I held my breath as he stepped back and began pulling his jacket back on. He straightened it back onto his impossibly broad shoulders. It made me feel so small next to him. I again felt that possession. It was uncalled for but he was mine! I set a hand to his chest and pushed back lightly. He responded to my prompt and resumed his seat on the edge of the desk. My gaze was level with his throat now.
“Anything?”
I watched his throat as he struggled to swallow. “Anything.”
I stepped forward my heart doing flip flops in my chest. I thought of what Ian said about Liam accepting that girls would want him for his money long before they would want him for himself…his draw, his body. It broke my heart. It was also ridiculous! “How do I know I can have anything?” I studied the rise and fall of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed hard again. My eyes rose to the strong chin…the mouth that fell open slightly and was now becoming familiar. I fought the urge to look any further.
“Just like the tie Nerissa…you claim it.”
I watched his lips form the words and smiled. My hands moved to rest on the desk on either side of his hips. “In that case, this is mine too.” I leaned forward and touched my mouth very tenderly to his. Just a gentle touch of two mouths. Not the taking that had almost happened moments before. It did the same thing to my body though and apparently, I observed, it did the same to Liam’s too.
I broke away quickly and ran-yes I ran- to the door, just in time to open it to Dr. Linda.
I gave her a sweet smile and adjusted the tie around my neck. “Have a lovely afternoon,” I called to both as I skipped out, ponytail swinging.
I knew what I was leaving behind. Liam’s hair would be slightly messy from my fingers, his dress shirt wrinkled, his eyes a bit too bright and probably his cheeks flushed. Let her make of that what she would! It pleased me to no end!
I scurried quickly to the pool, completely forgetting that I wanted a day alone. I couldn’t be alone now. Not with my emotions running every which way. What had I just done?
It was times like these that I wished I hadn’t closed myself off to the benefit of a girlfriend. My mom had been my source of female companionship but I couldn’t talk to her about this…yet!
I got to the pool room and frowned at two maids standing outside…hoping for a glance of Ian no doubt! It sickened me. “Excuse me,” I sighed.
I pushed through the doors into the too warm and humid room that smelled of chlorine. It was also echoing with the laughs and squeals of two very happy children. I slid into a chair beside the pool and just watched them unnoticed for a bit.
Both had floatees on, though they were soon to get lessons according to Brianne. This made me less anxious. Ian swam about them easily in the shallow end, seeming to enjoy himself greatly as well.
He eventually did look up and smiled. Amelia took this distraction as a chance to splash him in the face…so he was walking toward the edge, wiping water from his blue eyes and pushing his dark wet hair from his forehead.
He leaned his arms on the side and lifted his brows. “You change your mind?”
I tugged at Liam’s tie around my neck and shook my head.
His blues lit. “I was going to ask if it was a fashion statement but…what have you been up to Rissa?”
I set a finger to my lips and nodded toward the splashing girls. I got up from my spot and moved to the edge of the pool, kneeling down to his level. “I…I think I almost seduced your brother…or he seduced me or…Oh, I don’t know what happened,” I whispered.
Ian smiled, and in one swift motion, pulled himself out of the pool.
I jumped away, so as not to get soaked. I scurried to the table and tossed him a towel.
The girls protested from the pool that he was a quitter.
“You just stay on the shallow side. I’m right here watching you!” he barked back playfully, as he led me to sit down.
“What has you looking so flushed yet so forlorn?”
I worried my lip and looked at him with a helpless gaze. “In parting, I pressed my lips to his and said they were mine.” I dropped my face into my hands in mortification. “But it felt so right doing it!”
He barked out a laugh. “Whoa…whoa…hold up. Start from the beginning. I need to know how you got to the point where your farewell to my brother was a claiming of his lips,” he chuckled. “This is something we can work with.”
I peaked up at him and giggled.
“I’m going to hear it later from him Rissa. You want me to hear your side don’t you?”
I smiled. “Things may be looking up.” My heart skipped a beat. “Maybe all this misery has been worth it.”
Chapter 17 Birthdays and such
I was terribly nervous as I walked the girls down to breakfast the next morning. For one thing, Logan Byrne would be at the breakfast table…and for another, I had placed my lips on Liam’s yesterday! My body still tingled from the memory and I wondered if his did too. Had I been too bold? Had I overstepped?
I felt this need to claim him though. That need was not gone. Though I had pretty much told him with my actions…I wasn’t sure if he really knew how I felt. Women could be fickle. Did he think I got possessive because another woman came into my household? It was so much more than that! So much more!
“Grandpa!” Brianne cried out as we reached the dining room. She was swept up quickly into a man’s arms.
Amelia stayed at my side, holding fast to my hand. I had a feeling she didn’t have that bond yet with her grandfather. I looked down at her and gave a reassuring smile. Her brown eyes still seemed unsure.
When Brianne was lowered to the ground, I got a full view of the patriarch of the family. He was tall like both of his sons. His hair had once been dark as well, but had a good majority of silver lining it now. The eyes that lifted to meet mine were a gentle brown and much like the ones I had seen in that first picture of Liam. In fact, there was no mistaking this was Liam Byrne’s Dad. I smiled.
“Hello Mr. Byrne,” I greeted gently. I ducked my head.
“None of that head bowing for me Miss Meadows,” he said in a pleasant voice. “And it’s Logan if you don’t mind. Mr Byrne makes me feel old.” He stepped forward and took both of my hands.
I smiled up at him, surprised by the warm action. But should I be? I knew his sons didn’t I? The two of them had always been welcoming. “Then please call me Nerissa,” I spoke up when I found my voice.
He gave a nod and then stooped down to Amelia. “How are you sweetheart? Can Grandpa have a hug?”
Amelia peaked up at me.
“Amie,” I laughed.
“Al said I can’t unless you or Daddy or Uncle Ian…”
“Oh,” I said in surprise. “Amelia, this is your Grandpa Logan. Your Daddy and Uncle Ian’s Dad.”
Logan’s eyes softened. “It has been awhile since I’ve been around,” he admitted. “Who is Al and what does he say about people like me?”
Amelia pushed her face into my side. “Al is Rissa’s brother. He’s a peace man. He says we have on’y trust when Rissa Daddy or Uncle Ian say so.” She looked accusingly to Brianne.
Brianne giggled. “Amie you just forgot you know Grandpa!”
Amelia looked up at me.
I gave her a nod. “It’s okay.”
Logan grinned and tapped her nose. “You are a very smart girl though. I am very proud you listen to Nerissa and to the policeman.” He tilted his head and shrugged. “Can I have that hug now?”
She turned shyly to him and put her arms about his neck.
I saw genuine care as he hugged her back.
“I have to come back more often,” he sighed and glanced up at me. He stood with Amelia in his arms. “My sons run the business here so well I am not often needed. I pretty much am retired,” he admitted. “Liam…well, he’s a genius actually and Ian…well, he’s a PR man if ever there was one!”
I smiled. “They are quite gifted.”
He grinned. “And unique.” He
said this with a wink and I knew exactly what he meant. It was nice that I could share in his little inside joke.
“Well, my sons haven’t arrived yet. I believe Ian is running late as usual and Liam may be out on that horse of his. Why don’t we sit and have some coffee? The girls can have their juice while we wait?”
I nodded, following him in.
Brianne hopped up in her usual spot and Logan set Amelia beside her.
Mary entered then with a tray. “I’ll pour the juice,” she offered. “Nerissa why don’t you ready Mr. Byrne’s coffee? He should be in from the stable and changing now.”
I blushed when I felt Logan’s eyes on me.
“Tradition,” Mary teased lightly. “Nerissa has been making up his coffee since she started and he will not have it any other way.”
Logan chuckled. “Is that so?”
I blushed. “More like I won’t have it any other way,” I laughed. “I like taking care of him…the family,” I corrected. I felt his eyes as I poured the coffee. When I had set the cup at the front of the table, I moved to go sit beside Amelia further down the table. Logan cleared his throat and stopped me.
“So I don’t have to crane my neck, why don’t you sit across from me? I really do want to get to know the girl that has both my sons speaking so highly of her.”
My cheeks warmed again. That would mean sitting next to Liam. Avoiding his face…avoiding his nearness. Surely his father knew how Liam was?
“Here?” I indicated the chair to the left of the head of the table.
Logan smiled. “Yes, right across from me…right next to Liam. It will make talking easier.”
“Ian usually sits here…I…I just thought…”
“He can sit here between Brianne and I,” he chuckled.
I chewed my lip and smiled nervously. “I don’t know how comfortable Liam would be with that…I…I mean Mr. Byrne.”
“It’s fine.”
My heart did a backflip. That voice! I sat down, quickly lowering my gaze. Liam was always so stealthy.
“Morning Dad,” he greeted, crossing to his Dad and giving his a firm gripping hug. He kissed each of his girls. He rounded the table and his fingers trailed the top of my chair, grazing my neck.
I successfully hid my shiver…I think.
“Good morning Nerissa,” he said softly.
I cleared my throat and gave a nod as he sat down.
Logan gave me a smile. “There, see…I can look right at you now, and you at me…with no fear of making my son uncomfortable.”
I thought of the angle I would have been sitting at and he was exactly right. So Logan did know and he understood. It was a kindness he was providing to us both.
“So you are liking it here?”
“I love it here,” I corrected. “The girls are a delight. Mr. Byrne…”
“Liam,” Logan and Liam corrected at the same time.
My cheeks were on fire again. “Liam is wonderful to work for.”
Liam reached for his coffee, clearing his throat.
“Hmm, a good employer is he?”
“Yes,” I agreed.
At that moment Ian made his usual grand entrance, roughing the girl’s hair and hugging his Dad’s neck, kissing his cheek. He slapped his brother’s shoulder and planted a kiss on my cheek too. “Sorry I’m late! What did I miss?”
Logan pulled the chair beside him out when Ian went to sit next to me. I didn’t miss the tilt of his head. And I didn’t miss Ian’s look of irritation.
“Nerissa was just telling me what a nice employer Liam is.”
Ian sat down and reached for the coffee. “Oh, really?”
I tilted my head at his sarcasm. “Yes.” I cleared my throat.
Ian tilted his head too. “Oh I’m not doubting you Rissa, I believe you. I just…well, when I suggested you come to breakfast today it wasn’t to discuss employment,” he said gently. “It’s because…you’re like family. So don’t feel obligated to talk Liam up. You’re here to meet our Dad and enjoy our company.” He looked to Liam. “Isn’t that right brother?”
Liam straightened his tie.
I opened my mouth and then closed it. Oh.
“So, you like it here,” Logan spoke again, smiling wider.
I smiled back, understanding his question now. “Answer is still the same. I love it here. The house, the stables, the company.” I shrugged. “You have a wonderful family Logan. I’m…I’m happy and honored to…to be a part.” I felt a little choked up at that.
“I have heard about you from the start,” Logan grinned. “The very night Liam hired you he called me and said, Dad, I think I found…”
“Dad,” Liam growled.
Logan stopped short and shook his head.
“Well, I certainly want to hear this,” Ian piped in.
“Me too,” Brianne mimicked, setting her head in her hands like her uncle.
Liam was straightening his tie again.
“Well, it’s been lovely from the start,” I piped in, sensing Liam’s discomfort. I saw his hand slip beneath the table to grip his knee, as though he were struggling to keep his anger under control.
“I’ve heard wonderful things about you,” Logan smiled.
“No, hold up, go back to what you were saying Dad,” Ian spoke up. “You know about what Liam said that first night.”
“Ian,” Liam said calmly.
“No, you see, Liam and I had a talk last night and I want to see if it goes along with what he said then.” Ian’s blues were darkening.
Had I missed something? There was an undercurrent here.
Logan met my gaze but I was lost.
“Yes, I certainly want to hear this,” Ian repeated with irritation.
“You want to hear what?” Liam’s voice dropped an octave. It was his business voice. His I am the boss voice and it was aimed at his brother. He was just barely controlled. That side of him scared and excited me.
I couldn’t help my action and I’m sure no one noticed. I reached under the table and placed my hand over his, as it was clenching over his knee. My fingers closed around his. I prayed he would not reject me by pulling away. He didn’t. I heard him take in a deeper breath at the contact and then his hand turned, palm up, his large hand wrapped around my smaller one with a gentleness that was contradictory to his voice.
Ian chuckled. “What you said about Nerissa. Were you in love with her then too?”
Brianne and Amelia fell into giggles over this.
I drew in a breath and his hand contracted around mine and then set it free. I felt the loss of contact and the loss of air in my lungs.
Amelia snuck into the chair next to me. I turned to her and cuddled her in. “Daddy loves you?” I shook my head and sat her up in her chair, reaching across to retrieve her juice.
“Drink this.”
Liam pushed his coffee aside. “Are we speaking out of jealousy brother?”
I stared down into my coffee, picking up my spoon and stirring thoughtlessly.
“You know I love her…like she was my sister,” Ian laughed softly. “Rissa and I have been fast friends from the beginning. You thought it more at first…but you know the truth. You wouldn’t have sent her flowers if you thought otherwise. You know I’m not in love with her. Hell, you wouldn’t have let her kiss you if you thought that.”
I dropped my spoon.
Logan coughed on a laugh.
Liam growled.
Brianne giggled.
“Uncle Ian said Hell,” Amelia gasped.
I covered her mouth quickly. “Amelia Bedelia,” I admonished. “We have had this discussion. Repeating it is not allowed!”
Logan broke into a roar of laughter.
I was blushing furiously and would not even make eye contact with either adult that I was allowed.
“You just called her Amelia Bedelia?”
I peaked at him and nodded, still blushing.
“My wife used to read those to the boys. I haven’t heard that ter
m in forever!”
I smiled. “I have my old books. My mother used to read them to me as well.”
He gave a nod. “You’re okay Nerissa,” he said softly. “Not just from what I’ve heard but what I’m seeing too. Don’t be embarrassed by Ian’s remark. I hope you kiss my son again…good and through. He needs it.”
Brianne and Amelia were a mess of giggles once more.
“Dad,” Liam growled.
I blushed again. My face was on permanent scarlet.
“And I am going to finish my sentence because Liam’s remark that night was spot on. He called me and told me that he thought he’d found a woman he might be tempted to change for.”
My heart slammed in my chest.
“That’s a bold statement for a first meeting.”
I remembered that meeting vividly. That first encounter with Liam would not easily be forgotten. I pulled in a breath when I realized I was sitting there dumbly.
“Has he changed?”
“Yes,” Ian spoke up without hesitation.
“Daddy is happy,” Brianne whispered timidly.
Amelia cuddled into my side.
“Why?” Logan asked her gently.
Both girls pointed to me.
Ian smiled. “The girls are spot on. Aren’t they brother? Someone is just too stubborn to admit it.”
Liam cleared his throat as Stewart entered with a large tray of food. “Excuse me. I have something I have to do,” he murmured, and started to get to his feet and moved to the entrance.
I chewed on my lip as Logan grunted at Liam’s action.
“Nerissa,” Logan said softly.
I looked up with a bit of trepidation.
“Grab him before he buries himself in his office please. He will come back if you ask him to.” His brown eyes softened.
I did not hesitate. I stood and hurried after him. His broad shoulders were almost around the corner of the hallway when I exited the dining room. He was striding in that long legged gate of his.
“Liam,” I called, and soldiered on, head down around the corner, plowing into his ample chest, as he turned to me. I held onto his tie to keep from falling. He seemed to have been expecting this.
His arms wrapped around me and he held me to his chest before backing into the room there at the corner. It was just another sitting room, but it was dark and it was empty and we were enclosed in privacy. He closed the door and then leaned me against it. The weight of his body was wonderful. It was overwhelming and I couldn’t help my sigh.
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