My One And Only (Very Irresistible Bachelors 5)

“Then you make an appointment and come to my office. Get out of here.”

“I don’t think so.” He stalked toward us, and when he was less than a foot away, he confirmed my suspicion. He was drunk. “What happened to you, man? The Liam I knew would never risk his business for anything, let alone a woman.”

My heart sank. Risk his business?

“Shut up.”

“You told me to think really hard about my next steps when you came to see me,” Albert said, which made me wonder if this was what Liam had been so tense about. When had Liam seen him? And why hadn’t he mentioned this?

“And I did,” Albert continued. “If you don’t buy me out by Christmas as the contract stipulates, I’m shopping around for another buyer.”

“Get. Out.” Liam barely moved his lips as he spoke.

Albert lifted his right arm. I brought my hand to my mouth when I realized he was aiming his right hook in Liam’s direction. Liam caught his punch in midair, pushing it to one side before shoving Albert, who stumbled back, barely keeping his balance.

“You piece of shit,” Liam bellowed as Albert regrouped. He wasn’t going to take another shot, was he? He was far too drunk, and Liam was far too sharp and fast. “You don’t come in here and threaten my woman.”

Liam took Albert by the collar with one hand and blocked his second attempt at a punch with the other. I shrieked, looking around at the crew, who just stared at the scene.

&nb

sp; This time, Liam turned Albert around, keeping his right arm behind his back.

“Get the fuck out.” Liam marched him toward the door. Opening it, he tossed him in the street. Albert stumbled and nearly collided headfirst with the nearest lamppost. Instead, he managed to break his fall by clinging to it. He looked over his shoulder, frowning at us through the thick curtain of falling snow before turning around and leaving. Liam remained at the door until Albert was out of sight.

Then he turned toward me. “I’m so sorry about that. Are you okay?”

“Yeah. He didn’t do anything, just babbled until you arrived. How are you?”

I hurried to him, oblivious to everyone else in the store, even though they were still staring at us.

“I’m okay, Tess,” he said softly. My heart was still hammering in my chest. He looked at the guys surrounding us before taking my hand and walking with me to the back office. The smell of melted cheese filled the air, but I didn’t feel like eating. I just wanted to make sure he wasn’t hurting—in any way.

“Tess, babe, what is it? You’re shaking.”

He placed his hands on my neck, and I covered them with my palms. “What did he mean about you risking your business?”

Liam shook his head. “Don’t worry about that. I’m dealing with it.”

“No, we’re in this together. I want to know.”

“You already know he wants to sell his shares, and I’m going to find a solution so the shares remain in our control.”

“What aren’t you telling me?”

He sighed. “If I don’t make an offer before Christmas, he can sell them to whoever he wants.”

I closed my eyes, trying to rein in all my emotions. “Why didn’t you tell me there was a clock on it?”

“I didn’t want you to worry.”

“Do I seem like I can’t handle things?”

“Not at all, Tess. But you have so many things going on with the opening of the store and the inauguration of the new digital platform. I didn’t want to take away your joy or add more to your plate.”

I melted at his words, pressing my palms over his hands even tighter.

“This isn’t right though, Liam. I need to know everything.”