The reality is, I can’t stay here. Not for long.
But I don’t tell him that.
Instead, I change the subject, pushing the uncomfortable thoughts to the back of my mind. "You’ve been spoiling me with all these gifts," I say, trying to keep my voice light. "I’m not sure how I can repay you for all of this."
Liam chuckles, his gaze lingering on me for just a second too long. "There’s no need to repay me, Lucy. I just want you to be happy. That’s enough for me."
His words send a rush of warmth through me, but it’s quickly followed by a pang of guilt. This isn’t supposed to happen. I shouldn’t be letting myself get close to him.
But as I look at him, the sincerity in his eyes, I know it’s already too late.
So, are we ready to go?"
I laugh softly, relieved to be distracted. "You bet.” I say, turning to grab my again.
Liam watches me, his expression unreadable. "What about our cute buddies?"
I pause, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "Emma agreed to watch them for the night," I say, forcing a smile.
Liam smiles back, a soft laugh escaping him. "Emma is the sweetest."
I shake my head, amused. "She’s just trying to play matchmaker, that’s all."
Liam’s expression shifts, his eyes darkening slightly. "It wouldn’t be such a bad idea, would it?"
I freeze. The intensity in his gaze catches me off guard, and for a moment, I don’t know how to respond.
His fingers brush against mine, the contact sending a jolt of heat through me.
But I can’t let it linger. I can’t let him in. Not completely.
I force a smile, trying to play it off. "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves."
He watches me for a beat longer, his gaze searching, but then he nods slowly, as if accepting my words without question. "Alright. Let’s get going."
He offers me his hand, and despite the flutter in my chest, I take it. The touch of his skin against mine sends another wave of heat rushing through me. I try to ignore it, focusing on the steady beat of my heart.
He leads me out of the door, his hand still holding mine, and I can’t help but feel the pull between us. Every step we take seems to bring us closer, and yet, I can’t shake the fear that it’s all slipping through my fingers.
He opens the door of his Porsche for me, and I slide inside, trying to act like this is just another evening. But everything inside me is telling me it’s not.
As he climbs into the driver’s seat, I glance at the car and feel a sense of déjà vu. It looks eerily similar to the one I’ve seen at my father’s house.
"You like it?" he asks, glancing over at me with a raised eyebrow.
I nod, trying to keep my tone casual. "It’s nice. Actually, its one of my favorite cars."
Liam’s eyebrows knit together. "You love this car?"
I shrug, trying to downplay it. "I’ve read a few things about it. It’s a great car."
Liam’s expression softens. "I could get you one. If you want it."
I freeze, my heart racing. "What?"
He shrugs casually. "Just tell me the color, and it’s yours."
I laugh nervously. "You’re crazy."