Her Hometown Redemption - Rachel Brimble Mills & Boon Superromance

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was as personal as anything had ever been in his life. He had to shut his emotions down or she would strip him bare as she had before.

      He swiped his hand over his face. “She’s got to find her own way back to people trusting her. I can’t do that for her.”

      “Exactly, but she’s willing to try. Why don’t you do the same? Second chances, Liam. Isn’t that what you’re all about?”

      “Second chances? I gave Tanya plenty of ch—”

      The line went dead.

      Cursing, he turned to the window and froze. “Marian. No, no, no. Don’t you go in there. Don’t you...oh, damn it.”

      He tapped the phone against his bottom lip as Marian pushed open the door of Tanya’s office and walked inside just as easy as can be. Tension stiffened his shoulders. How could he abandon Tanya to the wolves? Templeton’s alpha female might go hunting dressed in a floral frock and sensible shoes, but Marian could shred her prey down to their bare soul if they weren’t surrounded by a pack of helpers.

      He marched behind his desk and picked up his briefcase, shoving in his case files and phone before snapping it closed. Marian could shoot to kill with a single look, or open her arms and rock a full-grown adult like a baby. He had no idea which way things would go for Tanya. He had to go over there.

      A soft knock sounded on his office door and he looked up. “Come in.”

      Suzie, his receptionist, stood on the threshold. “You do realize you’re due in court in less than twenty minutes? It’s going to take you at least that long to get across town.”

      Suzie never had the need to remind him of any appointment, much less a court hearing. He glanced toward the window and back to Suzie. “I need to...”

      She frowned. “You need to what?”

      He shook his head. “Nothing. Thanks, Suzie. I’m on my way.”

      She nodded, leaving the door open as she returned to her desk. Liam headed for the door. Focus on the job at hand. If he kept doing that, maybe, just maybe, he could manage a few hours’ work without worrying about Tanya and whether or not she’d make it out alive after Marian’s interrogation.

       CHAPTER FIVE

      TANYA SLOWLY PUT down the notice board she was about to hang on her office wall and faced Marian. “Marian Cohen, right? I had a feeling I’d see you today.”

      Marian smiled, her eyes glinting with good humor. “We haven’t even met before, which means Sasha must’ve warned you about me.” She grinned. “I do so like it when my reputation precedes me.”

      Tanya tilted her chin. The woman was absolutely right. Sasha hadn’t just warned Tanya about Marian Cohen, she’d trained her in how to get the town’s matriarch on her side. According to Sasha, agreement with Marian’s views and advice was always the way into Marian’s good books. However, if Tanya ever found agreement a stretch too far, she needed to show Marian she was an equal as far as debate and action were concerned.

      According to Sasha, Marian hid a heart of gold behind a ferocious protection for the younger generation. However, that protection came with a condition—they were expected to set their minds on something and then take steps to make their dreams and aspirations reality. If they did, Marian would be their stalwart supporter and advocate...if they didn’t, she’d kick butt.

      Sasha had made it clear to Tanya that to have Marian in her corner would mean a better chance of her survival in the Cove. Tanya forced a wide smile. “Tea?”

      Marian beamed. “That would be lovely.” She glanced around the office, and when her gaze fell on Tanya’s chair, Marian sauntered across the room and sat, placing her purse on the desk. She emitted an audible and very contented sigh.

      Turning, Tanya rolled her eyes and made for the kitchen. Sasha had warned that attempting to evade Marian’s questions was futile. She knew everyone and everything going on in Templeton. If anyone was foolish enough to try avoiding her, more often than not, Marian caught up with her target and then he or she would end up revealing far more than if they’d been on their guard and prepared.

      Tanya vowed not to fall into that trap. She might not have much, but she still had her wits about her when it came to this town and its people.

      Flicking on the electric kettle, Tanya took two mugs from the cupboard above her and set about making the tea. Her mind whirled with possible questions Marian might ask, and what she would say in return. Eight years ago, Marian had been a new and interesting resident to the Cove, most likely trying to find a foothold, as Tanya was now.

      However, if Marian thought her reputation had preceded her, there was no doubt in Tanya’s mind Marian knew of Tanya’s reputation as a cold and ambitious businesswoman, too. Regret swept through her again that she’d shown so little compassion when some of the residents had come into the bank for financial help. Why hadn’t she seen just what her often too-quick refusal of loans and investment advice had done to people?

      Putting the mugs, milk and sugar on a tray, she pulled on an air of confidence and reentered the office. Dwelling on the past was counterproductive.

      Let battle commence...

      Marian smiled. “It’s a prime location you have here. Lots of street traffic. Should be good for business.” She lifted an eyebrow. “Whatever your business might be.”

      “Parties. I’m a party planner.” Tanya laid the tray on the desk. “Milk?”

      “Yes. A party planner? Well, there’s always an excuse for a party in my book. There’s been enough unpleasantness in this town over the years. I’m all for you promoting a bit of fun and games instead. Much better.”

      Tanya bit back a response. It might be beneficial to let Marian do the talking and only respond when she actually asked a question. She passed her a mug and inched the sugar closer. Fighting her annoyance over how Marian sat so comfortably in Tanya’s chair, she strolled across the office to grab one of two visitors’ chairs that would eventually sit in front of her desk.

      She sat and met the older woman’s expectant gaze. “So, what is it you want to know?”

      Marian lifted her mug to her lips, eyeing Tanya over the rim. She took a delicate sip before returning it to the desk. “How’s Sasha? Why didn’t she come back with you? And what are you intending to do as far as making up for the way you treated certain people in this town?”

      Bam, bam, bam.

      Okay, so Marian clearly intended to go straight for the jugular.

      Tanya cleared her throat. She needed to show Marian she wouldn’t be pushed around, no matter the mistakes she’d made. “Sasha’s happy and wants to stay where she is. As for the third question, you’ve obviously heard all about the career-mad, money-hungry woman I was before I left. I expected nothing less than people in this town to take immense pleasure in telling others about the person I was back then.” She took a sip of her tea. “Fresh starts are practically forbidden in Templeton. A person either stays the same or they rock the boat. No one in the Cove likes someone who stirs up the waters...unfortunately, my return will undoubtedly do just that.”

      “You’ve got that wrong, for a start.”

      “Have I?”

      “I can safely say no one rocks the boat in this town more than me. If you can manage to shake off that big ole chip on your shoulder, there’s a good chance you’ll do just fine and dandy here. If you don’t...” She shrugged. “You’re likely to drown with the first incoming tide.”

      Tanya held Marian’s gaze, irritation burning hot in her stomach. “I’m back because this is where I need to be. Why, is nobody’s business but mine.”

      “Need or want?”

      Tanya

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