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I gulp, steadying myself.

He watches me. "What?"

I shake my head. "Nothing."

Because this—the shopping, the teasing, the way he let me in…

It doesn't feel fake.

Liam watches me like he's trying to solve a puzzle. Like if he stares long enough, he'll figure out what I'm thinking.

Which is ridiculous, because I don't even know what I'm thinking.

I take another sip of my tea, letting the warmth soothe me, letting the moment stretch. We've been going at a breakneck pace since this whole mess started—plotting, scheming, reacting. But right now, in the dim glow of his kitchen, it's just us. No threats. No Vanessa. Just a girl and a guy and way too many shopping bags.

I set my cup down and clear my throat. "Okay. I'm calling it. That was the best shopping trip of my life."

Liam exhales, rubbing the back of his neck like he's still recovering. "I think you actually enjoyed torturing me."

"Oh, without question." I grin. "But admit it, you had fun."

He scoffs, but I don't miss the way the corner of his mouth twitches.

Fun. When was the last time Liam Carter let himself have fun?

Probably a long time ago, which is exactly why I dragged him through a luxury fever dream of silk, leather, and overpriced accessories.

Not that I'm going to tell him that.

I glance at his new jacket, still draped over his shoulders like it belongs there. Like it's always been his. "You love it."

He sighs, shifting. "It's… fine."

I beam. "You love it."

Liam narrows his eyes. "I tolerated it."

I place a dramatic hand over my heart. "High praise."

Damn it, I'm forgetting this isn't a real relationship.

But then Liam looks—really looks—at me, and I start to wonder if maybe I'm not the only one struggling to remember that.

At this precise moment, a phone call saves me from embarrassing myself.

I don't immediately answer and clear my throat instead. "I… um… I have to go run some errands. Pick me up at six?"

He raises a brow but doesn't press further. I move to wash the empty teacup.

"Let it be. I'll see you tonight."

With a little nod, I step toward the exit.

Maybe I need a few hours away from him and in the presence of a girlfriend, someone who can talk some sense into me. Once I'm outside, I return the call.

"Hey, newlywed," I say, propping the phone between my shoulder and ear.

Emily's laugh is warm, even through the phone. "I knew you were avoiding me."