“I’m sure you will.” I moved to his bedside and picked up the novel I’d been reading to him all week. “Would you like me to read to you until dinner?”
“I’d love that.” He nestled back into his pillows while I lowered myself into the armchair beside him.
Delving into the story we’d left off the day before, I found myself getting lost in the words until approaching footsteps caught my voice.
I was already intimidated before he walked through the door. His purpose-driven steps hastened my heart beat, and the moment he stepped into the room, I dropped my gaze to the book in my hands, endeavoring to remain invisible, as per Caroline’s request.
“Hey Gramps.” He approached Liam’s alternate side.
“Adam. So lovely to see you. It’s been some time.” The warmth in Liam’s voice was immeasurable.
“Yeah, I’m sorry. Work has been…busy.”
“I completely understand. Acquiring the Warren Media portfolio has been a tremendous advancement for Harlow Corp. I can only imagine how much extra work you’ve had to put in.”
He let out a deflated laugh but didn’t respond.
“You mustn’t work yourself too hard, Adam. There is more to life.”
“Yeah, yeah. So you keep telling me.”
I peeked up to find Adam sitting on Liam’s bedside. Faced with his broad-shouldered back, my gaze rolled over his scruffy, dark-blonde hair, then down to his muscular arms. Nora was right. Even without seeing his face, I could tell he was attractive.
Replacing the bookmark, I closed the novel and placed it on the side table. It was time to leave. Adam hadn’t acknowledged my existence, nor had I expected him to. The help was ignored in this world and Liam’s grandson clearly had a lifetime of experience.
“I’d like you to meet someone.” Liam turned his smile my way.
Fuck.That wasn’t supposed to happen. I was supposed to remain unseen.
“This is Cassidy. She’ll be helping to prepare everyone for my passing.”
Begrudgingly, Adam’s gaze turned my way, full of disinterest. “Now, Gramps, that’s not very optimisti…” His voice trailed off.
I froze as his eyes narrowed.It couldn’t be.
“Cassidy, this is my grandson, Adam.”
Forcing down the growing lump in my throat, I stretched out my hand. “Pleased to meet you.”Surely it wasn’t him.
“Likewise.” He hesitated momentarily before wrapping his fingers around mine.
A spark of electricity ricocheted between us, and my eyes snapped to his.
Adam’s pupils dilated, confirming my fears.It was him.
I whipped my hand out of his and stood. “I’ll give you two some space.”
“Is everything okay, Cassidy?” Liam asked with a frown. “You look startled.”
“No, no.” I squeezed his hand to reassure him. “I just remembered something I have to do.”
“Well, bless you for reading to me. Enjoy the beach tomorrow.”
“I will. Thank you.” Not daring another glimpse in Adam’s direction, I offered Liam a tight smile before racing out of the room.
“Excuse me, Gramps,” I heard Adam say before his footsteps followed. “I’ll be back in a sec.”
I grasped my bedroom door handle a moment too late.