Page 132 of Raise Me Up

“You’re a boisterous little thing, aren’t you?” Dave laughs. “Beau was a loud baby, too. He wanted all the attention.”

I break into a smile as my gaze finds Liam’s for a few lingering seconds. I hope he knows how thankful I am for opening up his door to all of us.

I should probably tell him how much I love him.

Max takes Felicity so I can help Liam prepare the outdoor table for dinner. Christmas in Texas usually means mild weather, giving us the opportunity to eat outside as the sun sets.

We dine on glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, and seasoned vegetables. Even Max, my normally stuck up brother, finds comfort in Dave’s easy dinner conversation, mingled with Hail and Z’s wild stories from their tours.

After refilling our drinks, we collectively wander into the living room to open gifts. I wedge myself between Beau and his dad. Liam sits beside Hail and Z on the other couch. Max sits down on the floor with Felicity, shocking those of us who know him as he helps her open the gifts I bought her. She gets a kick out of crumpling the wrapping paper, ignoring the age-appropriate toys I bought her.

Beau bought me a Cowboy’s football jersey. As I slide it over my cropped sweater, he beams up at me, a hungry glint in his eyes. Suppose he wouldn’t be exerting himself too much physically if I rode him later.

Liam got me an Arizona snapback. Apparently, he likes it when I wear hats, so now I’m going to have a whole collection.

As I show him the new display of tiny cacti and succulents I bought him and stowed around the house, Beau mutters “plant daddy” under his breath.

“I have something else to show you later,” Liam informs me.

My heartbeat stutters. He gives me a flat look, warning me not to get any wild ideas.

I watch everyone else tear into gifts—guitar pedals and accessories, goofy pajamas, a subscription to a wine distribution company for Max—and then my focus shifts to Liam as he opens up the envelope from me and Beau with a month’s worth of gift certificates to our favorite brunch place. It’s not enough, but what else do you buy a metal god who has everything?

Eventually, Liam coaxes me into the hall with a curl of a ringed finger.

“No dirty thoughts,” he whispers, leaning down to kiss my jaw. “It’s a practical gift.”

Opening the garage door, he flicks on the light and moves over to nudge one of my tires with a black combat boot.

“You got me new tires?” I ask incredulously.

He shrugs. “Didn’t think you’d accept a new car.”

I storm over to shove at his chest, but he doesn’t budge. “That’s too much and you know it!”

“Not for me.”

“Oh, yeah? You’re just rolling in cash, aren’t you?”

He steps against me, and I swallow, heat sparking beneath my skin. “Want me to pay off your student loans, too?”

“Don’t youdare.”

He chuckles, peering down at me with lust raging in his eyes. “Love it when you get all worked up.”

I huff out a breath. I’m finding it hard to cling to my anger with his hot, hard body pressed against me.

“You’re too tall,” I mutter.

“Mmm, you’re just short.”

“I’m above average height for a woman, thanks.” I reach up to twirl a lock of his inky hair around my finger. “Your hair is a distraction.”

“A sexy distraction.”

I purse my lips, fighting back my own smile. Suddenly, he lifts me up into his arms and crushes his mouth to mine. We’re nothing more than heated kisses and desperate touches for a few perfect moments.

Liam drops me to my feet as the garage door swings open. Beau pops his head out. A knowing smile tugs at his mouth when he looks us over. “Ahem. We’re here for the show. The car show, that is.”