“I know how this works. You’re growing a readership, you’re selling books. And now you’re a media darling. You made a deal with me and it’s working out for you in ways you hadn’t expected. Hey, that’s great.”
He didn’t sound like it was so great. And she didn’t care for what he was insinuating. But apparently he hadn’t called the reporters, and he hadn’t been turned off by her obvious feelings for him. Yet that happy realization was offset by his accusation, and it somehow gave her the courage to admit the truth. “I didn’t see the photographers, Liam.”
He searched her face for a long moment.
She shelved her hands on her hips. “I thoughtyoucalled them. And for the record, I don’t have any desire to be in the spotlight, and enhancing my career or whatever else you’re accusing me of was the last thing on my mind that night. I was just having a nice evening out. I was having fun and enjoying your company—and I thought you were enjoying mine too.”
Chapter33
As Liam held Chloe’s gaze, the air around them drained of tension like a balloon emptying of air. Her words reverberated in his head.“I was having fun and enjoying your company—and I thought you were enjoying mine too.”
He had enjoyed her company that night. So much that if she hadn’t leaned in for that kiss, he would’ve. And it had been amazing. The best kiss he’d ever had. Then the photographer called out.
And Liam made some assumptions.
He studied Chloe’s features. Her eyes, even wider than usual, filling with tears. Her trembling chin.
Realization dawned. This was a terrible misunderstanding. He’d put all kinds of false motives on Chloe.
She wore her heart on her sleeve, a trait he’d always appreciated until now. Until it put tears in her eyes. Tears he’d caused. He should’ve known better. She was thoughtful and sweet, not manipulative and opportunistic. She wouldn’t have crossed the kissing boundary for publicity.
Was he that jaded that he’d put such selfish motives on her? Had he been in Hollywood too long?
Apparently.
His lungs emptied and he closed his eyes in a long blink. “I am such an idiot. I’m sorry, Chloe. I don’t know what I was— You’re not an opportunist. I know that and I’m sorry I said it.” He gave his head a shake. “That kiss was... It took me by surprise—in the bestof ways. And then that photographer called out, and I thought you’d seen him before you kissed me. I thought—”
“That I saw him and used the moment as a photo op.”
“I guess I was...” Wounded. Heartbroken. “Disappointed.”
She gave him a long, searching look, her eyes softening to denim blue. “You were hurt.”
She was right, but he was loath to admit it. Doing so made him vulnerable in a way he didn’t exactly enjoy. But after making those accusations, the least he could do was give her the truth. “I was hurt.” He held his breath, waiting for her to use his honesty against him.
“I thoughtyouhad staged the moment. After the kiss, you acted as if you’d known they were there all along.”
Heat worked its way up his neck. “I was trying to save face—trying to see if you’d known they were there. But I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.” He’d never been so honest in all his life. Apparently she brought this out in him. He hoped he didn’t regret it.
Her gaze sharpened on him, and as the moment lengthened, her posture lost some of its rigidity. She tried for a smile. “I guess we both made some assumptions. I’m sorry too.”
He wrapped his brain around the misunderstanding and came to a logical conclusion that buoyed his spirts. He took a step toward her. “So... just to be clear, when you kissed me, you actually meant it.”
Her cheeks bloomed pink. “And when you kissed me back... you meant that too?”
“I wasn’t pretending.” His hands framed her face as he stared into those luminous eyes and told her the biggest truth of all. “I’ve never meant a kiss so much in all my life.”
Her gaze fell to his mouth.
He leaned forward and brushed her mouth with his. They came together like magnets. His arms went around her. His hands mappedthe curves of her shoulders, the small of her back. The indentation of her waist, the gentle swell of her hips.
Her fingers cut paths through his hair, knocking off his hat. Bringing every follicle to life. Her lips gave way beneath his and he feasted on them.
He couldn’t believe she would forgive him so quickly, so easily. No silent treatment or guardedness. He wasn’t used to this. The emotional honesty, the raw communication, the forgiveness, the closure. But what a fine ending to the suffering he’d endured the past week—all of it needless, as it turned out.
His previous relationships had been shallow, but he hadn’t realized just how superficial until now. But there was a cost to this kind of intimacy. Laying his feelings on the line was terrifying. But Chloe hadn’t taken advantage of his vulnerability. She would never. He didn’t know her well, but he knew her well enough to know that. She brought out the best in him. Made him want to be a better man, a better person. And he wanted more of that.
More of her.
