“You’ve Been Staring Since the Airport,” the CEO Said — The Single Dad Smiled, “You’ve Been Letting Me”
Chapter 2
Liam had forgotten about Victoria by the time he reached baggage claim.
Mostly.
Sophie was complaining about the temperature.
“Why is Denver cold?”
“It’s winter.”
“But I brought the wrong shoes.”
“You always bring the wrong shoes.”
She laughed.
They collected their luggage.
Then Liam saw her again.
Victoria stood near the airport exit.
Two assistants were talking to her.
A driver waited beside a black SUV.
Liam immediately looked away.
Sophie noticed.
“You found her.”
“Stop.”
Victoria looked over.
Their eyes met.
This time, she smiled first.
She walked toward them.
“Denver?”
Liam nodded.
“Apparently.”
“Your daughter survived?”
“Barely.”
Sophie smiled.
“I’m fine.”
Victoria looked at her.
“Good.”
She turned to Liam.
“You’re staying downtown?”
“Yes.”
“Which hotel?”
Liam named it.
Victoria smiled.
“So am I.”
Liam laughed.
“That’s a coincidence.”
“Maybe.”
Her assistant interrupted.
“Ms. Sterling, the board call starts in twenty minutes.”
Victoria nodded.
Then looked at Liam.
“It was nice meeting you.”
“You too.”
She left.
Sophie waited five seconds.
“Definitely likes you.”
Liam laughed.
“You’re impossible.”
They arrived at the hotel.
Liam checked in.
The receptionist handed him a key.
Then said:
“Mr. Carter, we upgraded you.”
“Why?”
She smiled.
“Courtesy.”
Liam frowned.
He didn’t know why.
Later, Sophie found the hotel pool.
Liam sat nearby with coffee.
Then Victoria appeared.
She wasn’t wearing her suit anymore.
Just a white sweater and dark trousers.
She looked younger.
Less intimidating.
Sophie immediately waved.
“Hi!”
Victoria smiled.
“Hello.”
Liam stood.
“Sorry.”
“For what?”
“You know.”
She laughed.
“I don’t.”
The three of them talked.
Victoria learned that Sophie loved astronomy.
She showed Sophie a constellation app on her phone.
Liam watched.
Something about the scene felt easy.
Natural.
Then Victoria’s assistant called again.
She had to leave.
Before she did, Sophie asked:
“Are you staying here too?”
Victoria nodded.
“For two nights.”
Sophie smiled.
“Then we can have breakfast.”
Victoria looked at Liam.
He shrugged.
“Apparently we’re being invited.”
She smiled.
“I’d like that.”
The next morning, they had breakfast together.
Victoria was surprised by how much she enjoyed it.
Liam wasn’t trying to impress her.
He was busy trying to keep Sophie from spilling orange juice.
Victoria laughed.
“You’re good at this.”
“Parenting?”
“Managing chaos.”
He smiled.
“I’ve had seven years of practice.”
She looked at Sophie.
“Where’s her mother?”
Liam paused.
“She passed away.”
Victoria’s smile faded.
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.”
Sophie lowered her eyes.
Victoria didn’t ask more.
That was important.
Most people became uncomfortable around grief.
Victoria simply remained present.
After breakfast, she left for a board meeting.
Liam took Sophie to the science museum.
That evening, Victoria returned late.
She found Liam in the hotel lobby.
Sophie was asleep against his shoulder.
Victoria stopped.
Liam was sitting quietly.
He looked exhausted.
But peaceful.
Victoria sat beside him.
“Long day?”
He smiled.
“Very.”
She looked at Sophie.
“She’s asleep.”
“Finally.”
Victoria laughed softly.
“Does she usually sleep that easily?”
“No.”
“What’s different?”
“She likes Denver.”
Victoria smiled.
“Maybe she’ll come back.”
Liam looked at her.
“Maybe.”
Their eyes met.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Victoria stood.
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
She walked away.
At the elevator, she stopped.
Looked back.
Liam was still watching her.
She smiled.
He smiled.
Neither knew it yet.
But the airport conversation had been the beginning of something neither had experienced in a long time.
Not attraction alone.
Recognition.
Two people who were used to carrying everything alone had noticed one another.
And neither was ready to admit it.
