Page 26 of Claiming My Cocky Boss

“The valet will handle it,” he said, his voice firm but calm.

I hesitated, not used to having someone else take care of things for me, but his touch and the ease with which he dismissed my concern made my pulse quicken. The valet came around, swiftly gathering our bags, including my garment bag, without a second thought.

We made our way into the lobby, where the cool air-conditioning offered a welcome break from the Texas heat. Inside, everything gleamed—chandeliers sparkled overhead,reflecting off the polished marble floors. The whole place felt like something out of a movie, far removed from my usual world.

And as we walked in, side by side, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was stepping deeper into Liam’s life, a life that seemed to grow more mysterious with each passing day.

Liam spoke briefly to the concierge, securing our room keys, and soon enough, we were heading up to our suite. The elevator hummed softly as we ascended, and I tried to focus on the feeling of excitement rather than the nerves buzzing beneath my skin. This was supposed to be fun, right? A fancy gala, playing dress-up in a world I didn’t belong to, and pretending—at least for tonight—that Liam and I were something we weren’t.

When we reached our room, I couldn’t help but gasp. The suite was even more stunning than I’d imagined. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, and the bedroom was complete with a massive bed draped in pristine white linens. The kind of place I’d only ever seen in magazines or movies.

The bellhop wheeled our suitcases into the room and left them near the bed. As he pressed some bills into the man’s hand, Liam turned to me, “Not bad, huh?”

I shook my head, still taking in the view. “Not bad? This is... this is incredible.”

He chuckled, limping slightly as he moved to open the curtains wider. “You’ll get used to it.”

I glanced at him, narrowing my eyes playfully. “Do you always stay in places like this?”

He gave me a lopsided grin but didn’t answer directly. “I like comfort. Who doesn’t?”

I resisted rolling my eyes, but there was no denying the flutter in my chest. Liam Archer, with all his mystery and charm, was impossible to pin down. And somehow, I found myself more and more drawn into his orbit.

I set my suitcase down near the bed and grabbed the garment bag that held my gown. “I should probably start getting ready,” I said, glancing at the clock. I didn’t want to be late, and the gala was only a little more than an hour away.

Liam arched an eyebrow. “Need any help?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Pretty sure I can manage.”

“Well, I’ll be here if you change your mind,” he said, smirking as he stretched out on the couch. His eyes sparkled with that playful glint I’d come to know all too well.

I smiled back, though a flicker of nerves lingered in my chest. As I stepped into the bathroom to do my hair and makeup, I caught my reflection in the mirror, my eyes betraying the uncertainty swirling inside. This night felt like it would be a test—a test of playing a role I wasn’t sure I belonged in, a test of whatever this was between Liam and me.

When I emerged, the sight of my gown hanging on the doorframe was a small comfort. I slipped it on, the smooth fabric falling over my body like it was made for me. But when I struggled to zip up the back, Liam stepped around the corner, and his voice came softly from behind.

“Let me help you.”

I turned, finding him standing there in his crisp tux, looking as effortlessly handsome as ever. His gaze lingered on me for a moment, making my breath catch. I nodded, and he stepped closer, his fingers grazing my back as he pulled the zipper up. The intimacy of the moment was undeniable, his touch sending a shiver through me.

When he finished, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my shoulder. “You look beautiful,” he murmured against my skin, his breath warm and his voice filled with a sincerity that made my heart flutter.

The grand ballroom mesmerized me with its opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, scattering prisms of lightacross the room, creating a dazzling spectacle. The walls were lined with sleek, modern décor, and the hum of conversation mixed with the soft clinking of champagne flutes created a symphony of wealth and privilege. I stood at the entrance with Liam, feeling the eyes of the attendees sweep over us as we walked in.

Dressed in my new gown, I should’ve felt confident, but instead, I was fighting to steady my breath. I wasn’t used to this world—the world of glittering jewels and designer tuxedos. Beside me, Liam moved with practiced ease, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd. He was calm, collected, and completely at home here, and I couldn't shake the growing feeling that I was the outsider.

As we made our way through the room, people turned to greet Liam with enthusiasm. A few nodded politely at me, but it was clear their focus was on him. They spoke to him with familiarity, like they were used to seeing him at these events. Several guests stopped to shake his hand, smiling brightly as they exchanged pleasantries.

"Liam, good to see you again! Your continued support for Derek's cause is invaluable," one man said, clapping Liam on the shoulder like they were old friends.

Liam smiled back, the expression easy and genuine. "Happy to help in any way I can," he replied smoothly.

My brow furrowed slightly as I watched the exchange. Liam had never mentioned being so involved with Derek’s hospital. He’d made it seem like this was just a favor for a friend, but clearly, he had deeper ties here than I realized. The way these people flocked to him, treating him like some kind of celebrity... It didn’t fit with the Liam I thought I knew.

Another woman approached us, her diamond earrings sparkling in the light. “Liam! We’re so grateful for your generosity. The new wing that was finished last year wouldn’thave been possible without your contributions,” she said, beaming up at him.

Liam chuckled lightly, his hand still resting on my back. “I’m just glad to see the progress. Derek’s done an incredible job with this place.”

As the woman walked away, I glanced up at him, my confusion growing. “You’re a lot more involved with this hospital than I thought,” I said, trying to keep my tone casual.

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