Chapter 40 Taking the Afternoon Off for You
“Don’t move. Let me hold you for a moment,” he murmured. His palm pressed against her lower back, and she could feel his warmth through the fabric.
She froze and swallowed hard as she heard his heavy breathing.
He must be exhausted.
Her heart raced as their ears brushed lightly together.
“Did something happen?” she asked, gently patting his back.
“Nothing,” he said.
“Then why…”
“I just missed you,” he replied.
“…”
Emma held her breath, frozen in place.
Just then, a knock sounded at the office door.
She tried to stand, but he pulled her closer.
“Come in,” he said, his voice slightly hoarse.
“Liam…” She tried to break free but failed.
“What?” he asked.
Frightened, Emma buried her face in his neck.
Thankfully, it was Anna delivering lunch. She set the tray down and left immediately.
⸻
The two started to have lunch.
“Are you free tonight?” Liam asked.
“Yes.”
“There’s something I need your help with.”
“What is it?”
“I need you to help fend off some admirers.”
“!” Emma nearly choked.
How could he have so many admirers? He is in the office all day!
“An uncle’s daughter invited me to the evening banquet. She used to cling to me constantly. Her mother also wants me to be with her,” Liam explained, waiting for her reaction.
“So, what are you planning to do?” she asked.
“Come with me tonight,” he said.
“Okay, sure.” She nodded.
He was surprised that she had agreed without hesitation.
“Then try on the dress later,” he said softly.
He had prepared several dresses in his small suite.
⸻
“Pick one you like.” He closed the door and sat nearby.
Emma emerged from the bathroom in the final gown, a plunging, strapless maxi. Her face flushed under his gaze.
Liam stared, somewhat dazed. He pressed his clenched fist against his forehead, urging himself to stay calm.
“Liam.”
“Mm.”
“My hair’s caught.” She tilted her head slightly.
Noticing something off, she asked, “What’s up?”
“Nothing.” His voice was low as he moved behind her.
He leaned down, his nose brushing her soft hair and catching a faint scent.
He swallowed hard and extended his hand to grasp the zipper carefully.
Their bodies pressed together, sending a subtle shiver through them.
Emma bit her lip as her back tingled.
“It hurts…” she murmured.
“I’m sorry…” he said hoarsely. “Sit down.”
She obediently sat on the edge of the bed.
The zipper slid down smoothly, and her hair swept forward. A chill swept over her back as her shoulder blades were fully exposed.
“Emma.”
“Mm.”
“I took the afternoon off for you,” he said.
“Why?” she asked, turning her head slightly.
A warm kiss landed on her shoulder as he pulled her into his embrace from behind.
“…” She felt a flutter of panic.
“I want…” he murmured, his kisses drifting gently from her shoulder to her earlobe.
His lips brushed her ear, and his warm breath tickled her neck.
“What do you want?”
Her voice trembled slightly, though she already knew the answer.
Liam chuckled, and the vibration against his chest made her heart race.
He said nothing, slowly sliding his hand up from her waist until it firmly cupped her breast. Though separated by fabric, his palm was scorching.
Emma sucked in a breath, her body tensing yet slowly softening under his gentle touch.
His kiss deepened, and his teeth gently caught her earlobe—not painful, but enough to draw a soft moan from her.
Her mind went blank, yet her body responded. Her hands clenched the dress.
“Relax,” he murmured as his other hand slid up her waist and paused at the zipper.
He pulled it down and discarded the dress.
Then he took his glasses off.
Emma swallowed hard, her face burning.
“Buzz.” His phone suddenly rang.
Seeing it was Ryan calling, Liam’s expression darkened.
“You’d better have something important.” He picked up the call as he leaned down to kiss Emma.
Emma covered her face and turned away.
“I found it. Is this important, Mr. Hayes?” Ryan’s cautious tone was clear over the phone.
…
“All right.”
Hanging up, he placed the phone face down on the nightstand.
He brushed her sweat-dampened hair away and tucked it gently behind her ear.
“I have something to take care of, sweetie. Tonight, I will…” he said softly and kissed her lips lightly.
“…” Emma’s heart pounded wildly.
⸻
The two rose and gathered the scattered clothes.
“I’ve already taken your leave. Why don’t you rest a bit?” Liam asked, watching her flustered state.
“I should go to work,” she said, her face flushed.
“I think you should save your energy.”
“…”
Emma walked into the bathroom and closed the door, shutting out his words.
In the mirror, she noticed a faint kiss mark on her neck.
Thankfully, she was wearing a high-neck today.
She patted her burning cheeks gently.
By the time she stepped out, Liam had already left.
Sighing in relief, she smoothed her clothes carefully.
Afraid he might be outside, she messaged him.
Emma: \[Can I come out now?\]
Liam: \[Yeah.\]
She exhaled softly and stepped out.
“!!!”
Emma, Ryan, and Luke froze. Their panicked gazes collided.
Ryan’s heart clenched. He realized the earlier call had come at the worst possible moment.
Emma, standing in the doorway, wished she could vanish instantly.
⸻
“Over here.” Liam glanced at her flushed face and pushed the dessert aside.
She shuffled over, grabbed the dessert, and turned to leave.
He chuckled and instructed, “Meet me downstairs. Hand over your duties, Ryan.”
“Got it.” Ryan placed a file on the desk and followed Emma toward the elevator.
“You and the boss…” he murmured.
“What nonsense did you feed him?” Emma snapped, stung.
“I just suggested he be more proactive. Didn’t you say that he never takes the initiative?” Ryan grinned.
“I didn’t!”
“Really?”
“I—” She gritted her teeth in frustration.
⸻
“Ding.”
The elevator arrived.
“Could you consider my feelings next time? He’s as stubborn as a mule,” Emma murmured.
“Ha!” Ryan chuckled. “No way. The boss’s paycheck is thicker than our friendship.”
“…”
“Oh, Luke—”
“Stop! Don’t ask.” Ryan cut her off. He let her into the elevator and pressed the 28th-floor button.
Emma didn’t press further, carrying the desserts back to her desk.