Maurie laughed nervously. “Liam, I don’t think it’s necessary to give him the third degree.”
“I’m not giving him the third degree, I’m simply taking Cooper’s advice and learning more about the person we’re doing business with.”
“No, you’re being a jerk.” Maurie leaned forward, glaring at him. “Lower class? Really?”
He rocked back. “What? I didn’t mean anything by the term. I was using it as a frame of reference to find out more about him. Like calling this table black or your shirt green.”
“This isn’t about Cooper. This is about us. You’re mad because I’m engaged, and you’re taking it out on my fiancé. And I don’t appreciate it.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Liam scoffed.
“Is it?” Maurie flung her head, causing her hair to fly back. “When you were engaged to that feather-brained Barbie Doll, I held my tongue.”
Liam let out a harsh laugh. “No you didn’t. You harped on me constantly, saying I was marrying Dani for the wrong reasons. And as it turned out, you were right.” His voice went soft. “Maurie, I’m not trying to wreck your engagement, I just don’t want you to make the same mistake I did.”
She stood and threw her napkin on the table. “I’m done!”
Liam jumped to his feet. “What do you mean?”
Her lips disappeared into a hard line. “I expected better from you, Liam.” She turned to Cooper. “Can you please take me home?”
He nodded.
Liam stepped around the table so that he was in front of Maurie. “Wait. Don’t leave. Let’s just eat our dinner, okay?”
“Move out of my way,” she ordered, her eyes smoldering.
“I’m sorry, okay? Is that what you want me to say?”
“MOVE!” She pushed past him, narrowly missing the waiter who was approaching with the appetizer.
Cooper shot Liam a withering look before hurrying after Maurie.
The waiter stood, wide-eyed, unsure what to do.
Liam slumped down and motioned. “You can go ahead and put that down. If it’s not too late to cancel the food orders, do so.”
“I’ll see what I can do, sir.”
“Thanks. And go ahead and bring me the check. Whatever it ends up being—I’ll cover it.”
Maurie had removed her makeup and was brushing her teeth when she heard the doorbell. She frowned. It was a little after 11 pm. Who could be at her door this late? After the failed dinner, Cooper offered to stop and get them something to eat. But she told him she’d rather go home. At the time, she’d been so ticked at Liam she could hardly see straight, much less eat anything. She couldn’t believe Liam would stoop low enough to insult Cooper right in front of her face. Cooper was a great guy and obviously right for her, as opposed to Dani, who was so wrong for Liam.
The doorbell rang again, this time more insistently. It was followed by loud knocking.
She wiped her hands on a nearby towel. “I’m coming,” she yelled. She scowled when she looked through the peephole. “Go away!”
“I’m standing right here until you open the door.”
She slapped the door with the palm of her hand. “You’re such a jerk!”
“Yep, I got that part earlier. Let me in. You forget that I have a key. If you don’t let me in, I’ll—”
She swore and swung open the door. Before she could launch a full-scale attack, Liam held out a carton of Rocky Road ice cream. “I brought a peace offering—your favorite.”
Her hand flew to her hip. “It’ll take more than that.”
He held up a Blu-ray. “The Tourist.”
She thrust out her lower lip. She loved The Tourist and made Liam watch it a hundred times. “I thought you said you were sick of that movie.”
“I’m trying to apologize here.” A boyish grin tugged at his lips. “You know you wanna watch it and eat this delectable ice cream. Come on.”
That was the trouble with a best friend. Liam knew all of her soft spots. If only he weren’t so dang adorable with those big, brown puppy-dog eyes and long lashes. “Okay.” She stepped back to let him enter.
Instead of moving past her, he stepped up to her. “By the way, you looked gorgeous tonight,” he murmured. “You should wear your hair down more often.”
Her heart started sprinting as a tidal wave of attraction washed over her. Then came the urge to wipe that silly grin off Liam’s face. It was so unfair of him to be acting this way when she’d finally found a wonderful guy who loved her. She stepped back, her expression rigid. If Liam noticed the change in her demeanor, he ignored it as he plopped down on the sofa and propped his feet on the coffee table. She sighed, knowing it was impossible to stay mad at him.
“Love, would you grab us a couple of spoons?”
“Sure.” Her spirits lifted, and she felt like a kid again, staying up late and watching a movie with her best friend. Although in the grownup world, her bestie was a loveable heartthrob with a killer accent, who knew just how to get what he wanted.
Chapter 5
The evening sky was ablaze with orange and pink swirls and there was a pleasant breeze in the moist air. It was a perfect evening for dinner at an open-air restaurant, followed by dancing. Too bad he was spending it visiting the Alani Gallery. Normally Liam loved visiting art galleries, but tonight was different. He’d promised Maurie he would stop by and smooth things over with Cooper, but that wasn’t the only reason he was here. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about the man, and it kept gnawing at his gut like a beaver on a log. A part of him wondered if Maurie was right—maybe his jealousy was fueling his dislike for Cooper. Admittedly, it was downright painful to see Maurie with someone else. It’s strange how it took being left at the altar for him to realize he’d been in love with Maurie all along. To his credit, he sort of realized it the night before when he painted the picture of Maurie, but that was beside the point. He should’ve had the intestinal fortitude to fight for Maurie all those years ago, when he first realized his feelings for her. If he had, they wouldn’t be in this pickle now. He suspected Maurie had feelings for him too. He could see it in her expression that night in her home when he told her how beautiful she looked at dinner. Then in a flash she clammed up and thrust him right back in the dreaded friend zone. He got the feeling that she didn’t trust him with her heart. And he couldn’t blame her. She’d had a bird’s-eye view of the long string of women who’d come and gone in his life, as frequently as weather patterns moved across the island. He needed to find a way to make her take him seriously, before it was too late.
He stepped through the double-glass doors that had a dainty orange tree etched into the glass. Alani meant orange tree in Hawaiian, and the theme was tastefully incorporated in the logo.
He looked around at the open space, tall ceilings, and gleaming white walls. As much as he hated to admit it, Maurie was right. The gallery was topnotch, and his art was exhibited in the most coveted places. He spent a few minutes looking around and admiring paintings by other artists. A particular painting caught his eye. It was by one of Maurie’s favorite artists Irena Gorenjak, of Serbian descent. Entitled Kilauea, it depicted the active volcano on the southern shore of The Big Island. He looked at the price—$2950. It would make a great gift for Maurie.
A pretty brunette with a toothy smile approached. “That’s a lovely piece, isn’t it?”
Judging by her demeanor and the formal way she was dressed, Liam figured she worked here.
“Yes,” Liam agreed. “I love her use of light in the motion of the fire. That’s a hard effect to master.”
“Impressive. You seem to know a lot about technique.”
He shrugged. “A little. I’d like to purchase this painting.”
Her smile faltered. “I’m so sorry, but it’s sold. I’m not sure why there’s not a sold tag over the price.”
Disappointment settled over Liam. “Do you have any other pieces by Gorenjak?”
“Not presently, but I can show
you a catalogue of her work, and you can special order it.”
He stroked his chin. “I might do that some other time. I came in to see Cooper Manning, and the painting caught my eye.”
“Oh, I see. Do you have an appointment?”
“I’m a friend.” That was a stretch, but it seemed to do the trick.
“Of course. Let me show you to his office.” As she was leading Liam back, an elderly gentleman stopped them.
“Excuse me. I’m interested in purchasing the Blue Hawaii painting in the front corner of the gallery. Could you please help me with that?”
She motioned at Liam. “Sure, let me show him where the offices are, and I’ll be right back.”
“It’s okay. I can find it.” Liam pointed. “Is it back there?”
“Yes, go through those doors and take a right. Go down the hall, and his office is the last one on the left.”
The door to Cooper’s office was slightly open. Liam was about to knock when he heard the voices of two men, deep in conversation. On impulse, he leaned in to listen.
“When can I see the pieces?” This came from a high-pitched, nasally voice.
“Tonight. Meet me back here at … let’s see … how about 1:00 a.m?”
Liam recognized the second voice as Cooper’s.
“That’ll work,” the nasally man said. “But if you expect me to move these items, then I need more than your word that they’re legit.”
“You told me you could make this work, and that we wouldn’t run into any problems.”
The dangerous edge in Cooper’s voice made Liam’s skin crawl. What kind of business was Cooper mixed up in?
“We won’t run into any problems, providing that you have the correct documentation. You know how this works. My client is demanding that each piece has a chain of title. Once we establish provenance, we can move forward. Not a moment before.”
As quietly as he could, Liam backed away from the door. Then he stealthily walked back the way he’d come. He nearly jumped out of his skin when the toothy-grin girl came around the corner.
“Did you find Mr. Manning’s office?”
He pulled a self-deprecating smile. “I’m afraid I got a little turned around.”
“No worries. It happens to the best of us.” She waved a hand. “This way.” She led him back to Cooper’s office and knocked once before pushing open the door. “I’m sorry to interrupt your meeting, Mr. Manning, but you have a friend here to see you.”
Cooper’s face turned the color of chalk when he saw Liam. The other man looked just as startled. Liam used his skill as an artist to commit the man’s face to memory. Small boned with a long, thin nose. Cagey eyes, which were set too close together. Thinning hair. Perfectly, manicured mustache.
The man stood. “I need to be going.”
“Don’t stop because of me,” Liam said. “I was just coming to say hello.”
Cooper stood, forcing a smile. “We just finished.”
The man scuttled out.
“Have a seat,” Cooper said, crossing his legs.
Liam sat down. “Like I said, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You actually saved me. That was an agent, trying to persuade me to carry some paintings from an artist he represents. Unfortunately, the artist is not very well known, and I only have so much space for product.”
It took all the effort Liam could muster to keep his expression neutral. The lie rolled so easily off Cooper’s tongue that if Liam hadn’t heard the exchange, he would’ve believed the nasally man really was an art agent. He looked Cooper in the eye. “Yeah, it’s like you said at the restaurant, it’s important to know the caliber of the person you’re doing business with.” Or marrying, he added silently.
There was an awkward pause in the conversation. Cooper jumped to fill the gap. “Speaking of the restaurant, did you have something you want to discuss?”
“Yeah … about that.” Liam swiped his hair out of his eye. “Last night when I was at Maurie’s, I promised her I would stop by today and apologize.” He sighed. “So, here I am.” It gave Liam a sense of satisfaction when he saw the twitch at the corner of Cooper’s jaw.
“You were at Maurie’s last night?”
“Yep, thought I’d stop by and make amends. Spent the evening eating ice cream and watching a movie.” He rubbed his shoulder. “Although I wouldn’t recommend spending the night on the couch because it’s terribly uncomfortable.”
Red blotches crawled up Cooper’s neck and then mottled his face. “I see.”
Liam leaned forward, feigning concern. “Are you okay? You look a little flushed.” He pulled at his polo. “I guess it is a little hot in here.”
“Maurie was really upset about how you acted last night.” Cooper leaned back in his seat. “Which, to tell you the truth … I find a little odd.”
Liam arched an eyebrow. “Oh? And just why is that?”
“A couple of weeks ago, you were getting married to Dani, who was supposedly the love of your life. And now you’re acting putout because Maurie’s the one getting married.” He spread his hands. “If it’s female company you’re after, then I can set you up with a couple of friends.”
Liam gripped the arms of the chair so hard that he thought his fingers might go through the leather. He had the urge to hurl the paperweight on the desk through the nearby window. “You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. Furthermore, mine and Maurie’s relationship is none of your business.”
A hard amusement glittered in Cooper’s eyes. “On the contrary, your and Maurie’s relationship is at the top of my priority list. She is, after all, my fiancée.”
The words came at Liam like a drill boring straight through the center of his head.
“At any rate, I told Maurie not to worry.”
The audacity of this man was astounding. “Is that so?”
“Yes, I assured her that you and I would find a way to coexist.”
Liam let out an incredulous laugh. “Is that what we’re doing?”
Cooper smiled like they were the best of friends. “Look, I get it. You’ve had Maurie all to yourself for many years. It’s hard for you to see her with someone else. But I’m certain that, deep down, you want what’s best for her.”
“Absolutely.”
“And if that someone happens to be me?”
The gauntlet had been thrown, and now it was up to Liam to pick it up. He chose his words with the care of a soldier preparing for the most crucial battle of his life. “If you are the one, then I’ll accept that.” He waited until Cooper relaxed before continuing. “But that remains to be seen. The proof is in your actions.”
Cooper looked thoughtful. “I can live with that.” He stood. “Let me show you around the gallery. I think you’ll be pleased with how your art is displayed.”
Liam was to the door of the office when Cooper stopped him. He reached down and picked up a pair of Oakley sunglasses from off the floor, beside where Liam had been sitting. “Are these yours?”
“Yes, they must’ve fallen out of my pocket.” Liam reached to grab them, but before he could, Cooper pulled back his arm. He turned the glasses over, inspecting them.
“An expensive pair of glasses. It would be a shame to lose them.” He chuckled. “You seem to have a knack for letting valuable items slip through your hands.”
Liam snatched the glasses. Had it not been for Maurie, he would’ve knocked the arrogant bloke into next week. “Yes, you’re right. That has been a problem in the past.” He paused long enough to make sure the full meaning of his words was conveyed. “But you can rest assured, I won’t make that same mistake again.”
Liam parked on a side street in close enough proximity to the back of Cooper’s gallery that he could watch the parking lot without being seen. He’d been waiting for over an hour for Cooper to come out, but still no sign of him.
After the tour of the gallery, Liam got in his car and drove off, noting with satisfaction that Cooper was watching. The
n he rounded the block and doubled back.
Liam kept replaying the conversation he’d overheard. Was Cooper involved in something underhanded, or was there another explanation? One thing was certain. Cooper was rattled when he saw Liam standing at his door, as was the other man. And then Cooper lied about what was said. The lie alone justified following him.
Liam figured Cooper would have to leave the gallery to retrieve the art pieces before meeting the man at 1 a.m. At least he hoped that would be the case. Surely Cooper wouldn’t risk storing the pieces in his gallery. Then again, Cooper was the epitome of conceit. Maybe he considered himself above the law. Liam’s only hope of rescuing Maurie from his clutches was to expose him for the fraud he was. In the art world, establishing provenance for art pieces was paramount because it helped establish the authenticity of a piece. If the pieces in question were stolen or fakes, then Cooper would have to produce false documentation in order to sell them.
Was he grasping at straws, trying to find fault with Cooper because of his engagement to Maurie? Just because the guy was a jerk didn’t make him a criminal. Although, it certainly seemed like the guy was dirty. He would know for sure once he followed him and saw what he was up to.
Liam’s pulse bumped up a notch when Cooper emerged from the backdoor and walked briskly to his Audi. When Cooper pulled out, Liam followed behind, making sure to keep enough distance between them to avoid suspicion.
Cooper maneuvered through the streets of Honolulu and eventually got onto the H-1. At first Liam thought he might be going to Kailua, but then he turned onto Likelike Hwy. A little while later he took Kamehameha Hwy, going past Chinaman’s Hat and Ka’a’awa, towards the North Shore where Liam lived. Finally, Cooper turned onto a side road in the small, rural community of Hau’ula. Liam kept driving past, not sure what to do. He couldn’t very well follow him up there in his car. Luckily, there was a nearby beach park where he could leave his car. He would have to go on foot and hope Cooper hadn’t gone very far. In this section of the island, there were miles of trails throughout the undeveloped rainforest, located behind the houses that lined the shoreline.
Love on the Rocks (Hawaii Billionaire Romance) Page 4