Changing Roles

Her eyes widened. “No! I want this, Liam. I want you. I’m just worried—”

I cut her off with my mouth, kissing her deeply. As long as she wanted this, we’d make it work.

Because I wanted her—desperately.Lily looked horrified as she studied Shelby’s feet. “You should have called me. I would have gotten the other shoes to you somehow. Your poor feet!”

Shelby looked down, embarrassed, and then in a vain attempt to take the attention off herself, pointed her finger at me. “He threw them out. They were perfectly fine, and he tossed them!”

Lily started to laugh, as did I. Neither of us cared if I pitched the bloody shoes in the rubbish bin. I pressed a kiss to Shelby’s head. “Nice try.”

I looked at Lily. “Low heels this time.”

She pursed her lips. “They’re not as elegant.”

“Surely to God, you can find decent shoes without six-inch heels on them, Lily.” I lifted up Shelby’s foot. “Or ones that don’t do this to a person’s flesh. Heels be damned. I want her comfortable. Find some.”

Lily’s face was shocked, and I realized I had never before ordered her to do something. I started to apologize when she winked at me.

“Hot, Liam. All bossy for your woman.” She sat and opened her computer. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Shelby stared at me as I winked at her. “I’ll leave you to it, then.” I strode out of the kitchen, pausing at the door. “And Lily?”

She looked up.

“I want her in red. Both events.”

I walked out grinning, listening to them snicker.

God, I loved her in red.I let myself into the quiet house. It had been a long day, filled with Everett and Cassidy and strategies about what my relationship with Shelby would entail. I had been impatient with them both, even though I knew they were right. I hated the fact that because I cared about someone, their life would be open for scrutiny. Especially Shelby. I didn’t want her hurt.

Shelby had been busy with Lily, and when we finally got some time alone, she looked so tired, I had to reformulate my plans of some heavy snogging on the sofa. Instead, we ended up cuddling and having a nap, which was surprisingly satisfying. I did like how she felt in my arms, but when I woke up, I had to head out to another dinner meeting with Everett, which dragged on endlessly. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. Some of these Hollywood people liked to hear themselves talk—a lot.

I was home now, and I wanted Shelby beside me. Hurrying up the stairs, I pushed open my door in anticipation, stopping at the sight of an empty bed.

Where was she?

I took the next flight of stairs two at a time. Shelby’s door was ajar, and I opened it slowly, gazing silently at what I saw.

Shelby was asleep, her book fallen on her lap and her sexy glasses barely on her nose. Her head was propped on her shoulder, her long hair falling over her chest. I grinned when I saw she was wearing one of my T-shirts. The rush of tenderness I only ever felt when looking at her filled me. I moved forward quietly, pulling off her glasses and awkwardly trying to settle her into a more comfortable position. I had never looked after anyone before, but I wanted to look after Shelby.

Her eyes fluttered open. “Liam?” she mumbled sleepily.

“Hey.” I pushed back her hair from her face. “Of course it’s me. You were expecting someone else, Beaker? Another charming Brit? Prince Harry, maybe?”

She giggled and yawned as she curled into a ball. “No, I only like one Brit. Most charming of them all.”

“Bloody right.”

“Why are you in my room?”

I nuzzled her cheek. “You weren’t in my bed waiting for me, so I came to find you.”

She blinked. “I didn’t know if you wanted that.”

I moved my lips to her forehead. “I always want you there now, Shelby. But you’re tired. Sleep. I only wanted to check on you.”

Smiling, she moved over. “I have room.”

I didn’t need another invitation. I threw off my clothes, leaving only my boxers, and slipped in beside her. I wrapped my arms around her, loving how she curled against me, her head buried in my neck. She fell back to sleep fast, and I listened to her even breathing, letting the quiet rhythm lull me into the same restful state.I nuzzled Shelby’s neck. She smelled so bloody good. With her hair up and her lovely skin on display, I couldn’t resist. I knew I should. Everett was right. Walking in, the flashes and yelling had been unrelenting. Although we never stopped, or even paused for an interview, the photographers and paps had all gotten our picture together. I didn’t care. I knew we were being watched now as well and pictures were even being taken, but, again, I didn’t care.