Through the Dark

I look over at the clock. Nearly midnight. I’ve been lying here for too long unable to sleep. My mind racing with thoughts of Liam. I throw the covers off and make my way downstairs in my jammies for some tea. I check my hiding spot in the cupboard. There they are, the good cookies I’ve hidden. I put it all on a tray and head upstairs to my favorite spot. The third floor has a community balcony. Anyone can access it from the hall. I love it because it has a beautiful view of the property and further countryside. At night the moon glows perfectly over it all.
I settle into a deck chair with my legs out stretched. My tea and cookies beside me. I’m rocking my Batman tank top and shorts.
Then I hear it. “Lexi?”
I turn to see Liam standing on the balcony wearing only gray sweatpants. And to be honest I’m not even sure that he is wearing those properly. They are riding awfully low. Not that I’m complaining, mind you.
I smile. “You couldn’t sleep either? Want to join me for some tea and biscuits?”
Liam grins. “I’d love to.” He moves to the chair beside mine and makes himself comfortable. I watch a little too long. Taking in his gorgeous bare chest and allowing my eyes to move down even further. “Is it the good kind?” Liam asks.
My eyes shoot up from his crotch to his face. “Excuse me?”
He laughs. “The tea, is it the good kind?”
I smile. “Yes of course it is.” I pour him some and offer him the plate of cookies. His eyes light up. “These are the best biscuits!”
I laugh. “I know, that’s why I have a hiding spot.”
Liam laughs. “I must say those are pretty amazing pajamas you have there. I love Batman.”
I laugh. “Thank you.”
“You have very nice legs as well.” He grins.
I blush. “Really? I always thought they were too short.”
Liam shakes his head. “No, not at all. Just right.”
I blush and try to change the subject. I’m not unaware that Liam’s eyes are still on my legs. “So how come you couldn’t sleep?” I ask him.
He looks up into my eyes. “Too many thoughts going through my mind.”
I hold his gaze. “Me too.” We both hold that gaze and it seems to be getting pretty warm out on the balcony.
I break the gaze first. Why did I look away? I’m so upset with myself. Liam doesn’t make it awkward though. He asks for more cookies. Then we start talking, talking about everything. Then I ask Liam to tell me all about the countries he’s been to. I could just lie here and listen to him talk for hours. I love his voice, I love his accent. He gets so excited as he tells a story, you can’t help but get excited right along with him. We are laughing and enjoying ourselves and next thing we know, it’s four o’clock in the morning. Liam and I are lying on our chairs, facing each other. My hand is lying over the armrest. Liam reaches out and wraps his hand around mine. I suck in a breath but try to act casual. I love the feel of my small hand encompassed by his large hand. I’m not sure when, but at some point we both drift off to sleep just like that.

Notes