The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Nineteen - Part Three

Part Nineteen - Part Three

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The evening settles in, and I can't stop pacing. My eyes dart to the clock, each tick loud enough to fill the room with my nerves. The memory of Liam's teasing grin in the locker room flashes through my mind, but it's quickly replaced by the thought of Adam's smile—a thought that sends a thrill racing through me.

I tug at the collar of my shirt, nerves clashing with excitement. My palms are damp, and I keep wiping them on my pants, trying to steady myself. The anticipation is a tangled mess in my stomach, buzzing with equal parts fear and thrill.

Something nags at me—how did Adam know about this dinner? I'm sure I didn't make the reservation. It must've been Liam. A quick text later, and he's on his way over to answer for his meddling.

A soft tap on the window pulls me from my thoughts. I open it just in time to see Liam grinning as he climbs through. "Hey, Dalley," he says with a wave, his voice as breezy as ever.

His eyes roam over me, and suddenly, I'm aware of every wrinkle in my shirt. "Why a French restaurant?" I ask, cutting straight to the point. "I don't speak French."

He scratches his head, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "It was meant to be a double date, but I figured you deserved a special night."

Heat rushes to my cheeks. Liam, usually a pain, has his moments. "Thank you," I manage to whisper.

His gaze meets mine, and for once, there's no mischief, just sincerity. He glances around my room, avoiding eye contact. "It's going to be great," he says, but there's a hesitant note in his voice.

I shift my weight, arms crossing defensively. "I don't know, Liam. I have a bad feeling about this."

He steps closer, his hands landing on my shoulders, warm and reassuring. "Don't overthink it. This is your moment. Your date." His eyes are steady, earnest. "And I have something special for you."

I step back as his hands drop away. "Please don't tell me it's another outfit," I deadpan, trying to lighten the mood. "I already look good in black."

His chuckle is soft, genuine. "No, you look breathtaking in black," he says, producing a small black box from behind him. My breath catches when he opens it, revealing a crescent silver moon necklace engraved with "Midnight Charm."

"Liam..." My voice wavers. "I—I don't know what to say."

Emotions swirl inside me, threatening to spill over. "No," I say more firmly, shaking my head to clear it. "You're trying to butter me up so I'll spill details about Lilly, aren't you?"

He rolls his eyes, a chuckle escaping him. "That's low, even for you. Just turn around and be grateful."

Reluctantly, I turn, and his hands on my shoulders send a shiver down my spine. I catch his reflection in the mirror as he fastens the necklace, his breath warm against my skin.

The scent of his cologne—sweet yet strong—lingers in the air as he unbuttons the first two buttons of my shirt. The warmth of his presence fades as he steps back, leaving me feeling oddly exposed.

I touch the necklace, my fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you, Liam. I never expected this, especially from you—no offense."