Sera loved her even more for her consideration and understanding. She’d been concerned Kathleen might have said she wasn't upset with her while in truth she was, but over the past three weeks, her best friend had shown no signs of resentment.
Sera returned her smile as she turned to scan the crowd again. She spotted Liam's dark head above the crowd as he wound his way toward them. Her heart immediately began to beat a little faster, and a small smile curved her mouth. She had spent every night of the past three weeks with him. They had spent a few nights hanging out in his room, watching movies, and talking. A few other nights were spent hanging out with Kathleen, Danielle, Mike, Jack, and Doug. Other times they had gone out to dinner, to the movies, and one ridiculous night of bowling where they both made fools of themselves and vowed never to do it again.
They went to parties, where every girl there hit on him, but he paid no attention to them as he stayed by her side, dancing with her, and never failing to make her feel as if she was the only woman in the room. He also never failed to make her feel safe and protected. When men leered at her and made rude comments, one look from him was enough to silence them, and send them on their way.
Sera had never been so happy in her life, never felt this secure. He never pressured her, never forced her to do anything she didn't want to. When she stiffened involuntarily, he comforted her. When panic seized her for no reason, he understood and helped to set her at ease.
She knew she was falling in love with him, and it scared the hell out of her. She hadn't thought it was possible to fall in love with someone in three weeks, but she knew now she was wrong. With each day that passed, she found herself increasingly scared of losing him. There was only so much a man could take before he got tired of being patient. Although he showed no signs of that happening, she was certain it was only a matter of time. She just hoped she could get over her apprehension by then.
He stepped out of the crowd, flashing his dazzling grin as he handed her a beer. Sera took it and sipped as she studied him through lowered lashes. "Hey guys," Jack greeted as he appeared at his side. "This place is a madhouse tonight!"
"That's for sure!" Kathleen agreed.
Jack was bumped forward causing beer to slosh out of his cup. "Hey, watch it!" he yelled over his shoulder before turning back to Liam. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Yeah," Liam replied. He turned back to Sera and kissed her. "I'll be right back."
She turned and followed Jack back into the crowd. "Well now, wasn't that sweet."
Sera turned at the voice in her ear. Michelle stood behind her, leaning casually against the wall as she surveyed her through narrowed eyes. Her long hair was loose and flowing around her elegant face. Despite the heat of the house, she somehow managed to look cool and refreshed.
Sera stared at her as she tried to sort through the jumbled rush of feelings rolling through her at the sight of Michelle. She hadn't seen her since the night she'd left her dorm room. She didn't know what to say to her now, or why Michelle suddenly seemed to hate her so much. She felt betrayed by her, and she was hurt, but she was also mad and getting madder.
"Hello, Michelle," she replied coldly.
"Haven't seen you around much." Nor had she attempted to either. Sera didn't say a word as Michelle casually brushed back a strand of hair. "You two make a cute couple," she purred.
"Don't they?" Kathleen inquired sweetly.
Michelle's eyes flashed to her as a cruel smile twisted her face. "You're a fool if you think he really likes you."
Sera's hand clenched on her cup. "I don't believe that's any of your business, Michelle."
"You're just pissed because he turned you down!" Kathleen retorted.
Michelle lifted her head haughtily as she tossed back her hair. "I wouldn't waste my time on someone like him."
"Oh, really, Michelle?" They all turned as Liam stepped beside Sera, his arm wrapped around her waist as he drew her against his side.
Michelle's eyes flashed angrily as she took in Liam. Kathleen snickered but hid her smile behind her hand. Danielle was frowning as she stood nearby. Liam's arm was like a steel trap around her waist. An odd sense of power radiated from him and frightened her. Sera's heart skipped a beat as his eyes landed on her. His face was pitiless, but there was a warmth in his gaze she knew was only for her.
"Hello, Liam," Michelle said calmly.
"Were you talking about me?" he inquired as he lifted his head to look at her.
Michelle raised her chin and stared back at him defiantly. "Yes."
He smiled at her, but there was no warmth in the gesture, or in his features. "Good, because I wouldn't waste my time on you either. So now that we're in agreement, don't you have somewhere else to be?"
The icy bitterness of his voice made the hair on Sera's arms stand up. "Yeah, I do," Michelle replied coldly.
"I would suggest going there."
Michelle glared at the two of them as she stormed past. Sera sighed as some of the tension eased from her body. Liam's arm around her waist loosened marginally, but he didn't release her.
"Want to dance?" he inquired.
She glanced back at the crowded floor. She hated the idea of pushing her way onto
