”You wish,”Liam chuckled before taking another turn.

Ying Sheng leaned closer to peer out of the windshield, her eyes steadily widening at the sight of a park up ahead with a parking lot full of different kinds of food trucks, along with tables to sit and eat at. String lights adorned the top of the food trucks, making them glow through the darkness.

”No way,” she murmured as she turned to look at Liam in shock. She never would’ve guessed this.

”Pretty cool, huh?” Liam asked her as he pulled into a parking spot near a few other cars. He flashed her a grin before heading out of the car and then going over to her side to open her door for her.

”It’s amazing,” Ying Sheng told him sincerely as she stepped out and gazed around at the area. Even the park was lit up with lights that were strung from the trees over the walking path. It was romantic and fun all at the same time, and she had to hand it to him that he had done a great job planning this out.

Liam gently took her hand, a light dash of red adorning his face as he looked over at her.

Ying Sheng gave his hand a squeeze, letting him know that she was ready for their date to begin. The thought of that almost stole her breath away, but she recaptured it. When he started moving, she walked at his side, feeling excitement swell inside of her chest as she looked at the six food trucks parked in front of them.

”I don’t even know where to begin,” she admitted within a laugh. She saw food trucks with Puerto Rican, Japanese, Italian, and Dominican cuisine, while the other two served juices, smoothies, and ice cream. All of it sounded good right now, and she was starving.

”Let’s find an appetizer,” Liam suggested as he led her in front of the food trucks so that they could glance over the menus that were posted near the ordering window.

After looking around for a few minutes and discussing what would be a good starter for them to share, they decided on splitting papas locas from the Puerto Rican food truck. Ying Sheng had a bounce to her step as she carried the black to-go box to one of the empty picnic tables. She sat across from Liam and opened the box up, an excited sound breaking from her at the sight.

The box was full of French fries that were topped with cheese, grilled onions, mayonnaise, ketchup, and pork. The aroma was bold and savory, prompting Ying Sheng to take her fork and pick up a few fries to bite into.

Liam followed suit, scooping up all of the flavors and chewing steadily as he took them in. His eyes gradually widened in awe.

”Wow, that’s really good,” he chuckled before digging back into the box with his fork.

”That totally puts chili cheese fries to shame,” Ying Sheng agreed as she jabbed at a few more fries to pick them up with her fork. They ate out a lot together, but they typically ate at the same places most of the time. They only ventured out to try new things every once in awhile, and she was glad that they went outside of the norm tonight or she never would’ve discovered these.

”Right?” Liam commented, sharing a smile with her from across the table.

Ying Sheng knew that they were on their first date, but it honestly felt like any other fun night with him. She was already so comfortable with him, and one of the only things that would change between them was the physical aspect of their relationship.

When people were in a romantic relationship instead of just a friendship, things got more intimate between them. The thought made heat flush all through her body. She figured that would be one of the tests to see if they would be any good together. Intimacy was important, and she hoped that they would click as well as they did mentally. However, all that would take place later. They were taking things slow for now.

”So, when did you start liking me?” Ying Sheng asked him within a light laugh, knowing the question would make him blush.

Liam playfully groaned and threw his head back before shaking it. He smiled bashfully as he stared down into the steadily emptying to-go box.

”Not too long after we met. There’s just… something about you,” Liam murmured, the last few words sounding like a mumble as he grew shy.

Ying Sheng felt warmth bloom in her chest at his words. She wasn’t used to such sincere compliments. Her ex-boyfriends told her she was hot and looked good in a skirt, but those weren’t compliments. They were attempts to get her in their bed. She certainly didn’t receive any high praise from her parents, so Liam’s words meant more to her than she could properly explain.

”I’ve always thought you were cute. When we started living together and I really got to know you even more, I realized that you were one of the best people I’ve ever met,” Ying Sheng told him, wanting to be honest about that.

She kept things from him, but she wanted him to know how she saw him and that he meant a lot to her. He wasn’t just a roommate or a friend. He felt like so much more to her, which was why she wanted to try this date out. Maybe there could be more to them.

Liam rested his cheek against his hand as he smiled into his palm.

”Damn, you’re making me feel like the girl on this date,” he chuckled.

”Guys deserve to be fawned over too,” Ying Sheng pointed out before popping the last few fries in her mouth. She wiped her hands off on a napkin before gathering the trash and standing up. “Main course? I mean… I’m already looking at one…”

Liam scoffed at her playfully as he stood from the table and joined her side. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, her hip bumping against his.

”Your appetite doesn’t come anywhere close to mine,” he murmured in a low voice.

Ying Sheng was sure that her eyes grew into huge circles as she stared at him, feeling surprised at his boldness. It was new… and pretty sexy. She knew that he was a virgin, but she had this whisper in the back of her mind that told her that he would treat her right in bed. He seemed like a giver, but she was too.

An amused laugh then broke from Liam as he switched to his usual demeanor. He motioned for her to follow him toward the food trucks so that they could pick something else to eat next.

Ying Sheng followed along quietly, willing herself to get herself under control. Those things came later, but she couldn’t help but think about getting tangled up in the sheets with him. He was alluring in unexpected ways, ones that struck her harder than what she was used to.

She wasn’t sure why yet. Maybe it was because she never expected this to happen or because he seemed so innocent. Regardless, she’d have her eyes on him all night, while struggling to keep her hands off of him for now.