Free Always by Jennifer Labelle Page A

because Susan was gabbing her ear off on the way down.
    Only Teegan! She was the only woman who could make him pant. He’d never craved anyone the way he did her, and if he had any say about it, she’d be his again. He just had to take his time and not scare her off. She was skittish after the way that bastard Oliver had treated her. Liam didn’t know the whole story, and wasn’t sure he wanted to, but he knew he wouldn’t like it from the little he’d heard.
    “They’re beauties, aren’t they?” James chuckled before patting Liam on the back. “Be good to her, man. She’s my sister, and I don’t want her hurting anymore.”
    Liam nodded and gulped. She took his breath away without even realizing it. “I’m going to try if she’ll let me, man. I’d give anything if she’d just give me another shot.”
    James laughed louder this time. “I hear ya, but she’s probably a little more cautious than she used to be. As she damn well should be. No offense.” James shrugged. “But will you be able to close your mouth and stop drooling long enough to at least compliment her before they leave? She could probably use the hint that you’re interested after Cindy hung all over you yesterday.” James shook his head.
    “Please don’t remind me,” Liam groaned. Cindy’s rudeness made him uncomfortable.
    If he could have taken Teegan with them, he would have picked her any day. LJ loved her—hell, so did he—but Teegan hadn’t given him a choice in the matter.
    “I should have said something.”
    James nodded, got up from the couch, and headed over to give his wife a kiss. He whistled as he turned both women around to get a better look at them. “What the heck are you wearing?” He eyed Susan’s short skirt, four-inch heels, and the slim-fitting shirt that draped off her shoulder.
    “Teegan lent me some stuff. Do you like it?” Susan turned around again, showing the outfit off.
    “You’re one hot momma,” Teegan teased, chuckling at James’ obvious shock and lust from looking at his wife.
    “I love it. Now go on upstairs and change.”
    “Excuse me,” Susan huffed. “Don’t you start with me, James Howard—”
    Shaking her head, Teegan seemed to decide it was best to let the lovers have their quarrel in peace and backed away. Liam wrapped his arms around her from behind, and she tensed until he spoke in her ear as he fought the urge to pull her close. “You’re so beautiful.” He moved his hand to her bare back and let his fingers linger just inside the hem of her halter top. “And way too tempting at the moment.”
    “Really?” She turned to face him. “Perhaps we should take this conversation someplace a little quieter. Care to walk me out?” She smiled, taking his hand, and before he could answer, she led him outside.
    The night was seasonably warm for Digby, but she shivered despite the heat, and her nipples puckered beneath her shirt. He suppressed a moan. All he wanted to do was kiss her senseless until she begged him to take her to his bed.
    “Cold?” He smirked, knowing damn well she wasn’t.
    She shook her head. “So what are you doing here? It’s not that it’s not great to see you, but—”
    “It’s great to see you too.” He smiled. “I just dropped LJ off. He’s spending the night.
    I’m actually surprised you didn’t hear the boys run up to your—I mean Dylan’s room. When James told me he was staying in for a night with the boys, I thought I’d keep him company for a while.”
    “What, no Cindy tonight?”
    “Actually, I let her know last night during her pizza tag along that I wasn’t interested. She’s been pursuing me for quite some time. We went out a couple times. I gave it a shot, but she isn’t for me.” He shrugged and reached for her hand to tug her closer. “I’ll spare you any further details, Teeg, and I’m sorry we upset you yesterday. I should have said something as soon as she started to be rude. I wished you would have come with us