Page 55 of It's Not All Fake

“Yeah. I started to worry I was heartless, like him. But—” He pauses, swallowing hard, his hand finding my shoulder. “I don’t believe that anymore. He was an evil man, but I’m nothing like him, Chloe.”

I am taken aback that he’d think he needs to convince me of that fact.

“I know that,” I respond gently, placing my hand on his smooth, clean shaven cheek. His dark eyes search mine for affirmation. “I know that,” I repeat, ensuring he hears not just the words, but the conviction behind them.

Then, Liam’s lips are on mine. He pulls me close, his fingers lacing through my hair. His kisses are tender and urgent at the same time. I’m lost in him, consumed by his passion and the meaning behind his lips.

No man has ever kissed me like this.

“Excuse me, sir,” interrupts a voice.

I feel Liam tense and release me as he looks back to see Robert, our waiter, waving from the upper deck.

Liam turns to me, exhaling through clenched teeth. “I’d fire him now, but we’re too far from shore,” he mutters with a mix of irritation and apology for yet another disruption.

"He’s just doing his job—it must be important,” I whisper, giving a reassuring nod toward Robert.

Liam's jaw clenches as he calls out, "Yes, Robert?"

We're on the lower deck, open to the fresh sea air, and Robert is a good distance away, standing by the railing above the kitchen.

Robert’s voice carries over. “Sir, dolphins at the bow! Thought Ms. Middleton might want to see!”

Liam glances at me, one eyebrow quirked.

“Um, yes!” I beam.

Liam grins and takes my hand. We dash along the yacht’s length. The luxurious surroundings blur into insignificance as childlike excitement bubbles within me. Breathless, we reach the bow and I clutch the railing, leaning forward.

Below, dolphins slice through the water, leaving trails of light, glowing with neon blue. They look electric in the water, and I realize it’s the bioluminescent plankton I’ve heard about off the California coast.

“Oh, my God!” I gasp, amazed. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Liam’s arms stretch around me, each hand firmly grasping the railing on either side, his presence a comforting heat against my back.

Liam’s arm encircles me, his other hand grasping the railing on either side of me. His body is close, up against mine, and I can feel his warmth.

The dolphins race alongside us, leaving trails of sparkling blue, the boat splashing a neon wake. It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

“Did you plan this?” I laugh, my voice filled with awe, though I know he couldn’t possibly orchestrate such a spectacle. It’s not like he hired the dolphins. Though I suspect he knew about the bioluminescence tonight.

He simply smiles, planting a gentle kiss on my cheek—a gesture so sweet it makes me lean further back into the comfort of his embrace.

We stand there, enveloped in the natural magic until the yacht begins to slow and the dolphins peel away.

Puzzled, I look up at Liam. “Why are we stopping?”

His grin is infectious. “Up for a swim?”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHLOE

I’m in too deep, way past the point of no return with Liam. The thrill of a night swim in the ocean sparks through me—what’s one more risk?

My arms lift, reaching for the stars that dot the inky sky. Liam’s fingers hook into the hem of my top, drawing it up over my head with a smooth motion. It flutters down to the polished wood deck at the yacht’s stern.

I’m left in my blush pink lace bra and don’t try to cover up. I allow Liam to take in the sight of me, my heart racing more now than when we were running the yacht's length. His gaze trails over my skin and holds a heat that warms me.

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