Chapter 37

William was puckering up for a kiss, but Brian pushed him away. His ears were turning red.

"Cut it out!"

"In romance novels, the hotshot CEOs always pamper their partners in the office."

"That's fiction. Scram, my secretary is coming."

Speak of the devil, the secretary was actually knocking on the door.

"Mr. Liu, your brother is here to see you."

William frowned. Brian didn't have a full brother; they were all half-siblings from his dad's mistress.

Brian also furrowed his brows.

"Let him in."

"Let him in? We haven't even had our smooch yet."

"Knock it off. It's almost quitting time. Head home, I'll be right behind you after the meeting."

"You know I can't drive with this hand. Who's gonna give you a lift if I leave? I'll wait for you. Just do your thing."

"I've got a driver."

William realized he had a lot to prepare and didn't insist on staying.

"Alright, have your driver take you home. I'll cook dinner. No bugs tonight, taking orders. What do you want?"

"Anything's fine."

"Don't get into it with him. If you can avoid a shouting match, do it. If he starts yelling, have security toss him out."

"Just go."

William reminded him again not to use his right hand and to let the driver take him home before leaving.

Brian looked at his bandaged right hand, tied in a bow. He really was a softie at heart. It was getting dirty; he needed to change the bandage tomorrow. "Mr. Liu, here are the documents you requested."

The secretary entered as Brian was looking down. Suddenly, he felt a gust of wind. Before he could react, his chin was grabbed and lifted. A familiar face appeared before him, and a quick, fierce kiss landed on his lips.

"Get home early. Can't wait for you to see the surprise I've got for you."

William caressed Brian's face, their eyes locked, his voice deep and tender.

He pressed his thumb against Brian's lips before turning and striding out.

The secretary was stunned, and so was Brian.

By the time the secretary regained her composure, Brian's face was beet red.

"Uh, can you, um, leave? I need to, uh, get ready for this meeting."

Brian tried to keep his cool, but his brain was scrambled and he was stammering. He knew he had to be the composed and authoritative Mr. Liu in the office, but he just couldn't keep it together.

He never thought William could be so romantic – leaving, then rushing back for a kiss, gazing at him with such affection.

In that moment, his mind went blank. He could even see his own dumbfounded expression reflected in William's eyes. The feel of his lips was undeniable – warm and tinged with the scent of tobacco, pressing against his own before pulling away.

He'd never been flustered during negotiations, never lost his cool when dealing with adversaries, and never been afraid when saving people from fires. But this kiss had him completely undone.

What got into William today? He was so gentle. It was so unlike him.

A surprise? What could it be? Brian was actually looking forward to the end of the workday.

The secretary rushed back to her desk, took a deep breath, and clutched her cheeks as her heart raced. She was reliving the moment – the usually stoic Mr. Liu blushing, the bickering couple suddenly as sweet as high school sweethearts.

The kiss between the hunk and the heartthrob, and the anticipation of a romantic surprise – it was just too thrilling!

The other secretaries curiously asked her what was going on.

"The boss's hubby and Mr. Liu just locked lips! Oh my gosh, my heart is doing somersaults. Mr. Liu was all red in the face!"

"No way! Weren't they talking about getting a divorce just a few days ago?"

"Shush! Don't go spreading rumors. This is their private business. What divorce? The office is practically filled with pink bubbles right now; they're so lovey-dovey."

The secretary area was abuzz with chatter among the ladies, none of them noticing Leo Liu passing by outside.

Leo Liu paused when he heard the word "divorce."

"Mr. Liu, the CEO is in his office. I'll take you there."

The secretary noticed him, quickly composed herself and her fluttering heart, and led him to knock on Brian's door.