The question hung between them.
The rippling water became still.
Even the forest itself seemed to hold its breath.
And for the first time since they had met…
Tatiana waited, completely vulnerable, for his answer.
Liam was completely speechless.
For a few long seconds, he simply looked at Tatiana without saying anything. The question had caught him so off guard that his mind had gone completely blank. He had expected many things when she walked into the pond after him. He had expected awkwardness, embarrassment, maybe even another one of her playful remarks. This, however… this was the last thing he had prepared himself for.
He let out a slow breath before scratching the back of his damp white hair.
"…Do I like you… how?"
His voice was calm, but there was genuine uncertainty behind it.
"I just want to make sure I don't answer the wrong question."
Tatiana's heart pounded against her chest.
She had already crossed the point of no return.
