I could hear Liam approaching the door, his voice carrying through the screen. “I heard your truck, little bro. Why are you knocking, and why aren’t you—” He stopped in shock when he saw me, any doubt of his welcome evaporating when his smile broke out, wide and excited. He pushed open the door, reaching out and wrapping me in his arms. He lifted me right off my feet, the same way his dad had the other day.

“What a surprise!”

“A good one?” I asked breathlessly.

He set me down and cupped my face. “The best.” He lowered his head, startling when Ronan honked the horn.

“We’re even, bro!” Ronan shouted and began to back out of the driveway.

“You wish,” Liam called back with a wide grin. He took the bag from my hand and peered inside. “You and dinner?”

I cleared my throat. “And the night too, if you want?”

He grabbed my hand, pulling me into the house. “If I want? Sweet Pea, you just made my entire week.”

“You need to work,” I gasped, trying to push him away. He had me crowded against the counter, his body pressing into mine.

He pushed closer, shaking his head. “What I need to do is kiss you again. Then take you to bed.”

I pushed on his chest. “I didn’t come here to interrupt your day. You have me for hours.”

“Not enough time. I never get enough time with you.”

I pointed to his office. “Work. Now. I’ll make dinner and get it in the oven.”

“I like you bossy.”

I pointed to the hall. He pouted, which made me grin. “Now,” I said firmly. “Or I’ll call Ronan back and leave.”

“You wouldn’t.” He narrowed his eyes.

I had to laugh. “No, I wouldn’t, but please do your work or I’ll feel guilty.”

“Okay. But come find me as soon as you’re done.”

I headed to the kitchen and put the pot roast in the oven. It could cook slowly for the afternoon and leave me free to enjoy the found time and Liam. His kitchen was organized, and everything was easy to find. I wandered around his house, not surprised to find his bed neatly made and everything tidy. He was that sort of person. I stopped in his office door, studying him as he typed on the computer. He had a pencil shoved behind his ear and a drawing of something on his desk. His brow was furrowed as he glanced between the drawing and the screen. He noticed me in the doorway and reached out his hand.

I squealed a little when he pulled me into his lap, encircling me in one arm. He pressed a kiss to my neck.

“Something smells awesome.”

“Pot roast.”

That earned me a groan of approval. “I love pot roast.”

“Ronan mentioned that.” I looked at his drawing. “What are you doing?”

“This is a plan for a garden. I’m listing all the flowers and shrubs I need so I can price it out.” He clicked another window that brought up a 3-D image of his drawing. “I drop the images in here.” He tapped the paper drawing. “I use this when planting, but the customer gets to see my vision before I do all the work.” He chuckled dryly. “Far easier to change in here than rip out plants and start again.”

“Where is this?”

“A private home in Toronto. One of the old places that still has land. The woman inherited it from her grandparents, but they let it run wild and she isn’t much of a gardener. I’m going to thin it out and add some easy to care for plants.”

“Do you do a lot of private homes?”

“Yes. It’s how I keep one set of crews employed. She wants a service package to maintain it. We do several properties that I’ve designed. We don’t take on a client unless we’ve done the gardens or grounds. I keep it pretty exclusive.” He chuckled. “There are a ton of companies that cut grass and weed gardens already. We make sure the gardens and landscaping we install look beautiful year after year.”

“How many people do you employ?”

“About forty. I have a base in Toronto and one here. I do a lot of commercial work in both places, in between them as well. I have a manager in each location. I do all of the bids and design.” He chuckled. “Only some install and no upkeep. That’s what the young people are for. Perks of being an owner.”

I looked around the room, spying some awards. “You’re obviously talented.”

“I love what I do. I’m lucky.”

“Now who’s brushing off compliments?” I teased.

He laughed, his arm tightening. “Touché, my girl. Touché.”

He clicked save on his computer. “How about a walk on the beach? It’s beautiful out, and I want to spend the rest of the afternoon with you.”

“I’d love that.”

He held out his hand. “Great.”

Chapter Eight

Paige

I lifted my face to the sun, enjoying the breeze and the peace surrounding me. Liam’s hand was wrapped securely around mine. The water lapped at my bare feet, the coolness feeling good between my toes. I glanced at Liam, my breath catching. He was dressed in jeans and a Henley, the material stretched tight over his chest. He’d rolled up his jeans, exposing his calves. He had surprisingly sexy legs. He wore sunglasses, which somehow highlighted the rugged features on his face. The wind lifted his hair, and he had a contented smile as we walked. Neither of us felt the need to fill the silence with conversation, and I was enjoying the tranquility. We reached an outcropping of rocks, the sand disappearing under the piles of boulders and jagged piles of stone.

Tags: Melanie Moreland Vested Interest - ABC Corp Romance
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