An hour passes while Hunter and I chat and drink. Eventually, I head to the kitchen for a refill, then go to the back room where the pool table is. We don’t play as much as we did in college, but when we have parties, people flock to it.
I’m watching Kilan and another guy play when, out of the corner of my eye, I see Maddie walking over to me.
“Any chance of sharing that beer?” she asks boldly.
My brows pinch together as I turn toward her. Fuck, that was a bad idea. She looks so fucking amazing in tight black jeans and a white shirt that barely covers her stomach. Blinking, I snap my gaze back to her eyes, and when she arches her brow, I know she’s caught me checking her out.
“Pretty sure you’re not allowed,” I say.
“And last I heard, you’re not the cops.” She shrugs, making a valid point.
“Then go and get your own,” I challenge, knowing she won’t. But then she takes me by surprise and walks to the kitchen.
Intrigued, I follow her and watch as she grabs one of the cold beers from the fridge we keep stocked for ourselves. She acts as if she owns the place, which is sexy as hell.
Maddie turns and keeps her eyes locked on mine as she twists the cap off, then tosses it onto the counter. Just as she’s about to take a sip, Lennon storms into the kitchen.
“Madelyn! Gimme that!” She yanks it from Maddie’s grip. “You cannot drink. I promised Mom and Dad I’d keep an eye on you.”
That causes Maddie to roll her eyes. “I was actually getting it for Liam.” She plasters on a sweet smile, folding her hands in front of her. Maddie’s a good little Christian girl to her family, but I got a front row ticket to the real Maddie. The one who doesn’t follow the rules but bends them instead. I’m such a sick bastard because my dick gets hard just thinking about it.
“Really? You were grabbing Liam a beer?” Lennon challenges, pointing at me. “This true?”
“Yeah,” I say as casually as possible. “She was closer to the fridge.” I shrug as if that’s the most reasonable explanation.
Lennon stalks over, pushing the bottle into my chest. “Well, my sister isn’t your barmaid, so get your own drinks, okay? In fact, stay away from her.”
“What’s your deal?” I ask, then take a sip of Maddie’s beer. “Brandon not putting out?”
Lennon scowls, cocking her hip. “Don’t be an asshole, Liam. She just got here and doesn’t need guys like you all over her. Besides, shouldn’t you be with one of your weekenders, anyway?”
“I gave them the weekend off.” I smirk, knowing it’ll irritate her more.
“You’re annoying.” She sighs, and as soon as Hunter walks into the kitchen, she leaves.
“What’s she going off about now?” Hunter grunts, grabbing the bottle of whiskey. “I swear, bitchin’ is her favorite pastime. If she isn’t hogging the bathroom, then she’s screaming at me for not cleaning.” He grabs the three shot glasses we used earlier and fills them full.
“Shot time!” Hunter announces, handing me one. “So, Maddie. You want the third? Or should I ask your mother first?” He chuckles, which makes Maddie glare at him.
“I can see why she hates you,” she says. Grabbing the third shot, she downs it with pure ease.
Jesus fuck. Most girls cough or choke on whiskey shots.
“I like her,” Hunter says, smirking. Then we both take ours and slam the glasses down on the counter.
“She’s off-limits,” I remind him. “Keep your dick in your pants.”
“I’m right here, dummy,” Maddie chimes in with brows raised.
Normally, I wouldn’t give two fucking shits about who he touched, but I feel weirdly possessive of Maddie. I have no right to, but now that she’s walked back into my life, I want to protect her.
Protect her from guys like Hunter. Protect her from me.
I wasn’t lying, though. Maddie is off-limits as fuck. Too young, too innocent, too sexy for her own good. Not to mention, she’s Lennon’s sister, and that makes her forbidden fruit. Considering I don’t date, Brandon would have my balls if I created tension between Lennon and him.
Needing to remind myself of these facts, I push off the island, and walk to the back room with my beer. People are still playing and drinking, so I head outside to the back porch because I need a second to breathe.
“So are we just pretending last year didn’t happen?” Maddie asks, coming out a few minutes later.
I set my jaw, willing myself not to look at her. Because I know the minute I do, I’ll want to rip off her jeans.
“Yep.” I toss back my beer, keeping my gaze off her. “Not really wanting to get my ass kicked for nearly taking your virginity.” From Lennon, but I don’t add that bit.