Chapter 27
Wow. The red dress. It clung to her curves, impossible to ignore, but when Liam’s gaze lifted to her face, everything else fell away.
Sienna was the scarlet woman, and in that moment, every thought in his head sharpened into one.
He wanted her.
Sienna.
The woman in red.
He grinned and closed the distance with long, ground-eating strides. The dress had caught his eye, but when their gazes locked, nothing else mattered.
“Hi,” he said when he reached them, his voice soft and wondering.
“Hi,” she whispered.
“Are they gonna stare at each other all night?” Kitto asked, his tone more fond than impatient.
Sienna blinked, suddenly aware they had an audience. Saber and Emily stood nearby, wearing identical grins, and several other guests had turned to watch.
“Forgive me.” Liam didn’t look sorry at all. “I didn’t notice anyone but her.” He nodded toward Sienna. “You all look great, truly—but her…” He trailed off, his expression saying what words couldn’t.
“It’s the dress,” Emily said to Saber, sounding smug. “It’s magical.”
“True, kitten. Dance? For old time’s sake?” Saber extended his arm.
“Nothing I’d like better,” Emily replied, and together they drifted toward the dance floor, hands entwined.
Liam smiled at Sienna, then turned to her brother. “First things first—let me introduce Kitto to my friends. I want everyone to meet the artist who’s taken Middlemarch by storm.”
He led them toward a group of young shifters that included Scott. The introductions flowed, and Liam felt a flicker of pride as Kitto straightened under their welcome and the eager questions about his artwork and market stall.
Once Kitto was deep in animated conversation, Liam turned back to Sienna. “May I have this dance, Ms. Teague?”
“I’m not—I haven’t danced much,” she admitted, biting her bottom lip and brushing a finger against the edge of her red lipstick. The subtle gesture caught his attention.
“Neither have I. We can figure it out together,” he said. “Besides, I’d rather talk than dance. Want to find a quiet corner?”
He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor.
The marquee buzzed with conversation, warm air carrying the scent of decorative flowers, sizzling sausage rolls from the nearby barbecues, and the faint sweetness of spilled wine.
A band played cover songs from the corner stage, their melodies weaving through the hum of the crowd.
When she melted into his arms, tension drained from her body, and he guided them to a quieter spot near the edge.
They swayed together, bodies close, her warmth pressing against him as the music threaded through the crowded marquee.
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured.
“Every day,” she said when they drew apart. “More than I thought possible.”
They drifted in comfortable silence, simply enjoying being close again. Then Sienna spoke.
“You said in your letter that the mountains taught you things.”
“Yeah…I was so caught up in trying to have the perfect job, the perfect life, I didn’t see what mattered.” His hand pressed against her back. “It wasn’t the work at the station that made me happy. It was hearing from you, knowing you were here.”
“Liam—”
“Let me finish.” His voice was gentle but sure. “It wasn’t safety or familiarity that pulled me back here. It was you. Starting over in a new country? That takes guts. The way you handle everything…it makes me want to improve myself.”
Tears pricked her eyes. “I feel the same way. I didn’t dare say it out loud, afraid you’d think it was guilt or gratitude. But it’s not. It’s more than that.”
He stopped dancing right there on the floor and kissed her. It was sweet and passionate and full of promise, and when they broke apart, several couples nearby were smiling.
“I have something to tell you about Mama and Papa.”
“They’ve decided about New Zealand?”
“Yes. They’re staying in Scotland. Turns out they really love it there.
Niall and Suzie have become like family, and Papa is even teaming up with Niall on some pottery designs.
Mama helps with the castle, and I’ve never seen Jago and Calan so happy.
They enjoy helping on the estate and do a little pottery on the side. ”
Liam squeezed her waist, enjoying the quiet closeness between them. “And you’re okay with them staying?”
She leaned into him, the faint scent of wine and flowers drifting between them.
“They’re happy—that’s all I ever wanted.
The move to New Zealand works for Kitto and me, but I understand that the change might’ve been too much for Mama, Papa, and my older brothers.
They’re more cautious than I am. I came here because it felt right for me—because you’re here. ”
Liam brushed a strand of hair from her face, warmed by the honesty in her voice.
“Liam!” Saber’s shout cut through the music as he approached with Emily in tow. “Sorry to interrupt, but I needed to catch you before the evening got away from us.”
They stopped dancing, though Liam kept his arm around Sienna’s waist, as the band launched into a rocking fifties number.
Saber said, “I’ve been asking around about jobs. Nothing local, I’m afraid. But what if you set yourself up as a general contractor? Farm work, maintenance, maybe some construction. You’d learn new skills while waiting for the right opportunity.”
Liam paused, shoulders tight. Six months ago, this would have crushed him. Now, he considered it.
“Honestly,” he said, “I’d rather stay in Middlemarch than chase some perfect farm job elsewhere. It’s not the work—it’s being here, with the people I care about.”
Saber raised an eyebrow. “Good to hear. You remember Henry Anderson? He and Maia are here tonight. Henry said he and Gerard might have some work for you.”
He nodded toward the refreshment table. Henry stood with his usual frown, though a little softer tonight. Maia was mid-story, hands moving as she talked.
“Henry runs a security business,” Saber added to Sienna as they walked over. “They’re expanding. Part-time work. Not farming, but worth a look.”
“Henry, Maia,” Saber called. “You remember Liam? This is his girlfriend, Sienna Teague.”
The introductions were warm and immediate. Henry had a firm handshake and a direct gaze, while Maia’s sunshiny enthusiasm was infectious.
“Saber mentioned you’re looking for work,” Henry said. “Security isn’t for everyone, but if you’re interested in learning something new, Gerard and I could use someone reliable.”
“What kind of security?” Liam asked.
“Mostly residential and small business. Some event work during the tourist season. It’s part-time to start, but there’s room to grow if you like it.”
“I’m interested,” Liam said after a glance at Sienna.
“Excellent. Actually,” Henry continued, “Saber also mentioned you two might be looking for accommodation?”
“Possibly,” Liam said, his hand tightening around Sienna’s.
Maia jumped in. “I have a house to rent—three bedrooms, fully furnished, great location. I’ve had some interest, though.”
“Could we see it?” Sienna asked, eagerness lighting her smile.
“How about tomorrow morning? Does that work for you? Fair warning—we have another couple viewing it in the afternoon, and the housing market in Middlemarch is pretty tight right now. Good places don’t stay available for long.”
Liam and Sienna exchanged a look, and he saw her excitement reflected in her eyes.
“We’d love to see it,” Liam said. “What time works for you?”
“How about ten?” Henry suggested. “I’ll give you the address.”
As Henry scribbled down the details, excitement surged through Liam. A house. A proper home. Together.
They spoke with Henry and Maia for a few more minutes before the couple excused themselves to mingle with other guests.
“Actually,” Liam said once they were alone, “I booked a room at the new motel in town. I was hoping we’d have something to celebrate tonight.”
Sienna’s cheeks warmed, and he caught the spark in her features. He let his hand brush hers, just enough to make the contact linger.
“That was optimistic of you.”
“I prefer hopeful,” he said, grinning.
He pulled her closer, and the music faded behind them. Every brush of her hand, every sway of her body against his, carried a new weight, a promise that made his pulse quicken.
“One more dance?” he asked.
“One more,” she said.
They moved together, feeling the rhythm in their own bodies rather than the band. He thought of the motel, of having her to himself, of the heat between them that made the world shrink to just this floor, this moment.
“Ready to get out of here?” he murmured in her ear.
“More than ready,” she replied, and he felt it, a pull that was impossible to resist.
They found Kitto holding court with Scott’s group, sketching caricatures on napkins as his audience laughed appreciatively.
“We’re heading out,” Sienna said. “Will you be all right getting home?”
“Scott said he’d give me a lift,” Kitto replied with a wink. “Have fun.”
“Thanks for trusting me with your sister,” Liam said.
Kitto’s grin widened. “Just don’t mess it up.”
“I won’t.”
They said quick goodbyes to Saber and Emily, who sent them off with knowing smiles and waves. Then they walked across the paddock toward the car park, Liam’s hand warm in hers.
“The motel’s on the other side of town,” Liam said as they reached his borrowed truck.
“I know where it is.” Sienna’s voice was steady, but he heard the excitement beneath.
“Liam?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m nervous.”
He stopped walking and turned to face her, his hands rising to cup her face. “We don’t have to do anything. We can talk, or sleep, or—”
She silenced him with a kiss, pouring all her feelings into it, and he tasted love, desire, hope, and absolute certainty.
“I’m ready,” she said when they stepped apart. “I’ve been ready for months, but I’m nervous.”
“Me too,” he said, smiling. “Because it matters.”
They drove through Middlemarch’s quiet streets, hands linked across the console. Liam parked outside unit seven and came around to open her door.
“Still nervous?” he asked.
“Yeah,” she admitted. “But excited too.”
He unlocked the door and held it open. Mussed hair, a red dress glowing in the corridor light—she stole his breath all over again. Her gaze met his, full of trust and anticipation, and for a moment he forgot everything else.