Enticing Liam (Big Sky Royal 2)

“Liam,” she says with a happy smile and offers me a hug. “Let me just pay for my facial, and we’ll chat.”

Lauren turns to the receptionist, settles her bill, and then turns back to me. “Let’s step out.”

I glance around the room once more. “I’ll be right outside,” I say to Ellie, who eyes Lauren but nods to me.

I follow my cousin out to the sidewalk. It’s warm again today, but the walk is covered, making it comfortable.

“I’ve barely seen you since you moved here,” Lauren says.

“It’s been busy, working for the royal family and all that.” I reach out and tug on a strand of her hair, the way I’ve done since we were kids. “How are you?”

“I’m great. Layla is starting school this fall, and Asa is going to preschool a few days, as well, so I’ll have some quiet time to write.”

“And how’s Ty?”

Lauren married Ty almost six years ago. I like him a lot. Much better than her bastard of a first husband.

“Busy. His law practice is doing better than ever.”

“I’m glad you’re doing so well. You deserve it.”

“Now, tell me about you.”

I frown. “You know everything. I work. That’s it.”

“And her?” Lauren gestures at the window to where Ellie is sitting inside.

“She’s my job.”

“Well, the way she looked me over just now tells me she’d like to be more than that.”

I shake my head. “That’s not how it is.”

Lauren pats my shoulder. “I know. You’re stubborn and have a ridiculous work ethic. But don’t forget to actually live your life, Liam. You know better than anyone how short it can be.”

In more ways than I want to admit or think about.

“Come to dinner at our house,” Lauren suggests.

“I’m stuck to her like glue for the next month. There’s no time off.”

She rolls her eyes. “Bring her with you. I’m sure she’s nice, and our house is safe. Well, from assassins anyway. I can’t guarantee you won’t step on a lego.”

“Liam.”

Ty hurries up beside Lauren, slips his arm around her waist, and holds his hand out for mine.

“Hey, good to see you.”

“We’re grabbing lunch,” Ty says. “Join us?”

“I’m working,” I reply. “But thanks.”

“I told him he should come by for dinner,” Lauren says. “And I also told him to bring Princess Eleanor with him.”

Ty’s eyebrows climb. “Sure. Anytime. We’re grilling steaks tomorrow night. Come on over.”

“I’ll think about it.”

That’s code for no.

Not that I care if my family meets Ellie. That’s not it at all. But I don’t want her to think it’s a date.

We’re not dating.

“There’s no thinking. You’re coming.” Lauren pats my shoulder again. “See you tomorrow. Six o’clock. If you don’t show up, I’ll come find you.”

“I don’t remember you being such a bully.”

My cousin laughs. “I miss you. So, come to dinner. Okay?”

I nod, not wanting to say yes when I can’t make any promises.

I stay outside after Lauren and Ty leave, keeping an eye on the passersby, breathing in the fresh, summer air.

I love Cunningham Falls. My great-grandfather helped to establish the town more than a hundred years ago. My father and Lauren’s father are—or were—brothers. Lauren’s parents died ten years ago, and it was a hard blow to our entire family.

Although my parents moved my sister and me away from Cunningham Falls when we were young so my dad could pursue a job in Seattle, we came back here every summer. For three glorious months, we lived at Lauren’s house, swam in Whitetail Lake, and rode our bikes all over town.

I knew that once I was out of the Army, I’d move here someday. It’s where I seem to be the most at peace. And for a man who barely remembers what that feels like, it’s absolute heaven.

“All done,” Ellie announces as she walks through the door. “I just met the most wonderful women. Aspen owns Drips & Sips, and she’s so funny. Just lovely. I wish my hair was naturally red like hers.

“She introduced me to her hairstylist, Monica, and my nail girl is Natasha. They’re all so nice. I’m absolutely coming back here. It’s brilliant.”

“I’m glad you had a good time.”

“Who was the woman you were talking to?”

I open the car door for her, then climb into the driver’s seat.

“Not that it’s any of my business,” she adds. “Forget I asked.”

I should. I should forget she asked and let her think Lauren is someone I’m interested in.

But I’m not a liar.

“That was my cousin, Lauren.”

Ellie’s eyes widen. “Oh, I would have loved to meet her.”

“Well, you might get the chance.” I tell her about the dinner invitation.

“Of course, you should go,” she says.

“I’m working. With you.”

“I’m safe at home,” she argues. “You can certainly take a few hours off to enjoy your family. You can’t work twenty-four hours a day, and the last time I checked, no one requires that of you.”