Chapter 99 What do you think?
With summer almost over, my mom went completely crazy getting me ready for my new school. She bought me all kinds of expensive crap I did not need, and even asked if she should throw a party to celebrate my senior year starting. I told her no way.
"Why not? You could invite your new friends and I could meet their parents. Would that not be nice?"
I had to remind her. "Mom, I do not have any friends here."
She looked so disappointed. She sighed and threw her hands up. "Fine. But at least buy some nice dresses. I heard there is a homecoming dance the first week of school. You need something to wear for that."
"How do you even know about that?"
"Because Alexander got an invitation. He is an alumnus." She saw the look on my face and kept going. "I know you do not want me to go shopping with you. That is fine. I have the perfect person to take you instead."
She dragged me out of my room and down the stairs. When we walked into the living room, I froze. Liam stood up from the couch, his mouth pressed into a thin line.
"Liam is free this afternoon, so he kindly offered to take you shopping. Are you not sweet, Liam?"
"It is nothing, Mrs. Thorne." His voice sounded flat and dead, like someone forced him to be here.
Because someone did. My mom.
After that awkward fight at school, we had both been trying to avoid each other. We ran into each other a few times during dinner at the townhouse, but we never spoke. If our eyes accidentally met, we both looked away fast.
So why the hell did he agree to this?
"Mom, I really do not think this is a good idea."
"Please. I am asking you a favor." She whispered in my ear. "Alexander was so happy that you two were getting along. Since you came back, Liam actually shows up here more often. That is a good sign. Can you please spend some time with him? Do some brother-sister bonding?"
If she only knew that her precious stepson had kissed her own daughter.
"We should probably go." Liam said it like he did not care about anything.
"Yes. Go." Mom pushed me forward. "Buy something pretty, honey. Enjoy your date!"
She was trying to be funny. But an uncomfortable look crossed both our faces at the same time.
I waited until we got in his car to ask. "Why did you say yes to this?"
"Like I had a choice. Your mom had it all planned out." He started the engine way too loud and sped out of the neighborhood.
I was not surprised when he took me to the most expensive mall in the city. While he tipped the valet, I jumped out of the car and started walking the other way.
"Sophie!" He caught up to me fast. "Where the fuck are you going?"
"Out, obviously." I shrugged. "I cannot afford anything in there."
He clenched his jaw so hard I could see the muscles pop. "I will pay for whatever you want. Just go inside."
I was about to argue, but he grabbed my elbow and pulled me through the entrance. People stared at us while he dragged me into some designer store.
The sales lady hurried over right away. "Good afternoon. Can I help you with anything?"
"She needs something for a dance." Liam pushed me forward.
I stumbled a few steps and just stood there, totally embarrassed. Everything in this store looked gorgeous and, obviously, way too expensive. This was not my kind of place at all.
But the sales lady waved for me to follow her. "Of course, miss. May I ask what the occasion is?"
"Uh, it is a homecoming dance." My voice came out flat.
She led me to a rack of dresses. I barely touched the fabric while flipping through them, scared I might get them dirty somehow. Finally I picked out a plain black one. "How much is this?"
"Excellent choice, miss." She gave me this huge fake smile. "This is our runway style. Open-back embellished ruched crepe gown. The clean cut will really accentuate your figure. And it is currently on sale for nine thousand six hundred dollars."
I almost screamed. A plain black dress for almost ten grand? You have got to be kidding me.
Liam sat down on a couch and ordered me, "Go try it on."
I tried to hold onto whatever dignity I had left. "But I am not really…."
"Go try it on right now or I will just buy it." He sounded impatient as hell.
I rolled my eyes at him and walked to the fitting room. The sales lady closed the curtain for me and said to call if I needed anything.
I slipped into the dress and could not help staring at myself. The fabric felt like silk, soft and smooth, with this natural shine under the light. I knew I should not fall in love with it because it cost a fortune, but I did anyway.
I stepped out of the fitting room, feeling totally awkward. I never wore heels and dresses this tight. I probably looked like a clown walking on sticks. But Liam's whole face changed the second he saw me. He sat up straight on the couch without even meaning to.
"What do you think?" I turned around slowly, clumsy as hell, and his eyes followed me the whole time.
Then he stood up and walked toward me. I wobbled a little on the heels, so he reached out and took my hand to steady me. He pulled me gently closer and moved a piece of my hair behind my shoulder.
"You are so beautiful,Sophie." His voice came out low and rough.
I could not help shivering. The way he looked at me, so hot and intense, like he could see right through my skin.
"Maybe I should take this off now." I stammered and practically ran back to the fitting room.
I pulled the curtain shut and pressed my hand to my burning face. He was so unbelievably good looking. When I stood close to him, it was almost impossible not to want him. I could not control myself. I could not stop shaking when he touched me. I could not escape his eyes.
I let out a quiet groan. No. This could not happen. I could not fall for him. He was my stepbrother. He had a girlfriend already. He was the worst possible choice.
But then the curtain opened. I looked up and saw Liam standing there.
"I am not done changing."
"I know." He stepped inside and closed the curtain behind him. "They have a necklace. Goes with your dress."
Before I could say no, he moved closer and put the diamond necklace on me. Goosebumps broke out everywhere when the cold metal touched my skin. His fingers brushed against the back of my neck, soft like feathers.
He adjusted the necklace a little and held my shoulders. "What do you think?"
I could not think at all right now. His hot breath spread across my skin, burning me everywhere. Wherever he touched me, electricity shot straight through my body.
I opened my mouth but nothing came out. And the next thing I knew, he pushed me against the mirror and pressed his lips to mine.