Chapter 269 Study Group
I smirked at the text I'm not telling Braxton about. Liam made a small group chat, and I'm not surprised to see he didn't invited Ava to the group. If he didn't invite her, then I sure as hell won't!
This is going to be my little secret. Braxton might have talked himself into my good graces by the skin of his teeth (or a kiss), but that doesn't mean I trust him. Not anymore. I also haven't forgiven him. He has a lot to make up for, and this time he has to earn every bit of my loyalty.
I'm actually really excited to go see Liam today. And it has nothing to do with studying the Vietnam War. There is something about Liam that just feels so... safe. And easy.
He's got a few of his friends, included Brad, Levi and Kurt on the group chat. He also invited Kimmy and Court! We've all got a history test we need to study for. And considering I've had a helluva week, and the fact I'd just come back from Las Vegas, I really need to study if I want to pass.
He wanted to have a study group at his house. He promised there would be pizza and snacks! But honestly, he had me at come over. I just want to be somewhere I don't have to look over my shoulder. I could've stayed home, but Josie would be interrogating me... I can't handle it right now!
After the crappy day I've had with Braxton, I think this is just what I need! Just a small group of friends, studying for a major test that no one seems to be ready for. The test is next Monday, and right now it Friday, so...
I pull up to his address. This is actually the first time I've ever been to his house, and it's really nice! (It's not like Rick's mansion, but it is large and open from what I can see.) I can't believe I've known him for so long and I've never come over.
Then again, he's not like Braxton. He doesn't throw parties at his house. He doesn't get wasted on weekends. And if he does invite people to his home, it's really low-key. I like his style so much better. It makes me feel like I can breathe around him! I don't have to put on a show for anyone. I can just be me.
I barely knock when the door is open, and he's there with a big smile that warms me. He's wearing his light jeans with the holes in the knees and a white tee that pulls tight at his muscles. His blond curls are a bit messy, but I kinda like it that way.
"Welcome! I'm glad you found it!" his voice is smooth and warm. "Come in and make yourself comfortable. You can grab some snacks after you put your stuff down if you want..."
He leads me into the living room where Kimmy and Levi were already getting their notebooks out.
"Hey, Liv," Kimmy cheers.
"Hey, Olivia. Good to see you!" Levi smiles politely.
"Hey guys! Am I late?" I ask looking around... I can't help myself.
"Naw, you're good. Everyone else will be here shortly," Liam blushes, coming up behind me. How does he smell so good right now? Something dark and spicy...
I distract myself from the heat rolling off his body by taking in the room around me.
It's big and open, and the windows let in lots of light... There are beanbags scattered around, with a few large, overstuffed chairs and a U-shaped couch surrounding a coffee table. It's homey!
He's even got 3 extra-large pizzas and sodas set out on a side table. He even got a smaller vegetarian pizza! It's my favorite! How the hell did he know?
He's also got pretzels, chips and salsa, a veggie platter, some chocolates and cookies... I might just have to move in permanently! (Not that Rick wouldn't give me this if I asked nicely...)
I take a seat on the couch and pull out notebook, some pens and my world history book. I really hope someone can tell me what we talked about yesterday because I have no clue.
Liam takes a seat next to me. I can feel his eyes watching me. When I look up at his pretty blue eyes, they sparkle, before he clears his throat and looks around.
"Should we wait for everyone else?" Liam asks as he adjusts his own notebook, before running his hand over the back of his neck. Why the hell does everything he does make him look so freaking adorable right now?
"We should probably wait for a few more minutes," Levi suggests. "Brad is like, 3 minutes out."
He nods his head and smirks. "Dude's always runnin' late," Liam jokes, "even if there's food and girls," he says with a wink, before he turns to me.
I can feel his eyes searching my face and his jaw tightens when he takes in the bruise on my face. It's turned a light purple, and I haven't had a chance to use cover up and hide it. Not that I could hide it from him anyway. He's way too observant.
"Are you okay, Liv?" He asks me softly so I can only hear. "I wanted to ask you earlier, but you were... occupied," he mumbles.
"I don't know," I admit. "I'm not sure what I'm doing... I've been thinking-" I start but get cut off when the doorbell rings again. I sigh and give him a soft smile.