Page 49 of Chance of a Lifetime

“It’s not that I have anything against plastic surgeons,” Cora continued. “I know they can’t help seeing flaws in other people, because that’s their job. When I was in high school, I broke my nose falling off a climbing wall in gym class, and I always wished my nose was a little straighter, so when the surgeon mentioned he could take care of it, I agreed. I understand these doctors do helpful work sometimes, it was just hard sitting there tonight under such critical scrutiny. On a first date.” She shook her head and sighed. “Oh, and pro tip? Never tell a girl she could stand to lose a few pounds. It doesn’t go over well.”

Liam clenched his teeth together, wishing he’d shoved the man out the door the moment he’d arrived that night. “You’re perfect exactly as you are, Cora. Don’t let that...schmucktacular dillhole tell you otherwise.”

She smiled softly at him. “I’ll never see him again, so it doesn’t matter.” Her hair tumbled around her face and shoulders, and she looked completely relaxed and utterly enchanting.

The sudden urge to gather her into his arms was so strong, he had to squeeze his eyes shut.

“What’s the matter?”

He shook his head. “I’m just sorry you had to go through that. I should’ve saved you the trouble and kicked him out when he got here. I wanted to, you know.”

“Oh, I had a feeling.” She threw him a reprimanding look. “I thought my dad was overprotective, but you make him look like a walk in the park. You’ve got to ease up a bit, you know? For both our sakes. In spite of what you seem to think, I can take care of myself just fine. I’ve been doing it for a long time.” She gave him a playful shove on his shoulder, then got up and walked into the kitchen.

Liam didn’t respond, because there wasn’t anything he could say that she’d like to hear. He’d fallen in love with her almost two centuries ago, and he’d loved her ever since. There was never going to be a time when he didn’t care about her well-being.

“I’m making popcorn,” she announced. “And then you and I are going to talk about this ball tomorrow night. Do you have a tuxedo or formal suit you can wear?”

“I’m sure I’ll have something.” He hadn’t even thought about it. The duffel bag held many things, but he knew for a fact there was no fancy dress suit folded up in there. If he had to, he’d go out suit hunting tomorrow.

“Good. Then that’s solved. Now I need to watch something fun and silly to cleanse my palate from this whole disaster of an evening.”

Soon Liam found himself watching some movie about treasure-hunting children who called themselves “goonies.” While the topic of treasure was always high on his list, he was more interested in enjoying Cora. Her smiles and easy laughter were like a balm to his soul. Even threatened with the fiery pits of hell, he had no idea how he was ever going to give her up. And if he did manage to win his way back into heaven, would it even matter, if she wasn’t there to share it?