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“That makes sense.” But her expression didn’t match her words.
“You don’t look convinced.”
“You’ve never struck me as a man who sits still for long. I can’t imagine you’ll be happier here than out on the slopes.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me for some reason?”
“No. Nothing like that.”
“I don’t want to leave you and Maggie alone.”
“We’d have been alone if your guests showed up. No reason anything has to be different.”
Except that it was. This was no longer a business trip. It had morphed into a vacation. And Liam had very different expectations for how he’d like to spend his time.
* * *
That night’s dinner had been arranged for six, but since it was beef medallions in a red wine sauce with mushrooms, herb-roasted potatoes and creamed spinach, it had been a simple matter for the chef to make only two portions.
With the chandelier lights dimmed and flickering candlelight setting a romantic scene, the tension kept rising between them. Liam had dated enough women to recognize w
hen a woman was attracted to him, but he’d never known one as miserable about it as Hadley.
“You are obviously uncomfortable about something,” he commented, breaking the silence that had grown heavier since the chef had presented them with dessert and left for the night.
“Why would you say that?”
“Because you are as jumpy as a filly being stalked by a mountain lion.”
Her brows drew together. “That’s ridiculous.”
“What’s on your mind?” he persisted, ignoring her protest. When she pressed her lips together and shook her head, he decided to talk for her. “Let me guess. Since you started acting all skittish shortly after learning we were going to be snowed in alone together, you think I’m going to seduce you.” Liam sipped his wine and observed her reaction.
“I don’t think that.”
He could see that was true. So what gave her cause for concern? “Oh,” he drew the word out, “then you’re worried you’re going to try to seduce me.”
One corner of her mouth lifted in a self-deprecating grin. “As if I could do that.” She had visibly relaxed thanks to his bluntness.
“You aren’t giving yourself enough credit.”
She rolled her eyes, but refrained from arguing. “I thought you’d given up casual sex.”
“I have. Which should make you feel more relaxed about our circumstances.” He set his elbows on the table and leaned forward.
“Okay, maybe I’m a little on edge.”
“What can I do to put you at ease?”
“Nothing. It’s my problem.”
“But I don’t want there to be a problem.”
“You really aren’t going to let this go, are you?”
He shook his head. “What if I promise that whatever you say will not be held against you after we leave here?” He spread his arms wide. “Go ahead, give me your best shot.”
“It’s awkward and embarrassing.”
