Chapter 3
For the rest of the drive, I wished I could just bury my head in the seat cushions and disappear.
Liam, meanwhile, seemed to be in a surprisingly good mood, a faint smile tugging at his lips the whole time.
What was so funny?
What was so funny anyway?!
By seven that evening, we finally rolled into Seaville City.
The hotel had been booked in advance, a fancy five-star place.
The receptionist handed us our room keys. "Mr. Sterling, Ms. Sullivan, your rooms are on the eighth floor, 806 and 808."
I took the key card and was about to head for the elevator.
Suddenly, Liam spoke up. "Wait a second."
The receptionist blinked in surprise. "Mr. Sterling, is there a problem?"
"Change it to 807."
"807? But that's a king-size bed."
"I know."
I was completely baffled.
Seriously, what did he even mean by that?
Why would he request a room with a single large bed?
"Mr. Sterling?" I asked cautiously. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yes," Liam replied, his face unreadable. "Room 806 is a tiny single room. It's too cramped and uncomfortable."
"But 807's got a king-size bed."
"What's wrong with a king-size bed?"
"But there's only one bed!"
"And? Is that a problem?"
"Just one bed..." I mumbled.
I was too flustered to say anything else.
The receptionist bit her lip, clearly fighting back a knowing smile as she imagined the drama unfolding before her.
Liam handed me the room key without missing a beat. "Let's go."
I took the key, my face completely expressionless.
What was he plotting?
*****
As soon as I stepped inside, I was hit by how ridiculously spacious the room was.
This king-size suite was seriously huge.
The bed itself had to be at least 6 feet wide; honestly, one could fit four people on it and still have room to spare.
I finally felt a bit relieved.
Liam set down his luggage and started loosening his tie. "Go ahead and take a shower first."
"Wait, me first?"
"Uh-huh."
"Why though?"
"Ladies first."
I froze.
I couldn't shake the feeling that there was a hidden meaning behind his words.
Forget it. I shouldn't overthink it.
Shower first.
I grabbed my clothes and headed into the bathroom.
Halfway through my shower, it suddenly hit me.
Crap, I was screwed.
I totally forgot to bring pajamas.
The only clothes I had were my business suit for tomorrow.
Was I seriously supposed to sleep in a blazer and skirt?
That was so frustrating.
After ten minutes of debating with myself, I finally peeked my head out, wrapped in a towel.
"Um... Mr. Sterling."
Liam was sitting on the couch, going through some files. He glanced up when he heard me. "What's wrong?"
"I... I forgot to bring pajamas."
"Um... could I borrow a shirt?"
Liam looked a little surprised, then got up and walked over to his suitcase.
He pulled out a crisp white dress shirt and handed it to me.
"Here, just wear this."
"Thanks."
I took the shirt and quickly shut the door behind me.
My heart was pounding like crazy.
What was happening?
Was I seriously about to sleep in my boss's shirt?
*****
The shirt was so big, hanging on me like a dress.
I noticed the faint, clean scent of his cologne.
It smelled really good.
I didn't want to linger in the bathroom too long, afraid he'd think something weird was going on.
When I finally stepped out, I tried to act like it was no big deal.
"Uh, Mr. Sterling, I'm done."
Liam looked up and for a second, he just froze when he saw me.
His gaze went a shade darker, then he quickly looked away.
"Uh-huh."
He stood up, picked up his clothes, and went into the bathroom.
As soon as the door closed, I finally let out a sigh of relief.
God, what was that look in his eyes?
Could it be...?
No, impossible.
I was definitely reading too much into it.
He hated me. How could he possibly have any other intentions?
I climbed into bed and pulled the covers up over my head.
But my head was a tangled mess. I couldn't stop overthinking everything.
*****
In the dead of night, I woke up sweltering.
Still groggy, I blinked open my eyes and realized something was wrapped around me, holding me in place.
I glanced down. It was an arm.
I jolted awake.
Liam was right next to me, his arm draped over me, pulling me into his arms.
His breathing was slow and steady. He was clearly still fast asleep.
My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might explode.
Was he acting out in his sleep?
I attempted to pry his arm away, but his grip was ironclad.
"Mm." He let out a low, muffled sound.
Then he tightened his hold around me, pulling me even closer.
What on earth was happening?
*****
The next morning, Liam woke up first.
He discovered me nestled in his arms and his entire body went rigid.
"You..." Liam stammered, clearly flustered.
"You were the one holding me!" I shot back, desperate to defend myself. "I swear, I didn't do anything!"
His ears flushed a bit. "I know."
"Then why did you ask?"
"I didn't ask."
"Come on, you totally did."
"I didn't say anything," Liam insisted.
He shot up from the bed and practically bolted into the bathroom.
The door slammed shut behind him.
I just lay there, staring up at the ceiling, totally spaced out.
What was his problem?
He held me all night, and now he was feigning ignorance?
The man was entirely irresponsible.
*****
Throughout the week-long business trip, Liam's attitude toward me underwent a subtle transformation.
In meetings, I would catch his gaze drifting toward me inadvertently.
At meals, he'd serve me food, picking out dishes and putting them on my plate.
When we walked together, he always made sure I was on the safer side, away from the street.
But he still kept that icy look, never smiled, always acted cold and distant.
I was so confused.
What was his intention?
Could he truly harbor feelings for me?
No way. Not a chance.
He had scolded me countless times before. How could someone who seemed to despise me suddenly care?
I was definitely overthinking.