Deceiving The Groom Read Online Free Page A

with a smile in his eyes. “No. I told you, I am an exemplary landlord. I can’t have you waiting all weekend now, can I?”
    He grinned and raised his briefcase. “I have the paperwork ready. If you don’t mind tagging along while I pick up Lexi, we can go over them at my place.”
    There was no way she could leave things with Liam until Monday. Geoff would be expecting her to make progress over the weekend. She nodded. “Sure.”
    Liam led the way to his Land Rover parked on the side of the road. Claire’s eyebrows scrunched. For a ruthless, money-hungry magnate, she expected something superficial and flashy, not a family car. Just another surprise to add to the rapidly growing list. Liam opened the door for her. Claire slid inside, acutely aware of how close she came to the big body holding the door. Liam’s gaze hovered on her face a moment before he shut it and claimed his own seat. The engine roared and the car glided onto the street.
    “So Mrs. Ruiz usually picks up Lexi?” Claire asked, eyeing the dashboard. A large screen occupied the center and it seemed to have more buttons and gadgets than the space should allow. It may be a family car, but it was optioned to the teeth.
    “Yes, and thank God for her. I do my best, but I couldn’t do it on my own.” Liam shifted gears and signaled, sliding gracefully into the next lane.
    Claire glanced over to Liam. Something told her that this man really did do his best. “I’m sure you do a great job.”
    Liam’s hand loosened on the gear stick. “I think we’re getting there, slowly anyway.”
    “I’m wondering, doesn’t bringing me home violate your social rule?”
    He glanced at her, then back at the road. “This is business, not social. Isn’t it?”
    Heat seared its way over her skin until she was sure she must look like a kid let loose with a bucket of rouge. Of course it was business. Just because he’d kissed her didn’t mean he cared. She spent the night in his chamber of emotional detachment for God’s sake. But, it was her job to get past that. “Of course it is.”
    Her voice must have sounded as strained as it felt, because he stole another look at her. The car turned a corner and a large gated driveway came into sight. The sign read Hopetown Grammar. Liam drove inside and parked the car. The back door flew open and a body charged in.
    “Uncle Liam I—”
    Claire turned in her seat. Lexi’s gaze narrowed in her direction. “Hi, Lexi.”
    Lexi dumped her bag off her shoulder and flopped into her seat. Liam glanced to the back seat. “Aren’t you going to say hello to Claire, Lexi?”
    “Hi…”
    Liam’s gaze flickered from Lexi to Claire then back to her again. He sighed and turned to the wheel and put the car into reverse. “How was school today?”
    “Fine…” Lexi mumbled from the back seat.
    Liam glanced over his seat then back to the road. “Okay, what’s up, Lex?”
    “It’s Friday!” Lexi shouted.
    “Lexi! There’s no need to shout. What’s wrong with Friday?”
    Lexi’s glare pointed to Claire. “Friday and Sunday are our days! You’re not supposed to have friends on Friday.”
    Claire readjusted her skirt over her knees and stole a look at Liam. A small dent formed in his check and his gaze flashed to hers.
    “Sweetheart, Claire is just coming to sign some papers. It’s still our night.”
    Lexi relaxed back into her seat. “Oh…” She let out a long, dramatic sigh. “Then can we have pizza?”
    Liam’s smile expanded and displayed his even white teeth. “Sure, we can have pizza.”
    Lexi leaned forward and peered at Claire. “How come you had an accident in the river?”
    “Lexi—” Liam steered around a corner.
    “No it’s fine. I just slipped that’s all. I was very lucky your uncle came along.” Claire shot Lexi a quick smile. Her chest relaxed when a hesitant smile shined back at her.
    “Yeah, he’s pretty good.” Lexi said, matter-of-fact.
    Liam shook his head, a dimple still on