Page 16 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
“No, it really isn’t. I was not looking at…” As I scoop up the last file, I glance up—and freeze at the pair of sharp, hazel eyes.
Oh. My. God.
Liam. Liam freaking Callahan.
He is here. He ishere!
My heart lurches, though I quickly shove down the feeling. This is not the time to unravel.
For a split second, I register how much he has changed. His jawline is sharper, his cheekbones more defined, and his broad shoulders fill out the tailored suit he is wearing like it was made just for him - which, knowing Liam, it probably was. Damn it, even his scruff is perfect. He looks more…, mature and like he stepped off the cover ofForbes. The years have been undeniablyexceedingly kindto him.
But this is Liam, and any thoughts of his handsomeness are promptly quashed by the icy look on his face.
Seriously, fate? Again? Isn’t bringing me to Autumn Cove enough?
I straighten up, holding out the papers. Plastering on my politest smile, I say, “I am really sorry, sir. My bad. Forgive me.”
His eyes narrow as he takes his things, but his voice is as cold as ever. “Hazel.”
The sound of my name in his voice sends an unwanted shiver down my spine, but I keep my expression neutral.
“I am sorry, Sir. Have we met?” I ask sweetly, tilting my head as if trying to place him. “I don’t believe I know you.”
His jaw ticks. “You’re going to pretend you don’t know me?”
“As I said, I don’t know you.”
That seems to do it. His jaw tightens as he steps closer, his presence towering. “Hazel McKee… You are really going to pretend you don’t know me?”
I fold my arms, still smiling. “If I may ask, sir, why are you so fixated on me knowing you? I really, really do not know you. I only remember people who leave an impression. If we have met before and I don’t recall, well…,” I offer a dismissive shrug. “You must’ve made zero, nada, zilch, rock-bottom impression on me.”
His nostrils flare. “What are you doing here?”
“Throwing that question right back at you,”
He leans closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “What are you doing here, Hazel?”
“It’s none of your business,” I snap, “just like what you’re doing here is none of mine.”
“It ismybusiness,” he says through gritted teeth, “when I see an uninvited and unwanted human in my company.”
His company?
I stare at him, stunned. Seriously, fate? Again?
Before I can retort, a voice cuts through the tension.
“There you are!” Brooke calls from down the hall. “The meeting’s about to start. Let’s go!”
“Excuse me, sir,” I say, my tone laced with politeness. “And sorry again for the inconvenience.” Without waiting for a response, I stride past him toward Brooke, who raises an eyebrow as I approach.
“Who was that?” She asks.
“Nobody,” I replied breezily, even as my pulse pounds in my ears. “Literally nobody.”
****
The meeting room is massive... Liam sits at the head of the table, his posture commanding, his eyes scanning the room with the sharpness of a hawk.
