Loving Liam (Cloverleaf #1) (18 page)

Karen stood up before she had a mutiny on her hands. “Okay, everybody, pipe down,” she said, sounding like a protective mother. “Honestly, you’re acting like Rachel personally created testing, for Pete’s sake. I know you all went into teaching because you want to help these little people grow and learn all the amazing things the world has to offer, and that is why you are so valuable and important. But Rachel is important too. She is here to make sure we can continue to have a school for you to teach at. She is here to help us show how talented our students and staff are. That is her only agenda.”

The teachers stopped murmuring, and Rachel appreciated how quickly Karen was able to get them to see reason. But Liam was still glaring at her.

“I want you all to know that Karen is right,” Rachel went on. “I think you are fantastic educators and that your students are incredible and have so much potential to succeed. I only want our school to show the state we are providing the quality education I know our kids are receiving. I know we can do better.”

Some of the teachers nodded, but most picked up their handouts and quietly exited the room as soon as Rachel ended the meeting.

***

Rachel felt completely worn out upon returning home that night. She was sprawled out on her couch, snuggling against a throw pillow while reading a book when her cell phone let out a chirp.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Hi, Rachel, how’s it going for my favorite bestie?” Chelsea bubbled on the other end.

“Hey. It’s going.”

“That doesn’t sound good. So what’s going on? I haven’t heard from you all week.”

Rachel sighed. “I don’t know. I’m dealing with a lot of opposition from the staff regarding some stuff I’m trying to have them do in order for us to score better on the state tests. But we need to make these changes so we can show the state how well we’re doing and bring in more money from them. You know how I am; I want to succeed.”

“Um, and they’re aware you’re their boss, right?”

Leave it to Chelsea to always be in Rachel’s corner. That was one of the reasons Rachel loved her so much. She wished she lived near her again so they could be hang out over a bottle of wine after the week she’d had.

“I mean, they’re allowed to disagree; I’m not a dictator. I think what bothers me the most, to be honest, is Liam. He pretty much spearheaded the whole opposition today.”

“Oh, so the problem is actually him. I could give you some suggestions on how to get him to see things your way,” Chelsea teased.

“Good one. Yeah, right now, I’m more worried about killing him than jumping his bones.”

Chelsea’s loud laughter vibrated through Rachel’s ear, causing her to pull the phone away.

“Yeah, but it might shut him up at least,” Chelsea said when she calmed down.

“Hey, whose side are you on here? I don’t want to reward him, Chelsea.”

“Always on yours, but I’m just saying there is some serious tension between you guys.”

“I know. We actually sat down and discussed it. We both realize it can’t go anywhere, especially with me being his boss and just the whole fact that I didn’t come up here to get involved with anyone,” Rachel explained, partially trying to convince herself.

“Whatever you say.”

“I’m serious.”

Chelsea sighed. “Oh, if only I were in your position. Lots of role-playing ideas are popping into my head right now.”

“I can only imagine.” Rachel laughed and tried to toss the idea out of her mind, not wanting to picture Chelsea having anything to do with Liam.

They talked for a little while longer before hanging up. Feeling better after hearing her friend’s voice, Rachel repositioned herself on the couch and started reading again. This time she was able to focus.

***

Liam

Liam spent the evening lounging in his recliner before the fire, sipping on a whiskey and cola as he started the new mystery novel he’d grabbed from the grocery store on the way home from work. The meeting this afternoon really didn’t sit well with him. He wasn’t trying to turn it into a three-ring circus, but hearing Rachel go on and on about all these new requirements they were going to put the kids and the teachers through rubbed him the wrong way.

His phone shattered the silence. “Hello?” he answered as he looked at his watch, unsure of how much time had passed since he’d eased into his comfortable recliner.

“Hello, sweetheart.” Mary’s cheery voice sent warmth across the frozen telephone lines.

“Hi, Mom.”

“What’s the matter, dear? You don’t sound too happy,” Mary said, sounding concerned.

Liam swallowed another sip of his cocktail. “I’m fine. It was just an extremely long day at work.”

“Oh, well, it’s the weekend, love. Don’t bother your mind with work on your time off.”

“Hey, Mom, how about you and me go to Herrick’s tomorrow for a little breakfast?” Liam suddenly felt the need to be near his mother. She had an uncanny ability to make anyone feel secure and loved. He also wanted to see if she had any ideas on how to deal with this whole matter at the school.

“Why, son, I would love that. Just you and me, how lovely. Is it okay if I meet you there? I have some shopping to tend to tomorrow.”

“Sure,” Liam said.

They chatted for a while longer, then confirmed their meetup time and said good night.

Liam swirled his small glass of melted-down ice cubes, which clinked together as they further diluted the now-watered-down drink. As he finished it, Liam decided to turn in for the night. He was looking forward to his visit with his mother tomorrow, but he hoped her newfound friendship with his current enemy wasn’t going to sway her to side with Rachel.

Liam shooed away the thought. He was her son, after all, and besides, he’d offered to take her to breakfast, so that had to earn him some extra points.

Chapter Thirteen

Rachel

Rachel stared out the sliding-glass door that led to her backyard. Outside, several wild turkeys were pecking at the frosty grass. She snapped a couple pictures to send to Chelsea. She still was amazed, and a bit frightened, every time she had a little run-in with some of the Birch Valley wildlife.

Feeling adventurous, she decided to bundle up and go explore the shops on Main Street. She figured she deserved a little retail therapy for surviving over a month at her new job and after all the grief she’d taken on Friday from the teachers.

Rachel planned to have breakfast at Herrick’s, then walk up the street to burn off her meal and check out the shops. She had struggled to squeeze into a pair of her favorite jeans the other day and hoped spring would get here soon so she could start jogging around the wooded park across from her home. She could only imagine the lecture she would get from Chelsea about her plumping up.

Walking inside the already-full diner, Rachel scanned the room for an empty booth. She had brought a book and wanted to escape into her coffee and possibly some waffles. She passed several customers, who nodded and smiled politely at her, and a waitress she remembered seeing the last time she came in greeted her warmly.

Then she saw Liam. He was seated at a booth facing the direction she was walking in. He locked eyes with her, then quickly looked down at his breakfast as Rachel tried to sneak past.

“Rachel, dear, good morning!” Mary’s lovely voice exclaimed.

Rachel stopped walking, turned, and smiled down at her. “Good morning, Mary. Liam.”

“Coming in for a bite of breakfast, are we?” Mary asked as she slid closer to the window. “Please join us, won’t you?” she asked before Rachel could respond.

“That’s okay. I can see you’re enjoying a nice breakfast with your son.”

“Oh, heavens, and now you can enjoy one with us too.” Mary smiled and eyed Liam, who nodded.

As Mary wasn’t exactly giving her the option to decline the invitation, Rachel sat down next to her.

“So what were you thinking of ordering, my dear?” Mary asked as she waved down the waitress who had greeted Rachel. “My treat,” she whispered to Rachel.

Liam looked up disapprovingly, but Mary ignored him.

What Rachel really wanted was one of Herrick’s amazing coffees, a giant cinnamon roll or waffles, and some quiet time to read. But because that wasn’t going to happen, she ordered coffee and a small bowl of fruit.

“Are you sure that’s all you want? The waffles are quite wonderful here, aren’t they, Liam?” Mary said.

“Pretty wonderful,” he replied, grabbing his coffee mug. He clearly wasn’t too thrilled with his mother right now.

“I think I’ll pass this time, but thank you, Mary.”

Rachel was adding cream to her coffee when her cell phone chirped with a message. Being the inquisitive woman she was, Mary didn’t hesitate to ask who was contacting her. She and Liam both looked surprised when Rachel told them it was Maggie.

“Yeah, Maggie and I really hit it off when I came over to cook with you, Mary. She’s terrific. I’m so glad you introduced us,” Rachel said, avoiding Liam’s glare.

“That’s so nice. I’m glad you two got along so well. Rachel, do you mind letting me out? I need to visit the little girl’s room.”

Rachel quickly got up to let Mary out, then watched as Mary weaved her way through the maze of tables before she sat back down.

“I’m really sorry,” she said softly.

“No, it’s fine. She means well,” Liam answered.

Rachel’s fruit bowl arrived. It was a sad assortment of grapes, cantaloupe, and pineapple in a tiny plastic bowl. She regretted not ordering the waffles.

“You really should have gotten the waffles,” Liam said with a smirk, echoing her thoughts, before forking a bite of waffle drenched in pure maple syrup into his mouth. Rachel wasn’t sure which she was lusting after more, the sexy mouth the waffles were entering or the golden bread covered in pure sugar.

Rachel popped a grape into her mouth out of spite. “The fruit bowl is fine.”

Mary had been gone for quite a while, or so it seemed, and the uncomfortable silence was killing both of them.

Liam was the first to speak again. “So about yesterday.”

Rachel put her hand up. “Nope, I don’t even want to go there with you right now.”

“How do you figure that’s fair?” Liam said as his brow wrinkled.

Rachel didn’t want to get into a fight with him, especially when his mother would be returning to the table at any moment. “I’m not saying it is or isn’t. What I’m saying is that I refuse to get into a full-blown argument with you, especially here, and especially in front of your mother.” Rachel glanced at her delicate silver watch. Where was Mary?

“Well, for the record, it isn’t fair, and you may call the shots at work, but you don’t get to here,” Liam snapped as he grabbed his mug and turned his gorgeous eyes toward the window.

“You know, maybe I should go and check on her,” Rachel offered, looking for any excuse to get away from him. But as she was about to stand, she caught sight of Mary heading toward them, a large smile perched on her soft, round face.

“Sorry I took so long. I went ahead and paid for breakfast because I just realized I better get started on my errands before it gets too late. I need to get lunch going for Grandpa Paddy and your father before too long,” Mary announced. She bent down to kiss Liam and whispered, loud enough for Rachel to hear, “Be nice.”

Then she leaned over to Rachel and whispered, “You two get along. Also, I went ahead and ordered you a couple waffles.” She smiled as she strutted past them, leaving them gaping in surprise.

Rachel was considering getting up to leave when their waitress placed a plate of steaming-hot waffles in front of her.

Oh darn you, Mary O’Brien
, Rachel’s brain screeched as she stared at the perfection before her.

The two were quite a pair as they ate in silence, sharing furtive, uncomfortable glances when they thought the other wasn’t looking. Somehow they managed to finish their food. Liam had choked his down first and very well could have left Rachel in peace to finish hers, but he either wanted to her to suffer as he had or he wanted to be a gentleman and not leave her unattended. Rachel wasn’t really quite sure. As soon as she thought she had him figured out, he would turn the tables. One moment he seemed to desire her, and the next he was downright annoyed by her very presence.

***

Liam

Liam chewed his last bite of waffle slowly and carefully, unsure of his next move. He knew that if anyone saw him leave, they would quickly form opinions about his departure, whether they were accurate or not. He also was drawn to the complicated creature in front of him. Her eyes were the exact same color as the lake on his property when the evening light danced across the surface: a shiny, silvery blue, deep and mysterious.

He watched as she placed her napkin on the plate, indicating she was done. He withdrew his wallet and left several dollar bills on the table for a tip, then they both got up quietly, and Liam allowed her to lead the way out.

Rachel had parked a couple cars away from his and seemed a bit stunned when he continued walking with her. She quickened her pace, which was no match for his long legs. When she reached her car, she turned, placed her hands firmly on her small hips, and cocked her head to the side as she pressed her tongue against the inside of her cheek in annoyance. Seeing her so agitated only fueled his desire.

“What do you want?” Rachel snapped.

“I was thinking it’s still early, so how would you like to make a day of it? I could show you around town,” Liam suggested as he inched closer to her, causing her to back up against her BMW.

Rachel inhaled deeply as she moved her hands off her hips and shoved them in her soft gloves. He only moved in more, looking down at her. Sighing, Rachel pressed a gloved hand slightly against his stomach,
and he nearly moaned as her fingers seemed to feel the muscles beneath all his layers of clothing.

“You have no idea what you do to me,” he groaned into her ear.
Seizing the moment, he leaned in and placed his lips on hers. As he kissed her, electricity seemed to race from his mouth straight to his toes. It drove him to push the kiss further until the rumble of a passing logging truck brought him back to reality.

“Wow,” Rachel murmured.

“Now you cannot tell me that you don’t feel it,” Liam said, his voice husky as he fought to keep from kissing her again.

“God, Liam, we just can’t. But yes, I won’t deny there is chemistry here.”

Liam only stared at her. “Please, let’s spend the day together. Let’s just see if this tension disappears when we’re hanging out.”

He was trying to be cautious. He knew if he pushed her too fast or too hard, she would fly away. Having her backed up against the car, he was already leaving her with little room to think.

“Oh Liam. It’s so complicated. But what if we did, for the sake of an experiment, ‘hang out’ together? I’d love to see the town. I have only really visited a couple shops, mainly the grocery store.”

She was rambling. To calm her, Liam leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. “I think we should, then,” he said.

“Okay, when?”

Liam smiled. “Now.”

“Um, I guess so.” Rachel bit down on her lip, looking rather unsure about what she had just agreed to.

“Great. Want to take my truck?” Liam offered.

Rachel hesitated for moment, looking nervous. Feeling her discomfort, he suggested, “How about we walk?” He took her by the elbow lightly and led her in the direction of Main Street.

***

Rachel

They visited practically every shop along Main Street, and Rachel couldn’t recall the last time she’d had such a great afternoon, especially with a guy. As they enjoyed all the wonders each store carried and the charm of the business-lined street, she wasn’t at all surprised by all the waves and greetings Liam received. He flashed his kind, boyish smile at everyone they passed, then looked at her and give her a sexy grin that she knew was only for her.

Liam was the perfect tour guide, answering her endless questions and trying to point out anything she might find interesting. He knew everything there was to know about each place they visited, and Rachel learned so much about the town as the afternoon wore on. She supposed it helped that he was born and raised in this adorable community.

Soon enough, white flakes drifted down onto them and the sidewalk. They ducked inside a small coffee shop, and Liam suggested they have some hot chocolate to warm her up. While he ordered for them, Rachel found a small table in the corner and took in her surroundings. The room was dark and romantic, and the wooden floors and walls smelled of rich history and age. Closing her eyes, she could almost imagine the people who must have walked these same floors, not just in this building but in all the buildings she had visited today.

Although she could feel the past around her, some of the merchants had definitely breathed new life into these old, presumably haunted buildings. Along with pointing out each sight on their tour, Liam had shared every last bit of folklore, town gossip, and actual history he could recall about each property. Rachel’s head spun with all the tales, but she devoured the information and the way his words floated off his tongue. Light sparkled in his eyes as he spoke from his soul about his memories of growing up in Birch Valley.

At one point Rachel felt a tad envious. His life here seemed so storybook as he told her about running barefoot in the summer to get ice cream at one of the shops they had visited earlier, or kissing his first girlfriend in the small movie theater with the antique marquee. Rachel couldn’t recall feeling such attachment to any one place in particular in her own life, except for the ocean. She loved the ocean, but she didn’t relish the fact that it had been the only constant in her life, whereas Liam had been raised by these people, the shops, and the tree-lined streets of Birch Valley.

***

Liam

Liam watched Rachel as he waited for their order. Her eyes were closed, and she almost looked as though she was praying. He hoped she had enjoyed their day together as much as he had. He’d known he was taking a gamble when he asked to spend time with her. For all he knew, they could have spent the day bickering and fighting, or in their constant tug of war for power.

During their time together, he’d learned she wasn’t like the stereotypical Californian. She had many facets, and each one created new feelings inside of him. Liam had never felt a connection like this with anyone before. They were barely getting to actually know each other, yet he felt as though he already knew all the dark corners where her secrets lay hidden. He understood so much more about Rachel just by watching her reactions to the things she saw and listening to the questions she asked. The more she spoke, the more he decided he loved her voice, loved the way the pitch and tone would change depending on what her beautiful eyes saw. She seemed so intrigued by his world, which bewildered him, considering how vastly different her former home had been.