by Annie Seaton
Sienna pushed her chair back. “You stay here. I want to go and get my cell phone. I left it in my room. Jack’s probably been trying to call me all morning. I’ll check on Mutt for you while I’m down there, too. If it looks like he’s tried to escape I’ll bring him back up with me.” She disappeared through the door before either of them could answer.
A prickle of discomfort flitted across the back of Georgie’s neck now that they were alone, and she looked down at her boots. “Ah, I’ll go up and get to work then. Lots to do.” She was terrified Liam would come over and hold her, and she was equally terrified he wouldn’t. Confusion filled her and she willed her feet to move, but they seemed to be stuck to the old-fashioned black-and-white checked tiles on the kitchen floor. “Thanks for lunch. I’ll get out of your way.”
Her words ran together in a rush and finally her feet came unstuck and she took off for the door. She almost made it when a warm hand touched her elbow. Liam must have moved quickly and quietly; she hadn’t been aware of him following her.
“Georgie, wait.” His voice sent a shiver down her back to join the butterflies in her stomach.
She turned slowly and looked down at his long fingers now gently wrapped around her wrist.
“Yes.” She lifted her gaze to his face. “Was there something you wanted?” Stupid, stupid question.
“No, I just wanted to ask what time you wanted to leave tomorrow.” Crushing disappointment roared through her as he dropped his hand, and she raised her glance to his face. A small smile played about his lips, and she was scared he could read her mind.
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes, tomorrow for the… er…garden party thing.” He laughed. “I’ve never been to a garden party before, let alone one that’s being held in my honor. You’ll have to tell me what the dress code is.”
“The dress code?” God, I must sound like a parrot, repeating everything he says. She took a deep, calming breath and smiled at him. “Oh, you mean what to wear? Thelma and Mitzi will expect us all to dress up. They lean toward the side of formality. Not quite a tux”—a nervous laugh escaped her lips—“but certainly not too casual. Especially for the guest of honor.
“Just wear whatever you wear to a book signing and come over to the cottage about noon.” She shot him a smile, slipped though the doorway, and ran upstairs as quickly as she could.
To her relief, he didn’t follow her, and a short while later she heard the study door close.
Chapter Twelve
By the time Sienna had put the decorative edges on the completed shelves and shown Georgie how to do it, the sun was hovering above the horizon and they had to turn the lights on as the room got darker.
“Why don’t you close in the bottom and make cupboards for the base?” Sienna stood back and tipped her head to the side. “If you did the whole back wall as a cupboard base, it would balance the room. How about I go down and get Liam and see what he says?”
“No.” Georgie shook her head. “He didn’t want to be bothered. He just said to build whatever I want.”
“He’s been conspicuous by his absence this afternoon.” Sienna pointed to the bag she’d brought back with her after lunch with a sheepish look on her face. “I thought he might sign my books for me.”
Georgie put her hands on her hips and frowned. “Nuh-uh. Remember, he’s the client. We’re here to do a job. You can’t be bothering him. It wouldn’t be right.”
“For goodness’ sake, Georgie, the client cooked us lunch, and he was coming for dinner last night. And you were in a clinch with him in the backyard! Are you saying that because you’re trying to avoid him? That speaks to me of an attraction.”
Georgie ignored Sienna’s question and began packing up her tools. Sienna knew her too well, and she was way too close to the truth.
Sienna huffed impatiently and walked across to pull the windows closed. “Come on. I won’t mention him again.”
“Good.”
There was no sign of Liam when they left the house apart from a strip of light beneath the study door, and Georgie led Sienna quietly through the front door and closed it behind them. They looked at each other as the mournful howls of Mutt greeted them as they walked down the hill in the fading light.
“I should have taken Liam up on his offer.”
Georgie grinned as the howls got louder. “That dog’s so naughty.”
The resulting giggles broke the uneasiness between them and they had a relaxing night talking and catching up, but studiously avoiding any further mention of Liam. Georgie was grateful that Sienna knew when to pull back. All she had to do was survive the garden party, where the matchmakers were sure to pool their resources, but she would be on her guard.
…
But Georgie wasn’t quick enough the next day. Sienna deployed her first tactical move before they even left. Georgie glared at her cousin as Sienna slid from the bench seat of the car just as Liam was about to get in.
“Oh, silly me.” Sienna put her hand to her cheek. “I left my cell inside. You slide across next to Georgie, Liam, and I’ll sit by the window after I get my phone.”
Sienna had already packed her bag and placed it in the back of the truck. Jack was picking her up from the party on his way back from the airport. Georgie shook her head. She was sure Sienna was using her phone as an excuse to get Liam in the middle of the seat and sitting next to her. It was as though they were teenagers again, trying to maneuver things so that they could sit beside the current hot guy on the school bus. As soon as she got Sienna alone, she’d tell her to back off. The last thing Georgie wanted was anyone interfering, even if they thought they were helping her out. It was bad enough that the day was going to be spent avoiding the matchmaking efforts of Thelma and Mitzi. Though since she knew exactly what to expect from them, she was prepared.
Sienna hurried purposefully toward the house and Liam slid in next to Georgie. She waved her hand around and gestured to the floor. “Watch out where you put your feet. I wiped the seat down for you but there’s still a mess on the floor. Sorry.”
“Sorry again?” He grinned at her, and this time she was ready for the warmth that radiated through her chest.
“Yep. Sorry.” She turned the key and the truck’s old motor rattled to life. They sat for a moment without speaking and waited for Sienna to come back. The silence lengthened until it was uncomfortable. Georgie drummed her fingers on the steering wheel and cleared her throat as she peered through the windshield. “Sorry about the noise. Even though Ana doesn’t use it much these days, it is a work truck.”
Finally, Sienna came out of the cottage and locked the door, but her hands were empty. Georgie shifted the truck into reverse and glanced into the rearview mirror before turning to Sienna. “Find your phone?”
“It must be in my bag in the back,” Sienna said, smiling innocently.
Liam moved along the seat. It was only a small cabin with one bench seat, and by the time the truck began to move, his thigh was pressed hard against hers.
Thank goodness I wore long pants. Georgie had taken extra care with her appearance today. After all, one had to look the part to welcome a famous author into their small community. It didn’t have anything to do with wanting to look her best because it was Liam.
As for him, Georgie’s breath had caught in her throat when he’d walked through the gate. He was dressed in light-colored pants with a long white shirt hanging loosely over them. Forget Mr. Darcy, he could have been a model for a fashion magazine. His hair was caught back behind his neck with a leather tie and he hadn’t shaved. He had a dark blue sweater thrown casually over his shoulders, and Georgie had had to close her mouth when he came through the gate. Sienna had let out a soft sigh and murmured, “Yum. I might have Jack to go home to, but that sure doesn’t stop me from looking.” She’d fanned herself. “Ooh, he comes close to the best-looking man I’ve ever seen. The picture on the back of his books doesn’t do him justice.”
“All we need is a wet shirt and ou
r dreams would come true,” Georgie had muttered with a reluctant grin.
Now Liam’s leg was pressed up against Georgie’s loose silk trousers and her mouth dried. The warmth traveled upward from her thigh, and her skin tingled.
Thank goodness it’s only a few miles into town.
She concentrated on driving while Sienna engaged Liam in conversation as they drove up Highway 1. Cliff Cottage, Ana’s house, was six miles south of Nebbiton, and Thelma and Mitzi lived on the edge of town, so it was only a short while before she turned the truck onto Main Street, past the BB Hardware store, to where Main Street turned into an unpaved road and meandered through the vegetable farms.
“It’s like being out in the country,” Liam commented, as Georgie parked the car on the road outside the old farmhouse. She pulled on the hand brake and turned to him with a smile, determined to keep her cool. “You are in the country. Even though we’re not far from the city or even from Half Moon Bay, the Nebbiton Chamber of Commerce does all it can to preserve the old feel of this town.”
Liam smiled at her as she opened the door. “I like it. It has a nice vibe.”
Georgie laughed as she slid from the car. “Let’s see if you still feel that way after an afternoon in Thelma and Mitzi’s clutches.”
…
Liam sauntered along with Sienna as Georgie charged ahead of then. He was fast getting the impression that Georgie really wanted to hand him over to someone else. That would suit him fine. Being around her was not a good idea. As usual, he was having trouble focusing on anything else when she was in his sight. Her long legs were covered with some sort of soft green fabric and a cropped lace top beneath a shawl showed an occasional glimpse of bare skin at her waist. Her loose copper curls cascaded down her back and as he lowered his gaze, he didn’t intend it to linger quite so long on the soft curves of her bottom displayed by the slinky fabric.
“Will you?” Sienna was looking at him and he realized he’d been totally immersed in looking at Georgie and hadn’t heard her question.
“Will I what? Sorry, I was miles away.” He stopped as Sienna took his arm.
“I said, Georgie is pretty fragile at the moment, and I asked you not to hurt her.” Her face was serious and she looked back at him steadily.
“I don’t intend to.” Liam’s body tensed defensively.
“Look, Georgie would kill me if she knew what I was saying, but you’d have to be blind not to see the sizzle sparking between the pair of you. She’s had a few rough weeks and she’s vulnerable, so if you are just looking for a quick roll in the hay, back off.”
Her lips were pursed and her eyes were dark as she stared at him.
“I won’t hurt her. I can promise you that.” Liam didn’t know where he was going with these feelings that seemed to take over whenever she was within his sight, but he certainly didn’t intend to hurt her. God knows, he didn’t want to put himself or anyone else through more emotional turmoil. He’d had enough of that to last him a lifetime. And if he was sensible, that should be warning enough for him to fight this crazy attraction that seemed to be consuming him. “I’m here to work, but I am also here to stay.”
“Good, so we know where we all stand.” She flashed him a grin, as though they hadn’t just had such a serious conversation. “Now brace yourself.”
Liam looked ahead as Sienna led him through a high arch covered with the late-fall bloom of roses that was peculiar to Northern California. A large garden, full of people, opened up in front of them. Even though it was almost winter, touches of color still tinged the trees hanging along the fence line and a riot of bright flowers filled the garden beds. The familiar fragrance of orange blossoms drifted over to him and he looked for Georgie, but she’d already made her way across to a large group of people sitting near the house. He realized there was a small fruit orchard outside the fence and the orange blossom fragrance was drifting in on the soft breeze. A dozen large tables were covered with snow-white cloths, and a table along the back wall of the quaint little cottage was filled with food. Two elderly women, dressed in old-fashioned black-and-white outfits, moved through the crowd with a tray of drinks.
“Welcome to a Thelma and Mitzi ‘do.’” Sienna grinned impishly at him. “You’re in for a treat.”
Liam shook his head as she led him past a couple of tables filled with various craft objects. Colored rugs, crocheted doilies, and an assortment of knickknacks he had never seen before, and had no idea of their purpose, were crammed onto the table.
“It’s like a country fair.” He watched as an elderly woman behind a table laden with bottles wrapped up a bottle of fruit preserves and put the money in the pocket of her voluminous apron.
“It’s like nothing else you’ll ever see again.” Sienna’s face was alight with laughter but Liam was looking for Georgie. He caught a glimpse of her bright hair through the crowd and after muttering a quick excuse to Sienna, he followed her. He assumed Georgie had gone to the hostesses and he should thank them for inviting him. By the time he caught up to her, she was standing beside a tall thin man. Liam hung back, watching her smile as she chatted with the older man, who was beaming down at her. She caught sight of Liam and he noticed the moment she lost her composure. Satisfaction filled him with a warm glow. So, no matter what she said, she was certainly unsettled by his presence.
And that pleased him.
“Uncle Renzo. This is our guest of honor, Liam Wyndham.” She turned toward the man with a look of pride. “Liam. This is my uncle.”
“Ah. I have heard much about you. Welcome to our community.” Renzo pumped his hand vigorously and before Liam could speak, Georgie flitted off to another group.
Liam shrugged an apology to Renzo and followed her. “Excuse me.”
Thelma and Mitzi were sitting at the table Georgie was heading toward, and when they spotted him, they both jumped to their feet. Before Georgie could take off again, he put his hand on her wrist and whispered to her with a grin.
“Don’t leave me. Please?”
“Why? You’re the guest of honor. Don’t spoil their fun. They’re going to want to take you around and introduce you to everybody. You’re the celebrity in town.” When she looked up at him, her eyes were dancing. “In fact, I think you’re the first celebrity we’ve ever had.
“Though we did have the national champion pumpkin grower from the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival here last year. He was here to tell us about the great pumpkin roll up in Michigan.” She tipped her head to the side with a little giggle. “But I don’t think that compares with your adventures in Nepal. Everyone’s so looking forward to hearing about them.”
“Oh. God. Please don’t tell me they’re expecting me to give a talk.” Dismay filled him as Georgie looked at him and then burst into laughter.
“I hate public speaking. Can’t I just wave hello to everyone from afar?” he said.
“No, that wouldn’t be fair. Half the folk here are deaf and the other half would have trouble seeing you.”
“Really? How long will we have to stay?”
He hadn’t been too thrilled about coming, and now it seemed that the occasion was going to be just as bad as he’d imagined.
A final giggle escaped her and Georgie put her hand on top of his on her arm. “I’m just teasing you. You don’t have to give a talk.”
He groaned. Thelma and Mitzi were marching toward them with purpose in their step.
“But there will be a book signing.” Liam loved the teasing glint that came into Georgie’s eyes, even though he knew it was directed at him.
“A book signing?” He looked down at her and his eyes fixed on her lips as she smiled and nodded.
“Yes, a book signing. And now here come Thelma and Mitzi to whisk you away.” She gave him a gentle shove in their direction, but before Georgie could step away, he reached back and grabbed her hand and gripped it tightly.
“Oh, no, you don’t.” He leaned over and whispered into her ear, gratified by the shiver that
rippled though her. “I need company. I’m not doing this by myself.”
“But I have to help with the food.” She stared back at him wide-eyed.
“I’ll help you do whatever it is you have to do. That way I can meet more people.” He kept a firm grip on her hand until she stopped trying to pull away. It was nice having her fingers curled in his. This country atmosphere must be rubbing off on him.
Thelma and Mitzi descended on them; there was no other way to put it. The sisters bustled across the lawn, both dressed in long dresses and woolen shawls, and sporting large sunhats that were trimmed with lace and tied beneath their chins with colored ribbon. Liam noticed the significant look the two women exchanged as they spied Georgie’s hand firmly clutched in his.
“Welcome, dear boy.” He was enveloped in a cloud of overpowering rose perfume as each of them kissed his cheek, both taking care not to step between him and Georgie. Looked like he had some support there, although he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do about it. He was also aware of her uncle watching them from across the garden with an intent expression on his face.
Thelma and Mitzi each blew a kiss in Georgie’s direction, and her hand moved in his grip as she went to greet them.
“How do you want me to help, ladies?” She wriggled her fingers again but he was not letting her go, squeezing them tighter as she shot him a glare. “How about in the kitchen? Looks like there are a few here for lunch?”
“No, no.” The shorter of the two, who he now knew was Mitzi, shook her head. “You’re in charge of the guest of honor this afternoon. We’ve got plenty of help.”
“You show him around and we’ll call you when it’s time to eat.” Thelma glanced down at their hands and winked at Georgie. Liam could almost feel the heat radiating off her face and neck as the blush stained her cheeks.
“I hope you don’t mind, but we told everyone to bring their copy of your books and you might be happy to sign them?” Thelma pointed to the tables and he noticed there was one with a pile of books in the middle and a small queue forming already. “And we also bought some more for those who didn’t have a copy already.”