Professional Restraint

22 Lucky You

Ella

Leaving Renford's for the last time, I'm on cloud nine! Liam and I put in yet another long day, leaving at eight at night, but after a quick chat, we both decided it was best to stay as long as it took to finish the job to not have to come back tomorrow.

Watching Liam tell Russel that they've lost millions of dollars to an inside job is something straight out of a movie.

First Russel disputes the facts, calling Liam every name in the book and accusing him of slander to try to steal his company, but Liam never wavers. In the end, Russel can't dispute the evidence as clear as the numbers on the pages and sobers up, even apologizing for his outburst. I can't get out of there fast enough, and when Liam offers his elbow, I'm only too happy to link my arm with his and head out.

The ride back to the hotel feels like a blink as I sit there distracted the whole time, smiling and staring out the window. Liam says the suite is booked for the week so we can take our time heading home. After the long day hunched over a low table, all I can think of is a long, hot shower.

"Why don't you change and relax? This day took a hell of a lot longer than I expected," Liam says, closing the door behind us and locking it before throwing the keycard and his wallet on the counter. "Lord knows I could use a long, hot shower myself."

I close my eyes, roll my neck, and rub it before turning my attention back to him. "A long, hot shower does sound great right about now," I admit, kicking off my shoes and stretching my toes.

"We have the Jacuzzi, enjoy it," he counters, nodding to the tub. The thought of a long, hot soak with massage jets needs no more motivation, and I gladly head to my room to grab my stuff before heading to the tub.

Pulling my long hair up into a messy bun and slipping in the hot water is like heaven! The jets hit every knot I didn't even know I had, slowly chipping away all the stress and tension that built up over the week. I lose track of time, but judging by the pruney look of my fingers, I've been in here a while.

Soft knocking on the door only confirms that. "I've ordered dinner in and it's due any moment," Liam calls from the other side. As if my stomach wishes to answer, it growls loudly.

"Thanks, I'll be out in a minute!" I reply, hastily stepping out and covering myself.

"No rush, just figured you'd like to eat while it's still hot after that crappy lunch," he chuckles.

I open the door, wrapped in a green silk robe, and come face-to-face with him. His hair is still damp and tousled from his shower, smelling great, and he's dressed casually in grey jogging pants and a plain black T-shirt. My heart jumps into my throat and eyes lock on his.

"S-sorry," I stammer, feeling myself pulled under his spell once more. "I'll be there in five."

Liam smiles and steps aside, letting me practically bolt to my room. Once inside, I let out a deep breath and lean against my closed door for a moment, gathering my wits once more. Not wanting to keep him waiting, I quickly change into yoga pants and a cami, then pull an oversized knit sweater over it.

I can't exactly go down dressed in business attire while he's so casual.

Cracking the door open, I hear Liam talking to room service before the door shuts and silence once more takes over. The tile is cool under my bare feet, but I make my way silently downstairs and over to the kitchenette, where he's fussing around a cart.

"Perfect timing." Liam smiles, pulling out a chair for me. I take a seat and he tucks me in before grabbing a plate from under a silver cover and setting it down in front of me. My mouth instantly waters at the savoury aroma as my eyes devour the feast in front of me. "I hope you're hungry?"