Always Read Free Page A

licked her lips at the sight of him, liking her newfound boldness. “You know, I’ve been picturing you shirtless since you picked me up tonight.”
    “Oh yeah? And…?”
    “And I like what I see.” She winked.
    “You’re not the goody-goody your brother described to me.” He helped her button up his shirt, then lifted her onto the hood and stood in front of her.
    “Maybe I’m sick of being good all the time.”
    “I’m flattered, because what we’re doing is a good kind of bad, but I like the person you are, Teegan. Especially your good side. I’ve seen you around. I like that you’re smart and that you don’t follow a crowd. James may not admit it, but he has nothing but great things to say about you. It’s just an added bonus that you’re also beautiful on the outside, and I do like what I see as well.” He toyed with one of his buttons. “And, of course, I like what I’ve seen with your shirt off too.”
    “Well, in that case—” she unbuttoned a few buttons from the top, teasing him with just enough cleavage “—peek away.” Reaching out to touch his chest, she looked into his eyes and then nipped at his bottom lip before she sought entry with her tongue again. “You taste good, Liam.”
    “Mmm,” he moaned. “So do you, Sunshine. So do you.”
    The kiss deepened, and they picked up where they’d left off.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
     
    Present Day
     
    The house hadn’t changed much since her childhood. It was a big Victorian style overlooking the water, with a white picket fence and a lawn filled with children’s toys. Teegan smiled. She’d love the house if it wasn’t for the ugly mint-green aluminum siding. What in the Lord’s name was James thinking? She shook her head. The house had been left to her after their parents had died in a boating accident five years earlier. She had no use for it at the time and was afraid it might be too painful to live in again after their loss, so she’d signed it over to James. He needed it more than she did as he had a family while she was still single. The place was way too large for her to occupy anyway, so she knew she’d made the right decision. She figured her parents had left it to her, however, in hopes she’d one day return. She never believed she would, yet there she was.
    “Squeee,” Susan squealed as she jumped up and down, almost flying of the porch to greet her.
    “Hello, Susan, it’s great to see you again.” Teegan laughed, fighting not to grimace as her sister-in-law squeezed the life out of her in excitement. “Ugh, Susan—can’t—breathe.” Teegan tapped on her shoulders and let out a deep breath when Susan loosened her grip.
    “Sorry, Teegan.” She squealed again. “I just can’t believe you’re finally here. I’m so excited. It’s so great to see you again. Welcome home.”
    “It’s good to be home. So tell me, where is that brother of mine? It’s been a few years since I’ve seen the two of you, and I have to say I’m a little shocked and disappointed he hasn’t greeted me yet.” She pouted.
    “Sorry, hon, you came a little earlier than expected, and James isn’t back from work. He should be home shortly, though.”
    “How’s the boat? And please tell me he’s bringing me some scallops.” Teegan smiled. It’d been years since she’d had good scallops, and Digby was famous for them. They were also how James made his living. He was a fisherman, so they weren’t hard to come by.
    “The boat’s great, James is great, and scallops for dinner it is.” Susan linked arms with her and guided her toward the house. “Now come on, let’s go wake up Carter, and then we can take a walk. I have to pick up Dylan from a friend’s house soon. Just wait until you see how big the boys are now. I tell ya, time flies faster after you have children. Your figure goes kaput, and you start to feel old. Dylan will be in double digits before we know it, and you know you’re getting old