“I don’t think we’re talking marriage yet.” They may not be talking about it, but she was already thinking it. She’d written Mrs. Lorelei Manning in the steam from the shower on the mirror this morning.
“When are you seeing him again?”
“Tomorrow. He’s asked me to take the day off work. We’re going to the Russian River Valley. He’s got a house there.”
“He’s got a house in Russian River? Will you adopt me once you’re married?”
“Sure, I’ve always wanted a sister.”
“Oh, by the way, have you seen the final figures from the gala? One point two five million. Dustin is claiming it’s all his doing but I suspect most of that came from your date. At least the office is safe from closure for now.”
Lorelei tried to paste a smile on her face. It was a hollow feeling knowing the only reason the night had been a success was because she’d somehow managed to pick up a billionaire in a bar. The famous line from Casablanca flitted through her head—of all the bars… It seemed blind luck was better than her talent.
Her phone buzzed on the table. She snatched it up, hoping it was Liam. He hadn’t called since they’d parted after another long kiss on Sunday evening, but then he said he would be busy trying to clear his schedule to take her out on Wednesday. Her heart plummeted when it was her mother’s number and not Liam’s on the caller display.
“Hola, Mama.”
“Lorelei, I know you have a boyfriend now. However that doesn’t mean you can forget all about your poor madre.”
“I haven’t forgotten you, Mama. I’ve been busy at work.” She turned away from Mandy, who was making kissing faces.
“Well, listen. I’ve downloaded Skype on my computer and got a camera and everything. So next time your boyfriend comes around I want to see his face. I can’t believe my little girl is dating someone I’ve never even met. It’s not right.”
Lorelei groaned. “You never met Barry until we’d been dating for six months,” she said.
“Sí, and look how that turned out. If I can’t see him on the computer, then I’m going to come out and meet him.”
“Okay, okay. Next time he comes over I’ll Skype you.”
“All right, querida. See you soon,” her mother said before hanging up.
Lorelei put her head in her hand. She wondered if she should ask Liam to hack into her mother’s computer and permanently disable it.
…
Liam pulled up in front of Lorelei’s apartment building and was surprised to see her standing on the sidewalk, waiting for him. Her eyes widened as he came around and opened the car door for her.
“Everything okay?” he inquired after giving her a brief kiss in greeting. He’d rather hoped to have a more intimate, lengthy encounter in the confines of her apartment. His need for this woman was out of control.
“Yeah, it’s just I promised my mom that next time you came to my place we’d video-call her. By meeting you outside, technically you haven’t come up, and therefore I won’t be lying when she asks why I didn’t Skype her today.” She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He almost laughed at her sheepish expression—she had the worst poker face, ever.
Liam was torn. Lorelei had spoken often of her mother, with a mixture of love and exasperation, and he was curious to see the woman who inspired such devotion from her daughter. If their relationship were conventional, he really should meet her, even if only via webcam. However, their relationship wasn’t ordinary. And he’d chosen Lorelei specifically because she was new to town and he wouldn’t have to do the whole meet the family thing.
“Maybe another time,” he murmured.
He started the engine and the car roared to life. Lorelei ran her hand over the butter-soft leather seat, a look of awe in her eyes as she surveyed the interior.
“You know, we could always take the bus,” he teased as he pulled away from the curb.
She snuggled into the seat, making a soft purring sound. “Oh, I think we’ll go your way today. We did my thing last time.”
“Excellent. Sit back, relax, and let me wow you.”
“You could have done that on my sofa,” she said. Immediately her face went red and she turned away. She was such a mix, confident one minute, shy the next. She was like a baby bird, afraid to trust her wings.
“Patience, sweetheart. Good things come to those who wait,” he said.
Pretending to concentrate on the traffic, he sneaked peeks at his companion as she stared out the window. He’d only just managed to leave on Sunday night before ravishing her. It had actually hurt to walk out the building, seeing the disappointment on her face. Still, it was for the best. Today, however, he wasn’t sure he had the strength.
It was sheer stupidity, taking her to his place in Russian River. Of all his homes, it was the most him. He’d sat with the architect for hours, making sure each room matched his vision—personally picked out each piece of furniture and painting. If any one place on the earth told the story of Liam Manning, it was that house.
As they left San Francisco behind, he relaxed. It was a warm, sunny day. He was with a beautiful woman, who, as far as he could tell, had no agenda and he was going to one of his favorite places, driving his favorite car. He glanced over at Lorelei. Her eyes were closed, contentment on her face. She opened her eyes and smiled at him. His breath caught in his throat and he turned his attention back to the road before she could see his longing. How the hell had he let himself become so entangled with this woman?
“It’s so different here from the East Coast, but I expected the trees to be taller. I’ve read about the giant Californian redwoods and this is Old Redwood Highway.”
Liam looked over at her and smiled. “There are a few still standing. One day I’ll take you to see the trees at Redwood National Park.” He swallowed and stared straight ahead. What was he doing promising her future dates? By the end of next week, at the latest, the manuscript would be done. Then they could go their separate ways. He’d have to remember to arrange a trip for her and Mandy to go to his house in Antigua in a few weeks when they were finished. It hurt to breathe when he thought of breaking up with Lorelei.
Maybe they didn’t have to break up. She’d weathered the revelation about his wealth rather well. And she was unlike any other woman he’d dated. Perhaps Lorelei wouldn’t find him unlovable. The thought lightened his heart. Did he dare give love another chance? He glanced at her again and his heart rate accelerated when she smiled.