Page 6 of Having the Bear's Baby

Liam thought that putting a voice to her would give him a better indication, and it would be easier to make arrangements to meet for their first date.

A few minutes went by with no response.

Hopefully, that wasn’t too forward.

He jumped when his phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hey, it’s Emma.”

“Hey! Thanks for calling me. How’s your evening going?” He wasn’t sure where to start, so why not there?

Thankfully, Emma was proving easy to talk to. She could hold a conversation and had questions of her own.

The conversation was fun as they got to know one another and learned the basics. After several minutes, Liam knew what kind of job Emma had and what her hobbies were.

He already enjoyed talking to her and the sound of her voice. It was soothing and caring but full of laughter, too.

After about an hour, they set up a date for the following Friday, and she shared her address with him so he could pick her up.

“Well, have a good night, and I’ll see you Friday,” he said, catching his grin in the reflection of the water.

“Sounds good. Goodnight.”

They hung up, but Liam’s smile stayed glued onto his face.

Maybe this wasn’t going to be such a shit show after all.

He had a good feeling about Emma.

THREE

EMMA

The week leading up to Friday had felt like an eternity for Emma. Anticipation, excitement, and nervousness swirled within her, creating a unique blend of emotions. The prospect of meeting Liam face-to-face brought a mix of eagerness and apprehension that she couldn’t quite shake. Despite the occasional text exchanges during the week, they had both agreed that speaking in person held a more authentic charm.

Finally, the evening she had been waiting for arrived … Friday. Emma did her best to keep herself occupied as the hours crawled by. She found herself whispering reassuring words to quell her growing nerves. “No reason to be nervous,” she repeated softly, attempting to steady her restless energy. “It’s not even really a date.”

She dressed meticulously, trying to strike a balance between impressing Liam and remaining true to herself. Opting for a stylish yet not overly extravagant outfit, she wore a burgundy halter dress that accentuated her figure. The dress showcased her sculpted shoulders, while its flared skirt added a touch of playful elegance. Black heels elevated her petite frame, giving her a subtle boost of confidence. Her brown hair cascaded in loose waves around her shoulders, completing the look that she hoped would make a favorable impression.

Amid her flurry of preparations, Emma’s determination to stay calm led her to find odd chores to complete, keeping her from reaching for the wine bottle.

As the clock neared eight, Emma was running out of tasks to distract herself with. Her apartment was as clean as it could possibly be. Just when she felt her patience wearing thin, the sound of her door’s buzzer sent her heart racing.

Breathing a quick sigh of anticipation, Emma rushed to the intercom. “It’s Liam.”

“I’ll be right down,” she responded, her excitement almost tangible. She grabbed her purse and keys, stole one last glance at her reflection, and headed out to meet the man who had sparked her curiosity.

Stepping out of her apartment building, her eyes landed on a figure that matched Liam’s description … a tall, well-built man with a youthful charm that contrasted with his seasoned gaze. His light brown hair danced in the evening breeze, adding a hint of casual allure to his appearance. As he approached her, his smile captivated her, rendering her momentarily speechless.

Could this truly be Liam? Emma’s thoughts raced as she struggled to believe her luck. The magnetism between them was immediate, a connection that went well beyond mere physical attraction.

“Emma, I assume?” he inquired, his eyes like stormy seas filled with a depth she wanted to get to know much more intimately.

Summoning her manners, Emma extended her hand for a handshake, her cheeks slightly flushed. “Yes. Hi. Sorry. You’re Liam?”

His nod was accompanied by an infectious smile that intensified her intrigue. “I am. You look lovely.”

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