Page 76 of Masquerade

I love you. Can we change our ground rules?

Kate had reached the bank of elevators. A few people were huddled in a pack nearby. A shiver of unease floated down her spine when she spotted the press badges and cameras. Some unlucky soul had been ambushed. Liam’s faint Irish accent rose from the middle of the media pack.

Kate swivelled on her heel and stepped to one side.

Liam was watching her with one eyebrow raised. She gave a slight shrug, not sure if she was signalling apology for her surprise arrival or embarrassment for being present. He looked amazing. The charcoal suit she’d hated on sight at their first meeting suddenly accentuated the breadth of his shoulders, the intelligence in his eyes and his sexy-as-sin posture. The compulsion to see him had been a kind of panic; an urgent need to let him know she’d accepted his apology about the partnership announcement, that she hadn’t abandoned him.

“Mr. Quinn, just a few more questions.”

Liam pointedly checked his watch. “I can give you five.”

“Why were you standing beside the Premier for the Greentree Passage announcement?” A grizzled, old-time reporter pushed himself forward.

“Paul,” Liam acknowledged the man. “Clelland and Associates provided some legal advice to help the government achieve its aims.”

“What aims?”

“The Premier and the Minister for Agriculture explained their aims at last week’s press conference.” Liam deflected with ease. “I’m sure there’s also a press release you could read.”

“What’s your role?” The reporter’s body language as much as his persistence told Kate he and Liam had history.

“I work for Clelland and Associates.” Liam shrugged.

“Which is moving into environmental law?” Paul pressed harder.

“I’ll be leading a new business unit for the company,” Liam agreed.

“You didn’t do very well as an environmental defender in the past,” Paul taunted. “What makes now different?” A cameraman stepped forward to snap a few shots.

“I’ll leave the fourth estate to make its own assessments.” Liam’s answer was part invitation, part challenge, and a laugh rippled through the group. “Clelland’s focus is on achieving a just outcome for Greentree Passage and its residents.”

“If I remember correctly, Futureproof Mining was in that old case too?”

“Nothing wrong with your memory, Paul. The community organisation was challenging Futureproof over breaches of its licence to operate. The organisation was successful.”

“You were asked to step aside before the court case.” Paul was intent on raking up old scandals.

“I stepped aside because my father died suddenly, and my family needed me.” Liam’s imperturbable lilt was low enough the pack pressed closer. “The community organisation didn’t need further help.”

Kate fell deeper in love hearing him admit to being human and vulnerable.

“What’s the deal with Futureproof?”

“You’ll have to ask them.” Liam had anticipated the media would find him, rather than his work, newsworthy. Kate pressed a hand to her abdomen and breathed through her fear.

“We’ve been seeing a lot of your face lately, Liam. How does the company feel about your moonlighting as a billboard model?” a woman asked.

“My twin, Niall, got a gig with Genosearch.” Liam shrugged. His body was loose, and his grin pure mischief, confirming he was unfazed by the quizzing. “He looks good.”

“Seems he spent a bit of time near Greentree Passage recently,” Paul called.

“Genosearch was trying out some new locations for their next photo shoot.” Liam held out both palms.

“Sure you and he didn’t do a swapperrooney?” asked a bright spark further back in the crowd.

“A swapperrooney?” Liam laughed out loud. “Interesting word. Do you mean literally?” He surveyed the pack. “If my brother on a billboard is the best you’ve got to offer, we might finish up.” With his gaze fixed on her, Liam worked his way to her side.

“Hi.” Liam took her hand, drawing her under the protection of his arm.

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