Collided (Dirty Air Series Book 2)

It’s been a few days since Liam’s win in Russia, which means my time for avoiding our date is over. Unfortunately for him, I change his original plan into a double date by inviting Maya and Jax. Some call it cowardice, but I prefer cleverness. Poor Liam doesn’t know me well enough to anticipate my usual tricks, but he should’ve been more specific about the logistics of his bet.

After I begged Maya to join me on a double date, I decided to repay the favor by taking her out to lunch and telling her about my Fuck It list. My secret lasted a total of one month between Shanghai and Barcelona. Damn Liam and his performance in Sochi, pushing me to reveal my plan because I needed to convince Maya to come with me.

“Who would’ve thought Sweet Sophie made a naughty list.” She smiles behind her water glass.

“Screw being sweet. I want to be called sexy and seductive.”

She laughs as she shakes her head. “Okay, naughty Sophie. Just to be clear, this is one date, right? And you won’t ditch me in the end? I need to make sure you won’t run off with Liam into the night.”

“Of course not, don’t be ridiculous. I’ll even take you out tomorrow for brunch as a thank you. Think of all the sangria I can supply you with—all that bottomless, sugary goodness can count as your daily serving of fruit.”

“I’ll never say no to brunch. But seriously, do you even think Liam’s cute?” She tilts her head at me.

“Of course, I do. Hence the problem! Liam is funny, charismatic, handsome, and his usual philosophy aligns with everything I crave.”

“So how is he not a good fit to help you with your list?”

“To start, he drives for the enemy, and I think I’d die of embarrassment seeing him all the time after doing half my items. Imagine me running into him and blurting out: ‘Hi, Liam, remember the time you tied me up in bed and made me come? Good times, right?’”

Maya smiles. “You can always ask him about the weather.”

“‘Feels pretty cold outside today, kind of like the time you licked my body with an ice cube!’”

Maya lets out a laugh that gains the attention of other restaurant goers. “You need to work on your small talk. But jokes aside, I’m curious about what your dad will say about this double date then?”

I wave her off. “He’s not going to find out. He’s old and goes to sleep by 8 p.m. anyway.”

Maya bringing up my dad reminds me of his expectations, shrouding me with guilt and mistrustfulness. His rules sound like a sad sort of three commandments holding me hostage from getting intimate with someone like Liam. I don’t want to disappoint my dad, especially when he does so much for me.

We visit different shops in Barcelona to purchase a new outfit. I may not want to go on this date, but it doesn’t mean I can’t look the part.

“Really, I don’t know why you can’t go out by yourselves. It’s one date and you’re both adults.” Maya exits her dressing room, showing off a sexy red dress.

Innocent Maya. Unaware of Liam’s seductive nature.

I toy with the satin dress in front of me. “You know what happens when you go on one date? It ends with two dates, and then three, and next thing I know, TMZ is featuring an ugly picture of me leaving a hotel claiming I’m pregnant with Liam’s love child.”

Watching him last week as he stood on the Sochi podium solidified how I need help because a moment of weakness hit me. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, all smiles and sexiness, teaching me how temptation and self-doubt pairs nicely with a race suit and fuck-me smile.

Her eyes dance with humor. “Ay, dios mío. You’ve really thought this out?”

“Duh. Have you seen Liam? His looks alone could get me pregnant.”

Maya throws her head back and lets out a melodic laugh. “You know, there’s a first time for everything. That’s one hell of a conception story that your dad might believe.”

I give her a pointed look. “No thank you. Let’s go on this one date and call it quits before anything begins.”

“Mm, sounds like you’re worried about wanting to do more with him than only one date.”

“You’re underestimating the power of a strong-willed woman with enough restraint to challenge a chastity belt.”

We wrap up shopping and head back to our respective hotel rooms, needing time to get ready for the night.

Sadly, a few hours later, my self-control is nearly thrown out the window when Liam and Jax pick us up from Bandini’s hotel.

Liam strolls up to me, his expensive leather shoes clicking against the lobby tile. His muscular legs strain against the material of his tailored pants. My eyes land on his golden arms, accentuated by the rolled-up sleeves of his button-down shirt. He shoots me a wink when my eyes meet his. They’re the same blue as the sky on the brightest day of the year, shining as he assesses me from head to toe.

I step back, but he moves closer to me, not allowing for any space. Liam’s a sneaky man who keeps learning my tricks. My brain cells run amuck inside my head at his clean and fresh scent, not interpreting my desire as dangerous.

“You look lovely tonight. Did you do all this for me?” He motions toward my outfit before he grabs my hand and twirls me in a circle.

I let out a laugh as my dress swirls around me, dark chiffon material whooshing before falling flat once he lets go. “No, I thought I’d dress up for Maya. See, I want to sway her to the other side, but she claims her parents wouldn’t agree. She describes them as a religious bunch.”

“Here I thought I could sway you toward me, but it turns out you’re playing for the other team. Now tell me, have you ever been with a man? Because if not, one night with me will make you change your mind.”

I groan. His lips tug into a smile before they brush up against my temple, giving me the faintest kiss. One so soft, I almost think I made it up.

I push away, ending our exchange. It’s the only moment of weakness I’ll allow.

Good luck with that, Sophie.

Jax and Liam show us fine wining and dining at its best. They rent a fancy car to drive us to a trendy Barcelona restaurant, ordering us an expensive wine bottle once we’re seated. The hostess situates us in a back corner hidden away from other diners, shrouding us in low lighting and privacy, a deadly combination with the man seated in front of me.

“They don’t have chicken tenders for you, but I can ask for the kid’s menu.” Liam beams at me.

I softly kick his leg under the table, making him laugh. “As tempting as that sounds, I’ll pass. I was thinking about a salad because I’m trying to watch my figure. You?”

“What?” He barely hides his distaste.

“I’m joking. No need to look like I asked you to retire from racing.”

Liam rubs his stubbled chin. “I would’ve been disappointed. Here I thought you were perfect, but then you’d ruin it with ordering a salad when they have steak on the menu. With me paying, I thought you’d consider ordering a fifty-dollar plate to give me a run for my money.”

“You think I’m perfect?” I put down my menu and stare into his eyes.

His bright smile hits me straight in the chest, my heartbeat quickening while blood rushes toward my cheeks. “More like someone sent from the gates of heaven to tempt me,” he grumbles under his breath, low enough for only me to hear.

“Don’t let anyone in on my secret. I’m trying to hide in plain sight.” I sip wine to give my hands something to do.

“You can’t hide from me, no matter how hard you try, but obviously, you enjoy the chase. Good thing for us, I don’t mind our company tonight because I told Jax to distract Maya. A double date can’t ruin what I have planned for us.” He speaks with the utmost confidence.

I engage in diversions fit for war, pulling Maya into a conversation despite Liam’s attempts to have Jax occupy her. That’s how it is between Liam and me. A battle of wills, of two headstrong people fighting for control of one another.

Liam whispers wicked things in my ear all night whenever he can. The way Maya glances at us with sweet eyes makes me think he looks adorable. But no, Liam isn’t one for cuteness.

Everything is going fine until the double date becomes some weird pissing contest between Jax and Noah, who randomly joins us before our food comes out. Noah pulls up a chair, acting wounded about not being invited. I have a feeling his appearance has everything to do with my Spanish amiga here who keeps blushing and hiding behind her menu.

I can’t help feeling a sense of relief when Noah crashes the date despite how Liam’s jaw ticks whenever he looks at Noah. Maya’s frazzled state amuses me until she spills her glass of water, the cold liquid pouring all over Jax. Her clumsiness distracts the three of them and gives Liam full access to me.

Liam closes the distance, occupying my personal space, the smell of him invading my brain. I fan my face with a menu the waiter left behind.

“Are you hot? I can ask them to lower the thermostat?” Liam’s mischievous grin screams everything but kind and thoughtful.

I pull my glass of water to my lips, eager to cool down.

“Did you buy a vibrator yet? If not, I thought about having a company create a copy of my dick for you. I googled it and found a website that seems legit. You can even pick the color, although I’m partial to Caribbean blue.”

I choke on my water. My eyes cloud as I fight for air, all while Liam stares at me, his eyes darkening and his grin expanding.

“Who invents these types of things, and why are you even googling this in the first place?”

He places a hand against his heart. “I’m committed to helping you. Count it as my good deed for the year, a noble cause in the name of helping you live a little.”

“And your plan somehow includes a replica of your cock?” My eyes bulge.

He winks. “As much as I love hearing that word from your mouth, behave for our guests.”

My cheeks flame at the reminder of Maya, Jax, and Noah sitting less than a yard away. “I’d end up selling your little toy on eBay and cashing out.”

“I can assure you it would be anything but little. But why don’t you find out for yourself? You do have a love for thorough research.”

I scoff, hiding how much his words affect me.

He dares to put his arms up, attempting to look innocent, his eyes twinkling under the faint lighting of the restaurant. “I didn’t create the list. I’m only trying to help you complete the items.”

“Next, you’re going to offer to help me use your big toy.” I use my thumb and index finger to show an invisible gap of about three inches.

“Is that option on the table?”

I smack him with my cloth napkin. “No. Neither is a 3D copy of your cock. Keep that to yourself because that’s even worse than a dick pic.”

“You haven’t been getting the right kind of dick pics if that’s your thought on them.”

What kind does he send to random women in the middle of the night?

His hand grasps mine, sending a current of energy up my arm, some foreign sensation I frown at. I’m scared of how other things would feel with him if this is how my body responds to hand-holding.

I blame the fact that I’ve had all but three partners who, when combined, don’t have nearly half the sexual energy Liam gives off. It oozes out of him, all baby blues and ridiculous one-liners. Not to mention a six-pack I may or may not have checked out on the internet. He even smells fantastic. Men like Liam lure you in for a night and next thing you know, you’re so fucked you don’t know which way is up.

I stare at our joined hands, trying to understand the connection between us. It must be the confidence Liam exudes. It’s such a different experience when compared to the guys I’ve been around before, with those sexual encounters being subpar at best.

I somehow break away from his hold, dropping back into the group’s conversations. Liam lets me get away with avoiding one-on-one conversations for the rest of the night. Like the gentleman he pretends to be, he pays for dinner, putting an end to our bizarre date.

Outside of the restaurant, I strategically insert myself into Noah’s offer to take Maya back to the Bandini team’s hotel. Liam doesn’t look the least bit pleased based on the clenching of his jaw and the way his eyes narrow at his fuckboy friend.

You win some, you lose some. And I don’t want to be the one to lose anything.

The car ride back with Noah and Maya is filled with sexual tension, with me unable to escape them since my body is wedged between them.

I decide to break the awkward silence after a few minutes. “Did you know some versions of paella include mussels in them? Remind me to order mine without them when we have dinner tomorrow.”

“Hmm.” Maya stares out the window, leaving no room for a back and forth. No worries, I can talk enough for the two of us.

“And we can visit the beach while the guys practice tomorrow. What do you say? Me, you, sangria, and shirtless Spanish boys?”

Noah turns his head toward me. His deep blue eyes assess me before moving onto Maya, lingering on her face. “Just what she needs. More men hanging around her, wanting to fuck around.”

Alrighty then. I’ll take Sore Subject for two hundred, please.

Maya turns toward me and mouths a silent apology. I instantly regret joining these two for a car ride because the whole situation is awkward as fuck. My lips remain sealed for the rest of the trip, no longer in the mood to deal with a brooding Noah.

Once we arrive at the hotel, I crawl over Maya’s lap, desperate to get out of the backseat as soon as the driver parks the town car. Their kind of sexual tension makes it difficult to breathe without a rescue inhaler.

“See you later, Maya. And Noah, grow a pair or drop the grumpy attitude.” I throw them a peace sign for good effort, hoping to send some positive Gandhi vibes their way.

My plain hotel room greets me. I unlace my sneakers and tug them off, abandoning them at the entryway. A knock at the door surprises me. Maybe Maya left something in my room earlier?

I open the door without checking the peephole. “You should fuck Noah and get it over—” Nope. Definitely not Maya. The same blue eyes I spent the night staring into look back at me.

Liam’s smile makes my insides feel mushy and hot, a simple look disarming me. “Tempting, but I’d rather not.”

“I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess you paid the concierge to find out my room number.”

“Not to creep you out, but it was almost too easy to get your information.” He leans against the doorframe.

“If the concierge was a woman then that would explain it.” My eyes linger on his face, memorizing his soft-looking lips surrounded by weeks-old stubble. He has a faint scar running down one of his eyebrows, another hint of his mischievous past. He’s a knockout in every sense of the word—in looks, in personality, and in knocking the air out of my lungs.

“Are you going to keep staring or are you going to invite me in?” His husky laugh sparks some functioning brain cells.

“I like you right where you are.”

Letting Liam into my room would be the worst idea of all ideas. No matter how much my body wants me to say yes, my mind wins, solidifying my defenses.

He sends me an irresistible cocky grin. “I’d like you much more in bed, but I can compromise.”

My jaw pops open.

He doesn’t give me a chance to speak, thank God because I don’t know how to respond. “I didn’t like how tonight ended.”

“So, you decided to come here because…?” My eyebrows lift.

“We have to plan a redo of our date.”

“Yeah, that’s not happening.”

“If you don’t, then I get to choose something from your list.” He dares to smirk at me, the creator of said list.

“Also not happening. Pretend the list never existed.” I cross my arms.

He steps toward me. “Impossible.”

“I’m sure you’re bound to move onto something more entertaining soon enough. Men tend to have limited attention spans.”

“You’re such a naughty girl when you want to be.”

“How do you make something innocent sound sexual?” I stare into his beautiful eyes, framed with dark lashes that put women’s falsies to shame. His eyes remain focused on my lips.

“Add it to my list of talents. You know, all three of them.”

Whoa. He remembers how I told him he had two talents three years ago? His attention to detail catches me off guard. Enough so, that Liam surprisingly tugs me into his body as one of his hands wraps around the base of my neck. His thumb rubs against the sensitive skin there, making my skin pebble.

He leans forward, closing his eyes, while mine remain wide open and not ready.

“Wait.” My hands push against his chest. His eyes snap open, his lips agape.

I pull out the power card, ready to slap a label on our attraction that no guy likes to hear. At least not a man who offers to make me a custom vibrator and looks at me like he wants to taste me, fuck me, and mark me for the night.

“I want to be friends. Just friends.” Words pour from my mouth as defenses get thrown up left and right, protecting me from the one person I can’t control.

Liam hits me with a pained look, his eyes wide as they flash with an unknown emotion. His body stills as he catches his breath. Weird. He leans in once more as his thumb brushes across my neck. His refreshing smell overwhelms me, playing with my senses and my mental control.

I pull my hands away from his warm chest. He plants a kiss on the top of my head, his lips pressing a second longer than necessary. Two whole seconds leave my body buzzing and my head swimming. My heart squeezes at the tender notion, unable to believe someone like him is capable of something like that.

“If that’s what makes you happy. I can be friends.” He hesitates on the last word.

“I hope so because I’m not going anywhere, and you don’t want to make things weird between us. You have enough haters this season.” I smile up at him.

I can’t help questioning why his eyes look sad. He pulls away from the door, his fists tightening at his sides.

“Have a good night, Sophie. Thanks for a night I’ll never forget.”

You and me both.

He recovers from his odd behavior, sending me a signature wink over his shoulder before he enters a waiting elevator. I let out a sigh as he disappears behind closed doors, sealing me off from the seduction trap that is Liam Zander. I may be willing to compromise on my list, but I can’t with my heart.