I shrugged. “Shelby is thirsty. I can tell. Parched, in fact. She needs some OJ. She has a severe deficiency—it’s a medical thing. She needs lots of OJ.”
Caroline frowned, looking concerned. “Shelby, you never said anything.”
Shelby’s cheeks flushed. “It’s nothing. Liam is overexaggerating.” She shot me a look.
“She had a glass at breakfast, Liam,” Caroline assured me.
I nodded. “Good. I’m after her all the time to make sure she gets enough. It’s my job to make sure she gets enough. I give her at least a couple of good solid shots of OJ a day. More, if she lets me.” Turning my head, I winked at Shelby. “It’s packed full of natural goodness.”
“I think I’m fine right now,” she murmured.
I shook my head. “No, you really need some. I really need to give you some. I want you full of OJ.”
She giggled. Then she started to laugh. She picked up the glass and started to sip as she chortled.
Caroline and Douglas shared a look, and Douglas shrugged as if to say, “I have no idea.” Then he addressed Caroline. “I understand you’re here to see Shelby, but I know some great spots where you could take some wonderful photos.” He looked over at Shelby. “If you don’t mind me stealing her away for a few hours? I mean, you’re welcome to join us, but with your following out there…”
Shelby smiled. “It would be nicer for Caroline if you took her, not to mention safer. They won’t follow you.”
That reminded me. “Where is Ryan? You didn’t go out for breakfast on your own, did you?”
She didn’t quite meet my eyes. “No. Ryan was with us.”
“Did you drive?”
“No, he drove us. I sent him home after we got back. We didn’t plan on going out again.”
“Where is your car?” I asked, because she still didn’t have her new one yet.
She and Caroline shared a quick glance. “Um, I took it in for service.”
I pursed my lips. Something was up, and she wasn’t telling me. Feeling my gaze, she looked up. “Later,” she mouthed. Grudgingly, I let it go.
For now.
Caroline spoke up. “Are you sure you don’t mind, Shelby?”
She shook her head. “No. You go and enjoy the afternoon. I’ll help Liam unpack, and I have a few things to take care of.” She assured him. “Will you be back for dinner?”
Caroline started to nod as Douglas spoke. “Why don’t we play it by ear? We’ll call you later.”
I liked his idea. I hoped it was much later. I smiled benignly. “Of course. I know Shelby wants Caroline to see everything. Take your time.” I pretended to yawn and stretch. “I need a nap. I’m knackered—it was a long week, and I was up early this morning. And I’ve got a few phone calls to make.” I stood. “I’ll let you get on.” I extended my hand to Douglas. "Enjoy your afternoon.” I kissed Caroline’s cheek. “So…lovely to have met you, Caroline. A real pleasure. I look forward to seeing you again.”
She grinned. “I doubt anything will ever compare to that introduction, Liam. See you later.” She waved, and I knew Douglas would be hearing all about this morning at some point during their time together. I also knew I’d never hear the end of it. I held up my hands.
“Jet lag and wishful thinking, Douglas. Keep those in mind.” My hand brushed Shelby’s shoulder as I left the room. “You know where I am if you need me.”
I headed upstairs, knowing Shelby would join me as soon as we were alone. After giving Thor a head rub, I grabbed a quick shower. Coming out, I grinned at what I saw on my bed. Shelby, curled in the center of the bed, wearing only my T-shirt from earlier, Thor snuggled against her as she tickled his head. He obviously enjoyed her touch as much as I did. I could hear him purring from where I stood. Shelby had drawn the shades, the room cast in dim light, restful and soft.
Shelby glanced up, her eyes dancing as she saw me.
“Are they gone?” I smirked at her.
“Yes.”
“The door locked?”
“Yes.”
“Brilliant.”
Shelby quirked her eyebrow. “Medical condition, Oscar? Seriously?”
I ran a towel through my hair as I walked toward the bed. “I spoke the truth.”
“Do tell.”
Leaning over, I picked up Thor and placed him in the basket Shelby had bought for him. He wasn’t overly happy, but he didn’t move. I loosened the towel at my waist, allowing it to fall to the floor. My cock was already hard; OJ knew Shelby was right there, and soon he would be buried deep in her warm, wet heaven. I ached for her. Shelby’s eyes were wide as she watched me slowly stroke myself. “You have a raging fever that only I can cure.”
She leaned back on her elbows, my T-shirt pulled taut across her breasts. I could see her nipples, hard and straining under the cotton.