Page 42 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“I’m parked out front. See you in a minute.” Liam ends the call before I can respond.

I see his truck, and before I make it to the door, Liam’s hopping out and walking around to me. “How was school? Anything out of the ordinary happen today?”

Holding out his hand, he takes my bag and sets it inside, which is weird. He’s been acting strange all damn week.

“Just fine and no. Why?” I ask after he opens the door, and I jump inside.

He shrugs and shuts the door while I buckle in.

We ride in silence, and I look over at him, studying his features. His jaw is locked, and he’s tense as hell.

“Did something happen? What’s wrong?” I ask.

“What? No, nothing.”

“Liam…” I say his name softly, hoping he’ll tear down the wall between us. “I’ve known you long enough to tell when you’re lying, and right now, you’re failing miserably. So just say it.”

He swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Blinking, he keeps his eyes on the road, ignoring me.

While his shoulders fall, he’s not fully relaxed. “It’s nothing, Mads. Just stressed from work shit.”

“Are you in legal trouble or something? You know you can talk to me about anything,” I reassure him.

Although we have a complicated relationship, and most days, he barely tolerates me, I consider Liam one of my closest friends. Though I want to jump him, I also know how to be there when he needs someone.

He shakes his head and plasters on an obviously fake smile. “Nah, everything’s fine. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”

“Wow…” I roll my eyes dramatically. “My pretty little head?”

Liam snorts at my tone. “How are your rehearsals going? You have a recital coming up soon, right?”

I appreciate the fact that he remembers but still notice how he abruptly changes the subject. I drop it for now. After what Sophie told me a few weeks ago, I have my own suspicions as to what’s been bothering him.

“Yep, and it’s going well. Joel is my dance partner in one routine, and we’ve been working hard to get it right. I’m excited. You’re coming, right?”

“As long as I’m not called out for a job,” he says. It’s not exactly the answer I want, but I’ll take it. He can’t always control where he goes and when.

We arrive home, and I immediately take my shit to my room. I want to shower, but I’m starving and need time to decompress first. Sophie texted earlier that she and Mason were planning a date night, hence why Liam picked me up from school. So that means we’ll be alone, but considering the way he’s acting, I’m not sure he’ll even stick around.

After making a smoothie and a sandwich, I sit on the couch and scroll through the TV channels.Dirty Dancingis on, and I stop on it. Shortly after, Liam comes down the stairs wearing gray sweatpants and a muscle shirt. It’s hard enough living with the guy I fantasize about, but when he dresses like this, I wish I were immune so the sight of him wasn’t so torturous.

“What’re you watching?” he asks, plopping down next to me.

I wrinkle my nose and stare at him. “You’ve never seen this before? Patrick Swayze? All the famous quotes?”

His expression contorts, and he shrugs before reaching over and taking half my turkey club.

“Help yourself,” I deadpan.

Liam smirks but stays silent. We settle into the sofa, and I keep my eyes locked on the screen.

“Get ready for one of the best comeback lines ever…” I smile, holding up my hand while Robbie gets in Johnny’s face aboutwhat he can and can’t lay his hands on. Then I speak when Johnny does.

Liam grins, glancing at me. “You have it memorized, huh?”

I lean back and kick my feet up on the coffee table. “Who doesn’t? This movie is a freaking classic! I’ve watched it more times than I can count.”

“Maybe that’s why you’re still a virgin. You never leave the house,” he cracks, and when I scowl at him, he laughs harder. It’s good to finally see him relaxed.