Page 75 of Boss Abroad

I raise my hand, signaling him to stop. I need to keep a safe distance from him for us to have this conversation.

“But… why?” My eyeballs shoot in every direction at once and I drive myself dizzy without moving.

“Because I could.” His tone is so flat. So matter-of-fact.

As if there couldn’t be any other answer to this question and I’m a little dumb for asking it. I squeeze my eyes shut and pinch the bridge of my nose, summoning clarity as I inhale.

He takes one slow step in my direction and stops. “Because what he did was wrong, appalling really. While this felt right. Or fair, at least.” Another small, tentative step. Smooth enough not to trigger my defenses. “And for sure, a much better way to honor your mom’s memory than the one you’ve chosen.” He can’t possibly mean what I think he means.

“What? As opposed to swearing off men?” Callie pipes in. Goddammit, I forgot to end the call and here she is, excelling at one of her favorite sports: eavesdropping. “Liam? Is this your way to ask my bestie to be your girlfriend? Robbing millions' worth in art? Uhhh… A bit extreme.” She pauses before screaming. “I LOVE IT! You have my blessing.”

Only her. A thought that more than often crosses my mind when I’m around Calista Maverick. One look at her trouble-making and trouble-asking smile and I’m grinning instead of scolding her.

But I’m still cutting her off. “That’ll be all, Cal. Thank you. Same. Bye.” I tap the red button before she can protest.

“I like her.” Liam chimes in.

“Liam…” I’m at a loss for words. My brain hits a glitch. Feelings override my system, reasoning sheds from my body as if it no longer belongs here.

I’m not sure I can convey this array of feelings into something remotely coherent.

But after what he’s done? I’ll give it my best try. “That’s the most thoughtful…” I chuckle and shake my head, “… and unhinged thing anyone has ever done for me.”

“You’re welcome. I’m working on recovering more to yo?—”

“Don’t.” It’s me who steps forward now. “Please don’t. Those are more than enough. I never dreamt of this. Well, I don’t dream; I plan. And never, in my wildest thoughts, did I fathom recovering even a sketch of hers.” My heart thrashes in its bony cage and my legs mirror its movement, trembling in the same chaotic fashion. “You’ve given me plenty. What do I even say? ‘Thanks’ doesn’t begin to cover it.”

“Stop that.” A final stride and he obliterates the distance between us.

One hand goes to the nape of my neck, the other to my back, sliding between my shoulder blades. I lean back on his arms and exhale, feeling my body relax in a way it hasn’t for nine days.

Liam glues his forehead to mine and keeps wrecking my resolve with his actions and words.

“I don’t need your gratitude, April. But I want you to start dreaming. Then tell me the craziest, most outrageous ones, so I can grant them to you. I’ll give you everything you want.”

“Well, then… How about playing hooky and going home right now with me?”

He straightens us both and twirls me around before pulling me behind him. “Your wish is my command.” I giggle as I follow him on unsteady feet. He glances back with a challenge. “But, baby girl, I’m going to need you to start dreaming bigger.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

liam

It’s game day, so we head back to the stadium early in the evening and, against my better judgment, we’re forced to join in the celebrations when Chelsea tears Arsenal a new one and hammers home a spectacular win.

I shouldn’t have left her bed, and now I’m left to bear the consequences of that stupid mistake. My mood tanks with each passing minute that I’m not with her.

George drove me here first, then Terry brought her in. I watched the match from my booth while she was at the sidelines of the field, along with the team staff. As always, I’ve taken all the precautions to protect our privacy.

I’m heading back to my office to meet Noah and gloat over our win some more while we wait for everyone to get ready to hit the club.

Noah has already helped himself to my good scotch. Typical. What is not, is how the epitome of slouchiness is suddenly sitting upright on my couch.

I eye him suspiciously before I take a look around, finding the door to my bathroom open, the lights on, with Mia inside. Of course, she is the reason for the man figuring out how to keep his spine straight.

She always comes in here to freshen up and get pampered before we go out after a match. I’m always busy after the game with the handshakes, the press, meeting the team no matter the outcome, so I’m happy to give her the space and privacy.

I check my watch. She’s usually ready by this time. Something must have held her back today if she’s still in there.