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Instantly, the weight returned, and Liam’s jaw went slack. Garrett was stringing him along again. It’s what he’d done since the beginning.

“Liam?”

“I’m here.” He hesitated, his thoughts spinning so greatly, he had to sit on the third step of the stairs.

“What do you say?”

So Garrett was serious? “What about the person you already hired?”

Garrett cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, Miss Davies and the company have parted ways.”

Already? Liam frowned. This didn’t make any sense. The woman had been hired days ago. How could she already be leaving the company?

“I know you must be in shock, Liam, but I’m afraid we’re going to have to receive an answer from you soon.”

“How soon?”

“We would need you to come in this morning.”

Liam frowned. “It’s Christmas Eve.”

“Yes, I am well aware. You won’t be required to work Christmas day, of course, but if you can’t come in today, I’m afraid we’ll have to look for someone else to fill the position. We’ve a few others in mind and quite a deal of work to accomplish, which is why we need an answer now.”

It was true, then. Liam was finally being offered the position of executive producer. This had been his dream for years. It was finally coming to fruition. So why were his insides tied in knots?

“So, what do you say, Liam?”

His heart raced, and his stomach turned. He couldn’t give up eight years of his life. Not with the promotion finally within reach. No, not within reach. Within his very hands. Working as an executive producer should also allow him more flexibility over his traveling schedule, so he’d have more time to photograph. He’d be crazy to say no. Right?

“Yes,” he said, his voice low. “I accept the offer.”

The words felt as hard as treacle toffee on his tongue.

“Excellent. We’ll see you within the hour. Congratulations, Liam. We look forward to working with you for many years to come.”

The line clicked before Liam could respond. Slowly, he lowered his hand in a daze, staring down at the phone until the screen went black.

Well, he’d received his promotion. After eight long years, he’d finally been rewarded. He should be happy. Thrilled. Ecstatic.

But he wasn’t.

* * *

Claire did her best not to overhear Liam as he took his call, but the suspense was killing her. She had an idea as to who had called him, but she wouldn’t allow herself to focus on the negative until she learned the truth.

That came sooner than later, however, as Liam moved into the kitchen, his gaze focused on the floor.

“Who was that?” Tasha asked flippantly, though Claire could hear the curiosity in her voice.

“Garrett,” Liam responded.

Garrett. Wasn’t that the name of Liam’s boss? Claire’s stomach clenched.

“What did he want?” Tasha pressed, her eyes flitting to Claire’s.

“He offered me the position of executive producer. And I accepted.”

A rush of emotions clawed their way around Claire’s heart. Of course she was thrilled for Liam to receive his sought-after promotion. But then, hadn’t he wanted to do his photography instead?