Page 24 of Outback Secrets
That was a good thing—if Henrietta didn’t want to talk about her past then she probably wouldn’t pry into his.
‘Okay.’ He stretched out his hand. ‘You’ve got yourself a deal.’
She looked at him like he was the crazy one. ‘Are you serious? Does that mean you’re actually agreeing to my plan?’
He shrugged, hoping he wouldn’t live to regret it. His mission in life was to help people where he could, but this might be taking things a fraction too far. ‘Yeah. Why the hell not?’
‘Excellent.’ Henri’s face split into the most delightful smile as she shoved her hand into his. ‘I could kiss you.’
He forced a laugh as muscles all over his body tightened. ‘Maybe you should save that for when we’re in public.’
‘What?’ Her cheeks flashed a glorious shade of crimson again, and he hoped she was embarrassed rather than mortified, that she didn’t find the idea of kissing him that repulsive. Although perhaps it would be safer if she did.
‘Well, if everyone is going to believe we’re together, we’re going to have to be seen together.’
She sighed. ‘Yes, of course, you’re right. The surfing lessons will be a good start, but we’ll have to do other stuff too.’
‘Other stuff?’ He liked the sound of that way more than he should.
She playfully punched him on the arm. ‘I meant like go on dates, hang out in public.’
‘Problem is, I can’t exactly leave the pub this time of year. Now that harvest is over and Christmas is upon us, we’re busier than ever.’
Henri frowned a moment. ‘I guess I’ll just have to spend time here. But you’re not open till the afternoon, right? We can have lunch at Frankie’s Café. Or breakfast.’ Her eyes twinkled mischievously. ‘Breakfast is good because it’ll look like we’ve spent the night together.’
Liam swallowed, then quickly banished the visual from his mind.
‘You free tomorrow morning for your first surfing lesson?’ she asked.
He nodded. Most mornings he took Sheila down to the beach and went for a swim anyway. ‘Do I need to borrow a board from someone?’
‘Nah, I’ll bring you one of Dad’s old ones. Thanks so much for doing this, Liam, you’re a gem. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
Oh Lord, he thought, his eyes once again drawn to her luscious legs and her cute little behind as she strode out of his workshop.
He glanced down at Sheila to find her looking up at him in what could only be bemusement. ‘What the hell have I agreed to, girl?’