I ducked under Liam’s embrace and pulled his arm behind his back in one of the holds he’d shown me. “Can’t have that now.”
Liam groaned. “Should’ve never given you the tools to kick my ass.”
I released his arm. “It really wasn’t the wisest decision.”
Liam moved with a speed I’d had no idea he possessed. In a matter of seconds, he’d swept my legs out from under me and taken me down to the mat with a gentle thud, his body covering mine. He kissed me, long and deep. His tongue slipped between my lips, stroking my own in a tempo that sent fire licking through my veins.
The kiss was over far too soon. And as Liam retreated, he nipped my bottom lip. “Gotta keep you on your toes.” He winked and pulled me to my feet, but the daze he’d left me in remained until the cold water of my shower snapped me back to reality. This man was going to be the death of me.
* * *
We pulledto a stop outside the Cole family’s ranch house. I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt. Liam pulled my hand up to his mouth, pressing his lips to my fingers. “Everything’s going to be fine. And if it gets to be too much, just squeeze my hand three times, and I’ll make an excuse for why we have to leave.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
Liam’s gaze met mine. “Everyone in there loves you.”
My heart warmed. He was right. The people in that house only wanted the best for me. This would be fine. “Let’s go.”
Liam gave me a quick kiss. “That’s my girl.” He exited the SUV, and by now I knew to stay put. The man got all scowly if I didn’t let him open my door.
I took the hand Liam offered and slid from the vehicle. He linked his fingers with mine, and I soaked in their reassuring pressure. When we reached the bottom of the porch steps, the front door flew open, and Jensen stood there, a massive grin on her face. “Iknewit!”
I couldn’t help the smile that stretched my face. Liam kept hold of my hand and led me up the stairs. “Hello, to you, too, Jensen.”
Jensen waved a hand in the air. “Yeah, yeah, nice to see you, Hollywood. Now, release my friend so I can take her to the kitchen and get every single detail about how this all came to be.”
Liam looked down at me, checking to see if I needed him to run interference. I shook my head and reached up to brush my lips against his cheek. “I’ll be fine.”
He kissed my temple and let me go. “Take good care of my girl, Little J.”
Jensen scowled at the use of the nickname. “You two are so cute I could puke.”
Liam chuckled and headed for the huddle of men in the living room, while Jensen linked her arm with mine and led me to the kitchen. Sarah was bustling about, making last-minute preparations, while Irma and Taylor sat in their usual spots sipping wine.
Jensen cleared her throat before anyone could say anything. “Ladies, I need you all to know that Miss Tessa just arrived with a certain musician, and they wereholding hands.” My cheeks began to heat as everyone turned to stare at me.
Irma raised her half-full glass. “What did I tell you? Are you finally going to believe I have a psychic gift now? I could use a little more respect around here.”
Sarah shook her head and then looked at me. “You couldn’t have picked someone else to date? We’ll never hear the end of it now.”
Irma huffed. “Zero respect, I tell you.”
I laughed. “Well, I’m kind of partial to that one.” I jerked a thumb in the direction of the living room.
Sarah hummed. “He is rather handsome.”
Taylor patted the stool next to her. “Come, sit. I want to hear everything you’re willing to share.” Her nose scrunched. “Well, not the sexy stuff. That’d just be weird because Liam is like my brother.”
Irma leaned forward on her stool. “Ignore her. I wantallthe dirty details.”
“Mother,” Sarah chided.
Irma shrugged. “I’m old, I’m not dead. And that man has an ass that doesn’t quit.”
My mouth fell open. There was a three-count of silence and then we all dissolved into laughter. Warmth spread through my body. I realized that this is what it was like to let yourself belong. To ease up on your guard enough to let people in. It was the best feeling in the world.
30
