Begin Again novel Chapter 64

When he returned to the 36th floor after his lunch date with his parents, Liam was still racking his brain, trying to come up with a solid plan to break down the walls Eden had built around herself over the past few weeks.

He's not a praying man, could count the number of times he's prayed on both hands, the most recent being two years ago when his father was diagnosed with cancer.

But when he stepped out of the elevator and saw Eden struggling with the printer in the general admin office, he couldn't help but say a small prayer of thanks.

The good Lord above had seen his struggles, and for his suffering over the past four weeks had decided to reward him with the perfect opportunity.

This was his moment to shine, to show Eden he can be useful to her and she shouldn't write him off just yet.

His heart hammered at neck-breaking speed in his chest, threatening to send him to the emergency room as he approached the admin office.

He's never been nervous around her before. Okay, that's a lie. He's always fucking nervous around her.

Today though, his anxiety mounted to new heights, reaching epic proportions, the closer he got to her.

He brushed his clammy hands on the side of his pants, praying she can't hear his rapid pulse.

Eden turned at the sound of his footsteps, a small frown swiftly replacing the mystified look on her face when their eyes collided and held.

"Oh, it's you," she said in a flat voice; her disappointment seeping through her words and tone, making it crystal clear she has very little hope in his ability to fix a wayward printer.

But Liam wasn't discouraged by her lack of faith in him; in fact, he welcomed the challenge.

"Ms McBride, need help with that?" He offered, jerking his head at the machine.

Eden chewed her lip and nodded. "The paper keeps getting jammed."

"Let me," he said, aware he's way overconfident for someone who's only interacted with a printer twice in his life, and even then it was to collect printouts for a meeting because Gibby was too busy with other tasks.

Eden gave him a sceptical look, sizing him up, not at all sold by his overzealousness.

Liam rolled up his sleeves to prove to her he's not all talk, he means business, and she shouldn't doubt his muscles.

"I can fix it," he assured her for no reason other than to convince himself, especially since he's never fiddled with the inner workings of an office printer before. But he figured it's pretty much like taking apart a car's engine and putting it back together again. That, he's done plenty of times.

"I've fixed plenty of cars," he announced, and immediately wanted to kick himself. It didn't sound as ridiculous in his mind as it did when said out loud.

"This is hardly a car, Mr Anderson. But it's all yours, show me what you've got," Eden nodded at last and tried to step aside to give him room, but he was quick on his feet. He swiftly moved behind her, trapping her in place, his arms coming around her.

Goodness, she smelled heavenly, and he desperately wanted to bury his face in her neck and drown in her light floral scent.

"You smell amazing," he murmured, unable to help himself.

"Mr Anderson, I don't think—" Her voice faltered when he covered her hands with his on the top cover of the printer while he scanned the maintenance instructions. Eden sighed breathlessly, a slight tremor rocking her petite frame at his touch.

Liam smiled, glad to know he's not the only one nervous, and the intense pull between them was just as disarming for her as it was for him.

"What do you use?" He asked, still stuck on her fragrance, thoughts of playing hero pushed aside for the time being.

"Shampoo and convenience store soap." She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Nothing fancy, like what you're used to, I'm sure."

It was meant to be an insult, but he'd let it slide this once. He was so happy and immensely relieved Eden's talking to him again not even her sharp tongue could ruin this moment for him.

"It's pretty," he said, "I like it. Don't change it."

"Uhm, okay," Eden said.

He should step back and put his muscles to good use, but Christ he'd missed being so close to her. He needed at least another moment or two of quiet with her in his arms.

Eden ignoring him these past few weeks was a nightmare he hoped was finally behind him.

"Mr Anderson, the paper," she reminded him, turning slightly to look at him, her lips hovering too close to his for comfort.

If he lowered his head just a little, he could steal a quick kiss. He was so tempted to do just that, but the stormy look in her eyes made him think twice.

"Right," Liam said, returning his attention to the task at hand as he scanned the instructions once more. "Okay, are you ready?"