Page 59 of Just a Wrong Turn

“Oh boy,” Liza whispered, looking over his shoulder.

“Liza!” Deborah was back. “Look who I found! You remember Sean?” Deborah stepped aside revealing Liza’s high school boyfriend, Sean Gerrero.

“Hi Liza, would you care to dance?” Sean didn’t acknowledge Miller. Or perhaps he didn’t see him because his eyes were glued to Liza.

“Sean, hi. Thank you but—” Liza was cut off by her mom.

“Of course she would! Sean is a successful realtor now. Don’t be rude. Go.” Deborah lifted Liza by her elbow forcing her to rise.

Liza looked over her shoulder at Miller. Her eyes were wide. Miller's jaw tightened.

Liza had accurately predicted that Deborah would be shameless in her matchmaking. However, she had incorrectly thought that having a boyfriend would put a stop to it. Or more accurately, havingMilleras a boyfriend would put a stop to it. Clearly, Miller wasn't good enough—which is exactly what Sean Gerrero implied all those years ago.

Miller watched as Sean ran his hand down Liza’s back. Sean hadn’t changed a bit from high school. His arm muscles bulged in his suit coat and his hair was slicked back. He and Liza looked like Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively out on the dance floor with their movie star good looks.

Sean’s words to him in high school ran through his mind.“It’s hilarious… You… ever having a chance with Liza.”Miller and Liza were from different worlds. She was an elegant extrovert. He was an awkward loner.

Miller stewed as he popped one more bite into his mouth of what Liza told him was prosciutto wrapped persimmons with goat cheese. He had no idea what any of those words were, but it tasted delicious.

He watched as Liza tilted her head back and laughed at something Sean said. Suddenly, all of the restraint Miller had snapped. He didn’t care what anyone thought about him—except Liza. She was what he wanted, and he wasn’t about to let Sean Gerrero waltz back in and knock Liza out of his arms—like his books all those years ago.

Rising from his chair, Miller strode over to where Sean and Liza were dancing. He tapped Sean on the shoulder. "Can I cut in?” Then he locked eyes with Liza and smiled. "Can’t wait another second to dance with my girlfriend.”

Sean narrowed his gaze at Miller and then recognition dawned. “Books? Whoa.” Sean chuckled. "You finally gained some muscle to go with that brain. Good for you dude.”

Liza slid in next to Miller and nestled against him. Sean’s brows pinched together as he glanced between them. “I’ve had a few drinks, but did you call Liza your girlfriend? The only way that could be true is if you bid on Liza at a charity auction. Is that what happened? Oh, or was it like that movie my sisters made me watch a million times… What was it called… Oh yeah,She’s All That. Remember how the popular guy takes pity on the weird art girl?” Sean cracked up at his own joke.

As Sean rambled, Miller’s legs were beginning to feel heavy. He was losing his nerve.

Liza tightened her grip on Miller’s waist. “It’s exactly as he said, Sean. I’m his girlfriend. But,” Liza looked up at Miller. “I was the one who had to convince him to date me.”

Sean cocked his head. “Maybe he’s not that smart after all then.”

Liza took a step forward. “You know what Sean? Speaking of movies—It’s actually more of aLegally Blondesituation. I’m sure your sisters made you watch that one too. You know—Elle Woods thinks she wants the self-absorbed Warner Callahan, but then she realizes he’s a jerk and falls for the kind and smart Emmett Richmond? Let me spell it out for you. You’re Warner. He’s Emmett.”

Sean’s nostrils flared as he backed away stiffly.

Miller squeezed Liza, lifting her off the ground. Liza wrapped her arms around Miller’s neck. He looked into her bright brown eyes and tilted his head so that he could envelop her in a kiss. He felt her inhale. His boldness had taken her off guard. When he was about to pull back, she pressed into him. Kissing Liza Eckland made him feel like baking and vinegar were being mixed together in his stomach—an instant physical reaction.

When they finally parted, Liza whispered into his ear, “You waited a little too long, but thanks for rescuing me.”

“I didn’t think you needed rescuing,” Miller whispered back.

Liza huffed. “Sean just recited his entire resume to me. Did you know he worked with Mark Zuckerberg’s uncle when he interned at a law office one summer?”

Miller chuckled. “I find that fascinating.”

“You would,” Liza said, laying her head on his shoulder.

The slow song ended and an upbeat song began. Miller recognized it as “Sugar” by Maroon 5.

With a smirk tugging on his lips, he asked, “You ready to salsa?”

“Ah… I don’t know,” Liza replied.

“Never thought I’d see the day when I’d have to talk you into doing something. C’mon, we got this.” He put his hand on her lower back. “1, 2, 3... 5, 6, 7.” Miller counted while they found the rhythm. He noticed Liza was keeping up much better than at their Senior Center lesson. “You’re doing good. Have you been practicing?”

“Maybe a little. I didn’t want you to show me up too bad.”

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