Free Always by Jennifer Labelle Page B

instead.”
    “And be the fifth wheel? Uh-uh, no thanks.”
    “It tore me up to see you crying over it, Sunshine. It’s you—”
    “Wait a minute. What?” She looked shocked and stepped back, and then her expression turned angry.
    He wondered what he’d said to make her react that way and didn’t have to wait long for an answer. “Son of a bitch! I can’t believe your head is that big. I wasn’t crying over Cindy, or you, for that matter. Susan and I were talking about personal matters in my life. Very painful, scary matters I’d prefer not to relive or talk about with you.” She held up a hand and took a step back. “In fact, we’re done with this conversation right now. God! As much as I hate to admit that it bothers me, I have no say in who you choose to take out, or bed, just as you have no say about whom I choose to do the same with. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going out with some friends, and I plan to get nice and drunk.” She pushed past him to go back into the house, only to come back out again a minute later dragging Susan with her.
    James joined him on the porch with lipstick all over his face while he tucked in his shirt. “What’d you do to piss her off this time?”
    “Hell if I know,” Liam huffed. “I’ve got to go after her.” But as he went to step off the porch, James held his hand out to stop him.
    “I’d wait just a little longer. If I know my sister, she’ll need a few minutes to calm down. I’m thinking you’re on to something, though. Those two look way too good tonight to be out without protection.”
    “You’re telling me.” Liam smiled. “I’m thinking we should try to get a sitter after all and surprise them. You know where they’re headed?”
    “I think Susan said Club 98, why?”
    Liam groaned. “Why do you think? And we’d better hurry. That place is bound to have a ton of horny guys gawking at them, or worse.”
    That set James in motion as they both walked back into the house to figure things out. Liam hated having Teegan mad at him and was determined to make her listen to reason, but would she believe he still loved her? That he always had and always would?
     
    ***
     
    Teegan
     
    “Oh my God!” Claire came running up to her and gave her a hug. “It’s been way too long, Teeg, and look at you.” She stepped away from the embrace and held her arms wide as she got a better look. “You’re still as gorgeous as you were right out of high school. What’s your secret?”
    “There’s no secret, hon, I assure you. I’m single, childless, and living with my brother at the moment. Life could be better.” She chuckled. “No offense, Suzy Q. I love you, James, and the boys to pieces, but I just feel like a failure. It’s not easy having Liam around all the time, either. The things that man still does to me.” She fanned herself. “It kind of scares me, you know?”
    “Oh yeah,” Both Susan and Claire answered in unison and laughed.
    “You two had amazing chemistry, and I guess the spark is still there, huh?” Claire chuckled some more. “I’d kill to have something like that. You have to work for it once you’re married like Susan and me here.”
    “Hey speak for yourself. I’ll have you know James and I still lust for each other just as bad as we did when we met. In fact, it’s only gotten better.”
    “Lucky girl.” Claire hugged Susan this time. “It’s great to see you too, Suzy Q. Doesn’t it feel like old times with the three of us together again?”
    “It sure does, hon. Now, I don’t know about the two of you, but I can sure use a drink. Liam and his big head got to me before coming here, and I’d like to get my drunk on. Why don’t you two sexy ladies grab a table, and I’ll buy the first round. We’ll talk about the men in our lives, or in my case the lack thereof, then dish the dirt and check out the merchandise in this club.”
    Teegan bit her bottom lip as a gorgeous man walked by. Shaking her head to clear her