Midnight Desires

I arrived in the late afternoon, when the house still held the day’s heat and the air smelled faintly of citrus cleaner and something baked hours ago and forgotten. I was getting depressed at home after several college applications came out negative and my sister invited me to spend some time with her in New York. I was excited, I'd be leaving home for a while and I could use a change of environment to think things over.

My sister opened the door with her arms already out, smiling in that relieved way people do when help has arrived disguised as family.

"Lily, darling! You're finally here!"

I embraced my sister tightly, feeling a hint of comfort in her familiar embrace. "Hi,Ella. This place is fabulous."

"Wait until you see the inside." Ella said, beaming with pride. "You know my husband has exquisite taste.”

“Come on, Ella. I know it's actually your taste.” I teased her.

Ella led me into the house, and I must confess, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the interior: the ceiling was so high above my head, marble floors, nice furnishings just about everywhere. It was as if I had stepped right into some magazine spread.

"Lily, welcome to my little comfort zone." Ella said, spreading her arms wide. "Make yourself comfortable. Liam went on a business trip but he should be home today or tomorrow."

I nodded, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. I explored the house my sister had just called little, marveling at the luxurious amenities. The pool, the home theater, the dining area and even the kitchen it was all so overwhelming.

My sister showed me a new bedroom, a spacious suite with a king-sized bed, a walk-in closet, and a private bathroom that was bigger than her old bedroom. She said it was my bedroom while I was there. And then she left.

I was unpacking my suitcase when I heard my sister's voice, then another voice. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized Liam's voice. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for our first, maybe second meeting. I had seen pictures of him, and I knew he was handsome and successful. When my sister got married, I was sick with chicken pox, so I wasn't allowed to attend the wedding. I joined online.

It's been two years, yet I wasn't prepared to meet him in person.

“Is our holiday baby around?” Liam asked

"Lily?" Ella called from downstairs. "Liam's home. Come down and meet him."

I took a deep breath as my heart skipped a beat. "I'm coming!" I called back, trying to steady the nerves that suddenly fluttered in my chest. I had no idea why I was feeling so anxious and tried to push that aside as I slipped my sandals on and headed downstairs.

I stood in front of the mirror, running my fingers through my long blonde hair. I don't understand why I was so concerned about my looks as I smoothed down the fabric of my dress, adjusting the neckline so that it showed just a hint of my cleavage. The dress was simple but fitted in all the right places, hugging my waist and flaring out slightly at the hips.

As I descended the stairs, my eyes fell upon him. Liam stood at the base of the staircase, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his tailored pants. He wore a sleek, blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing his toned forearms. He exuded confidence, the kind of presence that made it impossible not to notice him.

When our eyes met, a jolt of electricity shot through me,making my heart pound harder in my chest.

Liam Hemsworth was even more handsome in person. His eyes were a piercing blue, framed by dark lashes. His jaw was strong and chiseled, and his lips were full and inviting. He was dressed in a tailored suit that hugged his muscular frame, exuding an air of power and confidence.

"Lily, darling, this is Liam, my husband," Julie said with a warm smile. “ I know this is your first physical meeting.”

Without waiting for her to finish, Liam extended his hand, his eyes locked onto mine "Lily, such a beautiful name." He greeted, his voice deep and smooth like velvet. "It's good to finally meet you.

I swallowed, suddenly aware of how close he was. "Hi, Mr. Liam." I replied, trying to sound composed. Somehow, my voice betrayed me, it came out softer than I intended, and almost breathless.

I noticed his grip was firm, his hand warm and strong. He held onto my hand for a moment longer than necessary, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, and I quickly pulled my hand away, breaking the intense gaze.

"I have heard so much about you from your sister." He continued, his gaze lingering on me with an intensity that made my cheeks flush a little. "I hope you'll enjoy your holiday and feel at home here."

"I'm sure I will." I murmured, the words devoid of emotion in my race to stem the stormy tide of my emotions. His eyes did a slow travel over me, his gaze lingering just a few seconds on the curve of my hips, the swell of my chest. A flicker of something dark crossed his expression, and it was gone in an instant.