Page 41 of Falling for the Wrong Billionaire
There’s a pause on the other end of the line, and then he chuckles softly. "I’ll miss you too."
My heart skips a beat, and I realize too late what I’ve said.
"I’m sure you’ll be just fine without me," he teases lightly. "But I’ll be back soon. Can’t leave you alone for too long."
I laugh, but it feels a little forced. "I’ll survive."
"Good," he replies, but I can hear the smile in his voice. "Listen, what would you like me to get you while I’m gone? I’ll be in Chicago, so I’ll find something special."
I blink in surprise. "You don’t need to get me anything, Liam."
"I want to," he insists. "I just need to know what you’d like."
I pause, the conflict in my chest rising again. He’s so generous, so willing to give, and here I am, feeling guilty for even enjoying it.
I take a deep breath, trying to clear my thoughts. "Honestly, you’ve been spoiling me with so many gifts already," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t need anything else."
"You sure?" he presses, and I can hear the sincerity in his tone.
I hesitate for a moment, then let out a small sigh. "Well, if you really want to get me something…"
His voice lightens. "I’m listening."
"Just come back," I say quietly, before I can stop myself. "That’s all I want. For you to come back."
There’s a brief silence on the other end, and when he speaks again, his voice is soft, almost vulnerable. "I will. I promise. I’ll be back before you know it."
I didn’t mean to say that. I didn’t mean to admit that I want him with me so bad. But the words are out now, and I don’t take them back.
He clears his throat, breaking the moment. "So… how about dinner tonight? I’ll be back in time, and I’d love to take you out."
I hesitate, the voice of reason battling with the warmth spreading in my chest. I shouldn’t agree. I can’t keep getting closer to him.
He beats me to it, his tone teasing but with a hint of sincerity. "You’re not getting rid of me that easily."
I smile softly, despite myself. "I guess not."
"Good," he says, almost sounding relieved. "I’m looking forward to it. And don’t worry. I won’t keep you out too late. Just a nice dinner, alright?"
I can’t help but nod, even though he can’t see me. "Alright," I whisper. "I’ll look forward to it."
I feel him smile through the phone, and it warms me.
He chuckles softly. "Good. I’ll see you tonight, then."
We say our goodbyes, and I end the call, the sound of his voice lingering in my ears.
For a moment, I stand there, my heart racing in my chest. The thought of seeing him again tonight fills me with excitement and a little bit of dread.
I can’t keep pretending like this isn’t real. I can’t keep hiding from what I feel.
But tonight, I’ll have to explain to him why I can’t keep going down this path. Because there’s no future for us. And I can’t let myself get any more attached.
But as I stand there, my phone still in my hand, I know I’m already too far gone.
***
I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, smoothing my hands over the soft fabric of my dress. It’s a simple black number, the kind that feels both elegant and understated, with just enough flair to make me feel like I’m stepping into something special. The hem reaches my knees, and the necklineis modest but flattering. The kind of dress that makes me feel... confident, without making too much of a statement.
