The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Seven

Part Seven

•••

I never imagined I'd willingly stand by Liam's locker.

It's a bit unsettling, but here I am, waiting for him. All for the sake of food. He's taking his sweet time, and the anticipation is killing me. Today is Temaki day, and I can't wait to hit the cafeteria. Liam's tardiness is starting to worry me—what if they run out of Temaki?

Every student who passes by gives me a look of judgment, their eyes full of disapproval. This really sucks. One brunette even mutters, "you should be ashamed of yourself."

I nearly laugh, though it's hard to hold it in. The insinuation is ridiculous, almost comical. I'd never think of Liam that way, despite the drama from yesterday. He claimed to be helping me with Adam, but at the movies, he never left. I'm still fuming over it. I didn't even get to make out with my future husband.

Liam's practically the antichrist in my book.

"Dalley, Dalley, Dalley," a familiar voice calls. I turn to see Liam grinning—teeth and dimples on full display.

Next to him stands my stupid brother, smirking like an idiot. "Hey, dearest brother, guess what day it is today?"

I roll my eyes and cross my arms. "Nobody asked you."

"Then why are you listening?" he retorts with pride. I take a step forward, itching to gouge his eyes out, but Liam places his hands on my chest and pushes me back gently.

I glare at his hands as he pulls them away, still grinning. "Hey now," Liam says, looking between Gale and me. "Let's not fight today. I don't need this right now. Besides, look at you standing by my locker. How sweet. I knew this day would come. Though, I think you might be in love with me."

His infuriating grin makes me want to slap his face and rip his arms off so he can't touch me again.

I roll my eyes. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that. What took you so long? I've been waiting here for thirty minutes."

Gale frowns, a crease forming on his forehead. "Is there something going on that I don't know about?"

I meet his gaze. "Even if there was, I wouldn't tell you. You're not that important."

He opens his mouth to respond, but I cut him off. "Let's just go to the cafeteria before I punch both of you."

If Liam thinks flirting with other girls will win Lilly over, he's in for a rude awakening. He's playing with fire.

As we walk to the cafeteria, Gale clears his throat, halting us in the hallway. He gestures with his thumb in the opposite direction. "I'm going to go look for someone. I'll see you in gym, yeah?"

His question is aimed at Liam. I shrug and head toward the cafeteria alone. I'm not letting them delay my Temaki plans.

Over my dead body.

I glance back and see them exchange a bro-hug. Gross. I hear Liam's footsteps closing in behind me, but I don't slow down.

He catches up, slightly out of breath. "You can't be this serious about food, Dalley," he says, running his fingers through his dark curls.