by Annie Seaton
“Who hurt you so badly, Georgie?” His voice was husky, and his thumb caressed the back of her hand. Tears pricked the back of her eyelids but Georgie was determined not to show him that she was a quivering mess inside. Lifting her glass, she took a huge gulp of wine. She could have listed them but instead, her answer was flippant.
“We can have fun together”—she deliberately looked at him in what she hoped was a coquettish way—“and I’m looking forward to tonight. But Liam, I come from a long line of non-committers. So no involvement with anyone for me. Ever. I need my independence.”
Huh. One of the biggest lies I’ve ever told.
She willed away the ache in her throat as Liam stared at her. “So we can stay friends—friends with benefits, even, but I’ll be out of here in a week or two. I finalized my trip today.” She put on a sexy chuckle. “And I’ve paid for it, so you can’t even tempt me to stay. No matter how much fun we have tonight.”
“I don’t believe you. You sound bitter.” The expression on Liam’s face was doing her no good. She didn’t want to talk about why she felt the way she did. “Talk to me, Georgie. I mightn’t be able to help, but I am a good listener.”
Not now. Not ever. But he kept looking at her, waiting for her to answer and she heaved a small sigh.
“There’s nothing to talk about. The bottom line is, I’ve decided to take off and see the world.” Georgie swallowed and tried to make her words dismissive as she lifted her hand from his. “It’s time for adventure and there’s nothing for me here anymore…” No matter how long she had waited for a man like him, it still didn’t feel real. She would give in and then he wouldn’t want her the way she wanted him. It always happened, and this time she would not be the one falling first.
…
The glib exterior that Georgie was hiding behind didn’t fool Liam for one minute, and he could sense she was trying to cover up something. What it was, he couldn’t pinpoint exactly. The day had been fun, and he’d been looking forward to the night ahead. He hadn’t told her, but he’d booked the suite overlooking the ocean.
Maybe it’s not the right time?
They ate their desserts quietly, the soft music filling the silence between them. Liam raised the wine bottle and waited for Georgie to look at him. She’d spent a lot of time with her head turned to the window, watching the spray of the ocean dancing in the spotlight outside the restaurant.
“More wine?”
“No, thank you.” Her lips tilted in a smile and the rush that tore through him almost took his breath away. “I couldn’t eat or drink another thing. It was beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here.”
Liam reached across and took her hand. “You’re beautiful.” The feeling that filled his chest when her fingers curled in his was like nothing he’d ever experienced before.
Maybe he should pull back now, or it was going to be very hard for him when she went away. And she seemed determined to go. When she’d said there was nothing left for her in Half Moon Bay, her eyes had been sad. He’d seen her with her friends at his welcome party and he knew that it wasn’t true. She was loved by everyone there that afternoon, but now there was hesitancy in her expression that showed him that she didn’t realize how important she was to those people. There had been so much hurt in her voice, even though she’d tried to cover it. All he wanted to do was to take her in his arms and make everything better for her. He looked down at her small hand entwined in his and brushed his thumb over the soft skin. She looked up at him and her eyes were dark.
Should they go home to their respective houses? Was he taking advantage of her vulnerability?
Georgie pulled her hand from his and rose, pushing her chair back. “I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. It’s been a busy day.”
Liam cleared his throat. “So?”
“So take me upstairs and show me…show me this wonderful room you’ve booked.”
“You’re sure?”
Georgie smiled and nodded.
Liam called for the bill and signed the check and tipped the waitress while Georgie waited by the window, watching the waves smash against the rocks. He walked over and slipped his arm around her waist and closed his eyes as she leaned back against his chest.
“I love the water. Whenever I’m upset, I walk on the beach and watch the waves and it soothes me here.” She raised her hand to her chest and Liam placed his hand against hers, brushing against the softness of her breast.
Georgie drew a quick breath and Liam dropped his head, brushing his lips against her cheek.
“Come on, I’ve already picked up our room key.”
They walked together to the elevator, and anticipation curled in Liam’s belly as they waited for the door to open. He stood back and waited for an older couple to enter before them, when all he wanted to do was rush in there and get to their room. Georgie stared back at him as the elevator rose quietly and smoothly to the top floor.
“Have a good evening.” The elderly gentleman nodded at them as they walked along the hall, and Liam could have sworn he had a gleam in his eye.
Surprised to feel his hands trembling as he swiped the room key, he pushed the door open.
“Oh. My. Goodness.” Georgie’s voice was hushed as she stood beside him and looked around. “The ocean suite?”
Liam nodded, feeling like a teenager on his first date. His mouth was dry and his breath caught as he watched Georgie hold her arms wide and spin in a circle.
Fighting back the need that was pulsing through him, Liam followed her across to the window and stood beside her as they took in the majesty of the rolling swells pushing into the cliffs. Finally Georgie turned and splayed her hands on his chest. He was sure she could feel his heart thudding beneath his shirt.
“The view is amazing. Thank you for booking the suite,” she whispered. “Are you sure you can afford this?”
“At least you’ve stopped saying sorry all the time.” He grinned at her as her eyes widened, and he was touched by her concern. “And yes, I can afford it.”
Liam moved slowly, watching Georgie’s green eyes as he took her face between his hands and dipped his head to taste her. Her breath sighed out through sweet lips and her eyes closed as he felt her hands move from his chest to grip the top of his arms. His legs were unsteady as a surge of panic rushed through him.
I love this woman. Certainty filled him. Liam was as sure of that as he was that the sun would rise in the morning. He didn’t want to. He wasn’t ready to go anywhere near there, and besides, she was leaving.
Never again, he’d vowed when his marriage had died.
But the feelings that coursed though him were new and unfamiliar. Liam closed his eyes and gave in to them. He needed to think it through, but with Georgie’s fingers loosening his tie and moving to the buttons of his shirt, he was captivated, and his confused thoughts disappeared as Georgie pushed the shirt from his shoulders and her warm hands settled on his bare chest.
Chapter Eighteen
“So what’s for breakfast?”
Liam opened his eyes slowly. Georgie was sitting in the chair by the window, looking out over the glistening water. It was like a millpond this morning; the long lazy swells of the Pacific had settled to a calm surface and there was no sound of waves crashing below them. She’d obviously showered; her hair was damp and she was dressed in her clothes from yesterday.
“Me?” he asked hopefully.
Georgie laughed and pointed to the clock beside the bed. “I’ve got work to do. A certain author is in need of some bookshelves, and I also suspect he may have some writing to do.” She tipped her head to the side and Liam reluctantly pushed himself up against the soft pillows at the head of the bed.
“True. We do need to get back to work. Or at least I do.” He held her gaze steadily. “I’m really impressed with my builder’s…er…skills and it wouldn’t worry me if she took a year or so to finish the job.”
Georgie was the first to break eye contact.
�
��But yes, breakfast downstairs first. I’ve noticed how much you love your food. And then we’ll find your old truck.” Liam swung his legs over the side of the bed.
Georgie’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, no.”
“What’s wrong?” For a moment Liam thought he’d said the wrong thing about her enjoying food. Maybe she was like Vanessa, who’d thought it was not feminine to enjoy eating, but he didn’t think so. Especially not after that Earthquake ice cream she’d devoured yesterday.
“Your new car,” she exclaimed. “You were going to go to the car dealership yesterday but I dragged you around the tourist traps and we totally forgot all about it.”
Liam shook his head. “I didn’t.” His kept his voice rather smug. “I ordered one when you were at the travel agency.”
“Ordered one? Without even taking it for a test drive?” Georgie wrinkled her nose and a surge of warmth shot through him. Her face was full of joy and he enjoyed being with her. Last night had been magic and he’d woken a few times though the night and just enjoyed feeling her pressed against him, breathing softly as she slept. He’d run his fingers gently through her hair and she’d stirred slightly but hadn’t woken.
He’d pushed away the doubts that niggled at the edge of his mind. He’d think it through when they got home. Or rather when he was home at his house.
“We did take a test drive.”
“What?” Confusion was written all over her face. “When?”
“The Porsche,” he said. “I ordered one. All I had to do was pick the color and I went for the silver. They’re trucking a new one up from L.A. later this week. I’ll pick it up here.”
“Oh, wow. You won’t want to get in the old noisy truck with me anymore, will you?” Georgie grinned at him as she stood and crossed to the door. “I’ll go down and wait in the breakfast room while you shower and dress. Okay?”
…
Georgie sat beside the window in the restaurant and stared out over the bay. The morning sunlight glistened on the breaking waves and the soft shush of the surf echoed her pensive mood. After Liam had gone to sleep in the early hours, she had lain there beside him. His hand had been resting on her hip and she’d closed her eyes and listened to his breathing. A smidgeon of hope had slowly filled her in the still of the dawn, and she began to think that maybe this time, just maybe, things might be different.
Yesterday had been perfect. The only downside had been spending the time and her money at the travel agency. For a brief moment last night, Georgie had wondered what would happen if she just put the trip on hold for a while and hung around.
Hung around Liam and waited to see what developed.
No. She was going on her trip; she was not going to leave herself open to more hurt.
“Coffee, madam?”
She smiled up at the waiter as he held the coffee pot up. “Black, please.” He filled her cup and stepped away and Georgie’s breath caught in her throat, all her conviction fading. Liam stood in the doorway looking around the tables and she fought for composure as his eyes settled on her. His hair was damp, and he hadn’t shaved. She smiled as she watched him cross the room to her.
To me. All the women in the room turned and watched as he walked past their tables. Georgie knew Liam was totally unaware of how sexy he was, and that just added to his attraction.
And she had spent the night in his bed. A little bud of warmth unfurled in her chest.
Maybe?
…
Liam pulled the chair out and sat opposite Georgie. “I’m starving.”
As she lifted her eyes to meet his, a smile lit up her face and an unfamiliar rush of need flooded through him.
“You’ve worn me out, woman. I need food.” He tried to cover up his confusion by being flippant.
“Good, it will give you energy to write all day.”
“I can think of better ways to spend the day.” Liam reached out and took her hand, but Georgie shook her head.
“I have work to do, and so do you.”
Liam looked down at her fingers laced with his. “Georgie?”
“Yes?” She tipped her head to the side.
“Would you consider putting your trip off for a while?”
“Why? So I can do the second room of shelves for you?” A frown crossed her face and Liam held her fingers more firmly.
“No, of course not. I don’t care about the shelves. I mean, I do. I want them, and you are doing a great job, but that’s not what I meant.” Liam stared at her and her green eyes widened. “I mean let’s spend some more time together. Can you change your itinerary?”
“No.” Georgie stared back at him but it was hard to read her expression. He was hoping that he would be able to tempt her to stay.
“I’m doing a favor for a friend in Hawaii over Christmas.” She pulled her hand back from his and rested her elbows on the table, with her chin cupped in her hand.
Before he could reply, the waiter appeared with the menu and their conversation turned to food.
…
On the way back down Highway 1, Georgie was grateful for the rattling of the old truck. Liam seemed to be in a world of his own and stared through the window as the bay flashed past them.
Her independence was taking flight. It seemed to have a mind of its own. She needed to get that new mantra tattooed on her arm to stop her from staying here—for a guy.
I value my independence. What the heck had she been thinking of to spend the day—and the night—with him? She was falling in love with Liam, and who was going to get hurt? Just like every other time—her. Georgie straightened her shoulders and gripped the steering wheel harder as they approached the shared driveway to their houses. The sooner she got away from him, the better.
She forced a grin onto her face as she turned up to his house. “I’ll drop you off and then I’m going to take Mutt for a walk.”
Hopefully, she could keep some of her dignity intact. “Thank you for last night. It was very pleasant.”
Liam shot her a glance and opened his door. “I’ll see you later, then.”
“Yes, you will.” She kept the bright smile on her face until she backed down the drive and turned into the gate of Cliff Cottage.
…
Very pleasant?
God, that was as bad as her telling him she’d had a nice time. Liam pushed the front door open and strode across the tiled foyer. He was falling for Georgie and should really pull back. It had been a magical night together, but she’d soon be gone. He shrugged as he headed for the study. Immerse himself in Nepal; that was the solution. He had a hero to sort out today. He’d cope once she was gone. He’d have to. Once she left, he would settle into his novels and his house and he’d forget about her. Liam tried to push away the thought of Georgie sleeping in his arms, but it wouldn’t go. All he could see was her lustrous auburn hair splayed across his chest as she’d lain beside him.
What the hell was he thinking? No more pondering emotions or red-haired beauties. Liam shrugged off his suit jacket and switched on his computer. He’d get changed later, when he broke for a coffee. The computer whirred to life and he accessed the cloud drive where he’d last saved his work. As he scrolled through the last chapters he’d written, Georgie’s face stayed with him. Then the feelings that had consumed him for the past twenty-four hours turned into letters and words and his fingers flew over the keyboard. But he wasn’t going to hold her back. He pulled a face as he typed. This time the tables were turned. For once, he was the needy person, but he couldn’t keep Georgie from doing what she wanted. If she didn’t go on this trip, because he asked her to stay, she’d end up resenting him later. It would be like Vanessa all over again.
In a way, it was like a purging. Liam knew he couldn’t afford to trust his heart, no matter what he thought he felt for Georgie. He’d learned that the hard way.
God, even the name of this book is Guardian of the Village. It didn’t matter that his hero was high up in the lofty Himalayas. His own heart was in just
as much jeopardy here in Half Moon Bay.
He’d be guarding it until she left on her trip, that’s for sure.
Liam stood and frowned at his watch as the sound of a door closing caught his attention. He stretched, surprised to see how long he’d been at the computer. It was midafternoon. Georgie was late starting work. He’d managed to operate on two levels while he’d worked. The story had flowed and he was more than satisfied with its progress. But he was less than satisfied with the emotions that ran through him. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shift them.
Georgie was firmly embedded in his head, but he’d just have to get used to the idea of her leaving, though he couldn’t understand why she was so set on moving away. She was as much a part of this community as the cliffs along the beach. He was sure she wasn’t being true to herself. But Liam had already experienced enough dishonesty with Vanessa. Whatever happened with Georgie, however he felt, whatever she thought, he was going to be honest. Before he went upstairs to the study, he switched on the coffeemaker and went to get changed into his jeans. Liam tipped his head to the side and listened as he headed back to the kitchen. It was completely quiet, apart from the burbling of the coffee machine and the noise of the waves breaking on the rocks at the bottom of the cliff. There was no sound coming from above.
Shrugging, he poured two coffees and headed up the stairs, prepared to be completely honest with Georgie. If she blew him off, so be it. Balancing the coffee cups in one hand, he pushed open the door and looked around the room. The room was empty. The closing door that had disturbed him must have been her leaving.
He’d do some more writing and then he’d go down to the cottage to see her.
Maybe.
Chapter Nineteen
Georgie was being a coward. As soon as she finished the trim on the middle shelf, she packed up quietly and then jumped into the work truck. She headed for Thelma and Mitzi’s house, even though it was only midafternoon. The more time she spent away from Liam the better. No more nights together. She’d focus on his bookshelves, get them finished, and get ready for her trip. Time to ease back before it was too hard to leave and she couldn’t. They were good together and they’d had fun, but she was leaving and he wasn’t going to entice her to stay. “Georgie! We haven’t seen you for ages.”