Maia nodded, pleased to hear her judgment was sound.Isabella’s manner and confidence had impressed her.Maia applied herself to eating while fighting an urge to peek at Henry.The man intrigued her despite his surliness.Perhaps her busy schedule was a blessing.She could avoid this infuriating, grumpy man.
She glanced at her watch when she finished her meal and decided it was time to leave.“Apologies for rushing, but I can help with the dishes.”
“No, I’ll help Gerard,” Henry said.“You go.”
Her mouth dropped a fraction before she collected herself.
“Henry,” London said in a stern reprimand.
Okay, it hadn’t been her imagination.Maia pushed back her chair and stood.“I’m sorry I’m rushing away, but this meeting is important.”All true.“Thanks for dinner.It was delicious and much more enjoyable than the sandwich I’d intended to eat.”
“You’re welcome,” London said.
Gerard sent her a friendly smile.
“Henry will see you out,” London said.
Henry’s big body shifted as if he’d object.Maia caught the tail end of London’s glower and suppressed a smile.
“I’m fine.Henry, finish your dinner.”Maia aimed a casual glance in his direction.She even curved her lips while her pulse raced, the pace choppy.He had a mesmerizing effect, shoving her off balance.“Thanks again.”
To her consternation, Henry set down his cutlery with a clatter.She swallowed, increased her pace, and hoped she didn’t look like she was fleeing.She was, but appearances were important.
“It was lovely to make your acquaintance,” London said.
“Nice to meet you, too,” Maia said.
Finally, she reached the hall leading to the front door.She wondered if Henry might say something, but he remained silent, his strides long as he overtook her.He reached the door first and opened it, standing aside so there was no danger of casual contact.
Maia’s quick glance showed a granite-hard face with no evidence of softness or friendship.Confusion engulfed her, followed by a blast of anger.
“What crime have I committed to make you treat me like the enemy?We don’t know each other.”
Henry winced before even that emotional flash fled.“London is—never mind.Good night.”
Angry at the man, she strode into the evening air.She whirled to unleash her tongue and tell him it was rude to pre-judge someone, but he clicked the door in her face.
She raised her fist to pound on the door before good sense overcame her.Fuming, she stomped toward her car and made a silent promise to avoid the impossible man in the future.
Chapter 4
GuiltassailedHenryashe waited until the rumble of her departing car ceased.He’d acted rude, and that wasn’t him.London’s fault.He might’ve held it together better if his friend’s wife hadn’t surprised him with her non-subtle matchmaking.His breath came in quick pants, each laden with the essence of Maia—her rich, honeyed scent that called to him.
He banged his forehead against the door, not hard enough to make a noise—that would attract London and Gerard—but enough to break him from the Maia spell.
Finally, he opened the door and headed toward the kennels.His dogs didn’t judge or have unrealistic expectations of him.All they wanted was food, exercise, and companionship—a scratch or two behind the ears.Affection.
Jenny had died, and he didn’t think he had the strength to try again when life was so uncertain.No, it was better to remain alone.He had friends and his dogs.He didn’t need more than that.
Footsteps from behind had him stiffening.He cursed under his breath and prepared for the conversation he didn’t want to have.
“Henry?”Gerard’s voice didn’t hold anger, and that was something.
Luckily, Henry’s stepdad hadn’t witnessed his rudeness, sparing Henry from his wrath on Maia’s behalf.
His problem, as he saw it.If he gave into this insidious need, disaster would ensue.Maia was still so young.He did the calculations again in his head.Yeah, maybe twenty.He was so much older in years—even if he didn’t look it—and in life experience.No, Maia was better off without him in her life.
“Henry, talk to me.What’s going on?”
