Irina's smile widened as she lowered her hands, allowing the plates to drop onto the nearby counter with a careless clatter.
Liam closed the remaining distance between them. He did not rush. He simply stepped forward until there was almost no space left, his eyes never leaving hers. The mischievous look from a moment ago softened into something quieter, warmer, and far more serious.
"I've been thinking about this since I woke up," he said, voice low.
Irina's cheeks colored faintly, but she did not look away. "About what?"
"You." He lifted one hand and brushed a loose strand of dark hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered against her skin for a second longer than necessary. "About how worried you looked when you saw me. About how soft your voice sounded when you apologized. About how good it felt when you hugged me and didn't want to let go."
