**XLV: Blake**
Blake took a deep breath as she stepped out of the elevator onto Liam’s floor. She’d been here before, but…
Blake took another deep breath, turning down the hall toward Liam’s door. As she walked, she tried to ignore her stomach as it flipflopped around.
*I don’t have anything to be nervous about. This is Liam. He was my friend first. He liked me enough to hang out with me when I made it clear there was zero chance of anything sexual happening. That means he’ll want me, right? He won’t reject me?*
Blake had to swallow the lump that formed in her throat at that last thought. She stopped in front of Liam’s door, just staring at it for a moment before she raised a trembling hand and knocked on the door.
*Fuck, even my stupid knock is nervous.*
Blake heard some muffled talking from inside, then a call of “It’s open!”
Frowning—she didn’t think that was Liam’s voice—Blake twisted the doorknob. She hesitated, taking another deep breath before pushing into the room.