“Is this bigger than meeting the family?” he asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
“No,” I giggled, “I was just curious what your plans were for the Fourth of July. Lexie invited us to camp out on the beach with Jake and his friends. They said you could invite the guys along. Interested?”
“Sounds like a good time. I’ll ask them. Anything else?”
“Just one more thing….,” I leaned in closer with a mischievous smirk, brushing my lips along his ear. “How fast do you think you can have me screaming your name?” I whispered.
Within seconds of registering my words, he was flipping me to my back, causing me to squeal with laughter. “You and that mouth,” he smiled down at me before beginning his delicious and deliberate meandering down my body.
He licked and sucked his way south, wetting my body both inside and out. He followed the path of his tongue with a breath of air that he blew across my body, sending a shiver through me.
His face hovered at my core, using the same methodical approach of tongue and air, forcing my hips to move upward on their own accord. He kissed below my navel, pushing them back to the bed.
“Liam…,” I pleaded for him to hurry. I needed him inside me.
“Not yet.”
“I’m ready,” I breathed.
“I know, princess.” He kissed in between my thighs, before intensifying his manipulation of my body.
“Oh, God…Liam,” I panted, feeling my body’s release building. I clutched my hands onto his broad shoulders, preparing for the impending combustion. Just before my body exploded, he removed his mouth from me. I was tempted to push him back where I needed him most, but his imposing torso was already making its way up my body.
His eyes penetrated mine as he pushed inside me. I tilted my head back, closing my eyes, taking a moment to revel in the pleasure that now filled my body. His hand slid behind my head, threading his fingers in my hair, as he tilted it to his. He took my mouth roughly. Our tongues thrashed and our minds melded as our bodies worked together as one.
My body trembled and quaked as I screamed his name over and over. He wrapped me up into his arms, holding me against him as we both passed out for the night.
CHAPTER 10
I couldn’t help the small giggle that escaped my lips when Liam opened his door to me Sunday evening. He was dressed in slacks and a buttoned up dressed shirt with the sleeves rolled up above his elbows.
“What?” he asked, glancing down at his attire, “Should I change?”
I shook my head no, unable to speak. He looked sexy. The light gray shirt and black dress pants fit him in all the right places. It made me fall a little deeper at the thought of him making an effort to impress my family. I scanned his body, appreciating the full vision of him. It took everything I had not to jump him and strip him out of his clothes, so I could kiss every inch of that body that was hidden beneath them.
“I just…I’ve never seen you dressed up is all.” I tried repressing the over joyous smile on my face. “It’s just different. You didn’t have to do that. You can wear whatever you’re comfortable in,” I smiled, wrapping my hands around his waist to look up at him. He lowered his head, dropping a kiss on my lips.
“I’m good, princess…but you need to stop.”
“Stop what?”
“You’re giving me the ‘look’. I love when you give me that look…but now is not the time, unless you want to skip dinner all together.”
I rolled my eyes at him, “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes. I’m driving,” he stated firmly as he closed and locked his door behind him.
“What? Why?”
“You’re a terrible driver, princess. I feel better being the one behind the wheel.”
I smacked him on his shoulder as I pushed away from him, “I am not!” I crossed my arms with annoyance.
“You very much are,” he laughed, pulling me back into his arms, giving me a platonic kiss on the top of my head. “After following you that first night and seeing the shape your car was in when it came into our shop, there is no doubt in my mind.”
“First of all, the damage to my car was not my fault,” I said pointedly. “Secondly, if I was driving terribly that night, it was your fault for distracting me from focusing on the road.”
“Uh, huh,” he said unconvinced.
“Whatever,” I huffed. “It looks like you and my brother already have something you can agree on,” I sassed. “Let’s go, before I change my mind and leave you here.”
I broke free from his arms, marching down the steps, leaving him to trail behind me. As soon as my foot hit the pavement below, I felt him scooping me up in his arms, planting a wet kiss on my lips.
“You’re sexy, when you’re mad and all pouty.”
“I’m not pouting.”
He shook his head. A grin twitching on his gorgeous mouth as he carried me to my car. He placed my feet on the ground, opening the passenger door for me. I got into the car, placing my keys in his hand without argument. He leaned into the car, giving me a quick kiss before closing the door and confidently strolling around to take his place behind the steering wheel.
I watched him, knowing there was no way I could stay mad at him for long. He looked entirely too good in that moment and that damn dimple that was becoming a permanent fixture on his face got me every time.
The whole drive to Malibu Liam was talkative and relaxed, keeping his right hand tangled with mine as he drove. Occasionally, he’d drop kisses on the back of my hand, causing my body to ignite with each tender kiss. It wasn’t until we pulled through the gates outside of my brother’s home that he became quiet and tense.
He turned off the car, neither of us moving or talking. I waited a beat before squeezing his hand in comfort.
“Liam?”
He turned to look at me, giving me a weak smile. I knew the house, gates, and security could be intimidating for most people.
“I’m fine, princess,” he assured me before releasing my hand to get out of the car. I took a deep breath, praying that tonight’s dinner would go smoothly. Liam opened my door, helping me out of the car. I linked my arm through his, guiding him up to the door. The massive wooden front door swung open just before we made it onto the porch. Ava was standing there with her big, bright, blue eyes and a welcoming smile.
I felt Liam’s body start to relax, making me thankful for Ava’s natural friendly demeanor. She stepped out of the door, enveloping me in a big hug, calming my own nerves.
“Val! So glad you guys made it!” She released me from her arms, turning to Liam. “And you must be Liam.” She gave him a big smile in greeting.
He nodded at her, reciprocating her smile.
“Liam, this is my sister-in-law, Ava,” I introduced them.
“Ava, it’s good to meet you.” He put out his hand to greet her. She bypassed it, giving him a hug. He gave her a one armed hug, trying to avoid her protruding belly and maintain his hold on my hand.
“Where is Rhett?” I asked her.
She rolled her eyes, turning to walk back into the house. “On the phone,” she sighed. “Come on in,” she waved for us to follow her. “He promised it would be a short call. Dinner is almost ready.”
We followed her into the house, through the massive entry way towards the open living and dining room area.
“Can I get you two something to drink,” she offered.
“I’ll take a glass of wine,” I replied. We both looked at Liam expectantly.
“Whatever you have is fine,” he responded, trying to be as little trouble as possible.
“We have everything. You’re going to have to be a little more specific,” Ava teased him.
He smiled, revealing his dimple, “I guess I’ll take a beer in that case.”
“One wine, one beer. Coming right up.” She turned to walk away, glancing over her shoulder at me, giving me a corny smile and a thumbs up of her approval before leaving us alone in the living room. Thankfully, Liam
’s back was to her as he glanced around their home.
I turned to Liam, hugging him to me. He stared down at me. I could feel the nervous energy radiating from him. “Just be yourself.”
He nodded, dropping his nose to mine as he inhaled a deep breath. We silently breathed each other in, letting our bodies calm each other. We heard the clearing of a gravelly throat and Liam instantly stepped away, putting unwanted distance between us. I watched his hardened body that was standing at attention, staring at Rhett who was now only a few feet behind me, looking intimidating as always. I turned to my brother, grinning at him, hoping to diminish his unapproachable disposition.
“Rhett!” I smiled the biggest smile I could. Despite everything, I was always happy to see my big brother. His own charming smile spread across his face as he focused on me. I gave him a hug, silently pleading that he would take it easy on Liam. I pulled away from our hug, giving him a final look of plea, before turning back to Liam.
“Rhett, this is Liam. Liam, this is my brother, Rhett.”
The two stared at each other for a few uncomfortable seconds before Rhett offered his hand and a tight smile to Liam. But a smile none the less. Knowing my brother, it was the closest thing he would give to a peace offering.
“Liam, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I let out an air of relief as Liam instantly gave him a firm hand shake.
“Same…You have a beautiful home,” Liam said, looking around the space.
“Thank you. It’s mostly Ava’s doing.”
“That’s right. Val had mentioned she was an architect.”
Rhett nodded. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Already have them covered,” Ava said, coming back into the room with our drinks in hand. She handed them to Liam and me, before sidling up beside Rhett. He put his arm around her, pulling her in protectively. “Dinner is ready when you are. I set it up on the patio, since it’s a beautiful evening.”
“Well, let’s eat then,” Rhett extended his arm for Liam and me to go first. I took Liam’s hand in mine, leading him out to the rear patio that overlooked the ocean.
Ava was right. It was a beautiful evening. The warm salty air with just the perfect amount of breeze felt good on my skin.
The conversation at dinner started off slow and slightly tense between Rhett and Liam, but Ava and I worked our charm, easing the two men into conversation. By the end of the meal, Rhett was more welcoming towards him and Liam was more relaxed.
“So Liam, Ava tells me you work at the body shop that repaired Val’s car. That’s where you met?”
“Yes, I do. But no, we actually first met -”
“At a concert!” I interrupted in a rushed panic as I elbowed Liam hard in the side. He grunted in pain under his breath, clutching his side. “We first met at a concert. Then again at the body shop,” I continued, building on my lie, securing my hands firmly underneath my thighs.
They were all staring at me as my cheeks began to flush - Liam with a look of confusion, Ava with narrowed eyes, and Rhett with a raised eyebrow. I turned my eyes down, focusing on my plate, deciding it was best to avoid all their stares.
“Right…I must have been confused and told you wrong,” Ava said, coming to my rescue, despite knowing I had told her a small lie. “Must be the pregnancy brain.” She smiled up at Rhett as she took the blame. God I loved her. I knew she would probably make me pay for it later, but I didn’t care.
“A concert?” Rhett asked, still eyeing me suspiciously. His tone incredulous. I grimaced. My brother could read me like a book most of the time.
“Liam’s band was playing that night,” I glanced over at him, hoping he wouldn’t refute me and follow my lead.
“They’re really good,” Ava added. “You should listen to some of their music. Your voice is awesome, Liam.”
“Thanks, Ava. Maybe sometime you two can come watch us play.” Liam shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
I wasn’t sure if it was because of the lie he was now letting slide or the fact he felt self-conscious about Ava’s compliment. Knowing him, likely the former. I felt terrible for making him take part in a lie to my brother, but it was really inconsequential. I would make it up to him later.
“Oh! I would love that. Maybe after the baby comes?” Ava looked over at Rhett.
“Sure, beautiful,” Rhett agreed. I don’t think he was truly convinced by our ploy, but he let it go.
I started to relax, now that the attention was off of me, and I mouthed a silent thank you to Ava when neither of the guys were looking.
After dinner, we all continued to visit a little longer. Liam and Rhett remained on the patio to have a night cap outside, while Ava took me inside to see the latest additions to the nursery.
“Are you going to tell me what that little outburst was about?” Ava prompted me when we were alone in the safety of the nursery.
“No?”
She narrowed her eyes, cocking her head to the side, throwing her hands on her hips. It was a very motherly look. The one that told you, you were minutes away from suffering the consequences if you didn’t fess up now. My poor nephew would not stand a chance against that look. The same way I had no chance, right now.
“Keep it between us?”
“Depends….,” she said, taking a seat in the oversized, wing backed glider next to the crib.
“On what?”
“On whether you agree to babysit for us whenever I want for a year.” She put her feet up on the stool in front of her, relaxing back into the chair with confidence like she was a savvy business woman, laying out the terms of a deal. Rhett was unfortunately rubbing off on her.
“Are you seriously trying to blackmail me?”
A wide grin slid across her face.
“Unbelievable. Why do you need that anyways? Won’t you guys have a nanny?”
“No. I already told Rhett absolutely not. I don’t want a full time nanny. We’ll just have one here during the day while we work.”
“You don’t even know my secret yet. How can you think that it’s even worth me agreeing to this?”
“Something tells me it is….” She winked.
I let out an exaggerated sigh, “Fine.” It’s not like the terms were something I wouldn’t do for them anyways. I planned to spoil that little nephew of mine rotten. “We met the day I picked up your car. I got a flat tire on the way to my audition. He pulled over to help me.”
“I thought my tires looked different. Wait…a flat tire? As in single?”
“Yes, but I had them all replaced, hoping you guys wouldn’t notice.”
She laughed at my absurdness. “So you didn’t meet at a concert or the body shop?”
“Well….” I went onto tell her about the first few frustrating days of our encounters, leaving out his warnings and the fact he had a mysterious past he wasn’t willing to tell me about. I wasn’t going to share that information when I wasn’t even sure what it was he was warning me against.
“Wow…well, I’m glad you guys have ended up together. I really like him. I think he’ll be good for you, Val.”
“Thank you. And thank you for your help with Rhett.”
She shrugged, “I didn’t do much. Just made him promise to give it a chance and to stay out of it. I know it may not seem like it, but he trusts your judgement, Val. He just worries. He wants to protect you.”
“I know. I love him and even the craziness that comes with him.” I smiled.
Ava and I rejoined the guys on the patio. There was an awkward silence between them that had me feeling a little uneasy when we first approached. We had obviously interrupted a serious conversation. As soon as they were aware of our presence, they both quickly changed their expressions. I worried about what had been said between them, but when Liam put his arm around me, relaxing me into his side, I let his touch banish any negative thoughts.
I rolled onto my back, laying my head onto my pillow, basking in the afterglow. After leaving Rhett and Ava�
�s house, we ended up at my place for the night. On the drive home, I had to embarrassingly explain why I lied about our first meeting. His only response was to shake his head with amusement.
Liam rolled onto his side, sprinkling my neck with kisses as I tried to slow my heart rate and heavy breathing. He pulled his face from my neck, giving me a soft, rare smile.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing… Just trying to figure out how I got so lucky to be here with you, right now…”
“This is where you belong,” I assured him.
His smile faded as I watched the doubt spread through his eyes.
“Liam.” I spoke his name softly, reaching my hand to his jawline, letting his scruff grate the pads of my fingers.
“Let’s not talk, princess. I just need to hold you right now.”
He pulled me onto my side so my front was pressed against his as he held me close. I cuddled into his body, closing my eyes. As much as I wanted to push, the idea of cuddling with him won, allowing him to escape any probing questions I had.
I tried to force my mind to shut down and sleep, but it was running rampant with unsettling thoughts. Every time Liam would avoid the topic of his past, my imagination would take over. I had no idea what to think. I knew in my heart there was nothing that would make me look at him any different, but he seemed to have the same level of confidence that it would.
I felt his breathing slow. I glanced up to look at his beautiful sleeping face, resisting the urge to touch it. He looked so at ease. I didn’t want to wake him. I took a deep breath to clear my mind, and I let sleep overtake me.
CHAPTER 11
The warm water ran over my body as I tried to wake my sleepy brain. I had snuck out of bed to ready myself for work, letting Liam continue to sleep. I resented the fact I had the early shift, wishing I could stay in bed having a lazy morning with him.
Liam and I had spent every free hour we had together over the last three weeks, which weren’t as many as I liked. His full time job at the shop, evening practices and late night shows all left him with very little spare time. My own schedule wasn’t any better.
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