She turned to Liam, “Sorry, I’m still on bridesmaid duty.”
“It’s fine,” he said standing up. She hopped off the stool but forgot to put back on her shoes. Liam kindly extended his arm for her to use an anchor. “Thanks,” she said, gripping his forearm while slipping the shoes on her feet. She then told him that he was seated at table four and that she’d see him in a little bit.
A short while later, Liam joined Justin at the table, where there were six other plus-ones seated as well. Beth came over to greet him and asked how he was doing while giving him a huge embrace. “I’m good and yourself?” he asked. She just smiled, especially when Liam commented how beautiful she looked. In fact, it was the first time Liam noticed that Remi resembled her mom, especially in the eyes. Though Beth’s weren’t the same dark shade of blue, they were fairly close. Just then, Tony met up with his wife, and the three chatted about the ceremony until all heads turned towards the entrance of the ballroom. That’s where the bridesmaids and groomsmen stood, paired up as the D.J. began to broadcast each couple’s names over the loudspeaker. “Friend of the bride, Miss Remi Catalano escorted by cousin of the groom, Timothy Crawford.”
There was a huge roar from the crowd as Remi slinked in with the sweetest smile on her face. Liam suddenly felt as if he were in the Twilight Zone because four months earlier she was his hostage, and now they were partying at a wedding reception as if none of it ever happened. Unfortunately, it did happen and continued to haunt him. But as he began to ponder what his next move would be, he watched Remi take the first dance with Timothy and reminded himself that he swore he’d put all problems aside for today. So, when Tony suggested they head to the bar, Liam saw it as an opening to stay focused in the present tense. The two men discussed everything from politics to the Philadelphia Eagles. For that brief moment, the small talk was just what Liam needed. When the dance was over, Remi pranced over and hugged Tony. “You are by far, the prettiest bridesmaid I’ve ever seen,” he said, squeezing her. “You have to say that you’re my dad.”
“I speak the truth,” he said then conveniently declared that he needed to find Beth. Liam subconsciously placed his hand on the small of her back and asked, “Can I get you anything?”
“Hmm, just a beer.”
He laughed, guessing she was forgoing the hard stuff after too many incidences of not handling it too well. She took the bottle off the bar then finally took full notice of Liam’s clean-shaven face and haircut. She teased, “Was it hard to say goodbye to the scruff and Miami locks?”
He instinctively rubbed his fingers across his cheeks and stated, “Got to look my best to be your plus-one.”
She guffawed with laughter. “Liam, you could be unshaven, unshowered, and smell to high heaven and you would still look good.”
“The same could be said about you,” he remarked. “Oh no,” she said, pointing to herself. “You haven’t seen me at my worst.”
He half-grinned while staring into her eyes. “You forget, I saw you pretty banged up.”
His gaze, usually intimidating, was this time, not so much, as she swore he was peeking into the deepest part of her soul. “And you want to know something?” he asked, completely owning her attention. “You still looked great.”
She nervously giggled, as once again Liam was very apt at reducing her to mush. And though packed with tons of people, to Remi it felt like she and Liam were the only two in the ballroom. Almost like they were back inside of the vault or when she sat on the edge of his hospital bed, with him trying to get her to open up about shooting Tom. Liam stressed that it was just the two of them. Standing there now, together, Remi sensed something had changed between them. Or she thought, maybe it was just wishful thinking. Trying to come off as unmoved, she jokingly asked, “Okay, what did you do with the real Liam?”
He laughed, having always appreciated her sharp sense of humor. All of a sudden Melanie swooped in, informing them it was time to eat. Not wanting to stop the private conversation with Liam, Remi wished they didn’t have to sit separated but figured she’d get another opportunity afterward. They parted ways and took seats at their respective tables. While all the guests ate a dinner consisting of Caesar salad, pencil points, chicken Francaise, roasted potatoes, vegetable medley, and fresh baked rolls, Liam half-listened to the various discussions going on at the table, as he truly had very little interest. Every once in a while, he’d chime in when deemed necessary but for the most part, he stayed low-key and aloof.
Once everyone finished eating, Liam made his way back over to the bar, all the while scanning the room for Remi. When he had no luck, he ordered a Jack and Coke and hoped she’d come to him, which occurred a minute later. “I was looking for you,” she said, standing as close as possible. He asked if she wanted another beer. She declined just as the tempo of the music slowed way down. Remi eyed her mom and dad, commanding the dance floor by twirling about and cutting a rug like nobody’s business while Liam remarked how impressed he was by their enviable skills. “They used to take lessons,” she said, smiling at their cuteness. Liam just stared at her profile as she observed the love her parents still obviously had for one another. “Would you like to dance?” he asked, putting his hand out in front of Remi, who was stunned by the gesture, having never expected him actually to dance. Her eyes gravitated towards his hand, while he patiently waited for her to accept the invitation. When she finally cautiously slipped her hand into his, he led them to Table 4 where he placed his drink down. Then they strolled, hand in hand, to the dance floor. As the two took an empty spot, they faced each other but remained a safe distance apart. Liam clasped his right hand with her left, and while she rested her other on his shoulder, he clung his left hand to the curvature of her petite waist. As they began to move slowly about the dance floor, their posture was chaste and detached. They were oddly avoiding eye contact as if they were two strangers randomly thrown together. However, with each sway of the melodic strumming beat of the song, their bodies inched closer, forcing his hand to the small of her back, where his fingers gingerly gripped her dress while Remi’s fingers explored the sleek fabric of his tuxedo. It didn’t matter that there were at least fifty other people out there with them they were in their own private world.
Without realizing, their bodies soon meshed together, and Remi intuitively laid her head against his chest. As the edge of his chin skimmed her hair, the sweet aroma of strawberry wafted over him. The familiarity was incredibly potent along with her hand that was now seeking the nape of his neck, more specifically, the exposed skin between his hairline and collar. She enlisted her fingertips to touch the bareness delicately, and that unanticipated action, dramatically affected Liam. That intense sensation, intoxicating and intimate, surprised him. Unaware of the effect she was having on him, she was taken aback when Liam partially released his hand from hers and began deliberately caressing the underside of her wrist. The gentleness yet the undeniable sensual way in which he stroked her arm lulled them both into a state of pure euphoria. Liam slid his left hand up and allowed his thumb to graze the uncovered soft skin of her upper back. She shivered under his touch, so he protectively tightened his embrace, warming her up. Unfortunately, the song, which neither had bothered to listen to, was only seconds away from ending, and both knew their little dalliance would soon cease. When the music stopped playing, Remi sighed, garnering a reserved grin from Liam, who was just as disappointed. As they reluctantly peeled apart, Remi had to regroup. She thanked him for the dance then swiftly excused herself for a moment. Liam needed to regain his composure as well, so he took the opportunity to grab some fresh air.
Melanie followed Remi into the ladies room, begging to know what she had just witnessed. Remi quickly negated any insinuations. “It’s all an act.”
“An act?” questioned a confused Melanie.
“Earlier, Liam told me that he was going to pretend that today none of his problems existed, so it’s all bogus.”
“Oh no my dear, there’s no way
he was faking that,” argued Melanie, who kept one skeptical eyebrow raised. Remi wasn’t sure what to think but knew one thing; she could have stayed like that with him forever and been perfectly content. While outside, Liam silently cursed himself for enjoying that dance a tad too much. Grateful though, that it happened on a dance floor surrounded by tons of people, therefore ensuring things wouldn’t have gone any further. Just then, he spotted Remi in the lobby, which was his cue to get back inside. “You okay?” he asked as he approached her.
“Yeah, I’m good—you?”
He nodded. It was painfully evident that both tried to act as if the dance meant nothing. And for the rest of the reception, they kept a safe distance physically and though they still had fun, purposely stayed off the dance floor. Another hour had passed when it was time for the obligatory cutting of the cake then the tossing of the garter and bouquet. Neither Liam nor Remi caught the respective items, not that either cared. Remi yawned a few times, prompting Liam to ask if she wanted to head out. It sounded like an offer she couldn’t refuse and since the reception was almost over anyway, she didn’t feel bad leaving. After saying their goodbyes to Tony, Beth, Melanie, and Justin, they wished Abby and Andy to have a fabulous time on their honeymoon. The bride and groom were pleased that Liam had come. They then thanked Remi for all her help. She and Abby embraced, and while doing so, Abby whispered, “It’s nice to see you happy.”
Remi smiled but was still just taking Liam’s newfound blasé attitude with a large grain of salt. Liam asked if she wanted him to warm up the truck first or just leave together. She opted to exit with him. On the ride home, there was absolutely no discussion of what transpired on the dance floor. Instead, they talked about the delicious food and how much fun they had. But as they neared the apartment building, Remi suddenly felt like a princess whose ride was about to turn into a pumpkin and Liam into a frog. Both the afternoon and evening had been so wonderful that it sucked knowing it was just for one day. That tomorrow, reality would bite, and all the shitty stuff would return. She kicked off her heels and sighed with relief. A minute later, Liam pulled the truck into the lot, and Remi mouthed, “Damn.”
She then forced her tired feet back into the shoes and stepped down out of the truck. Liam carried her cinch sack for her, but as she walked a few paces, she groaned, clearly in pain. Liam apologized, “I should have dropped you off.”
“It’s no biggie; I just can’t believe how much they ache.”
That’s all he needed to hear. The gentleman in Liam instantly popped out as he picked Remi up and hurled her over his shoulder. “What are you doing?” she asked, laughing. “Helping,” he replied carrying her all the way into the building and onto the elevator. “You can put me down in here,” she said giggling, but Liam ignored her while smiling. “Or not,” she said, still giggling. When they reached her apartment, he finally set her down gently. She thanked him as she rummaged through her bag for the key. “I know it’s in here somewhere.”
“Can’t find it?” he asked as he began undoing his bow tie.
“I guess I don’t have it.”
“Well, come to my place then,” he suggested.
“Are you sure?”
He didn’t even respond, he just walked towards his door and asked, “You coming?”
She removed her shoes and shuffled down the hall. The moment Liam entered, he tossed his keys onto the counter then immediately grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge. He opened them both and handed one to Remi, who was leaning with her back against the counter. As she sipped the bottle, she watched Liam strip off his tuxedo jacket, undo the top few buttons of his shirt then release it out from his pants. He then stood directly across from her, with his back up against the fridge. It was as if they were in some kind of standoff or playing a peculiar game of physical chess. Each was patiently waiting for the other to make a move. So, Remi, feeling bold, decided to up the ante by putting Liam on the spot. “Tell me something,” she said but hesitated before finishing. He sipped the bottle then his eyes locked onto hers as he countered, “Tell you what?”
She held his gaze and said, “Tell me something that I would be surprised to learn about you.”
Admiring her persistent tenacity, and possibly feeling a slight residual effect of the alcohol and the day itself, he decided to indulge her. “Do you remember when I told you about the sapphire earrings?”
She nodded.
“I told you how incredible they were and how they just sort of stuck with me.”
“Yup, you did,” she said, sounding a little impatient, which caused Liam to smirk, knowing full well that his soon to be confession was going to blow Remi’s mind. “Well, go back to the vault,” he said. “The beginning that is.”
The second Liam mentioned the vault Remi was no longer agitated. Instead, she hung on his every word. “After Tom and I retrieved the bag, we were about to vacate when Tom stopped and stood behind you.”
“I remember,” she whispered, shuddering at the thought. “You were sitting in the chair, frightened and Tom asked what to do with you,” he said. “It was at that moment you glanced up at me and I saw your eyes.”
As she listened to him speak about that precise moment, she had no clue where he was going with this. “And,” he uttered then paused. “And what?” she anxiously urged.
“And I immediately thought that your blue eyes were as dark as sapphires.”
The ends of Remi’s lips arched upwards as she questioned. “You, think my eyes look like sapphires?”
“No,” he replied quickly. “Not just any sapphires, the ones I stole.”
It was then; she recalled Liam’s exact words when he had described them: “All the jewels were incredible, but there was a particular set of sterling silver sapphire earrings. The rich blue color and clarity, absolutely exquisite.”
Completely taken aback by his admission that her eyes reminded him of his favorite score, Remi’s legs suddenly felt like jelly, so she curled her fingers tightly around the edge of the counter to brace herself.
“And to this day, your eyes still remind me of them,” he admitted, further proving she had a much bigger effect on Liam than she could have ever imagined. As the temptation to be closer beckoned, she daringly took a few tiny steps towards him and whispered, “Thank you.”
He half-grinned. “For what?”
“For everything.”
Remi had no sooner gotten the words out when Liam had slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his arms. Holding her close, he hugged her in a desperate way, completely un-Liam like. While they embraced, Remi stood up on her sore tippy-toes and placed her hands on his shoulders. She then lightly brushed her cheek against his and lingered there. Liam could instantly feel the warmth of her breath as her lips hovered near his skin. And before losing her nerve, she sweetly kissed his cheek. His initial reaction was a broad, pleasing smile, but then he held her face with his hands while staring anxiously into her eyes. The intensity was a seduction in its own right, as Remi’s heart began beating fast. His thumb began to caress her cheek then deliberately traced the outline of her delicate mouth. Every sensation felt heightened, and she couldn’t differentiate if a sudden burst of heat were real or imagined. She wickedly grinned under his touch, showing approval. It was as if she had fallen under his hypnotic spell. There was no doubt; he knew exactly what he was doing. Liam intentionally began bringing her mouth closer to his. Her lips parted, sensing what was about to come. Months of pent up desire, and false declarations of denial, both were finding the other hard to resist. And the moment he licked his lips, for Remi, the sheer anticipation of tasting them was pure torture—but in a good way. All of his actions were moving in slow motion, purposely teasing her, which though frustrating, was typical Liam.
In a calculated yet extremely hot move, Liam grazed his lips ever so slightly against hers but consciously held back. For a second, she thought he was a sadomasochist, but then he tenderly pressed his lips against hers, keeping it
short in duration. Leaving her wanting more. As she breathlessly sighed, Liam grinned then tentatively kissed her again. It was obvious he was trying in vain not to give in but found it next to impossible to do so. With his biceps flexed, completely encasing her petite frame, Liam’s tongue slipped passed her lips, and neither could no longer suppress the deep-seated yearning. Remi’s fingers frantically unbuttoned his shirt and slid her hands between the opened fabric and his taut skin. As her fingertips, explored the ridges along his well-defined abdominal muscles, she planted soft kisses underneath his chin, down the length of his neck, all the while enjoying the saltiness of his skin, a clear indication of the imagined heat being very real. Liam took off his shirt then reached around to unzip the back of her dress, which caused it to drop to the floor. While standing there in a peach colored strapless bra and pink lace bikini panties, Remi’s inquisitive fingers unfastened the button on his pants, but as her hands skirted his waist, he abruptly declared, “This is wrong.”
Ignoring him, she smooshed her lips against his then whispered, “Then why does this feel so right?”
With a pained expression, he looked into her eyes but had no real answer to the question. “I don’t know,” he replied, his hands resting on her hips. She tried to kiss him, but he stopped her. “Remi, we can’t do this.”
“You don’t want me?” she asked breathing heavily and dropping her forehead against his chest.
He cradled the back of her neck with his hand and replied, “I didn’t say that.”
Remi peeked up at him and blatantly focused on his mouth, more especially his lips. “Do you really want to stop?” she asked, standing back up on her tippy toes and inching her mouth close to his. She then kissed his bottom lip, softly nibbling at it, just waiting for him to cave, which didn’t take long when he pressed his mouth to hers while swiftly lifting her up into his arms. Remi wrapped her legs tightly around his waist as he carried her into the living room, towards the couch.
UNMASKED: Sequel to Behind the Mask Page 21