a daze of nerves. I insisted on meeting him there even when he wanted to pick me up, since I might need a quick escape if he isn’t willing to share. The trendy bistro is alive with chatter and clinking glasses when I arrive. There he is, sitting at a table near the window, his tousled blond hair catching the dim light, those gray eyes scanning the crowd until they land on me.
“Hey,” I greet him, voice steady despite the butterflies doing acrobatics in my stomach.
“Hey, Tessa,” Liam smiles, standing to pull out a chair for me, the gentlemanly gesture making me feel cared for in a way that’s both familiar and thrilling.
“Thanks,” I say, settling into my seat and taking in the ambiance of the place. Warmth envelops me, not just from the soft glow of the overhead lights, but from the undeniable heat in Liam’s gaze as he looks at me across the table.
“Wow, you look amazing,” he says, and I can tell by the lilt in his voice that he means it.
“Thank you,” I reply, tucking a stray lock behind my ear. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
I fiddle with the hem of my napkin, stealing glances at Liam. His lean frame is perfectly complemented by the fitted shirt that hugs his shoulders just so. I swallow down the nervous energy that’s buzzing through me, feeling both giddy and slightly out of my depth.
“Okay, Liam,” I start, pressing my lips together before letting the words tumble out in a rush. “Before we get any further into this, there’s something you should know. I’m—I’m also seeing Tristan.”
He pauses, a glass of water halfway to his mouth, and I brace myself for disappointment or a swift departure. But it doesn’t come. Instead, Liam puts the water down and meets my gaze with those intense gray eyes of his, thoughtful.
