Page 70 of Liam
The corners of Cody’s mouth twitched. “I’d hope so. She’s only had five brothers and a veteran father to ingrain self-defense into her throughout her entire life.”
Liam was grateful. Every person should have a basic knowledge of how to protect themselves, and he was glad Nylah had a bit more than most.
When she returned ten minutes later, she sighed. “Oh good. You two haven’t killed each other.”
“Not today,” Cody said with a wink. “I should get back to my motel.”
Liam stepped forward. “You could always stay here.”
He shook his head. “Thank you, but I’ll give you two your space. At night, that is. During the day, I’m gonna be the shadow Nylahwishesshe could get rid of.”
“That’ll make two of us,” Liam said.
Nylah rolled her eyes as Liam stepped forward and held out his hand. “It was good to meet you, Cody.”
Cody shook it. “Likewise.”
Nylah walked her brother to the door, and Liam watched as he gave her a big hug. Wanting to give them some privacy, he went back to the kitchen and was wiping down the counter when she returned. She wrapped her arms around him from behind and pressed a kiss to his back.
“Thank you. I know Cody can be a lot.”
He turned, curling his arms around her waist. “He’s the perfect amount. I like that he looks out for you.”
“Oh, he definitely does that.” She slid her hands up his chest, then into his hair. “Maybe one day you can meet the rest of my brothers.”
His heart thumped. “I’d like that. I want to know everyone you love.”
Her eyes softened. “I want that too. But, be warned, they’ve scared off a lot of men from my life.”
“I don’t scare easily.” Especially not when it came to this woman.
“I know. That’s what I told Cody.” She tugged his head down so their temples touched. “Thank you for being so perfect.”
No. He wasn’t the perfect one.
She lifted to her toes and kissed him.
CHAPTER20
“You’re really playing the ‘I can’t remember’ card?”
Nylah laughed at her brother’s question as they stepped into The Grind. For once, she wasn’t here for work, just a coffee with Cody. “I can’t remember because it never happened.”
He shook his head as they headed to the back corner booth. She sat facing the wall, knowing he’d want the corner seat so he had a full view of the coffee shop. That was something important to all her brothers, the situational awareness they constantly “encouraged” her to maintain.
She turned her head, spotting Jason stepping inside and moving straight to the counter toward Courtney. He’d followed them today so Liam could sit in on a meeting at work. She knew how safe she was with Cody, but having a second guy on her didn’t hurt.
Her brother leaned forward. “Ny, we were ten. Dad ordered a dozen hot cross buns, left them on the counter.Youate half of them and tried to blame it on me.”
“Cody, I think I would remember if I—” Oh God…itdidhappen. “I remember!”
“So youdideat six hot cross buns. I knew it!”
She laughed. “No. I ate two, Jace ate three, and we fed one to Beans.” Oh, Beans…she still missed their childhood dog.
Cody frowned. “I don’t believe you. If Jace was involved, you would have ratted each other out.”
She lifted a shoulder. “We made a deal. Eat the buns and lay the blame on you. It was actually his idea.”
