“Learning about death at such a young age hardened me some,” I admitted with a nod. “But instead of going down a darker path, avoidance was a coping mechanism that worked for me.” As I spoke the words, my heart tightened in my chest. Talking and thinking about my brother had always been difficult, but to explore those feelings with the entire world was something entirely different.
“Is that what swimming was to you? A way to cope?”
I shrugged. “Absolutely. Don’t get me wrong. I loved to swim. I still do, but it became an addiction that masked my grief. For years, I pushed my internal pain aside for that adrenaline rush. I pushed myself too hard and eventually—broke.”
Hannah’s sympathetic eyes were wide and glistening with unshed tears. “Wow, Liam. While I think it’s natural for everyone who goes through pain like that to find ways to cope, I find it admirable that you’ve overcome so much. Then you got back out in the public’s eye to find love. Why did you choose to do that?”
Memories of that time before the show came flooding back with her question. “Looking back, I knew there was something missing in my life. I was intrigued by the offer to find love in such a unique way. It just felt right, and I didn’t hesitate to accept.”
“So, it wasn’t some publicity stunt, like some of the critics are saying? Liam Colborn was truly looking for love?”
I let out a light laugh. “I was definitely looking for love.”
“Your end on the show was quite shocking to us all. You already mentioned how your brother’s death taught you to cope in unhealthy ways. Do you feel you’ve learned anything from this experience? From being on the show and the aftermath of your decisions?”
I only had to think about that one for a second before launching into my answer. “Disappearing like that wasn’t the best solution to the problem, and I fully acknowledge that I hurt many people in the process. I’m back here to help us all move forward. In a way, the show forced me to take a look at myself and what I wanted out of life, not just relationships. I don’t think anyone can find a deep, meaningful love unless they’re happy within themselves first. When I signed on to be the British Bachelor, I was lost and influenced by a life of avoidance.”
“And now?” Hannah asked, the frown lines in her forehead coming together. “Do you think you’ve changed?”
I shifted, growing uncomfortable in my skin. “I wouldn’t say I’ve changed as much as I’ve gained perspective.”
An easy smile rested on Hannah’s face. “I love that. So, where does that perspective bring you today, Liam? Will you continue to seek love out in the real world?”
Chelsea popped into my mind at that moment. If I was seeking anything at all, it was a way back to her, to Providence, to my new future. “I’ll never give up on love.”
Hannah’s mouth twisted into a smile, and the gleam of mischief in her eyes put me on high alert. “Considering the rumors circulating that you were with a woman in Providence, I assume you might have already found that love you’ve been searching for. Is there anything you can tell us about this mystery woman?”
Shit, shit, shit. My eyes shifted to the side stage, where Bart had been standing, but he was nowhere to be seen. I swallowed and turned back to Hannah. “No, I’m afraid not.”
Hannah leaned forward, adopting a curious look. “So, you don’t know a Chelsea Banks from Providence, Rhode Island?”
What the fuck? “I—um. Yes, I know Chelsea.”
“And she’s your…” Hannah prodded with an imploring smile.
Panic shot through me. “Friend.” The word came out so fast, my only thought being that I didn’t want to drag Chelsea into all the drama. To protect her. To keep her to myself. She didn’t belong in this messed-up world I had lived in for so long.
“Just a friend?” Hannah pushed again, her expression telling me she didn’t believe my lie one bit.
Anger bubbled inside me. I wasn’t going to give Hannah or anyone else information. I’d meant it when I’d told Vince and everyone in that executive meeting that Chelsea Banks was off-limits.
“Chelsea is a good friend and nothing more.”
“Nothing more? Are you sure?” This time, Hannah sat back, looking genuinely confused at my reaction, making me wonder what exactly she’d been told and by whom.
“Yes,” I said, trying hard not to grit my teeth. “Nothing more.”
Hannah could piss off before I told them a single thing about Chelsea, but my mind was racing. I didn’t know how they’d gotten her name. None of the other interviewers had even mentioned her.
“Well,” Hannah continued. It was like she was struggling with whatever information she had and hesitated to go on with the interview. She tapped at the microphone in her ear and shook her head. “I’m sorry, Liam. I must be mistaken. Let’s move on, shall we?”
I nodded as a whoosh of relief passed through me until a second later, when I heard the audience collectively gasp. As I looked out at them to see what had caused their reaction, I saw fingers pointing and mouths dropping, their eyes on something behind me. I turned to find a large television screen behind her lighting up with a photo of Chelsea sitting between my legs at the park while I kissed her cheek. It was the same photo from the meeting three days ago.
Everyone in the audience was talking loudly, and boos were being tossed out from the crowd. I’d been set up. By the look on Hannah’s face, she’d been set up too.
It was the only explanation for the confusion, but why? This was not part of the deal. My gaze turned back to the side stage, where Bart stood again, but this time he wasn’t alone. As soon as I saw Chelsea standing there with him, her face appearing stricken and her eyes bloodshot with pain, I knew without a doubt it was Bart who had arranged everything.
“This interview is over,” I choked out. Then I stood and ripped the microphone from my body before throwing it back on the couch. I hurried toward Chelsea, who took off down the hall.
“Well,” Hannah said with an awkward laugh behind me. “That sure went a different direction than I was expecting.”
As soon as I passed Bart, whose expression was unreadable, I pointed a finger at him and glared. “You wanker.”
Looking down the hall to where a flash of red caught my eye, I saw her gaining traction toward the exit. My heart instantly plummeted into my stomach. She couldn’t leave before I had a chance to explain.
“Chelsea.”
Her red locks bobbed around her shoulders as she ran, my heart breaking with every step she took. She was almost to the exit.
“Chelsea!”
34
Chelsea
Who flies to London for a man they’ve only known for a month?
My red heels click-clacked against the concrete floor as I raced down the hall of the studio building. I’d been a fool a million times over for rearranging everything in my life, all to visit a man who thought of me as just a friend. Nothing more.
He sure hadn’t acted like I was nothing to him all those nights he’d spent in my bed. But it wasn’t the sex that bothered me. It was the fact that I’d come to London because I’d been falling in love with a man who I’d thought might feel the same way about me.