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“Maybe.” Her head tilted, emphasizing her upturned nose. “But an opportunist sounds more aggressive... like an entrepreneur. Doesn’t sound like me. That’s more like you.”
“Liam is definitely an entrepreneur.” Bran was standing in the doorway of his main living room. “That’s the only reason we put up with him.”
Liam shook Bran’s outstretched hand. “So when I quit coming up with new innovations, you’re giving AEP the boot?”
“No, just you.” Bran stepped in to pound him on the shoulder. “We’re keeping AEP.”
Liam laughed. “Carly, this is Bran, the guy who used to be my friend before I found out he was planning to steal my company.”
“Nice to meet you.” Carly spoke in a timid voice, almost standing behind Liam. Why was she so edgy?
“The pleasure is all mine.” Bran used his practiced skill to focus his eyes on her, then offered his hand, forcing her to step forward. Shaking her hand, he said, “I understand Limitless is sponsoring your research.”
“Yes,” she said in a choked tone. “I really appreciate it. In fact, I thought I might show my appreciation by making you some of my special homemade guacamole.”
Liam’s jealousy spiked that Carly was trying so hard to please Bran. Was she attracted to him? She’d already admitted she liked guys with muscles, and Bran had plenty.
“What a great idea. But for now, let’s get acquainted.” Bran released her hand and gestured toward the seating area, from which he’d thoughtfully had one of the chairs removed to make room for Liam.
Carly took a step back. “If you tell me where the kitchen is, I could start working on it now.”
Bran gave her the same half-grin he’d used earlier when he was teasing Liam. “You can whip up some guacamole tomorrow, assuming one of my people can make it into town to procure some avocados.”
“Couldn’t we get some tonight?” Her spine went rigid. “I was planning to leave tomorrow morning as soon as I can get a car.”
“Come.” Bran led the way. “I can’t wait to hear how the two of you met.”
Carly followed, her shoulders slumped. She stopped in front of a plush leather chair, looking as if she might bolt instead of sitting down.
“Are you hungry, Carly?” Liam asked. “I’m sure we can get a snack of some kind.”
“Actually, I’m starting to feel sleepy. I should probably head back to my room.” Carly yawned and stretched her arms over her head, her sweater rising to expose a tiny strip of delectable skin.
She caught him staring, and he forced his eyes away, feeling like a lech. He busied himself with lowering his wheelchair from a standing to a sitting position.
“Surely you can stay awake for a few minutes.” Bran seated himself on the couch opposite Carly. “Sit. Make yourself comfortable.”
Carly sat, looking anythingbutcomfortable.
Liam decided to guide the conversation toward an area where she would have more confidence.
“You should tell Bran about your research, Carly.”
“Yes,” said Bran. “Do I understand you’ve completed your experiments with promising results?”
“I... uhm...” To Liam’s surprise, Carly’s face blanched. “You know how it is. We plan to keep running more tests. We’ll never have enough.”
Maybe her research hadn’t panned out, and she was fearful of losing her research grant.
“I thought you’d already published a paper.” Bran’s tone was insistent. He couldn’t see the subject was upsetting her.
Carly popped to her feet. “I’m so sorry, but I forgot I need to call my roommate and let her know I made it here safely. She’s probably worried sick.”
“Wait, Carly.” Liam pumped his chair upward.
“Don’t get up, Liam. I can find my way back.” She scurried to the doorway, then turned to speak over her shoulder. “Thanks again, Bran, for letting me spend the night.”
“You aren’t rushing off tomorrow morning, are you?” Bran said. “What about my guacamole?”
