Page 24 of Liam (The Valeur Billionaires #4)

Mia’s expression is a mix of concern and determination. “Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. First, we’re going to fix your makeup because, honey, you look like a raccoon right now.”

I can’t help but laugh at that, even as Mia dabs at my eyes with a tissue.

“Second,” she continues, “we’re going to go back out there, and you’re going to give Jake a fair shot. He seems like a great guy, and he’s obviously into you.”

I nod, taking a deep breath. “You’re right. Jake deserves better than me mooning over my boss all night.”

“And third,” Mia says, her tone serious, “when this date is over, you and I are going to have a long talk about how to handle this Liam situation. Because I’ll be damned if I let him hurt you again.”

I feel a rush of affection for my best friend. “What would I do without you, Mia?”

She grins, linking her arm through mine as we head for the door. “Probably combusted in a lab accident by now. Come on, let’s go save your date before they think we’ve escaped through the bathroom window.”

Mia’s right. I need to figure out what’s going on with my feelings for Liam. But for now, I have a date to salvage. Perhaps I can make it through the rest of the night without mentioning Liam’s name again.

I’m doomed.

The rest of dinner passes in a blur of me trying to act like a normal human being. By the time we finish our meals, I’m exhausted from the effort.

“There’s a nice park nearby,” Mark suggests. “Shall we take a walk?”

Mia jumps on the idea. “Great idea! Some fresh air will do us all good.” The look she gives me says, “And maybe help you remember how to converse without mentioning your boss.”

Jake’s hand brushes against mine, and I glance at him. He’s looking ahead, a small smile on his face. Before I can overthink it, his fingers slip between mine.

His hand is warm and slightly rough. It feels...nice. Comfortable. My fingers curl around his.

“You’re not like any other girl I’ve met,” Jake says.

I smile, a warmth blooming in my chest. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It is.” Jake leans in, his eyes flicking down to my lips. My pulse quickens, and a flutter of anticipation blooms in my chest. I tilt my head, angling toward him. The scent of his cologne envelops me, a warm, spicy aroma that makes my head spin.

I part my lips, my eyelids growing heavy. Shit, did I remember to pop that mint after dinner?

His hand cups my cheek. I lean into his touch, my eyes closing as the distance between us shrinks.

Over his shoulder, a flash of movement catches my eye. A jogger in the distance, his silhouette familiar. Dark hair, broad shoulders.

My eyes snap open, all thoughts of the kiss evaporating. It can’t be. It’s not possible. But it looks so much like...

“Wow, a rare night-blooming cactus,” I say, ducking away from Jake and toward a nearby bush. My heart pounds as I pretend to examine the ground, praying the jogger hasn't spotted us.

“Aleria?” Jake's voice is full of confusion as he crouches beside me.

I emerge, leaves in my hair and my dignity in shreds. “Oh, um...it seems I was mistaken. Just some very interesting leaves.”

“You're really passionate about botany, huh?” Jake says, looking both amused and bewildered.

“Oh yes,” I say with perhaps too much enthusiasm. “Fascinating subject. All those plants.”

Mia’s eyes narrow. “Since when do you like plants?”

“Since always? You know what they say, a cactus a day keeps the doctor away?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s apples, not cacti.”

“Right, of course.” I nod. “I was testing you. Congratulations, you passed the cactus test.”

The walk ends with a gentle goodbye. Jake leans in, hesitates, then gives me a quick peck on the cheek. It’s sweet, but I feel a twinge of guilt at the relief that washes over me when he pulls away.

“I had a great time,” he says, and I think he means it.

“Me too,” I reply, and I’m surprised to find I’m not lying. “Thanks for understanding about the cactus incident.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Never a dull moment with you, Aleria.”

We part ways with promises to call.

Back at my apartment, I collapse onto the couch with a groan that could wake the dead. Schrodinger looks up from his perch with judgmental eyes .

“Don’t judge me,” I mutter, plucking a leaf from my hair. “You try going on a date when your brain won’t shut up about your boss.”

Schrodinger blinks, unimpressed.

“I know, I know,” I sigh, replaying the evening’s events. “Jake was great. Kind, funny, actually interested in my rambling about quantum physics. He’s everything I should want.”

I pause, looking at my cat as if he might have the answers. “So why couldn’t I stop thinking about Liam?”

Schrodinger yawns and turns away.

“Yeah, you’re right,” I mutter, dragging myself off the couch. “I need sleep. Maybe in the morning, this will all make sense.”

I check my phone and find a work email from a few hours ago. It’s from Liam, asking me to come in early tomorrow. My heart races as I read the message, a mix of anticipation and dread washing over me.

I type a response.

Of course. I’ll be there.

By the way, was it you I saw at the park tonight?

I delete it. That wasn’t him. That was me losing my mind, imagining Liam in some random guy.

I try again.

Yes, I’ll be there. I hope everything is okay. I’ve been worried about?—”

Delete.

I’ll be there.

I close my eyes, trying to quiet my racing thoughts. But in that space between waking and sleeping, a kaleidoscope of images flashes through my mind. Jake's warm smile, the jogger in the park that looked so much like Liam, the feel of Liam's fingers on my skin all those years ago...

And then, just before sleep claims me, a new thought surfaces: What if Liam's email isn't about work at all? What if...?