Loving Liam (Cloverleaf #1)

by Gloria Herrmann

  Rachel’s body tensed as she heard Liam greeting Karen. Quickly planning an exit strategy, she zoomed into her office.

  ***

  Liam

  Karen watched as Rachel sped past. “Boy, she must be in a hurry,” she commented to Liam.

  He watched as Rachel shut the door to her office, knowing full well why she had fled. So the avoiding game now was in full swing.

  For the remainder of the day, Liam didn’t see a trace of Rachel, but he didn’t press the issue or try to confront her. He wanted to give her a little space as he tried to figure out how to mend things between them.

  After work, Liam decided to drive by the O’Brien Construction shop to see if Patrick was in. He wanted to get his brother’s advice on what to do about Rachel because he had failed to come up with any ideas on his own.

  Walking inside the large metal building, he saw Patrick leaning against the counter sorting some papers.

  “Hey, Patrick, how’s it going?” Liam called out.

  Patrick looked up, and his mouth turned into a slanted smile. “It’s going. Just got done with a small job; we barely just got back in. Glad you stopped by, though. I wanted to see how things were. You seemed a little down at dinner.”

  “Yeah, that’s kind of why I came by. I wanted to get your advice on some stuff.”

  “Sure. I’m assuming this has to do with Rachel?” Patrick gave him a knowing look.

  Liam nodded. “Yeah, I’m sort of stuck right now. Basically, she came over on Friday to discuss that issue we’ve been having at work.”

  Thinking about their encounter left him wanting more, needing more. God, he wanted her again so badly, it made his body hurt. The thought it may never happen killed him.

  “So how did that go?” Patrick asked. “She probably gave you an earful, I imagine.”

  “She did, and then, I don’t know, things happened so fast.”

  Patrick focused his eyes on Liam with intense curiosity. “What do you mean ‘things happened so fast’? What the hell happened, Liam?”

  “Let’s just say it went from fighting to making up real quick,” Liam said. “Then the next morning she took off without saying good-bye or anything, and today at work, she completely avoided me.”

  “Wow.” Patrick rubbed his dark evening stubble. “You really like her, don’t you?”

  “I do. I can’t explain it, either. That’s why I wanted to come to you. I feel like we finally got to a point where we both see that we are attracted to each other, and I think this could turn into something serious.”

  “So now how do we fix this? Basically, your biggest problem is work, right? Maybe we should start there. What about those reports she has been hounding you about?” Patrick was deep in thought, and Liam was glad problem-solving was his gift.

  Liam rolled his eyes and grunted. “Yes, work is our main problem and her not wanting to get involved because of work. I think she came up here to really prove something to herself or maybe her family. Patrick, I don’t agree with what she is asking us to do with all this focusing on testing and dragging the parents into that big mess.”

  “I know you don’t, but if you play ball, she might be a little more willing to talk to you at least. Maybe she won’t be so quick to put up that wall,” Patrick offered helpfully.

  “Man, I don’t know. That’s asking me to go along with something I firmly don’t believe in,” Liam countered.

  “Do you think you might love her?” Patrick looked hard at him.

  This was why Liam had come to Patrick. He was only a little bit older but had lived so much more. He knew what love was, and he would be straight and honest with Liam. There would be no sugar-coating from Patrick.

  Liam swallowed and inhaled, then let out a lungful of air. “I think I do, Patrick.”

  ***

  Rachel

  Rachel was in her kitchen heating up some water for tea when her cell phone buzzed.

  “Hello?” she answered as she dunked a teabag into a large mug, mesmerized by the steam.

  “Hey, lady, how’s it going?” Chelsea chirped.

  Rachel smiled. She could always count on her best friend to be happy and cheery. Maybe it was all that California sun. Rachel sure missed that, especially now, when the gray clouds controlled the skies of Birch Valley and matched her own gloomy disposition.

  “Raining like crazy here,” Rachel responded as she grabbed her mug, then took a sip, careful not to burn her mouth.

  “Well, I better not tell you how gorgeous it is here,” Chelsea teased. “So the big question is, how was work today, and did you see him?”

  Rachel sighed loudly. “I’m such a coward, Chelsea. I avoided him like the plague. I just feel awful. Any time I heard his voice today or even caught a glimpse of him, I booked it in the opposite direction.”

  “Oh, Rachel.”

  “Next week we have this bake sale to raise funds for our Dr. Seuss day in March. I have to sort of lead the event, and all the teachers participate. I’m completely dreading it now.”

  “Do you have to bake too? Remember that time we tried making brownies? What a disaster!”

  Rachel chuckled. “Yeah, I have to bake too.”

  “There is a grocery store or bakery nearby, right?” Chelsea suggested sweetly.

  “No, I’ll actually be baking. I already know how to bake something pretty awesome.” Rachel smiled at the thought.

  “Really?” Chelsea seemed surprised but then continued, “So let’s talk more about Liam. What are you going to do?”

  “I have no idea. I do know we can’t go on like this, with me running to my office every time he’s near.”

  “Maybe it’s time to talk to him, Rachel. What if you explained how you feel? Honestly, where do you stand with this guy? Where do you want to stand with him?”

  It was a good question, and Rachel really wasn’t sure of the answer. A large part of her was terrified, but another part wanted something with Liam, and that part seemed to keep growing. Although Rachel continued to try to fight any feelings she was developing for Liam and that was getting harder and harder to do.

  “It’s so incredibly difficult. There’s a part of me that, to be completely honest, is attracted to Liam. He’s unlike any guy I have ever met. He’s sexy, funny, and smart, but he’s also a teacher and I’m his boss. My God, I can’t even begin to explain the effect he has on my body.”

  Thinking about Liam caused her to feel warm all over and desire to simmer right below the surface. She was shocked how quickly her body reacted.

  “Damn, that sounds like enough of a reason right there to be with him,” Chelsea responded with eagerness.

  “He comes from this amazing family. I love his sister, Maggie. You would too.” Rachel went on to explain how her relationship with Maggie had developed over the last several weeks.

  “She sounds really sweet.” Rachel thought she detected a hint of jealousy in Chelsea’s voice.

  “Seriously, you’d like her. I bet she would adore you too,” Rachel said gently.

  “I guess the only problem is, you need to figure out if you can get past the work stuff. Then, if you can, maybe you can try and give it a shot. He sounds wonderful, and I want to meet him and his brothers,” Chelsea said in her fake sultry voice.

  Imagining how Chelsea would react to Liam made Rachel squirm with a bit of jealousy this time. “When you come up for spring break, you’re going to have to meet everyone here. There are so many nice people. As for his brothers, they are both single. Patrick is, like, wow, I mean, just wow. ‘Tall, dark, and handsome’ barely describes that man. And Daniel is so adorable and sweet.”

  “Ooh, Patrick. I like tall, dark, and handsome very much. Now I can’t wait to come and visit you.”

  Rachel laughed. “I bet.”

  “Hey, have you heard from your parents at all? My dad says he had drinks with your dad last week. Said he didn’t even discuss you being up here,” Chelsea said quietly.

  “No surpri
se. I got an email from him a couple days ago, asking if I had come to my senses yet. My mother sent me a lovely text too, asking me if I had met anyone and also when will I come to my senses and come back,” Rachel said. “Ethan and you are honestly the only ones who seem to have supported me doing this. Ethan says he hopes to come up for a visit too, but he has been so swamped.”

  “Maybe Ethan and I should come up together,” Chelsea offered seductively.

  “Good grief. I can’t wait to show you this place. It’s so different, but I think you will like it, and everyone says it’s so pretty in spring. Right now, there are dirty chunks of snow everywhere.”

  The two friends chatted for a while longer, and when they hung up, Rachel felt more at ease about her problems and eager for Chelsea’s visit in the spring. She considered herself lucky to have such a great friend and realized how much she truly missed her.

  ***

  The following days only brought more rain and worsened Rachel’s mood. Continuing to avoid Liam was proving to be more difficult each day. It also didn’t help that Karen was watching her like a hawk, knowing full well what she was up to. To top that off, Valentine’s Day was tomorrow, and Rachel could feel herself becoming more irritated as it neared, not only because it reminded her of that awful breakup a couple years back, but because it made her realize how lonely she was. Then there was the bake sale. Even though it wasn’t until Friday, the day after Valentine’s Day, Karen had already started decorating the cafeteria, going for a full-blown Valentine’s theme that made Rachel nauseous. She couldn’t wait to be done with this holiday.

  ***

  Liam

  Liam sat behind his desk in the quiet classroom as his students took a practice test in preparation for the major state test. He stared out the window, watching the rain pelt the glass. He then turned his attention to the large stack of neatly signed papers in front of him. He was setting a plan in motion. A plan he hoped would set him and Rachel on the right track. He may not fully agree with her decisions, but knowing that conceding to them might bring them closer eased his conscience.

  ***

  Rachel

  Rachel strolled into work the next day feeling even more down in the dumps. She was wet and cold and had slept horribly the night before. Today was the dreaded Valentine’s Day. A large vase filled with flowers sat proudly on Karen’s desk, and Rachel groaned as Karen peeked out from behind the mailboxes, her arms filled with memos printed on pink paper.

  “Happy Valentine’s, Rachel,” Karen sang happily.

  Rachel nodded and shuffled to her office without replying. Must Karen be so perky today? she thought as she closed the door behind her. When she looked at her desk, she saw several goodies waiting for her there. Her frown softened as she sat down to get a good look at them. Karen had given her a small vase containing a festive floral arrangement, and a few parents had given her boxes of chocolates. She couldn’t help but feel touched by the sweet gesture.

  She then noticed a small crystal and silver paperweight sitting atop a stack of papers. Confusion washed over her as she read the inscription:

  You have my heart.

  She turned her gaze to the papers beneath and couldn’t believe her eyes. They were the progress reports from Liam’s fourth grade students.

  A smile appeared on her face. Maybe this Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be so terrible after all.

  ***

  Liam

  Liam was organizing the treats he’d brought for his students when he heard a soft knock at his door. Butterflies swirled in his stomach, and he smiled broadly and turned as Megan slithered in. A brilliant red sweater and pink skirt hugged her body, and she wore her long brown hair in loose waves. Tiny heart-shaped diamonds twinkled at her ears.

  “Good morning, Liam. Happy Valentine’s,” she cooed.

  His broad smile vanished as disappointment overtook him. “Morning.”

  “Why so cranky? You were just smiling a second ago,” Megan said, sounding slightly offended as she inched closer to him.

  “Sorry, thought you were one of the kids,” he replied coldly and turned back to his task.

  “Need any help?” she offered as she touched his arm.

  He shifted his body away from her grasp. “No, I got it, but thanks.”

  “Okay,” Megan whined, “well, I guess I will head back to my room. Just wanted to wish you a Happy Valentine’s.”

  “Same to you. Hope your students have fun today.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot, what are you bringing for the bake sale tomorrow?” Megan asked, clearly scrambling to find any reason to continue their conversation.

  “My mom’s bringing in lemon bars, I think,” Liam replied, finally looking back at her.

  “Yummy.” Megan licked her lips slowly.

  Liam had had about as much as he could stand. “Well, I really need to get some stuff done. They will be here any minute now.”

  Looking disappointed, Megan sashayed out of his classroom. That woman put it all out there, and Liam wanted nothing to do with any of it. Granted, she was sexy, he supposed, but she wasn’t anything like the woman down the hall, with the sun-kissed pixie haircut, overgrown bangs, and the beautiful, deep cobalt eyes.

  ***

  By the end of the day, Liam had had his fill of overly hyper students bouncing everywhere in a love-infused sugar high. He was grateful when the last bell sounded.

  “Don’t forget, you guys, bake sale tomorrow night. Give those fliers to your family, and tell anyone you know,” Liam shouted over the sounds of backpacks being gathered.

  After the last of the students fled, he began tidying up his classroom, pushing in a couple forgotten chairs and picking up candy wrappers and scraps of paper. He was savoring the quiet when he heard a soft knock at the door. Mentally preparing for the return of Megan, he was surprised and relieved to see Rachel. Her soft, pink sweater highlighting rosebud lips that were turned upward in a nervous smile. He watched as gray pants that fit snugly around her hips and legs made their way toward him.

  “Liam, are you busy? Did I interrupt you?” she asked cautiously.

  He could sense her fear. Why, he thought, why would she be scared of him? She was the one who held his heart now; she had all the power. Didn’t she know this? He was frightened by how deeply she made him feel.

  “No, not at all. Please come in.” He led her toward his desk after he closed the door. As she wrung her hands, he noticed how supple they were. He wanted to touch her and feel them on his body again.

  “I wanted to thank you.” She didn’t meet his eyes.

  “Rachel, there’s so much I want to say—”

  “Liam, I appreciate what you did. But I can’t really discuss the other night, if that’s okay.” Rachel looked down, picking imaginary lint from her pants, still avoiding his gaze.

  “Oh Rachel, I want us to talk about it. I need you to know how you make me feel.” Liam leaned in closer. Her light perfume smelled like summer, floral and warm.

  “I’m so sorry, I just can’t.” Rachel pushed past him with a speed he wasn’t prepared for and fled the room.

  He could practically feel the light leaving him and a cold, sinking weight of loneliness replacing it. The only silver lining he could see in this internal storm was that she’d finally come to him. They were making progress, slowly but hopefully surely.

  ***

  Rachel

  Rachel went to the grocery store right after work without saying good-bye to anyone. As she navigated the aisles, her phone buzzed loudly in her purse.

  “Hello?” she answered after fishing it out quickly.

  “Happy Singles’ Awareness Day,” Chelsea shouted on the other end.

  Pulling her phone away from her ear, Rachel shook her head. “Thanks. How has your day been?” she asked as she gathered more items from her list for the muffins she’d be baking.

  “Eh, you know, it’s lovers’ day, and I don’t have one, so I guess not an entirely great day. Where are you
? You sound distracted.”

  “Getting stuff for the bake sale.” Rachel scanned for the aisle that had the last ingredients on her list.

  “How was work today?” Chelsea asked carefully.

  “Okay, get this. I get to work and find a bunch of neat stuff on my desk, flowers, chocolates, all that good stuff, but the thing that really wowed me was what Liam left for me,” Rachel said as she considered two different bags of sugar. “Hey, Chelsea, what’s the difference between a name brand and store brand, like, say, for sugar or flour? Does it really matter when you are baking?”

  “You know you’re asking the wrong person, right? I’m telling you, just wander over to their little bakery section and grab some cupcakes or something,” Chelsea said. “So wait, what did Liam get you?”

  “Maybe I should call Mary,” Rachel thought out loud.

  “Earth to Rachel, what did he get you? You’re killin’ me here.”

  “A beautiful paperweight.”

  “A what? Why?” Chelsea demanded, sounding irritated. Clearly, that was not the answer she wanted to hear.

  “A paperweight. It was heart-shaped and said, ‘You have my heart,’ but it’s what it was on top of that really surprised me: those progress reports I’ve been after him about.” Rachel smiled at the thought of Liam.

  “Oh, well, that’s nice, I guess. I really would’ve thought he would’ve done the whole dozen-roses bit or something super romantic. Hmm, I’m a little disappointed, actually.”

  Rachel could almost hear her friend frowning. She shrugged. Chelsea didn’t understand how much Liam finally turning those in meant to her. Now she didn’t have to worry about reporting to the district without all of them, which also meant she didn’t need to fear losing her job just yet. The district still wanted to make sure the school did better on the tests, so she knew she would be on pins and needles waiting for the overall results and standings. “It’s a very big deal, Chelsea. I mean, he fought so hard against those. I was worried I was going to lose my job if I showed up empty-handed.”