Page 91 of Masquerade

Liam had known she was the billboard model instantly. A terrifying, exhilarating sensation to meet a stranger who could see her so clearly. Even before he’d learned about Andrew and the reasons for her deception, he’d been prepared to step away from his dream job without telling George she was the billboard model. She should have known then he’d keep her secrets. But she’d refused to unlearn her habit of silence. Refused to admit it was a bloody great barrier between her and Liam until it was too late.

“So, will we be seeing Kate today?” Amira dragged the topic back to Kate’s employment, which had probably been the real target of their questioning.

“She was hired for the Greentree Passage job”—his voice was matter of fact—“and it’s finished.”

“Will we be hiring her again?” Helen persisted.

Kate would rather share a bath with a barracuda, and her stomach was back to insisting she was on a storm-tossed sea.

“I will.” He must have moved closer to the door because his Irish lilt was a whisper against her ear. “If I get the chance. She’s too bloody good at what she does to let some other company pick her up.”

She’d shared Liam’s bed, his home and not invited him to share her dreams. A fine time to realise winning his professional respect was a hollow prize if he didn’t forgive her private lies. And she’d made the biggest mistake of her life. Time to show herself and take a real risk. Pushing off the wall she headed for George’s office.

“Did Atticus say when he’d be here?” Amira abruptly changed direction.

“He’s been delayed.” Helen’s scent became even more intense. “Kate. We weren’t expecting you.”

Kate glanced through the door Helen was preparing to close. “Can’t stop. I’m here to see George. Although, Liam, I’d like to talk to you about future options when you get the chance.”

The door snapped shut.

Taking a few steadying breaths, Kate concentrated on reaching George’s suite. Her palm on the door handle was clammy. She hadn’t looked directly at Liam, but she hadn’t embarrassed herself or hidden either. Enough reason for self-respect. He hadn’t said a word, but neither Helen nor she had given him a chance.

Losing him was like losing part of herself, but his continuing protection of her secrets gave her some hope.

Missing him had become an ache in her soul.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The road shifted todirt, and Liam slowed to a crawl. Mud was a better description, and he didn’t fancy getting bogged.

I’d like to talk to you about future options.

What the hell did that mean? Then, like Houdini, Kate had disappeared.

He’d sent the first text when his meeting ended. He’d sent another dozen before he got home. When he got the undeliverable signal, he’d guessed she’d left town. Anna had made him sweat, waiting for this address. The lure of forgiveness was enough to keep him driving.

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