Page 36 of Falling for the Wrong Billionaire
When I step back into the waiting room, I spot Liam and Max standing near the counter, talking to Emma. I smile as I see Max running circles around Emma, laughing as she pretends to chase him.
Liam notices me first, and his gaze softens. His smile is warm, easy. And for the first time today, I feel like I’m not completely lost.
"Lucy!" Max calls out, running over to me with a big grin. "Liam’s taking me out! Do you want to come?"
I blink, surprised. "Out? Where?"
"To the park!" Max says, his eyes wide with excitement. "Liam says I can play with all the animals here while you finish your work."
I glance at Liam, and he raises an eyebrow, a silent invitation.
My heart stutters in my chest. It’s tempting, more tempting than I care to admit. After my call with my father, I need a distraction. I need to clear my head.
I glance at the clock. "I’ve got thirty minutes until my break starts," I say, looking between Liam and Max. "Can you wait?"
Max bounces on his feet. "I can! I’ll play with the animals!"
I laugh softly at his enthusiasm. "Okay, then. I’ll be out in a few."
Max runs off, and I feel Liam’s gaze on me as I make my way back to the desk.
He follows me quietly, and when I sit down, I feel his presence at my side. There’s a softness to him that I can’t quite explain, something that makes it hard to push the walls back up I’ve spent so long building.
He leans in slightly, his voice low. "What’s wrong, Lucy?"
I freeze, my stomach sinking. I try to plaster on a smile, but it’s hard to ignore the tension in my chest.
"Nothing," I say, my voice not as convincing as I want it to be. "Just… stress. Work and everything."
But Liam doesn’t buy it. I can see it in his eyes, the way he studies me, the way he watches me like I’m a puzzle he’s trying to figure out.
He doesn’t push me. But the concern in his gaze is enough to make my heart twist.
"Are you sure?" he asks quietly, his voice gentle. "If you’re not feeling well, you should take care of yourself. Maybe go to the hospital if it’s serious."
I blink at him, startled by how much he cares. It’s sweet, almost too sweet. I can’t remember the last time someone cared this much. Nana was the only person who ever cared this much for me. The one person who treated me like I was more than just a responsibility.
I shake my head quickly. "I’m fine, really."
Liam relaxes slightly, but there’s still that quiet concern in his eyes.
"Are you sure?" he presses again.
I laugh softly, a little embarrassed. "I’m sure. It’s nothing. Just some stress from work. Really."
He doesn’t look convinced, but he nods slowly.
I force myself to smile, feeling touched by how much he genuinely seems to care. "You don’t need to worry about me, Liam."
"I can’t help it," he says, his voice steady. "I care about you, Lucy. More than I should, maybe."
My heart skips, and I glance away, not sure how to respond. He reaches out and cups my face. Instantly, I freeze as I stare into his eyes.
Before I can say anything, Emma calls from the back, her voice loud enough to reach us.
"Well, well. What’s this I see, Liam?" she teases, walking into the room with a knowing look. "Kissing my colleague now?"
I feel the heat rise in my cheeks, and I quickly look down, fumbling for words. "We’re not—"
