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years off his age. “I hate lying and sucking up to fat cats. So I don’t think so. I’m happy right where I am.”
    “Are you really?”
    The grin disappeared, replaced by what she was coming to recognize as his familiar brooding intensity. “What does that mean?”
    She shrugged. “Don’t you ever have the urge to drive out of town and not look back? Hit the road for places unknown?”
    “Is that how you live your life?”
    The sharp retort with its hint of disapproval put her back up. “There’s a lot to be said for travel. It broadens the mind.”
    “I’ve noticed you’re good at dodging questions you don’t like. Maybe you should have been a politician.”
    She stared at him, nonplussed. Not many people had the sharp wit and the perspicacity to silence her. “Are we having our first fight?”
    He shook his head, clearly amused by her question. “I’m in too good a mood today for that. The sun is shining. The stock market is up. The hotel is full. I’ve got no complaints.” He lifted a hand, and the server brought him a cup of black coffee. “I had a phone call from the garage in town,” Liam said. “Gary tells me that your vehicle is in the shop. So I’ve brought you these.” He tossed a set of keys on the table.
    Eyeing him suspiciously, Zoe ignored the offering. “I’ve heard of full-service hotels, but this is ridiculous.”
    Liam leaned back in his chair. “Don’t get your hopes up. It isn’t a flashy sports car. Just an old Sentra that we keep for the occasional emergency.”
    “I can’t imagine you’re this attentive to every guest.”
    “You’d be surprised. And besides, I have a hidden agenda with you.”
    Her heartbeat quickened. “How so?”
    “My mother accused me of trying to run you off. I need to prove to her that I’m a gentleman. And who knows? You might coax me into playing hooky from work a time or two while you’re here.”
    “You seem like the least likely person I’ve ever known to be led astray.”
    “Then you’d be wrong. It’s springtime in the mountains. Even a workaholic like me can see the attraction.”
    When he smiled, ever so gently, Zoe felt something inside her loosen and flower. Despite her tendency to hold people at a distance, something about Liam Kavanagh slipped past her defenses. He wasn’t a warm, fuzzy person. In fact, he was rather intimidating. But nevertheless, she felt a strong pull of attraction.
    Despite that unsettling truth, she wasn’t yet ready to jump headlong into a flirtation that might make her time at the Silver Beeches uncomfortable. She picked up the keys and tucked them in her purse. “Thank you for the vehicle. I’ll be careful with it.”
    He watched her like a cat watches a mouse. “I’m sure you will.” After a momentary silence, he continued. “So do you have any specific plans for your stay with us, or are you more the type to be spontaneous?”
    “You said that last word as if it put a bad taste in your mouth. Do you have a problem with spontaneity?”
    “Not really. Though it isn’t an attribute that fits my lifestyle very well.”
    “Because Liam is all work and no play?”
    His eyes narrowed. “You must think me dreadfully dull.”
    “Not at all. I admire your work ethic.”
    “Hogwash,” he said forcefully, startling her. “You probably don’t even own a day planner, do you?” She had the odd notion that he was attracted to her and critical of her at the same time.
    She’d been judged and found wanting too many times in her life to let Liam do the same. For the moment, her indignation overrode her appreciation of his masculine appeal. “I believe it’s safe to say that our personalities clash, Mr. Kavanagh. Perhaps it might be best if we avoid one another while I’m here. Good day.”
    * * *
    With clenched teeth, Liam watched his beautiful guest walk away. The sway of her hips was no less mesmerizing in pants than it had been in a flowing skirt. He had come to the dining room earlier with