“You should see your face,” Melissa teased. “You go red every time he so much as nces your way.”


    “I do not.”


    “You so do.”


    Before I could say anything else, Sophia reappeared waving a shoe like a trophy. “Emergency! I need a vote.”


    We all cracked up.


    After a few more stores, we ducked into a quieter shop lined with handmade jewelry and small leather goods. That’s when I saw it, a simple leather bracelet, sleek and understated. with a small silverpass charm.


    Something about it screamed Liam.


    Sharp. Refined. Quietly powerful.


    Before I could talk myself out of it, I bought it. Wrapped it discreetly and tucked it in the bottom of my tote.


    I told myself I wasn’t being obvious.


    I was wrong.


    As we were leaving the store, Laura slowed her pace to walk beside me. She gave me a knowing look and spoke softly.


    “You should give it to him.”


    I blinked, “Give what?”


    She raised a brow. “Emily.”


    I groaned. “Was I that obvious?”


    07:09


    Chapter 47 <fn2d6b> Readplete version only at find·novel</fn2d6b>


    11 288 Vouchers


    Laura just smiled. “Not to everyone. But… maybe just enough.”


    Then she winked and strolled ahead like she hadn’t just ruined my whole stealth operation.


    So much for being discreet.


    When we got back to the vi, everyone slowly disappeared, either to their rooms or to unwind in their own corners. I made it almost all the way to my door before I paused.


    The bracelet.


    Still tucked at the bottom of my tote bag, hidden like a secret I wasn’t sure I should share. If I didn’t give it to him now, I probably never would. I could already hear Lisa in my head


    yelling at me to grow a pair.


    So, instead of turning right to my room, I turned left and made my way to Liam’s.


    I was halfway there when Leo stepped out of Liam’s door, phone in hand. He spotted me and smirked.


    “Delivering a love letter or sneaking in for a little action?” he teased.


    I rolled my eyes, heat creeping up my neck. “Neither. Just minding my business. You should try it sometime.”


    He


    gave me a mock bow and sauntered off, humming something off–key.


    I knocked lightly before pushing the door open.


    Liam was inside, seatedfortably on the edge of his couch. He wore a loose ck tee that hugged his arms just enough to be distracting, and a pair of gray joggers that rested low on his hips. His hair was slightly tousled, like he’d run his fingers through it one too many times, and the soft golden light spilling from the sidemp made him look… almost unreal. Casual. Masculine. Effortlessly hot.


    He was on the phone, but the moment he saw me, his eyes locked in like <i>I </i>was the only thing that mattered. Surprise flickered in his gaze, followed by something warmer, deeper.


    I hesitated. “I didn’t know you were on a call. I cane back.”


    He raised one hand, motioning me to stay, then pointed to the bed.


    I obeyed, slipping inside quietly and sitting down. His gaze tracked my every movement.


    07:09


    11


    Then, still watching me, he ended the call “I have to call you bank Sonoething uns important just came up.<i>” </i>


    The way he said it made my chest flutter like I’d swallowed batterthes


    He leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “To what do one this surprise


    I reached into my tote bag, my fingers brushing the will wrap of the tiny box “I saw thes today… and you came to mind. So I bought it for you<i>.</i><i>” </i>


    He raised an eyebrow and took the box from my hand, undoing the ribbon with deliberae slowness. When he opened it and saw the bracelet, his expression shifted. Something softened behind those sharp eyes.


    “You thought about me,” he said, not a question.


    I fumbled. “I mean, not in a weird way, Just… it reminded me of you. Rugged, Quiet. Kinda moody,<i>” </i>


    That made himugh. A real, low, throatyugh that curled its way through <b>my </b>bloodstream “You’re terrible atpliments,” he said, <b>still </b><b>smiling</b>. “But I love <b>it</b><b>.</b>”


    He looked back at the bracelet, brushing <b>his </b>thumb over thepass charm. “It’s perfect Thank you.”


    Then, softly, “Will you? Put it on me?”


    I blinked, <i>“</i>You want me to…<i>?</i><i>” </i>


    He lifted his wrist toward me, eyes steady.


    My fingers shook a little as I fastened the leather around his wrist. His skin was warm. And he didn’t take his eyes off me once.


    When it was done, I let go too quickly, trying to get some air back into my lungs. “Okay That’s it. I’ll let you get back to work or whatever.”


    He stood with me. “Why are you in such a hurry to leave?”


    07.09