You do, his mind insisted, but it was that very thought that had led him to ask Stacy out and put his men at risk in the first place.
With great effort, he pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the job at hand.
Then his phone rang.
Hoping it was Roger calling with an issue, he pulled out the phone then frowned at the name on the caller ID.
Caleb.
His brother. The JAG lawyer.
“Hey, Caleb. What’s up?” he asked, walking a few feet away from the others so he could hear over the noise, more than a little concerned as to why his brother would call.
“Liam. Hi. Long time no talk.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, I guess it has been a while.”
“Try six months.”
Shit. “That long?”
“Yep,” Caleb said, but his tone held no anger. In fact, it sounded like he was grinning. “So, I figured instead of a call this Christmas, I’d come visit my big brother and little sis at this amazing dude ranch I keep hearing about from Mom and Dad. Sort of kill two birds with one stone.”
His smile disappeared. He wasn’t going to be good company that day…or any day after that. Pushing his shoulders back, he inhaled and got a damn grip. He hadn’t seen the guy in over two years. He missed him.
“Sounds great.”
Even if the Fort Worth zoning came through that week, Liam would postpone traveling there for a day so he could see his brother.
And suffer through not seeing Stacy.
“Super. Trisha’s already got me booked in one of the cabins. Think it’ll be one of yours?”
“No, we’re still finishing them up. Besides, they’re more for special needs guests.” He raised a brow. “And hey, way to call Trish before me. I see how it is.”
Caleb’s laugh rustled through the phone. “Don’t get butthurt, Bro. She’s just nicer to me than you.”
He snickered. “Asshole.”
“Takes one to know one. See you in two weeks.” His brother’s laughter was cut off when he ended the call.
Grinning, he shoved his phone in his pocket and got back to work.
Twenty minutes later, he screwed the last few screws into the final curved piece of the top, then Terry and Finn held the sides while Liam secured them to the structure, one side at a time, before they heaved the structure upright.
“Well, boys, that there is going to put a huge smile on my bride’s beautiful face. Thank you.” Terry patted him and Finn on the back, panting with them as they stared at their handiwork. “I’ll have my ranch hands help me load it on a flatbed and tow it into the barn where it’s warm enough to paint. But don’t you worry about that.”
“You sure?” Finn frowned. “Liam and I—”
“Have done enough,” Terry said, cutting his buddy off. “I’ll take care of it. You two can call it a day. Spend some time with your women.”
He held out his hand to Finn, then to Terry. “Thank you both for your help. The job went much faster with us all working on it.”
Hell, the sun hadn’t even set yet.
“Oh, wow. It looks amazing,” Rose said, a tremor evident in her tone.
They all turned to find all three women heading in their direction wearing identical pleased expressions.
Warmth spread through Liam’s chest when Stacy walked right up to him again, her gaze overbright and full of emotion as she hugged him tight. “It’s looks wonderful, Liam. Thank you for doing this for Rose.”
He tightened his hold on her and kissed the top of her head. “It was my pleasure. Plus, I had help.”
“Thank you all so much,” Rose said, releasing Terry to give him and Finn each a tight hug. “I appreciate you both taking the time out of your days to build this for our wedding. You’re going to have to let us pay you.”
“No way, Mom.” Finn shook his head, a huge frown creasing his brow.
Liam nodded. “I concur. Consider it a gift for the wedding.”
Rose opened her mouth, but the hand Terry set on her shoulder caused her to pause.
“Sounds like their minds are made up, sweetheart,” Terry said. “And you know how stubborn SEALs can be.”
She snorted and her posture relaxed as a smile creased her lips. “Not just SEALs.”
Terry responded with a grin and a twinkle in his eye. “Ah, you know me so well.”
“That, I do.” Rose lifted up on tiptoe and Terry leaned down to kiss her.
Cammie hooked her arm in Finn’s and tugged him toward the house. “Time we went inside.”
“And I’ve got to go…do a thing,” Stacy said, biting her lower lip, which curved into a smile.
As much as Liam wanted to follow her and be the thing she had to do, he couldn’t leave with his tools and pieces of lumber littering the Brennan’s backyard.
But he worked fast because there had definitely been heat flickering in Stacy’s eyes and he had plans to increase that heat to a blaze that would last all night long.
Chapter Fifteen
By the time the bride and groom said their “I dos” and received congratulations from the small gathering of family and friends as Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins, Stacy had abandoned trying to hold back her tears of joy and just let them flow.
It had been a whirlwind of a week, getting everything ready, adding last minute touches so the happy couple would have a special day.
The beautiful bride wore a soft blush-pink colored, ankle-length dress with a white, rose-patterned lace overlay. Stacy had helped pin Rose’s dark hair up, using combs with thin, white ribbons hanging down and pins with tiny, white silk roses on them, leaving several tendrils loose to frame her pretty face, adding to the bride’s ethereal beauty.
Rose looked the like the angel she was.
Rose’s sister, Lettie had given away the bride, while the woman’s adorable granddaughter and grandson had served as the flower girl and ringbearer.
It had been cute how Maddie had tried to hold onto her brother’s hand as he practically ran down the red aisle runner.
Finn and Brett had served as Terry’s best men, both looking sharp in dark blue suits, while the groom wore a similar suit, but his was three pieces with a vest. Terry looked handsome and proud and happy. A happy silver fox.
Cammie had been the matron of honor in a gorgeous, rose-patterned, red velvet dress, while Trisha had been the maid of honor in a rose-patterned, green velvet dress.
A beautiful, happy family.
“Here,” Liam said quietly, handing her a tissue before sliding his arm around her. “You did great. It looks amazing out here.”
Stacy wiped the wetness from her face and smiled. “Thanks. The staff helped.”
“Yeah, they helped you set up, but you were the one who designed the outdoor winter wonderland.” He kissed her temple. “You’re amazing.”
His touch and praise sent warmth swirling into her chest as she glanced around the patio she helped transform into the festive outdoor space fit for a special wedding. Metal frames held the sheets of white material used to not only cut out the wind but as a backdrop for the white poinsettias, green topiaries, and strings of white lights intertwining them. Several large outdoor heaters lined the perimeter, keeping the chill at bay and the celebration warm.
The buffet table and delicious aroma from the carefully planned meal were all her uncle’s doing, as were the tables adorned in white tablecloths with red poinsettia centerpieces.
“I just wanted everything to be perfect for them,” she said, setting her head on his shoulder.
He hugged her closer. “You certainly gave them that.”
“And you gave them that beautiful arch,” she said.
“Terry’s the one who painted it and you were the one who decorated it. You both made my work look good,” he said. “Besides, I wasn’t the only one who built it, remember?”
All she did was wrap some of those sheets around the structure then added green holly.
“I remember,” she replied, turning
in his arms to slide her hands up around his shoulders, loving how his hands automatically fell to her waist. “But you were the one who designed and delegated and built the arch.”
“It’s what I do.”
“And this is what I do. Plan events and activities.”
“Well, you do it well.”
“And you do your thing well, too.”
His lips slanted into a grin. “Why, thank you.”
She got the feeling they were no longer talking about the arch. Stacy answered his grin with one of her own. “You’re welcome.”
He wiggled his brows. “Any chance we can sneak away so I can do you well?”
Heat shot to her belly, funneling low and fast. She tightened her grip on his shoulders and swayed closer. “No, but you can do me well tonight.”
“Yes, ma’am.” His grin spread wide and the devilment in his eyes gleamed with a heated promise she was going to hold him to. “Think we need to seal that with a kiss.”
And before she could protest—had she wanted to—his lips were on hers, waking her body and her senses, making them want much more than the light but firm promise of more.
“Do you see any mistletoe, Trish?” Brett asked, a smile evident in his tone. “Because I don’t.”
She tried to draw back but Liam held her in place, his lips curving into a smile against hers.
“Nope.” A smile was evident in his sister’s tone, too.
“He’s a SEAL,” Finn said. “We don’t need any. We improvise.”
Cammie made a soft sound of agreement. “Very well, too, I might add.”
This time when Stacy drew back, Liam let her but kept his arm around her, pulling her in and against his side.
“Hooyah!” Liam spouted.
She laughed as she slid her arm around his waist and faced everyone. “I concur.”
More laughter ensued, and it continued all through the reception that was a true celebration of warmth and family and love.
Everything Stacy wanted.
With Liam.
Her heart squeezed despite the joy around her because she’d gone and done what she wasn’t supposed to. She’d let her heart get involved. Let Liam inside it again, although she knew the truth. The man had never left it.
Now the big question was would he walk away again?
***
A whole week had gone by and Stacy was no closer to an answer to that question. Just like the previous two weeks, she’d spent the past week in his arms every night. Sometimes in her bed, sometimes in his, but always together.
His kisses and touches held a lot more promise in them than heat. She could feel other emotions in his touch, but he never talked about wanting to see her after his job here was done. And it would be done. Soon.
Too soon.
She swallowed past her hot throat and finished wrapping her niece’s Christmas presents, trying to keep her mind focused on happy things. Like her sister and niece’s upcoming visit.
She grabbed her phone and called her sister, which was one of the things on her to-do list today. Right after wrapping presents.
“Hi, Stacy,” her sister said, answering on the first ring.
She smiled. “Hey, Tracy.”
Yeah, their mother apparently liked rhymes…more than her family.
“I was just about to call you.”
“Great minds.” She chuckled. “How’s Reanna?”
“She’s good. Excited about seeing you and Uncle Clayton, but between you and me, I think it’s more about Slater and Cilantro. She asked Santa for a pet for Christmas. Now what am I supposed to do? I don’t want to disappoint her. I already feel bad I can’t give her a daddy like her friends at daycare. I swear she’s getting way too smart.”
Reanna’s dad was a Navy man but nothing like Finn or Liam. He was a liar and a cheat and a mooch who avoided hard work and responsibility outside his naval duties. The only good thing about the sperm donor was his daughter.
Thank God her sister had the good sense not to marry the jerk because the minute she’d told him she was pregnant, he said, “sorry about that” then walked out the door.
But when her niece was three, for some reason the bastard took her sister to court to try to get visitation rights and force Tracy to move back to California because that’s where he was stationed.
What a mess.
And her poor sister was still battling the courts while trying to keep her daughter unaware so she wouldn’t get hurt.
“Sorry, hon,” she said, wishing words of wisdom would make their way to her brain so she could make everything better for Tracy.
“It’s not your fault, but thanks.” Her sister’s sigh rustled through the phone. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to be a Tracy downer. Let’s talk about something fun, like my visit. Uncle Clayton said the room is ready, tree is up, and he can’t wait.”
She smiled as she eyed the small tree in the corner that she and Liam had decorated last night, right before he’d taken her to merry delight on the floor in front of it.
Inhaling, she did her best to dispel the flash of heat rushing through her body. It didn’t work.
“I’m sorry you can’t stay with me, but my cabin, although cozy, would be too small.” The last two years, her sister and niece had spent the holidays with her in her two-bedroom apartment.
An image of the old Victorian in town flashed through Stacy’s mind. If she had that there would be plenty of room. But nothing in the bank.
“I know. No worries,” her sister said. “If I had the money, I’d book a few nights at your dude ranch. I know Reanna would enjoy the winter amenities you offer there, but the courts and my lawyer get any and all money I have left over after food, rent, and Reanna’s daycare.”
The child support the court would make the sperm donor pay would help tremendously, but Stacy knew her sister didn’t want anything from the guy. It was a little too little, a little too late. Besides, she didn’t want her daughter to be disappointed by her father because he was the type to make plans then not show up.
They’d had enough of that with their mother before she’d left. She didn’t blame Tracy for not wanting to subject Reanna to that same treatment. To her credit, Tracy had agreed to let the guy spend time with their daughter, but after two no-shows, she’d put an end to it. That’s when the idiot had gotten the courts involved.
“Well, I’m sure we can bring her here for some daytime fun,” she said. “After all, I still want my sleepover.”
Tracy laughed, and the lighthearted sound made Stacy smile. Her sister deserved some happy. “Don’t worry, you’ll get it. Reanna has already insisted.”
“All right then. Good,” she said. “So, when are you two driving up?”
Tracy currently lived in a small town in the Texas Hill country. A nice, quiet town where everyone helped one another. The perfect place to raise her daughter. But every now and then, Stacy could hear dissatisfaction in her sister’s tone. A sort of restlessness.
“Thursday.”
Stacy frowned. “Christmas Eve?”
“Yeah.” Tracy sighed again. “I have to work until noon. Luckily, my friend has the day off and is going to watch Reanna for me until I get her after work, and then we’ll hit the road. We should make it to Uncle Clayton’s by seven. Eight, at the latest.”
“Okay. Just be careful. Make sure you text me when you leave. And every hour on the hour.”
Her sister chuckled. “Yes, Mom.”
Stacy laughed.
“I’d better go, or I’ll be late to get Reanna. See you in less than a week.”
“Bye,” Stacy said, but her sister had already ended the call.
She set her phone on the table and returned to her wrapping, this time with a bigger smile on her face. She couldn’t wait to see them.
This year, her Christmas could prove to be the best one yet.
***
Monday evening after work, Liam showered before he exercised and fed Trident, then slipped out the door, decid
ing not to disturb the dog, who’d fallen asleep by the fire. Good thing he’d gotten into the habit of letting one of his crew keep it going during the day if he didn’t have the opportunity to stop in and do it himself.
He walked the short distance to Stacy’s, way beyond ready to spend time with the amazing woman. Stretching his neck to crack it, he drew in deep breaths in an attempt to dispel the anxiety tightening his shoulders. Between waiting for the call to start the Fort Worth job, which would make him leave Stacy early…to leaving Stacy period, he was on edge. Big time.
Call or not, he had to leave her this week.
It was a safeguard. Had to be done.
He had to walk away from her.
Again.
Damn, he wasn’t sure his chest would ever be free of the heaviness that settled there. But he was more than happy to change the beat inside to the increased pounding Stacy incited.
He loved this part of his day. The part that included a certain, sweet, sexy woman. She was the best part.
Anticipation ruled his strides, and he reached her door in seconds. All afternoon he’d thought about kissing her, touching her, undressing her.
Losing himself inside her soft curves.
Multiple times.
Okay, so that was ambitious, given the fact they’d been at it for weeks now. But he couldn’t get enough of her. The more he had her, the more he wanted her. Damn. Heat raced down his spine just thinking about it.
Heaven help him, he wanted the hot and heavy times where he was buried deep inside her and they climaxed together to never end.
But he also wanted the relaxed times when they strolled hand-in-hand while Trident raced ahead on walks. The times when she sat next to him on the couch, watching a movie with his sister and future brother-in-law. When they ate pizza and played crazy card games with Finn and Cammie. Sunday dinners at her uncle’s where they all worked on the same jigsaw puzzle.
Experiencing those times with her had been extra special to him, but come Christmas, those experiences would all be memories.
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