Read Online Crossing Paths by Melanie Stinnett - Free Book Online
Authors: Melanie Stinnett
Tags: Contemporary, New Adult & College
Ads: Link
spend time alone with me in a car? This whole insecurity thing is driving me nuts. I have never acted this way before.
I finish putting on my last coat of mascara before I go and sit on the couch. The bright red digital numbers of the clock read 6:17, but I know it is a few minutes fast. I need something to pass the time. I turn on the radio, but nothing good is on at the moment. I switch on the TV and find nothing good there either. Walking to the kitchen, I grab a bottle of water, come back, and sit on the couch. Only 6:21?
At six thirty precisely, I hear a light knock on the door. Standing in front of the closed door for a short moment, I take in several deep and even breaths. I thought deep breaths were supposed to be calming, but apparently, the MythBusters need to do some investigating on that one.
I open the door slowly, and Liam is standing there. He looks amazing in a light blue button-up shirt with a jacket and dark dress slacks. His hair is short but still long enough to be messy although I am sure he took some time to style it that way. His smile brings warm light into the room. My deep breathing routine was pointless because I suddenly feel like I can’t catch my breath. My heart is pounding. I can’t swallow. Breathe, damn it.
“Caroline, you look…” He pauses and takes a breath. “Beautiful.”
Liam stands casually with one hand in his pocket and the other hand held out to take mine. Did he just say beautiful? I touch my hand gently to his, and immediately, the breath rushes back into my lungs. If his touch has this impact on everyone, he should look into a job at the ER. He could save lives with that kind of superpower.
“Let’s go enjoy some charity fun,” he says pulling me into the hallway.
We walk to his car, his hand rarely leaving the small of my back. His touch feels strong, and when he moves away, I find my body wavering in its absence. He opens my car door, and I sit, impatiently waiting for him to get to the driver’s side door. I don’t want to waste a moment of time with him tonight. I watch in the mirror as he walks to the other side of the car. Damn, his butt looks good in those pants.
The drive feels relaxed and easy. We talk about our work week and listen to music filtering through the car speakers. As we get closer to the event, my heart starts to race. I feel nervous, hoping everything has turned out well.
We arrive right on time. The warm night air is perfect as we walk through the doors. Tables with bright yellow tablecloths are scattered throughout the room. Each one features a different item up for auction. Surrounding each item is a masterpiece of colorful tulips entwined with greenery and woven into curly willow branches. The centerpieces, designed by Audrey and me, will be sold tonight as spring wreaths. I take a few seconds to marvel at the beauty that Audrey and I have created. The charity is sure to benefit from our efforts.
“Everything looks wonderful,” Liam whispers into my ear.
“You think so?”
He nods once as he smiles down at me. We mingle and take a look at the silent auction items. For the rest of the evening, we have little alone time. He leads me to the bar several times to ensure our drinks are full. Each time, he orders water for himself and whatever drink I prefer. I watch him as he talks with others. Although he engages them in meaningful conversations, he never leaves my side. Throughout the night, I can feel his touch. Sometimes, his hand rests across my back or on my upper arm. Other times, he lightly touches my shoulder or grips my waist. I find myself longing for his touch to linger, but he never keeps his hand steady in one place.
Audrey, my boss, catches a glimpse of me from across the room, and she heads over with her husband to say hello. Her eyebrows rise in approval as she sees Liam with his hand placed at my waist. I introduce them to one another, and Liam says hello as he shakes her husband’s hand.
“Caroline, do you think
I finish putting on my last coat of mascara before I go and sit on the couch. The bright red digital numbers of the clock read 6:17, but I know it is a few minutes fast. I need something to pass the time. I turn on the radio, but nothing good is on at the moment. I switch on the TV and find nothing good there either. Walking to the kitchen, I grab a bottle of water, come back, and sit on the couch. Only 6:21?
At six thirty precisely, I hear a light knock on the door. Standing in front of the closed door for a short moment, I take in several deep and even breaths. I thought deep breaths were supposed to be calming, but apparently, the MythBusters need to do some investigating on that one.
I open the door slowly, and Liam is standing there. He looks amazing in a light blue button-up shirt with a jacket and dark dress slacks. His hair is short but still long enough to be messy although I am sure he took some time to style it that way. His smile brings warm light into the room. My deep breathing routine was pointless because I suddenly feel like I can’t catch my breath. My heart is pounding. I can’t swallow. Breathe, damn it.
“Caroline, you look…” He pauses and takes a breath. “Beautiful.”
Liam stands casually with one hand in his pocket and the other hand held out to take mine. Did he just say beautiful? I touch my hand gently to his, and immediately, the breath rushes back into my lungs. If his touch has this impact on everyone, he should look into a job at the ER. He could save lives with that kind of superpower.
“Let’s go enjoy some charity fun,” he says pulling me into the hallway.
We walk to his car, his hand rarely leaving the small of my back. His touch feels strong, and when he moves away, I find my body wavering in its absence. He opens my car door, and I sit, impatiently waiting for him to get to the driver’s side door. I don’t want to waste a moment of time with him tonight. I watch in the mirror as he walks to the other side of the car. Damn, his butt looks good in those pants.
The drive feels relaxed and easy. We talk about our work week and listen to music filtering through the car speakers. As we get closer to the event, my heart starts to race. I feel nervous, hoping everything has turned out well.
We arrive right on time. The warm night air is perfect as we walk through the doors. Tables with bright yellow tablecloths are scattered throughout the room. Each one features a different item up for auction. Surrounding each item is a masterpiece of colorful tulips entwined with greenery and woven into curly willow branches. The centerpieces, designed by Audrey and me, will be sold tonight as spring wreaths. I take a few seconds to marvel at the beauty that Audrey and I have created. The charity is sure to benefit from our efforts.
“Everything looks wonderful,” Liam whispers into my ear.
“You think so?”
He nods once as he smiles down at me. We mingle and take a look at the silent auction items. For the rest of the evening, we have little alone time. He leads me to the bar several times to ensure our drinks are full. Each time, he orders water for himself and whatever drink I prefer. I watch him as he talks with others. Although he engages them in meaningful conversations, he never leaves my side. Throughout the night, I can feel his touch. Sometimes, his hand rests across my back or on my upper arm. Other times, he lightly touches my shoulder or grips my waist. I find myself longing for his touch to linger, but he never keeps his hand steady in one place.
Audrey, my boss, catches a glimpse of me from across the room, and she heads over with her husband to say hello. Her eyebrows rise in approval as she sees Liam with his hand placed at my waist. I introduce them to one another, and Liam says hello as he shakes her husband’s hand.
“Caroline, do you think
Similar Books
