For a moment Liam thought Coury might invite him to join them, but it looked like even Coury—always-at-ease, chill Coury—was overwhelmed by Beckett’s demands.
Liam pushed off the armchair.
He got it. This was their time.
Upstairs, footsteps thumped along with the murmur of voices and deep laughter.
Liam hung up his brother’s coat, moved his wet shoes to the mat, and gazed up the stairs. He shook off the curl of longing and headed for the kitchen.
Pop sighed. “Why didn’t you go with them?”
“Wasn’t exactly invited.”
Pop opened his mouth, then looked over Liam’s shoulder and shut it again.
Liam whisked around to find Coury gripping the doorframe above his head. He had the kind of athletic body expected of a pitcher—a slightly lanky Adonis. Sandy-gold hair, chiseled jaw, typical come-hither blue eyes. The ass-hugging jeans were a slight to the rest of mankind, and there was something about Coury’s T-shirts that always had Liam staring at his chest. Maybe it was the V line at his neck—or maybe it was the V line at his hips.
Liam shut the thoughts down immediately.
Coury drummed a beat on the frame and dropped his arms. “Beckett’s in the bathroom. He’s demanded water.”
“Of course,” Pop said, rolling his eyes. “Liam, show Coury where the glasses are.”
“You know this is enabling him,” Liam said, opening the cupboard wide.
Coury grabbed two glasses. “Like you putting away his coat and shoes?”
He’d noticed?
Coury’s gaze met Liam’s with a punch that never failed to get Liam’s heart pounding. “We’re going downstairs. You coming?”
“Um . . .” Liam glanced at Pop, who made a face and motioned with his eyes for Liam to go. “If it’s okay.”
“Of course it’s okay.” Coury smiled. “Unless you’d rather hang out with the cranky old guy who”—he whispered—“burns things.”
Liam snorted and Pop whacked them both with the dish towel. “Get out of my kitchen, you ungrateful little urchin. I’ll show you cranky.”
Liam laughed and hurried out of range.
“You’re brave,” Liam said as they headed to the basement. “He might slip hot sauce in your chicken.”
“I’ll be full of hot stuff, then.”
Liam jerked his gaze from Coury, lest it wander.
“No worries. Pop obviously likes you.”
Coury bumped his shoulder. “Pop likes everyone. He seems happy to have you around.”
Beckett blew in with a grin. “So much better.” He grabbed the glass from Coury and downed it. “You’re the best, C-man.”
“Liam said I’m enabling you. So next time, grab your own water.”
Beckett pivoted to Liam like he only just realized he was there. “I thought you loved me?”
Liam rolled his eyes.
Beckett slapped him on the shoulder. “Did you leave some books down here, Squirt?”
