Chapter 23: A Taste of Nostalgia

"Then let's get beef noodles," Liam suggested casually, his tone as steady as ever.

Allie glanced at him, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. “Are you serious? It’s a college hangout. We’re going to stand out looking like this.”

Liam’s response was a simple, knowing smile. “Lead the way.”

Resigned, Allie directed him to a nearby food court. As the car rolled to a stop, her apprehension grew. Dressed in their formal attire, they were bound to draw attention.

She turned to Liam. “Wait here. I’ll grab the food and be back.”

Before he could object, she slipped out of the car.

A few minutes later, Allie returned, her arms laden with two casual sweaters she’d picked up from a small shop nearby.

“These should help us blend in. Plus, it’s chilly outside.”

Liam unfolded the sweaters, his lips curling into an amused smile. “Couples' sweaters, huh?”

Allie froze. She hadn’t realized the sweaters were identical until now. Same color, same pattern—a glaringly obvious matching set. Flustered, she avoided his gaze. “It’s all they had. Just put it on already.”

Chuckling softly, Liam leaned back in the driver’s seat, unbuttoning his shirt with an effortless confidence that caught Allie off guard. She found herself watching, unable to look away as his movements exuded an understated elegance.

“Enjoying the view?” he teased without looking up.

Her face flushed crimson. “I-I wasn’t—” She turned sharply, fumbling with her own outfit.

Liam’s grin widened as he finished changing. “Your turn,” he said, gesturing for her to hurry.

“Turn around,” she demanded, clutching the sweater to her chest.

His expression was a mixture of amusement and defiance. “You didn’t exactly extend me the same courtesy earlier.

Besides,” his voice dropped to a teasing murmur, “it’s not like I haven’t seen every inch of you before.”

Allie’s blush deepened. “That’s not the same, and you know it!”

With a playful shrug, Liam turned his back, though his reflection in the car window betrayed the smirk lingering on his face.

Allie struggled to undo the buttons of her fitted dress, her fingers trembling with frustration. After a few futile attempts, she huffed in annoyance.

“Need a hand?” Liam’s voice came from behind, smooth and confident.

Defeated, Allie sighed. “Fine. Just… don’t make it weird.”

Liam moved closer, his presence overwhelming in the confined space. As he unfastened the buttons, his hand lingered, sliding around her waist. Before she could react, he spun her gently to face him, his eyes locking onto hers.

“Liam—” Her protest was cut off as he leaned in, his lips claiming hers in a kiss that stole her breath and scrambled her thoughts.

By the time he pulled away, Allie was left dazed, her pulse racing.

“There. All done,” Liam said, his voice low and steady, though his smirk hinted at his enjoyment of her flustered state.

Allie’s brain finally caught up, and she glared at him. “You’re impossible.”

“You’re adorable when you’re angry,” he replied smoothly, stepping back with a satisfied grin.

She quickly finished changing into the sweater, avoiding his amused gaze. But his eyes never left her, a playful glint shining through as he watched her every move.

“All done?” he asked, leaning casually against the car door.

“Yes. Can we go now?” she snapped, her embarrassment morphing into irritation.

He shrugged, his smirk never fading. “Lead the way, partner.”

 

* * * * * * * *

 

The two stepped out of the car.

Allie Brooks couldn't help but glance at Liam Hart. He was always immaculately dressed, as if he lived in a world untouched by the chaos of ordinary life. But now, in a casual sports sweater with a cartoon graphic splashed across the front, he looked entirely different.

For the first time, Liam didn’t seem like the polished man perched on some unreachable pedestal. Instead, there was something disarmingly approachable about him, as if he'd finally stepped into the real world.

Liam caught Allie's lingering gaze and smirked. “Why the long stare? Do I look terrible?”

Allie quickly shook her head. “No, no. You look... good. It suits you. Makes you look younger, actually.”

“Are you implying I normally look old?” he shot back with a teasing edge.

This man! He always had to twist her words.

“Do you want beef noodles or not?” Allie huffed, spinning on her heels before he could say another word. She darted into the bustling food court like a deer escaping into the woods.

The air was alive with the clinking of dishes, sizzling grills, and the intoxicating aroma of cumin and grilled meat. String lights crisscrossed overhead, casting a warm, golden glow.

Allie found her way to a modest stall tucked in the corner. The sign above read "Feng's Famous Beef Noodles."

Sliding into a seat at one of the small wooden tables, she gestured for Liam to join her.

He glanced around, amused. “Where’s the menu?”

Allie chuckled. “No menus here, city boy. Just trust me.” Turning her head, she called out, “Boss, two bowls of your signature beef noodles! Big portions!”

“Coming right up!” the shop owner called back, his hands a blur as he worked the dough.

When the steaming bowls arrived, Allie didn’t waste a second. She picked up her chopsticks and dove in, savoring a hearty mouthful. “Mmm, this is heaven,” she sighed. “The beef is tender, the broth is rich, and the noodles—perfection.

One bite of beef, one bite of noodles, and you're set!”

Liam, on the other hand, picked up his chopsticks with the kind of precision that made Allie roll her eyes. He placed a single piece of beef into his mouth, chewing slowly.

“Well?” she asked, leaning forward, her eyes sparkling with expectation.

“It’s... good,” he said after a moment, his tone nonchalant.

Allie clapped her hands together triumphantly. “See? You people who are used to fancy restaurants don’t know what you’re missing. Sometimes, street food hits differently.”

Liam gave her a look, his lips curving into a faint smile. “If you like it so much, we can come back here whenever you want.”

Her heart skipped a beat. The way he said it, soft and sincere, made her chest tighten.

To shake off the strange fluttering feeling, Allie quickly changed the subject. “Actually, I need your help with something.”

Liam arched an eyebrow, his expression shifting from amused to skeptical. “You don’t exactly sound confident. Asking for help without addressing me properly? Isn’t that a bit rude?”

Allie tilted her head, confused. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” he said with a smirk, “you haven’t even called me anything flattering yet. How can I take you seriously?”

She rolled her eyes but decided to play along. “Fine. Liam the Magnificent, Mr. Hart, oh Great and Handsome One…”

“Not good enough,” he interrupted, shaking his head.

Allie groaned. “Alright, what do you want me to call you?”

His smirk deepened as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing murmur. “Call me ‘husband.’ Let’s hear it.”

Her jaw dropped. “You can’t be serious!”

“Oh, I’m dead serious,” Liam replied, his tone a mix of challenge and mischief.

Allie felt the heat rush to her cheeks. “Why would I—”

He interrupted, his gaze unwavering. “Because if you want my help, that’s the price.”

Her breath caught in her throat, a thousand protests bubbling up inside her.