Changing Roles

by Melanie Moreland

“Yes.”

  “What did she do?”

  I thought about her reaction. “She blushed. She always does when I pay her a compliment.”

  Douglas smiled ruefully. “I thought as much. I told her she was beautiful. She said thank you. No blush.”

  “So?”

  “My opinion didn’t mean as much as yours did, Liam. What I thought wasn’t as important as what you thought.” He took a sip of coffee, thinking. “She tried—I could see how hard she was trying to enjoy herself.” He shook his head. “She shouldn’t have to try so hard. And I shouldn’t have to worry about being a distant second to my idiot cousin. The only time I saw her really smile was when you texted her.”

  I chuckled. “She was rather pissed off about my interruptions, though.”

  Douglas laughed. “Yes and no. She acted annoyed, but I could see how hard she fought against calling you back and telling you where the damn pickles were.”

  “Not my best moment.”

  “She cares about you. More than she realizes or is willing to admit, I think. No matter what we talked about, somehow your name kept coming up. You were like a ghost the entire evening.”

  “Um. Sorry?”

  “Don’t be. Once we cleared the air, we had a great, friendly evening. But in the end, there was no spark for either of us,” he acknowledged. “I rather suspected it when I watched the two of you together the other day. You were so…natural with each other. So in tune with each other. As if you completed the other one.” He grinned. “And completely clueless about what the other was feeling.”

  “You saw all that?”

  “Yep.”

  “Yet you asked her out.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Did you do that to push me?”

  He shrugged. “Maybe. I was attracted to her, though. I have to be honest. Can’t blame a man for trying. She is rather spectacular. But there was no spark.”

  “You didn’t kiss her?” I asked suspiciously. How could he resist?

  “I didn’t even try. Neither of us wanted to. We both recognized what path we should take. Friends.” He informed me. “We hugged and agreed we’d see each other at some point—probably when you were involved. She tells me she has a friend coming to visit she wants to introduce me to. So, I think we’ve established our baseline.”

  I sighed in relief. One hurdle done.

  He glared at me. “But you should be telling her how you feel, Liam. Not me.”

  “I know. I will. I just wanted to come here and talk.”

  “Stake your claim, you mean.”

  I grinned sheepishly. “Maybe.”

  “Consider it done. Not that you had to convince me. I’d say your claim is safe. But you need to tell her—and soon.”

  He was right.

  But first I had to talk to Everett.

  Everett didn’t seem happy to see me. Once I followed him into the kitchen and saw Cassidy, my PR advisor, sitting there, wearing what had to be one of his T-shirts, I understood why.

  Bloody hell, when had this started?

  Everett sighed and sat, pulling Cassidy onto his lap. “About four months ago, Liam.”

  Bollocks. When had I started mumbling all my thoughts out loud?

  “Sorry,” I muttered. “I didn’t know.”

  Everett grinned. “We keep it under wraps, Liam. And you’re easy to fool. Now, what is so important you have to show up at my door this early on a Sunday? From the sound of your inebriated mutterings last night, I expected you to still be asleep.”

  “I, ah, had some important errands.”

  “Out buying pickles, were you?” He started to laugh, and Cassidy joined him. I had to grin at his goading. His next statement wiped the grin off my face. “My sister isn’t happy with you right now, by the way. I told her you ratted her out.”

  Bugger.

  Cassidy chuckled. “He’s teasing, Liam. She’s fine. She knows you were rather out of it.”

  I sighed in relief. I really didn’t need her mad at me today. Especially today.

  “Liam?” Everett prompted. “Why are you here? No offense, but I have other things I’d rather be doing than waiting for you to speak, if you know what I mean.” He grinned as he tightened his arm around Cassidy.

  Oh God. That was too much to handle with my brain already on overdrive.

  TMI.

  I cleared my throat. Might as well get straight to the point. Maybe with Cassidy on his lap, I could have a head start if he decided not to take this well.

  “I’m in love with your sister.”

  His expression didn’t change. Cassidy didn’t look surprised either. But she got up and dropped a kiss on his cheek, leaving the room with a small smile at me. Everett’s eyes followed her. Then he turned his attention back to me.

  “And?” he asked, reclining back in his chair a bit.

  I frowned at him. “Shelby. I’m in love with Shelby.”

  “I’m aware of my sister’s name, Liam. I’m glad you finally realized it. It certainly took you long enough.”

  I gaped at him. “You knew?”

  He snorted. “Liam, you’re the tightest son of a bitch I’ve ever met. My sister brings you a damn burger and shake, and you drop a hundred grand in her account? And fight with her to make her keep it? You only did that because of your feelings for her. She’s the only person who brings out that crazy generosity in you. And the way you are together? How close you are with each other? A blind man on a fast horse could see it.”

  “I’m not that tight,” I muttered even as I mused over his words, ignoring his teasing. Just because I didn’t drop large sums of cash around every day or hire tons of extra people I didn’t think I needed, didn’t mean I was cheap. I was simply thrifty.

  But with Shelby, I was different. Every time I heard her talk about or look at something she liked, I always made sure to buy it, and I always acted surprised when I found out it was an item she wanted. I was good at that—the acting surprised thing. I had an Oscar that said so.

  Shelby rarely ever made it simple for me, though. She never said "Hey, I want that,” since that would be too easy for me. But I watched and listened. She had a way of tilting her head and looking thoughtful when she was interested in something, and her eyes lit up. I enjoyed her reaction of delight when even the simplest item would appear. Some odd kitchen implement I had no idea how to use. A new set of bakeware she’d stared at glossy-eyed on the TV. She’d been almost giddy last week over a new touch screen computer I put in the kitchen. I told her I wanted it—all of it. She never questioned why they were all used by her and not me.

  “Um, Liam?”

  I shook my head, bringing my focus back. “Sorry.”

  “I knew. I’ve known for a while. How did she take it when you told her?”

  “Um, I haven’t yet. I wanted to talk to you first.” Feeling serious, I bent forward. “She means a lot to me, Everett. You both do. I needed to make sure this was okay with you. Man to man. Friend to friend.” I paused. “I know I’m an idiot, Everett, and I have no experience with relationships. I’ve never had one that lasted any length of time. But I care about her. Deeply. I want to look after her. I want her as part of my life. She makes me a better person. I want to be a better person for her.”

  He met my earnest gaze. “You are a bit of a fuckup, Liam. But you’re right. Shelby is good for you.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “And you’re good for her. Ever since our parents died, she’s tried to be everything for me. Sister and parent. Always responsible.” He smiled. “You make her happy. You bring out her silly side, and she needs that,” he admitted. “She brings out your more serious side, which you need. She lights up like a Christmas tree when you’re around, and you do the same thing. You were made for each other.”

  “So, you’re okay with this?”

  He shrugged. “She’s a grown woman, Liam. I can’t stop her. I can’t stop you either.” He scrubbed his face. “Her ex did a number on her. Destroyed her confidence and self-worth. Shook her badly. Don
’t hurt her.” He drummed his fingers on the tabletop. “No business relationship will stop me from coming after you if you do.”

  I gave him a nervous nod and a tight smile. Everett, my manager and friend, was gone. Shelby’s family— her brother—was sitting in front of me.

  “I don’t want to hurt her, Ev. I love her. I really do.”

  “She might fight you on this, regardless of her feelings.”

  “I know. She has a hang-up over the age thing.”

  “And your lifestyle, Liam. She’s very private. When this gets out, there will be a lot of press. Some hard stuff for you both to deal with. Her marital status. The age thing. The fact that she works for you. That she is my sister. The rags will use anything and everything. Twist it all. We’ll have to talk this all through.” He paused. “If, that is, she agrees to take on your sorry ass.”

  “I’ll protect her. So will you.”

  “With everything in me.”

  “I know.”

  “Good luck, Liam. You may need it. Be patient with her. She’ll be guarded, that I know.”

  “I have your blessing?”

  He laughed. “Listen to you.” His face became serious. “Treat her well. Or else.”

  “I will.”

  I didn’t want to know what Everett’s or else entailed.

  It would be painful, of that much, I was sure.

  Very painful.

  11

  Liam

  I walked into the kitchen, unsure what I would find. I listened briefly, but the music seemed to be one of Shelby’s regular playlists, not a sad or angry one.

  Thank God. No Guns N’ Roses. I’d have to run if that were playing.

  Shelby was at the counter, her head down, working away. I leaned against the door and watched her in contemplative silence. Her hair was up, her shirt long and too big, meaning it was one of mine, and she had on those damn sexy glasses again. She was biting her lip in concentration as she worked on whatever project she had going on at the moment.

  All around her were plates and bowls, and she was rolling something in what looked like a placemat. I pushed off the doorframe and sauntered over, trying to be casual, while my heart was beating furiously against my rib cage.

  “Hey, Beaker.”

  She looked up, the most beautiful smile in the world lighting her face, and I had to return it in full. She was bloody amazing. And she looked good in my, our, kitchen.

  “There you are. I was surprised when I came home to see your car gone.” She snickered. “I’m rather shocked you’re even awake. Where were you?”

  “Errands.”

  “On a Sunday?”

  I bit back a grin as I held up a small bag. “Yeah.”

  “What’s that?”

  I pulled out the item and held it up for her. She chuckled, her eyes lighting up with mirth. “We have lots of pickles, Liam. You looked right past them.”

  “I looked in every cupboard.”

  “You’re not in England, Britboy. I keep them in the refrigerator. The jar was right beside your sandwiches.”

  Bugger. Never thought to look there.

  She shook her head. “Sometimes you miss what is right in front of you. It’s scary.”

  She had no idea how right she was with that statement.

  “Well, you can add this to the pantry, then.”

  She nodded, her hands still busy. “Will do.”

  I edged forward, wanting to be closer to her. “What are you doing?” I asked, looking at all the things she had in front of her.

  “I took a class this morning. I learned to make sushi. I’m making you some now. I got all the ingredients for your favorites.”

  God. I loved sushi.

  I loved this woman.

  I watched her begin to assemble another roll and inspect it. “I haven’t got the technique quite right yet. But I’m getting better.”

  I stood behind her, watching. It looked fine to me. Without thinking, I settled my hands on her hips and my chin on her shoulder as I observed her. I felt a shiver flow down her spine as I bent closer, and I smiled. She liked me close. “It looks good. Really good.”

  “You can find out in a few minutes.”

  Her voice sounded husky. It made me want to run my lips over the exposed skin of her neck. Maybe after lunch, she’d let me. I frowned and pressed closer. “Shelby, you don’t like sushi. You hate it, in fact.”

  “I’m making it for you.”

  I shut my eyes as I rested my forehead against the back of her head. Her soft hair tickled my nose. “You went to learn how to do this for me? Even though you hate the stuff?”

  She lifted her shoulders in a shrug, and her skin grew warm with her blush. “You were surrounded last time you tried to go for lunch at that sushi bar you like, and you haven’t had it since then. I know how much you like sushi, and I thought maybe you missed eating it. So, yeah. I learned for you.”

  A rush of tenderness filled me.

  Always for me. Something I didn’t even realize I wanted or needed, she did, and quietly took care of it.

  I didn’t think.

  I didn’t consider my actions.

  I spun her around, and covered her lips with mine.

  Pressing, hard, needy.

  Oh God—finally.

  Shelby.

  For one brief, fabulous moment, I had Shelby in my arms and her mouth underneath mine. Warm, yielding, and bloody perfect.

  Then she shoved me away, her eyes wide with confusion. “What are you doing?”

  I stepped back, tugging on my hair. “Kissing you.”

  She grimaced and moved forward, sniffing me warily. “Are you drunk again?”

  “No!”

  I put my hands on her shoulders, shaking her slightly. “I love you, Shelby. I’m in love with you.”

  “Because I’m making you sushi?”

  “No! Because–because I am!”

  She shook off my hold. “No, you’re not, Liam.”

  “I’m not?”

  “No.” She smiled sadly at me. “You’re just reacting to my going out on a date last night. It’s like separation anxiety for a child.”

  Separation…what? A child?

  What the hell was she on about?

  She should be kissing me back, not talking. And dammit, I didn’t want her to look so sad.

  “No,” I stated with firm conviction. “Pretty bloody sure I’m in love with you.”

  “Well, let me know when you’re totally bloody sure, and we’ll talk again.” She turned around, starting to make more sushi.

  I gaped at her.

  Let her know? I was going to let her know, all right. I was going to shag her until she was bloody dead certain.

  I grabbed her and spun her back around to face me. I pressed her tightly against my chest and crashed my lips to hers again.

  Damn, she was soft. Warm. Sweet. So bloody sweet.

  And pushing me away again. Dammit.

  She glared at me then shoved past me to the sink, tossing her glasses onto the counter. I smirked, knowing I had probably smudged the lenses when I was pressed against her. She pumped several shots of soap into her hands before scrubbing at them vigorously.

  Right. No doubt she wanted to wash the raw fish off her hands before we got too carried away. Since I did want those little hands all over me, it would be best if they were clean and not smelling of seafood. Maybe I should have waited until she was finished making lunch.

  I glanced down. My shirt was going to have to be washed since it already had fish on it where she had been clutching it. Shrugging, I pulled it off and threw it over my shoulder. Might as well get rid of it now.

  She finished and grabbed a towel as I waited patiently. When she turned, I held out my hand, smiling at her, hoping she could see how much I wanted this, wanted her, right now. Fish or no fish.

  Her eyes widened as she looked at me, and I waggled my eyebrows at her rakishly.

  She stomped over and stood in front of me. Then
she said the last thing I expected. “Go put on a shirt, Liam.”

  “Sorry. Did you want to take it off? Maybe you can do that next time.”

  She threw her hands up in the air. “No. There’s not going to be a next time. There isn’t going to be a this time. Stop it right now, Liam. You’re not in love with me. You just panicked.”

  “Panicked? You think I panicked? Over what?”

  “You were afraid I would leave you. Don’t worry. I won’t be seeing Douglas again.”

  “I know.”

  “You know? How do you know?”

  “I went to see him this morning.”

  “Why?”

  “To tell him to stay away from you.”

  When she crossed her arms over her chest, and that “V” appeared on her forehead, I should have shut up. But I didn’t.

  “I told him I was in love with you, and he thinks you love me as well. He said we were too close for that not to be the case. He agreed to back off.”

  Her foot started tapping. I ignored another crucial hint.

  “I see. Anyone else have any wisdom to impart to you?”

  I nodded with a wide grin on my face. “Everett told me I make you silly. He said we were good together and I make you happy. I got his blessing this morning as well.”

  “Let me get this straight. You have some sort of drunken epiphany about being in love with me, and the first thing you do is go tell your cousin and my brother?”

  For the first time, I felt a small ripple of uncertainty. When she said it like that, it didn’t sound very good.

  “I, ah, figured out I loved you before I got drunk, Shelby. I got drunk because I realized I loved you.”

  Wait.

  Dammit. That didn’t sound as good as it did in my head.

  I rushed ahead.

  “You weren’t here this morning. I had to go see Douglas and stake my claim.”

  Her eyebrows shot up.

  Shit.

  That sounded even worse. What the hell was wrong with me?

  Her voice was deceptively quiet. “And Everett?”

  “I wanted to make sure he wasn’t gonna hurt me for fucking around with his sister.”

  Oh, bloody hell.