LITMIR.BIZ

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on your plate.” Teresa set the photo back in place. “It’s probably just Joshua being Joshua. I’ve left him several messages. He’ll resurface when he’s ready.”

      Corinne nodded, closing the door behind her.

      Teresa relaxed in the comfy leather executive chair she’d splurged on when they’d opened the office. Now she only hoped she wouldn’t be forced to shutter her doors and sell it along with everything else.

      She was trying hard to keep it together, but it was a lot to ask when her entire world was imploding. The ill-fated weekend extravaganza, the false rumors, her brother’s disappearance. But the thing that made her heart ache was Liam’s rejection.

      Amid the craziness of bad weather and a tree falling through the hotel that had nearly taken her out were moments that had taken her breath away. Her cheeks flushed and her entire body filled with heat whenever she thought of their steamy encounter in that spa room. And her heart stirred when she recalled the worry in his eyes when he’d rescued her from beneath that tree and tended to her ankle.

      Without thought, Teresa rotated her ankle, still a little sore.

      She’d been grateful he’d confided in her that night, explaining to her why he had such difficulty trusting people. But after all they’d been through and the moments they’d shared...how could he still not trust her?

      Her desk phone rang and she picked it up. “Yes?”

      “I tried Richmond’s office again. His assistant was out and he answered,” Corinne said triumphantly. “I have him on the line now.”

      Teresa smoothed a hand down her pant leg. “Thank you, Corinne. Please put him through.”

      “Hello, Matt, I know you’re busy, so I’ll only take a moment of your time,” Teresa said cheerfully. “Last week, you indicated that you’d like to reschedule the retreat as soon as possible. I wanted to touch base so we can move forward with the plans.”

      There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. Teresa’s pulse raced.

       Oh no. He’s going to cancel, too.

      “When will The Opulence be available again?” he asked finally. “I know Shane Adams has people working around the clock, but...”

      “Not anytime soon, I’m afraid. And once they do reopen, they’re booked solid for several months. Would you like to wait until then?”

      “No. It’s for our fifth anniversary, so I’d like to keep the event as close to the anniversary date as possible. I realize not all of the people who were originally invited will be available if we reschedule with such a short timeline. So we’ll need to expand the guest list based on how many from the original list will be able to attend.”

      “Just have your assistant pass those additional names on to Corinne and we’ll take care of the rest.”

      “So then you have a venue in mind?” His tone was doubtful.

      “Not yet,” she admitted. “But my staff is working tirelessly to find a venue that’s available on short notice and meets our standards and yours. I’ll be in touch as soon as I have a few good options.”

      “And what about a headliner? Would Jessie Humphrey be willing to perform at the rescheduled event?”

      Embroiled in a scandal and bleeding clients, Teresa hadn’t considered whether Jessie would be willing to fly across the country again for the rescheduled event. Not to mention that she might have a conflict in her schedule.

      “I’ll do my very best to book her. Same deal?”

      “Yes. I’ll look forward to hearing from you once you’ve worked the details out.”

      Her phone pinged with a text message.

      “I just sent you the two weekends that are most ideal for this event.”

      Teresa strained the panic from her voice. Both options were only a few weeks away. “I’ll get right on it.”

      “Anything else?” he asked.

      Teresa gripped the receiver tightly and nibbled her lower lip. She wanted desperately to ask Matt how his best friend was holding up under the glare of the rumors and innuendo about them. But this was business. Besides, she didn’t want to drag Matt into this.

      “No, but I wanted to say thank you for not giving up on my company or me despite everything that’s happened. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

      “You’re welcome, Teresa,” Matt said after a long pause. “Call me when you’ve got a venue and Jessie has confirmed.”

      Teresa hung up, grateful she still had Matt Richmond’s confidence. She was more determined than ever to reward it.

      “You can’t just walk in there.” She could hear Corinne’s voice through the closed door.

      Suddenly the door opened. Liam stood glaring at her.

      “It’s all right, Corinne.” Teresa held up a hand. “I’ll take it from here.”

      Corinne narrowed her eyes at him, then walked off in a huff.

      “Have a seat.” She gestured toward the chair when he closed the door behind him.

      “I won’t be staying long. I just came to remind you that, according to my father’s will, your presence is required at Christopher Corporation’s board meeting.” He folded his arms.

      His icy glare chilled her. He regarded her as if she were an untrustworthy stranger.

      Had he forgotten that he’d shared his deepest vulnerabilities with her just a week ago? Brought her incredible pleasure on several occasions before that? Rescued her when she’d needed him desperately? They should be working together to clear their names, currently being dragged through the mud.

      But the hardened look that distorted Liam’s handsome face indicated that it would be a wasted argument. He was back to treating her as his enemy.

      “In light of the rumors swirling about us, I didn’t think you’d want me there.” She raked her manicured fingernails through her shoulder-length blond hair.

      “Pity my father’s will didn’t make allowances for bad press,” he said dryly.

      She folded her arms on the desk in front of her rather than raising the single digit that would best convey how she felt. “My assistant has access to my calendar. On your way out, stop by her desk and make an appointment.”

       Three

      Liam’s face and ears burned with heat in response to Teresa’s brush-off. She’d summarily dismissed him and had returned her attention to the sheet of paper on her desk.

      He clenched his jaw as he surveyed her. She was beautiful in a royal-blue silk blouse and white linen pantsuit. Teresa looked hurt and angry. She obviously just wanted him to be gone.

      Liam couldn’t blame her.

      He’d blown into her office, behaving like an ass. But he was furious with her for putting his family and business in this position. Again. And he was furious with himself because he still wanted her...desperately. Despite everything that had happened. Despite the rumors swirling around about them. Despite the fact that he wasn’t sure he could trust her.

      Shit.

      He must seriously be out of his mind because he wanted to trust her. And he cared for her. But he wouldn’t allow anyone to make a fool of him. And there was still a strong possibility that was Teresa’s endgame.

      So why did he feel such a strong pull toward her? And why did he want her more than he’d ever wanted any woman?

      Teresa insisted that her relationship with his

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