Thirty-Eight Days Read Online Free Page B

elevator, causing it to come to an abrupt stop; the lights dimmed. Fear and panic swept through Clara’s system; she was in an elevator that was stuck between floors.
    Liam turned to face her, a pleased smile developing on his face. He made her breathing hitch, and all she could do was look into those beautiful eyes of his.
    "So, next Saturday?" The lights had dimmed further, making it almost a black, confined space. She wasn't sure if she should say yes. Liam was attractive, but looks could only get him so far, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to put herself out there.
    "Hello, do you need the CFA called?" a voice blasted through the speakers. It had startled Clara and she watched a laugh slip from Liam's lips.
    The County Fire Authority… Oh, he thinks we need firefighters to rescue us.
    “We’re good in here, Frank. Accidently pressed the emergency button. I'll press it again and we should be right to go back," Liam said calmly, his eyes never leaving Clara’s. She shivered slightly.
    "Try not to press it again. It’s an emergency button for a reason." She heard the irritation in Frank’s voice. Liam gave Clara a shrug.
    "So what do you say, Saturday?" he asked again as his hazel eyes started to reflect gold specks under the dimmed lights. Clara blinked several times in hopes of focusing.
    "My brother's… Uhh, in town," she managed out, sounding like a blabbering fool.
    "So blow him off for the night."
    "Can't. He's only in town for a couple weeks, and I'd like to spend as much time as I can with him." Clara couldn't make up an excuse for the life of her. But she did lie to him about how long her brother was staying in Melbourne. If Liam knew the exact number of weeks, he’d most likely try again.
    However, if he had continued to press her, then she would be having dinner with him next Saturday. Liam said nothing as his jaw clenched and his nostrils flared. She watched as he closed his eyes and took in a breath of air, recovering from being shot down, before he relaxed his shoulders and pressed the emergency button. The elevator jolted as it came back to life. The lights had brightened, but didn't diminish the tension filling the small space.
    "That's okay. He’s important to you. I get it," Liam replied as the elevator opened to Clara’s floor.
    That was not the response I was expecting.
    She smiled at Liam, hoping she didn't bruise his ego in any way. Clara noticed that he looked more upbeat, and it puzzled her. Liam was only two years older than her, but she felt like he was beyond more than she could handle. Clara took a step out of the elevator and set foot on her floor. She could feel the warmth on her face. She was possibly as red as a chili.
    Temptation can get you burned.
    "Clara, wait!" Liam yelled out. She spun around to see a smile on his face and a glimmer in his eyes. His hands held the elevator doors so they wouldn't automatically close.
    "I won't give up, Clara. You will say yes to me someday," he replied with a smile and a wink. She watched as he pressed the close button on the lift, his eyes never leaving hers. When the doors closed she let out the breath she was holding.
    She finally knew why he was upbeat and had that glimmer in his eyes. Liam saw her as a challenge. He was determined to have her say yes ,but she wasn’t sure if Liam was after a one-night stand or something more. Clara pushed the thought aside; it was nothing to stress over. It wasn't like she was actually dating her neighbour. He was simply letting his message come across.

    Walking over to her kitchen cabinets, she pulled out a big pot and filled it with water. She added some oil and salt in before she sat it above the fire to boil. She took out the mince from the fridge and started to brown it for her spaghetti.
    Liam kept returning through her thoughts. He desired her and she desired him. Or did she? Maybe it was her want to be desired that made her want this attraction between them. An attraction was one thing, but a