Always (14 page)

Teegan would love to marry Liam, had dreamed about doing so for years, but she wasn’t sure if he was ready for this step yet, so she tried to break it to LJ as delicately as she possibly could. Liam was a great dad, but the poor little guy obviously missed having a mother around too, and she ached for him.

“Okay.” LJ nodded enthusiastically. “We’ll just have to work on him a little.”

Teegan held on to her stomach as she burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. “My, my, you are a determined one once you have your heart set on something you want, aren’t you? You are one precious boy, LJ. I hope you know that, honey.”

“That he is, but who are we working on?” Liam entered the room alone with a coffee for himself and a sandwich and juice she assumed were for LJ.

“You!” LJ said, getting up from Teegan’s side to get his food. He winked at her before sitting down in his chair again to eat.

Liam quickly took LJ’s place at the side of her bed. He leaned over to kiss her forehead and then asked, “And why are we working on me again?”

“Don’t ask,” Teegan whispered, then smirked. “Your amazing son is quite persuasive when he wants something, isn’t he?”

“That he is. He’s a chip off the old block, what can I say?” Liam chuckled at LJ’s snort, then paused as Teegan reached for his hand to hold.

“Thank you, Liam. God, I’m so glad to see you again.”

“You scared us, Sunshine.” Liam leaned forward, rested his head against hers, and cupped the sides of her face. “I don’t ever plan to let you disappear from me again. So plan to have me around a whole hell of a lot, because you’re not getting out of my sight from this day forward. I was terrified and aching without you, especially the not knowing…”

“I love you.” She began to cry again. “I love you so much.”

Liam groaned before capturing her mouth with his. “You’re incredible, Teeg. I love you too!”

They were interrupted by gagging noises and LJ’s groan of “Aw, Dad.” She tried not to laugh again at LJ’s flushed cheeks and decided to change the subject. “Hey, where’s my favorite brother, his beautiful wife, and my amazing nephews? LJ said they were with you.”

“They were all right behind me until Carter had an accident in his pants.” Liam chuckled. “And oh, it was a doozy too. I’m sure James can’t wait for this potty-training stuff to finally kick in. It was pretty nasty running all down his legs.” Liam shook his head. “Anyway, he had to run to the car to get the spare clothes while Susan went to clean the little tyke up. James asked Dylan to follow him. I think it was his way of giving us a few minutes alone before everyone came barging in again.”

“I can’t wait to get out of here.” Teegan rubbed her hands up and down her arms to ward off a chill. The sooner she left, the sooner she could put this whole nightmare behind her and move on without having to look over her shoulder in fear anymore.

“I’m sure you’ll be able to leave by tomorrow or the day after that. You’re pretty banged up, and I think they want to monitor you for a couple days as a precaution.” He gently stroked the bruises on her throat with his thumbs. “And then I’m bringing you back to my place for a few days. That is, if that’s all right with you?”

She looked past Liam toward a staring LJ and wondered if he was staring because he was awaiting her answer or because he was in shock that his father had offered to let her live with them for a few days. “Well, is it all right with you, LJ?”

When he nodded, she smiled. “Then yes, I’d love to have a few days alone with two of my favorite guys.”

“Hey, I thought I was your favorite,” James teased. He playfully nudged Liam out of the way so he could hug her. “God, am I ever glad to see you alive and in one piece. I guess we have him to thank for that.” He pointed over his shoulder at Liam. “His stubbornness certainly saved the day. I’m just bummed I didn’t get to kick the piece of shit’s ass instead.”

“Then you should have tagged along.” Liam chuckled. “Can we talk about a better subject right now, like how I’m taking her home with me when she leaves here?” He smirked, obviously knowing James wouldn’t argue.

“Are you now?” James shrugged. “Hey, if she’s good with it, then so am I. Speaking of better subjects—” James snickered, “—it sure as hell was funny to see you behind bars. I never thought I’d see the day I’d have to bail out my best friend from the slammer.”

“You were arrested?” Teegan gasped. “Why?”

“Well, when the police walked in, I was taking a little of my frustration out on Oliver…” Liam looked toward LJ for a second, obviously trying not to elaborate on the details to spare him. Although his bruised and swollen knuckles were probably a dead giveaway. “And they had to make sure I wasn’t the one in the wrong so they could put away the right guy. I was questioned, checked out, and cleared in a matter of a couple hours. It was no big deal, and well worth it for finding you when I did.”

Teegan nodded. Her last memories were a nightmare, and he didn’t need to say any more about it. “Thank you, Liam. I truly am grateful for you.”

She spent the rest of the day visiting with her family. As dysfunctional and unusual as they may have looked, they were all that mattered, then and always. This was her second chance to get to know them, her second chance at life, and she vowed never to leave them again. She needed them.

Chapter Eighteen

He was doing delectable things to her with his delicious mouth. She moaned and arched her back, pushing her hips up to feel him tighter against her core. “Yes, Liam, right there, baby, yes.”

He slid his hands under her and cupped her ass, then massaged it with his fingers as she moaned and writhed with passion in the moment and from the sensations he created only for her. He taunted her with slow, deliberate circles and sweet, heavenly torture to prolong her enjoyment, and oh boy did she ever enjoy it.

He slid his tongue through her folds, tasting, savoring, and then stroking in and out as he fucked her with it. She watched the warm water cascade down her body, meeting the top of Liam’s head and moaned again at the erotic display in front of her as he worshiped her body on his knees before taking possession of it with his cock to make her his over and over again.

She hadn’t had shower sex this good in a long time. Hell, it had been a long time since she’d had anything this good. Moaning again, she massaged his scalp and leaned her head back against the tile wall. One of her legs draped over his shoulder as he continued his magic, and she could feel herself giving in to sexual release. She moved her hands from his hair and up her stomach to her breasts. As she massaged them, her nipples hardened and her breaths came out in pants.

“Yes, Liam, yesss!”

“That is undeniably the sexiest sight I’ve ever seen,” he whispered, and she whimpered at the loss of his mouth on her. Biting her bottom lip, she continued to fondle and caress herself for him, getting turned on even more by the lust in his eyes and the evident excitement he displayed down below.

“Really? Well, then, how about this? Does this turn you on, Liam?” She lifted first the left, then the right breast up to her mouth, circled her tongue around the nipple, then sucked on it in a show just for him, and for her own self-pleasure.

Liam cursed, then moaned as he went back to work devouring her. “You taste so fucking good, Teegan,” he mumbled. “Come for me, Sunshine, or that display is gonna make me come before we get started.” He licked his lips.

“Well, then, latch on, sexy, and show me with that amazing mouth of yours how much this turns you on.” She pushed her hips into him again and held on to his hair with one hand while continuing to fondle herself with the other, taking no shame in demanding her satisfaction. She was so close, and as she watched him flick his tongue and lick her at a faster pace, and with more pressure, the look in his eyes as he maintained eye contact drove her to scream out in one of the biggest orgasms she could ever remember having.

She stood on shaky legs, and Liam smiled as he helped steady her. “That’s right,” she said, “you keep that sexy smile on your face, because now it’s my turn.”

“Teegan, wait. Don’t you want to make love?”

She lathered her hands with soap and began stroking his hard shaft. Turning him toward the water to wash it off, she said, “Well, that’s a given. Of course I want to make love, but first I want to return the favor.”

She lowered herself to her knees before him and looked into his eyes when she took the first lick. “Watch me love you like you loved me. Make love to my mouth, Liam, and you can have me any way you want me when I’m done doing this for you.” She circled her tongue around the head of his cock and watched as he moaned, giving in to how good it felt. His hips thrust forward automatically, catching her off guard, and triggered her gag reflex. But she recovered quickly and let him lead her. She swirled her tongue as he pumped.

“Christ, Teegan, I don’t know how much longer I can hold on.”

She moaned her satisfaction, loving that she could get him this excited so fast. It was a major turn-on, and being able to do it made her feel powerful and sexy as hell. She worked him faster, taking him as far back as she could over and over.

“Will you let me brand you, sweetheart? Mark you as mine? I can feel it coming on, and I want to mark you with my cum. I want to cream that beautiful body of yours like no man ever has.”

His cock left her mouth with a pop as she continued to lick. He wrapped his fingers around the base, and she gasped as he began to stroke himself.

“Damn, Liam,” she whispered, breathless and completely turned on. If he thought she was sexy when she’d fondled her breasts, that was no comparison to the sight before her now. He was rougher than she’d been with herself and much more confident in his handling.

“Oh, Sunshine, I can’t stop thinking about the way you feel around me or the way your breath hitches and your voice becomes throaty when you’re screaming my name. The way you moan, the way you writhe with silent demand for your completion, and the confidence you show when you’re touching yourself for my benefit.” Liam’s rhythm picked up pace. “I love the way you taste when you’re coming on my face. It’s sweet heaven, an addiction, my drug. Damn, Teeg, you’re damn near perfect and all mine.”

His nostrils flared, and she could tell by his expression that he was ready to let go.

“Mark me, Liam. Come let me taste you and feel your warmth all over my chest. Mark me, make me yours again. I want to be yours, baby.” She leaned forward and licked his head as he continued to pump, and he moaned long and loud when his completion took over. She took the first squirt into her mouth to taste his salty, sweet musk, and then she leaned her head back while he milked himself all over her chest.

She opened her eyes and was startled by the evident lust still lurking in his expression, as though it didn’t matter to him that he’d just come, and he wanted more. Liam pulled her up and pressed her against the wall. As he lifted her, she wrapped her legs around him and moaned as he slid inside her in one smooth stroke.

“I’ll never get enough,” he whispered. “Never.” And he crushed his mouth down on hers as he slammed his way home where he belonged.

***

“So where are you taking me?” She’d been out of the hospital for almost a week and enjoying her leisurely time with Liam and LJ, but that night he’d insisted on going out.

“You’ll see shortly, Sunshine. I’ve hogged you to myself almost all week, so I think it’s time to get out again and show you off.”

“You’re not planning to blindfold me, are you?” She raised a brow in question. She wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d planned that too. She normally hated secrets, but Liam’s surprises excited her.

“Do you want to be?” He laughed as she narrowed her eyes and held up his hands. “Okay, okay, no blindfolds, I promise. You almost ready?”

“I am.” She smiled and then twirled around to give him a better view. “I still think I should have gone back to James’ to pick out something I already owned to wear. You really didn’t have to buy me this dress.”

“I know that, Teeg, but I wanted to. You’re stunning, by the way.” The slim-fitting dress landed just above her knee and hugged her curves to perfection. It was strapless with just the right amount of cleavage showing at the top, dressy, and casual. The way he looked at her while she wore it made her feel sexy.

“Thanks,” she whispered. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

Twenty minutes later, they strolled down Conway and came to a stop in front of the Sunset Pub. Liam stepped behind her, placed his hands over her eyes, and nudged her forward.

“Hey, I thought you said there’d be no blindfolding.”

“There isn’t. I’m using my hands.” She could feel the vibration of his silent chuckle from behind her. “Come on, Teegan, humor me.”

“Fine, then lead the way.” She hated not being able to see but could get brief glimpses through the cracks between his fingers, so she didn’t have to worry about falling or knocking into anything on the way in.

“All right, Sunshine, on the count of three I’ll move my hands. You ready? One, two, three…”

“Surprise!”

Teegan burst into a fit of giggles as Liam moved his hands away. It was either that or cry, and she didn’t want to do the latter. Her friends had decorated their corner of the pub with streamers, balloons, and a big Welcome Back sign that hung above the table.

“You all are so amazing,” she said. “Have I told you that yet?”

Claire and Aaron came forward to give her a big hug. Susan and James followed, as did various others. It was shocking, yet great to be loved by so many amazing people. It was open mic night, the place was just starting to get busy, and she was surrounded by the ones she loved most. Things couldn’t get any better.

The local talent took their turns serenading the bar, and they weren’t half-bad. The band was on a break when Aaron began to tap his glass. “If I could have everyone’s attention, please…” The talking died down around them and at a few surrounding tables before Aaron continued. He pulled Claire to his side and quickly kissed her on the cheek. “This is a celebration for Liam and Teegan, two wonderful people who have overcome the unthinkable. This is a toast to Liam for his bravery and heroics that brought Teegan back home safely to all of us, and to Teegan for being a survivor. Not only is she beautiful, she’s also brilliant, and I think I speak for everyone here when I say welcome back.”

Cheers erupted, and they seemed to gain the attention of the other patrons in the bar.

“Just one more thing before we all enjoy the rest of the night, if you don’t mind,” Claire added. “When I heard Teegan came home, I was ecstatic. I’ve known her since elementary school, and we were best friends ever since. Then when Susan came along, we expanded to greatness. Don’t worry, Suzy Q, I’d never leave you out of this.” Everyone laughed when Susan blushed from being put on the spot. “Anyway, as you all know, Aaron and I have been trying hard to become parents, and we haven’t had very much success. I confided this tidbit of news to Teegan, and she gave me the simplest, yet wisest advice. She told me to spice it up, to get my gorgeous husband hot and bothered by buying something sexy and surprising him with a night of passion. So I did, of course.”

She paused to take a sip of water. “Now in case you’re all wondering why I’m sticking to beverages of the nonalcoholic sort tonight, well, it’s because we have another reason to celebrate. Our dreams have come true. I’m only a few weeks along, but Aaron and I are having a baby. We’ve finally succeeded.”

Catcalls and whistles came from a few of the other tables around them. James, Liam, and Aaron toasted with shots from the bar and lit up the cigars Aaron had passed around, and Claire, Teegan, and Susan embraced and jumped up and down, squealing in excitement.

“I know this is a little early, but Aaron and I were hoping you’d be our child’s godmother,” Claire said to Teegan.

“Aw, Claire, I’d love to.” Teegan hugged her again and then fanned her face with her hands. “Okay, enough of this. You’re going to make me cry. I’m so happy for the two of you. You’re going to be such a great mom.”

“Thanks, Teeg!”

During all the commotion and happiness, Teegan hadn’t noticed who was entering and exiting the bar until she turned to grab her beer again and stiffened as she saw the woman approach.

“Aw, shit!”

“What’s the matter, hon?” Susan looked worried.

“I’m just not in the mood for an argument, and I’m sure as hell not in any shape to get into a fight.” She stuck her chin out and tilted her head toward Cindy, who was across the bar.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got you covered if she tries anything,” Susan said.

“And looky here,” Teegan spat sarcastically. “She’s on her way over. Lucky me.”

Claire backed off a little, and Teegan couldn’t blame her. She knew Claire would be there on any other occasion, but right now she had to protect her baby if things turned ugly.

Susan moved closer to her side.

“What do you want, Cindy?” Teegan jumped at Liam’s aggravated tone. She hadn’t noticed him approach and was relieved for his support in case Cindy got nasty again. Only this time the other woman looked genuinely sincere.

“I—I just wanted to apologize to you both. I was a bitch and completely out of line. I heard what happened, and I—well, I just wanted to let you know I’m glad you made it back safely. I was mad because I knew how great the two of you are together, or at least how you used to be. I care about you, Liam, and I was hurt. Haven’t you ever done anything stupid in your lives that you wish you could take back? I thought we had something, but I was clearly mistaken. You never looked at me the way you look at her, and clearly I was wasting my time. For what it’s worth, I really am sorry, Teegan, and I wish the two of you much happiness together.” Cindy gulped and looked away. “I—uh, I should probably get going. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

“Thank you Cindy, I’ll try,” Teegan said and watched as Cindy hurriedly tried to break through the crowd to leave them. Teegan felt bad for her. Despite their rocky start, she could see Cindy was hurting and was sorry for that because she felt partly responsible.

“Hey, are you okay?” Liam turned her around and cupped the side of her face. “Are you upset?”

“No, I’m fine,” she whispered and tried giving him a smile, but it was weak. “I just feel bad. That woman is clearly in love with you, and I can’t bring myself to give you up to give her the happiness she seeks. I guess I’m selfish. I just know what it’s like to think I’ve lost you, and I can’t go through that again.”