Free Vivian's List (Vol. 1) by Haleigh Lovell Page B

fireplace.
    Hmm , I thought. Liam must have gone furniture shopping .
    I found him in the kitchen, busying himself over the stove.
    “Smells good.” I slipped off my sandals and walked barefoot into the kitchen. “What’cha got cooking over there?”
    “Lobster bisque,” he replied, not looking up from the pot he was stirring. “That’s the starter. I’ve also got some ravioli cooking on the stove and the chicken tarragon is warming up in the oven.”
    “Nice.” I pursed my lips and gave a crisp nod. “I’m impressed.”
    “So.” He eyed me quickly . “Did you go shopping?”
    I held up the bright pink Victoria’s Secret shopping bag for his inspection. “Mission accomplished.”
    “Good . Dinner should be ready in about thirty minutes,” he said brusquely.
    “Okay.” I started toward my bedroom and tossed a glance over my shoulder. “I’m gonna hop in the shower and um … put on these racy underthings.”
    “You do that.” His gaze lingered on me and he sent me a lazy smile that did strange things to my equilibrium.
    After a quick shower, and a twenty-minute battle with a blow dryer and a straightening iron, I stood in front of the mirror in my Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels bra and matching lace thong.
    The bra was a veil of ruby red lace with a down-to-there plunge front and a delicate diamanté charm at the center.
    I smoothed my hands over my hips and turned to the side, taking in my profile.
    I didn’t look like a Victoria’s Secret Angel. I looked devilishly sinful.
    That and I hadn’t counted on the arousing effect of wearing these lacy underthings.
    A burning heat rose to my cheeks and my nipples strained against the intricate lace cups.
    Right. I swallowed as twin bolts of panic and anticipation shot through me. Time to get dressed.
    Decisions. Decisions. I sighed as I stared into my closet. What should I wear?
    I didn’t want to appear like I was trying too hard so I slipped on a plain white cotton tee and paired it with a short denim skirt. I dressed slowly, trying my best to ignore the butterflies starting up in my stomach.
    A long glance in the full-length mirror, a quick flick of mascara and I was finally ready.
    I pulled in a deep , calming breath before striding out.
    “Hey.” Liam sent me a warm smile as I cut across the kitchen floor.
    “Hey.” I shoved my hands in my pockets and rocked back on my heels. “Need any help?”
    “Nope,” he said switching off the burner. “I’ve got it all under control.”
    I stood behind him, giving him a wide berth as he carried a pot of boiling hot water to the sink. He tipped the pot and poured out the contents into a stainless steel colander.
    “ Have a seat at the table,” he called over his shoulder.
    I did as I was instructed and Liam went about serving up dinner.
    “Careful.” He placed a bowl of lobster bisque in front of me. “It’s piping hot.”
    “You’re spoiling me here.” I smiled my delight. “Not that I’m complaining.”
    He headed back into the kitchen and emerged moments later with another steaming bowl of soup, a French baguette, and a bottle of wine.
    After setting the food on the table, h e poured wine into the two glasses and pushed one toward me. “You hungry?”
    “Ravenous. ” I picked up my wineglass and took a sip, feeling the tension in my shoulders slowly relaxing.
    Liam started slicing the French baguette. “It’s still warm,” he informed me. “Right out of the oven.”
    “Nice.” I sat back and admired the spread. “You’ve really gone out of your way.”
    “ Go on,” he prompted. “You can start.”
    I lifted the spoon to my mouth and slowly sipped on the bisque. The flavors were really bright, refreshing, and truly ballsy.
    “You like it ?” he asked as he sat down across from me.
    “ It’s delicious.” It was something to savor indeed. I found myself enjoying the flavors even more as they melded together. “Where’d you learn to cook like this?”
    “ Cooking