16. Lucy
Chapter sixteen
Lucy
I can’t stop smiling as I walk into my apartment the next morning, still floating on the memories from yesterday.
The sun is shining through the window, casting warm light across the living room, and everything feels just a little more vivid, a little more…
real. Yesterday was perfect — in a way I didn’t know I needed.
Liam. Max. The way everything just clicked, like I was part of something bigger than just the quiet life I’ve always known. There was something about being with them — the way they just accepted me without question. I felt seen. I felt heard. I felt… happy.
I set my purse down on the kitchen counter and freeze when I notice the package sitting on the table.
A large box, wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine.
I don’t need to guess who it’s from.
My heart flutters as I reach for it, untying the twine carefully, almost reverently. The excitement makes my hands shake as I peel away the paper.
Inside is a custom-built ferret playground — a maze of tunnels, climbing platforms, and cozy nooks, all designed specifically for Pip and Nibbs. It’s beautiful, intricate, and clearly made with so much thought and care. My heart swells in my chest, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness.
I run my fingers over the smooth wood, still not quite believing what I’m holding. I can’t remember the last time someone did something like this for me. Something so… personal.
I grab my phone quickly, my fingers itching to call him.
The phone rings once. Then twice.
By the third ring, he picks up.
"Hey, Lucy," he says, his voice light, warm.
I smile, my stomach flipping at the sound of his voice. "Liam," I say softly, "you’re really something, you know that?"
I hear the smile in his voice before he even answers. "I was hoping the delivery guy caught you at a good time."
"Yeah," I reply, my voice still a little breathless, "he did. I just… I can’t believe you did this."
I walk over to the ferret playground again, tracing the edges with my fingers, my emotions swirling. "It’s perfect. They’re going to love it."
"I’m glad you like it," he says, and I can hear the satisfaction in his tone. "I just wanted to do something for my cuties."
My heart tightens at his words. "You don’t have to keep doing this for me," I say, my voice almost a whisper.
He doesn’t miss a beat. "I’m just getting started."
I frown slightly. "Liam, you don’t need to spoil me."
"I don’t mind spoiling you," he replies easily. "I just want to see you smile."
I bite my lip, holding back the lump in my throat. I can’t remember the last time someone wanted to make me happy, just because. It feels… so strange and yet so right.
"How was your night?" he asks, cutting through the quiet. "You sleep well?"
I pause. The truth is, I didn’t sleep well. Not at all. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him. Our kiss. His hands on my skin. The way he looked at me like I was something he wanted. And then, when I tried to push it out of my mind, my thoughts just circled back to the same question:
What now?
But I don’t tell him that.
I can’t.
"It was fine," I say, forcing a casual tone into my voice. "A bit of stress, but nothing too bad."
His voice softens, and I know he’s not buying it, but he doesn’t press me. Instead he talks about his night and I tell him a bit of my schedule, I ask, "What about you? What’s on your schedule today?"
"I’ve got work, outside town." I pause, trying to ignore the little twist of disappointment I feel at the thought of his absence.
"Meetings all day," he replies. "And then I’m flying to Chicago for some work stuff."
I feel a little pang at the thought of him leaving. It’s foolish, I know. We’ve barely known each other for a few weeks, and yet…
"Chicago?" I ask, trying to sound indifferent. "How long will you be gone?"
"Not long," he says with a chuckle. "I’ll be back tonight. My jet leaves in an hour, but I’ll be back before you know it. Promise."
I try not to let the sadness creep in. I shouldn’t feel like this. I shouldn’t feel disappointed. He’s busy. This is his life. And I… I can’t get too attached.
Still, the words slip out before I can stop them. "I’ll miss you."
There’s a pause on the other end of the line, and then he chuckles softly. "I’ll miss you too."
My heart skips a beat, and I realize too late what I’ve said.
"I’m sure you’ll be just fine without me," he teases lightly. "But I’ll be back soon. Can’t leave you alone for too long."
I laugh, but it feels a little forced. "I’ll survive."
"Good," he replies, but I can hear the smile in his voice. "Listen, what would you like me to get you while I’m gone? I’ll be in Chicago, so I’ll find something special."
I blink in surprise. "You don’t need to get me anything, Liam."
"I want to," he insists. "I just need to know what you’d like."
I pause, the conflict in my chest rising again. He’s so generous, so willing to give, and here I am, feeling guilty for even enjoying it.
I take a deep breath, trying to clear my thoughts. "Honestly, you’ve been spoiling me with so many gifts already," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t need anything else."
"You sure?" he presses, and I can hear the sincerity in his tone.
I hesitate for a moment, then let out a small sigh. "Well, if you really want to get me something…"
His voice lightens. "I’m listening."
"Just come back," I say quietly, before I can stop myself. "That’s all I want. For you to come back."
There’s a brief silence on the other end, and when he speaks again, his voice is soft, almost vulnerable. "I will. I promise. I’ll be back before you know it."
I didn’t mean to say that. I didn’t mean to admit that I want him with me so bad. But the words are out now, and I don’t take them back.
He clears his throat, breaking the moment. "So… how about dinner tonight? I’ll be back in time, and I’d love to take you out."
I hesitate, the voice of reason battling with the warmth spreading in my chest. I shouldn’t agree. I can’t keep getting closer to him.
He beats me to it, his tone teasing but with a hint of sincerity. "You’re not getting rid of me that easily."
I smile softly, despite myself. "I guess not."
"Good," he says, almost sounding relieved. "I’m looking forward to it. And don’t worry. I won’t keep you out too late. Just a nice dinner, alright?"
I can’t help but nod, even though he can’t see me. "Alright," I whisper. "I’ll look forward to it."
I feel him smile through the phone, and it warms me.
He chuckles softly. "Good. I’ll see you tonight, then."
We say our goodbyes, and I end the call, the sound of his voice lingering in my ears.
For a moment, I stand there, my heart racing in my chest. The thought of seeing him again tonight fills me with excitement and a little bit of dread.
I can’t keep pretending like this isn’t real. I can’t keep hiding from what I feel.
But tonight, I’ll have to explain to him why I can’t keep going down this path. Because there’s no future for us. And I can’t let myself get any more attached.
But as I stand there, my phone still in my hand, I know I’m already too far gone.
***
I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, smoothing my hands over the soft fabric of my dress.
It’s a simple black number, the kind that feels both elegant and understated, with just enough flair to make me feel like I’m stepping into something special.
The hem reaches my knees, and the neckline is modest but flattering.
The kind of dress that makes me feel... confident, without making too much of a statement.
I hesitate as I adjust my earrings — small, gold hoops that feel a little too bold for my usual style, but I wanted to try something different tonight. After all, I still don’t know where we’re going, but Liam promised dinner.
Dinner. Just dinner.
I swallow against the knot in my throat, trying not to overthink it.
But it’s hard. My mind keeps drifting back to last night, to the way he looked at me when we were standing on the beach.
The kiss we shared, soft and tender, a moment that felt almost timeless.
I’ve never felt this way before, and yet, here I am — conflicted, unsure.
I’m not ready for whatever’s happening between us, but every time I think I should pull away, I just... can’t.
I sigh, stepping back from the mirror. I should stop overthinking this. It’s just dinner. Nothing more.
I pick up my clutch from the counter, my fingers brushing over the fabric, steadying myself. Then, I hear the knock on my door.
My heart skips.
I take a deep breath and move toward the door, reminding myself to stay calm. But when I open it, I’m met with Liam standing there, looking as dashing as ever.
His eyes scan over me, and for a moment, I swear I can feel him looking right through me. The way he stares at me makes it feel like time slows down, and I can’t quite breathe.
"Wow," he says, his voice low, almost a whisper. "You look... stunning. As always."
The words catch me off guard, and my cheeks flush. I thank him, my voice a little softer than I’d intended. "Thank you, Liam. You look great, too."
He smiles, but there’s something unreadable in his eyes. A soft intensity that makes me feel like I’m on the edge of something I don’t quite understand.
Then, he holds out a bouquet of white roses, the petals soft and delicate, their fragrance filling the space between us. "For you," he says, his tone sincere.
My heart swells at the gesture. "Liam, you didn’t have to..."
He interrupts me gently, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I wanted to."
I take the flowers, my fingers brushing his as I do. His touch sends a little jolt through me, but I push it down. I can’t get lost in this. Not now.
"Are you ready?" he asks, still standing there, his gaze unwavering.
I nod, my heart racing. "Just need to put these in some water and grab my purse again."
"No problem," he replies, stepping aside so I can move past him.