“Too late,” I toss over my shoulder. “Teddy texted. He’s almost here. And he’s alone because his wife had to fly back to Texas for a birthday.”
Liam’s frustrated groan follows me down the hall.
Smirking, I grab our discarded clothing from the living room and kitchen, shoving everything into the laundry room and kick the door closed with my heel.
Behind me, I hear Liam move with heavy boots on hardwood and when I glance back, he’s leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching me like he’s counting down the seconds until we’re alone again.
And judging by the look on his face he’s not planning to let me walk after.
Before either of us can speak, the doorbell chimes, breaking the charged silence. I exhale, flipping the knob on the stove to start the vegetables steaming. When I turn, Liam’s alreadyreaching for me, hand outstretched. Without hesitation, I slip my fingers into his.
Together, we move toward the front door, presenting a united front in more ways than one. Liam opens the door with a smile that’s a little too sharp around the edges.
“Teddy,” he greets, voice warm but firm. “Good to see you.”
The men shake hands, firm grips, silently sizing up. Then Teddy turns to me, his grin stretching wider.
“Good to see you, Olive.”
“You, too.” I smile politely, even though my heart is thundering way too fast. “Please, come inside.”
Teddy steps over the threshold, removing his cowboy hat and tucking it under his arm. He’s exactly what I pictured when I first heard Texas billionaire rancher. Sixties, white hair thinning in the back, tan suit so pressed it could cut glass, and boots that probably cost more than my first car. The kind of man who built his fortune from the dust up and never lets you forget it.
He sniffs the air, his face lighting up.
“Smells good in here. What’s for dinner?”
Before I can answer, Liam slides his arm around my waist, pulling me close enough that my body fits snug against his side.
He doesn't even hesitate.
“Olive’s making her famous meatloaf,” he says, voice so casual it sounds almost real.
Teddy’s eyes crinkle with amusement. He gestures between us, waving his hat like he’s pointing out something obvious.
“Happy to see you’re done hiding your relationship. It was plain as day to me when we met.”
I feel Liam’s chest shake with silent laughter beside me.
He dips his head in acknowledgment.
“You know how it goes,” he says, easy. “We just didn’t want it to affect business.”
Teddy chuckles, shaking his head like he’s remembering the good old days.
“Oh, it’ll affect business alright,” he says, grinning. “Just wait until she’s pregnant with your baby, bent over your desk, screaming out your name. Miss those days,” he sighs, sounding downright wistful.
I choke on air and Liam goes rigid next to me. When I glance up at him, the laughter dancing in his blue eyes almost distracts me. Almost. Because underneath it? There’s heat. Heat that says he’s definitely picturing it. Heat that says it’s not even remotely a joke in his head right now. My cheeks burn so hot I’m surprised the smoke alarm doesn’t go off. Liam catches my gaze, the corner of his mouth lifting in a wicked smirk that promises revenge.
We move to the dining room, Liam and Teddy taking their seats while I finish plating the salad.
The conversation stays surface-level as I settle in across from Teddy and next to Liam. Small talk buzzes around the table, but my mind can barely track a word. Because the second I sit down, Liam’s hand finds my thigh.
At first, it’s innocent. Just the weight of his palm resting lightly, a casual, almost protective touch.
But then he slides it higher, under my dress. My pulse kicks into a wild rhythm, blood rushing in my ears as he rubs slow, teasing circles against the inside of my thigh. I shift in my seat, trying to focus as Teddy launches into a story about some contractor in Dallas who lost a whole herd of cattle over a weekend.
But Liam? Liam’s hand is a traitor. It moves higher still, fingertips grazing the sensitive skin at the very edge of my panties. My breath stutters and I have to set my fork down before I drop it entirely. I dart a glance at him, ready to kill him with a look, but he’s the picture of innocence.
