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“After that I just couldn’t race anymore. It was my fault that she rode the way she did. If I hadn’t... She really wanted to beat me.” Hadley let out a shaky sigh. “After it happened she refused to talk to me or see me.”
Liam sensed there was more to the story he wasn’t getting, but didn’t want to push deeper into a sensitive issue. “I don’t want to downplay your guilt over what was obviously a tragedy, but don’t you think it’s time you forgave yourself for what happened?”
Hadley gave a bitter laugh. “My best friend is constantly getting on my case for not letting go of mistakes I’ve made in the past. She’s more of a learn-something-and-move-on sort of a girl.”
“Maybe if you start riding again you could put it behind you?”
“I’ll think about it.”
Which sounded like a big fat no to Liam’s ears. As soon as they entered the front door, Hadley took Maggie’s carrier.
“Thank you for dinner.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’d better get this one into bed.” She paused as if having more to say.
“It’s still early. I’m going to bet there’s some seriously decadent desserts in the kitchen. Ivy knows my guest John Barr has quite a sweet tooth, and she always makes sure it’s satisfied.”
“It’s been a long day, and I’m dying to finish the mystery I started on the plane. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Liam watched her ascend the stairs and considered following, but decided if she refused to have dessert with him, she was probably not in the mood for his company. He’d ruined what had been a promising evening by asking about matters that were still painful to her. Well, he’d wanted to get to know her better, and he’d succeeded in that.
Pouring himself a scotch, Liam sat down in front of the enormous television and turned on a hockey game. As he watched the players move about the rink, his thoughts ran to the woman upstairs. Getting to know her was not going to be without its ups and downs. She was complicated and enigmatic.
But Liam hadn’t won all his reining titles because he lacked finesse and patience. He thrived on the challenge of figuring out what each horse needed to excel. No reason he couldn’t put those same talents to use with Hadley.
He intended to figure out what this filly was all about, and if he was lucky—the news reports were already talking about airport shutdowns all over the Midwest—it looked as though he’d have four uninterrupted days and nights to do so.
* * *
After a restless night pondering how some inexplicable thing had changed in her interaction with Liam, Hadley got up early and went to explore the gourmet kitchen. Up until last night she’d characterized her relationship with him as boss and employee. Maybe it had grown to friendship of a sort. They enjoyed each other’s company, but except for that time she’d gone to retrieve Waldo from his bedroom—which didn’t count—he’d never given her any indication that the physical desire she felt for him was reciprocal.
Because of that, Hadley had been confident she could come on this trip and keep Liam from seeing her growing attraction for him. That was before they’d had a romantic dinner together and then walked home in the snow. Now a major storm system had stalled over the Midwest, stranding them alone in this snowy paradise, and she was in trouble.
“I’m sorry your clients won’t make the skiing weekend,” she said, her gaze glued to the pan of bacon she was fixing. Nearby a carton of eggs sat on the granite counter; she was making omelets.
“I’m not.” Liam’s deep voice sounded far too close behind her for comfort. “I’m actually looking forward to spending the time with you.”
She should ignore the lure of his words and the invitation she’d glimpsed in his eyes the night before. Hadn’t she learned her lesson with Noah? Getting emotionally involved with clients was never smart. She couldn’t lie to herself and pretend the only thing she felt for Liam was sexual attraction. Granted, there was a great deal of lust interfering with her clear thinking, but she wasn’t the type to lose her mind over a hot guy.
What Liam inspired in her was a complicated mixture of physical desire, admiration and wariness. The last was due to how she wanted to trust his word when he claimed he wasn’t Maggie’s father. Obviously the man had a knack for making women come around to his point of view. She was back to pondering his apparent sincerity and her susceptibility. What other outrageous lie could he tell her that she would believe?
Liam had propped his hip against the counter beside her and was watching her through narrowed eyes. “What can I help you with?”
“You never offer to help Candace.” The statement came out sounding like an accusation.
“I’ve given up trying. Haven’t you noticed she doesn’t like anyone interfering in her kitchen?” He reached across her to snag a piece of cooked bacon off the plate where it cooled. His gaze snagged hers as he broke the piece in half and offered part to her. “I’m completely at your disposal. What would you like me to do?”
Hadley told herself there was no subtext beneath his question, but her body had a completely different interpretation. She wanted to turn off the stove and find a use for the kitchen that had nothing to do with cooking.
“I’m going to make omelets. Can you get the ingredients you want in yours from the fridge?”
Liam’s lazy smile suggested that he’d heard the unevenness of her tone and had an idea he’d put it there. But he didn’t push his advantage. Instead, he did as she asked, and Hadley was left with space to breathe and a moment to cool off. Almost immediately she discovered how this had backfired. The gap between them didn’t bring relief from her cravings, but increased her longing for him. She was in a great deal of trouble.
Without asking, he pulled out a cutting board and began chopping onion and tomatoes. Engrossed in the task, he didn’t notice her stare. Or that’s what she thought until he spoke.
“Candace doesn’t work 24/7,” he commented, setting a second pan on the six-burner stove and adding olive oil. “I have been known to cook for myself from time to time.”
