Page 45 of Fraud
“I’m sorry,” she apologized, turning away from me.
Stepping back, I gave her some space.
“It’s not you,” she promised. “I just…I haven’t done this—I mean, is it okay if we take it slow?”
“Of course,” I agreed instantly, seeing the insecurity in her eyes.
It was the first time since the night in the bar that I saw no trace of Laura behind those eyes.
Just shy, sweet, vulnerable Kate.
I’d thought that side of her was dull and boring.
But, seeing the pain in her expression, I knew she was anything but.
Kate or Laura—it didn’t matter. I was falling for this woman.
“What kind of work assignment requires wine and cheese?”
My eyelids had barely cracked open. “Are these early morning phone calls going to be a regular thing, Liam? Should I pencil you in? Same time every day?”
“Can’t a brother check in every once in a while?”
“You? No.”
“That hurts, Killian. It really does.”
“What do you want, Liam? And, seriously, stop hacking into my shit. Put your skills to good use and get a fucking job.”
“I’m working on something,” he replied, making my eyes instantly roll.
“Jesus, are you doing illegal shit again? The answer had better be no.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he said. “Back to you. Who’s the girl? And don’t change the subject.”
I huffed, knowing he’d deny anything I accused him of anyway.
The little fucker was using my money for one of his illicit money-making schemes.
Again.
“She’s no one,” I replied.
“Do you always fly across the country for no one?”
My eyes squeezed shut as my temples throbbed. “It’s complicated. She’s complicated.”
“Holy shit. You like this woman!”
I sighed. “That’s the complicated part.”
“You’ve got it bad, too. I didn’t think I’d ever see the day. I mean, there were a few near misses when you were young and stupid—or drunk.” He laughed.
“Shut up.”
“Sorry, I’m enjoying this moment.”
“Well, get over it. I need to go,” I huffed, looking over at the small alarm clock next to the bed. It was barely eight o’clock, but for Liam, it was nearly eleven in the morning.
