Liam entangled his fingers in mine before leading me to the elevator. When the doors shut, I asked, “So where are you taking me?”
“You will see. It is a bit of a drive, but you need some good British food.” He had a smirk on his lips and a glint in his eyes.
“Should I be worried?” I asked.
“Not at all.” Just then the doors opened with a ding. I followed Liam out the door and just a short way down the block.
“That is your car?” I asked. It was one of my dream cars. An Audi A8L in slate grey.
“I take it you like it.” He said while opening the passenger door for me. I almost forgot that everything, driving wise, was backward in England. But since his hand was still in mine, he led me in. Quickly, he jogged to the driver side and made himself comfortable.
The engine roared to like then purred as it sat idly by the curb. The music turned on with the car. Liam, knowing I wasn’t much of music ran, reached to turn it off.
“Oh, leave it on. I actually know this song.” I exclaimed, quite happy I knew a song on the radio.
“You know Ed Sheeran?” He asked.
“Grif loves him so I think I know most, if not all, of his songs.” I said as I began humming along with the tune.
“I think I am going to have to meet your brother one of these days.” Liam said as he pulled into the light side street traffic.
“One of these days.” I said before asking, “So how far is this place?”
“Depending on the traffic, maybe half hour. But don’t worry, our reservation isn’t for forty five minutes.”
“Only in London would I be willing to drive this long for dinner.” I remarked.
“No, only with me are you willing.” He quickly corrected me. I laughed before agreeing with him.
“I love your laugh. It is infectious.” He said, running a finger over my cheek.
“Hey, eyes on the rode, mister.” I half chastised him, but in reality I was terrified of driving in London.
“I’m not about to let anything hurt you Allie. There is no need to white knuckle it over there.” He motioned to my left hand with it’s death grip on the door.
“Sorry,” I said and let go. “I’m not that fond of travel.”
“Motion sickness?” he asked.
“Yeah.” I replied.
“I’ll be careful. Sorry.” Liam said, patting my leg. “My sisters both get motion sick.”
“It’s a bit of a curse when you live out in the boonies and everywhere requires a bit of a haul. At least now, I can take the Tube or just walk.” I sat, not expecting a reply.
“Would it be better if you drove?” He sounded concerned.
“Yes, but you are crazy if you think I am driving in London. Everyone drives like maniacs here.”
It was his turn to laugh. “Only one way to learn.” He said. “But I agree. My first time driving here, I wanted to cry. Actually, come to think of it. I think I did cry.”
I liked his honesty. With me in the passenger’s seat, I had the perfect view of him. His close cropped hair. Perfect red lips curled into a smile. A pressed button down shirt of which he had cuffed the sleeves a few times allowing me to see his tattoos. A pair of dark wash jeans. My favorite part though had nothing to do with his dress or muscles, but rather the birthmark on his neck just begging to be kissed. Nonetheless, since he was driving, I resisted that urge and settled for just touching it.
“Like what you see? He asked as my fingers glided over his neck.
“Eehh, it’s ok, I guess.” I shrugged. Again, he laughed and this time I chuckled too. I kept my hand on his neck and relished the feel of his skin against mine, all warm and soft.
He, on the other hand, had a different idea and reached up with his own hand, pulled mine away from his neck. He placed a kiss on my palm before bringing it down to his lap and covering it in his own hand.
Both of us were perfectly contented sitting in silence that way for the rest of our drive. Liam only took his hand off mine when he needed to shift gears, but other then that, neither of us moved. A few times, Liam did point out some quintessentially British places; major attractions as well as some places he held dear and dear to his heart.
Around ten after seven, Liam parked the car in a nearby car park claiming we had a short walk from there. Again, he took my hand and led me onto a cobble stone walkway filled with quite a few other couples.
“So are you going to tell me where you are taking me or do I need to start planning my escape route?” I asked.
“Ne need for an escape route, you are going to love this place. It is one of my favorites.” Liam began as he turned me onto a second street. “It is a great gastro pub, quite popular with the locals, called Bull & Last.”
“I hope we are close since I am hungry.” I said as my stomach rumbled in agreement.
“There.” He pointed to a brightly lit restaurant, a line of people running out the door and flowers in the windows.
“I don’t know if I can wait that long.” I admitted in full honesty.
“I have a reservation. And besides,” he added, “I’m Liam Payne. I can always give them some free publicity and call the paparazzi over. They will give us the best seat without waiting.”
“Don’t ruin this perfect evening.” I pleaded, squeezing his hand in affection.
“Wasn’t planning on it.” He said before pulling me close, brushing the hair behind my ear before cupping my cheeks. He looked deep into my eyes before pulling me in closer. I reacted immediately and leaned in. His lips met mine igniting the fiery passion within.
My body reacted without my mind’s command, bringing one hand to his chest. His lips danced across mine, varying the pressure and sensations.
“Liam, we are in public.” I moaned and pleaded, not sure if he could understand me with our lips pressed together.
“I know.” He replied but did not relent.
“We shouldn’t.” I said, not wanting more pictures of us to become public property. Especially not a moment which was so perfect, so special to me.
“I know.” He said again but continued our entanglement. Just as I had given up in my fight against our public display of affection, Liam pulled away. “We should check in.”
A little off my balance, I teetered there as I attempted to regain my composure. He helped my by placing one hand around my waist, resting at the small of my back. Gently, he kissed my forehead and whispered, “I like when I make you speechless.”
As we entered the restaurant, my heartbeat slowly returned to normal.
“Do you have a… oh” the hostess was a bit star struck. “Liam Payne.” She said as if she had just seen the face of God.
Liam flashed her his perfect smile before stating, “Reservation for two.”
“Of course. Please follow me.” She said, still quite dazzled.
Quietly, I leaned close to Liam. “My god, what have you done to her?”
“I just have that effect on some people, what with my devilish good looks and all.” He replied in a whisper so quiet that only I could hear.
“Does this work?” the hostess asked showing us a table for two by one of the street facing, gargantuan, windows.
“Perfect, thank you.” He replied as he pulled the chair out for me.
“Oh, what a gentlemen.” I said before planting myself in the chair.
“Well, my mother did raise me well.” He stated.
The hostess handed us our menus and lingered a bit too long before scurrying off to her podium. “Oh boy, I might have gotten in a bit over my head.” I said.
“I would say you get used to it, but that is not always the case.” Liam was barley done with his statement when I noticed a very cute ten-year-old girl approach us.
“Um.” She began. “If it is not too much on an inconvenience, I was wondering if I could get a picture with you.” Clearly she was nervous since she looked at her shoes rather then Liam as she talked.
“Since you asked so very nicely, young lady, I would be glad to.” He said, motioning for her to come closer. “What’s your name?”
“Um…” she choked on her own words and I jumped in quickly.
“I promise, he doesn’t bite, Hun. Your manners are so nice, thank you for asking first.” I knew all she needed was a little reassurance and sure enough, that was all it took.
“Thank you. I’m Amanda Price. And you are Allie Halloway. My friends are never going to believe me.” She blabbed. I was flabbergasted she knew who I was.
Liam saved mea s he interjected, “why don’t you take a picture with me and Allie. Then your friends have to believe you.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful.” She remarked as I made a mental note that my kids needed to be raised so they were proper and cordial British people.
Liam came and knelt by my Sadie, Amanda standing beaming next to us. Her mother took a few quick pictures. Amanda turned around to give me and Liam hugs in a quick succession. “Oh thank you so much!” she exclaimed before running off to find her mother.