Chapter 353: Mixed Feelings
By the time my day was over, I was in a better mood. Last class with Liam ended with him happily accepting my invitation to watch a movie later. Part of me felt guilty for making him my second choice again, but since we were just friends I didn't really let it get to me.
He arrived with a box of microwave popcorn and a giant chocolate bar, all for me. It was hard not to love him for stuff like that.
We curled up in the empty commons in front of the TV on the puffy leather couch with a shared blanket over our knees, laughed, stuffed ourselves on popcorn and just had fun. Charlotte had agreed to stay in her room and leave us alone for a while and I was very grateful. I forgot how much I loved spending time with Liam, how easy our friendship had become and was very, very thankful to have him in my life.
Now, if only I could get Quaid out of my head.
Sashenka disturbed us briefly, hanging over the edge of the couch with a big smile on her face.
"Party later," she said. "At one of the Houses for the upperclassmen. You guys want to come?"
We both shook our heads immediately. Was I really so much of a homebody? But the warmth and earthiness of Liam's magic was fused to mine where his leg pressed against my thigh. Leaving the comfort of our little nest seemed ridiculous.
She left quickly and we went back to our movie.
Or tried to. When I turned back, I found Liam watching me with a smile on his face.
"What?" I tossed some popcorn at him, laughing.
"I'd rather be here with you, too," he said. And kissed me.
Everything went away. Everything. Shaylee's Sidhe magic surged forward, wrapping around us like a cloak, pulling Liam closer, bonding our power together. His firm lips tasted of salt and butter and chocolate, kiss loving and as sweet as he was. His warm breath tickled the inside of my mouth, one hand settling on my shoulder, pulling me gently toward him, tip of his nose hot against my cheek. I leaned into it, fingers tracing over the side of his face, feeling the smooth, soft skin, so different from the roughness of Quaid's-
I jerked away the moment Liam did. We stared at each other for a long time while emotions I couldn't begin to sort out raged through my body. Cold and suddenly hot, cold again in a flash, I hugged myself as I felt horror slide over my face.
"Syd." Liam cleared his throat, hand reaching for me only to drop again. "Syd, I'm sorry. It... I never meant..."
Before I could say or do anything, he rose to his feet, the blanket falling from his lap. Shoulders slumped, head down, Liam practically ran from the commons and disappeared through the door.
Oh. My. Swearword. What was that? Did we really...? And I.
Oh. My. Swearword.
I. Liked. It.
I was on my feet, pacing in front of the couch, feet tangling in the blanket now sprawled on the floor, spilled bowl of popcorn spread over the cushions. I kissed Liam. Liam kissed me. And we both liked it.
What the hell?
I shook my head. Okay, I had to admit I'd always been attracted to Liam. Right from day one when I helped him find his first class. But that was just the Sidhe power talking. Wasn't it?
Wasn't it?
A secret, private, quiet part of my heart reminded me of something I'd admitted long ago. If Quaid wasn't around, I could easily have fallen in love with Liam.
Was I in love with him anyway?
No. I loved Quaid. Loved him with all of my heart. Gave him my heart, in fact. Which he stomped on and trampled and cast aside-
Damn it, Syd. Get a freaking grip.
I couldn't think, couldn't just pace there alone with the memory of my magic and Liam's all wrapped up together, with the taste of him still on my mouth. I wiped carefully at my lips with the sleeve of my shirt before running from the room.
Back to my dorm and Sashenka who was just leaving.
The party. Right.
"Change your mind?" Her smile faded a little. I must have looked so panicked. I know I felt panicked.
"Yes," I said, grabbing a sweater. "Party. Perfect." I had to get this out of my head, had to forget what I'd done before I lost my mind. "Let's go."
***
