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Finally, she breaks away, glaring death at me. Her cheeks flushed red.
“Honeymoon phase,” Liam says with disgust. “I hope that wears off quickly.”
“I hope it never does,” Fiona says sounding suitably breathless. She composes herself and beams at me. Good, she better not try to pretend like she didn’t thoroughly enjoy that.
I sit back, feeling a bit smug. “How can I help you, Liam?”
“My father sent me down here to speak with you. And to handle some other unrelated business.” He sits down in front of my desk. Fiona remains standing at my elbow. I’m tempted to put my hand on her leg, but I’d better not push it. I’m not sure how good of an actress she is, and we don’t have a deal in place.
“And how has business been?” I ask.
“Good.” He stares at me for a long moment. “Father says he’s interested in bringing you on board. Assuming you and your wife can meet him this weekend. He has a beach house in Gloucester.”
“I’d be happy to visit him,” I say, eyebrows raised, panic hitting me suddenly. What the hell? Visit himthis weekendin Gloucester? “I’ll have my assistant reach out to his assistant to arrange the details.”
Liam glances at Fiona. “That wouldn’t be you, would it?”
She gives him a sweet smile. “Of course not.”
Shit. Guess I have to hire a new assistant, and fast. “Is there anything else?” I ask, ready to wrap up this farce as soon as I can.
Liam shakes his head. “That’s all. Make the plans with my father.” He stands, eyes flitting between me and Fiona. “There’s something strange about the two of you. But I admit, I looked into your little relationship. It seems like it was fast, but you really are married.”
“Love knows no limits,” I say with a shrug.
Liam grunts. “I suppose not.” He walks to the door, but pauses there. “By the way. Why don’t either of you wear a ring?”
I blink rapidly. Fuck, a ring. I forgot about rings. What a stupid rookie error. But before I can speak up, Fiona takes over.
“Gareth doesn’t like wearing jewelry, and my ring is being resized. Part of a whirlwind wedding means certain things didn’t work out perfectly.” She laughs gently and puts a hand on my shoulder. She squeezes tight.
Fiona isnothappy.
“I’m still looking for the right band,” I say with a shrug.
“I’ll see the two of you in Gloucester.” He turns and leaves without looking back.
Fiona walks to the door, makes sure he’s gone, and closes it. She groans, head leaned back. “Oh, what the fuck,” she says, glaring at me. “Why did you just agree to that?”
“We’ll cancel. I’ll come up with an excuse.”
“You could’ve said we have plans. You could’ve said anything at all, except that we’d do it.”
“Seriously, Fiona? You walk in here with Liam Crowley, no notice, no text saying,hey Gareth, get ready, we’re coming, and you’re pissed that I didn’t have any excuses prepared?”
Her jaw works. “You kissed me again.”
As if she minds.
I lean forward, smirking now. “You keep coming back to the kiss. How much did you love it this time?”
Her hands curl into fists. I probably shouldn’t push her, but I can’t help myself. She’s so beyond not my type, such a wreck, somehow courting disaster like it’s her best friend, and yet she’s so beautiful. It’s breathtaking, that thick auburn hair, those big eyes, those plump lips. I’d happily keep this ruse going, if only to get the chance to keep kissing her.
But something strange happens. Instead of tearing into me, she takes one step forward. Her hands relax, her shoulders ease, and she takes a deep breath.
Interesting. She gets control of herself.
“Here’s the deal,” she says, pointing a finger at me. Face a sudden mask. “You pay off my student loans. You buy me a new car. You write the most incredible recommendation and sing my praises to my next employer. And you give me ten grand to help with finding a new apartment.”
