Liam’s focus is now entirely on Haley. “What company do you work for?”
She blinks behind her cat-framed glasses like she’s surprised at his attention. “Same as Ash. Mia Wild’s company. I love her foundation because it focuses on rescued horses.”
“You like saving animals?”
“Beats trying to save people.”
Her blue eyes widen like she definitely didn’t mean to reveal that.
Liam puts down the mug of beer he had in his hand. “Why’s that?”
I glance at the other guys. All of them are watching Liam and Haley interact like it’s a reality TV show and they can’t wait to find out the ending.
Haley shifts in her seat like she’s suddenly uncomfortable. “Adult people can’t be trusted. Animals can.”
“Adult people?” Liam’s lips twitch like he’s fighting a smile.
“Right.” She rotates her beer mug around in the condensation it’s left on the table. “Children are still innocent.”
“Haley definitely backs up her talk,” I say, knowing she’ll want to kill me, but I can’t help being proud of her. “She’s so good with the rescued horses on Wild Ranch. And she donates as much of her paycheck as she can afford to protecting wildlife and the environment.”
Liam opens his mouth to say something, but Haley spills her beer all over herself. I’m sure it was an accident because her hands are shaking.
“Shoot.” She stands up. “What a mess. I’m just going to go home and shower.”
“But…” Emerson reaches out to grab Haley. “Max and I will share an Uber with you.”
“Oh, don’t end your evening on account of my clumsiness.” Haley’s now ten feet away from the table. “Nice to see everyone. Good night!”
And she’s gone. Like a firefly disappearing into the night sky when its light flashes out, Haley Laine knows how to make herself scarce when she wants to.
And whatever sparks were happening between her and Liam Storm, she didn’t stick around to see if the fire could sustain itself.
* * *
The rest of us hang out for a while longer. I admit to being nervous ahead of the night, but being with Jared in front of everyone turns out to be easy. Kind of like how each step he and I have taken seemed like it would be difficult and actually wasn’t.
But this interview I have coming up could alter everything once again. I need to tell him about the head hunter’s phone call, and I’d love his feedback, but I don’t want to ruin his night with his brothers.
I’ll tell him after the others fly home.
When we get home that night, Jared is kissing me before we’ve even unlocked the front door. As soon as the door closes behind us, he crowds me up against it and kisses me senseless.
Our clothes come off in a line across the living room floor, and we end up with me on my hands and knees on the bed and Jared driving into me from behind until I’m moaning out his name while I come and he follows right behind.
We collapse onto the bed, and Jared tucks us both underneath the covers. I lay my head on his bare chest and enjoy the sound of his heartbeat.
Until…
Meow!
“Oh my goodness! We forgot to say hi to Louie!” I bounce up and scoop her into my arms and deposit her on the bed. “I’ll go bring in her food bowl. She must be hungry.”
When I return with the bowl, Louie happily jumps down and settles in to eat.
Jared chuckles. “Louise, you are one spoiled cat.”
“She’s not spoiled. She’s a queen.” I climb back into bed, and my head returns to his chest.
