She giggled and pushed on my chest. “I should go to bed.”
My lips brushed her ear. “My thoughts exactly.”
She shivered. “Liam.” Her voice was low and pleading. “It’s too…”
“Fast?” I finished for her.
Her eyes begged me to understand. I cupped the back of her head gently. “I know, Shelby. But I don’t want to let you go. Not yet.” I brought her closer. “Stay with me tonight. Just sleep with me. Let me hold you.”
She hesitated. “I have to brush my teeth—and I need to change.” She indicated her red-covered torso. “I don’t think this is the most comfortable thing to sleep in.”
“No. You should definitely take that off. I could help you with that.” I grinned as I watched the dull color creep over her chest, and she began to look nervous.
“I’ll loan you a T-shirt.” I kissed her cheek, nuzzling her skin. “I’ll behave, Shelby. Stay?”
“Okay,” she whispered.
“Don’t move,” I instructed, chuckling at her sudden shyness. “I’ll get you a shirt.”
She pointed to my chest. “I can wear that one.”
“You don’t want a fresh one?”
Her color deepened. “No. That one will smell like you.”
I looked down and grinned, pulling it over my head and handing it to her with a wink.
After gathering the jacket, I went to my room where I removed what was left of the tux, hung it up, and pulled on some sleep pants, forgoing a shirt, then returned to the bathroom.
She was still on the counter, but now in my T-shirt, her hair down and makeup gone. A damp flannel sat on the counter beside her.
My Shelby was back. Effortlessly lovely.
She grinned at me as she put down a facecloth, her expression mischievous. Unable to resist, I leaned over and kissed her.
“Why is your breath minty?”
“I used your toothbrush.”
I plucked the still-wet toothbrush from the holder and smirked at her. “Bit dodgy, that, Beaker.”
“I wanted to brush my teeth. I couldn’t move. You said so.”
“I see.” I arched my eyebrow at her. “Well.”
Her eyes widened as she watched me add toothpaste and use the same brush, never taking my eyes off her. When I was finished, I smacked my lips and grinned at her. “Now we match.”
She whimpered.
I pulled her closer.
“You want me to behave, or can I be slightly…naughty?” I nipped her ear gently, tugging on the lobe.
“Ah…”
“Just a wee bit naughty, Shelby?” Using my tongue, I swirled a wet pattern on her skin.
“Oh…God… Naughty, Liam. Please.”
I gathered her off the counter and strode into my room.
“Brilliant.”
She was so bloody right in my bed. Small and warm and incredibly sexy. She fit against me perfectly. Her quiet noises were addictive, and I knew I didn’t want to be without them again. Her hands tugged on my hair, holding me close as my mouth worked hers. She tasted like…more.
I wanted more.
I wanted all of her.
My hands delved under the T-shirt she was wearing, finding warm, silky skin. I dragged her closer as I ran my fingers under the tiny straps of the sexy red thong she was still wearing.
For now.
I wanted it off.
I tugged gently, feeling the thin material start to give way. I kissed her harder. Pulled again.
This time, it broke, and I caressed the warm, bare skin of her hip, bending my hand around to cup the plump curve of her ass.
Shelby gasped into my mouth, pulling back.
“Whoops,” I breathed against her lips.
“Liam… I’m… I’m not—”
I sighed and buried my face in her neck. She wasn’t ready.
Of course she wasn’t.
I already had her married to me and in my bed forever even though she only admitted to having feelings for me two hours ago. Of course she wasn’t ready.
I pressed my lips to her cheek in apology. “I know. I got carried away.”
I rolled over, taking her with me, and she curled into my side, her head on my chest. Her fingers traced lazy patterns on my skin, their gentle warmth a calming sensation. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“No,” I insisted. “I understand, Shelby. I’ll wait until you’re ready. I’ll wait as long as you need me to.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Simply being able to hold you is bloody amazing.”
“I just need some time to adjust.”
“I know.” I ran my hand through her hair, loving the feeling of the thick tresses against my palm. I had to remember that for the first time ever in our relationship, I was ahead of her. “Sleep. Just let me hold you and sleep.”
I felt her lips press to my chest. I kept stroking her hair until I felt her grow heavy with sleep. Only when I knew she was resting did I let myself fall asleep.
Holding her.
Bloody perfect.
I woke alone. I threw my arm over my face, groaning.
Where was she?
She’d been warm and close all night. Every time I woke up, she was there beside me, and I would pull her closer, needing to feel her pressed against me. She made me realize I was a cuddler.
And dammit, I wanted to wake up cuddling her.
I sat up, huffing. How was she even walking?
I flung back the covers, and grabbed a shirt, making my way downstairs where I could hear movement.
She was standing at the counter, some sort of kitchen utensil in her hand. She had the cheek to smile at me as I stalked toward her.
“Did I not fire you last night?”
“Yes. But I decided I needed an exit interview, so I gave myself back my job once the interview was over. I decided I deserved a second chance. I’ve been a great employee.”
My lips quirked at her words. “You’ve been exemplary, Shelby, I’ll give you that. But one question?”
“Yes?”
“Did the old you inform the new you that your boss not only encourages dating him, but also insists on it?”
“Oh yes, that came up.”
My smile couldn’t be contained now. I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her against me. “Why don’t you put down the damn spatula, and I’ll take you upstairs so we can discuss something else that has ‘come up,’ Shelby?”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Everett huffed behind me.
Bloody hell, when did he get here?
Shelby grinned at me. “We have company.”
“You might have warned me.”
She giggled. “You were too busy being…bossy.”
I leaned down, my lips at her ear. “I’ll show you bossy when we’re alone.” I nipped the tender skin, smiling at the feel of her shudder.
She gasped as I picked her up and set her on the counter.
“What are you doing?”
“Looking at your feet.” I turned to Everett. “Did you see this mess?”
He came over, and we both grimaced at the red welts and missing skin on her toes and heels. Everett whistled. “Nice job, Beaker.”
“Shut it.”
“Are you in pain?” I asked.
She shook her head. “They’re much better this morning. I won’t be able to wear shoes with backs for a few days, but they’ll be fine.” She pushed at my chest. “Can I get back to breakfast, please?” She hesitated. “I’m not really fired—am I?”
Everett snorted as he grabbed the coffeepot. “Like he could do without you.”
I winked at her. “What he said.”
“Okay.”
I lifted her off the counter. “We’ll figure it out, Shelby. Promise.”
She nodded. “I know.”
I took the cup of coffee from her and went to sit with Everett.
How we’d work it out, I wasn’t sure.
But I knew we had to.
Everett was right—I cou
ldn’t do without her.
Ever.
14
Liam
Shelby sat beside me, and I pulled her chair closer. I felt better when she was near. Using one hand, I picked up the bagel she had given me, while I laced our fingers together with my free hand. I also liked touching her.
Everett snorted. “Okay. Listen up. Cassidy and I have both checked, but so far, you’re safe. You were recognized, Liam, and they have pictures of you two, but Shelby’s face is unknown from the first night, and last night—” he winked at Shelby “—your face was buried in his neck.” He chuckled. “You’ve been dubbed ‘The mysterious Lady in Red.’ You’re the same woman who’s shown up on Liam’s arm two times in a row. Not known to the press—a mystery. They’re starting to ask some questions, so things are going to change.” He took a sip of his coffee as he regarded us. “I’m assuming from the display I was forced to witness and the hand-holding, the two of you have pulled your heads out of your asses and decided to explore a relationship?”
I paused before taking another bite. “I don’t know about Shelby, Everett, but I assure you my head has never been ‘up my arse,’ as you so quaintly put it. It may have taken us a bit to get here, but it wasn’t as if we were hiding from our feelings.”
“I said ass, Liam.”
I shook my head. “You people hurt my head. Always butchering the Queen’s English. Shameful.”
He looked at me like I was crazy as Shelby shifted beside me. “Whatever. Are you prepared for this media circus?”
“They can take their pictures. I can’t stop them, but I’m not commenting on my personal life.” It had always been my one, unbreakable rule.
He narrowed his eyes at me. “It’s not you I’m worried about, Liam.”
I started to argue with him, but Shelby interrupted me. “What should I be prepared for?”
Everett crossed his arms over his chest as he gathered his thoughts together. I could almost see the wheels spinning in his head.
Shelby sighed. “Just spit it out, Ev. I’m not a child.”
He shrugged his shoulders as if to say fine and hunched forward, his voice earnest. “You’ve been pretty isolated so far. But that’s going to change now that you’re in a relationship with Liam. Maybe not right away, but soon enough. You’re a challenge now. They will find out who you are, Shelby. And not just the fact that you’re my sister.” He drew in a deep breath. “They’ll know you work for Liam. The fact that you’re older and still married will also come up. The press will have a field day with that information. They’ll find out you lost your last job and somehow twist that to make you look bad. It’ll run the gamut—you’re after Liam for his money, or you seduced him to get ahead in this business. They’ll come up with a hundred and one false scenarios.”
“Because the truth is boring?”
“They aren’t interested in the truth. They’re interested in selling papers. I know you’ve only been an observer until now, but that role is gone. You’re smack-dab in the middle of it. They’re gonna follow you. Take pictures. Yell things at you to get a reaction. They’ll want to know everything about you.”
Shelby stiffened, and I squeezed her hand.
“But why do they care?” she questioned. “They don’t print things when Carly or Gillian go to a function with him. Or even any of his other dates.”
“There are a few stories, Shelby. Maybe not big ones, but there are mentions. Gillian and Carly are old news. But you’re brand-spanking new.”
Shelby’s face paled.
“You’re scaring her, Ev,” I hissed, wrapping my arm around her and drawing her closer.
“I don’t want to scare you. But I need you to be prepared.” He took Shelby’s hand in his. “Cassidy and I will help you, coach you. And Liam will be there for you, but it’s not an easy thing, being involved with a celebrity. I need to try to make sure you understand what you’re getting into.”
Shelby nodded, her voice quiet when she spoke. “It wasn’t easy to let him in, Ev.”
He smiled at her, the smile of genuine affection and understanding only a brother could bestow. “I know.”
My eyes flew between them. It was as if they forgot I was even in the room. I felt as if I should leave and let them talk, but I didn’t want to. I didn’t want Ev convincing Shelby she was better off without me.
“We’ll protect her together, Ev,” I offered quietly. “I don’t want to see her hurt either. But I can’t lose her.” I met his gaze. “I only just found her.”
Shelby’s warm eyes found mine. “We found each other,” she whispered.
I pulled her back and kissed her, losing myself to the taste of her mouth and the warm scent she surrounded me in. She grounded me.
God, I needed her.
Everett cleared his throat, causing Shelby to startle and move back. I glared at him.
Bloody hell, why was he still here?
I must have muttered that out loud because they both chuckled.
The intercom buzzed.
Brilliant.
More people.
Everett stood. “No doubt, that’s Cassidy. And Lily is due anytime. She said something about an urgent message from you.” He paused. “I assume the shoe incident?”
I dipped my chin in affirmation. Shelby huffed in frustration.
“Okay. You have the charity dinner on Tuesday, Liam. It’s the last black-tie one for a while.”
“Thank God.”
He looked at us. “Lots of press for this one. It’s huge. We need to be ready.” He eyed me knowingly. “For everything.”
“Right.”
“And Saturday is the library benefit. It’s in the late afternoon, and it’s more casual.”
“Great.”
“Still a suit, Liam. Shelby needs a cocktail dress. Lily knows. Not jeans.”
Great. Another bloody suit. I wondered briefly if I could convince Lily no tie at least.
Everett frowned at me. “You got it?”
“Yes.”
“You leave next week for some preproduction work. I’ve got your flights and security booked. I’ll look into added security for the house while you’re gone.”
“Okay.” Simply the thought of leaving Shelby made me unhappy.
The buzzer went again, and I scowled at him. I needed some time with Shelby; I didn’t like the way she was acting. She was far too quiet.
He arched his eyebrow at me as he stood. “I’ll give you a minute. I’ll be in the den with Cassidy and Lily.”
Finally.
Shelby walked over to the counter, her hand on the coffeepot handle, but she didn’t move. My heart sank. We had barely started and now Everett had her questioning if we should keep going. I got up and pulled her into my arms. “Don’t, Shelby. Please. Don’t question how right we are together. We’re going to be bloody brilliant.”
“I could become an embarrassment to you,” she whispered, not looking at me.
I slipped my fingers under her chin, forcing her to meet my eyes. “Impossible. I don’t care what stories they come up with. What stupid headlines they print. I know you. The real you. That’s all that matters to me or anyone I care about. Bloody hell, my mum loves you, and she’s never even liked any other girl I introduced her to.” Seeing the look on Shelby’s face, I backpedaled. “Not that there’ve been many of those.”
Shelby rolled her eyes and frowned. “She liked me as your housekeeper. How is she going to feel about me as your, um, girlfriend?”
I grinned. Girlfriend. I liked that. A lot.
“She’s been after me to make you my girlfriend since she was here last, Shelby. She’s going to be thrilled. And aside from that—I don’t give a toss about what the rest of the world has to say or think.” I smiled sadly at her. “Maybe I’m too much for you to take on, though? Things will change, I know that. I’ve been lucky lately, sneaking around unnoticed, but with the movie coming out and more press, it’s going to get crazy. They’ll be everywhere.”
Her eyes widened. “No! I want this, Liam. I want you. I’m just worried—”
I cut her off with my mouth, kissing her deeply. As long as she wanted this, we’d make it work.
Because I wanted her—desperately.
Lily looked horrified as she studied Shelby’s feet. “You should have called me. I would have gotten the other shoes to you somehow. Your poor feet!”
Shelby looked down, embarrassed, and then in a vain attempt to take the attention off herself, pointed her finger at me. “He threw them out. They were perfectly fine, and he tossed them!”
Lily started to laugh, as did I. Neither of us cared if I pitched the bloody shoes in the rubbish bin. I pressed a kiss to Shelby’s head. “Nice try.”
I looked at Lily. “Low heels this time.”
She pursed her lips. “They’re not as elegant.”
“Surely to God, you can find decent shoes without six-inch heels on them, Lily.” I lifted up Shelby’s foot. “Or ones that don’t do this to a person’s flesh. Heels be damned. I want her comfortable. Find some.”
Lily’s face was shocked, and I realized I had never before ordered her to do something. I started to apologize when she winked at me.
“Hot, Liam. All bossy for your woman.” She sat and opened her computer. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Shelby stared at me as I winked at her. “I’ll leave you to it, then.” I strode out of the kitchen, pausing at the door. “And Lily?”
She looked up.
“I want her in red. Both events.”
I walked out grinning, listening to them snicker.
God, I loved her in red.
I let myself into the quiet house. It had been a long day, filled with Everett and Cassidy and strategies about what my relationship with Shelby would entail. I had been impatient with them both, even though I knew they were right. I hated the fact that because I cared about someone, their life would be open for scrutiny. Especially Shelby. I didn’t want her hurt.
Shelby had been busy with Lily, and when we finally got some time alone, she looked so tired, I had to reformulate my plans of some heavy snogging on the sofa. Instead, we ended up cuddling and having a nap, which was surprisingly satisfying. I did like how she felt in my arms, but when I woke up, I had to head out to another dinner meeting with Everett, which dragged on endlessly. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. Some of these Hollywood people liked to hear themselves talk—a lot.
Changing Roles Page 13
