The Bold and the Beautiful recap (July 3): Steam is not happening

Steffy was clear and didn’t mince her words today on The Bold and the Beautiful, if Liam thought that he’d be jeopardizing her marriage because his is crumbling before his eyes, he had another think coming. On Friday’s episode, he’d kissed her once again just like he’d done in Rome but, apparently, Steffy had already told him that he couldn’t do that so he truly crossed the line by trying it again.

For now, the good ship Steam has really and truly sailed, docked, and has been put into retirement because, as Steffy told Liam, she is a married woman. She’s safe, secure, and happy in her marriage with Finn and she has no intention on ruining that to be with Liam. As such, she encouraged him to try to patch things up with Hope. Steffy’s of the belief that given time and Hope’s willingness to work on their marriage, the Logan and Liam will find a way through this. But, even if they don’t, Steffy won’t be in the wings waiting for him.

Shamefaced and apologetic, Liam assured Steffy that he was deeply sorry for upsetting her. He got her message, it’s a no go for them. He can, however, count on her support. Steffy was adamant that she’d help him through the rough patch he’s experiencing and that she does feel sorry for him. She had even been willing to let the first kiss go because she figured that he’d been distraught and devastated and he’d acted without really thinking it through.

The second kiss she couldn’t let slide so she laid down the law, and she did it with a firmness that Liam definitely needed to hear. The two established that they won’t be talking about it again, and it looks like Steffy won’t be dealing with any kind of repercussions from Liam’s slip ups. At least not right now. Hopefully, not ever.

What happened today on The Bold and the Beautiful?

Meanwhile, at Forrester Creations, Thomas was busy working on yet another design before his father, Ridge, walked through the door. The two had an amicable conversation about Hope for the Future’s success in Rome and how Thomas is a positive force in Hope’s life because he was able to turn the trajectory of the line around. There have been a lot of orders coming in for the pieces in the collection.

Ridge is also proud of Thomas for all that he’s achieved recently. Not to mention he’s being supportive of his and Brooke’s reunion even if he’d rather Ridge be with Taylor, that shows a lot of growth. Another element to Ridge’s happiness is the fact that his son isn’t obsessed with Hope anymore. He believes Thomas is in a better place and he’s happy to have him by his side once more.

What Ridge doesn’t know, of course, is that while Thomas isn’t obsessing over Hope, that doesn’t mean that his feelings for her have gone away. The pair were kissing and holding hands in Rome. It’s unclear where Thomas’ head is with all of that but he’s obviously distracted by it.

Hope tells Brooke that she kissed Thomas

As for Hope, she’s passed distracted. She’s in fear for her marriage. On Friday’s episode she opened up to RJ about the mistake she’d made and today, she had to share with Brooke as well. The Logan matriarch walked into the cabin thinking she was going to have a nice chat with her daughter about Rome but instead she found Hope sitting in her sad sweats looking worse for wear and RJ with a troubled look on his face.

Slowly, Hope revealed to her mom what was wrong. At first, Brooke lept to the conclusion that Liam had left with no word on when or if he’d be returning because of something Thomas did. But Hope didn’t let her hold onto that belief for wrong. She explained that Thomas hadn’t done anything and that it had actually been her, she’d been the one who kissed him.

Brooke wanted to believe that somehow Thomas coerced Hope into the dalliance, but Hope wouldn’t hear of it. She took full responsibility for the transgression. Brooke asked her if she wants to be with Thomas, but Hope denied that possibility. She stated she loves Liam and their family together. That’s what she wants, and she’s not willing to give up on him and the life they’ve built.

Will Lope make it even though Liam can’t see a path forward for them because he can’t see how Hope could have feelings for a man who has done more harm than good to their relationship? I think it all depends on what Hope’s willing to give up. Steffy did float the idea of Hope stepping away from the line to concentrate on her marriage and family, but Liam rebuffed the idea because he doesn’t know if that’d be enough.

Remember, Hope gaslit Liam for months about Thomas and she doesn’t seem to be able to stay away from him. Will that hold true? Will she slip again? Only time will tell but one thing is for sure, regardless of how Liam feels about Thomas, Steffy is fiercely protective of her family so while she understands that he’s hurting, there’s only so much blame she’s going to let him place on her brother when Hope’s the one who upended her marriage.

Until next time, Bold fans. Stay beautiful!

New episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful are available to stream on Paramount+.