by Tesa Devlyn
Michael moved toward her, eating up the space she’d put between them. “I don’t want to wait until Friday night to see you.”
Liana smiled. “You still want to go out with me after I disrupted your evening?”
“Of course. Hey, every couple has rifts. I’m irritated over the situation, not you.”
Her heart warmed. “I’m glad. How about Wednesday night?”
“Wednesday? It’s a work night, remember?”
“Throw my words back at me, will you?” She glanced toward the kitchen. The Martins were still wrapped up in the changes they’d make to the otherwise satisfactory house. She turned back to Michael. “Even I break the rules sometimes. I get tired of toughing it out, don’t you?”
“Sure do. Wednesday is as long as I want to wait. How about dinner at Ciao Mambo? I’ll pick you up at six?”
“Sounds good.” Liana pecked a kiss on his cheek and backed away. “Better run before Rick shows up.”
Michael nodded and slipped out the front door.
Liana waited until he’d closed the door before she practically skipped to the kitchen where her clients were going over the tile work with a magnifying glass. Well, they weren’t really, but it seemed like it. Sometimes her clients went over the top, but the really cool and patient people made up for the cranky, picky ones.
Rick arrived fifteen minutes after Michael left. Mac Martin followed Rick through the house to point out the items he’d covered with Michael. Darkness had fallen, but Rick produced a flashlight and humored Mac with a look at the foundation, while Liana discussed possible decorating ideas with Mrs. Martin. The men returned within a few minutes.
“I can’t see under the house tonight so I’ll swing by tomorrow to check it out.”
“That’s reasonable,” Liana said before either of the Martins could respond. “We really appreciate your time, and at such short notice.” Liana walked with him toward the door.
“Thank you, Liana.” Rick lowered his voice when the Martins followed them to the door. “I should have the report emailed out tomorrow. I can tell you one thing,”—he raised his voice—“I’ve worked with Michael Saxon on several houses and the inspectors love his work. The man is a perfectionist.”
“Perfection would mean copper pipes,” Mac Martin said, his mouth turned down.
Liana glanced at Rick with a raised brow. “See you later.”
****
“They expect me to do what?”
Liana glanced around the office to see if anyone had heard Michael bellow through the phone.
“Rick convinced them you were absolutely right about the drain pipes being PEX, but they want the intake water pipes changed to copper. Just under the sinks.”
Michael paused long enough that Liana expected another explosion. “This is ridiculous. The rest of the house is plumped with PEX. But if it means selling the house right away, I’ll humor them and call the plumber for a bid. I won’t reduce the price another dollar, or pay for the change out. I price my houses right where they need to be with some wiggle room for bargainers.”
“I understand, Michael. The request is crazy, but the Martins are my clients and they’re willing to pay just under full price for your house.”
Michael sighed. “This is one of the reasons I left my big business in Oklahoma City.”
“Just one of the reasons? What’s the other one?” He’d asked her the same question last night.
“I hope to have the opportunity to tell you all about it.”
She lowered her voice and sighed into the phone. “Thank you, Michael. I’m fortunate to work with such a competent, reasonable and, may I add, handsome contractor.”
“Hmm,” Michael moaned. “Get personal with me, lady, and we won’t wait until Wednesday.”
Liana’s awareness spiked. “Speaking of tomorrow night, Brittany asked permission to stay with Meagan after ballet practice so they can study together. I wonder what brought that on?”
“I told Leif about our date. I have a feeling they compare notes at school.” Michael chuckled.
“Really? It’s rather disconcerting when kids start to arrange private time for their parents.”
“Whatever it takes. I can’t wait to be alone with you.”
Liana shifted in her chair, and glanced around the office. She hoped no one heard her conversation. It seemed a little like phone sex. “Back to business. Rick emailed the inspection report this afternoon. Did you receive one?”
“Yeah, I got it.”
“Could you let me know how soon the changes can be made?”
“Does my agent have the offer?”
“Yes, I sent it over with the repairs as contingency to close the sale. She should call you soon to sign. The Martins like the house or they wouldn’t pay for the inspection and changes.”
“You’re good, Liana. No wonder you have so many referrals. See you soon.” Michael hung onto the connection a few seconds after she said goodbye.
He slid out of his truck and unlocked the front door of the house. He’d fix the silly pocket door and meet the plumber in about thirty minutes. Lucky for all concerned, the subcontractors were happy for any little job that came along.
No matter how much he tried not to, his mind flashed back to Thanksgiving night in the corvette with Liana. Even the thought of her in his arms, moaning and coming apart ignited a wildfire in him.
He cleared his throat and his mind. The Martin’s list of repairs wouldn’t get done with him daydreaming. He still had work to do at the spec house in Kalispell and be home early enough to shower and change for Leif’s basketball game.
Damn, his date with Liana couldn’t come soon enough.
****
Brittany wandered into the kitchen and leaned against the island. “I’m happy you’re seeing Michael.”
Brittany’s statement almost made Liana cut herself with the freshly sharpened filet knife. “Where did that remark come from?”
“Well, ever since you met him after dinner on Thanksgiving you’ve acted younger. Less stressed out.”
How did Brittany know she’d met Michael last Thursday?
“I’m glad you approve.”
“Leif and I agree you and Michael are good for each other. My friends think it’s weird you don’t date. Most of their parents are already remarried.”
Liana cringed. “Sounds like you and your friends have some personal conversations. I’d rather keep my life private.”
“Oh I wouldn’t tell them anything really personal. Just regular stuff. It’s part of making new friends, Mom.”
Liana washed and dried her hands. “I know the divorce and the move to Montana have been hard on you. I didn’t date because I wanted to focus on you and make a stable home.”
“You don’t have to wrap me in cotton. I’m almost sixteen. Besides, Leif told me his dad hasn’t really dated since his divorce either.”
“I can’t help being protective. I want you to be happy.”
“I want you to be happy too, so enjoy yourself with Michael. He’s a great guy.” Brittany turned toward the den. “I’m going to check my Facebook account!”
“All right, honey. Dinner will be ready in about thirty minutes.”
Liana sautéed the cubed chicken breast and tossed it with Caesar salad.
Since cutting back her work hours, she and Brittany had started eating dinner in the dining room every night. Breakfast was usually a hurried affair at the island, but Liana tried to make dinner an extra special time to eat good food and catch up on their day.
What would it have been like if Jack had survived his military stint? Would their marriage have lasted? Would he have been the good father Liana had always pictured? Questions streamed through her head, but couldn’t be answered.
Wednesday morning, Liana wrote up the offer for the Whitefish house, and Michael’s agent accepted it. The Martins were happy with the house and the price.
When they asked Liana to recommend a decorator, her heart fluttered. She’d love to
start her design business alongside the Realtor business. The Martins were amazed and delighted when she showed them her portfolio from San Diego and offered them a bid. Life was looking up.
She couldn’t wait to tell Michael. Maybe kicking off her business was a sign of more good things to come.
****
Liana rushed into the house shortly before six. Damn, she’d lost track of time and wouldn’t have the leisurely bath she’d planned. She laid her purse on the island and a note from Brittany caught her eye.
Shari had picked Brittany up after ballet and brought her home to pack an overnight bag and feed Oscar.
What would she do without her dear friend? She’d always been able to count on Shari through the ups and downs in life. When Brittany and Meagan were born, they’d become like sisters. Thank goodness they also became best friends.
There were so many good things in Liana’s life she couldn’t allow herself to get bogged down with the negative influences. Like Frank for instance, and the games he continued to play, like not calling her about the new settlement agreement.
Determined to push Frank out of her mind for the night, she took a shower and sorted through her closet. She wanted to wow Michael with her ability to adjust to the cold Montana weather and still look sexy.
She pulled on a pair of formfitting stretchy jeans and a thigh length, fuzzy sweater with a scooped neckline. She didn’t have western boots so the tall Italian leather pair would have to do. Turquoise earrings, bracelets and a long strand of turquoise and silver beads looked good against the black cashmere. She blow-dried and ruffled her hair in the messy style Michael liked.
“I’m ready.” She added color to her lips. “I think.”
Liana hadn’t been on a formal date since right after Brittany was born. Well, except for the night Michael came to the Outlaw Inn.
The previous date had been when Frank insisted they go out to celebrate the birth of their daughter. She’d tried to act like a happily married woman, but the chemistry just wasn’t there and ten years of marriage didn’t change her feelings. She never loved Frank.
Glancing at the bedside clock, Liana’s stomach fluttered. He’d be here in ten minutes. Ten minutes until her first real date with Michael. The memory of what happened in the corvette set off intense ribbons of heat. She hurried to the kitchen and poured a glass of wine. She’d forgotten to eat lunch so the wine immediately mellowed her. She wrapped her fingers around the stemware and slid it back and forth on the granite counter top.
Were things going her way at last? Her family knew about her past and still loved and supported her; she had a design contract with the Martins and she was about to spend an intimate evening with Michael.
Liana ate a couple of crackers with brie and drained the glass of wine. Anticipation curled through her and heightened her taste buds and the awareness of everything around her. Michael made her feel things she’d thought impossible to experience. Along with the thrill, came the fear it wouldn’t last after she told him about Ryan, but he deserved to know that side of her. Tonight, she needed to tell him.
Chapter Eleven
He’d driven the corvette.
Michael helped her into the passenger seat. He leaned across her and buckled her in before he slid behind the wheel. Tonight, he didn’t offer for her to drive. He was in command. After years of fighting for independence, the sensuality of being pampered fueled her libido.
Jack had owned a sports car and liked to show her and the car off. He had made the moon rise and the world turn. He’d been handsome and charming, but immature and more of a thrill seeker than a family man. Michael was everything she’d ever dreamed of in a man and completely focused on her. “I thought you’d like another ride in the ’Vette.” Michael gave her thigh a light squeeze.
“You thought right.” She missed his touch when he pulled into the traffic and shifted gears. The combination of man and car was downright sexy.
“What’s Leif doing tonight?”
“He’s home doing schoolwork.” Michael shrugged one shoulder. “I picked up his favorite pizza. To tell you the truth, I ended up working late today too.”
Liana held up her index finger. “At least it wasn’t my fault this time.”
Michael chuckled. “No, it’s my own fault. I overextended my time and money when I agreed to build a spec house for my buddy.” He accelerated until they left Kalispell behind. “I really appreciate how you made the sale happen.”
“After what you’ve done for us it’s the least I could do. Really, timing is the key. I can’t take all the credit.”
He slid his hand to her knee, hesitating before he moved it halfway up her thigh, his gaze on the road. “You’re good, Liana. I completely understand why you’re so busy. I had no right to ever criticize you. I hope you believe everything I said was out of concern.”
Liana touched his cheek and traced her fingertip down his handsome face. “Thank you for the compliment and the apology. Your opinion matters to me.”
He grabbed her hand and pressed a tender kiss on the back of her fingers. “I’m glad.”
She sighed at the old fashioned gesture.
They entered the outskirts of Whitefish. Michael slowed the car and turned left to park in front of the restaurant they both loved even before they’d met there on Liana’s birthday. Liana reached for the door handle. Realizing Michael hadn’t moved, she turned toward him. Her breath caught at the slow heat radiating from his amber eyes.
They stared at each other for a long moment before he slipped his arm around her and pulled her close for a kiss.
Liana moaned and floated in a world of sensation filled with Michael’s heat, scent and touch. He drew back and studied her expression. Her body heated to a low simmer and her skin felt every yarn in her cashmere sweater.
“What is it about this car?”
Michael chuckled. “I think we’ll enjoy kissing wherever we are. Hungry?” He raised one dark brow.
Liana cleared her throat with drama. “Extremely.”
He gave her another quick kiss, unfolded his tall frame from the car and rounded the hood.
Liana stretched and wiggled. She was so much more connected to Michael than she ever had with Jack. Poor Jack. She didn’t want to discount her love for him. He’d been her first, the father of her child, but the intensity with Michael surpassed any emotion she’d ever dreamed of.
Michael opened her door. “I think I’ll drive the old girl more often. You didn’t react like this to my truck.”
“Do you only bring her out when you have a hot prospect?”
He laughed again. “If you knew how seldom I go out, you’d realize what an off base question that is. I meant it when I said I hadn’t dated in over a year. Longer than that since I tried to impress someone.” He took her arm and escorted her into the Italian restaurant. “Leif is elated we’re dating, but when I mentioned I might be very late, he looked at me like he was the father.”
Liana laughed. “Brittany gave us her approval last night. It scares me how much the kids know these days.”
“Me too.” Michael stopped at the empty host station, looped his arm around her waist and kissed her forehead. “By the way, you look incredibly hot tonight.”
“Thank you. So do you.”
The host returned and led them toward a corner table. She loved the way Michael pressed his hand against the small of her back and guided her through the busy dining room. She didn’t even mind the possessiveness radiating from him when a good-looking man smiled at her as they passed his table.
Michael’s attentiveness was completely different from Frank’s, who had bordered on obsessiveness. Even before Ryan came to town.
“I’m glad we moved up our date night.” Liana touched his hand as he scooted her chair into the table.
He kissed her earlobe. “Me too.”
Crazy sensations shimmered down her neck. Liana smiled. “It’s difficult to act polished and professional when you kiss me like that.
”
“Wait until later.” He wiggled his brows and made her laugh.
The host hovered with a smile. She handed them menus, announced Sarah would be their server for the evening, and left.
“I have some exciting news.” Liana leaned forward, her forearms on the menu. “The Martins have hired me to personalize the house for them.”
Michael’s eyes widened. “That is great news. Are you sure you can handle working for Mac Martin?”
Liana tilted her head. “Oh, he’ll no doubt be a pain, but if they like my work, I’m sure they’ll refer me to their friends and business associates.”
Michael cased her hands with his. “If it makes you sparkle like you are tonight, I’ll back you all the way.”
“The job isn’t the only thing making me sparkle tonight.” Liana turned her hands and grasped his fingers.
They ordered dinner and relaxed over a glass of wine from the bottle Sarah presented and served. At least Liana tried to relax. The anticipation over what might happen later made her giddy and on edge. If only she could just tell Michael about Ryan and be done with it. She owed him the truth before their relationship progressed. She’d had enough secrets in her life. She needed to wipe the slate clean and start over.
However, life didn’t work that way. Life was composed of mistakes and poor judgments, and she’d had her share. The immediate question blared through her mind and dimmed the excitement of the evening. How would Michael react to the revelation that she’d been the Meredith in Frank’s life? Well, kind of...she didn’t drink excessively, or take prescription drugs and freak out, but she’d almost followed through with a one-night stand with a man she barely knew.
“Hey, have I lost you?” Michael clinked his glass against hers.
She wanted to cry. Across the table sat the most handsome, sexy, considerate, intelligent—well, the list went on—man she’d ever met and he wanted to be with her. Why couldn’t she open up and tell him about Ryan?
“To our first date.” He completed the toast, took a drink and rolled his lips together.
Liana ached to kiss those lips, kiss his bare skin, lay with him through the dark night. After you tell him you almost cheated on Frank. She blinked and forced a smile.