She’s back to right her wrongs

When Tanya Todd returns to Templeton Cove, she knows better than to expect a warm welcome. She burned a few bridges on her way out of town, and making amends won’t be easy. First on her list is the man whose heart she carelessly shattered, Liam Browne.

Seeing the successful criminal lawyer after all these years, Tanya is interested in more than just Liam’s forgiveness. As they work together to bring the man who hurt her sister to justice, the attraction between them sizzles. Suddenly Tanya’s second chance could include a future with Liam...if she can prove she’s changed.

Tanya blinked. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

Liam’s smile dissolved and something inside kicked painfully. “What?”

“I’m sorry for a lot of things, but I’m sorry for hurting you most of all.”

When a tear slipped down her cheek, Liam reached for her before he could think just how stupid a mistake that might be. “Hey, come here.”

He pulled her into his arms. She lowered her head onto his chest, her body trembling. He gently maneuvered her inside.

Leading Tanya to a low wooden cabinet, he lifted her up and settled her on top of it. Her knees parted and he stood between them...just like he used to.

His heart thundered with the sudden need to kiss her, to feel her warm, soft lips on his. He dropped his gaze to her mouth. He couldn’t do that. Correction, he wouldn’t do that. Unless she asked him to.

Dear Reader,

Here we go again! More fun, laughter, romance and tears for the residents of Templeton Cove in my fifth book in the series, Her Hometown Redemption. I was inspired to write this book when two secondary characters from book two, What Belongs to Her, refused to leave me alone.

Tanya Todd was once an ambitious, hard-hitting businesswoman. And although she was dating one of the Cove’s best men, her mother’s warnings of love never lasting and money being all a girl can rely on drove Tanya to leave the Cove to pursue her career...leaving Liam Browne high and dry. Unfortunately, her hunger for financial success veered off course, leaving Tanya penniless and broken.

When Tanya returns to the Cove, she has a lot of making up to do.

Liam Browne is a successful lawyer living a lonely life and just when he decides it’s time to find someone to love, the love of his life, Tanya Todd, breezes back into town as though it’s the most natural thing in the world. Angry and seething with unanswered questions, Liam confronts her...only to be greeted by a woman so entirely vulnerable, so different from the one he once knew. Despite knowing Tanya spells trouble, one look into her sad, frightened eyes and Liam finds it impossible to turn away...

I welcome new and existing readers to my most favorite English seaside town and hope you enjoy it enough that you will join me there again very soon!

Rachel

Twitter: @RachelBrimble Facebook: Rachel Brimble

Her Hometown Redemption

Rachel Brimble

www.millsandboon.co.uk

RACHEL lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance and a further three in 2013. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Harlequin Superromance finalist of the 2014 So You Think You Can Write contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside.

Links:

www.RachelBrimble.com Twitter: @RachelBrimble Facebook: Rachel Brimble

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For you, Maxie—the last book I wrote with you snoring softly at my feet.

I love you, sweetheart. Sleep tight xxx

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Extract

Copyright

CHAPTER ONE

FAR TOO QUICKLY for Tanya Todd’s liking, the view from the deck of the ferry filled with Templeton Cove’s shoreline. The beach glimmered beneath the ripples of heat rising from its sands, causing specks to sparkle like diamonds...yet Tanya had no idea if Templeton would offer her riches or rejection. At least, she wouldn’t until she stepped from the boat and waited for the residents’ reaction to her return. Exhaling a shaky breath, she raised her hand to the crown of her wide-brimmed straw hat, closed her eyes and lifted her face to the heat of the midday sun.

Her heart pounded with each crash of the water against the boat, her nerves hitching higher with every jerk and dip. There was no use in denying why she was aboard the ferry, or even why she’d decided to return to the place she once fled; she was running home with more than one job to do. The days ahead would be tough, and even though weakness threatened inside her, she would triumph for both her and her sister.

She dropped her chin and opened her eyes.

The deep blue sea stretched far ahead, white froth rising on the waves as the ferry’s bow sliced through the ocean. Templeton was beautiful. A place where many found salvation and security. A homeland where the residents gathered in solidarity, in celebration or crisis. A place Tanya once found suffocating, limiting...downright nauseating.

Now, in her failure and shame, the Cove was the place she hoped would offer peace to her heart and mind. She would start over from the mess she’d made of her life—and see justice served to a man who had run free for far too long.

Anger and determination rose and Tanya pushed away from the railing. Sliding on her oversize sunglasses, she strode along the wooden planks. The sidelong glances of men and women alike didn’t go unnoticed, reminding her once again how difficult the road ahead might be once the ferry sailed into port.

Sliding off her sunglasses, Tanya carefully climbed down the steel steps onto the lower deck. The space was dense with men, women and children clamoring toward the locker area, eager to reclaim their luggage and start their vacation, or return to their families. Lowering her eyes, Tanya shouldered her way through the crowd to her locker.

Her fingers trembled around the key as she pushed it into the lock and opened the door. She pulled on the sports bag that contained the remaining things that hadn’t been shipped to Templeton a month before.

“Damn it. Come on.” She heaved and tugged some more, but the bag refused to budge. Exasperation broke out in cold perspiration on her brow. “For goodness’ sake—”

“Excuse me, do you need some help with that?”

Tanya snapped her head around and met the dark brown stare of Templeton’s token millionaire and all-round good guy, Jay Garrett.

His eyes widened. “Tanya. My God.”

Heat warmed her cheeks and Tanya forced a laugh. “Jay, fancy seeing you here.”

As Templeton’s premier entrepreneur, Jay’s travel to and from the Cove had always been frequent, but why did he have to be aboard the ferry today of all days?

He gave her a hesitant smile. “Is it really that much of a surprise?”

She dropped her hands from the bag, fondness for him replacing her previous shock. “No, that was my pathetic attempt at ironic wit. Clearly, I need more practice.” She tilted her head toward her bag and grimaced. “Could you...”

“Of course.” He gave the bag a sharp tug and it came free. “There you go.”

“Thanks.”

He pulled it from her reach and winked. “Allow me. Shall we go up? The boat’s about to dock.”

Nerves rippled through Tanya’s stomach but she forced a smile. “Sure.”

His eyes flickered with a flash of concern before he nodded toward the stairwell. “After you.”

Pushing up the fallen strap of her sundress, Tanya took a deep breath and stepped ahead of him. With Jay’s curiosity burning into her back, the line of people in front of her was a welcome distraction. Sooner or later, he would ask her why she’d returned...and then the lies would begin. She wasn’t ready to share her reasons with anyone. At least, not yet.

Tanya stepped forward as the line shuffled toward the exit, and sent up a silent prayer for God to forgive her secrecy and, at the same time, grant her the strength to persuade Templeton’s people to welcome her home.

Gripping the banister, she climbed the stairs. Nowhere other than Templeton could give her the grounding she needed...or be a better place to start her investigations into the whereabouts of her sister’s molester.

When Tanya stepped onto the upper deck, the sun was fierce after the shadow of the lower deck and she slipped her sunglasses back on before turning to Jay. “Thanks for the help with my bag.”

He stared at her, his brow creased. “How long are you staying?”

Tanya faced the ferry terminal that approached at a terrifying speed. “A while.”

“A while? As in weeks?”

“Maybe more.”

“Tanya?”

Tanya took a breath and turned. “What?”

He hooked a finger over the nosepiece of her glasses and eased them down her nose slightly. “Does Liam know you’re back?”

Surprise jolted through her. “No. Why?”

He dropped his finger from her glasses and lifted an eyebrow. “You haven’t told him...haven’t warned him?”

“Warned him?” She jabbed her glasses back onto her face, huffing out a laugh. “You make me sound like the Creature from the Black Lagoon.”

He didn’t return her laugh. “Liam’s quite the man around town now. One of the county’s top criminal lawyers, in fact.”

Pride washed through her and she smiled. “I know.”

His gaze softened. “Been keeping tabs on him, huh?”

Yes, but I’m not about to admit that to anyone, including you. “I’m happy for him. I’m sure my coming back won’t immediately fill him with happiness, but in time—”

“He’ll get used to the idea?”

She frowned. “I hope we’ll be friends.”

Jay glanced toward the terminal. “He pretty much keeps to himself these days. Much to the annoyance of more than a few women in town.”

She followed his gaze, fighting her nerves as her stomach lurched. “Well, Liam’s personal and professional lives are none of my concern. It’s a free country, Jay. If I want to come back here, no one can stop me.”

If the protectiveness in Jay’s eyes was anything to go by, his friendship with Liam had grown since she’d last been at the Cove. She swallowed. What else had changed? Had Liam?

Jay studied her a moment longer before lifting his shoulders. “Fair enough, but if you’ve come back to the place that never seemed good enough for you, I hope you’re going to at least try to build some bridges.”

Tanya’s heart picked up speed as she struggled to keep her nerves under wraps. “Meaning?”

“Meaning, you left Liam high and dry when the guy thought things were going well between you. Meaning, you and I had our fair share of arguments in the past, too. I’d rather not go down that path with you again.”

She pulled back her shoulders. “You weren’t always the man you are today, Jay. You’ve messed up, too. Isn’t anyone else allowed to do the same?” His gaze darkened and Tanya resisted the urge to step back. She squeezed her eyes shut. “Give me a chance, okay?” She opened her eyes. “I’ve changed. I just need people to give me the opportunity to prove it.”

“You broke Liam’s heart, Tanya. Badly. Who’s to say you won’t again?” A muscle in his jaw clenched and released. “You should’ve let him know you were coming back.”

“I wasn’t the only one in that relationship, you know. Things had been building up between us for a while.” Irritation rose behind her rib cage in a hot rush of indignation. “Besides, I don’t have to do anything. I’m back and I plan to stay for a long time. This isn’t just about Liam. It’s about me and what I need.”

The boat shuddered and groaned, its sides knocking against the marina boundaries as it eased into port. Tanya stumbled forward and Jay gripped her elbow to steady her. She regained her footing, but Jay didn’t release her.

Instead, his gaze bored intently into hers. “If I see him, I’ll have to tell him you’re back. It’s only fair.”

Tanya snatched her arm from his grip. “Fine. You do that.” She took her bag from his hand. “Thanks for your help.”

She marched away and joined the throng of people heading toward the exit. Her heart beat with trepidation at what would happen next, but she kept her chin high and her resolve firmly in place. She was back because Templeton was where she needed to be; the only place she wanted to be after the mess she’d gotten herself into since leaving.

Whether Liam Browne wanted her there was none of her concern. Sooner or later, he would know the woman who took his love and tossed it away like trash was back for good...she only hoped he didn’t look at her with the same derision Jay had.

Tanya stepped onto the boardwalk. Hurrying through the terminal, she kept her gaze cast downward until she emerged through the sliding doors and out into the sun-baked courtyard. The long line of taxis was as welcome a sight as an oasis in the Sahara. She rushed forward, opened the back door of the nearest cab and climbed inside.

“Hi. The Beachcomber Apartments, please.”

“No problem, love. You here for pleasure or business?”

Tanya looked through the side window. “Both, I hope.”

* * *

THE JURY FOREMAN stood and the usual burst of adrenaline rushed into Liam Browne’s blood. Tension radiated from his client beside him, but Liam didn’t as much as glance at Philip Turner, fully focusing on the foreman instead.

Judge Susanna Burnside cleared her throat. “Have you and the other members of the jury reached a verdict?”

“We have, Your Honor.”

She nodded. “What say you?”

“We, the jury, find the plaintiff innocent of all charges.”

Liam released his held breath and grinned as the cry of success rippled through the gallery and all around the courtroom. He turned to Philip and gripped his hand, slapping his shoulder. “Congratulations.”

Philip vehemently shook his hand. “Thanks, Liam. Thanks so much.”

Liam laughed. “You’re welcome. Nothing better than justice being served.”

“I’ll see you soon, okay?”

He brushed past Liam toward the aisle. Philip was lost in a mass of hugging arms and teary kisses from his wife and two teenage daughters. The man accused of fraud and negligence could now go on with his life.

Liam gathered his papers and tossed them into his briefcase. He pulled it closed and locked it with a satisfying click. Another case won. His professional life continued to go from strength to strength, even if his personal life remained a lonely, failing mess. Glancing toward Philip and his family a second time, Liam pushed his self-pity into submission.

It was time for his usual celebration at the Seascape. Dinner for one and a couple of glasses of cabernet sauvignon were just what the doctor ordered.

As he strode past Philip, Liam gave another slap to his shoulder before marching from the courtroom and out into the marbled lobby. Suited lawyers and clients milled around, waiting to be called into court, while security guards stood sentry at the exit. Nodding to one of them, Liam walked through the security arch and out into the bright, smoldering heat currently frying the Cove.

It was the middle of July and just a week before schools let out for the summer. Templeton would soon be overrun with kids—young and not so young—looking for some good vacation time. He walked through the court parking lot and along the street. His gaze fell on a young woman with long dark hair, her eyes tipped upward and staring into the eyes of the guy holding her waist. She looked far too much like someone he’d tried so hard to forget, and his gut clenched.

Time and again, Tanya Todd, the woman he’d had every intention of marrying, sporadically leaped into his mind uninvited. It was sad, pathetic and annoyed the hell out of him, but no matter how hard Liam tried to date and make things work with someone new, his mind always came back to the woman who’d so abruptly walked away.

He scowled and picked up his pace. He had to do something, had to make some changes, or what the hell was the point of it all? He had a nice home and a healthy bank balance, and people liked to tell him he wasn’t bad to look at. Yet still he searched for that special someone.

Well, from now on, he’d make a concerted effort to cut back on work and start focusing on his personal life. At the grand old age of thirty-two, Liam was sick and tired of being single. The next woman who caught his eye, he would ask out on a date this coming weekend.

Cowden Beach promenade was busy with people finished with work for the day. Smiling men and women relaxed with drinks outside one of the bars, or chatted with friends at the promenade amid a fantastic view of the glittering blue ocean in the distance. Templeton was a place few residents left once they moved there, and Liam thanked his lucky stars every day that when his mother divorced his asshole of a father, she found them a new home at the Cove.

The double doors of the Seascape were wide-open as Liam walked along the short pathway into the restaurant. His vision adjusted to the dark interior after the glare of the sun. Almost every table was occupied, and he inwardly cursed that he might have to forgo his tradition and eat somewhere else after his win in court.

“Oh, don’t look so peeved. You know I’d never let you go without a table.”

Smiling, he turned and met the happy, shining eyes of the female counterpart of the husband-and-wife team who owned the Seascape. “Hey, Caroline. You’re busy this evening.”

“Aren’t we always?” She tilted her head toward the open doors of the restaurant. “Follow me. I have the perfect table for one.”

Ignoring her unwittingly poured salt as it stung his wound, Liam followed Caroline back toward the entrance.

She waved toward the table in front of them. “Here you go.”

The minuscule table might have had a seat on either side, but Liam imagined two plates would have to be touching to fit on its surface. He forced a smile. “Thanks, this is great.”

“You’re welcome. Have a look at the menu and I’ll grab you a glass of wine. Usual?”

He nodded. “Perfect.”

She walked away and Liam put his jacket on the back of the chair and sat. He scanned the room and lifted a hand to Marian and George Cohen sitting a few tables away, steadfastly ignoring the way Marian looked pointedly at the vacant chair opposite him. Damn if the woman didn’t have a knack for saying something about everything without uttering a single word.

As the town’s matriarch and surrogate mother to anyone under the age of forty-five, Marian was a force to be reckoned with. The only person who had a hell’s chance of keeping her behavior marginally civilized was George, her long-suffering, yet entirely devoted, husband.

Liam snatched up the menu and made a resigned effort to show Marian her clear observation hadn’t bothered him. Narrowing his eyes, he studied the Seascape’s array of renowned fresh-fish dishes. Today’s success called for the sea bass. Just thinking about it falling apart on his plate kicked Liam’s annoyance to the curb and he snapped the menu shut, decision made.

“Here you go. One large glass of cabernet.” Caroline placed his drink on the table and smiled. “You have the expression of a man who knows what he wants and how he wants it.”

“I do.” He passed her the menu. “I’m going for the sea bass.”

“No problem.” She took the menu and hugged it to her chest. “Things must be going pretty great for you, considering how often you’re in here.”

Liam smiled. “They are. Haven’t lost a case in over a year. Long may it continue.”

“Absolutely.” Caroline lifted an eyebrow. “But as a concerned friend of yours...”

“Yes?”

“It would be nice to see a woman in here with you from time to time, you know.”

Liam shook his head. “Hey, we might have been friends for over ten years, but that doesn’t mean you get to inch in on my love life. I’ll start calling you Marian Junior if you’re not careful.”

Caroline laughed. “Do you want fries or steamed potatoes with your sea bass?”

“Pota—” The word lodged in his throat upon sight of the woman who walked into the restaurant. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“What’s wrong?” Caroline turned. “Is that... It can’t be.”

Liam’s gut dropped to the floor and his heart picked up speed. “Is that Tanya?” He shot his gaze to Caroline. “Is it?”

Her cheeks flushed. “I think it might be.”

He clenched his jaw as a mix of shock, euphoria, anger and disbelief battled inside him. “For the love of God. Just when I decide it’s time to get my ass into gear for some serious dating, Tanya strolls back into town as though it’s the most natural thing in the world.”

Caroline raised her eyebrows. “This was her home for over twenty years.”

“What am I supposed to say to her? The last time I saw her she was my girlfriend, for crying out loud.”

Caroline glanced over her shoulder toward the bar where Tanya had slid onto a stool. “You need to be cool, calm and collected.” She faced him. “Don’t you go over there making a fool of yourself. You’re better than that. For all she knows, you could be married, have kids...”

He dragged his gaze from Tanya’s long brown hair and rounded butt. “Yeah, and so could she.”

Caroline grimaced. “True, but still, you need—”

“I can’t just sit here.” He stood. “I have to know why she’s back.”

Caroline reached up and dug her nails into his shoulder, her wide green eyes bright with determination. “Sit. I’ll go talk to her.”

Liam looked from her to Tanya and back again, adrenaline pumping through him. He clenched his jaw and sat. “Fine.”

Caroline gave a curt nod. “I’ve got this, okay?”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’ll go serve her and get the lay of the land. You stay here.”

Caroline walked away and Liam stared at Tanya once more. She’d finally come home.

He picked up his glass and drank a third of his wine in a single gulp.

CHAPTER TWO

TANYA FACED THE bar and fought to keep her feet still as nerves tumbled inside her despite her resolve that she had as much right to be in the Seascape as the next person. The dulcet tones of Enrique Iglesias thumped a sexy salsa beat from the speakers dotted around the restaurant, the air heavy with heat and the prospect of a good weekend. She’d chosen Friday to arrive at the Cove so she would have the entire weekend to settle in at her sister’s vacant apartment and be free to start on her brand-new office, come Monday.

Now the decision seemed foolish. Maybe arriving on Monday would’ve been more sensible so people wouldn’t have such a buoyant mood about them.

Tanya exhaled. Who was she kidding? The people in Templeton were buoyant Monday through Sunday. Wasn’t that part of what had annoyed her about the place? Wasn’t that what her mother always said, that the people here were fake? Well, whatever was true, the one thing Tanya could be sure of was, sooner or later, she would have no choice but to face questions.

“Well, this is a surprise.”

Tanya turned and smiled. Here goes nothing. “Hi, Caroline.”

Caroline’s gaze was wary, her strained smile not quite reaching her eyes. “You’re back.”

Foreboding knotted Tanya’s stomach, but she lifted her chin. “I am. How are you?”

“Better than you, by the look of it.” Caroline frowned. “You’ve lost a lot of weight since we last saw you.”

Tanya glanced down at her shirt. “I’ve...been working out.”

“Well, don’t let Marian see you. She’ll be stuffing you with pastries from now until Christmas.”

Tanya smiled. “Ah, the famous Marian.”

Caroline grinned. “That’s right. She wasn’t in the Cove when you were, was she?” She leaned forward. “Well, she’s sitting right over there and curious as hell who you are.”

Tanya turned and met the narrowed gaze of a woman she guessed to be in her midsixties. Unease lifted the hairs at her nape and Tanya swallowed. Sasha had warned her...but still the determination in Marian’s gaze couldn’t be denied.

Tanya swiveled around. “Uh-oh.”

Caroline glanced toward the restaurant doors. “Are you visiting? You do know your sister’s moved away, don’t you?”

“Of course. I’m here for me, not Sasha.”

Caroline raised an eyebrow. Said nothing.

Tanya cleared her throat and battled the urge to walk out of the restaurant. Caroline’s expression was clear. She still considered Tanya the same selfish, egotistical person she was before. No doubt everyone else would too...including this Marian Cohen character.

Tanya straightened her spine. “So, how have you been? You look great.”

Caroline shot a glance over Tanya’s shoulder a second time. “Thanks.”

Resisting the urge to look behind her, Tanya waited. She had to do this. Caroline and Jay were only the first of many who would surely ask why she was back and for how long. Her mother had warned her how hard it would be to convince people she wanted so much more now than just a high-flying banking career. Her previous hunger for money and power had bruised a few egos and broken some dreams. She had a lot of making up to do.

Somehow, she would find a way to prove to the people who remembered her that she no longer bulldozed through everything and everyone who got in the way of her ambition. She’d changed. Her mistakes and their consequences had altered her beyond anything anyone might assume they saw on the surface.

Tanya cleared her throat. “Look, I’m back for good if my plans for my new business work out, so—”

“New business?” Caroline raised her eyebrows as she met Tanya’s gaze. “In Templeton?”

Tanya frowned. “Yes. What’s going on, Caroline? Do you really have that much of a problem with me being here? I know I upset a few people in town, but I thought you and I—”

“We’re fine.”

“Then why—”

“Is it just a drink you want? Or shall I grab you a table when one becomes free?” Caroline shot yet another anxious look toward the door. “Unless you want to try somewhere else? I think it’ll be a while before I can seat you.”

Something wasn’t right. Tanya remembered Caroline greeting friends and strangers with the exact same warmth. The Caroline Tanya knew broke her back seating anyone and everyone who came into the restaurant.

“I’ll wait.” Tanya turned to see what was constantly snagging Caroline’s attention and making her jumpier than a cat being stared down by a hungry canine.

Her heart stopped.

Liam Browne’s unwavering gaze locked on hers and Tanya’s heart turned over. Slowly, he stood but made no move toward her. Her stomach knotted, even as instantaneous attraction stole into her blood. If possible, he looked stronger, more handsome and even more quietly capable than he had eight years ago. Age had enhanced, rather than diminished, his dark, serious looks. The addition of his dark-rimmed glasses, longer hair and clean-shaven jaw made her fingers itch to touch him.

This was bad. Really bad.

She snapped her gaze from his and slid from the stool. “I think I’ll try another restaurant, after all.”

Caroline nodded, her gaze soft. “Might be for the best.”

The hint of sympathy in Caroline’s voice brought the smallest hope of a lifeline that forgiveness might not be the impossibility Tanya feared. She forced a smile. “Well, I hope to see you again soon.”

“I’m sure you will.”

Hitching her bag onto her shoulder, Tanya approached Liam, trepidation ricocheting through her. What choice did she have but to talk to him? If she walked out without a word, things would only be harder the next time they met—and there would most definitely be a next time in a place as small as Templeton.

His shoulders straightened beneath his crisp white shirt as she neared. The music seemed to grow in volume, the beat matching her footsteps and the banging of her heart. When she was a safe distance away from him, Tanya stopped. “Hi.”

His crystal-blue gaze bored into hers, his jaw tight and his mouth a thin line. The burning stares of the other patrons pricked at her skin, making her want to turn and face each of them down.

When it was clear Liam had nothing to say to her, Tanya inhaled. “Right, well, I guess I’ll see you around, then.”

“Wait.”

She halted with her back to him. Let me go, Liam. Please. She briefly closed her eyes, before opening them and facing him. “What?”

“Why don’t you join me?” He waved toward the empty seat at his table. “It’s...good to see you.”

Tanya glanced at the seat, at him and then around the restaurant. Familiar faces swam in front of her. Faces she remembered from a different life, a different time. Kevin and Nick. Bianca and Ella. All people she should’ve known would still be here. People who thought they knew her and her mother but never really did.

She snatched her gaze back to Liam. “Maybe another time. I’ve got to go. I’ll see you soon.”

“Where are you staying?”

“Sasha’s. Look, I’m sorry.” She raised her hands, warding him off. “I can’t do this now.”

She moved to walk away and he gripped her wrist. Tanya’s pulse quickened beneath his fingers. He stared deep into her eyes, and her mind went blank as her body turned from hard to soft.

She swallowed. “Please, Liam. Not now. We’ll talk soon, I promise.”

His jaw tightened for a second before he nodded and released her. “Okay.”

Tension simmered as she tried and failed to drag her gaze from his. “You look good. Happy.”

He nodded.

His continued silence inched its warning over her skin. She knew him well enough to know he had a lot to say. Whatever that might be, it wouldn’t be said here with everyone watching them. “Okay, well, I’ll see you soon.”

Tanya left the restaurant, each assessing gaze of the diners branding her skin like tattoos. Weakness threatened and she pushed it away. She had to be strong if she stood any chance of turning her life around. She had to keep smiling, no matter how hard that might be; she had to focus on taking each new step toward a different life. She had to be willing to do whatever it took to get back into the warm fold of Templeton, no matter how difficult that might be.

She’d returned with the hope of creating a quieter life once she’d done everything in her power to find her sister’s molester. Until Matt Davidson was behind bars, she had no choice but to throw herself into the fray. She was done with the backstabbing and stress of her city job—she longed for a softer, happier life and would ensure she got it, no matter how long that might take.

Pulling out her phone, Tanya headed for the beach. She dialed her sister’s number and Sasha picked up on the third ring. “Hey, how’s it going?”

Tanya sighed. “Not great.”

“You’ve got this. You can get through a bit of gossiping.”

“It’s not even the talk.”

“Then what?”

“They’re cold, Sasha. Ice bloody cold.”

“You knew this wouldn’t be easy. You’re going to have to expect some curiosity and detachment for a while. Templeton doesn’t have great memories of you, that’s all. It’s going to take time to make new ones.”

Tanya leaned down and took off her high-heeled sandals. “I saw Liam.”

“Oh.”

“Exactly.” She descended the stone steps onto the beach. “I thought I might have at least twenty-four hours before that dreaded meeting, but no, less than one.”

“What happened?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

Tanya walked along the warm sand, her gaze drawn to the evening sky that was purely Templeton. Shades of pink and peach hovered above the ocean, and the sun glowed brightly even as it slowly lowered toward the waves. She breathed deep. “He just stared and then asked me to join him for something to eat.”

“And you didn’t?”

“No. I’m not ready for his questions. At least, I’m not ready yet. Things weren’t right between us when I left, and most of that was my fault, but still I shouldn’t have just walked out on him. I realize that now.” She swallowed as Liam’s face filled her mind’s eye. “He looks fabulous. Why didn’t you tell me how good he looks?”

Sasha laughed. “Why would I? You were the one who said you wanted more than Templeton...more than Liam. I told you then, and I’m telling you now, he’s one of the best guys out there.”

Tanya swallowed. She couldn’t deny the spark was still there between them; the tension of unspoken words punctuating the air like unexploded bombs. “Maybe.”

“There’s no maybe about it. Who knows, in time, the two of you—”

“The chances of him ever thinking of me that way again are zero. I just hope the disgust in his eyes disappears sooner rather than later, that’s all.”

“Disgust? Are you sure? That doesn’t sound like Liam.”

“What else could that dark, intense, unblinking study mean? He wants me? I don’t think so.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. Liam looks at me like I’m his baby sister. The look he gave you sounds a lot more interesting.”

Tanya joined the line outside Bart’s food hut and eyed the fast-food menu with a mixture of nostalgia and nausea. “Yeah, well, I’ve had as much as I can take for my first evening back. I’m going to grab a burger and Coke and take it back to the apartment. A night of unpacking feels a lot more appealing than anything else right now.”

“And what about the weekend?”

Tanya sighed. “I’ll have plenty to keep me busy until I start sorting out the office on Monday.”

“Good.”

Tanya cleared her throat. “I also might take a walk to Funland and see what they’ve done to the place since you’ve been gone.”

“Why would you want to do that?”

Tanya closed her eyes. “You know why. The fairground is where Matt Davidson hurt you, Sash. It makes sense that Funland is the best place to start trying to track him down.”

“I’ve told you John and I have done all we can think of—”

“I know you have, but isn’t it worth me trying again? I’m here, Sash. I’m in Templeton, and as far as we know, Davidson could be, too.”

“Of course he won’t be in Templeton. The police combed the area. They followed up leads and came back to us time and time again with a dead end.”

Tanya glared toward the ocean, her fingers curled tightly around the phone. “Well, that was then, this is now. I want to at least try to find him.” She exhaled a shaky breath. “Please. Let me do this. Let me try to make up for not being there for you when...”

“It’s in the past, Tanya.”

“You have done so much for me over the last few months. You’ve helped me with therapy, what you said to me in the hospital persuaded me to come home and start over. I couldn’t have gotten as far as I have without you. Please. Let me at least try to be the big sister I should’ve always been.”

“I don’t know.”

“Wouldn’t you do anything to see Davidson behind bars?”

“Of course.”

“Then let me try to find him. Please.” Tears burned Tanya’s eyes. If only she had done something years before... “Sash?”

“Fine. Do what you can, but promise me you won’t put yourself in danger. If...and it’s a big if...you find anything that might lead you to where he is, you tell the police.”

Tanya exhaled, relief she had her sister’s permission to pursue Davidson relaxing the tension in her shoulders. “We’ll face that bridge when we come to it.”

“Okay. Look, John’s calling me. I’ll speak to you soon. Look after yourself.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you, too.” Tanya cut the connection and swapped the phone for her wallet.

Tomorrow would be the first day of her new life. Today was just the warm-up. Whether Templeton was ready for her or not, she was back for good, and her reasons went a lot deeper than just a need to start anew. Matt Davidson needed to be brought to justice, and over her dead body would she rest until he had his day in court.

* * *

EVERY BITE OF the sea bass was like sandpaper, every sip of the wine like vinegar. Liam scowled and stared through the restaurant doors once more. He’d lost count how many times he’d looked up from his food to catch Caroline, Marian or someone else looking in his direction. The curiosity in their gazes made him want to punch a damn wall.

He refused to leave a morsel of food on his plate or a drop of wine in his glass before he left the Seascape. His insides might be a mess and his mind even more so, but he would not give anyone in town the ammunition to shoot the breeze over Tanya’s unexpected appearance. Everyone knew he liked his food. If he left the restaurant with anything remaining on his plate, it would be enough to start the tongues wagging.

The aftershocks of his astonishment at seeing her again still pulsed at his temples.

Stabbing his fork into an untouched pile of beetroot salad, Liam concentrated on chewing and swallowing rather than debating how he would deal with seeing Tanya next time. Her weight loss and the dark smudges under her eyes had twisted at his emotions so much more than if she’d looked the picture of health. Her long, dark hair, usually so lusciously thick and shiny, had been wound into a haphazard ponytail, her shirt slightly crumpled. Before, it was as though her clothes had been ironed with her inside them.

Yet her looks and clothes did nothing to lessen the sexuality that oozed from her every pore. His pull to her was as intense as it had always been. Nothing had changed on that score. At all.

When she looked at him, her usual obstinate “don’t mess with me” attitude lingered, but he sensed a whisper of uncertainty as though one accusation would make her crumble. The subtle change in her had knocked him off-kilter, made him abandon his previous decision to show Tanya the no-nonsense man he was today. Instead, he’d let her walk away.

He picked up his glass and drank. The hit of alcohol fueled an impatience to leave and go find her, insist she tell him why she was back. More important, for how long. Questions and demands became a maelstrom of frustration and hunger. His reaction to her ill advised and dangerous. It screamed confirmation of something he had feared for years. That Tanya was The One.

Whispering a curse, he shook his head and speared some fish onto his fork, shoving it into his mouth and washing it down with the last of his wine.

“Nice table manners, my friend.”

Liam lifted his head and closed his eyes. “Not now, George. I’m not in the mood.”

“And you think that’s reason enough to satisfy my lovely wife? Not a chance. I’m not going to risk Marian lopping off my manhood when I tell her I walked away from you none the wiser.”

Liam opened his eyes and looked past George toward Marian. The damn woman sat eagerly forward at their table, nursing a glass of wine, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Liam faced George. “Why should I care about your manhood when mine has just been yanked on?”

George pulled out the chair on the opposite side of the table and sat. “So why’s she back?”

Liam sighed as defeat washed over him. He put down his fork. “No idea. We didn’t get that far.”

“I see.” George lifted his eyebrows. “So, what happens next?”

Liam wiped his hand over his face. “I don’t know. I can’t tell her to go back to wherever the hell she came from, can I? Templeton’s as much her home as it is mine. If Tanya’s back, it’s my problem to deal with, not hers.”

George stared, his wizened gaze running over Liam’s face before he leaned back and crossed his arms. “She looks lost.”

Liam huffed out a laugh, pushing his agreement to the back of his mind where it was safer. “Lost? Tanya wouldn’t lose her way in the Amazon rain forest. She might have lost a little weight—”

“A little?” George snorted. “My Marian nearly had a seizure when she saw her. Wanted to know who Tanya was and why everyone was looking at her. You’re going to have to speak to Tanya, son. Find out what’s going on. She looks like she’s in some sort of trouble.”

Concern for the woman he’d once loved more than life itself squeezed Liam’s heart like a clenched fist around a piece of overripe fruit. “I’m not the right person to look after her. Not anymore.”

“Who says?”

“I say.” Impatience threatened and Liam fought to keep it in check.

He wasn’t the teenager who lost control anymore. That person was gone and a new man stood in his place. A man he liked. He refused to allow Tanya’s unexpected appearance to ruin the decent, law-abiding, law-enforcing person he’d become. He could control this situation the same as he did everything else in his life. With slow, sensible, levelheaded conviction.

Tanya would not topple him from his steady—albeit lonely—perch.

He looked to the open restaurant doors. “Look, we all know Tanya and what she’s capable of. Why she’s come back is none of my business...” He met George’s gaze and glared. “Or anyone else’s. I’m sure we’ll know what’s going on with her soon enough. After all, this is Templeton, and one person’s business is always everyone else’s, too.”

He stood, snatched his jacket from the back of the chair and his briefcase from the floor. “Look after yourself, George.”

Leaving his older friend staring after him, Liam strode toward the bar and pulled his wallet from his jacket pocket. He tossed a twenty and a ten onto the bar. “Keep the change, Caroline. I’m out of here before George brings over his backup...or should I say front woman?”

She frowned and slipped the cash from the bar. “You okay?”

“I’m fine.” He tilted his head toward George and Marian’s table. “I’ve got my surrogate mum and dad over there watching out for me.”

She managed a small smile. “They care about everyone in the Cove. You know that.”

“Yeah, I do, and that’s why I’m leaving.”

“Can I ask what Tanya said? You could’ve cut the tension between you with a knife.”

Liam scowled. “Do you think anyone in here wasn’t watching us?”

Caroline smiled. “I doubt it.”

He shook his head. “I’ve got to go.”

“Okay, just keep your head...and anything else, intact. If what Tanya said is true...”

He stiffened, every inch of his body on high alert. “What did she say?”

Color stained Caroline’s cheeks and she smoothed her hand over her cap of short, dark hair. “Not much.”

“Caroline...”

“All she said was she’s back for good. That she has a new business in town.”

“A new business?” Liam’s heart picked up speed. Money. Business. So she hadn’t changed much beneath the surface, after all. “What sort of business?”

“She didn’t say. Look—”

“The last I knew, she worked in some big bank in the city.” He frowned. “She said it was her own business?”

Caroline nodded.

“Financial?”

“I don’t know.”

Liam took a step away from the bar. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

“Sure.”

Frustrated that he hadn’t asked Tanya a single damn question, Liam stormed from the restaurant and out into the fading sun.

He inhaled the air, letting it cleanse his mind of the unwanted curiosity about Tanya from seeping in. It didn’t matter what he’d said to George or anyone else, the moment Liam laid eyes on Tanya, he’d wanted to talk to her. Something initiated her return to Templeton and the unease in her eyes made him think she had nowhere else to go.

Yet she was opening a new business, which meant she hadn’t lost the ferocious ambition that had always burned inside her. But she could start a new business anywhere. Why the Cove? Was whatever had called her here something emotional, maybe? He clenched his jaw as the things he knew about her family and personal life ricocheted inside his head and heart.

If someone had hurt her, or frightened her into returning to the place she once fled, the place where her family had owned a fairground that reminded her too much of her Romany roots, how was he supposed to pretend it didn’t matter to him? This was a woman he’d once loved...had wanted to marry. He’d no more turn his back on her today than he would have then. But what if she wanted nothing to do with him, the same as she did when she left?

There was only one way to find out.

CHAPTER THREE

TANYA WRAPPED HER half-eaten burger in a paper towel and tossed it into the trash before snatching up her can of Diet Coke from the counter. Walking to the patio doors leading from her sister’s living room, she stepped out onto the balcony. Night had fallen and Templeton was lit in all its undeniable and beautiful glory.

The lights from Funland, the beach and the shops at the waterfront flashed yellow, green and red in the distance. Tanya leaned her forearms on the railing and stared toward the fairground. The screams and music drifted on the light summer breeze, sending icicles into her blood. She tightened her fingers around her Diet Coke can. What happened to Sasha there was only part of the reason Tanya had come back, but finding Matt Davidson was her top priority right now.

No matter how much the doctor told Tanya to concentrate on her happiness from here on in, Davidson was still out there and stood like a boulder between Tanya and a new future. A phantom preventing her from getting over what he’d done to Sasha.

Her sister had come when Tanya needed her most, yet when Sasha was dealing with the most traumatic, ugly experience any child could, Tanya had seen her sister as nothing more than a nuisance. Tanya’s heart twisted with shame, and tears burned. Instead of seeing Sasha as her best friend, her optimism and chatter about Funland and their grandfather had annoyed Tanya at every turn. She now realized her animosity toward her sister came from jealousy and resentment. The admission was especially shameful since Sasha was so effortlessly positive and friendly to everyone around her.

Tanya closed her eyes. Little did she know just how well Sasha wore her mask over a life ruined by the criminal who’d dared to touch her.

Opening her eyes, Tanya glared at Funland. What happened to Sasha wasn’t over, no matter how much she might wish it so. The piece of crap who hurt her was still out there and Tanya suspected Sasha thought of him daily. Sooner or later, Davidson would be found. She shivered against the icy chill that ran up her spine. Templeton wasn’t the picture-perfect place it liked to convey. Things were never what they seemed here, but at least now Tanya knew life was something to be shaped. People were hurt, disappointed and judged, and it was something she had slowly learned to accept through therapy.

Her biggest mistake had been allowing her mother’s fears to taint her own views of the Cove. Her mother had convinced her that love didn’t exist. Feeling afraid and uncertain, Tanya changed.

From being a young woman not unlike Sasha, Tanya turned into a fiercely driven, single-minded worker. Her mother’s words ringing in her head, Tanya left Liam behind and pursued money, assets and position. The only things that could really protect a girl. Working 24/7 had been a way to protect herself against the onslaught of disappointment she would face if she failed in her chosen career or relied on a man for her happiness.

It had been the risk of that dependency that had ultimately led to her breakdown...and why she had been arrested. Mental anguish had seeped into her mind when she wasn’t looking.

Tanya swallowed the tears clogging her throat. Little did she and Sasha know that her mother’s warnings were entirely based on trying to protect her daughters after finding out, years later, what had happened to Sasha.

Turning from the bright lights, Tanya sank into one of the two chairs around a small bistro table. She shut her eyes and Liam’s face appeared. What would he say to her when they next met?

People changed. She’d changed.

She’d be arrogant to think the same wouldn’t be true for Liam. Sasha described him as a tough lawyer with a soft center. A man the whole town held in high esteem. Yet Jay had said Liam was still single and living alone. Throughout the time she and Liam had been together, his adolescent anger toward his father had mellowed. Instead, it became his motivation to succeed and do good in this too-often-bad world. He was strong and powerful in court, and some of his cases had made the news all over the UK. He was a force to be reckoned with, but also a man of gentle and caring honor.

The combination was lethal. In and out of court.

The shrill and alien ring of the apartment buzzer shot Tanya’s heart into her throat. She stood and stared through the patio doors into the apartment. Only one person knew where she was staying. Drawing in a breath, she put her Diet Coke on the table and walked inside. She approached the front door and looked through the peephole. Liam stared along the corridor and Tanya roamed her gaze over his profile and upper body, before pulling abruptly back.

There was no mistaking his mood. His set face, hardened jaw and tense arm muscles straining against the confines of his dress shirt screamed of impatience. The tie he’d been wearing at the restaurant had been discarded, leaving the open V of the shirt showing a sexy smattering of dark hair. Dark hair she remembered running her hands over more times than strictly necessary...

Tanya silently counted to five. He’d loved her once and even though he never would again, he would surely hear her out, wouldn’t he? If she explained she left as abruptly as she did because she felt suffocated by Templeton, didn’t want to become reliant on him? Most of all, would he accept people made mistakes?

Taking a deep breath, she threw back the lock and opened the door, plastering on a smile. “Hi. This is a surprise.”

His gaze wandered over her face, his expression unreadable. “Can I come in?”

“Sure.” She stood back and he brushed past her into the apartment.

Tanya slowly shut the door, taking a moment with her back turned to gather her senses and obliterate his scent from her nostrils. He smelled exactly the same. It was as though she’d never been away. But she had. She’d been away for a very long time...

She turned.

He stood across the room, in the center of Sasha’s living space, his broad chest rising and falling. Tanya swallowed against the dryness in her throat and forced her feet forward. “Do you want to sit down?”

“No.”

“Liam, I—”

“What happened to bring you back?”

She flinched. “What?”

“I said, what happened to bring you back?”

“I...” Words danced and bit at her tongue. “It was time.”

His eyes widened. “Time? You could have knocked me over when you walked into the Seascape earlier. It’s been years, and with Sasha leaving...” He shook his head. “I didn’t think you would ever come back to Templeton. Not ever. You hated it here. What was it you said to me? ‘Oh, sorry, Liam, I don’t belong here, Sasha does. I want more than a fairground as a legacy, let Sasha have it. Let her wallow in our sad Romany roots.’”

Her heart beat like a freight train. “Those were my mother’s words, not mine. She frightened me, brainwashed me into believing Templeton, you, Funland, everything would cause me nothing but pain if I didn’t get away from here.”

“And you couldn’t have told me that? We couldn’t have discussed it?”

She didn’t want to lie, but she couldn’t possibly tell him the whole truth. Telling him why she hadn’t come back before now would be too much, too soon.

Fisting her hands on her hips, Tanya lifted her chin. “I was younger then. So were you. What did either of us know about the real world?”

Their gazes locked and Tanya fought the tears burning her eyes. Despite her insistence she could do what had to be done alone as far as Davidson was concerned, she couldn’t deny the hope that, one day, she’d have Liam to rely on. She took her hands from her hips and raised them. “Look, I’m back.” Her lips trembled with the effort it took to smile. “And this time, I’m happy to be here.” His gaze hardened and Tanya fought the need to step back. “What?”

“You’re lying.”

“No, I’m not.”

He huffed out a laugh. “You never could quite manage to lie to me, which is probably half the reason you pushed a note under my door eight years ago, wishing me well with my life before you disappeared with no forwarding address, phone number or email.”

Resentment dripped from his words and Tanya’s hackles rose. “How can you still be so angry?” She stared at him. “After all this time?”

His cheeks darkened and he closed his eyes, tipping his face toward the ceiling. “Unbelievable.”

Tanya stared at his neck, relishing the way his Adam’s apple moved in such an entirely masculine way beneath his skin. He was built strong, intelligent and caring. All virtues that had scared her young self into running far away from him. “Please try to understand, Liam. I was starting to need you far too much, so I threw myself into my career. As my ambition grew, so did the barrier around my heart. I had to leave or risk hurting you more deeply than me leaving ever could.”

“You should’ve talked to me.”

It had been so very long since she noticed a man, she’d begun to think that part of her had been flushed down the toilet along with everything else in her life. Now, looking at Liam, it seemed her libido was still alive and well.

She cleared her throat. “A lot has happened for me in these past eight years. I assumed things had for you, too.”

“They have. I’m a lawyer now. I’m successful, well-known and respected. People don’t just barge into my life expecting me to drop everything, because everyone knows how damn busy I am.”

Tanya frowned. “I’m not expecting you to drop everything.”

“Yes, you are. Just as you always did.”

She trembled as anxiety over his coldness swept through her. “I’m not that person anymore.”

“No?” His gaze burned with resentment. “We’ll have to see about that.”

“Eight years is a long time. You don’t know me now any more than I know you.”

“I know you’re back for something. Something important.”

She forced her shoulders back, faced his accusations. “Fine. I want to start over.”

“Start over? With what? With the people you ignored or wouldn’t help? With me? With yourself?” He glared. “You might look different, but your eyes haven’t changed. Something’s eating you from the inside out, and if the only way for you to deal with it was to come back to the Cove, that something must be here. Am I right?”

Tanya’s heart beat fast. He always could read her like a damn book. “Maybe, but I’m not talking about that now. I didn’t come back expecting...” She shook her head and clasped her hands together to halt their trembling. “I just need a chance to start over. That’s all I’m asking for.”

A muscle flexed and relaxed in his jaw. “Fine. You don’t need me to help you start over. You can do that all by yourself.”

A pain jolted her heart, but Tanya gave a curt nod. “Absolutely.”

He ran his gaze over her face, pausing at her lips. “Good, because you can’t just waltz back into town and expect us to be...friends again.”

His assumption irked her. She huffed out a laugh. “We can’t even be friends? Well, fine, then I made a mistake assuming you’d talk to me, but I never expected you to drop everything. How was I supposed to know you’d be at the Seascape? When did I say anything about you being there for me during our three-minute conversation? You’ve clearly been having a two-sided conversation with yourself. Just like you always did when you were mad.”

Tanya gave a dismissive wave before marching across the open-plan space into the kitchen area. She grabbed the kettle from the counter. It trembled as she held it under the faucet.

“You’re in trouble, Tanya. It’s written all over your face. You need my help, and you expected me to fling my arms open in welcome, didn’t you?”

Her cheeks burned as his accusation struck like a knife blade across her heart. She slammed the kettle on the counter and flicked it on to boil. Inhaling a shaky breath, she faced him. “Fine. You’ve moved on, I have, too. I’m not back expecting anything from you or anyone else. There are things I want to do, have to do, and Templeton is the right place for them to happen. That’s it. I’m here because this is where I need to be.”

He studied her a moment longer before his eyes narrowed with distrust. “So nothing’s changed. Same Tanya. Same agenda.”

“Goddamn it, Liam.” She stepped forward and slapped her hands on the breakfast counter separating them, her temper snapping. “I am not the same Tanya, and believe me, my agenda is far from what it was when I was here before.”

“Then tell me about it.”

“No.”

He glared. “Then what choice do I have but to assume you’re going to barrel through everyone here, looking for money, ambition and every other damn thing regardless of who you knock over along the way?”

Anger rushed through her, making her want to slap him, damn well kick him straight between the legs. She pushed away from the counter and, rounding it, she charged him. “Don’t talk to me that way.”

Surprise flashed through his eyes. “What the hell are you doing?” He braced himself and raised his hands. When she was less than a foot away, he lunged forward and lifted her off her feet before tossing her like a bag of potatoes onto the sofa.

The air left her lungs and she dug her nails into the cushions. “You bastard.”

“What the hell’s the matter with you?” He glared. “You’re like a damn cat who’s caught his tail in an electric socket.”

Angry and humiliated, Tanya snatched up a cushion. “Just get out.”

She put the cushion to her face and waited. But there were no footsteps across the carpet.

Silence filled the room and split the space between them like a guillotine.

Tanya slumped in defeat. Liam Browne never walked away from any situation, no matter how difficult. He was stoic, strong, calm and precise. The complete opposite of her. Now he’d seen her, she would have to answer every question he asked, or risk losing the chance for at least renewed friendship with one of the best men she had ever known—ever had the pleasure of making love with.

But God knew, she would not let him into her heart again. Never, ever again, because Templeton was barely big enough for them apart...together, it was like housing two tigers in a cage. One of them would eat the other alive or die trying to escape.

* * *

LIAM CONTINUED TO look at Tanya’s covered face, visualizing every dip, line, curve and furrow he knew so well. He pictured her wide brown eyes, full, pink lips and slender nose. He imagined the minuscule mole at her temple and the tiny scar on her chin from a childhood fight with Sasha.

He stepped toward her and she stiffened. He sat beside her. “Let me see you.”

She shook her head.

He ran his gaze over her hair, lower to the revealed side of her neck and shoulder. “I’m sorry, okay?”

She snatched the cushion into her lap, her eyes stormed with hurt. “Fine, I am, too. Now you’ve seen me, get out. Clearly, we’ve nothing else to say to one another.”

Her eyes gleamed with unshed tears, her lips quivered and her skin was more ashen than it was while they had been arguing, when it had shone with angry color. He exhaled as the remainder of any animosity he might have felt disappeared. “Why did you run at me like that?”

Her shoulders slumped. “I don’t know.”

Liam ran his gaze over her face. “When you just walked straight into the restaurant as though it was the most natural thing in the world, I didn’t know how to handle it. I should’ve got my crap together before I came here. I’m sorry.”

She shook her head. “My God, if you thought I was calm when I walked in there, I must be one hell of an actress. Do you have any idea what it took for me to do that?” She swiped her fingers under her eyes. “And that was without even thinking whether or not I might see you.”

Liam smiled. His gaze fell to her mouth. “Well, you looked completely sure of yourself to me.”

“I wasn’t. I’m not sure of anything.”

The intensity in her eyes tugged at his chest. He looked away before the hook could take hold and make him bleed. “Look, I came here because I needed to see you alone. You don’t have to tell me anything, but there’s something...” He faced her. “You look unhappy.”

“I am.”

Her simple and easy admission caught him by surprise, and Liam struggled not to flee the apartment. He’d expected denial, anger, accusation and insult. He hadn’t expected those two simple words. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t open up to her pain and expect to walk away from their reunion unscathed when she walked out of his life again.

This sudden softness and vulnerability was the only aspect missing that would have made her perfect for him all those years ago. Where was her hardness? Her strength and independence? He swallowed and blew out a breath. “You’re right. You have changed.”

“I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry I mistreated people by brushing their needs and concerns aside. I have a lot of making up to do, but I will do it, Liam.”

Determination shone in her eyes and he nodded. “Okay.”

She smiled softly. “I have an office in town that I will be turning into a showroom. I plan to have the grand opening next week. I’m a...” She rolled her eyes. “Don’t laugh.”

His gut knotted as the sadness in her eyes changed to sparkling excitement. “I won’t.”

“You promise?”

He raised his hand. “As God is my witness.”

“Okay.” She inhaled a shaky breath and released it on a rush of words. “I’m a party planner.”

He froze, laughter clenching his gut. “A party planner? You?”

She grabbed the cushion and swatted him. “Yes, me.”

“But how—”

“Stop grinning. I get to do all my usual bossing around without people objecting to it. It sure beats the hell out of telling people what they can and can’t do with investments, pensions and everything else. This is way more fun.”

“Fun?” He stared at her, shock reverberating through his diaphragm. “You have fun without being held under duress, too?”

She went for a head shot this time, and laughing, Liam ducked out of the cushion’s reach, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. Then I guess I’ve nothing to worry about.”

Her smile dissolved and she stood. “Of course you don’t. I’ll be fine. Just like I always was. I’m trying something different, that’s all.”

Liam stared, his smile vanishing. She’d lied. It was clear she’d lied. They knew each other too well. Just as she knew things about him, he did about her, too. Something was wrong, but she had plans. Plans were good. She didn’t need him...and he didn’t need her.

Everything was as it should be. Her life hers. His life his.

Hearts intact. Trust still absent.

He could leave. Go one way. Tanya the other.

Nothing to worry about; nothing to upset his game plan of finding someone new to share his life.

He gave a curt nod and stood. “Great. Then I’ll go.”

She smiled softly. “Great.”

“I’ll see you around.” He turned and walked to the front door, pulling it open.

“Liam?”

Damn it. He turned. “Yeah?”

She came closer, only to draw to an abrupt halt. “I never should’ve left. I just wanted you to know that.”

He nodded. “Thanks.” Thanks? Thanks? “See you.”

He walked out and pulled the door closed behind him. He forced his feet forward until he rounded the corridor and was sure he was out of sight. Then, and only then, did he slap himself hard in the head.

Why the hell had he thanked her? Thanking her was about a million aeons away from what he should’ve done. He should’ve kissed her and walked out the door, showing her just how in control Liam Browne was today. Of everything. Including her.

Yeah, right. Of course you are. That’s why your heart’s in your mouth and Tanya’s right inside your head again...just as she’s always been.

CHAPTER FOUR

BALANCING A HEAVY cardboard box atop her lifted thigh, Tanya stretched her arm around it and just about managed to fit the key into the lock of her brand-new office. It was seven-thirty and already the sun’s heat warmed her back through the thin cotton of her T-shirt. Today would undoubtedly be another scorcher. Dropping her leg, she hefted the box more steadily into her arms, turned and walked backward through the door.

She lowered the box to the floor.

Excitement mixed with a hefty dose of fear as she stared around the space. She had a lot to do in the next five days. Empty shelves lined the cream-colored walls, and in the far corner, three tall glass display cabinets waited to be filled with party paraphernalia. The supplier had promised her the cabinets would be easy enough for two people to move.

All she had to do was find someone willing to work with her. It was the only way she could possibly make the current haphazard mess of her new office into an ordered and attractive space for potential clients to browse around.

The grand opening would be Saturday night. She had a single working week to make a miracle.

She sighed. “Heaven help me.”

Extracting her keys from the door, Tanya purposefully pushed it closed, slammed home the bolt and lowered the blind.

A lonely weekend had made her doubt her abilities and weakened her fragile confidence. Her levels of strength and self-belief ebbed and flowed as unpredictably as the ocean that lapped Templeton’s shoreline. She couldn’t do everything she wanted to do, felt she needed to do, without other people’s help. It was wrong of her to hope that Liam might drop by, or that he would at least meet her for dinner sometime. She had to let him go and wish him well.

The new Tanya Todd didn’t use people or gauge what they could do for her. Not anymore. Now she wanted friends, she wanted colleagues to laugh with as well as work with. Who knew, maybe one day she’d find someone to love and share her life with. Someone who didn’t know her before...who didn’t have anything to forgive her for.

Like Liam did.

Fisting her hands on her hips, Tanya scanned the office a second time. In the meantime, she needed to scour the Cove’s couple of thousand residents in the hope of finding someone willing to work with her. Changing the opinion of certain Templeton residents who thought nothing of hanging, drawing and quartering a person before, during or after their treasonous behavior had been proved, would be difficult, but she would succeed.

She couldn’t spend every waking moment atoning for her past, so she would look for someone willing to know her from that moment forward.

Tanya walked to the huge picture window at the front of the office, pulled down the blind and turned. Without the sunlight streaming through the door and window, the large, open-plan space fell into shadowed semidarkness. Nerves rippled through her as fear of the mammoth task ahead—both emotional and physical—amplified in the sudden gloom.

The last thing she needed was people to look inside and have their negativity dent her already shaky belief she could make a success of her new business. A disdainful look, a sharp gibe or word of cynicism could be the first pull that unraveled her carefully woven plans. Everything would be perfect before anyone saw the interior of the Party Place.

Her gaze fell on the antique rosewood desk she’d found at an auction and had shipped to Templeton. The moment she’d laid eyes on it, Tanya was confident she’d found the perfect piece of nostalgia to sit behind as she spoke, cajoled and, hopefully, laughed with clients as they made plans for their engagement, wedding or birthday celebrations.

She strolled toward it and lifted the sheet covering its surface. She ran her fingers over the smooth wood. Sturdy and strong, just as she would be. In time.

Determination rose, fueling her passion for change. She’d made some dire mistakes and, sooner or later, the punishment would arrive in a formal envelope at her sister’s apartment, confirming her date in court on shoplifting charges. But for now, she had the opportunity to prove to herself—and the courts—that she was a smart and savvy businesswoman who had just weakened under stress, as a million and one others had before her.

Pulling back her shoulders, Tanya shook off the darker aspect of her return and smiled.

Tomorrow, she’d put an ad in the local newspaper for an assistant, but today she had work to do. Having this venture fail was not an option. Liam might not have shown an inkling of wanting to rekindle their friendship, but Templeton didn’t begin and end with one man. It began and ended with what happened next and what she did about it.

She dropped the sheet over the desk. Time to get to work.

The next couple of hours passed in a frenzy of stock checking and unpacking the first of what felt like a hundred boxes. Collapsing onto the chair behind her desk, Tanya sat cocooned in a sweaty, thirsty cloud of satisfaction. She ran her gaze over the blotter on her desk, the knickknacks, pens and single vase of lilies in the far corner. The desk took pride of place in front of the center back wall, and her face would be the first thing customers saw when they stepped inside. As time went on, the more the thought pleased rather than intimidated her.

Yet, despite her resolve, a sharp knock on the front door shot Tanya’s heart into her throat.

She stared ahead, her previous bravado melting to sludge at her feet.

A second sharp rap on the glass.

Tanya stood, tugged down her dirt-streaked T-shirt and smoothed the mess of her ponytail. Deciding not to pull back the blind to see who was there for fear of losing her nerve, she threw back the bolt and yanked open the door.

Her sister’s best friend, Leah Dixon, stood on the sidewalk, her bright hazel eyes shining behind her glasses, and her smile wide. “Hey you. So, you’ve finally come back.”

Tanya slumped and smiled as relief flooded through her. “Leah. Hi.”

“It would be nice to get out of this heat for a while.”

Tanya stepped back and waved Leah inside. “Come on in.”

“Thanks.” Leah swept into the office. “Wow, looks as though you’re going to be busy for the next few weeks.”

Tanya closed the door. “Week. Singular.”

Leah lifted an eyebrow. “You’re planning to open in a week? I know you were never one to shy away from hard work, but—”

“This Saturday. It will be fine. I managed most of the organizing of the stock, groundwork and everything else before I came.”

“I see.”

The skeptical tone of Leah’s voice rankled and Tanya frowned. “What?”

“So you were as prepared as possible before facing the firing squad, right?”

Leah’s eyes shone with humor and Tanya raised her hand in mock surrender. “Got me. Come what may, the Party Place will open Saturday. My first priority is getting any remaining invitations out. I mailed quite a few to businesses before I came. It’s the personal ones I’ve been holding on to.” Ignoring Leah’s questioning stare, Tanya walked around her and lifted yet another box waiting to be emptied. “So I’m guessing you’ve spoken to Sasha and she asked you to check up on me?”

“Something like that.”

Tanya took a knife from atop the display cabinet behind her and slashed through the tape on the box’s lid. Just for once, she’d like Sasha to concentrate on her own happiness instead of worrying about everyone else’s. Love for her sister swelled Tanya’s heart. No matter that she hadn’t been there for Sasha when she needed her most, her sister had been there for her, and that was something Tanya intended to repay in every way possible...starting with Matt Davidson’s arrest.

Over and over again, when Tanya had confessed to Sasha how things were getting overwhelming, Sasha had taken time away from Templeton and her cherished Funland to see if she could help. Tanya swallowed. Little did her sister know that Tanya had needed professional help...which meant she’d thrown Sasha’s care back in her face.

Shame washed through her, pushing tears into Tanya’s eyes. She blinked them away and inhaled. “Well, as much as I love Sasha for worrying about me, there was really no need to bother you. I’m fine.” She opened the box and removed a bundle of cream-colored envelopes.

“I see. Is that why you’re having trouble looking at me right now?”

Tanya snapped her gaze to Leah’s. “I have no trouble looking at anyone. You, Caroline and Jay Garrett can think, say and do what you want, I’m happy to be home.”

Leah frowned. “What did Caroline and Jay say to you?”

“Not much. It was the tone of their voices and the disapproval in their eyes that told me all I needed to know.”

“Which is?”

“People are going to be wary of me for a while.” She lifted her shoulders in feigned nonchalance. “That’s okay. People will soon learn I’ve changed. I want a different life here this time around.”

“So this is home now?”

Tanya swallowed against the claustrophobia that threatened. No more running. “Yes.”

“Forever?”

“As much as I can guarantee forever to be.”

“Good.” Leah dropped her arms and came to stand beside Tanya, kindness sparkling in her eyes. “Because you shouldn’t toss us all in the same pot. A few of the people here are quick to share their opinion and make up their minds, but not all of us. So promise me you’ll give others the benefit of the doubt as much as you want them to give it to you, okay?”

Tanya held Leah’s gaze, wondering just how much she knew. Had Sasha told her about the mistakes Tanya had made at work? The breakdown? God, the shoplifting?

Tanya forced a smile. “Okay.”

“Good, because it’s up to you how this goes. You can either upset people from the get-go, or show them you mean business in the nicest possible way. Starting over is why you’re back, right?”

Tanya nodded. “Right.”

Leah narrowed her eyes, suspicion rife in her gaze. “That’s the only reason?”

Her heart picked up speed, but Tanya held Leah’s unblinking study. “What other reason could there be?”

Leah shrugged. “I don’t know. Liam, for example.”

“What about him?”

“Oh, come on.” Leah planted her hands on her hips. “You might be able to fool others in town, but you’ve got no chance with me.”

“What exactly am I trying to fool everyone about?”

“According to Sasha, you left the Cove because of some nonsense your mother had been feeding you, and part of that nonsense was being with Liam was a bad idea. You loved him deeply and there was every chance you two could’ve been the real deal. You can’t tell me the prospect of seeing him again hasn’t sent you into a tailspin.”

Heat warmed Tanya’s cheeks. “I left because it was the right thing to do. Mum needed me and there was no way Sasha was going to leave. Liam and I were good together, but that was it. Now I’m back, I’m not expecting him and me to pick things up where we left off. Time’s passed. He’s changed and so have I. The sooner this town gets on board with that, the better.”

“So, you’ve spoken to him?”

“Yes.”

Leah lifted an eyebrow. “And?”

“And he feels the same. There’s nothing between us anymore.”

Leah sighed and raised her hands. “Fine, so Liam’s out of the picture, but I can’t help thinking he might have a problem with you coming back.”

“Anyway...” Tanya tossed the envelopes back into the box and stormed past Leah to the door. She flung it open. “It was nice seeing you again, but if you don’t mind...”

Leah grinned and, instead of walking to the door, dropped her oversize purse on top of one of the unopened boxes at her feet. “So, where do you want me to start?” Leah continued to smile. “Take that pissy look off your face. I just wanted to see how much gumption you’ve got after what happened to you.”

Tanya shoved the door closed. “What does that mean? How much did Sasha tell you exactly?”

“She told me about the breakdown.”

“She had no right.”

“She had every right. She loves you, and she knows it’s going to be hard for you to settle back into the Cove. I’m here to help, if and when you need me.”

“I told you, I’m fine.”

“I don’t doubt it, but I’m a nurse. I can’t help butting my nose in if I’m concerned about someone.” Leah waggled her eyebrows, kindness and humor shining in her gaze.

Tanya shook her head and smiled. “I’ve got a hell’s chance of rejecting your help whether I want it or not, right?”

“Right. Come here.” Leah pulled Tanya into her arms and squeezed. “You’re going to kick ass. I can feel it. Your guts are still there, missy, and I’m glad because you’re going to have a hell of a fight over the next few weeks.” She pulled back and held Tanya at arm’s length. “Lucky for you, I’m more than ready to help you out with that. So...where do you want me?”

Tanya smiled as optimism bloomed. “Thank you.”

Leah smiled. “You’re welcome. Now...” She leaned down, picked up one of the boxes and laid it on top of another. “Where’s that knife? I could do with slashing something.”

Shaking her head, Tanya surrendered to the inevitable. Leah was a tiny five feet one inch, but known around town as one of the toughest nurses in the hospital’s ER. More the fool anyone who chose to cross her, and Tanya knew that included her.

She walked across the office, snatched up the knife and handed it to Leah. “I need an assistant. Know anyone willing to work with a woman half the town despises?”

Leah slashed open the box. “First of all, you need to start acting as though coming back here fills you with delight from the inside out. Then, and only then, will people accept you’ve come back for a fresh start. If not, they’ll make themselves known to you as potential adversaries. Either way, forearmed is forewarned.”

“In other words, I need to start kicking butt in the same sweet-natured way you do.”

“Exactly.”

Tanya smiled. She could put her past mistakes behind her and start again. She could find Matt Davidson and lay Sasha’s ghosts to rest, as well as her own.

Leah pulled out a bundle of files. “I happen to know a young lady who I think will be the perfect assistant for you and, no doubt, would be more than willing to start work straightaway.”

“You do?”

“Uh-huh.” Leah’s face turned somber. “She’s had a tough time and needs somewhere safe to work and figure out who she is. Not unlike you. I think you’ll be good for each other.”

Ignoring the accuracy of Leah’s observations, Tanya frowned. “And does this girl have a name?”

“She’s nineteen going on thirty. Lucy Walker. You remember her, right?”

* * *

LIAM STOOD AT his office window and glared at the building across the street. When he’d grabbed his morning coffee from Marian Cohen’s bakery a few hours ago, she’d taken extreme pleasure in telling him that Tanya would soon be changing one of the offices into a showroom for her new party planning business.

Marian’s eyes had been wide with anticipation as she’d waited for his reaction. When he’d turned and met the not-so-subtle glances of others around him, it became all too clear news of Tanya’s return had spread around town like wildfire.

He continued to glare at Tanya’s shuttered office windows as his mind drifted to the way Tanya had looked when she told him she never should have left. What was he supposed to do with that? In eight years he’d not received a single letter, phone call, text or email from her.

He shook his head. So she had regrets. Didn’t everyone? That didn’t mean he wanted to go over old ground—and once his desire caught up with that mentality, his plan to meet someone new would be back on. It was damn annoying Tanya had chosen that particular office to set up shop. Or had she chosen it because she knew damn well he was stationed across the street?

He whirled away from the window and paced his office for the twentieth time that morning. Papers littered his desk and he was due in court in less than an hour, but his brain was far from focused, which was entirely new. His job was his life, people’s welfare his main concern, which was why he could not allow Tanya to burrow under his skin. He couldn’t afford to trust her. She’d stood him up too many times when they’d been dating, chose work over everything—basically treating him as though he was little more than a sexual distraction whenever the mood struck her.

He liked the man he’d become since she left. He liked the order, consistency and regimented stability in his life. It was Tanya who’d so easily provoked the anarchy and disorder that lingered just beneath the surface of his control. He would not, could not, go back to being that person again. She drove him nuts before and she would again.

But goddamn it, he’d loved her. When she was alone with him...when they were together, she was softer, more hopeful and shared her dreams of one day getting married, having kids. Had those been lies?

His gut told him no.

He had to stop thinking about her and hold on to who he was without her.

Liam picked up his cell phone and hovered his finger over Sasha’s number. He needed the truth. If Sasha told him why Tanya was back in Templeton—the real reason, not the flimsy excuse that she wanted to start over—maybe he would accept her being there and move on.

It was driving him mad—the need to rush across the street and demand to know why she had come back to the place she used to call Devil’s Paradise.

Before he could change his mind, he dialed Sasha’s number.

As it rang, he walked back to the window. Goddamn it, why were her office blinds drawn? What was Tanya hiding in there? Or was she hiding, period? Leah Dixon had left about half an hour before...maybe he should forget talking to Sasha and track down Leah instead.

“Hello?”

Too late. Liam pulled back his shoulders. “Sasha, it’s Liam.”

“I know. What’s wrong? Is Tanya okay?”

Annoyance simmered in his gut. “Why do you ask that like I should know? Tanya isn’t my responsibility.”

Sasha sniffed. “Well, for someone clearly trying his best to act like he doesn’t give a damn about Tanya, you sound mighty wound up about something.”

“Do you know she’s setting herself up in an office right opposite mine?”

She sighed. “Glad to hear she’s settling in okay.”

“Settling in? Bloody hell, Sasha, I don’t want to have to look out my window at her every day.”

She laughed. “Then don’t.”

Liam shoved his fingers into his hair. “Are you finding this funny? I can’t ignore her. You know how I felt about her.”

“I do. I also know she isn’t back to start something up with you again. You know Tanya. Can’t you just be her friend and not get involved? I love her, Liam, but who knows how long she’ll last in the Cove. I thought the Liam and Tanya train left town years ago.”

Liam clenched his jaw. “It has... I’ve even had sex with other women.”

“Funny.”

“But that doesn’t mean it’s not thrown me through a loop seeing her again.”

“This is the first time we’ve spoken in weeks. I don’t have to be Miss Marple to work out the reason you’re puffing and panting like an unfit athlete. She’s gotten to you already, hasn’t she?”

He glared toward Tanya’s office. “Just tell me the truth. Why is she really here?”

“She wants a fresh start.”

He rolled his eyes and gripped the phone. “So she said, but why Templeton? The last I heard from her, via a damn note shoved under my door, she was getting out of Devil’s Paradise while she still could. This was the last place she wanted to be.”

“People change their minds.”

“Yes, but—” He stopped as realization hit him straight between the eyes, making the hairs at the back of his neck prickle with protectiveness. “This doesn’t have something to do with your leaving, does it? Is she here to finish whatever happened between you and your mum? The thing you told me you’d share with me one day but never did?”

“Of course not, and don’t you dare bring that up with her, okay? It’s history.”

“Does she see it that way, Sasha?”

“Yes, she does. I’m not the reason she’s come home.”

“Home? Is that your word for Templeton or hers?”

“Hers.”

He raised his eyebrows. Things must be worse than he’d imagined if Tanya now called Templeton her home. Frowning, he stared through the window once more. “Just give me something. I’m going a little crazy here.”

“I can hear that.” Sasha’s exhalation rasped down the line. “Look, I thought you two were over. Tanya needs someone to trust while she finds her feet.”

“Fine. I’ll look out for her, but there is no way I’m getting involved with her again.”

“I understand. Look, Tanya will tell you what she wants you to know if, and when, she’s ready.”

Liam turned his back to the window. “Has someone hurt her? Is she in trouble?”

“Liam, please. It isn’t my place to tell you. Ask her. If she wants to tell you, she will. If not, then...”

Frustration burned. His work provoked an urgency and determination to see justice done, but that was business. Tanya Todd was as personal as anything had ever been in his life. He had to shut his emotions down or she would strip him bare as she had before.

He swiped his hand over his face. “She’s got to find her own way back to people trusting her. I can’t do that for her.”

“Exactly, but she’s willing to try. Why don’t you do the same? Second chances, Liam. Isn’t that what you’re all about?”

“Second chances? I gave Tanya plenty of ch—”

The line went dead.

Cursing, he turned to the window and froze. “Marian. No, no, no. Don’t you go in there. Don’t you...oh, damn it.”

He tapped the phone against his bottom lip as Marian pushed open the door of Tanya’s office and walked inside just as easy as can be. Tension stiffened his shoulders. How could he abandon Tanya to the wolves? Templeton’s alpha female might go hunting dressed in a floral frock and sensible shoes, but Marian could shred her prey down to their bare soul if they weren’t surrounded by a pack of helpers.

He marched behind his desk and picked up his briefcase, shoving in his case files and phone before snapping it closed. Marian could shoot to kill with a single look, or open her arms and rock a full-grown adult like a baby. He had no idea which way things would go for Tanya. He had to go over there.

A soft knock sounded on his office door and he looked up. “Come in.”

Suzie, his receptionist, stood on the threshold. “You do realize you’re due in court in less than twenty minutes? It’s going to take you at least that long to get across town.”

Suzie never had the need to remind him of any appointment, much less a court hearing. He glanced toward the window and back to Suzie. “I need to...”

She frowned. “You need to what?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. Thanks, Suzie. I’m on my way.”

She nodded, leaving the door open as she returned to her desk. Liam headed for the door. Focus on the job at hand. If he kept doing that, maybe, just maybe, he could manage a few hours’ work without worrying about Tanya and whether or not she’d make it out alive after Marian’s interrogation.

CHAPTER FIVE

TANYA SLOWLY PUT down the notice board she was about to hang on her office wall and faced Marian. “Marian Cohen, right? I had a feeling I’d see you today.”

Marian smiled, her eyes glinting with good humor. “We haven’t even met before, which means Sasha must’ve warned you about me.” She grinned. “I do so like it when my reputation precedes me.”

Tanya tilted her chin. The woman was absolutely right. Sasha hadn’t just warned Tanya about Marian Cohen, she’d trained her in how to get the town’s matriarch on her side. According to Sasha, agreement with Marian’s views and advice was always the way into Marian’s good books. However, if Tanya ever found agreement a stretch too far, she needed to show Marian she was an equal as far as debate and action were concerned.

According to Sasha, Marian hid a heart of gold behind a ferocious protection for the younger generation. However, that protection came with a condition—they were expected to set their minds on something and then take steps to make their dreams and aspirations reality. If they did, Marian would be their stalwart supporter and advocate...if they didn’t, she’d kick butt.

Sasha had made it clear to Tanya that to have Marian in her corner would mean a better chance of her survival in the Cove. Tanya forced a wide smile. “Tea?”

Marian beamed. “That would be lovely.” She glanced around the office, and when her gaze fell on Tanya’s chair, Marian sauntered across the room and sat, placing her purse on the desk. She emitted an audible and very contented sigh.

Turning, Tanya rolled her eyes and made for the kitchen. Sasha had warned that attempting to evade Marian’s questions was futile. She knew everyone and everything going on in Templeton. If anyone was foolish enough to try avoiding her, more often than not, Marian caught up with her target and then he or she would end up revealing far more than if they’d been on their guard and prepared.

Tanya vowed not to fall into that trap. She might not have much, but she still had her wits about her when it came to this town and its people.

Flicking on the electric kettle, Tanya took two mugs from the cupboard above her and set about making the tea. Her mind whirled with possible questions Marian might ask, and what she would say in return. Eight years ago, Marian had been a new and interesting resident to the Cove, most likely trying to find a foothold, as Tanya was now.

However, if Marian thought her reputation had preceded her, there was no doubt in Tanya’s mind Marian knew of Tanya’s reputation as a cold and ambitious businesswoman, too. Regret swept through her again that she’d shown so little compassion when some of the residents had come into the bank for financial help. Why hadn’t she seen just what her often too-quick refusal of loans and investment advice had done to people?

Putting the mugs, milk and sugar on a tray, she pulled on an air of confidence and reentered the office. Dwelling on the past was counterproductive.

Let battle commence...

Marian smiled. “It’s a prime location you have here. Lots of street traffic. Should be good for business.” She lifted an eyebrow. “Whatever your business might be.”

“Parties. I’m a party planner.” Tanya laid the tray on the desk. “Milk?”

“Yes. A party planner? Well, there’s always an excuse for a party in my book. There’s been enough unpleasantness in this town over the years. I’m all for you promoting a bit of fun and games instead. Much better.”

Tanya bit back a response. It might be beneficial to let Marian do the talking and only respond when she actually asked a question. She passed her a mug and inched the sugar closer. Fighting her annoyance over how Marian sat so comfortably in Tanya’s chair, she strolled across the office to grab one of two visitors’ chairs that would eventually sit in front of her desk.

She sat and met the older woman’s expectant gaze. “So, what is it you want to know?”

Marian lifted her mug to her lips, eyeing Tanya over the rim. She took a delicate sip before returning it to the desk. “How’s Sasha? Why didn’t she come back with you? And what are you intending to do as far as making up for the way you treated certain people in this town?”

Bam, bam, bam.

Okay, so Marian clearly intended to go straight for the jugular.

Tanya cleared her throat. She needed to show Marian she wouldn’t be pushed around, no matter the mistakes she’d made. “Sasha’s happy and wants to stay where she is. As for the third question, you’ve obviously heard all about the career-mad, money-hungry woman I was before I left. I expected nothing less than people in this town to take immense pleasure in telling others about the person I was back then.” She took a sip of her tea. “Fresh starts are practically forbidden in Templeton. A person either stays the same or they rock the boat. No one in the Cove likes someone who stirs up the waters...unfortunately, my return will undoubtedly do just that.”

“You’ve got that wrong, for a start.”

“Have I?”

“I can safely say no one rocks the boat in this town more than me. If you can manage to shake off that big ole chip on your shoulder, there’s a good chance you’ll do just fine and dandy here. If you don’t...” She shrugged. “You’re likely to drown with the first incoming tide.”

Tanya held Marian’s gaze, irritation burning hot in her stomach. “I’m back because this is where I need to be. Why, is nobody’s business but mine.”

“Need or want?”

Tanya frowned. How could a stranger, a woman who knew nothing about her, pick up on such a slip? “Fine, I’m back because the Cove is where I want to be. Sasha didn’t come with me because she enjoys her life in Bridgewater. She’s finally found somewhere she is happy, and with the man she needs to keep her that way.”

“I’m glad.” Marian smiled. “I just about love the bones of that girl.”

A stab of what felt far too much like envy to have someone say something so affectionate about her sister kicked Tanya’s heart. She quickly looked away from Marian’s unwavering gaze and stared toward the window. “So do I, so at least we have something in common.”

“Oh, I think we have plenty more than that in common.”

Tanya faced Marian. “Such as?”

“Such as you might have lived here before but, for all intents and purposes, you’re a stranger in town.”

Tanya stared. Did this woman know how much her words were hurting her? Or was she oblivious to Tanya’s loneliness and complete regret for what her impulsive and judgmental words and unsympathetic actions had done to people when she’d lived in Templeton before? “And?”

“When I came into town with George, everyone looked at me as though I was a tiger in a cage. As though, at any moment, I would gnaw my way clean through the bars and damn well eat them. They’d wait with bated breath to see what I would do next. Who I was and why I was with good ole George Cohen just about riled every damn person who looked, spoke or insulted me. No one wanted to offer me friendship until they got to know me and my so-called agenda.”

Tanya huffed out a laugh. “Sounds about right.”

“So what do you think I did to become the respected and loved person I am in the Cove today?”

Tanya arched an eyebrow. “That’s quite a high opinion of yourself.”

Marian narrowed her eyes. “Another thing we have in common.”

Seconds passed...before she and Marian both grinned.

Tanya laughed and held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Marian Cohen.”

Marian put down her mug and closed her hand around Tanya’s. “Likewise.”

Tanya shook Marian’s hand and relaxed into her seat. She regarded the formidable woman across the desk with curiosity—and a hefty dose of determination. They’d reached a clear understanding, but that didn’t mean Marian could be trusted. Tanya cleared her throat and crossed her arms. “So...what else do you want to know?”

Marian picked up her mug. “Nothing...for now. But I do hope you’ll come to me to talk when you’re ready.”

“Why?”

Marian took a sip of her tea. “Because I know why you’re back.”

Unease lifted the hairs at Tanya’s nape, but she stayed perfectly still, her poise practiced and perfected. “Oh?”

“You’re back because you’re running home. Sasha told me how much you dislike Templeton and you’ve made your derision pretty clear to me today. Why come back to the Cove unless you needed someone, or something, you knew would still be here?”

Heat seared Tanya’s cheeks as Marian’s suspicions hit the bull’s-eye. Hadn’t she returned in the hope Liam would accept her apology and still be there for her? Hoped he wouldn’t just help her slip back into Templeton’s community, but help her find the man who hurt Sasha when she was a child?

She swallowed and forced her gaze to Marian’s. “This was my home for twenty-two years, I have every right to be here. I want to start over and make up for some of the hurt my decisions caused. But more than anything, I’m back to get some answers.” Goddamn it, why the hell did I say that?

Marian narrowed her eyes, all friendliness vanishing from her gaze. “Answers to what?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

Tanya’s heart picked up speed. She needed answers to everything. Answers to who she was. Answers to where the man who hurt Sasha now hid. Answers about the depth of Liam’s pain and what she could do to atone for the careless way she’d treated him and their love.

Marian cleared her throat and stood, sliding her purse from the desk and hitching the strap onto her shoulder. “The Cove is a good and safe place for anyone needing protection and kindness, but both need to be earned. You’d be wise to let others in. Prove you can be trusted with their offers of help. Because, believe me, the offers will come.

“When I came in here, I was prepared for a showdown with what I had been told was one hard-nosed ball breaker. You’re a pussycat. A pussycat whose eyes tell me she’s afraid of her own shadow. You’re afraid to admit you’re as vulnerable and scared as the rest of us. Take my advice. Take off the mask and let us see the ugly. We won’t run away, promise.”

Tanya stayed perfectly still as she battled the trembling in her body. She would not weaken. She would not reveal a single indication of how much Marian had rattled her. The older woman ran her gaze over Tanya’s face and hair before giving a knowing nod and heading for the door.

Counting the seconds, Tanya concentrated on breathing until Marian stepped out onto the street and closed the door behind her.

Tanya released her held breath.

Now what? Was Marian right? Did Tanya need to take off the mask and start making some confessions and apologies already?

Her stomach knotted, but Tanya pulled back her shoulders. She would seek out the people she had ignored, rejected and judged. She would own what she had done and hope they accepted her apologies. If they couldn’t, then she would learn to accept that and do everything in her power to ensure she never acted cruelly again.

It was time to take action in every area of her plans, not just with the Party Place.

* * *

IT NEARED SIX o’clock by the time Liam walked along the sidewalk toward his office. The day’s blazing heat had yet to subside more than a degree or two, and his shirt stuck to his back like paper saturated in glue.

He stared at the facade of Tanya’s office. The blinds were drawn, as they’d been when he’d left for court hours before, yet he sensed her still inside.

Indecision battled with common sense as he glanced at the closed front door. All afternoon he’d alternated between concentrating on what people were saying to him at the courthouse, to wondering what Marian’s visit with Tanya had been about. More important, what Marian had said to her. The stark vulnerability and pleading in Tanya’s eyes when he’d been at her apartment remained branded on his mind. Marian was a fireball of a woman who should come with a warning.

Eight years ago, he wouldn’t have wasted a moment’s thought about whether or not Tanya could handle Marian. However, the Tanya of today was an entirely different matter. He understood she’d had her share of difficulties since she’d left the Cove, but concern she wasn’t fully over them continued to nag at his consciousness.

He inhaled deeply and looked both ways along the street before he strode toward Tanya’s office. This was it. If he knocked on her door, he was in for the long haul. Whatever was really going on with Tanya, he would get to the bottom of it and help her...because whatever it was, it spelled trouble. That much he was certain of, even if everything else about her was causing a mess of feelings in his gut.

He rapped his knuckles on the door before trying the handle just as Marian had that afternoon when she’d walked straight inside.

The door was locked.

Liam waited for an indication that the office was empty, but he only became more certain that Tanya was inside.

He knocked a second time.

Nothing.

He stepped toward the window and peered through the small gap between the frame and the closed blind. An array of glass display cabinets stood side by side, waiting to be filled with whatever party planners filled cabinets with, as well as a rolled rug or carpet. He was about to pull back and get his ass over to his own office where it belonged, when a very female shadow passed over the cabinets. Judging by the curve of breasts he remembered only too well, Tanya had just made herself visible. He smiled. “Got you.”

He walked back to the door and bent down, pushing open the letter box. “Tanya, open up. I know you’re in there. Look, I just want to talk to you, okay?” Liam darted his gaze over the gleaming white floor tiles and a stack of boxes. “If you’re still upset about the whole ‘tossing you on the couch’ thing, I’m sor—”

A brief glance of black denim–clad legs whipped into his limited vision before a lock clicked. Tanya flung the door open with such force he nearly fell face-first onto her office floor. He gripped the doorjamb and straightened.

Her sad, dark brown eyes bored into his. “You’re right. We do need to talk.”

“Good, because—”

“She’s right.”

Liam frowned. “Who?”

“Marian.”

“Ah. She bulldozed you, right? She talked so much sense at such speed you now feel like you’ve done something wrong, or not quick enough, or not the right way. We’ve all been on the receiving end of that. It’s what Marian does best.”

She crossed her arms. “Why do I get the impression you’re finding it funny that I’m her latest victim?”

He smiled. “You could never be anyone’s victim, but that doesn’t mean I want you upset by anyone, either.”

“Right.”

He frowned. “Are you okay?”

She blinked. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

His smile dissolved and something inside kicked painfully. “What?”

“I’m sorry for a lot of things, but I’m sorry for hurting you most of all.”

When a tear slipped down her cheek, Liam reached for her before he could think just how stupid a mistake that might be. “Hey, come here.”

He dropped his briefcase and pulled her into his arms. She lowered her head onto his chest, her body trembling. What the hell had Marian said to her? He gently maneuvered Tanya inside.

Keeping one hand on hers, Liam leaned down to retrieve his briefcase before kicking the door closed. Dropping the case a second time and leading Tanya to a low wooden cabinet, he lifted her up and settled her on top of it. Her knees parted and he stood between them...just the way he used to.

His heart thundered with the sudden need to kiss her, to feel her warm, soft lips on his. He dropped his gaze to her mouth. He couldn’t do that. Correction, he wouldn’t do that. Unless she asked him to.

He smoothed some fallen hair from her face. “What happened between us is in the past.”

She stared deep into his eyes. “Is it?”

He tightened his grip on her waist. In that moment, nothing felt in the past. She was here in his present and, God help him, he had a horrible feeling he’d soon want her in his future, too.

“Kiss me, Liam.”

Her whispered invitation cut through his heart and memory like a knife. He snapped his gaze to hers. “Tanya...”

“Please. Just one kiss.”

Her eyes were soft with pleading and when she flicked out her tongue to wet her lips, Liam came undone. A groan rumbled through his chest and into the quiet of the room before he leaned in and softly brushed his lips over hers. The contact, the memory, was too much to resist. He tightened his hold on her waist and took everything he’d missed for so damn long. Every hour, every week, every year of his past longing surged through him on an avalanche of pain that hurt as much as her abrupt departure.

Yet he didn’t pull away, and he didn’t refrain from putting his tongue to hers and kissing her deeply, passionately. Her hands slid up his arms to score through the hair at the back of his neck, and like a man starved, he fed deeper, longer and harder.

A whimper escaped her lips, and he slowly opened his eyes.

What the hell am I doing?

He abruptly released her and stepped back. Their harried breaths joined before Liam whirled away and pushed his hands into his hair. “I can’t do this.”

“Liam...”

He raised his hand, his back still turned to her. “No, Tanya. I can’t. It’s bad enough you’re here, but starting something with you would be too hard.”

The silence stretched before she released a shaky breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you to kiss me.”

She’d gotten off the cabinet and stood before him, wringing her hands and darting her gaze from his to around the room. Her uncertainty wrenched at him and his need to distance himself from her suddenly vanished as though she’d reached in and yanked it straight out.

He fisted his hands on his hips and exhaled. “What did Marian say to you?”

“Well, she called me a pussycat, for a start.” She huffed out a laugh and wiped her fingers under her eyes. “That was a first from anyone.”

He couldn’t meet her smile. He wanted answers. “I saw her come in here this afternoon. You looked scared just now. Something I never thought I’d see. What did she say to you?”

Her gaze lingered a moment at his lips before she abruptly turned and walked to her desk. “That I need to show the people my ugly before I can expect to move forward.”

“She’s right.”

“I know.” Standing behind her desk, she crossed her arms in a feeble act of defiance, considering the panic so clearly etched in her gaze. “I shouldn’t have left as I did, but I was scared.”

He frowned. “Scared?”

“Of you.”

Liam dropped his arms and stepped closer. “Me?”

“Yes. Of what we had. Of what I felt for you. You were becoming more important to me than anything, and Mum had drummed into Sasha and me that love doesn’t last, money does. I was scared of losing everything I’d worked so hard for. Now I know just how stupid I was because ultimately, I lost you and everything else.”

Liam tried to fight the urge to walk out. How could he when there was so much unfinished business between them? Hating his need to have everything tied up in nice little boxes, Liam shook his head. “Okay, let’s get out of here.” He moved across the room and plucked her purse from an old-fashioned coat stand by the door. “We’re going back to my place. I’m going to cook you dinner and we’re going to talk. Properly.”

“What else is there to say? I’ve said I’m sorry.”

He spun around and glared, his anger and frustration returning. Her cheeks blazed red and panic shone in her gaze, but there was no way she wouldn’t be telling him more. Tonight.

“No more lying to me, Tanya. Something’s wrong. I’m not questioning if this is where you need to be. I’m questioning why you look so damn sad and nervous. Since when have you been afraid of anything or anyone? You’re in trouble. This isn’t all about you and me and what we had before. If you want my friendship back, you’ll level with me. If you can’t do that, I walk out the door and you don’t speak, look at or touch me again. Now, what’s it to be?”

Her study ran over his face, lower to his chest before she met his gaze. Liam clenched his jaw and pretended not to notice the way her eyes had darkened with unmistakable hunger.

“Fine.” She snatched a bunch of keys from her desk. “Your place it is.” She shot him a loaded stare before coming around the desk and brushing past him through the door.

She stood on the sidewalk, her brown eyes glinting with determination. She looked phenomenal. So like the woman he remembered and loved. Ignoring the hum of angry arousal simmering in his gut, Liam picked up his briefcase and joined her on the sidewalk.

She locked the door and faced him. “So, where are you living now?”

He glanced at her breasts. If only he didn’t know how she was in bed...if only he didn’t know her, period. He snapped his gaze to hers. “I’ve got one of the cottages over on Melonworth Drive. Come on. The sooner we get there, the sooner I can feed you.”

She gave a curt nod and stepped ahead of him across the street. Liam watched her go before sending up a silent prayer for the strength to get through the next couple of hours and whatever it was Tanya would soon tell him.

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