The sterile white of the hospital corridor felt a little less stark with the warm glow of the setting sun filtering through the windows. Isabelle walked beside Liam with their steps echoing softly against the polished floor. He held his head slightly tilted with a faint frown creasing his forehead as he glanced up at the sky.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Liam’s gaze followed hers, tracing the twinkling stars in the evening sky. He shifted his weight with a grimace flitting across his face. “It is,” he replied with his voice gruff. “Almost as beautiful as you.”
Isabelle’s heart skipped a beat. His words, so simple, yet so potent, echoed in her mind. She looked at him, her gaze lingering on the stitch on his forehead, the stark white against his tanned skin. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world around them faded away. There was a depth in his gaze, a raw vulnerability that startled her. It wasn’t the Liam she had known, the Liam who was cold and distant, the Liam who was just a means to an end for her mother. This Liam, with the faint traces of exhaustion around his eyes, and the protective tenderness in his tone, was someone she barely recognized. And yet, there was a spark, a flicker of something genuine that stirred within her.
“You shouldn’t have taken that fall for me,” she said softly, breaking the silence. “It wasn’t necessary. I could have handled them.”
Liam chuckled, a low rumbling sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “You? Handle them? You were about to run for the hills, sweetheart. I knew it.”
Isabelle blushed. “I was just startled, alright?” she retorted, her voice defensive. “You don’t have to protect me all the time.”
“Protecting you is the only thing I want to do, Isabelle,” he said, his tone serious and his gaze unwavering. “You’re my responsibility, you know.”
Her breath hitched. Responsibility? Was that all they were to each other? A responsibility? The thought stung, but there was something in Liam’s eyes, something that made her heart pound a little faster. He was genuinely concerned about her, and at that moment, she felt a flicker of warmth towards him, a feeling she hadn’t anticipated.
They reached the car, Liam guiding Isabelle towards the passenger seat. He leaned in, his hand hovering near her door handle. “You alright?” he asked, his voice soft.
“I’m fine,” she replied, her eyes meeting his. “Just a little shaken.”
“I know,” Liam murmured, his fingers gently brushing against her cheek. “But you’re safe now. That’s all that matters.”
He closed the door and walked around the car, sliding into the driver’s seat. As Liam started the engine, the familiar hum of the car engine was a comforting sound, erasing the echoes of fear from earlier that night. The city lights blurred into streaks of color as they drove, the night air cool and refreshing.
The next morning, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and something sweet and savory wafted into Isabelle’s bedroom. She sat up in bed, her eyes blinking open. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, casting a soft golden light across the room. As she stretched and yawned, a faint sound of sizzling reached her ears, pulling her out of bed.
She padded into the kitchen with a curious frown creasing her brow. Liam was standing at the stove, his back to her and his broad shoulders filling the space between the countertop and the window. He was flipping something in a pan, the scent of bacon mingling with the aroma of cinnamon and butter.
“Liam?” she asked, her voice laced with surprise.
He turned with a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Morning, sweetheart. Sleep well?”
“What are you doing?” she asked, her gaze darting between him and the pan. “You’re… cooking?”
Liam chuckled a low, warm sound that made her stomach flutter. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m a culinary genius.” He winked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I figured you’d be hungry after last night’s… excitement.”
“You cooked this? This… breakfast?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
He nodded, his grin widening. “The chefs at the Callahan estate taught me a few tricks. This is my creation, a special breakfast for my beautiful fiancee.”
Isabelle raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. “You know, I’ve heard rumors about you. You’re terrible at cooking.”
Liam laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Rumors are always exaggerated. It’s like that story about me being a terrible dancer.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m not that bad, am I?”
“Well, I guess I’ll have to judge for myself,” she said, her curiosity piqued.
He dished out a plate, the aroma of maple syrup and toasted bread filling the air. He placed it in front of her, a plate piled high with golden pancakes, fluffy and light, topped with crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup. A single strawberry, glistening with dew, was perched on top, adding a touch of sweetness to the savory concoction.
Isabelle took a tentative bite, the flavors exploding in her mouth. The pancakes were fluffy and light, the bacon perfectly crisp, and the maple syrup, sweet and rich, balanced the saltiness of the bacon. The whole experience was a symphony of textures and tastes.
“Wow.” she breathed, her eyes widening in surprise. “This is… amazing! You did cook this?”
Liam beamed, a proud smile gracing his lips. “I told you, I’m a culinary genius.”
“You are,” she said, her eyes shining with genuine admiration.
They ate in comfortable silence, the sounds of their cutlery clinking against china the only sound in the room. Isabelle felt a warmth spread through her, a sense of contentment that was unexpected. It was a simple act, sharing a breakfast cooked by Liam, but somehow, it felt like a pivotal moment in their strange, whirlwind relationship.
“Why aren’t you at work?” Isabelle asked, her voice soft.
Liam finished chewing, his gaze meeting hers. “I called the office and said I’d be taking the day off. I wanted to spend some time with you.”
“You… you took the day off for me?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
“Of course,” he said, his expression serious. “We have a lot to catch up on. Besides, you’re my fiancee. It’s only natural that I want to spend time with you.”