Liam Stone keeps defending me. I should be offended.
I am offended.
But beneath the irritation, something far worse bubbles. His protectiveness… Jesus, it hits somewhere I don’t want to touch.
For a moment—a single, foolish moment—I forget how to breathe. Liam stands up for me like it’s obvious.
Expected.
Easy.
The warmth that sparks in my chest is terrifying enough that I shut it down immediately.
Who does he think he is, swooping in like that? And why does it feel… good?
I swallow and chance a look at Corm, who is busy in a glaring duel with Liam. Whatever they are communicating with their charged silence, I’m apparently left out. As so many times before.
Four more weeks of this, and I can relax. In the meantime, I need to stay focused. And be myself.
“Let me forward you the calculations, so you’re prepared to deliver the good news to Vireon.” I stand up.
Corm moves his scrutiny from Liam to me. “I’m forwarding you Miller’s email with their counter-proposal. You have thirty minutes to prepare all the arguments to get Vireon on board.”
“You will get it in twenty.” I have no idea how I am going to achieve that. But that’s a problem for the future. A very immediate one, but right now, I need to be capable and confident.
Corm looks at Liam, who stands up, shoving his hands into his pockets. Then he glances at me and back at Liam.
I almost forget to breathe, waiting for… I’m not even sure what, but this meeting gave Corm food for thought.
Did Liam defend me because there is something happening between us?
Did he take the blame to show he’s the better man?
Did he challenge Corm’s attitude to prove he could play with them and wouldn’t cower?
“What are you two waiting for?” Corm snaps, and takes his seat, moving his attention to his computer screen.
I turn on my heels, wondering who scored points here today. A tentative answer comes before I reach the door.
“You sit with me on the call, Roxy,” Corm says. “Your idea, your show.”
I try to hide my smile, but fuck, I needed to hear that.
“Why didn’t you tell him after the presentation?” Liam says as soon as the door closes.
“Why didn’t you?” I’m not ready to admit I forgot.
“I didn’t want to take credit for your idea.” He is looking at me as if I weren’t grasping basic math additions.
“Oh.”
I add to all his offenses that he renders me speechless. For a heartbeat, one wild, stupid heartbeat, it again feels like someone is in my corner.
And I don’t know what to do with that.
I don’t trust it. I don’t trust him. And yet a warmth unfurls low in my chest, sharp as panic.
“Why didn’t you tell him?” he demands.
