Page 47 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

Liam sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I got caught up with something.”

“You clearly don’t live in a world with basic respect for other people's time,” I shoot back, unable to resist a dig.

“Ouch,” he grumbles, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Look, I'm just five minutes late, tops. Can you not be such a snobbish Ms. Timekeeper? It’s not a big deal.”

“It is to me,” I retort, my voice sharper than I intend. “I have a lot riding on today, and I need things to go smoothly.”

He steps closer, his eyes softening as he looks at me. “Emma, calm down. We’re here now. Let’s just get on with it.”

I open my mouth to argue more, but before I can, he grabs my arm and pulls me toward him. His lips crash against mine, and for a moment, I’m too stunned to react. The kiss is intense, filled with all the pent-up frustration and longing we’ve been holding back.

He circles an arm around my waist as his tongue delves into my mouth. This is what I need. Every protest, every nerve, and my dissatisfaction with him being late melts away as Liam takes control, kissing away all these raging emotions.

He’s so damn good at this.

I feel his other hand gently graze my breast, his thumb sliding over my sensitive nipple, and I gasp into his mouth. His hands rove over my belly and my navel, every touch sending bursts of anticipation through my body as he travels down there… I am already needy and raw and ready for him. I can feel my resolve melting, my body responding to his touch.

I hear a car whip past us, and suddenly, I remember where we are. I push him away, glancing around to see if anyone noticed.

“We’re in public,” I hiss, trying to catch my breath.

Liam grins, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “When we kiss or touch, it’s like only you exist in my world.”

His words send a thrill through me, but I don’t let it show. I hide my happiness behind a mask of sternness and point to the car. “Get in. We have a lot to do.”

As we drive around town, the kiss lingers on my mind like a melody I can’t shake. Liam sits beside me, focused on the road, but I keep stealing glances at him, replaying that moment in my head. My lips still tingle from the intensity of it, and my heart races every time our eyes meet, even briefly.

His hand occasionally brushes against mine on the gear. I try to stay focused on the road, but it’s hard when he’s so close, his presence filling the car with a heady mix of excitement and warmth.

“Sorry about earlier,” he murmurs after a while. “I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

I glance at him, surprised by his sudden apology. “It’s fine. The kiss did make up for it.”

He nods, his expression amused. “Now I’m thinking of getting on your nerves a bit more.”

“Don’t you dare.” I laugh, and he joins in.

We lapse into a comfortable silence, the earlier argument forgotten. By the time we reach the first venue, I feel more at ease, ready to tackle the day ahead.

“So, what’s the first place on our list?” Liam raises a brow as he breaks the silence.

I clear my throat, trying to focus. “There’s this park on the outskirts of town. It has a beautiful garden and a gazebo that could be perfect for the ceremony.”

Liam nods, his eyes flicking over to me. “Sounds nice. Let’s check it out.”

As we drive through the winding roads, I point out various places from my childhood. “Over there is where my friends and I used to hang out after school,” I gesture toward a small, nondescript park. “And that old diner? It has the best milkshakes.”

Liam smiles, glancing at the diner as we pass. “Maybe we should stop by later for a taste test.”

I laugh, feeling some of the tension ease. “Maybe we should.”

We arrive at the park, and I guide Liam through the entrance. The garden is in full bloom, with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. The gazebo stands in the center, white and elegant, surrounded by rows of blooming roses.

“What do you think?” I ask, looking at Liam.

He walks around, taking in the surroundings. “It’s beautiful. I can see June and Damon here.”

I smile, relieved. “Me too. Let’s take some pictures for them.”

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