Chapter 22 – Liam
S tepping into the backstage area of Sable, I roll my eyes at Teo who’s updating the chalkboard sign Santi and Hudson had installed last week:
“Not you, too.”
Teo shrugs. “I just do what I’m told. My mom made her Sicilian fig cookies. There’s a plate on your desk.”
Eleven weeks and our little blueberry is now the size of a fig. Incredible. “Send my thanks to your mother,” I tell him, pleased down to my toes.
We told Wendy and Nell the baby news when they came over to reclaim their cats.
I could see the questions in their eyes when Juliana explained she was going to be staying with me during the pregnancy.
She kept bouncing Amelia on her knee and ignored the unspoken questions though I have some of my own.
Like, how the fuck am I supposed to behave myself around her for such an extended period of time?
If I thought resisting her in the shower that first night was bad, I found a new torment the following day when we packed up the rest of her things at her house.
She tried to be discreet but I saw the vibrator she quickly tossed into the bag filled with her underwear.
Now, I’m obsessed with the thought of watching her use it. Or making it an obsolete item for her.
After last week’s visit to Dr. Quack, I told my siblings over a video call. They expressed surprise and pleasure at the news, but I could see questions in their eyes, too. And, Ivy asked the biggie - “Have you told Mom and Dad yet?”
“I wouldn’t,” Dean said before I could answer.
No, I haven’t told them and I don’t really want to.
My position at Culver means putting up with Dad.
That’ll be much easier if he doesn’t piss me off.
And, the bulk of Juliana’s architecture projects are tied up in Culver.
I don’t think she’d thank me for blowing things for her if Dad decided he had some sort of vendetta.
Strange to think a grandchild would lead to a vendetta, but I wouldn’t put it past the miserable old bastard.
Taking a seat, I sample Mama Teo’s cookies and open up the parenting magazine I picked up at Dr. Quack’s office last week.
“‘Dream Babymoon Locations,’” Santi reads over my shoulder before snatching the cookie plate.“Planning a romantic getaway with your woman, papa?”
“Those are my cookies and none of your business.”
“But, you love sharing, right?” He plops down in the chair across from me, gobbling down two cookies in one bite, the prick.
“I’ll share my cookies with you but not any of my romantic getaway plans for Juliana when I’ve not discussed it with her yet.”
Like a thunderstorm rolling in, Hudson stomps in to join us. “Why would you waste time on romantic shit when Juliana doesn’t want that with you anyway?” he asks, sourly.
My mouth falls open, the wind completely taken out of my sails.I know he’s right, but goddamn.
“What the fuck is your problem, Raines? You’ve had a stick up your ass for weeks now. And, those are Liam’s cookies,” Santi growls, smacking his hand.
As quickly as the storm rolled in, Hudson’s dark cloud moves on. “Sorry, Liam. My shit mood isn’t your fault. If you could spare me any bullshit talk of love and romance though, I’d greatly appreciate it.”
“Then, piss off because I want to know what Liam’s planning for his babymoon with Juliana. ”
Despite Santi’s warning, Hudson stays, obviously regretting his initial words. “How’s she feeling?”
“Appetite is better. She keeps a piece of hard candy in her mouth all morning after breakfast which seems to help with the nausea.”
Santi nods. “Those hormone levels should be evening out soon.” Aside from Juliana herself, Santi’s become my go-to for pregnancy questions. I definitely prefer him to Dr. Quack.
“Did you ever explain about the candies you took home from the club?” Hudson asks, chuckling.
“Christ, no!” There were some flavored cum-drops one of our niche homecraft distributors had included with their last shipment.
We try to support small, local businesses as much as possible.
I’d brought home a bag as a joke, but Jules tore into them when I was in the bathroom and I was afraid she’d react badly if I told her what they actually were.
“I was scouring Nangi’s website for an hour making sure they were okay for her to consume after I found out. ”
“At least now you know she can swallow while she’s pregnant.”
Chucking, I shake my head at Santi. “I’m not expecting any… ” They both smirk at me. “Never mind.”
Hudson rolls his eyes. “Well, if you’re hard up, we have this wonderful little club of ours called Sable.”
“I’m not going to be with anyone other than Juliana, Hudson.”
“Ever again?”
I have no idea if she’ll ever want me to touch her sexually again, and it’s not as if we have an established relationship which would forbid me seeing other women. Nevertheless, I know I won’t stray from her. “My player days are done.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. It’s complicated, alright? We need to focus on the pregnancy right now.”
“So, a babymoon,” Santi says, rescuing me from Hudson’s curiosity. “Where to? ”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out later. Think it would be okay to take her out of the country though, doc?”
“Shouldn’t be a problem with a healthy pregnancy if you’re thinking around fourteen weeks or so. No skydiving.”
“No shit.”
We chat for a few more minutes, but Hudson keeps checking his watch. It’s still a couple of hours until the club opens, so I’m not surprised when he says he’s got something to go to. Between Hudson and Trey, the staff manager, the club is managed very well without me or Santi having to do much.
“Do you know what’s up with him?” I ask Santi after Hudson’s been gone for a bit. “I mean, the guy’s always been an enigma but he’s outdoing himself lately.”
Santi keeps his eyes trained on his laptop. “I might have an idea.”
I wait for him to elaborate, but he doesn’t so I resume my research for a possible trip.
There’s a certain bucket list location in the article I’m reading which she’s mentioned more than once, somewhere Chad never took her. I shoot her a text – Your passport’s up to date, right?
Jules: Yes but why do you ask?
Me: No reason.
I smirk, congratulating myself on my caginess. She won’t suspect a thing.
∞∞∞
Two hours later, the club has just opened when I get a call from Teo that a woman who isn’t a member is out front and claiming she’s my sister.
“So this is your secret boys’ hideout, huh?” Ivy asks, bitingly when I go investigate.
I’m not sure why she sounds so pissed. She knows about the club.
I hadn’t considered she’d be interested in visiting it…
be cause she is my sister and I’d rather not contemplate the fact she has a sex life at all.
“Yeah, this is Sable, and all you’ve gotta do is text me if you want to visit. Come to the back with me.”
Santi sticks his head out of his office when he hears Ivy laughing at the sign they posted. He looks torn between bolting and speaking. The latter option wins out. “Hey, Ivy. Long time, no see.”
She glares at him before striding over with her hands on her hips.
“Hey, yourself. Give your buddy a message from me – if he doesn’t want to talk to me, that’s fine.
But tell him not to waste my time agreeing to a meeting and then not show.
That’s just fucking rude and I’ve got better things to do than spend an hour sitting around at Twisted Anchor when brunch isn’t on. ”
She went to Twisted Anchor to meet a buddy of Santi’s? I didn’t know they’d even talked since she returned, and I hope she’s not asking Santi to set her up with anyone.
I don’t find out more because Felicity steps into the hallway, looking upset. “Mr. Culver, could I speak with you when you have a sec?”
Santi has already swept my irritated sister into his office to discuss whatever drama I’m not privy to, and I can’t ignore Felicity after she came to me seeking help a few weeks ago.
She’s been with us since the club opened, a terrific hostess as well as a pretty, familiar face that helps our members feel welcome when they arrive.
“Sure. What’s up?” I say, ushering her into my office but not closing the door. I don’t want anyone getting the wrong idea. She’s an employee and we’ve got some first-rate gossips working here.
“He got out,” she murmurs, twisting her fingers together.
“Shit. Where are you staying?”
“With my aunt for now but it’s crowded there.”
“Alright, if you need a place to stay, you come to me.” Between Hudson, Santi and me, we’re not about to let Felicity feel as though she has no alternative but to return to an unsafe situation. “You don’t have to face this alone.”
She steps up to me for a hug. I cooperate not to be weird except…
“Oh! Sorry to interrupt.”
Felicity pulls out of my arms in time for me to see Juliana standing in the doorway of my office with a container tucked under her arm.
My stomach is suddenly as unsettled as hers has been the past several weeks.
All the women I’ve known over the years, but now simply hugging one who isn’t Juliana makes me feel guilty.
“Don’t apologize,” I say, hurrying toward Juliana. “Felicity, if you don’t mind…”
“No, of course! Good to see you, Lady J. I’ll get to work, Mr. Culver. Thanks for your help,” the blonde stammers before scurrying off.
“What brings you here?” I ask Juliana, taking the container from her hands.
I lean in, inhaling her clove and citrus fragrance – she must be feeling less queasy if she’s wearing it again, but she dodges my attempt to kiss her cheek.
“I don’t mean to be a disruption. I brought you dinner, that’s all.
It can get lonely on the nights you’re here now that the cats have gone back home. ”
Does she have any idea how happy that makes me to hear? Not that she’s lonely, but that she might miss me. I love having her at my place, talking to her every morning and every evening, sharing pieces of our days and working through plans for the baby.
“Ivy’s here tonight if you want someone to hang out with. I can leave once Hudson returns from his errand.” Opening the container, I feel like a kid at Christmas smelling the lemon chicken and rice dish she’s prepared . For me.
But, I don’t like that furrowed brow or how she keeps taking steps further away from me. “What’s wrong, Jules?”
“Nothing.” I set the food down, knowing it’s not nothing. It only takes a searching look from me before she speaks again. “This is the second time I’ve found you alone with Felicity. Is there something between you two? ”
Could she be jealous? She has no reason to be, but I won’t pretend it doesn’t please me to think she might feel the slightest bit possessive of me.
I’m more territorial than a lion when it comes to her, whether she’d appreciate the fact or not.
Nevertheless, her wounds from Chad run too deep for me to ignore.
“Not that it matters to me if that’s the case. I’d just rather know… as your friend. So I don’t interrupt at the wrong time or anything.”
Right. As a friend. Just curious, not jealous.
Felicity’s situation is her private business, so I keep my answer brief. “Felicity is looking for a new place to live. There’s nothing like that between us.”
“She’s very pretty,” Juliana comments, still sounding distant.
“I suppose so, but it would be highly improper even if I was interested in her which I’m not.” How could I be interested in Felicity when I’m in love with the woman in front of me? God, I want to admit that aloud, but Hudson’s earlier words about her not wanting me still sting.
“You don’t fool me, Ms. Davenport,” I say, pushing aside my hurt feelings. “I know why you’re really here.”
She blinks, looking like I’ve caught her in some terrible secret. “I don’t? You do?”
“Uh huh. You came here because of my passport question.”
“Well, I admit you left me curious about that. You know I don’t like surprises.”
She doesn’t like surprises after the nasty one she got three years ago. “What if I promise this is a very good surprise?”
She can’t quite hide a smile, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders, pleased when I feel the tension in them easing.
Rather than her cheek, I aim for her temple which has thankfully healed, and she doesn’t dodge my kiss this time when my lips brush against the spot.
She shudders, bringing back memories of our night together.
“You’ll just have to be curious a little longer.” Her grin widens. “If you’re feeling lonely, I don’t really have to wait around on Hudson tonight. I’d rather sit at home watching some Austen flick with you than hang around here anyway.”
She shoots me a disbelieving look. “You’d rather sit at home with a pregnant woman watching the same old thing than check out the action at your sex club, Liam?”
I scowl at her tone. Does she think I’m seeking new sexual partners every night when I’m here?
Other than the night our little blueberry was conceived, I’ve not had sex at Sable in ages.
I’ve not been with another woman since the night her house was burgled months ago for that matter.
Now that I’ve had her, I’m ruined for anyone else.
“Yeah, that’s exactly what I’d prefer,” I reply.
She bites at her bottom lip and, once more, I feel like I’m being left out of the loop this evening before she straightens. “Actually, I brought you dinner but figured I might stick around for a bit. Maybe see what’s happening here tonight for some fun.”
I do not like the sound of that. Not one little bit.
Especially not when I note she’s got her hair brushed out so those soft brown curls hang around her shoulders just so and she’s wearing a sexy little black dress.
Something dark and primal claws at my chest at the thought of her seeking another man’s attention.
She tells me to enjoy my food after kissing my cheek but, if she thinks I’m sitting back here eating lemon chicken while she’s out there, she’s got another thing coming. She’s mine and I want everyone, including her, to know it.