Page 64 of Vicious Little Snakes

I grab his face and turn it sideways, kissing my fingers and pressing them to his cheek. “There, now run along and hustle someone else.”

The kid jumps off the bench, less than pleased, complaining, “That sucked,” as he walks away.

I turn back to Liam as his hand finds mine, pulling me away.

“Are you mad at me?”

“No. I expect you to be a court jester.”

He swings our arms, giving me a wink. We walk down the pathway that winds through the park. The chill in the air relieves my hot cheeks. I don’t think I’ve stopped feeling flush since I realized Liam wanted to kiss me.

“Today’s been—” he offers, not finishing the sentence.

I look up at the trees, at the clouds that are gathering. “Yeah, it has been. I’m glad we’re friends—unless you still aren’t allowed to be.”

It’s a stupid joke, but I can’t blurt out, “Do you like me too?”

But over the last few months, it’s all I think about because of all the time we spend together. Now that Grey and I have found ourselves as allies—it only took him witnessing my mother’s behavior and some less than outstanding moments from his own father to turn me into someone this little crew protects rather than just tolerates.

Which means I get time to ogle Liam, and be ogled, a lot.

“Are we friends?” he answers, making me nervous.

I take in his profile while we stroll. “I think so. Do you think so?”

He stops, turning to look at me, and cradles my face with one hand. “Are you friends with Kai?”

This question feels loaded, but I answer honestly, “Yes.”

“Then maybe I don’t want to be your friend.”

We’re staring at each other as the sky opens up and drops of rain begin to sprinkle. I blink as one hits my eyelash, forcing my face toward the clouds.

“Oh my God.”

The rain compounds pouring down.

“Liam. Let’s go,” I squeal, tugging his arm.

But his white teeth go on full display as he hauls me in the opposite direction toward some swings.

“Are you crazy?” I shout as we start to get drenched.

“Maybe. But only about you. Stay here with me.”

He picks me up and sets me down on the bright yellow seat. Liam pulls me back until my feet aren’t touching the ground and then lets me go. The air and rain whip over my face and I close my eyes, leaning back, before tipping my body forward. I feel his hand on my lower back as I careen forward again, enjoying the sensation.

“Hey, Carebear. Let’s be ‘not friends’ forever.”

The smile on my face feels permanent.I don’t want to be your friend either, Liam.

Liam

Kai tosses Caroline into the water, a splash making Grey and me laugh from the dock. We’re laid out on our respective striped beach towels, propped up on our elbows. We’ve been at my family’s lake house all day, soaking up the sun.

“You think he likes her?” Grey questions, watching Kai swim around with Caroline.

It’s a question I’ve been asking myself. I know they’re friends, and it’s not like I’ve followed up or locked her down, but I want to. There just never seems to be a perfect time to bring it up to Grey.