Ava
Two days later, after spending the past couple of days with my father, the evening had brought an unexpected wave of joy. I had just finished dinner and was about to head to bed when a ping from my phone caught my attention. My heart raced as I checked my email and saw that I had been accepted for the position of Executive Assistant to the CEO of Winston & Co.
The excitement bubbled up inside me, and I couldn’t help but let out a joyous shout. Then, remembering that it was late and that my mother might hear, I quickly covered my mouth. If I were still in my old room, she would surely have barged in and scolded me. With a huge grin plastered on my face, I went to bed feeling elated.
The next day, after I’d settled into my new job news, I decided to go shopping for a few professional dresses. The shopping experience was as dreadful as always, but it was necessary. On my way back home, I passed by a cafe and noticed a library nearby that looked strikingly similar to the address Liam had given me.
Curious, I decided to check it out. As I entered, I was surprised to find that it was indeed Liam’s library. However, it was much more impressive than I had imagined. The place wasn’t just a small library; it had a charming cafe on one side and a library on the other. It was a haven where one could enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee and a croissant while reading a book. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and I made a mental note to visit every Saturday and Sunday afternoon to relax.
I approached the staff and inquired about Liam’s whereabouts. They looked at me with a hint of surprise and informed me that Liam wasn’t working that day. When they asked whom they should say had visited, I simply said it was no big deal and just wanted to say hello.
I asked if I could get a book and was handed one. I settled down in a cozy corner and lost myself in the pages. Hours passed in what felt like minutes, and before I knew it, it was late evening.
As I got up from my table, I accidentally bumped into someone, causing me to stagger backward. My nose hit their chest with a thud. “Ouch, what are you made of, guy, a stone?” I exclaimed, not realizing yet who I had collided with. “Goodness, you want to break my nose with your hard chest.”
I heard a chuckle and looked up to find Liam standing there. My face flushed with embarrassment. “Must I always embarrass myself in front of this guy?” I thought.
“Nice to meet you again, Ava,” Liam said with a grin.
I stammered, “Liam, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I see you paid a visit today,” he replied, his smile widening.
“Yeah, I’ve been here for quite a while. It’s already dark. I didn’t even realize how nice this place is. You should have told me more about it. I would have been here all the time,” I said, still flustered.
“Well, you can come here anytime you wish, and you’ll get free service since you’re my friend,” Liam said.
“No, no, I have to support you somehow. I can’t just come here and get free service,” I insisted.
“I insist. You’re a friend, and I take care of my friends,” Liam said, his tone firm yet friendly.
I blushed at his words. “So, are you headed home?” he asked.
“Yeah, I’m just going to call a cab,” I replied.
“No way. It’s late, and no cabs will be around this area now. Let me drop you off,” Liam said, shaking his head.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You should go home and rest,” I protested.
“I’ve been resting the whole day. Let me drop you off at your home,” he insisted.
Realizing that I didn’t want to repeat my previous mistakes, I agreed. “Okay,” I said, and he took me to his car.
As we drove home, I glanced at Liam, who was focused on the road. The comfort of the car and the rhythm of the drive made me feel more relaxed and chatty than usual.
“You know,” I started, “I didn’t pick you at first for a library guy. You look more like a rich kid who’d rather spend his time relaxing and going out with numerous girls.”
Liam turned to look at me, raising his eyebrows as if to say, “Really?”
“Yes,” I continued, a bit embarrassed now. “But in life, we don’t judge books by their covers, do we? I mean, you’re so kind and although you’re very hot, you’re a great guy.”
I felt a flush of embarrassment as I realized I was rambling without thinking. “Shut up, you i***t, you're embarrassing me,” my subconscious scolded me. I rolled my eyes internally and then glanced at Liam, who was now smirking.
“Oh, I’m flattered you think I’m hot now. At least I’m no longer pretty,” he said, teasingly. “That term doesn’t describe me.”
I laughed. “Well, you’re cocky as well.”
“Only for beautiful ladies complimenting me,” he responded with a wink. Oh heavens, that was so hot.
I blushed fiercely before reminding myself that Liam was my sister’s boyfriend and off-limits. I wasn’t supposed to flirt with him as if he were someone I could be in a relationship with. I needed to focus on my own life and keep him at arm’s length. Perhaps as a friend, although it would be difficult given how he looked so hot and was so charming.
And did I mention he looked so cool driving? I caught myself staring, and Liam noticed. “The way you’re looking at me, I’m pretty sure if I was put on a plate right now, you’d eat me up.”
I blushed again and quickly averted my gaze. “Oh, come on. I was just thinking.”
Liam chuckled, then asked, “My engagement with Natalia is coming up soon. Will you be there?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. She’s my sister,” I replied.
“Yeah, but she only spoke about you once,” Liam said, his tone slightly hesitant.
“Good things, I hope?” I asked.
Liam cringed slightly as if he didn’t want to share what Natalia had said. “Never mind. I know Natalia.”
To quickly steer the conversation away from an uncomfortable topic, I added, “I’ll be there, and congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Liam said, his smile returning.
“Thanks for the ride, Liam. Take care,” I said, smiling as I stepped out of the car.
“Anytime, and Ava?” he smirked
"Yes?" I answered cautiously
"Sorry about almost breaking your nose with my hard chest" he replied with a wink before driving off.
I blushed a thousand shades of crimson before rushing to my room. Then I froze as a thought came to my mind; Did I just complete a car journey without being traumatized? Wow!!