The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Twenty-Six

Part Twenty-Six

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I wouldn't exactly call what Liam and I have a relationship, but there's this undeniable warmth that bubbles up in my chest whenever I catch the glint of mischief in his umber eyes or see the curve of his smile. It's a feeling I've tried to push aside, but it keeps surfacing, persistent and unyielding.

Now, as we lounge on the couch, limbs tangled under a soft cover, I can't help but feel the pull. Liam's arm is draped around my neck and waist, spooning me as we half-watch a fantasy movie. His breath is warm against my neck, sending shivers racing down my spine, and I find myself sinking deeper into the comfort of his embrace.

"Hey, want to get out of here and go for a swim in my backyard?" he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear, a teasing edge to his voice.

I giggle, squirming as his breath tickles my skin, but he only pulls me closer. The idea is tempting, but the thought of my long-neglected Biology homework lingers in the back of my mind—a guilty reminder of my procrastination.

"It's late," I whisper, turning my head to meet his gaze. His smile is soft, teasing. "And we've got school tomorrow. I don't want to end up sick."

"Mmm," he hums, his lips curling into a smirk. "You smell nice," he adds, nuzzling into the crook of my neck.

His words draw a smile from me, and I can feel my resolve weakening as he pulls back just enough to look into my eyes. "You don't have to get in the water," he suggests, his voice low, persuasive. "You can just dip your feet in."

He gives me that puppy-dog look, eyes wide and shimmering with exaggerated sadness, bottom lip jutting out in a pout. It's almost comical, the way his muscular frame contrasts with the childlike expression, and I find it impossible to resist.

"Please?" he adds, his thumb and index finger gently tilting my chin until I'm forced to hold his gaze.

So here I am, perched at the edge of the pool in Liam's backyard, the cool water lapping at my toes. Liam, on the other hand, dives in without hesitation, surfacing with a grin as water clings to his light brown hair and drips down his face, making him look all the more irresistible. His eyelashes glisten, droplets catching in the moonlight.

"Who would have thought we'd end up together?" he asks, his tone brimming with confidence, a smug grin tugging at his lips.

I tilt my head, narrowing my eyes playfully. "Who says we are anything?" I counter, raising an eyebrow. "Stop planting ideas in your head."

He gapes at me, momentarily stunned, before disappearing underwater. When he reemerges, he's right in front of me, hands resting on my knees as he gently pushes them apart to make space for himself.

I glance down at him, my eyebrow still raised. His eyes hold a hint of sadness as he asks, "We're a couple, aren't we?"

I roll my eyes, pretending to consider it. "Mmm, I don't know..." I trail off, tapping my chin thoughtfully. Then, with a smirk, I pat his head. "Of course we are."

His face lights up like a kid on Christmas morning. "Really?"

"No," I deadpan, rolling my eyes for emphasis. "Of course not! What do you think this is? The smash-and-dash show?"