Chapter Twenty six
1400 Words
I wake and instantly have butterflies in my stomach.
I pounce on Rose's bed, waking her.
"Mauve! What the—" Rose groans, pulling the covers over her head.
"Get up! It's a beautiful day, and we're definitely not missing out!" I bounce on the mattress, energy thrumming through me.
"Fine, fine! Just… give me five minutes."
"Five minutes means I'll get the breakfast started," I declare, bolting to the kitchen.
I rummage through the fridge, pulling out eggs, veggies, and cheese. The skillet sizzles as I crack the eggs, the smell rich and inviting.
"Hey, what's cooking?" Rose's voice drifts in, sleep still clinging to her.
"Something delicious for a perfect Saturday!"
"Can I ask a favour ? I don't want to seem like I'm asking too much." I say whilst flipping the eggs.
"Can you make it extra cheesy?" Rose's voice rises from the doorway, her eyes wide with hope.
I laugh, tossing in more cheese. "You got it! Anything else?"
She nods, now fully awake. "Coffee. I need it to function."
"Coming right up!" I reply, pouring the water as the smell of eggs fills the air.
"What's the favour?" She asks whilst shovelling the food in.
"Do you... do you have a bikini i could borrow, please ? i hate to ask as you have done so much already, "
Rose raises an eyebrow, a teasing smile pulling at her lips.
Her laughter fills the kitchen. "Sure, I've got the perfect one. Just wait here!"
She darts back to her room, her footsteps light on the wooden floor.
I plate the eggs and pour two steaming mugs of coffee, letting the rich aroma fill the air.
Rose returns, bikini in hand, a triumphant smile on her face.
"Ta-da! What do you think?" The fabric sparkles in the morning light, vibrant and eye-catching.
"It's perfect!" I beam, holding it up against me.
"I'm nervous, Rose. I've never had a proper date before,"
Rose grins, her excitement infectious.
"You'll be fine! Just be yourself. Liam picked you for a reason, right?"
"I guess so," I mutter, twisting the fabric in my hands.
"Trust me, he can't take his eyes off you."
"Really?" I raise an eyebrow, the idea sending a flutter through my chest.
"Absolutely," she nods, enthusiasm radiating from her. "Now, finish your breakfast. We need to get you ready."
I laugh, finally feeling the excitement build. "Alright, let's do this."
I head towards the lake , it's just beautiful glimmering under the sun, the water inviting and bright.
"Hey stranger, didn't think you would show," Liams husky voice comes out of nowhere.
I spin around, heart racing.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I reply, my smile genuine as I take in his sun-kissed skin and tousled hair.
"Ready for some fun?" He leans in and kisses me on the cheek.
"I've been counting down the minutes," I say, glancing at the shimmering lake.
He grins, a flicker of mischief in his blue eyes. "Then let's not waste any more time. Race you to the water."
Without waiting for a response, he bolts toward the lake.
My heart races as I sprint after him, laughter bubbling in my throat.
"Hey! No fair!" I shout, feet pounding against the soft sand.
He glances back, a playful smirk on his lips. "All's fair in love and water!"
With a final burst of speed, I leap, splashing into the cool embrace of the lake beside him.
I feel his eyes roaming over me as we're swimming in the lake.
"Nice dive," Liam calls, flicking water in my direction.
I grin, splashing back, the sunlight glinting off the surface.
"You're not getting away that easily!" He lunges toward me, laughter spilling as we both tumble beneath the waves.
I resurface, shaking water from my hair, breathless with laughter.
He swims over to me and picks me up, my legs wrapping against his incredible physique as he pulls me closer.
"Guess I'm the one carrying you now," he teases.
I laugh, feeling buoyant in more ways than one. "Just don't drop me!"
His grin widens, and the world fades.
He wraps his hand around my head and pulls me in for a deep kiss.
His lips crash against mine, and we get lost in the moment, the world beyond the lake fading with each heartbeat.
"Wow," Liam breathes, his blue eyes wide as he pulls back, breathless.
"Yeah," I blush.
"More of that, please," he grins, diving back into the water.
I push off, racing after him, laughter bubbling as he glides through the cool depths.
"Catch me if you can!" he challenges, splashing water over his shoulder.
I kick harder, determination, igniting my speed, chasing him across the lake.
Suddenly, a ripple breaks the surface, sending us both glancing around in surprise. "What was that?" Liam's brow furrows, his playfulness shifting to concern.
I squint into the water, scanning the shimmering surface.
"Probably just a fish," I reply, though unease tugs at my gut.
"Or something bigger," he mutters, eyes narrowed.
We edge closer to the rippling surface, hearts pounding in sync.
"Seriously, that didn't feel like a fish," Liam says, his voice low, tension tightening his grip on my arm.
I nod, suddenly aware of the deep, dark water surrounding us.
I swear I see his eyes glow.
We swim back to the shore, not wanting to risk anything.
The gravel crunched beneath our feet as we hurried onto the sand.
"Did you feel that?" Liam glances at me, concern etched on his face.
"Yeah, it didn't feel right," I reply, my heart still racing.
"Let's keep moving. I don't like this."
We grab our clothes and rush back to his truck.
"Fancy some food?" He asks, changing the subject.
I nod, eager for a distraction.
"There's that diner a few miles down the road," he suggests, pulling on a shirt.
"Perfect! I'm starving," I reply, excitement bubbling as we jump into the cab.
Liam shifts into gear, and the tires crunch against the gravel.
We pull up to the cute little diner. It looks like something from one of those old movies.
The neon sign flickers, casting a warm glow over the old-school booths inside.
"Looks cosy," I say, scanning the retro decor filled with vintage photographs and cheerful checkered patterns.
"Best milkshakes in town," Liam assures, a grin tugging at his lips as we step inside.
I glance at the menu plastered on the wall, each option more enticing than the last.
"Is it wrong to get two?" I grin back, enthusiasm bubbling.
Liam chuckles, his eyes sparkling. "Only if you're planning to share."
We eye each other, a challenge in our gazes.
"Alright, two it is." I grin, eager for the indulgence.
He leans against the counter, a smirk dancing on his lips. "Bet you can't finish them both."
"Challenge accepted," I declare, determination igniting within me.
We laughed our way through the dinner, and I was beaten, two meals definitely too much.
"I can't believe you couldn't finish it," Liam teases, a playful smirk curving his lips.
I groan, sinking back against the booth. "Okay, point taken—next time, I'll pace myself."
"Next time?" He raises an eyebrow, excitement sparking in his gaze. "You're already planning a repeat?"
I feel my cheeks flush. " Well, I mean , only if you want to see me again?"
"Of course I want to see you again," Liam replies, leaning closer when we're interrupted by none other than Poppy and her posse.
Poppy strides in, a smirk stretching across her lips as her gaze lands on us.
"Well, well, look who's playing house," she sneers, arms crossed, surveying the scene like a hawk.
Liam straightens, tension crackling between us. "What do you want, Poppy?"
"You two know each other?" I say glancing between them both.
Liam's jaw tightens, eyes narrowing.
"Don't go there, Poppy. We were just enjoying a meal."
Her laughter rings out, sharp and mocking. "Looks like you've found a new plaything. How cute."
I sit up, heart racing, ready for the backlash.
"We should leave," I say whilst fiddling with a napkin.
Liam's eyes flash with determination.
"Not giving her the satisfaction," he mutters, shoulders squared.
Poppy's smirk falters, her confidence wavering under his glare.
"Come on, Liam," I urge, glancing at the door. "Let's just go."
With that, we stand and walk away.
- Writer
