Page 109 of The Savior

Chelsea joined them on the sidewalk. Her eyes were crystal clear of the firing arousal Liam had seen less than ten minutes earlier. In a no-nonsense way that defied logic, she said, “We got distracted for a minute.”

“I bet,” Chance muttered under his breath with a shit-eating grin.

She pressed her lips together, cautioning Chance in a way that had more effect than Liam’s. Chance swallowed a laugh, and they waited in silence as Chelsea power-walked down the sidewalk.

“And here I thought you’d carved out some one-on-one time, but maybe not.”

Liam jabbed Chance with an elbow.

“Testy.” Chance laughed again and muttered something about Chelsea’s all-business demeanor.

Liam didn’t hang around to hear for certain and rounded to the Explorer’s trunk. They had gear to unload.

Chance followed, still amused with himself. “Which is she? All business or—”

“Careful,” Liam warned.

“It’s like that, huh?”

It was like a million things he didn’t know how to explain but could summarize as ‘hell yeah, it was like that’. Still, he wasn’t in the mood to banter like an old bitty. “That woman could slice and dice your balls off.”

“Pfssh. I could take her.”

Liam paused with the halfway-open hatchback in hand. He let go and turned to Chance. “You touch her, and I’ll be the one who castrates you.”

“Easy, man.” Chance smirked. “I’m kidding.”

No shit, but still, a possessive need nettled Liam, and he wanted to change the subject. “Thanks again for the supplies.”

He took the hint. “It was no big deal.”

“That’s some bullshit.” Liam rolled his shoulders. “One day I’ll repay the favor.”

“You have no idea.” Chance shook his head, amused with himself. “Anyway, I can stick around and help set up.”

The offer sounded like a great idea for a split second, but Liam wanted more alone time with Chelsea. “We’re good.”

Chance gave an understanding chin lift. “Did I mention that Hagan hacked the neighbor’s lockbox?”

Liam hoisted the duffel bag onto his shoulder and grabbed a box, tilting his head toward the trunk. “What’s that mean?”

His buddy shut the hatchback. “For the neighbor’s house.”

“The one listed for sale?”

Chance nodded. “He changed the showing availability. No drop-bys or scheduled showings until we lift the lock, and we have a connection that can smooth over any problems.”

They stepped to the sidewalk, and concern nagged at Liam that their reach was expanding too far. He’d already pushed the line when he asked Chance and Chelsea for help. But then Hagan? And a new connection?

“Are you two coming?” Chelsea called.

He had to trust Chance—and he couldn’t help but be grateful they’d now have an undisturbed location to monitor the Nymans. Even if the thought made Liam want to tear off Chelsea’s clothes.

“Judging by that look…” Chance slapped Liam on the back. “I’ll head out.”

They shared an unsaid “thank you” and “no problem,” then he hustled to meet his woman, self-imposing a don’t-touch-before-the-job-was-done rule.

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