checking on him.
“Okay, didn’t mean to get you all choked up,” Liam teased, rubbing his back.
For some reason, Spencer felt like bawling, and it was either that or laugh. He gave up and laughed as he took the paper towel Liam handed him. When Liam’s arms suddenly hugged him tight, he didn’t fight it. There was nothing suggestive in the hug, just comforting with a sense of steadiness that he needed so badly.
Here he was a grown ass man, a Special Forces soldier, needing a fucking hug. He almost pulled away, but Liam must have sensed it and tightened his grip. Liam smelled like root beer with only a hint of aftershave he must have used earlier and it went to Spencer’s head. He looped his arms around Liam’s waist and carefully hung on.
“It’s just me. You don’t need to pretend with me. You can just be yourself,” Liam whispered.
Spencer drew in a deep breath, released it, and sagged against Liam. His cheek tucked down on the man’s shoulder. They stood the same height, so it was easy to do, and even though he had several pounds on Liam, the man’s embrace felt like a safe haven.
“My family that’s left is shit,” he whispered. It was all he could get out.
Liam’s hand smoothed up and down his back, never going lower than the middle of his back and Spencer had the urge to feel them slide down and grip his ass. Liam felt his shudder because he eased back and looked into his face.
“I’m sorry. We don’t get to pick our family. Sometimes, all we can do is pick up the pieces when things fall apart.”
“That’s what I’m trying to do.”
It wasn’t an explanation, but Liam seemed to understand he wasn’t ready to give the details.
His lips curved upward when Liam smiled at him. The way the man’s eyes filled with light caused Spencer’s breath to stutter. Around him stood luxury like he’d never known, yet his complete focus was locked on Liam, a man who lit up the room when he entered. Spencer’s heart set up a fierce pounding.
“I think the movie is over,” Liam murmured and gripped his waist lightly before releasing him.
Spencer wanted to stay there next to Liam, but he forced himself to step away when all he fucking wanted was to kiss the man.
“What are you going to do about your cousins?” he huskily asked, trying to blow over his almost melt down and hide his fierce desire.
“I’m not sure, it depends on my talk with Rick.”
“Does he have access to the money?” He drew in a long, even breath.
“No. Thankfully, my cousin had him sign a prenup. This house and the other two are owned by me, my brothers, and sister.” Liam leaned a hip on the counter and crossed his arms against his chest.
“Thank god for that,” he said, finally able to take a sip of his soda.
Liam agreed. “Rick walks very carefully around me. If I find out he’s doing drugs, the full weight of whatever pull I have will come down on him.”
“I don’t blame you.”
“I loved my cousin. She was like another sister to us.”
“I wish I could have met her.” Liam’s family was nice. He’d had the pleasure of meeting them in Crumpet. Nice, except for the asshole next door. He supposed that every family had their shitty relatives. He knew he and Wesley weren’t in a unique situation, but it didn’t take away the fact that he needed to do something about it and soon.
“Me too,” Liam said, and eased from his lean before heading out of the room.
Spencer followed at a slower pace, his eyes covertly running over Liam’s denim-clad ass.
Liam
“Got a minute?” Spencer asked from the doorway to his office several days later.
The suddenness of Spencer’s appearance didn’t give Liam time to modify his expression, and before he knew it, Spencer was stepping inside and snapping his office door shut. “What’s wrong?”
He should have known he couldn’t hide anything from Spencer’s eagle-eyed gaze.
“Rick failed his piss test. The guy at the house was a drug dealer.”
“So, what now?” Spencer stood at attention and Liam waved a hand toward one of the chairs.
“Now, I have a meeting with a judge in two hours. Adam and Jessica are going with me. They are old enough to give their opinion to the judge. I’ll file the paperwork and gain full custody,” he said after Spencer took a seat.
“You’ll get it.”
“No doubt,” he agreed. “Why don’t you pick up Wesley