Chapter 3 The Birthday Surprise

Chapter Three: The Birthday Surprise

The next morning, the smell of coffee and pancakes filled the kitchen, but the mood was different. It was Liam’s birthday. I should have been happy, but my stomach was in knots.

While we were finishing breakfast, Liam’s best friend, Mark, burst through the front door without knocking. He had a huge grin on his face.

"Happy birthday, old man!" Mark shouted, slapping Liam on the back. "Get ready, because tonight we’re taking you out. High-end club, loud music, and definitely no law books allowed."

Chloe cheered, waving a piece of bacon. "Finally! Get this man out of the house. He’s been moping around like a monk lately."

Mark winked at Liam. "Exactly. Our mission tonight is to find you a sexy girl to help you forget all about what’s-her-name."

"Natasha," Chloe supplied helpfully. "They broke up three weeks ago, Mark. Try to keep up."

I stared down at my plate, suddenly losing my appetite. I knew they’d broken up, and honestly, I’d been secretly celebrating ever since Natasha—who was as perfect as she was boring—was out of the picture. But hearing that his friends were going on a "hunt" for a new girl made my blood boil.

Liam didn’t need help. Everywhere he went, women practically tripped over themselves just to get a look at him. I looked at him from under my lashes, thinking to myself: Some lucky girl is going to have the night of her life tonight.

I had no idea that "lucky girl" was going to be me.

The House to Myself

The plan for the evening was a bit of a mess. My mom had a big date with her boyfriend, Dave. He was picking her up at 9:00 PM for a fancy dinner downtown. My sister was already out with her friends, so I was staying at Chloe’s place to "study."

At least, that’s what I told everyone.

The truth was, Chloe had managed to sneak out to a massive bonfire party without telling Liam. She knew he’d say no, so she waited until he was busy getting ready to slip out the back door. That left me alone in the Miller house.

Liam’s friends weren't picking him up until 9:30 PM. I figured I’d have the living room to myself to finally relax. Maybe I’d watch a movie I was too embarrassed to see with Chloe, or just scroll through my phone in peace.

Around 9:10 PM, my phone buzzed. It was my mom.

"Are you at Chloe's?" she asked, her voice echoing as if she were in a large room.

I rolled my eyes, leaning back against the sofa cushions. "Yes, Mom. I’m fine."

"Are you sure you’re okay being on your own tonight, honey? I feel bad leaving you."

"Mom, stop worrying," I said, walking into the kitchen to grab a soda. I knew she was just being protective, but she deserved a night out. Dave was actually a nice guy. "Just go have fun with Dave, okay?"

"Alright, alright. But text me when you go to bed. And Dave took me to this incredibly posh restaurant—I think I’m underdressed!"

"Aww, Mom, you look great in everything. You deserve it. Enjoy the fancy food."

"Thanks, sweetie. Remember, if there’s an emergency, call my mobile immediately."

"I will. Love you."

"Love you too. Don't wait up!"

I hung up and sighed. Finally, some quiet. I went back to the living room and sprawled out on the sofa. I was dressed in my usual "home uniform"—a pair of tiny athletic shorts and a t-shirt that was probably a size too small. Since it was just me and Liam (who was tucked away in his room), I didn't see the point in dressing up.

The View from the Sofa

What on earth was taking him so long?

Liam had been in his room for over an hour and a half. I’d been pretending to watch a random reality show on TV, but my ears were tuned to the sound of his door. Finally, I heard the click of the handle and the heavy thud of his boots on the stairs.

I kept my eyes on the TV, trying to look casual, like I wasn't waiting for him. But when he walked into the living room, I forgot how to breathe.

Liam looked... incredible.

He was wearing a crisp white button-down shirt, but he hadn't bothered with the top three buttons. It hung open, showing off the tan skin of his chest and the hard muscles underneath. He had on dark, slim-fit jeans and a silver watch that caught the light. He looked like a storm—beautiful and dangerous all at once.

A very "not-so-innocent" thought flashed through my brain. I wanted to reach out and touch him. I wanted to see if his skin felt as warm as it looked.

He stopped by the edge of the sofa, looking down at me. His eyes did a slow sweep from my messy hair down to my bare legs, and for a second, the air in the room seemed to vanish.

"Mark’s running late," he said, his voice deeper than usual. "The guys got stuck in traffic."

"Oh," I managed to say, my heart hammering against my ribs. "That's... that's too bad."

He didn't move. He just stood there, looking at me in a way that made me feel like I wasn't a "kid" anymore. The "Best Friend’s Brother" rule felt very far away.

"You're all alone tonight, Maya?" he asked, stepping closer.

"Chloe’s... out," I stammered. "And my mom is on her date. So it’s just me."

Liam leaned against the back of the sofa, his chest just inches from my face. I could smell his cologne—that intoxicating sandalwood—and the heat radiating off him was making me dizzy.

"Just us, then," he murmured.

The TV was still blaring some loud commercial in the background, but neither of us was watching.