Chapter 84 - I ? U I Do 17: The Kiss (2/2)

Leaning forward, he placed the envelope in front of Marian. ”Stay,” he ordered softly and he watched as she bit her lip. She really looked distraught. ”I need you,” he pleaded, and if ever, the other's expression only became more troubled.

”I-I can't,” she answered miserably. ”I'm sorry sir, but for personal reasons, I need to leave,” she said hurriedly but Liam wouldn't let her go just like that.

”Stay,” the young president implored once more.

”I can't!” she answered in panic and Liam shook his head.

”Stay. Don't leave me,” he insisted and he could feel his heart drumming against his ċhėst. He knew he was procrastinating again, but as of this moment, he was truly terrified.

”Marian…” he started; the words of love at the tip of his tongue, but as he opened his mouth to speak, his fear won again and words failed him. ”May I have some water?” he suddenly asked and an awkward silence fell between them again, the moment ruined.

”I…” Marian blinked several times before she smiled nervously at him and stood up. ”O-of course…water. How stupid of me,” she murmured as she excused herself to fetch him a glass, and Liam hit his forehead twice for his blunder.

”Stupid, stupid, stupid…” he berated himself as soon as he was left alone.

He was really a hopeless case, he knew, needing more time to build up his courage to profess his feelings. But who could blame him? This was his first time falling in love, the first time he��d confess. Damn right, he wanted to piss in his pants in his nervousness but he was aware that he couldn't afford to procrastinate some more.

He could lose Marian. He couldn't let that happen.

Swallowing his fear, Liam stood up as soon as she stepped back into the living room, watched as she placed the glass on the table in front of him.

”Marian,” he called and he breathed in when she raised her head so she could look at him. A flicker of something akin to dėsɨrė flashed in her eyes which gave him the courage he needed.

Marian wanted him too!

”Marian James, don't resign,” he said. ”You said you have personal reasons why you had to leave,” he reminded her. ”I understand that. But you also have to understand that I have personal reasons why I want you to stay. I will let you take a leave of absence if you really need a break but don't resign. I need you. I need you close to me. I…” his almond-shaped eyes searched her huge doe eyes, and then his glance lowered to where those pair of rosy lips parted.

This was it – the perfect moment he'd been waiting for. He would say 'I love you', those three magical words to him now. ”I l-lo – ”

RIIIIIIING, RIIIIIIING

The pealing of the telephone echoed, shattering another would have been a perfect moment and Liam felt like crying as he closed his eyes.

RIIIIIIING, RIIIIIIING

Feeling, her hand pulling away from his, Liam opened his eyes to look at Jae.

”I-I need to answer the phone,” she told him shyly and the young president sighed.

Seeing as the caller had no plans on giving up, and the call might be important, the businessman knew he had no choice but to let her go. For now.

Before he did, however, Liam swallowed hard as he suddenly pulled her against his body with all his might and kissed her squarely on the lips. The businessman desperately conveyed his feelings which he couldn't say out loud, hoping that she would somehow understand and he felt her surrender against him, letting him take over.

”I'll be back,” he promised her as he smiled regretfully and turned away, leaving her with her phone call.