Page 130 of Raise Me Up

I wipe my sugar-coated hands on my apron and rush to the living room, Cosmo chasing my heels. A laugh escapes me when Liam beats me there. Body pressed against Beau’s backside, he reaches up an arm up to hook the ornament on the top branch of the pine tree we convinced him to buy during one of our grocery outings.

Cause that’s a thing now.

Do Beau and I team up against Liam at the store? Absolutely. Am I thoroughly enjoying our living situation? Why yes, I am. Do I want to think about how my time here is temporary?

No I don’t.

Living with Liam has opened my eyes to just how much of a pushover he is. I have a theory that he was actually born soft on the inside. It was his childhood that forced him to fabricate his aggressive exterior and to constantly assume a threat was lurking around the corner.

I smile as Beau leans his head back on Liam's shoulder and simultaneously wiggles his hips against Liam’s groin.

“You’re not winning this game,” Liam says gruffly.

“I feel fine,” Beau whines. “Stas,come here.”

“Nuh uh, trouble.” Liam curls a hand around the back of Beau’s neck and bends him over so he has to brace his hands on the couch cushion.

My pulse leaps. Liam had me in a similar position last night, pounding into me from behind while Beau sat beneath me on the couch. After Liam took me over the edge, we both doubled up on getting Beau off with our hands and our mouths.

Liam grinds his hips against Beau once before releasing him. “We don’t have time for this.”

Beau glances at me, seeking weakness. “You both hate me.”

Rolling my eyes, I stomp over to peck a kiss to his lips. “Restrict someone from vigorous sex for a couple months…”

He makes to grab me, but I feign his attack with a laugh. “I’m covered in powdered sugar.”

“I don’t mind. I wanna taste you.”

The doorbell rings, interrupting what would surely unravel into a heated situation. Cosmo scampers into action, nails clacking on the floor, as I hurry to the sink to wash my hands and shed my apron.

When I make it to the entryway, Hail and Z are hauling in armfuls of gifts. Cosmo prances around their legs in excitement. Hail gives him a couple good head scratches, then glances around at the explosion of garland sparkling with white lights in the tight space. “What in the winter wonderland…?”

His amber eyes fall on me, a question dancing there. My heart pounds faster. I had planned on coming clean this evening about my relationship with Liam. Doesn’t mean I’m not panicking over my brother’s reaction.

I value my bond with Hail. I worry that he’s going to think I’m trying to steal Liam from him. That, or he’ll try to convince me of all the ways Liam will break my heart, and I already do a solid job at stirring up anxiety on my own.

“It smells amazing in here,” Z comments.

I force a smile while trying to suffocate my nerves. “Spiced apple candles.”

Beau and I went a little decor crazy, but I couldn’t deny him his fun when this afternoon was the first time since our makeshift camping date that he seemed like himself again. I don’t blame him one bit for our decision to skip over Thanksgiving like it didn’t even happen. He wasn’t feeling well, so we spent the day on the couch snuggling him instead.

Hail jabs a thumb in the direction of the front porch. “Found a cowboy in the driveway. I’d like to nominate him as our replacement dad.”

I blush as a handsome, stubbled, middle-aged man appears in his cowboy hat and leather-booted get-up.

Hurrying out the door to collect some of his bags, I sling an arm around his neck to hug him. “Hi, Dave. We’re so happy you were able to make it.”

His light eyes sparkle back at me. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Liam strides outside to grab Dave’s suitcase.

“Thanks for letting me stay,” Dave remarks, patting Liam on the bicep.

“No reason for you to go anywhere else. We have the room,” Liam replies smoothly.

A pang of longing spreads through my chest. Something about seeing Beau’s dad and Liam interact so kindly has me wishing for more holidays together. More memorable moments like this in Liam’s home.