Page 47 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
“It’s just a guesthouse,” I say, but Grace raises an eyebrow.
“Hazel, this ‘guesthouse’ is bigger than my actual house.”
Luke chuckles. “And where does Mr. Broody live?”
I point toward the massive glass house visible through the windows. “There.”
All three of them turn to look, their faces a mix of awe and curiosity.
“That,” Grace says, “is obscene.”
“And also, kind of hot,” Maya adds, wiggling her eyebrows.
I groan. “Can we not talk about Liam? Please?”
“Not yet,” Grace says, grinning. “But we will.”
An hour later, we are sprawled across the living room, wine glasses in hand. Laughter bubbles up as we share stories, and the air is light and carefree.
“So,” Maya says, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eye. “How’s work going?”
I shrug. “It is fine. Busy, but good.”
Grace narrows her eyes. “And Liam? Any new... developments?”
I hesitate, feeling the weight of their expectant stares.
“Hazel,” Grace presses, “spill.”
“It’s... complicated,” I say, twirling the stem of my wine glass.
Maya gasps, her eyes wide. “Wait. Did something happen?”
Luke leans back, smirking. “Oh, something definitely happened. Look at her face.”
I sigh, realizing there is no way out of this. “We kissed,” I admit, my cheeks flushing.
The room erupts. Grace’s glass nearly tips over as she gasps. Maya claps a hand over her mouth in mock shock, and Luke lets out a low whistle.
“You what?” Grace shrieks. “Details. Now.”
“When?” Maya demands, bouncing in her seat.
“Details,” Luke says, grinning.
“It wasn’t - it wasn’t like that,” I stammer. “We were arguing, and then he just..., kissed me.”
“That’s the best kind of kiss!” Maya says, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Start from the beginning,” Grace demands.
I recount the argument, the way his lips crashed against mine mid-sentence, and the confusion that followed. I gloss over the emotional turmoil, focusing instead on the sheer insanity of the moment.
“Sounds intense,” Luke declares, shaking his head, “that man has issues.”
“But good ones,” Maya adds with a sly grin. “I mean, come on, Hazel. You are still into him, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely not,” I lie, but my flushed cheeks betray me.
