Euphoria

Chapter 26 - The muse

"Liam... stop..." I warned him nervously. I didn't want to think what would happen if someone saw us like this.

"Hmm..." Liam mumbled, still kissing my neck, and started caressing me.

"Aurora?" I pushed Liam away in panic as I heard Serena's voice.

"What are we going to do now?" I asked anxiously.

"Don't worry. She won't come here."

"Aurora? Are you in the kitchen?"

"Shit!" I exclaimed, panicked, bending down, and hid behind the counter as I heard her footsteps.

"Liam? What are you doing here?" Serena asked, surprised as she walked into the kitchen.

"Umm... Hi, Mom." Liam mumbled nervously. "I wanted to make a surprise."

"Glad you are here. Moreover, you can help Aurora and me with the organization of the fashion show. I am confused which concept between two options will be more suitable." Serena said happily.

"Sure, Mom. And where is Aurora?" Liam asked and gave me a mischievous look. I gave him a dirty look.

What was he trying to do? To get us caught?

"I don't know. I was looking for her. Her phone was ringing. And what are you doing here?" She asked puzzled.

"Umm... Drinking water." Liam replied, giving her a nervous smile. When I heard Serena's footsteps, my heart started beating faster and faster. "Mom! Let's go. Probably, Aurora is in the bathroom. Show me the concepts before she is back." Liam added, panicked and rushed towards her, stopping her before she could see me.

I breathed deeply in relief and straightened as Liam and Serena walked out of the kitchen. I took a few sips from my water, trying to calm down.

When I went back to the garden, Liam gave me a mischievous smirk.

"Oh, you are here." Serena gave me a bright smile. "Liam will help us with the concept." She added, excited.

"Hi." I greeted Liam and sat down on the seat opposite of Liam.

"Hey!" Liam gave me a charming smile.

After deciding the concept and checking the other details, I stood up, grabbing my stuff.

"I will leave now then. See you tomorrow."

"Stay for the dinner." Serena suggested warmly.

"Thank you, but I have to leave. Maybe another time." I gave her an apologetic look.

"I will drop you off." Liam suggested as he stood up.

"Won't you stay for dinner? You father will arrive soon." Serena asked hopefully.

"No, I have plans. I am meeting up with Kayden." Liam refused and placed a soft kiss on Serena's cheek. "See you later."

"Take care!"

***

"You owe me." Liam commented cockily and winked at me playfully as he started the car.

"What?" I asked, raising my eyebrow.

"I saved you from getting busted by my mother in the kitchen." He replied arrogantly.

"You mean us?!" I reminded him firmly.

"Nope, I mean you. I don't have any problem to tell my family about our relationship."

"Liam... I..."

"I know you are not ready to tell my mother." He cut me off and sighed sadly. "I don't pressure you. I just tell you the facts. So you owe me. You will help me in exchange for my help." He winked at me playfully.

I raised my eyebrow and said curiously. "My help?"

"Yes, with the exhibition." He replied as he stopped at the red light.

"What?" I asked, excited and gave him a wide grin.

"One of my friend's fathers has an art gallery. When he saw my paintings, he told my friend that he wanted to meet me and suggest me to exhibit my art in his gallery. And I accepted because my muse told me that I should show my art."

"I am so happy for you, Liam." I said honestly and hugged him cheerfully. He chuckled in amusement and hugged me back. "Everyone will love your paintings." I commented in excitement.

"So will you help me to choose the paintings for the exhibition?" He asked as he started the car.

"Of course." I gave him a wide grin. He beamed at me, grabbing my hand, and placed our entwined hands on his lap.

***

I was sipping my champagne while looking at Liam from a far. Today was the big day. A lot of people came to see Liam's paintings, and all of them praised his talent. Almost all his paintings were sold. I was so proud of him. Moreover, this day was so special to me because we chose the paintings which would be exhibited here together, and I shared his excitement and nervousness about today.

When I finally saw him alone, I approached him. As soon as Liam noticed me, he gave me a warm smile.

"I was dying to approach you." He confessed, giving me a boyish smile.