Once More (Mercy Heart #1) by Madeline Rooks Page B

pale.”  Liam glanced over his shoulder at whatever had caught Katelyn’s eye and then looked back, holding the palm of his hand up to her cheek.  She broke eye contact with Clem and focused her attention back on Liam. The questioning look on his face made it evident he had spotted Clem, but he didn’t make an effort to ask her for an explanation. 
    “Y – yes, I’m fine.  I probably just need to replenish after my run.  Do you have time for a protein drink?”
    “For you, dear, I will make time.”  He slipped his arm around her and they walked together down the stairs.  Katelyn was careful not to make eye contact with Clem anymore, though Liam was not so subtle, staring right back at Clem in a silent challenge as they walked by.
    At the juice bar, Katelyn filled Liam in on her day, including the back-story on her previous relationship with Clem.  When she finished, he sat silently and simply stared at her, only making a sound when he slurped his smoothie through the straw.
    Exasperated, Katelyn blew out a breath.  “Well?  Aren’t you going to say something ?”
    Liam slid his cup to the side, folded his hands on top of each other on the table and looked her straight in the eye.  Finally, he spoke. “Kat, I know you rarely ask yourself this question, so I’m going to ask it in your stead.  What do you want?”
    Nervously fidgeting with the wrapper from her straw, her voice trembled slightly as she spoke.  “I – I don’t know.  My relationship with Clem was a long time ago.  I know nothing about him now, except for the fact that he is the CEO of a software company.  He could have a wife and kids, for goodness’ sake.”
    “What if he doesn’t?  What if he is a filthy rich, utterly successful, lonely bachelor?  What could possibly hold you back from that?  And don’t say Marc.  We both know Captain Buttoned-Up isn’t right for you.”
    Sighing, she replied.  “I know.  I’m going to break it off with him tonight at the restaurant.  Marc is a wonderful man, and he deserves someone who will love him the way I can’t.”
    “Where is he taking you?”
    “Florino’s on Dickson Street.  Why?”
    “Just wanted to make sure you have the perfect backdrop for crushing that poor man’s heart,” Liam said with a wicked grin.
    “You are so helpful,” she said, ruefully, though she knew he was just trying to make her laugh.  She checked her watch and got up to gather her things.  “I better get home so I can get ready.”
    Liam grabbed her and wrapped her in a hug once more, holding her a bit longer than usual, as if he were trying to infuse her with some of his strength for the night ahead.  “I know you don’t want to hurt anybody, but this really is for the best.”  Liam brushed the hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear.  “Off you go, dear.”  Katelyn nodded her head in agreement and kissed Liam softly on the cheek before jogging out the door.
    Clem had watched their goodbye from a distance, and from the look the man was giving him at the moment, his presence had not gone unnoticed.  The handsome stranger walked over, inspecting Clem thoroughly without addressing him directly. 
    “Can I help you?” Clem asked sardonically, mimicking the man’s combative pose.
    Eyes narrowed and a tight-lipped smile crossed Liam’s face before he spoke.  “I don’t think that’s the question you really want to ask me, Clem.”
    “You are right about that, James Bond.  You have me at a disadvantage. You know who I am, but I have no idea who you are.  And frankly, I don’t give a shit about that either.  Are you dating Katelyn?”
    Exasperated, Liam rolled his eyes.  “No, my boyfriend doesn’t like it if I date other people.  But I am her friend, and as her friend, it’s my turn for a question.  What are your intentions with Katelyn, you twit?”
    Clem visibly relaxed when the man mentioned his partner.  Recognizing the fact that he wasn’t putting his