Always My Girl (The Shaughnessy Brothers) Read Free Page A

Shaughnessy to notice she was a girl. Well…a woman. Great. It only took her being practically naked for it to happen.
    When she stayed silent, Quinn lifted his head but kept his eyes firmly on hers. “I’m serious, Anna. You need to go and get dressed.”
    It was the tone that did it. Anna was used to him being bossy and condescending most of the time—it was who he was—but right now, all of her good humor and thoughts of teasing him went right out the window. “No,” she said firmly and made herself more comfortable by rolling over onto her back.
    He said her name again. This time it was nearly a growl.
    She turned her head and looked at him. “If you have a problem, maybe you should go inside. I’m staying right here.”
    A stream of curses was his immediate response. “Any minute, my brothers are going to be showing up here. Is this how you want them to see you?”
    Now she reached for her sunglasses that were tucked away under the chaise and put them on. “They’ve all seen me in a bathing suit before, Quinn. Why is this such a big deal?”
    He stood angrily. “Because it is! This…this isn’t a bathing suit,” he stammered, waving his arms over her. “This is indecent!”
    Zoe came sauntering back over with a huge grin on her face. “I know, isn’t it fantastic? Who knew Anna was hiding such a rocking figure under those T-shirts and jeans?” She handed Anna a bottle of water and then a beer to Quinn. “I figured you might appreciate one of these.”
    Quinn took it from her and opened it, muttering the whole time under his breath about people being stubborn. He took a long pull of his beer before turning to Zoe. “Would you please tell her to go and put something on before everyone gets here? I mean, she’s being stubborn.”
    “Aidan was here with her earlier and everything was fine. I don’t think anyone’s going to have a problem with her,” Zoe said evenly and gently moved Quinn out of her way so she could resume her position on her own chaise. “Can you hand me my hat, Anna?”
    “No problem,” Anna said sweetly and smiled at Quinn as she picked up the hat and handed it over to Zoe.
    Quinn rolled his eyes and looked around for a place to sit. “At least roll back over. Or put on more sunscreen or…something!”
    “I just got comfortable, Quinn. Now either be quiet, or go away. Go unpack or watch TV or just…stop being annoying.”
    “ I’m annoying?” he asked sarcastically. “I ask for one simple request and I’m the one being annoying.” He huffed. “When does your brother get here? I bet he’ll back me up on this.”
    Anna lifted her sunglasses and glared at him. “I wore this exact bathing suit to the beach with Bobby last week. No issues. So why don’t you unclench and…again…go away.” Putting her sunglasses back in place, she wiggled a little—unnecessarily—and got comfortable. Was that a groan she heard coming from Quinn? She smiled to herself.
    “You know, Anna,” Zoe began, “it really has been a while since you’ve put on some sunscreen. You’re probably due.” Then she picked up her phone and began to furiously type something.
    Anna looked at her quizzically.
    Zoe nodded while Quinn wasn’t looking and then nudged her head in his direction with a thumbs-up. “Yeah. I definitely think it’s time. Especially on your back. Your shoulders are getting a little red.” More typing.
    Anna still wasn’t sure what Zoe was up to. “Oh…um. Okay. Can you help me?”
    “Sure, let me just grab…” And then her phone rang. “I really need to get this. Quinn? Can you help Anna? I need to take this inside. Wedding stuff.” And then she was on her feet and walking away.
    If Anna wasn’t mistaken, Quinn was actually blushing. “You don’t have to help me,” she said quickly.
    “No, no,” he grumbled. “It was my suggestion, so…” He came and stood beside her. “I don’t know…roll over or something.”
    She rolled her eyes and did as he