Healing Hearts

Chapter 5: Breaking the Ice

Emma walked briskly through the hospital corridors, her mind racing after the whirlwind of the last few days. She had tried to keep her interactions with Liam strictly professional, but something about him had started to chip away at her usual defences. His vulnerability at the hospital, paired with his relentless charm, made it harder for her to keep her distance.

It didn't help that every time she turned a corner, someone was talking about him. Apparently, news had spread that the billionaire Montgomery had been spending time at the hospital, which made for hot gossip. Some of her colleagues found it fascinating, others annoying, but Emma tried to ignore it all. She wasn't about to become another topic of discussion.

She pushed open the door to the break room, ready to grab a quick coffee before her afternoon rounds but froze when she saw Liam sitting casually at the small table, flipping through a magazine.

He looked up and grinned as if this were the most normal thing in the world. "Hey there, Doctor Thompson."

Emma blinked, completely caught off guard. "What are you doing here?"

Liam set the magazine down and stood up, all casual confidence. "Just visiting. Thought I'd check in on you."

Emma crossed her arms, trying to maintain her composure. "Check in on me? Don't you have some important CEO duties to attend to?"

Liam chuckled, stepping closer. "Sure, but none of them are as interesting as you."

Emma rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "You really have nothing better to do than hang around a hospital?"

"Actually," Liam said, his voice softening, "I came to see my father. He's doing much better, thanks to you."

The reminder of his father's recent health scare brought Emma back to reality. She had been keeping tabs on James Montgomery's progress, and she was relieved to know he was recovering well.

"I'm glad to hear that," she said sincerely.

Liam's grin returned, the playfulness back in his voice. "Since I'm here, I figured I'd invite you to lunch."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Lunch? I don't think that's a good idea."

"Oh, come on," he teased. "It's just lunch. It doesn't have to be a big deal."

Emma opened her mouth to refuse, but the look in his eyes—a mixture of charm and genuine interest—made her hesitate. Against her better judgment, she found herself considering it. After all, it was just lunch. What could possibly go wrong?

"I have a very busy schedule," she said, trying to deflect.

"I'll be quick," Liam said smoothly. "You have to eat, right? Might as well eat with me."

Emma sighed, knowing she was about to give in. "Fine. But only if it's close by. I don't have time for anything fancy."

Liam's eyes lit up with victory. "You won't regret it."

Fifteen minutes later, they were sitting at a small café across the street from the hospital. It was a cozy, unassuming place where Emma often grabbed coffee on her way to work. As far as lunch spots went, it was pretty low-key, which suited her just fine.

Liam, however, looked slightly out of place in his expensive suit, sitting at a wobbly table with a sandwich in hand. Emma couldn't help but smile at the contrast.

"See? I told you I could keep it casual," he said, noticing her amusement.

"You're doing surprisingly well," she teased, taking a bite of her salad. "I half expected you to suggest some five-star restaurant."

Liam shrugged. "I know how to adapt."

Emma raised an eyebrow, her curiosity getting the better of her. "So, why are you doing this? Why are you so interested in spending time with me?"

Liam leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful for a moment. "Because you're different. You're not like the people I usually meet."

Emma snorted softly. "You mean I'm not impressed by your money."

"Exactly," Liam said with a grin. "Most people see me as a walking bank account or a business opportunity. You don't care about any of that. You just... treat me like a normal person. I like that."

Emma studied him for a moment, unsure of how to respond. She wasn't used to being flattered for something like that, but she couldn't deny that there was something refreshing about their dynamic. Still, she wasn't going to let him off that easily.

"Well, I hate to break it to you, but you're not normal," she said, smirking.

Liam laughed, and the sound was so genuine that Emma found herself smiling, too. "Fair enough. But I'm trying."

They continued their lunch, the conversation shifting between light banter and more serious topics. Emma found herself relaxing around Liam, laughing at his jokes and even sharing some of her own stories from her hectic days at the hospital. To her surprise, he listened attentively, genuinely interested in what she had to say.

As they finished their meal, Liam glanced at his watch and grimaced. "I should probably get back to the office before my assistant has a meltdown."

Emma chuckled, feeling a little lighter after their conversation. "Thanks for lunch, but I think it's best if we keep this... casual."

Liam stood up, that playful glint back in his eyes. "Casual, huh? I can work with that."

Emma rolled her eyes, though she couldn't stop the small smile on her face. "I mean it, Liam."

"I know," he said, his voice softening slightly. "But I'm not giving up that easily."

With that, he gave her a wink and walked off, leaving Emma standing in the café, her heart racing just a little faster than it should.

As she returned to the hospital, Emma couldn't stop thinking about their lunch. Liam Montgomery was turning out to be far more persistent—and far more charming—than she had anticipated. And as much as she tried to resist, she couldn't deny that there was something between them, something that was becoming harder and harder to ignore.