Page 38 of Lost in You (The Monroes 3)

Liam closed the space between them and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “You’re too good for my brother.”

“I don’t know about that.” She laughed as she patted his back and rested her head against his chest. “I think he’s pretty great.”

The back screen door slammed shut. “Do you always hit on my fiancée when I’m not around?”

Not letting go of Sophie, Liam glanced over his shoulder and shrugged. “Every chance I get.”

Zach grunted and reached for a banana out of the decorative bowl on the counter near the back door. “Get your own woman.”

Liam smacked a kiss on Sophie’s forehead and released her. “All the good ones are taken.”

Sophie clutched the notebook to her chest. “Your amazing brother is all set to make us the best wedding cake ever.”

“I’d rather have a slab of ribs,” Zach muttered around the bite. Sophie shot him a glare. “But whatever you want is fine.”

Her smile beamed. “That’s what I thought.”

“How about I plan on a meal with smoked meat and some killer sides?” Liam suggested. “I have a new recipe I’ve been wanting to try, but I wasn’t sure what venue to use it at.”

Sophie leaned against the center island and shook her head. “No. You’re doing enough. Between the cake and then helping Macy—”

“Helping Macy?” Zach chimed in. “With what?”

Liam resisted the urge to groan, but before he could answer, Sophie continued. “She’s throwing a surprise birthday party for Phil and Liam is helping with the food.”

Zach quirked a brow, instantly turning his attention to Liam. “Is that so? Sounds like more sleepovers are in your future.”

Scratching his cheek with his middle finger, Liam returned the glare.

“I’m glad you’re helping Macy,” Zach went on with a slight grin.

“Helping Macy with what?” Braxton asked, stepping into the kitchen from the hallway.

Liam rolled his eyes and stared up at the ceiling. “Why is everyone in my kitchen? Don’t you have classes to teach?”

“This is my short day,” Braxton replied as he moved further into the room and took a seat on one of the bar stools. “So what’s up with Macy?”

Could a guy not just get his work done and go home without all the gossiping and the people putting their noses into his business? Even if they were family, Liam didn’t want to discuss Macy with them. Hell, he couldn’t even wrap his own mind around what was going on between them. All of this up in the air chaos was seriously wreaking havoc on his sanity.

“Liam is helping Macy throw a surprise party for Phil,?

?? Zach stated.

“I’m not helping her throw the damn party,” Liam yelled. “I’m doing the food. That’s all.”

Braxton’s eyes crinkled behind his glasses as he grinned. “Sounds to me like you’re helping her throw the party. Don’t forget to send me an invitation.”

Gritting his teeth, Liam shoved his way past Zach and jerked on the fridge door. “I’m not doing the invitations. Right now, I’m starting on dinner for the guests, who actually appreciate me. Now, the rest of you get out.”

“Why am I being shunned?” Sophie asked.

Liam threw her a glance. “You’re guilty by association with your fiancé. Besides, you’re helping, too, and nobody is giving you grief.”

Liam pulled out the chicken and the seasoning mix he’d prepared earlier. The three stooges continued to stand around and stare at him. Damn it. He didn’t want them to get in his business, but he knew they did because they cared—even if they had an annoying way of showing it.

Guilt slithered through him, making him question if he should keep pursuing the Magnolias option. But how could he give up a chance at having everything he wanted? His mother had instilled that in him, and the Monroes had as well. Now that they’d all forged together for Chelsea’s dream, wasn’t it time for him?

His selfish thoughts had him swallowing back a lump of emotions. When was it okay to be selfish? When was he allowed to put his needs ahead of others? And did they actually need him here? If he found another chef, what would it hurt if he moved on?

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