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we could talk in private for a moment?”
    I look to Liam who is already sharing stories about fishing with Audrey’s husband. He gives me a quick glance, and he nods.
    “Sure, Audrey.”
    As we walk away, I begin to worry that something has gone wrong. Did I remember to mark each auction item? What if someone thinks the colors are too bright? We walk into a nearby hallway, and Audrey turns to me, grabbing me by my arms.
    “He is so good-looking. Are you two dating?” She smiles.
    “Oh, Liam?” I ask, confused.
    “Yes, Liam. Oh my gosh, if I wasn’t a married woman, you would have to fight me off. You better get your claws in that one!”
    I begin laughing. “You scared the crap out of me, Audrey. I thought something was wrong.”
    “No, everything is perfect. No one has said anything negative about the event. They love it all. What I really want to know is if you are dating that little bit of hotness out there.”
    “No, but maybe,” I answer, laughing again.
    “Well, turn that maybe into a yes soon. Wow!” She swipes her hand across her forehead, wiping away the fake sweat apparently caused by Liam’s hotness.
    “Okay, okay. Sheesh. Settle down, girl.”
    “Let’s get you back over there before some piranha snatches him up.”
    When we walk back into the room, Liam and Audrey’s husband are still talking. I am in awe of Liam’s ability to converse about nearly any subject as he presents himself with such charm.
    Audrey slips her arm around her husband’s waist and gives him a small hug. “Honey, don’t you think Caroline did a wonderful job?”
    “It’s better than wonderful. I know the charity is appreciative of all your work,” he says.
    “I think we should head over and buy a wreath for my mom. She’ll love what you’ve designed,” Liam comments.
    I feel my face begin to blush as Liam takes my hand in his and leads us away. This is the point in the evening when I should remind myself to be careful. Unfortunately, my mind seems to be on the losing end of this tug of war as my heart leaps from my chest when he whispers into my ear.
    “Caroline.”
    I look up at him with my mouth slightly agape.
    “They said they’ll deliver it to the house. Are you ready to head home?”
    What? It’s time to go already? “Whenever you are,” I answer.
    “I’m really more curious about what would make you happy,” he says, his hand lingering on my waist. His eyes are fixed on mine, and we stand silent, staring at each other.
    Eventually, he turns and leads me to the car. We drive to my apartment without a word to one another as music plays softly. I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking. Did he have a good time? Did he wish we could have talked more? Did he think I talked too much? By the time we pull into the parking spot, my mind is going nonstop.
    We walk together to my apartment door.
    “Thanks for tonight,” I say as I turn the key to unlock my front door.
    Leaning back against the door frame, I look up and meet his gaze. His deep brown eyes are trained on me, and my glance does little to deter him. As if in slow motion, his hand reaches up to my chin, and his lips touch my cheekbone. I have never felt a kiss so soft. It’s as if he uses only the weight of feathers to touch my tender skin. His lips linger on my cheek as his hand squeezes my arm lightly. When he pulls away, I realize I’ve been holding my breath. When he lightly brushes his thumb across my cheek, the air rushes back into my lungs. There is that lifesaving power again.
    “Are you busy tomorrow?” Liam asks, leaning in closer with his hand now at my waist.
    “Work project…I mean, no, um…no. I have a few finishing touches to put on a work project, but it won’t take long,” I say.
    “I have an extra ticket to the baseball game tomorrow afternoon. A buddy and I are going. You could come along if you want.”
    I see what looks like a little glint of hope in his eyes. How am I supposed to say no to that?
    “Sure.