Taking It Slow - Reese Knightley Page 0,15

moment. “What about in the military or growing up? Any pranks?”

“Nope.” Nothing came to mind.

“Well, we need to fix that.”

Before he could argue, Liam grabbed him around the waist and shoved him. It surprised him so much, he didn’t react as quickly as he could have before he lost his balance and toppled into the pool.

Liam’s loud laughter followed him until he sank beneath the warm water. He came shooting up with a gasp and a glare that morphed into laughter.

“One day… you’re going to regret doing that.”

Liam laughed louder. “I can only imagine.” Walking closer, Liam held out his hand.

Spencer shook his head and backed away with a grin. “I’d be too tempted to pull you in.”

“You could try,” Liam said with a smug look.

Spencer didn’t take the bait. If he put his hands on Liam, there was no telling when he’d let go. Plus, he could honestly say this was the first time he’d been shoved into a swimming pool. And probably the first time someone cared enough to pull a prank on him.

Reaching the stairs in the shallow end, he found Liam grinning like a loon and holding out a large towel. Thankfully, Spencer still wore his swim trunks and t-shirt. He took the towel and dried his hair before pulling off his shirt.

Liam cleared his throat and turned away. “I found you some sweat pants.”

Spencer reached the back door and stood dripping on the mat instead of following Liam into the house.

“You can come in,” Liam said, suddenly noticing him not following. “The house won’t melt.”

“I’ll stay here.” He shook his head. No way in hell was he dripping water through the house.

Liam sighed and hurried away. After a time, he returned with another towel, sweats, and a t-shirt. “Sorry it took so long, I had to take a call.”

Spencer ducked around the side of the house and changed. He felt good and grinned as he rubbed the towel at his hair.

“All right?”

He twirled the towel between his hands and snapped it at Liam’s hip. Liam dodged back with a laugh.

“Now you’re asking for it.” Liam glanced at the pool again.

“Oh, hell no!” Spencer laughed and lunged right and then left and around Liam. The man’s deep chuckle followed him as he ran back into the safety of the house.

“I wouldn’t do that twice.” Liam came inside and shut the door.

“I don’t believe you.” Spencer snickered and made his way back into the living room.

The kids were crashed out, all but Wesley.

Liam woke up Jessica and Adam. “Come on, it’s time for bed,” Liam said as he ushered all the teens toward the hallway.

Wesley came to him and Spencer hugged him tightly.

“Did you go swimming again?” Wesley looked curiously at his wet hair.

“Not on purpose.”

Liam chuckled at him and Spencer gave the guy a teasing scowl.

“See you in the morning, bro,” Wesley whispered.

“Sweet dreams, Wes.”

With the kids down, Spencer thought Liam would call it a night as well, but Spencer found himself back in the living room with a fresh cup of coffee and Liam on the couch. They spent the next hour going through the list of movies Liam owned. Which was just about every one that had ever been made. When he pointed that out, Liam argued.

“Nah, I don’t have them all. I’m not a fan of stupid comedy movies.”

“What about Ace Ventura or The Mask?”

“I loved those two, even Liar Liar, but I didn’t like Dumb and Dumber.” Liam made a face.

Spencer snorted and gestured to the list on the screen. “Me neither. But I see you own every movie that I’d watch.”

“I call that a win,” Liam smirked.

Heat tightened his chest and he returned the smiling smirk just as his phone buzzed. Spencer almost ignored it, but he forced himself to check it. Tugging the phone out of his pocket, it was an alert from Eagle.

Got a possible location on Rocco Bowman. Wheels up in forty-five.

“Shit,” he muttered and glanced at Liam. “I got to go.” He wasn’t sure just how much the colonel knew of what he did.

“Fury calls,” Liam murmured with a small smile.

Spencer froze for a split second. “Okay… Not going to ask how you even know that.”

“Good. I’ll tell you the next time we meet up.”

Spencer laughed and stood, heading back down the hallway toward the room Wesley was in.

“Don’t.” Liam pulled him to a stop.

“What?”

“Let him stay.”

“Nah, I got him. I don’t know when I’ll be back.” He pulled away. He didn’t want Liam thinking he couldn’t