Chapter 77 Waiting for Her to Make the First Move
"Congratulations, Mr. Hayes! Congratulations, Emma!" Ethan's mouth twitched as he stammered, "Well, enjoy your meal! I won't disturb you!"
He turned and hurried away.
Emma tried to pull her hand back, but Liam held it tightly.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"If you keep refusing to admit it, the rumor that I have a lover will probably spread across the entire city soon enough." He grinned mischievously and tightened his grip.
——
Back at the estate, everyone was bustling about, preparing for the Thanksgiving dinner.
By evening, Emma woke up.
Her nose was clear, though her voice remained slightly hoarse.
That night, everyone dined in the estate's rooftop garden.
After dinner, the men retired to another room to discuss matters, leaving the women in the garden to sip cocktails and enjoy dessert.
"Emma, I hear you design all your own gowns?" Rebecca Walker asked who Liam's aunt was.
Emma sipped her cocktail, feeling the warmth spread through her body.
Before she could respond, Lillian chimed in with a hint of pride. "That evening shawl I sent you last time? Emma made it herself."
"Oh, Emma made it? Goodness, the craftsmanship is incredible!" Rebecca set down her glass in surprise. "I only wore it out once, and every woman asked me about it. They said it was so expensive."
"If you like it, I can bring a few more styles for you to try next time," Emma said with a smile.
Rebecca's eyes crinkled with laughter.
Patricia leaned closer and whispered, "Can I have one, too?"
"Of course!" Emma smiled.
She definitely needed to return the favor.
"Don't we always have gatherings on Boxing Day? This year, our family is hosting at Virgil's. Would you like to join us?" Patricia asked tentatively.
"That should be fine." Emma agreed without hesitation.
Patricia smiled happily, clinked glasses with her.
"How's that manicure set I gave you last time?" she inquired.
"It's gorgeous!" Emma extended her hand.
Her French manicure was adorned with delicate glitter, which made her fingers appear slimmer.
"Thank you, Patricia!" She curved her lips, revealing pearly white teeth.
Patricia pursed her lips. "You should thank Liam. He practically begged me for it. But I was planning to send it anyway; I just wanted to tease him a bit."
Emma couldn't help but laugh.
"Liam genuinely adores you," Patricia murmured.
——
Liam returned to the room and sat on the sofa waiting for Emma.
He finally fell asleep on the sofa after midnight.
Emma returned, tiptoed over, and entered the room.
She gently tucked the blanket around the man on the sofa, then went to the bathroom.
When she emerged from the shower, the thin blanket covering him had slipped to the floor.
She sat beside him, pulled the quilt back over him, and carefully removed the glasses perched on his nose.
She rested her head on his chest and quietly observed him.
His breathing was steady and strong.
She couldn't resist slipping her hand under the fabric and gently placing it on his chest.
How could such a perfect man exist in this world?
She chuckled.
She reached her hand out from his chest and boldly pinched his cheek.
"Liam, are you actually drunk? Or are you just pretending? Hmm?"
The fresh scent of cocktails brushed lightly against his neck, sending heat coursing through his body.
Seeing his lack of reaction, Emma grew bolder.
She cupped his face and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
Closing her eyes, she gently traced his features, feeling the contours of his face.
Liam felt unsettled by her touch.
His Adam's apple bobbed.
He wished she would be bolder.
It would be best if she took him.
Emma gently glided her fingertip over his Adam's apple.
"Liam…" she murmured.
She then leaned down to kiss his Adam's apple.
His neck was instantly enveloped by her breath, like a surge of scorching heat.
"Ugh…" Liam groaned, and his hands wrapped around her waist.
Startled, she propped herself up slightly to look at him.
Wasn't he asleep?
He opened his eyes slightly and gazed at her through half-closed lids.
"Don't stop, keep going…" he said hoarsely, and his hands gently caressed her waist.
She tried to sit up, but he pulled her closer and gave her a light pat on the bottom.
"Where do you think you're going?" he asked, her eyes filled with desire.
"I…"
"You'd better come up with a plausible excuse. I'm not giving up that easily..." he said, tightening his grip around her.
Emma's cheeks flushed, and her heart raced.
"Aren't you… drunk?" she asked.
"I'm not drunk."
"But weren't you asleep…"
"I was asleep, but you woke me up." He curved his lips into a slightly alluring smile.
"Are you going back to sleep?" she asked, blushing.
"Baby, that's not such a good idea..." he chuckled.
Emma froze, unsure of what to do.
"Please help me..." he pleaded hoarsely.
His eyes were fixed on her lips, and the veins at his temples throbbed faintly as he repeatedly swallowed, struggling to control himself.
"I'm not very good at this..." she stammered.
Liam smiled.