Chapter 37 Emma Kissed Him
“Not sure, but I guess I could try it.”
Liam nodded, carefully selected some fresh Brussels sprouts, and placed them in the cart.
With most of the shopping done, he pushed the cart over to the snack aisle.
“You also like snacks?” Emma asked.
“Stocking up for you. But don’t eat too much—it’s bad for your stomach,” he said.
Emma chuckled softly.
During payment, Emma pulled out her purse, and Liam snatched it away. He fished his supplementary card from it.
“Why not use my card?” He handed her the card back, then picked up the bags and left.
The cashier smirked.
Emma obediently followed behind him.
“It’s still early. Want to browse around?” Liam asked.
“Sure.” She stole a glance at him. “Maybe you should put the groceries in the car first. Can you handle them?”
“If I can’t handle them, how could I carry you later?”
“Maybe we should buy more,” she said with a smile.
They headed up to the fourth floor, which was mostly filled with boutiques.
“The brooch you gave me—you made that yourself, right?” Emma asked.
“Yeah.” Liam nodded.
“How did you make it?”
“It’s easy.”
“What about me? Easy to pursue?” she pressed.
She found a spot to sit down.
He set the bag aside, sat down beside her, and let his gaze linger on her high heels.
Noticing his gaze, she shifted her feet inward.
“That’s what’s underneath a lot of that, is I’m not enough,” he said. He knelt before her, cradling her left foot and slipping off her black high heel.
Startled, she tried to pull her foot back.
“Don’t move,” he said. He pinched her ankle through the sheer nude stockings and caught a glimpse of the vivid red toenail polish hidden beneath.
“Ooh…”
“Use some shoe stretch spray before putting on high heels, or they’ll rub.” He frowned as he saw a tiny trickle of blood seep from her ankle.
“How do you know that?” She watched him rub her ankle, showing no sign of disgust. A tingle ran from his fingertips.
Your ex-girlfriend truly trained you well.
“Wait here for me,” he said.
“Where are you going?”
“…”
She smiled softly and lifted her head slightly toward the corner where he’d turned. She accidentally met Ben’s gaze.
He was eating lunch by the upstairs dining room’s glass window, and across from him was Chloe.
Her pulse quickened as her eyes stung instantly.
Are they back together?
She looked away as Chloe followed his gaze and spotted her.
Chloe’s expression darkened instantly.
Emma bit her lip, enduring the moment until Liam appeared, jogging into her blurred vision.
He crouched down and swapped her high heels for the slippers.
“Won’t this make me look unprofessional?” she asked.
“Unsuitable shoes hurt your feet,” he replied, addressing the matter yet hinting at something deeper.
“Others don’t matter.” His tone was cool and detached.
She looked down at him, unable to read him.
“Liam.”
“Mm.”
He continued massaging her ankle as he lifted his gaze to meet hers.
The next moment, a familiar scent washed over him, and a soft warmth brushed his forehead.
She kissed him.
“Is this genuine or deliberate, Emma?” he asked with a smile.
“Which would you prefer?” she asked.
“Follow your own heart, Emma.” His answer surprised her.
Emma stood frozen for a long moment.
He stood up, holding the bag in one hand and hooking two fingers around her high heels.
His free hand reached out to her.
She took it without hesitation.
They looked perfectly matched—Ben watched from upstairs, completely lost in the moment.
⸻
In the underground parking garage, Emma slid into the passenger seat first. Liam stood a short distance away with his back to her, talking on the phone.
“What’s the situation with the Carters? Look into it.”
“No need… Still resisting? Hmph. Find an opportunity to handle it directly.”
“Got it.”
After hanging up, he withdrew his cold, sharp gaze and slid into the driver’s seat.
“If you’re busy, you don’t have to stay with me,” Emma said.
“I’m off today.”
“Oh.”
She pursed her lips, tempted to ask if he would be home tonight. But she held back.
Ding…
A message from David: Play ball tomorrow afternoon at Stellar Way Arena.
She didn’t reply, but instead stole a glance at Liam.
Will he stay tonight?
“Sorry about last night,” she said, fidgeting with her fingers.
“It’s fine. My oversight.”
“Work comes first.”
“You didn’t say that last night,” he chuckled.
…
Back at the villa, he hurried around the kitchen. He’d shed his suit jacket, revealing a black vest over a white shirt. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, exposing his prominent veins. The black apron tied over his tailored suit was surprisingly sexy.
“Black pepper or tomato sauce?” His voice echoed from the kitchen.
“Black pepper,” Emma replied, stealing glances at him.
“Come here,” Liam said.
“Okay.” Emma slipped off her coat, picked up a hair tie from the table, and bit it between her teeth. Then she headed toward the kitchen.
The hair tie pressed against the corner of her mouth, revealing a hint of her white teeth and the slight curve of her pink lips.
She extended her slender hand and gently gathered her hair into a ponytail, leaving a few strands to frame her ears.
Liam watched her, amazed by her beauty.
Emma caught his gaze fixed on her and quickly spoke up.
“It smells so good.”
“Sit.” He pulled out a chair for her and calmly brought out the already-sliced steak from the kitchen.
She picked up her fork, speared a piece of steak, and took a bite.
Her eyes lit up. “Not bad.”
“At what?” He took a leisurely bite, studying her intently.
She paused and said, “Your steak-frying technique is good.”
“If you’re interested in learning more, I’m also quite skilled in other areas,” he said casually.
“…”
“What would you like to eat tonight?”
“Can you cook everything?”
“Name it.”
“I’d like a Mediterranean-style baked eggplant casserole and some sour cream and dill poached salmon.”
“No problem.”
“Um, is there one bedroom in your house?” she asked.
Liam chuckled.
“Don’t you want to sleep with me?” he asked.