Shared Too by Lily Harlem Read Free Book Online Page A

was just about to say so when the fast song we’d been jigging to ended and after a burst of clapping the cute singer began to croon slowly about lost love.
    Quinn turned me and wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. His head dropped to my ear. “You dance great,” he murmured and began to sway us to the music. “I can’t believe I haven’t brought you here before.”
    “Have you been here before?” I asked.
    He hesitated. “Once.”
    “When?” I twisted my neck to look up at him. “I thought it had just opened.”
    “It has.” He paused. “I came in a couple of weeks ago.”
    “Oh, you didn’t mention it.”
    “Didn’t I?”
    “No.”
    He pressed his lips against my ear. “It was nothing,” he murmured. “A drink after a particularly complicated surgery with the anesthetist and a few of the surgical staff. It was a good way to debrief.”
    I turned within the circle of his arms and hooked my hands behind his neck. “But you never go for a drink with the staff.”
    His forehead creased. “Well, I did once. Why is it such a big deal? Why isn’t it okay?”
    “Of course it’s okay.” I was as shocked by his sudden irritation as his admission.
    “And it’s not a big deal. I just thought you would have mentioned it when you got home, that’s all.”
    “I told you last night I’ve got a lot on my mind at the moment. I guess I just got in the car, drove and started thinking about something else. The grant probably.” 41
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    I pushed to my toes and touched my lips to his. “I’m glad you came out with your staff,” I said gently. “They understand what you’ve been doing all day. It’s good to be able to talk about it.”
    His forehead relaxed. “Yeah,” he said. “They do understand.” His gaze left mine and he stared over my right shoulder—his attention suddenly dragged away from me.
    “Have you seen someone you know?” I half turned to look into the crowd.
    “Er, yeah, there’re several faces here I recognize.” He tightened his hold and ran his hand into the small of my back. I pressed against him, delighting in his lean body moving gracefully to the music.
    “Well,” I said with a smile, “I bet they’ll all be talking tomorrow about the big boss dancing like a pro at Hanrahan’s.”
    “More likely they’ll be gossiping about how my dance partner was stolen away by a blond hunk.”
    “What do you mean?”
    A big hand curled over my shoulder. I turned and looked up at Liam.
    “My go,” he said with a determined grin.
    Quinn released me and sidestepped out of Liam’s way. I missed his hands on me, his touch, his body’s movements against mine, but it was instantly replaced by Liam’s tall, solid body. He wrapped his taut, muscular arms around me and pulled me close. I slid my hands around his waist, tucking my fingers beneath the bottom of his t-shirt and smoothing into the dip of his back.
    “Mm, you’re all warm and soft,” he said down into my ear. “Dancing suits you.”
    “I’m enjoying myself,” I said, breathing in his delicious citrus scent. “I don’t really know where Quinn’s sudden urge to be sociable has come from but it’s a nice treat.” Liam huffed as though he only half agreed with me.
    “I’m sorry,” I said. “Are you really not enjoying it at all? Not even a tiny bit?” 42
    Shared Too
    “I am now I’ve got you in my arms,” he said. “And the beat to this song isn’t as pounding as the last one.”
    “Has it given you a headache?”
    “No, I’m fine,” he said quickly.
    I tilted my head. “Are you sure?”
    “Yeah, I’m sure.” He brushed his lips to mine. “I’m just starting to wish there was no one else here so I could strip you naked, take everything off you except those sexy black boots and watch you dance around all hot and soft and giggly.”
    “Sounds like a plan.”
    “Oh yeah, that’s the plan when we get home. I’m going to light the fire, get the room cozy, get you all turned-on,