Maeve couldn’t help stop her tracks. Just as she was about to turn around, Byron placed a shoulder, casting a cold glance at Maura. His voice. dropped, dripping with iciness. her husband. Do you need somethings? Maura’s eyes went wide in disbelief. She ‘No way! This man, who looks than a celebrity, is supposed to be broke she watched them walk away, Maura nearly ground her frustration, thinking, what he’s good-looking? You can’t live on looks alone! Leaving the Maeve recalled Byron’s expression when he up and cautiously asked. “Did you hear what we were talking about earlier?” “Yes” Byron’s face remained as unreadable as ever. “Well, don’t take what said to heart. Maeve with juice cup in hand, to reassure him. “There’s no shame in any job. As long as you’re earning hard work, there’s lowly about it paused turning at her. “You’re really open-minded. He thought. It’s easy say things like that, but actually living by those words is different story. Back at the apartment, Maeve couldn’t bring herself to throw away the juice, so out the old and it with a fresh one. Just as she was about to take a sip, noticed Byron’s gaze fixed on her. “What what’s wrong?” she asked. Byron’s eyes flicked to the discarded straw in the trash a smirk tugging at his lips. “Are you grossed by me or something? He thought. I haven’t even looked down on but dares to act she above me?” “What?” Maeve froze, cautiously “Given relationship, is there something me doing this?” want to give him accuse her of imagining ridiculous indirect kiss. Byron was momentarily speechless. He her for a few turning on his and heading toward guest room, tossing a remark his shoulder. “Drinking after working just all four laps you ranTM With that, he shut the door him. Maeve stood there, stunned. The juice in her didn’t seem so anymore. She thought, He said that purpose, didn’t he? next at Starlight the sharp clink of billiard balls through the pool room. Chapter 26 “Byron, front you the Yrulsall project to Mr. Ray drawled lazily as he leaned against the pool table. “When did you start charity work? The Graves tiny operation isn’t even the same as the Medaniel Group Byron up his shot with practiced ease, his long arm flexing smoothly as he struck the ball with precision. “What’s to you?” asked, his tone unhurried. I’m not but something doesn’t up Jarrett walked over with his cue stick, as he caught the conversation. “You just go a day gossiping, huh? be better off as tabloid instead of wasting your as a doctor. don’t it. Being a good doctor spirit curiosity and investigation-that’s how you advance. ” put on a mock-serious face. Byron raised an eyebrow. Jarrett’s got point-you might well change careers. you do these days is on digging up gossip about me. Just then, someone on door. “Come in The stepped wearing a respectful expression as he addressed Byron. Mcdaniel, there’s a young downstairs asking if bartender apprentices. I wanted to check with you first” Byron even bother looking up. apprentice?” Yes, she says wants to learn bartending” “Since when did Starlight into a training school? A cold gleam flashed in Byron’s eyes, his patience wearing thin. Tell her to leave. The manager broke into a nervous sweat. “Understood, I’ll let Ms. Reese right away, thought, I’d he’d react like have asked. That is terrifying. Byron thought, ‘Ms. “Hold on” Byron’s eyes narrowed as something clicked. “What’s her name?” think it’s Maeve” Byron thought. “So it’s her. His eyes darkened, and he set his cue stick, heading for the door. From the fourth-floor balcony, he had a view of Maeve sitting at the bar downstairs. She was dressed in a light pink dress, her long hair cascading over one shoulder, her delicate collarbone and smooth, fair skin. Compared to the sultry vibe of the bar, her outfit almost demure refreshing. Byron’s expression more severe as he pulled out his phone and her. Still for the manager return. Maeve saw and moved to a quieter spot before answering Chapter 26 Where are His deep voice was icy, with unmistakable irritation. Maeve glanced around. Tm at a bar, taking care something. learn your last time? home. tone no room argument. not drinking this time. I won’t get drunk I whispered. ‘Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing” She thought. the manager is already asking the for me I can’t just leave now After hanging up. remembered running at this har before nervously scanned the area. Not seeing him anywhere, she finally exhaled relief Then she realized. Why am so fense? It’s not like thing wrong Byron’s gaze turned icy as stared at the ended call. He called over the manager. down there and turn away. ” The rushed downstairs. Ray and Jarrett, who had followed Byron out, overheard the exchange. let out a low whistle. “Your little lady wants to learn bartending, huh? not just let your anyway. that make things more convenient for your romance?” Jarrett grinned. probably she’ll run into Fred again. Didn’t see how he last time!” Byron shot them frosty glare “If your eyes are that bad, go see a doctor. Who’s being protective of her?” He thought. What will her protecting? Back at Pinehurst assumed Byron would be home already. he wasn’t She wondered, why did he insist I come back right away? She switched on the room sat down the carpet, and rested her her hands with sigh. The manager had her the bar wasn’t hiring, especially staff, so she had to give up. She hoped pick up a new skill. Just as she opened her sketchpad, she heard front door click open. Byron walked in, making him look more distant unapproachable. “You’re back?” Maeve up, confused. you call me earlier because you needed something?” “Nothing important Byron’s tone was cold as set a cup of juice and turned to his room. Maeve the juice, thinking. Did he seriously make me come just to drink juice? “Wait!” Marve gathered her courage. “Do you have now?” Byron stopped and looked her a “get to the point expression. Marve hesitated scratching her cheek. “I was planning to buy some bartending tools, but it’s getting late. If it’s not too 14:42 Mon, Oct 14 Chapter 26 much trouble… Byron frowned. “Why are you learning bartending?” Maeve pointed to sketchpad in front of her. my designs.