Deceiving The Groom (2 page)

He turned to Claire. “Claire, this is my niece, Lexi.”

Claire forced her frozen features to respond normally. “Nice to meet you, Lexi.”

Ringing swirled in her ears. How did she not know there was a kid? There was not meant to be a child involved. Suddenly everything seemed to be veering horrifically off course. She took a breath through her nose and commanded herself to keep it together.

“Have you brushed your teeth like I asked, Lexi?”

Lexi nodded her head and opened her mouth. Liam shut one eye and peered inside. Lexi gave a muffled giggle with her mouth still wide.

“Very good. Now off to school with you.” He pressed a kiss on the girl’s forehead.

Lexi slid down and rushed past the older woman who finally made it to the kitchen bench. “Claire, this is Mrs. Ruiz, Lexi’s nanny.” He gestured to the woman.

Claire smiled and nodded. “Hello.”

The woman rested her hand on the bench and gave Claire a brief nod in return before turning to Liam. “Mr. Channing? About Lexi, before we leave?”

Liam straightened and nodded, moving to Mrs. Ruiz. They lowered their voices. Claire took the hint and stepped back a few paces, turning to look out the window into the sprawling backyard. It was oversized just like the house and kitchen. A pool and hot tub sat on a fenced-off wood decking, and a large table and oversized cane chairs littered the veranda. Beyond were ancient looking trees and manicured lawns. Claire stepped closer. A swing set caught her eye in the back corner. The child must live with him…

“Claire?”

She spun and turned to Liam. His face seemed heavier, lines showed on his forehead. “Would you like me to show you the store this afternoon?”

Claire hesitated. Her head swam. She didn’t know anything for sure yet. The only thing to do was to stick to plan. “Sure, that would be great. But on one condition…” She said allowing a playful edge to tease her voice.

The lines on Liam’s forehead smoothed. “Really, and what’s that?”

“That you let me take you to dinner. It’s the least I can do.”

A dimple appeared in Liam’s left cheek as his lips pulled to one side. “It’s a date.”

Claire moved about the store, inspecting the rooms on offer. It would suit their purposes threefold. “This seems perfect, Liam. Assuming we are free to fit it out, put up dividing walls?”

“Sure. I will need to approve any structural changes, but you’re free to make superficial changes as you see fit.” Liam twirled the key in his hand. “So what exactly is it perfect for?”

Claire’s back straightened a fraction. “My cousin is looking for a place to open his legal practice. We need somewhere that can be dual purpose. Create two very separate spaces. Is that a problem?”

“It shouldn’t be. What’s the other purpose?”

Something warm bloomed in her insides. This might be the one part of the charade that was real, the part where something good would finally happen. “Well, my finder’s fee is one of the window fronts and the room behind it. I’m setting up my own bridal boutique.”

A grin spread across her face and she extended her hands to one of the large windows. “I couldn’t have done it on my own, but my cousin is looking out for me in this.”

Claire pictured the mannequin that would display the gown she had made with her own two hands. The image helped compensate for the nerves she’d suffered waiting to meet up with Liam after he had escorted her to the B&B that morning. She stepped closer to the window. A ray of late afternoon sun hit her face.

Liam shifted and slid his hands in his pockets. “Sounds like you have a very supportive family.”

The grin slipped from Claire’s features. She stepped away from the window and back into the shadows, turning to him. “My cousin Geoff and I are close.”

Liam’s face flashed questioningly. He hesitated a moment. “In any case, your bridal boutique is sure to do well. With young couples starting to build around here now, and only Mrs. McKinnon’s alteration service, you won’t have competition for miles.”

Claire nodded but her smile did not come as easily as before.

Liam continued. “I’m not sure about your cousin though… The town already has a lawyer.”

Claire glanced to the door. “Like you said, the town is growing, and from what I hear the lawyer is overdue for retirement.”

Liam chuckled. “He is. But this town is still full of loyalties.”

“So does that mean you would use him then?”

Now Liam laughed heartily. It rumbled through the room. “No, I use a firm in the city. Although, the old guy could probably thank me for most of his business.”

Claire digested the comment. “You have many legal issues?”

Liam shook his head, amusement still scrunching the corners of his eyes. “No. Nothing like that, just business.”

“Disgruntled tenants?” Claire narrowed her gaze at him.

Liam laughed again, stepping a little closer. “Don’t worry, you’ll find me to be an exemplary landlord.”

Claire’s pulse accelerated as his broad chest came within touching range. She focused on his shiny black shoes. “Well that’s a relief. What is the cause of your legal problems then? If you don’t mind my asking…” She forced her gaze back up to his. “I do like to know who I’m getting into bed with…excuse the pun.”

Liam’s dark brown gaze moved over Claire’s upturned face. “I definitely have no objections to the pun.”

Claire swallowed, and her gaze flickered back to the door. His closeness rocketed chaos through her system. Who was the one being lured here? Liam’s gaze followed the movement and he took a small step back. “It is nothing serious, just the usual resistance to acquisitions, land development, that sort of thing.”

Cold pierced her insides, cutting off the blooming warmth. She knew
all
about his hostile acquisitions. And he spoke of it so casually, as if it were nothing serious. That knowledge would make this easier. Claire shifted. Her chin rose and her shoulders fell back. Her eyes moved to Liam’s and held them steadily. She stepped forward and rested her palm on the hard plane of his chest. “I think I promised you dinner. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

Chapter Two

Claire picked at her meal. Oh, it was good. This was the best restaurant the town had to offer. The pungent aromas of garlic, slow cooked meat, and the delicate waft of wine from her glass should have her salivating, but her appetite was shot. Her insides turned with a sick queasy sensation. It wasn’t helping that the day’s worth of growth on Liam’s jaw made him look so much harder, meaner. Made her think about how she would love to feel that stubble scratching over her bare skin… Damn him.

“Why, of all towns, did you pick Hopetown for your business, Claire?”

She pushed a cream-colored cannellini bean with her fork, trying not to think about the roguish appeal of his jaw. Under normal circumstances she enjoyed escarole bean casserole with plenty of parmesan. It was something she’d prepared in her own tiny apartment many times. Despite her thirst for justice, this felt wrong—all wrong.

She glanced across the table. “We wanted to establish ourselves before all the retail developments decided to move in. Plus we liked the environment. As the sign says, ‘Urban development in a country setting.’”

“That’s true for many towns in the region. The new highway has opened up access. Do you know the area?”

Claire’s knife dropped to the table with a thump. She pushed it aside and picked up her napkin. “Yes, I grew up locally. We moved away when I was a teenager.”

“Really, where’d you live?”

Claire cleared her throat. “Sheepton, or as I now believe it’s now called, Summerton.”

“Sheepton… I have fond memories of Sheepton. It was one of the first developments I was involved with, and a steep learning curve.”

Claire’s whole body grimaced. She kept a firm hold of her expression, biting the inside of her cheek. That was a subject best steered clear of. “It seems like I owe you thanks yet again—for getting me a room at the B&B. I didn’t realize there would be a shortage of places to stay. You’ve saved me from the city commute.”

“That’s no problem. Mrs. Rose keeps the room for me.” Liam shifted, and his thumb flicked a spot under his chin.

Claire’s brows shot up. “Keeps it for you? But you live just around the block.”

Liam rested his elbow on the table. His eyes grew richer as they washed over her. “It comes in handy. I prefer to keep social life and home life separate.”

A warming heat climbed up Claire’s neck. She knew it wasn’t a result of the deep gulp of wine she’d drained from her glass. So she was going to be staying in his sex pad? A somewhat offensive yet strangely intimate prospect. “So I take it that you’re the town bachelor?”

Liam’s rich rumble rolled over Claire’s flesh. “Perhaps once.” He picked up his own glass and took a sip, pressing his lips before setting it down. “But that was before Lexi.”

Claire reached for her glass again. “Since I glimpsed the swing set in your yard, I take it she lives with you? And that makes you off the market?”

Liam’s jaw hardened. “Yes, she does. The way I see it, relationships are messy enough without involving a child in them.”

Claire frowned before she could catch herself. Surly the disappointment flooding her was due to his attitude making her plan more difficult? No way she should care if he was a commitment-phobe. No way at all. Not even if the stubble drawing her eye to the dent in his chin made her want to bite it.

Liam watched her closely, making her feel as though she were a butterfly trapped under his analytical lens. Claire’s grip tightened on the fork. Was she so easy to read? She hoped not or she was screwed, and not in the fun sense.

He leaned forward, his eyes capturing hers. “Don’t get me wrong, I love women.” His voice, deep and smooth, assured her that he truly did
love
women. “I’m just not interested in a relationship.” His attention drifted and settled on his plate. “Most women say they love kids but when the reality of tantrums and nightmares set in, it’s suddenly a whole lot less romantic.”

Claire tapped her finger on the stem of her glass, her lungs squeezing tighter. His words hit a little too close to home. How much should she let him in on? “I can’t speak for others, but I do know what you mean.” Her voice waivered. “I have a ten year old sister.”

Liam’s glanced back at her and started to speak. Claire interjected, grasping for a distraction. “Why does Lexi live with you?”

Liam wiped his mouth on a napkin, and then folded it slowly. He raised his gaze to hers, but this time his face was different; darker, but frank. “My sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident a year ago.” His voice was steady but the tendons in his neck stuck out where his body defied his facade.

Silence stretched across the table. Claire swallowed her remaining wine, her fingers fumbling on the stem.

“May I offer you a look at the dessert menu?” A waiter interrupted.

Liam cleared his throat. “Yes, please.”

The waiter handed them menus. Claire looked at the list, but did not read the words. Her mind swirled. There was so much she hadn’t known. What else had been kept from her?

“What would you like?”

Her cheeks flushed and she set the menu down. “I’m really sorry to hear about your sister, Liam. It’s a wonderful thing that you care for your niece.”

Liam’s chest rose and then fell. He lay down his own menu. “Thank you. As for Lexi, that was never a question. I just hope I don’t do a terrible a job raising her.”

Claire’s heart flipped. A lock of short brown hair rested on Liam’s forehead. She resisted the compulsion to lean forward and brush it off.

The waiter returned to the table. “Are you ready to order?”

Liam glanced at Claire who had yet to return to her menu. She met his gaze levelly. “How about we share?”

After walking Claire the short distance from the restaurant to the B&B, Liam paused at the door, turning to face her. “Thanks for a wonderful evening, Claire.”

His warm gaze caressed her face. Claire adjusted her handbag on her shoulder. “I should really be the one thanking you. For dinner and everything…”

She couldn’t help noticing his eyes were darker in the soft yellow lighting on the veranda.

Liam pushed a lock of gold hair over her shoulder. “Anytime.”

Claire blinked and steadied her voice. “I guess I’ll come see you tomorrow for paperwork?”

“Sure, I’ll be at my office from nine.”

“Great.” Claire smiled, but it quivered when it got to her lips. “Well, see you tomorrow…”

Liam’s gaze remained focused on her face, his lids ever so slightly heavy.

“Bye, Claire.”

He leaned forward, brushing a kiss to her cheek. Claire forced herself past the thumping in her chest, and turned her head. Liam’s mouth pressed softly to hers. It was all the invitation he needed. His body changed, the relaxed rest of his hand on her shoulder became a firm grip and he tugged her closer. His lips stroked against hers. Heat snapped through her blood. Claire’s lips parted and her head dropped back. He tasted like the wine from dinner—but bolder, sexier. She would get drunk on him. Liam’s hand slid to her cheek and held her jaw. He pressed deeper for a moment, tension rippling through his body. She leaned forward. Had to get closer. Her breasts squeezed against his chest. Liam pulled away jerkily.

He observed her silently and ran his fingers over his chin. Claire’s hand rested on the door. Her lips felt puffy and slightly bruised. Liam seemed to be struggling. Claire wasn’t sure if he was about to turn away or drag her up to his sexy-time room. Her body clenched in anticipation.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.” Liam stared at her longer than necessary, then bobbed his head and raised his hand in a brief wave before turning to the gate.

Claire stared after him, watching him disappear onto the street. She put her fingers to her lips and felt the warmth of his kiss. Her heart pounded as though an orchestra of drums had taken up residence inside her body. How could he kiss her like that? She’d encouraged him, she knew that. It was kind of the point. Yet now the effect of his kiss lingered on her body and mind. Her hands knotted into fists and she squeezed her eyes closed. She had to get it together.

She walked away from the front door and snuck around the quaint weatherboard house to the back yard. She crept to the rear of the garden, stepping around bushes in the dark to the garden swing she saw when she first arrived. She sunk into the cushions and dug in her handbag for her phone. She pressed a number in her recent calls list.

The phone rang, then a cool male voice answered. “Yes?”

“It’s me,” Claire whispered.

“How did it go?”

“Exactly as you said it would.” Her voice quivered. “He kissed me…”

The voice chuckled. “Excellent, I knew he wouldn’t be able to resist you. Not with those big eyes of yours and the damsel in distress act.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not going through with it.”

The voice spoke again, but this time the humor was gone. “What do you mean you’re not going through with it? We have been over and over this, Claire!”

“There’s a kid, Geoff!” Her voice rose higher. “Did you know he looks after his orphaned niece? His
orphaned niece
!”

The phone went silent. Her cousin spoke again, but softly. “That doesn’t change anything .”

“Like hell it doesn’t. Did you know about this?” She growled into the phone.

“It was irrelevant.”

“I won’t mess with a child, you know that.”

Geoff adjusted his tone to placating. “She won’t be hurt. Even if we pull this off he will still be in a perfectly able position to care for her.”

Claire put the tip of her index finger between her teeth. “I won’t have a kid involved, no matter how you rationalize it.”

“Oh, but there is a child involved. Penny, or have you forgotten your sister already?”

Claire tore the nail from her finger. Her chest squeezed as her words wrenched from her. “I never forget about her.”

“Then remember why you’re doing this. And remember who that man is.”

Her eyes stung. “I’m not sure who he is now.”

“Then let me remind you.” Geoff’s voice turned to gravel. “Liam Channing is the man who stole your family’s farm out from under you in your darkest hour. He is the man who made orphans of you and your sister, and made millions while leaving you destitute…”

Heavy breaths rasped in Claire’s earpiece. “Still having attacks of conscience, Claire?”

Claire leaned back against the swing. Tears leaked down her cheeks. “No.”

It was three pm by the time Claire summoned the will to go to Liam’s office. She hesitated at the door, glancing across the road to the shop front that would soon be hers and Geoff’s. How would she survive working so close to Liam? At least it might make things proceed faster. This couldn’t be over soon enough.

Claire raised her hand to knock on the glass door. The door swung open under her knuckles. Liam leant in the doorway pulling a tailored jacket over his arms. He tugged at the lapels, fabric molding to his body, emphasizing the fabulous vee of his torso. Claire watched where his fingers moved to do up the last button at his waist.

“Claire, I didn’t think you were coming,” he said, tugging down the jacket.

“Sorry, I was held up. Am I too late? You’re leaving?”

Liam picked up his leather briefcase and they stepped into the street. “Yes. I need to pick up Lexi from school. It’s Mrs. Ruiz’s day off.”

Liam pulled a set of keys from his pocket and slid one into the door. Claire watched the key turn, causing a clunk as the lock slid into place.

“Oh… Should I come back on Monday then?”

Liam turned and gazed at Claire with a smile in his eyes. “No. I told you, I am an exemplary landlord. I can’t have you waiting all weekend now, can I?”

He grinned and raised his briefcase. “I have the paperwork ready. If you don’t mind tagging along while I pick up Lexi, we can go over them at my place.”

There was no way she could leave things with Liam until Monday. Geoff would be expecting her to make progress over the weekend. She nodded. “Sure.”

Liam led the way to his Land Rover parked on the side of the road. Claire’s eyebrows scrunched. For a ruthless, money-hungry magnate, she expected something superficial and flashy, not a family car. Just another surprise to add to the rapidly growing list. Liam opened the door for her. Claire slid inside, acutely aware of how close she came to the big body holding the door. Liam’s gaze hovered on her face a moment before he shut it and claimed his own seat. The engine roared and the car glided onto the street.

“So Mrs. Ruiz usually picks up Lexi?” Claire asked, eyeing the dashboard. A large screen occupied the center and it seemed to have more buttons and gadgets than the space should allow. It may be a family car, but it was optioned to the teeth.

“Yes, and thank God for her. I do my best, but I couldn’t do it on my own.” Liam shifted gears and signaled, sliding gracefully into the next lane.

Claire glanced over to Liam. Something told her that this man really did do his best. “I’m sure you do a great job.”