Page 37 of Falling for the Wrong Billionaire
But Liam doesn’t look bothered in the slightest. Instead, he wraps his arm around me, his grip casual but confident. "I came to steal her away for her break," he says with a grin, giving Emma a look that’s far too casual.
Emma laughs, clearly entertained by the sight of Liam getting flustered. "Well, the clinic’s less busy today. I’ll give her an extra hour. Consider it a reward for working so hard."
"Thanks, Emma," I say, trying to act normal despite the heat still rising in my cheeks.
She winks at me as she heads out. "Enjoy yourselves, you two. And Liam? You’re striving hard to take the award of the best uncle."
Liam scoffs. "I’m already the best uncle."
Emma throws a mock salute. "Then you’ve got the job. But I'll tell Bryan he needs to up his game."
Liam gives her a dramatic look. "Betrayer."
Emma just grins. "I’ll be on my man’s side. Always."
I watch them banter, a smile tugging at my lips. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I belong.
When Emma leaves, Liam turns back to me, and the weight of his gaze makes my stomach flutter. "Ready?" he asks.
I nod, the air between us thick with something I can’t quite put my finger on.
"Let’s go," I say, standing up and grabbing my bag.
Liam holds the door open for me, his eyes still on me with that same intensity.
And for the first time, I’m not sure if I’m ready. But I know I want to be.
Chapter fifteen
Liam
The sun is warm, but there’s a cool breeze off the ocean, ruffling the leaves of the nearby trees. Nate’s boy Max is running ahead of us, practically bouncing with excitement. The amusement park is small but lively, filled with families and tourists, laughter and music. There’s something about it that feels simple, innocent.
I glance sideways at Lucy. She’s watching Max with a smile that tugs at something in my chest.
I know she’s nervous about today — about being out in the open, with people watching us, the way they always do when you’re seen with someone like me. But right now, she looks relaxed, happy even, and I’m grateful for that.
Max pauses by a mini aquarium exhibit, his face pressed up against the glass. A school of colorful fish glides by, and his eyes widen with wonder.
"Look, look!" he exclaims, grabbing Lucy’s hand and pulling her closer.
She laughs softly, following him. I watch them both — her hand in his, the easy way they interact, the way she lights up when Max grins at her. It’s natural. It’s beautiful.
And it makes something inside me ache.
Max turns to me, grinning. "Liam, do you think the fish are watching us?"
I smirk, crouching down beside him. "I think they’re too busy swimming to care about us."
Max scrunches his nose, clearly not satisfied with my answer. "I bet they’re watching. They’re just too shy to say anything."
Lucy chuckles, shaking her head as she glances at me. "He’s got quite the imagination, doesn’t he?"
"Just like his uncle," I reply, the words slipping out before I can stop them.
She looks at me, surprised, but I can’t take it back now. "He’s a good kid," I add quickly.
Lucy’s smile softens, but she doesn’t say anything. She doesn’t have to.
