Grace paused on the terrace as Liam held out a chair for her. The afternoon sun, the sky a wash of light . Around them the exclusive rooftop hummed with quiet conversation ,soft jazz played in the background, making the place feel intimate. Though not fully private, the spot still risked prying eyes
Liam's confident smile made Grace's heart flutter. "You chose the best view in town," she said, adjusting the strap of her purse.
Liam settled across from her, sunlight catching his dark hair. "I always aim high, Grace . Figured you'd appreciate lunch with a view," he said, eyes dancing. Grace bit back a grin.
He was charming and confident, but the way he held her gaze quickened her pulse. Her mind drifted to their kiss last night and the promise she'd made not to pretend anymore. She forced a smile, letting out a quiet laugh to hide her nerves "Everything alright?" he teased lightly.
"I appreciate the view," Grace said softly. The tension at her neck eased slightly as Liam stood to hang up her coat. He returned and Grace steered the moment, clearing her throat "How are the new zoning proposals going?" she asked, hoping to sound casual.
His dark eyes lit up as he leaned back. "Negotiations on the riverfront development are in full swing. I think we'll expand the park, but it'll take some compromise," Liam said. "Your father seemed pleased with your input yesterday. You're his secret weapon."
Grace felt the heat rise in her cheeks at that praise. She dipped her fingertips in her iced tea. "He does keep me busy," she said. "Good thing he married my mother, or I'd be sitting on the throne terrorizing everyone." She laughed softly.
For a moment they were just colleagues, teasing each other. Grace loved the warmth in his eyes when he laughed and that dimple in his chin 'oh my goodness' that always appeared.
Beneath the polite clink of cutlery, her heart felt lighter than it had in days. She realized how much she enjoyed this easy banter.
Suddenly Liam leaned in and covered her hand with his. His thumb brushed the inside of her wrist, and a small thrill shot through her. Grace blinked and sipped her tea to hide the reaction. His smile turned gentle. "We should talk about tomorrow's council meeting," he said quietly.
Grace's heart skipped. He had shifted to business, and she straightened. Her pulse raced as she refocused. "Yes," she said. "They're discussing the riverfront plan. You're really putting your reputation on the line with this one."
Liam traced the rim of his glass thoughtfully. "I am, but nothing important is easy, right? I'd rather do it with the right partner" He held her gaze steadily, intent and earnest. Grace felt warmth pool in her stomach. She met his eyes. "Are you saying you want me at your side, then?" she asked softly, voice steady.
He let out a low laugh that made her smile. "I always want you at my side," he said simply. He reached his hand across the table, closing the remaining distance between them. Grace clasped his hand with hers and found it warm and steady. In that moment she felt tears of relief and happiness prick her eyes.
Grace saw the conflict in his eyes. She swallowed and reached out, their fingers intertwining briefly. A spark of electricity passed through her at the contact. Silence fell between them for a heartbeat. Liam cleared his throat. "You're serious about this?" he asked quietly.
"I wouldn't have agreed to lunch if I weren't" Grace replied, voice steady. She gave a small, nervous laugh. "Not the lunch itself, of course , you know what I mean."
Liam chuckled softly. For a long moment they simply looked at each other, the restaurant and the world around them fading away. The space between them was charged with something unspoken.
Before anything else could be said, a waiter arrived with their meals, breaking the spell. The savory scent of lemon and herbs filled the air as steaming plates were set before them. Grace felt a flush of embarrassment at the normalcy of it , a reminder that they were still at lunch. She met Liam eye and smiled, the tension easing slightly.
He paid the bill and stood. "Dinner next time?" he asked with a playful grin "I promise I won't bring any agendas."
Grace smiled, warmth in her chest. "You know I prefer rooftops to dark restaurants," she teased
"I'll hold you to that."
They walked off the rooftop together, side by side. Liam turned as they descended the marble stairs, city sounds drifting up to them. On impulse, He stepped closer and brushed a strand of hair behind Grace's ear. It was casual enough that anyone passing by would call it innocent, but electricity tingled through Liam's fingertips. Grace caught his hand and held it gently. For a heartbeat they stayed there , almost a kiss , before a car horn blared from the street below, snapping them back.
Grace let her fingers slip from his and smiled softly, cheeks warm. "Thank you," she whispered. "For lunch."
Liam's eyes were gentle as he pressed a light kiss on the back of her hand. "Thank you for letting me plan it" he replied.
As Grace walked away, the memory of the afternoon played in her mind