Chapter 22 Kiss or Not
Feigning calm, she shuffled back toward the bedroom.
She hurriedly texted Claire.
Emma: \[What should I do? He overheard our conversation.\]
Claire: \[Just kiss him. No words.\]
Kiss? Will it work?
Emma swallowed hard; her pulse spiked as there was a knock on the door.
She patted her cheeks lightly to compose herself before opening the door.
“Hungry? Let’s go eat,” Liam said with a smile, standing in the doorway.
“Mm.” She murmured.
He turned toward the door.
She stepped forward, hesitated, then slid her fingers into his large hand.
He slipped their joined hands into his coat pocket and held them there, firm and possessive.
The warmth crept into her mind, defeating the cold.
Liam rented a car; the agent left right after handing over the keys.
Only after he settled Emma into the passenger seat did he release her hand.
The car’s warm air filled the cabin, casting a faint blush upon her cheeks.
The ride passed in silence.
“Where are we going to eat?” Emma asked as the car stopped at the parking lot.
“You’ll find out soon,” he said before getting out of the car.
She tried to unbuckle her seatbelt, but it wouldn’t budge.
The passenger door swung open, letting in a blast of bitter cold.
“It’s stuck,” she called him back, looking at him helplessly.
Liam paused, propping himself on the doorframe with one arm as he leaned over to fiddle with the buckle.
She held her breath as Kiss or not? flashed through her mind.
Just as she hesitated, the buckle released.
“Alright…” He started to stand, but she caught his arm.
He turned his head; their gazes locked. Their mingled breaths seemed to make the air itself sizzle.
Without hesitation, she raised her hand to cover his eyes and leaned in. Her lips claimed his instantly.
Liam froze. His throat moved as his scorching breath brushed her neck; his grip on the car door tightened.
Before he could fully savour it, she gently pushed him away.
He stepped back obediently, watching her get out of the car.
They fell into an unspoken silence.
Liam put his arm around her shoulder, leading her toward a nearby alley.
They stopped in front of a restaurant.
“Two people, please. Thank you,” he said in the local language.
“Ok!” The waiter led them to a seat.
“Can you speak the local language?” Emma was a bit surprised.
“No, I just picked up a few phrases.”
“So that we won’t be fooled.” She smiled and asked, “How did you find this place?”
“My mother said she and your mother often came here.” He slid the neatly arranged cutlery toward her.
“Oh.” She nodded.
He ordered dishes that she loved. She couldn’t help but wonder if he’d asked Ryan about her preferences.
She texted Ryan: \[How much is the boss paying you?\]
Ryan replied instantly: \[Texting other men during a date? Did Mr. Hayes fail to take care of you?\]
Emma: \[Bastard!\]
Ryan: \[Sorry, Emma.\]
Throughout the meal, she had little appetite. Whether from jet lag or nerves, she felt drained and weary.
Most of the bread that Liam had dipped for her remained untouched, and he finished it all without hesitation.
After the meal, they spent a long time browsing the mall while the weather lashed outside.
“You don’t look well,” Liam remarked, tightening his arm around her shoulders slightly.
“My stomach hurts a little,” she murmured, turning her head to nuzzle his chest gently.
He looked down at her docile expression and chuckled before opening his coat to wrap her in its warmth.
She was utterly immersed in this tenderness.
They returned to the hotel very late.
Emma took a shower first, then lay down on the bed.
By the time he emerged from the bathroom, she was already asleep.
He sat quietly by the bedside, watching her sleep.
Just then, her phone rang.
He picked up the phone to check. It was an unknown number.
The phone vibrated again. He stepped out onto the balcony, slid the door shut behind him, and answered it.
“Don’t hang up! Emma.” Ben’s voice came through.
Liam’s lips curved slightly as he remained silent.
“I’m so sorry about that night. I was drunk. I’ve already paid for it!” Ben continued; his voice trembled slightly. “I’ve cut off all contact with Chloe. I don’t care what happens between you and Liam. Can you come back to me? Emma.”
“Ben,” Liam spoke up.
“Who are you? Where’s Emma? Why?” Ben asked and gasped at the sound, jolting upright in bed.
“She’s tired. She just fell asleep,” Liam cut him off.
“Who are you? What’s your relationship with her? Emma never lets anyone in her bedroom!”
“Ben! Are you contacting that bitch again?”
The sound of hurried high heels echoed through the confined space.
“Oh God! The wound has reopened…”
“Doctor! Doctor…”
Chaos erupted on the other line.
“Do you want to know?” Liam replied calmly as he turned back indoors.
“Shut up!” Ben barked, instantly silencing the chaos.
Liam placed the phone on the nightstand without hanging up.
Leaning over the sleeping woman, he gently caressed her face with his large hand and whispered, “Emma…”
“Mmm…” came her drowsy response.
That single syllable caused Ben’s held-back tears to spill instantly.
Liam’s lips claimed hers as Emma slowly opened her eyes.
“Mmm…” Immediately, Ben’s phone echoed with Emma’s soft moans.
Liam glanced at the phone, which was still connected.
His hand settled at the nape of her neck, deepening the kiss.
Before Emma could fully process it, heat flooded her, and she melted helplessly into his kiss and the steady strength of his body.
His palm began to wander beneath the covers.
“…Mmm… Don’t…”
She grasped his hand under the sheets.
“Mmm…”
Liam’s hoarse breathing echoed through the receiver.
Ben trembled as he hung up, his fingers turning white around the phone.
Unable to imagine her engaging in physical intimacy with another man, he broke down completely. He clenched his teeth and hurled the phone against the wall. It shattered upon impact.