“No, I wasn’t. I’m not very good with these things.” He held up his cell phone. “They tend to piss me off, and when I want to see someone, I like looking them in the face. You’re a very beautiful woman. I hope you don’t mind.”
“I tend to prefer these things, but for you, I’m more than happy to make an exception.” She glanced down at her sweatpants and shirt. Her hair wasn’t even brushed. She’d pulled it up on top of her head in a messy bun. “Shit, erm, I’m not dressed for you right now.”
“You’re going to send me away for you to look different?”
“I look like a slob.”
“You look more than okay for me.”
“Okay, no one can be that charming all in one.” She rested her head against the door, watching him.
“Will you invite me in?”
“Are you a vampire?” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “You know what, scrap that. I don’t seem to be thinking quite so clearly today. I’m putting it down to a lack of sugar.”
“I’m not a vampire.”
“Come on in then.” She stepped behind the door and rubbed at her temple.
He’s hot, and you’re going to send him away with your weirdness. Get a grip, Rebecca.
Closing the door, she leaned against it.
Struggling around people made the most basic things seem like a challenge. Forcing a smile to her lips, she tried to figure out what to say next.
“Erm, coffee?”
“I’ll take a tea, if you have any,” he said.
“Yes, tea. Awesome. Okay, so I’ll go and make it. Make yourself at home.” She took a step away and grimaced. “Actually, don’t make yourself at home.”
“You are strange at this, aren’t you?”
“Well, socially I’ve given you permission to do what you’d do at your own home. What I want you to do is sit and relax while I make us both a drink. I am completely ruining this moment right now, aren’t I?” She pressed her lips together.
“Did you go to high school?” he asked.
“No. I was home-schooled. I’ve never been good with crowds. It’s why I work from home, and you’re the only person I’ve ever allowed here besides my parents. I try not to have them around all that often because they constantly tell me that I should be out and about, and they want grandkids.”
“How about I come with you to the kitchen?”
“That would work.”
She turned on her heel and left the room. Closing her eyes, she clenched her hands into fists, angry with herself. This was why she avoided everything to do with everyone. Her cheeks were on fire.
Filling up the kettle, she placed it on the stove. Turning toward him, she found him sitting on the kitchen counter, his hands together, thumbs twiddling around.
“If you want to leave, you can. I won’t be offended.” I’ll just cry because I’m not normal.
“I’m here for you, baby. Why would I leave?”
“I’m just me, and no matter how much I wish I was different, I can’t seem to stop this, and it sucks. It sucks to be me right now, and I hate that I feel this way.” Her cheeks had to be bright red, and her eyes filled with tears. Everything felt a little too much right now.
With Liam at the coffee shop the other night and in the forest, she’d truly felt a connection. Like she was fighting whatever her problems were, but now, in her home, with him, everything was the same. She fucking hated it.
Suddenly, he stood in front of her. His hands cupped her face as he tilted her head back. She exhaled as he ran his thumb across her lips, and everything seemed completely frozen in time. She didn’t want to move. Glancing from his eyes, which had taken on an amber glow, she looked at his lips. They were so firm.
More than anything she wanted those lips on her. To feel him kiss her, to take what he wanted. To make her forget how awkward she was acting.