“I know, right?” Cora said, glancing at him. “I’ve been trying to get the server’s attention, but it’s not working. Maybe I should just go to the bar.”
“I’ll go,” Finn offered. Because he was Finn. And if Cora suddenly decided she wanted the moon, he’d probably start building a ladder on the spot. “What do you want?”
They gave him their drink orders, and then it was just Liam and Cora left in the booth. They were sitting so close, Liam could feel the warmth of her arm next to his. He wanted to lean closer and breathe in her scent to see if she still smelled like lavender and sunshine. He wondered if her hair still felt as silky and smooth in his hands, if her lips were as soft.
The torch above their booth suddenly flared, casting ominous, flame-like shadows on the ceiling. Liam grimaced, then forced himself to slide out of the booth to sit across from her so they could converse more easily. “So.” He braced himself. “How long have you known Finn?”
She got a far-off look in her eyes. “Years, I guess.”
Hot jealousy spiked through his veins. He’d never been lucky enough to have that much time with her. “Years?”
“I mean, we only really got to know each other a couple of years ago when he was working on a case I was following, but my dad knew him before that. They used to go golfing together, and they still do sometimes. I guess Finn’s always kind of been there in the background, but I never paid attention.”
Satisfaction washed over him. “That bad, huh?” He shouldn’t have said it, but he couldn’t help himself.
The torch flared ominously again, and Cora glanced up to watch. Liam tried not to stare at her slender throat, remembering all too well how soft her skin was right there, where her neck met her shoulder.
He tore his gaze away and tried again. “Finn seems like a nice guy.”
“He is. He’s just...” She trailed off, smiling to herself.
Stuffy? Cowardly? A wimpy excuse for a man? “Well, if he’s friends with your father, I’m sure he’s a good man.” The words tasted like ashes on Liam’s tongue, but he was proud of himself for getting through them without choking.
Finn returned with their drinks and placed them on the table. He gave Cora another sappy smile. “Suzette said to tell you to meet her over at the bar for a minute. She said she has some good news.”
Cora went off in search of her friend, leaving Liam alone with Finn.
They sat across from each other in silence. Liam studied the man, cataloging every flaw he could find. Finn had nondescript beige hair. And it was too artfully arranged with some kind of pomade. He wasn’t out of shape, but he didn’t look like the type of man who spent his time outdoors. He was probably one of those dapper types with more clothes and shoes than days in the year. Yes, he could just imagine Finn standing in the middle of an enormous closet every morning, carefully deciding which stuffy suit he’d wear for the day. They’d all be nondescript and beige, of course.
Liam’s lip curled.
Finn gave a nervous smile.
Right there. That was another flaw. The man was far too smiley. In Liam’s experience, men who smiled too much were trying to swindle you. He took a long drink, watching Finn over the rim of his beer glass with suspicion. Whatever you’re selling, dullard, I’m not buying. I’m no fool, and neither is Cora. It’s going to take a miracle to get her to fall for you.
Finn was beginning to look uncomfortable. He tugged on his stupid tie. “Good weather we’re having.”
Kill me now.The man truly was a perfect bore. “Perfect.” Liam took another drink of his beer, which was surprisingly good. At least there was that.
“Okay, we need to talk about this new guy of yours.” Suzette grabbed Cora’s hand and tugged her down the hall toward the bathroom.
“He’s not my guy,” Cora said with feeling. “If it were up to me, I wouldn’t be hanging around him at all.”
Suzette spun to face her with dreamy anime eyes. Cora could practically see stars twinkling in them. “But he’s so gorgeous.”
Cora waved a hand. “He’s not that... He’s just a basic...” She blew out a frustrated breath. Because no matter how she spun it, Liam O’Connor was undeniably gorgeous.
“Um, are you feeling okay?” Suzette asked. “Because on a scale of one to ten, with ten being like shirtless-Jason-Momoa-holding-a-puppy hot? That guy is a solid eleven. Don’t even try to tell me you haven’t noticed.” She gave Cora a challenging look.
Cora squirmed. Suzette had always been able to see right through her. “Okay, sure. I’ve noticed, but so what? We’re both going to be working together at the station. Every single day. I don’t date guys at work. That’s just way too close for comfort. And not only that, I’m not even sure I like him. At all. He’s overbearing and controlling. His first day on the job, he almost beat up a guy for catcalling me on the street, for God’s sake! Like I was some damsel in distress who needed someone to defend my honor. I mean, what the hell?”
“That’s kind of romantic,” Suzette said in a swoony voice.
“No, it’s reckless and irrational.” Cora shook her head in exasperation. “The guy is like my dad with the overprotective thing, and you know how much I hate that. So, nothing’s going to happen between us because I’m not interested, okay? Just let it go.”
Suzette pursed her lips to the side, considering. “Meh, for now. But you and I are going to revisit this topic at a later date. Now, get this.” Her hands began to flutter with excitement. “I just ran into my friend Jacquie from the real estate office, and guess which house is going on the market toward the end of August?” She didn’t wait for Cora to guess. “Your dream house!”
Cora pulled to an abrupt stop in the hallway. “The cottage?”