‘I know a lot of druids and Imbolc is my favourite druidic celebration. There’s something wonderful about the start of spring. My spirits always lighten when I see the first snowdrops on the ground. Winter is not my favourite season.’
‘Every season has its benefits,’ Mallory told him. ‘Winter is cold and sometimes bleak, but you get to snuggle indoors withroaring fireplaces and mugs of hot chocolate and cosy blankets. It’s not all bad.’
Liam smiled. ‘I suspect that your hot chocolate mug is always half full.’
‘I like to think so.’
He glanced away from her then rubbed his jaw, rasping his stubble. ‘Well,’ he said ruefully, ‘I guess that answers one question.’
Confused, Mallory frowned. ‘What do you mean?’
He shrugged. ‘You’re here for pleasure, not business. Alexander MacTire wouldn’t be glaring at us so ferociously if you weren’t with him on a date.’
Mallory turned to the dance floor. Alexander was still waltzing with Cathy but he was watching Mallory and Liam from over his partner’s shoulder. And Liam was right; he looked absolutely furious.
‘It’s not what you think,’ Mallory said, as the song ended and Alexander turned back to Cathy.
‘It rarely is,’ Liam murmured. ‘Either way, I think I’ll take my leave.’ He stepped back. ‘Enjoy your evening.’
‘You too,’ she said distractedly as Alexander bowed to Cathy.
She beamed at him as he returned. ‘I knew you had it in you! What did you think of Cathy?’
‘She’s fine,’ he snapped. ‘Are you working for Liam Ferguson?’
Startled, Mallory blinked. ‘What?’
‘It’s a simple enough question.’
‘That I’m not going to answer! I don’t talk about my other clients.’
He glared at her. ‘So that’s a yes, then.’
‘It’s a “mind your own business”,’ she said mildly, though she felt unusually rankled.
‘You’re here for me, Mallory. I need to know that you’re not getting distracted by other work.’ His jaw hardened. ‘Or did you suggest we come to this party so you could double-dip?’
And just when she’d thought they were getting along. Mallory returned his angry stare with one of her own. ‘Now you’re being rude – and I am certainly not double-dipping, as you call it. Yes, I have other clients but tonight you are my focus.’
For some reason, Alexander appeared even angrier. ‘So that was a social chat?’
Mallory hissed, ‘It was nothing.’ She tightened her toes and tried hard to compose herself. ‘Tell me how it went with Cathy.’
‘It went fine.’
‘Alexander…’
He sighed. ‘We’re meeting for dinner next week after the next full moon.’
Thank goodness for that. Mallory managed to smile. ‘Great!’
‘Wonderful,’ he said flatly. He sniffed. ‘I think we’ve done all we need to do here. Let’s go.’
She didn’t move. ‘No. You’re my client, Alexander. I work for you, but I’m certainly not beholden to you and you can’t talk to me like that. I understand you’re annoyed because you thought I was being distracted but that doesn’t give you an excuse to act so rudely.’
A muscle throbbed in his cheek and he looked away. ‘I’m sorry,’ he muttered. He drew a deep breath. ‘I know I sometimes appear flippant but this is important to me. I really do need to find a mate.’
Mallory softened. ‘It’s alright,’ she said gently. ‘I get it. I’m on your side, you know, and we will find the right woman for you. If not Cathy, then someone else.’
