The Virgin Next Door (Stud Ranch 3)

Then he started wailing while Reece dipped the spoon back into the small jar on the table and made choo choo noises as he lifted it back to the baby’s mouth. “Train’s coming. Yummy train is coming!”

Liam just stared on, shaking his head. “Sorry, don’t see meself suddenly deciding I need me eardrums shattered on a regular basis. Or that I really hate getting a good night’s sleep every night.”

Isobel smacked Liam on the back of his head.

“Thank you,” Mel smiled at her. “I couldn’t have reached him from all the way over here.”

But Liam just held up his hands. “Hey, I just know me own limitations, that’s all.”

Calla tipped her glass up and drank more. About now she was really wishing there was some actual vodka in her vodka soda, instead of just soda. Soon the cup was empty but she kept it tipped up, not ready to deal with the conversation or anyone at the table yet.

She stood up abruptly. “I’m gonna go get a refill.”

She didn’t wait to hear anyone’s response. She made a beeline for the restroom. She had to get her shit together before she could face anyone or she was gonna freakin’ lose it.

She went straight for the sinks, turned on the tap, and splashed cold water on her cheeks. Then she looked at herself in the mirror.

She barely recognized herself. Mel had helped her put on some mascara and lipstick before they came out, and to style her hair in loose waves. She backed up from the mirror and ran her hands down her body, breasts to hips. In the purple top and sleek black skirt she’d borrowed from Mel, the illusion was almost complete.

She looked nothing like the Calla who’d walked into Liam leaving Bethany from a bathroom very much like this one.

In a few more months, no one would be mistaking her for a man, that was for sure. She let out a humorless laugh and then leaned her hands on the sink and dropped her head. What the hell was she doing? Better yet, what was she going to do?

She turned away from the mirror in disgust and slammed out of the bathroom door.

And right into Liam’s arms.

“Hey beautiful,” he laughed, catching her when she stumbled in surprise.

“Way to scare the shit out of her, asshole,” Mack said from where he stood behind Liam.

“No, I’m fine,” Calla said. She slipped her arms around Liam and pressed her head against his chest. God, he felt so good. Forget about burying her head in the sand. She wanted to bury herself in him and Mack.

“Hey, what’s all this about?” Liam asked, putting his arms around her and hugging her back. “Are you okay, love?”

Love. If only he meant that the way she wanted him to. No, that was stupid. What was she thinking? She squeezed her eyes shut and then pulled away from him, forcing a smile. “I’m fine.”

“You sure?” Mack asked, eyebrows furrowed like he could smell her bullshit from a mile away.

“God,” Calla rolled her eyes, putting on a façade of bravado. “I just had to use the bathroom. No crisis here. Chill out.”

Liam smirked. “What? Chicks aren’t angelic creatures who never piss or shit? Your blowin’ me mind here, baby.”

“Ha,” Calla said. She made to leave the back hallway but Liam put a hand on her elbow to stop her.

“Wait, there’s something I been wanting to give you.”

Calla stopped, surprised. “Give me?”

Liam just grinned and pulled a small oblong box out of his jacket pocket. What—?

He lifted off the lid and there was a silver necklace inside with a small oval pendant on it. Calla reached and ran the tip of her index finger down the thin chain to the delicate filigree tree engraved on the outside of the pendant.

“It’s beautiful,” Calla said, her voice high and tight. God, she felt like she was about to start crying. Fucking hormones.

“Let me put it on you.” Liam smiled, obviously pleased with her reaction.

Mack watched on from beside them, arms crossed over his chest, a slight frown on his face. Was he feeling left out?