Page 62 of Peyton's Price

“We are, or I am, at least,” Liam said. “But it’s inevitable that some things will change. We’re going to need to make sure we carve out enough time for each other. You and I both have demanding jobs. While Peyton’s not working now, I know her. She’s going to want to or she’ll feel unproductive, which will make her unhappy.”

The man knew her well. “I am fine for now, but he’s right. Coding is like breathing. I haven’t gone this long without a computer—well, like ever.” She moved, tucking her legs underneath her. “What I’d like to know is what to tell people. I can tell Maggie about the three of us, right?”

Liam grimaced. “Uh, yeah, of course. But you may want to consider leaving some stuff out.”

“Like what?” she asked.

“Like me,” Matthias interrupted with a smirk. “That is what you’re suggesting, right?”

“He wouldn’t do that.” Peyton was incensed on his behalf. She turned to Liam for confirmation, but he winced and looked away.

“This won’t work if we hide what we are,” she said in a clipped voice.

Liam put his hands up. “I know. But I think you’re overestimating how accepting and open our family and friends are going to be.”

“Who are you worried about? Calen?” His macho best friend was the only one she could see having an issue. But they had been friends for years. Calen would come to terms with Liam’s true sexuality.

“It’s not him. In fact, Calen’s been a butthead for the last couple of years, urging me to come out of the closet.”

“Oh.” Peyton blinked. “Then we have nothing to worry about. Unless you think it’s going to affect your business dealings?”

“Of course not. Besides, I wouldn’t work with someone who had an issue with who I slept with. My concern is you.”

“Me?”

His glance was a touch condescending. “Do you really think my siblings are going to be okay with this? They’re more protective of you than I am. Everyone is going to think I’m corrupting you or worse. They might think you’re only doing a threesome because I pushed you into it. Mags will kill me.”

Perhaps she was being a little naive, but Peyton was too protective of this budding relationship to compromise. “Maggie will be fine. She’ll worry, of course. But she knows I can’t be pushed into doing anything I don’t want to do.”

Liam reached for the as-yet-untouched champagne bottle chilling in a bucket of ice next to the table. He popped the cork, then splashed a liberal amount into his orange juice. “There’s still Trick. And let’s not forget about Ethan Thomas. Hell, that bastard will probably go after me with his gun.”

“Who’s Ethan Thomas?” Matthias asked, his head bobbing back and forth like a spectator at a tennis match.

“Ethan is my brother-in-law’s partner at the bureau. He’s in love with Peyton,” Liam said flatly.

“No, he’s not!”

Liam lifted a single eyebrow, a corner of his mouth turning up sardonically. “You’re in denial.”

Matthias snorted. “Do we have competition?”

“The contest is over. We’re all set now. Ethan’s out of the picture,” Liam said with satisfaction. He turned to Peyton. “But you have to be ready for his reaction. You know Ethan’s not going to take this well. He hates me, and he’s going todespiseMatthias. I mean, look at him.” He gestured to encompass the Nordic man’s blond perfection. “He looks like Hercules with a haircut.”

Matthias straightened, preening silently.

Peyton narrowed her eyes at Liam. “You’re being evasive. Ethan’s not going to be a problem. You’re worried about Trick, and I don’t understand why.”

Liam’s face tightened.

“I know when you’re hiding something, Tyler. Spill it,” she ordered.

He set down his glass with a loud clink. “All right, fine. I am worried about Patrick.”

“Why?”

He scowled. “Haven’t you noticed how different he’s been lately?”

“No,” she said. “Other than being ridiculously happy now that he’s married.”

---