Guarding His Heart

by Annie Seaton

  She shot a dry smile at Thelma. “All of three days. I was here on Sunday, remember?”

  “But you’ve been busy with your young man. So we quite understand if you’re too busy to call on us, don’t we, Mitzi?”

  “You two are incorrigible!” Georgie couldn’t help the laugh that escaped as she hugged Thelma. “I’m here now, so what’s for dinner?”

  Conversation was lively as she sat in the kitchen and watched her friends whip up a meal.

  “It’s a shame you didn’t bring Liam with you.” Thelma looked sideways at Mitzi as she stirred the pot of soup she’d taken from the refrigerator.

  “I know what the pair of you are up to.” Georgie forced a smile on her face but shook her head. “It’s not going to happen. I’m leaving in less than two weeks.”

  Two wrinkled faces fell with a collective sigh. Thelma pulled out a chair and sat beside her. “We so hoped that you and Liam would get together. It would have been a perfect ending. Things would have come full circle for us.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Mitzi put the spoon on to the sink and came to sit at the table. “Because of Joe.”

  Her voice was soft. “Liam’s Uncle Joe and I were dating. He used to drive me around in the DeSoto. And then he went to Vietnam.” She wiped a tear away and Georgie reached out to her and held her soft hand. “I waited for him to come back, but I was foolish. He was the love of my life and I didn’t tell him before he went away. When he came back, he had a wife.”

  Georgie squeezed Mitzi’s fingers as her voice wavered. “I left it too late. Don’t you dare make the same mistake.”

  Thelma chimed in. “We thought it would be perfect, if you, part of our family, and Liam got together and closed the circle.”

  Georgie shook her head. “Oh, you sweet things. I’m sorry, but it’s not going to happen. Liam doesn’t need me in his life. He’s a famous author. He has his career, and besides, it wasn’t that long ago that his wife died.”

  She stared at the two expectant faces across the table. “And I’m about to leave on my big adventure. I can’t fall in love just because you want me to.” She kept her voice steady and the smile on her face. There was no way anyone would ever know she had fallen in love with the man. Not even Sienna. It was her secret and if she was going to get over him and leave…no one else was going to know how she felt. No more wearing her heart on her sleeve.

  Yes, she’d finally admitted it to herself. She had fallen in love…again. But no, it wasn’t again. This was the first time in her life she had experienced this feeling. All the other times she’d just thought it was love. Now she knew the difference. Even more reason for not taking the risk of being the one left behind. It had hurt her ego the other times; if Liam knew how she felt and left her, this time her heart would be shattered.

  “I’m off to see the world, and I promise I’ll send you a postcard from every stop I make. Now is that soup almost done? I’m starving.”

  Yes, I carried that off perfectly. All she had to do was keep it together until she left. Be jolly, happy Georgie, and get her bags packed. She could cry as much as she liked on her way to Hawaii.

  …

  For the first time since he’d moved into the house on the cliff, Liam regretted not having a car at his disposal. The cottage below sat in darkness. It would have been good to have jumped in a car and gone for a drive along the coast. He was pleased he’d be able to pick his Porsche up next week. As he thought of going up to the city, he realized he hadn’t called Sarah about the canceled meeting with the editor.

  He went in search of his cell and found it on the floor beside his computer. He had been altogether too vague since he’d met Georgie, but at least he’d been back in his creative zone. Having a break from both tonight might be good.

  “Sarah?” His agent picked up straightaway. “It’s me, Liam.”

  “Good to hear from you. I was going to call you tomorrow.” Her voice was wary. “So how did the meeting with the editor go? I’ve been waiting for you to call.”

  “Sorry. I’ve been…a bit busy. Larissa didn’t show—her flight was canceled. She’s rescheduled for next week.” Liam wandered over to the window and looked down the hill. Still no lights on at the cottage.

  “So are we.”

  “We?”

  “Mike and me.” Sarah spoke quickly. “We’re staying at the Fairmont in San Francisco. Look, we’re just out for dinner. I’ll call later and we’ll organize a time to meet up. I’ll come to the meeting with you.”

  “Great.” Liam meant it. It would be good to catch up with his friends. “Oh. And Sarah?” He tried not to sound too smug. “First ten chapters are finished and I’ve got another book to show her, too. A short one.”

  But the first thing he was going to do was sort out his feelings for Georgie. He knew he couldn’t fight them any longer. For the first time in many months, Liam was happy. Happy where he was and with what he was doing. The one thing to complete his happiness would be to have Georgie by his side. All he had to do was convince her of that. He’d give her time to miss him, and he’d put the days to good use. One thing about falling in love: his muse was back with a vengeance.

  …

  The days passed quickly for Georgie. She was up early each morning, worked all day, and was home in the early afternoon. She went out every afternoon and stayed out for dinner, catching up with her friends and saying good-bye. Thelma and Mitzi wanted to put on a farewell party for her but she refused, trying to be gentle when she saw their disappointment.

  Liam had stayed in his study each day, and Georgie wondered why he was avoiding her. Hopefully, he’d decided to move on and that the couple of nights they had spent together were just a casual…casual what? She couldn’t face another night with him and then leave. She was barely keeping it together now. Putting on such a brave “happy Georgie” front with her friends was taking its toll. But despite being so tired, sleep was a long time coming each night.

  She decided to work all weekend and was putting the last trim on the bookshelf along the far wall on Sunday afternoon when there was a tap on the door. She jumped down from the stepladder and smoothed her hair back as she crossed the room, schooling her expression into a friendly smile.

  The numbness of the last few days deepened when she opened the door. She had put her feelings on ice. Liam leaned against the doorjamb and looked at her, casual and…well…just gorgeous. His signature white shirt was unbuttoned, but he wore a white T-shirt beneath. Fighting to keep a friendly and welcoming expression— tradesperson to client—on her face, Georgie tucked the hammer into her work belt.

  “Hi, stranger. You’ve been busy writing?”

  He looked at her and those sexy blue eyes didn’t blink. Goose bumps prickled Georgie’s skin from her neck all the way down her arms. Her fingers shook, and she ran her hands up and down her arms briskly.

  “Gosh, that breeze is cold coming down the corridor.” She turned away from him and walked over to the open window and pulled it down. Her back was to him and she closed her eyes. “Could you close the door, please?”

  Keep calm, stop babbling. Play it cool.

  Slow footsteps followed her across the room, and she opened her eyes and picked up a handful of nails. “Do you mind if I keep working?”

  Liam still hadn’t spoken a word.

  Georgie placed one nail at the edge of the fancy trim and pulled the hammer from her belt. “Shelves are looking good. I hope you’re happy with them.”

  She felt him behind her before his breath brushed the back of her bare neck. Her hair was twisted in a high ponytail. “How is the book coming along?” God, the cheeriness in her voice sounded false even to her.

  “Would you have dinner with me tonight?” Liam’s voice was soft and his mouth must have been awfully close, because his breath now warmed her ear.

  Yes, oh yes. No, I can’t. Oh God, help me.

  “Ah, I’m not sure what my plans are.” She put another nail between
her lips and dug into her belt for a couple more, feeling very clever. Even if he wanted to kiss her, he couldn’t.

  Gentle hands reached across; one took the hammer from her grasp, and the other slid slowly to her waist and turned her around. She looked up at him, the cold nail pressing into her lip. Liam’s eyes were dancing with mirth, and he reached up and took it from between her lips.

  “If you think that is going to stop you from talking to me, you’re wrong.”

  He led her across to the wide windowsill and gently pushed her down until she was looking up at him. He put the hammer on the floor before he leaned over in front of her, one hand on each side of her on the windowsill. “I’ve given you a few days to work in peace, although it’s been hard to stay away.”

  The look on Liam’s face almost broke her determination to resist him, and she swallowed before she opened her mouth, but he shook his head. “I want you to listen to me. Don’t talk.”

  Her skin was tight, and all Georgie wanted was to feel Liam stroking her skin, holding her. Her traitorous body was clamoring for him. His hands were still beside her and his face was a whisper away, but he didn’t touch her. Her heart panicked in her chest as the ice began to crack.

  No.

  “You are beautiful, Georgie.” When she screwed up her nose in dissent, Liam shook his head. “And I mean inside and out. Your lovely hair, your milk-white skin. Green witch eyes that see into my soul; eyes that I know understand me. A mouth that tempts me”—he smiled and she trembled—“even with nails in it.”

  The ice around her heart cracked a little more. Georgie swore she could feel the warmth spreading though her chest. His lips hovered above hers but did not come closer.

  “You are caring, patient, and sweet, and you give so much of yourself to others.”

  The warmth of his skin surrounded her but still he didn’t touch her.

  “In your smile, I see someone so gorgeous, and when you smile at me”—finally he lifted his hand, but he put it on his heart—“this is where I feel it.”

  Cautious optimism fluttered through her. Almost…almost…she could believe he meant what he was saying to her. She leaned into him.

  “One word.” His voice was deep and mellow, and his expression was dreamy as he held her gaze.

  Oh my God, if he used the L-word, Georgie knew she’d melt into a puddle at his feet. She widened her eyes and waited.

  “Yes… Just say yes.” His breath brushed her lips.

  Georgie’s voice shook. “I don’t know what the question is.”

  “Spend the night with me? I’ll cook dinner and then we’ll talk some more. Okay?” Liam stepped back and Georgie nodded before she managed to croak out a yes. He turned quickly and threw a smiling glance back at her when he reached the door.

  “Seven o’clock, okay?”

  She nodded again, feeling like one of those dolls with the bobbing head.

  “And Georgie, wear that green dress you had on the other day. I’ll put the fire on.”

  The door closed behind him and Georgie put her hands to her cheeks. She wouldn’t need a fire. The blood pumping through her body would be enough to keep both of them warm.

  Mutt started howling as Georgie closed the gate behind her. Having time to think this afternoon had not been good. The way Liam had looked at her and the words he had spoken had planted a tiny seed of hope within her. Her distrust began to lift, and she’d smiled at herself in Ana’s mirror as she’d taken extra care with her appearance. A little kernel of an idea began to take shape in her head. He’d asked her to put her trip off a while, but maybe he could come with her?

  She pulled her shawl around her shoulders as she walked slowly up the hill, and the wind caught the green dress Liam had asked her to wear, pushing it against her legs. She’d put a pair of leggings on beneath it; it was way too cold to wear a summer dress. The temperature had dropped; a storm was brewing over the bay. Her heart fluttered a little as she stood outside his door, and she chastised herself. This was crazy. She’d walked through this door every day for the past three weeks. There was no need to feel nervous.

  The door opened before she could knock.

  “Quick, come in out of the cold.” Liam looked up at the threatening sky and then down at her dress. He grinned and ushered her inside, a gentle hand on her back. “The fire’s on in the living room. Go and get warm. I’ve just got to check on something in the kitchen.” He cocked his head to the side. “Is that Mutt I hear?”

  Georgie relaxed a little as she looked up at him. He was babbling as much as she did when she was nervous. She tipped her head to the side. “No, just the wind. He’s safely inside the cottage.”

  They sat in front of the fire while they ate, and Liam kept the conversation casual. Finally, after he’d brought in a tray with coffee and chocolates, he slid over next to her and took her hand.

  “So?” he said.

  “So, what?” Georgie reached for her coffee. She’d managed to talk normally through the meal, and tried not to appear too nervous although every time she caught Liam looking at her a fresh tremble would run down her back.

  “So did you think about what I said this afternoon?”

  “Y…e…s,” she said slowly.

  “And?”

  “And what?”

  “Oh, for goodness’ sake, Georgie, you are the most frustrating woman.” He put his hand to his heart and grinned at her. Her heart rate kicked up a notch. It was altogether unfair that a man could be so good-looking.

  She shook her head. “Liam, I don’t know what you want from me. What you said this afternoon was really sweet, but you’ve forgotten I’m leaving.”

  Liam took the coffee cup from her hand. “No, I haven’t. I wouldn’t ask you not to go. I’d never do that.”

  His blue eyes held hers, and Georgie’s determination to make her own way in the world slipped a little more. “I’ve got a better idea.” Georgie swallowed and stared back at him. “Why don’t you come with me?”

  Liam shook his head slowly. “Thanks, but I’m not going anywhere. I just got here and besides…”

  “Besides what?”

  “I like being settled. My days of travel are over.”

  “And mine are just beginning.” Even though Georgie’s smile was bright, Liam’s words cut deep, but there was no way she was going to let him see how much he hurt her. They could have time together before she left, and she would stay strong. No man was ever going to see how vulnerable she was. Never again.

  “I’ll send you a postcard so you can see what you’re missing out on.” Georgie stared at Liam and held out her hand. “I’m cold. I think we’ll be warmer in your bedroom?” She was proud of the coquettish smile she managed to summon up, hiding the hurt that had settled in her chest at his instant refusal of her suggestion to come with her.

  Three hours later, Georgie stood at the window of Liam’s bedroom looking out over the bay. The storm had blown itself out, not that they had heard much of it… Liam had whispered sweet nothings in her ear before taking her to delightful places. Now the night sky was filled with stars, and the silver sheen from the rising moon polished the ocean. Hugging her arms around herself, Georgie stared out at the water. It was going to be so hard to leave, but she was going to. When Liam had dismissed her suggestion that he go with her, her world had fallen to pieces, but she’d been strong and hidden her feelings. She was leaving.

  It was still ten days until she left and she would spend the time with Liam. Maybe when she was old and gray like Thelma and Mitzi, it would be a story to tell. Georgie smiled and walked across the soft carpet back to the bed where Liam lay sleeping.

  Chapter Twenty

  Georgie tooted the horn of the old truck and glanced down at her watch. If Liam didn’t hurry up, he’d miss his appointment. He was meeting his new editor in San Francisco and then picking up his new Porsche. She was going to San Francisco for some final shopping before she packed.

  She looked up with a smile as Liam cam
e out of the house and slammed the door. He was wearing a pale gray suit and a white shirt with his hair loose on his collar. God, she was going to miss him. Georgie swallowed and dug deep for strength.

  He looked down at the suit with a grin as he put an envelope on the seat between them. “Second time in two weeks I’ve had my suit out, but I have to impress the new editor.”

  “And you’ll sure look the part in the new car.” Georgie loved to tease him. Sometimes she wondered if she was making the wrong decision, and then she remembered her mantra. Independence.

  The traffic was heavy, and they were late getting into the city.

  “Just drop me off at the hotel.” Liam leaned over and kissed her before he opened the door. “I’ll take you for a spin in the Porsche this afternoon.”

  “I’ll look forward to it—after I get some work done on your shelves. Have a good meeting.”

  Liam waited on the curb until she drove off, and Georgie sighed as she glanced in the rearview mirror and saw him standing there watching her. It was getting harder by the day; the more time they spent together, the harder it was going to be to leave him. Georgie waited for the light to change and frowned as she looked down at the seat. Shoot. Liam had left his envelope on the seat. As soon as the light changed, she did a U-turn and headed back to the hotel. She pulled into the drop-off area beneath the ornate gray arches and jumped out.

  “I’ll only be one minute.” The concierge nodded and she grabbed the envelope and ran across to the door. Luckily, she’d dressed for a trip to the city and didn’t feel out of place in the luxurious foyer. Georgie’s heels clicked on the marble floor as she crossed toward the main desk along the wall and looked around. Her professional eye appreciated the marble columns rising to the fancy gilded ceiling.

  Liam was standing by the elevator door and Georgie opened her mouth to call out to him, but the sound died in her throat as he held his arms out to an elegant blond woman who stepped from the elevator. Liam had told her he’d never even met the editor his publisher had sent to San Francisco.