Page 42 of Claiming My Cocky Boss

We worked side by side, the comfortable rhythm of chopping, sautéing, and sizzling filling the cabin. It felt... normal. After everything that had happened, the idea of us standing in my kitchen, cooking dinner together, almost felt surreal. But as the smells of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce filled the air, I realized how much I needed this moment—a break from the chaos.

“So,” Liam said as he tossed the chopped carrots into the pan, “you’re really getting into this clean-eating thing, huh?”

I shrugged, stirring the chicken. “Yeah, I guess. It started as a way to feel better, you know? More energy and all that.”

Liam smirked. “Yep. That’s how it works.”

I laughed. “Seriously, I honestly do feel better.” I turned to face Liam and winked, “But like I said, I’m not giving up everything. French fries are non-negotiable.”

“Why am I not surprised?” He bumped my shoulder with his, a playful glint in his eyes.

We finished cooking in silence after that, the unspoken connection between us hanging in the air. It wasn’t awkward,but it wasn’t entirely settled either. Something about being here together felt too easy, too natural, and I wasn’t sure what that meant for us yet.

Once everything was ready, I set the table while Liam fixed us some hot green tea. We sat down, the meal spread out before us, and for a moment, I just stared at it, taking in the simplicity of the scene. It wasn’t fancy or extravagant. It was just... us.

“Here’s to stir-fry and eating clean,” Liam said, raising his mug with a crooked grin.

I smiled, clinking my mug against his. “And to not giving up French fries.”

Liam laughed, and I couldn’t help but join him. Despite everything—the chaos, the uncertainty, the massive life changes—I felt at peace for the first time in days. Maybe even weeks.

We ate in comfortable silence for a while; the clinking of utensils was the only sound in the room. But as I glanced over at Liam, watching him lost in thought as he chewed, I realized I wasn’t just thinking about dinner or even the mess I’d made of my career.

I was thinking about him. About what he’d offered. About what working for him would mean.

And the strangest part? It didn’t scare me as much as I thought it would.

Liam’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Come on, let’s get this place cleaned up.”

I nodded, and we moved around the kitchen in sync, wiping down counters and stacking dishes. Every now and then, our hands would brush, sending a small spark through me that I didn’t want to ignore. Tidying up gave us both a moment to breathe, but the energy between us still hummed, waiting for what would come next.

“You know, we didn’t finish that conversation earlier,” I said, folding the dish towel. “About the job.”

Liam turned to me, a playful glint in his eyes. He reached out, taking my hand in his, and lifted it to his lips, brushing a soft kiss over my knuckles. "I’m tired of talking about work," he murmured, his voice low and warm. His thumb traced a small circle on the back of my hand. "I’ve got a better idea."

The way he looked at me, that teasing edge in his smile, sent a shiver through me. Whatever was coming next, I wasn’t about to argue.

His lips brushed mine, soft at first, then deeper. The world fell away as he scooped me up into his arms and headed toward my bedroom.

"Wait," I said, glancing down at his leg. "Isn't this bad for your ankle?"

Liam smirked, his gaze never wavering. "Nope. It’s healed. Just relax and enjoy."

I chuckled softly, unable to resist, as his firm and unwavering embrace erased any lingering uncertainties. Surrendering to the moment, I dissolved into his arms, and the world around us faded into insignificance.

Gently laying me on the bed, he delicately slipped off my shoes, pausing to caress my feet with a skillful touch that sent shivers down my spine. As I submitted completely to his ministrations, he helped me sit up and skillfully removed my top and yoga pants with a tantalizing finesse that set my senses ablaze.

My breath caught in my throat as he slowly backed away, his movements deliberate and enticing. With a seductive smile, he began to undress before me, each piece of clothing falling away effortlessly.

Pausing for a moment, Liam ran his hand down his chest, teasingly tracing the outline of his hardened desire, a knowing glint in his eye that set my skin on fire with anticipation.

As Liam lay beside me, a gasp escaped my lips involuntarily, causing me to arch my back into his touch. His lips left a trail of kisses along my jawline and neck before meeting mine in a hungry kiss that stole my breath away.

"God, you're intoxicating," he whispered against my skin, his voice husky with desire. We tumbled together on the bed, our limbs entwined like vines climbing up a trellis. "I can't get enough of you, Mia," he murmured as our bodies moved in perfect synchrony, his strong arms holding me close while he filled me completely.

The rhythm slowly increased between us as we found our groove together, deep moans mixed with my soft gasps of pleasure as each thrust brought us closer and closer to our peak. Liam’s hands roamed freely over my body, exploring every curve, while mine dug into his muscular back with need.

The feeling was indescribable, each touch igniting a fire within us. Our bodies strained against each other, no longer containing the building tension. We both cried out in ecstasy as we reached our peak together, the intensity overwhelming us until we were left trembling in each other's arms. "That was incredible," I gasped, my body still humming with pleasure.

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