Chapter 30: A Taste of Nostalgia
611 Words
"Then let's get beef noodles," Liam suggested casually, his tone as steady as ever.
Allie glanced at him, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. “Are you serious? It’s a college hangout. We’re going to stand out looking like this.”
Liam’s response was a simple, knowing smile. “Lead the way.”
Resigned, Allie directed him to a nearby food court. As the car rolled to a stop, her apprehension grew. Dressed in their formal attire, they were bound to draw attention.
She turned to Liam. “Wait here. I’ll grab the food and be back.”
Before he could object, she slipped out of the car.
A few minutes later, Allie returned, her arms laden with two casual sweaters she’d picked up from a small shop nearby.
“These should help us blend in. Plus, it’s chilly outside.”
Liam unfolded the sweaters, his lips curling into an amused smile. “Couples' sweaters, huh?”
Allie froze. She hadn’t realized the sweaters were identical until now. Same color, same pattern—a glaringly obvious matching set. Flustered, she avoided his gaze. “It’s all they had. Just put it on already.”
Chuckling softly, Liam leaned back in the driver’s seat, unbuttoning his shirt with an effortless confidence that caught Allie off guard. She found herself watching, unable to look away as his movements exuded an understated elegance.
“Enjoying the view?” he teased without looking up.
Her face flushed crimson. “I-I wasn’t—” She turned sharply, fumbling with her own outfit.
Liam’s grin widened as he finished changing. “Your turn,” he said, gesturing for her to hurry.
“Turn around,” she demanded, clutching the sweater to her chest.
His expression was a mixture of amusement and defiance. “You didn’t exactly extend me the same courtesy earlier.
Besides,” his voice dropped to a teasing murmur, “it’s not like I haven’t seen every inch of you before.”
Allie’s blush deepened. “That’s not the same, and you know it!”
With a playful shrug, Liam turned his back, though his reflection in the car window betrayed the smirk lingering on his face.
Allie struggled to undo the buttons of her fitted dress, her fingers trembling with frustration. After a few futile attempts, she huffed in annoyance.
“Need a hand?” Liam’s voice came from behind, smooth and confident.
Defeated, Allie sighed. “Fine. Just… don’t make it weird.”
Liam moved closer, his presence overwhelming in the confined space. As he unfastened the buttons, his hand lingered, sliding around her waist. Before she could react, he spun her gently to face him, his eyes locking onto hers.
“Liam—” Her protest was cut off as he leaned in, his lips claiming hers in a kiss that stole her breath and scrambled her thoughts.
By the time he pulled away, Allie was left dazed, her pulse racing.
“There. All done,” Liam said, his voice low and steady, though his smirk hinted at his enjoyment of her flustered state.
Allie’s brain finally caught up, and she glared at him. “You’re impossible.”
“You’re adorable when you’re angry,” he replied smoothly, stepping back with a satisfied grin.
She quickly finished changing into the sweater, avoiding his amused gaze. But his eyes never left her, a playful glint shining through as he watched her every move.
“All done?” he asked, leaning casually against the car door.
“Yes. Can we go now?” she snapped, her embarrassment morphing into irritation.
He shrugged, his smirk never fading. “Lead the way, partner.”
- Writer
