Liam by Madison Stevens

trust that you’ll do what you have to and nothing more.”
    “Liam,” she whispered.
    He nodded. “I don’t know what’s going on with you two, but he’s obviously conflicted.”
    “You don’t know the half of it,” she mumbled.
    Her father placed a hand on her shoulder. “He really does mean well.”
    Meg nodded. She knew this. Hell, it was one of the things she loved about Liam, but she wasn’t about to let his insecurities prevent her from doing a job she loved.
    “Be careful,” her mother said from the end of the hall. “I packed some stuff for the car.”
    She grinned at her mother. “Thanks, Mom.”
    Her mother shook her head and went to sit in the living room. Meg waved at her dad and went to collect her snacks. When she reached the door, she stopped. Harley was following her, and she knew he was not going to be happy about having to stay.
    “Harley, baby,” her mother called. “How about some popcorn?”
    His ears perked up, and his tail beat a steady rhythm on the floor.
    “Well, come on, big guy,” she said to him.
    He sat down in front of her mother and waited for his share.
    “Spoiled,” Meg mumbled.
    Her mother glared at her. “You’ll hurt his feelings.”
    Meg laughed all the way to the car.
     
    * * *
     
    Liam pulled up down the road from her house and cursed. The woman didn’t listen to a damn word he said.
    He jerked open the car door and walked to the passenger side of the car. She popped the locks when he stood just outside. Liam opened the door and slid into the seat.
    “What the hell are you doing here?” he demanded.
    Meg turned to him and shrugged. “Stakeout.”
    He could see she was fully rested. The dark circles from yesterday were long gone as well as the paleness to her skin. She hadn’t bothered to put on makeup, and he found it was his favorite way to see her, just as fresh as the first day he met her.
    “Go home,” he said firmly.
    “No,” she said, keeping an eye on the house.
    “I’ve got it,” he tried again.
    Meg looked at him skeptically. “You look terrible.”
    “Thanks,” he grumbled. He thought the shower might have helped. He’d even taken the time to shave.
    “Liam,” she said softly. “You look like you haven’t slept in ages. Last thing you need to be doing in a stakeout.” She placed her hand gently on his arm. “I’ve got this. Go home. Sleep.”
    He grunted and settled in. “Not a chance in hell I’m leaving you here by yourself.”
    Meg crossed her arms. “You do remember this isn’t my first time?” She glared at him.
    Liam shook his head. “Not moving. What if something happens? That’s why it’s supposed to be a two-man operation.”
    “Oh, and where’s the second half of your team?” she threw back.
    He winced.
    “So you get to be Mr. Badass, but I’m just slop?” She pressed her lips together and looked back to the house.
    The sat in silence for some time, just staring into the black street.
    “Thanks for bringing my car and gun,” she said grudgingly.
    He noticed for the first time the handgun strapped to her middle.
    “Damn it,” he mumbled. “He was supposed to hide it.”
    Meg snorted. “You do know who first took me shooting, right?”
    Liam leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He just couldn’t win.
    He opened his eyes when he smelled mustard. Meg was holding half a sandwich out to him.
    “Mom packed food,” she offered.
    He started to turn it down when his stomach growled loudly. Meg pressed it into his hand.
    “There’s plenty,” she said. “This is Mom we’re talking about. She’s packed enough to feed four of us.”
    Liam smiled.
    “So why aren’t you sleeping?” She turned to him.
    He nearly choked on the turkey as it went down.
    “Well,” he began. “Things have just been busy. With all the stuff with Alyssa and then regular stuff with Reed, it’s hard to find the time.”
    Meg passed him a cold soda from the bag. “Yeah, but we’re not talking about skipping the