The Shifter's Gift

by Haley Weir

  * * *

  The marina was beside a fancy restaurant that she’d never been to, so it was pretty easy to find. She parked her car in the lot and sat there for a few moments. Her bikini was bunched up in her purse.

  She chose a black dress that hugged her curves and clung a little tighter to her figure than she remembered. It had a sweeping neckline, but didn’t show off her assets too much. She went to lick her lips, but stopped herself because she didn’t want to mess up her lipstick.

  Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, and she took a few more deep breaths trying to keep herself calm. Everything was going to be fine. Liam seemed like a funny, nice guy. If their connection in the waiting room at Prince Dating Agency was any indication, this date would be better than many of the ones she had with Jared.

  She squeezed the steering wheel when his name popped into her head. It was stupid to think about him, especially right now. He was in her past; Liam could be her future. She needed to let herself let go and move forward.

  With one last forceful exhale, she sat up straight in the driver’s seat before stepping out of the car. On one of the docks at the marina, she saw Liam walking toward the parking lot. He was walking out to meet her halfway, although she was surprised that he could see her approaching from so far away. He grinned and lifted a hand to wave at her. He was dressed in a delicious tuxedo that, even from this distance, seemed perfectly tailored for his body.

  Olivia waved back to him and walked around the car. She kept her hands at her side, carrying her purse and her keys. She suddenly felt almost naked in her dress, especially as the grin slipped from his lips. When Liam came closer, she could see that his expression switched to something a little more primal as he raked his gaze over her body before staring into her eyes.

  “Good evening, Olivia. You look stunning.”

  “Good evening to you too. As I said before, you definitely know how to wear a suit,” she replied, genuinely happy to be here with him.

  “Thank you. Shall we?” Liam held out his arm to her, and she placed her hand in the crook of his elbow.

  “You already know my name, but it feels silly not to introduce myself. I’m Olivia Tyson,” she said, looking up at him.

  “I feel the same way. I was trying to decide whether or not to go there, but I’m glad you did. It’s good to be formally introduced. My name is Liam Sinclair.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Liam,” she giggled. “Again, that is.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you too. Again.”

  They made their way toward the dock. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head when they stood in front of the biggest yacht there. Her mouth dropped open, and she looked over at him. She could not seem to form words, as if something was blocking the path between her brain and her lips.

  “This is my family’s yacht. It’s not completely mine, but it’s pretty incredible, huh?” he asked. When she still did not answer him, he continued. “I figured it might be nice to have dinner and soak in the Jacuzzi afterward. Just the two of us? Give us time to get to know one another and talk without having to deal with people.” He looked toward the man standing on the boat who held out his hand to help them across the gangplank. “Aside from the two people, Rodrigo and Becca, who will be assisting us, that is.”

  As Liam helped her across, she couldn’t help the amazement she felt when she looked around at the vastness of everything on the yacht. When she finally found her voice, she couldn’t hide how impressed she was. “This is amazing. I’ve never been on a yacht before. I wasn’t sure why I needed to bring my bathing suit before, but I can see why now.”

  Liam placed his hand softly on the middle of her back. “I’m glad. I was worried you might get the wrong idea, and while there are spare bathing suits here, I figured you would be more comfortable in your own.”

  Wearing someone else’s swimsuit would have been strange. She was glad for the advanced notice. “I’m guessing you’re going to be wearing a swimsuit too?” Her gaze slid down his body too as a blush warmed her skin. Did she really just ask that, and in front of Rodrigo?

  “It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t, would it?” A smirk slid across his lips, and he nodded to Rodrigo who walked them to a table that covered plates and champagne glasses with a bottle in a wine bucket.

  An attractive young woman stood next to the table and held out one chair for Olivia. “Good evening,” she greeted them. “If you need anything, please let me know.” When Olivia sat, Becca pushed her chair in and placed the napkin over her lap. The woman pulled Liam’s chair out for him too, then placed the napkin over his lap before pouring them glasses of champagne.

  The bottle looked expensive. Liam wasn’t just a “businessman”, not from what she witnessed now. Normal businessmen don’t typically have personal family yachts. She couldn’t wait to learn more about him.

  Becca lifted the lids on the dishes, and waited there a moment as Liam smiled to her. “Thank you, Becca. It looks delicious.”

  Olivia was yet again in awe of how yummy the fresh fish looked and smelled. “Yes, wow, thank you.” Her stomach growled, and she glanced up at Liam who was watching her with a soft grin on his face. She returned the smile and began eating.

  Chapter Eight

  Liam couldn’t take his eyes off of Olivia during dinner. Being with her and just talking felt so good, like they’d known each other longer than just this one night. She could feel it too. She had to. Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight, and if the table was not separating them, he would have leaned over and kissed her so many times now.

  The thought of seeing her in her swimsuit when the dress she wore already showcased how great her body was made him more eager to get into the Jacuzzi. His bear desperately wanted to feel skin-to-skin contact; to touch her and be close to her. He’d never had this reaction to Cindy. Maybe the two of them breaking up was for the best after all.

  Olivia looked out over the water as she sat back in her chair, sipping the champagne. They basked in the comfortable silence and enjoyed hearing the waves lap against the sides of the boat.

  “This is so peaceful,” she marveled. “I bet you and your family are out here a lot.”

  “As often as we can be. My family loves being on the water. Some of my fondest childhood memories are being out here with my brothers and my father.” He pushed back his chair and stood up. “Are you ready to check out the Jacuzzi? Or do you need some more time? I have all night, and I’m happy to spend it in whatever way you’d like to,” he said.

  “Seeing you in swim trunks? I’m ready for that.” She giggled, and the sound was beautiful, just like her.

  “Oh? Okay then. What if I was going to break out a Speedo? Maybe I prefer thongs?” His signature mischievous grin spread across his lips, and her blush intensified a little. “I’m kidding. I have swim trunks. Although, I’m sure I could find a Speedo, if that’s what you were hoping for.”

  “N-no, I mean, unless you want to wear something like that. I don’t judge!” She stood with him and picked up her purse. “Is there someplace for me to change? I didn’t think o wear my swimwear beneath my clothes.”

  He nodded his head. “There are plenty of rooms here to change in,” he assured her. “Right this way.” He lead her toward one of the spare bedrooms before opening the door. “The Jacuzzi is on the next deck up. You can go on up if you want, but I’ll be back shortly if you decide to wait.”

  She looked up toward the ceiling, then back at him. “I think I’ll wait for you. I wouldn’t want to get lost on my way there. I might never be found again with how big this place is,” she laughed nervously.

  He couldn’t blame her. It had been pretty overwhelming when he was a kid, but it gave him and his brothers plenty of places to play hide and seek. Not that his parents loved them hiding and getting into things.

  “No problem. I’ll be right back.” In no time, he changed into his swim trunks and was back to fetch Olivia. The door was still closed, but it opened as he raised his h
and to knock.

  “Hi,” she breathed.

  The blue and gold bikini left little to the imagination. He took in her figure as he stood there with his hand still up. He stammered over his words, trying to regain his composure. “You’re very beautiful. That bikini...” he forced himself to return his attention to her eyes. “It’s really nice.”

  Olivia gave him a shy grin and shrugged. “I liked the colors.” She held out her hand toward him, and he caught her drink him in as well. It seemed like he wasn’t the only one interested in objectifying the other. He was relieved, because he didn’t want seem too eager or like he expected anything sexual during the first date.

  “The blue goes well with your eyes, but I’m sure you knew that already.” He brushed his thumb over her cheek as he looked into her eyes, captivated by them. She placed her small hand over his, her touch warm. The beast liked her from the moment they saw her in the waiting room, but he knew right now that Olivia was his mate. There was no denying it.

  “I did,” she agreed. “But thank you.” She rose up on her tiptoes, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

  The caress caught him off-guard, and he drew her closer to him without thinking. If he wasn’t careful in these flimsy swim trunks, his cock might even get harder and put himself more on display for her than he wanted right now. He pulled back just enough so that their breath still mingled.

  “Maybe we should head to the Jacuzzi,” he said. He didn’t want her to think that he hadn’t enjoyed the kiss, but he also did not want to get carried away and scare her off.

  She slid her tongue over her lower lip and looked at him. “That’s a good idea. I hope I wasn’t too—”

  Liam shook his head. “No, not at all. I really enjoyed it.” He closed the distance between them again, kissing her once more to prove his point before pulling back again.

  They walked upstairs to the deck with the Jacuzzi, and he held her hand for stability as she stepped down into the hot tub before he followed after her. Comfortable silence stretched between the two of them for a moment before Olivia spoke up.

  “Were you as surprised as I was to find out we were matched?” she asked, smiling over at him.

  He chuckled. “I was pleasantly surprised. I kicked myself for not getting your number in the waiting room, but I guess that would make the whole dating agency experience a bust if I had.”

  Her smile turned into a full-on grin. “I suppose you’re right. We still would have met at the dating agency, right? But I know what you mean. Not going through the process would’ve been hard to explain to my friends.” She scooted a little closer to him.

  Liam stretched his arm across the back of the hot tub behind her. He wanted to put his arm around her, but worried it would be too much too soon. He wanted her to lead the way and show him how much she was comfortable with.

  Olivia leaned her head back against his arm, and she looked up into his eyes. “I’m glad we were matched. You seem like a great guy. This is a really nice evening.” She tilted her head to the side, exposing her neck a little.

  “I’m happy we were too. I’m glad you’re having a good time,” he agreed.

  The bear within him saw that head tilt as a sign of submission, and wanted to claim her as their mate right then and there. All thoughts of holding back and trying to be the good guy faded slightly. His instincts clawed at his gut, and he moved away from his seat to crouch in the middle, pulling Olivia along with him.

  She yelped in surprise and wrapped her arms around his neck when he settled there. The smile on her lips never slipped away, and it gave him the courage to keep going. He nuzzled his face into her neck, pressing a kiss over her pulse. He could feel it beating rapidly against his lips. A moan sprang from her throat as he continued kissing his way toward her shoulder, playfully nipping her here and there. His hands remained on her waist, even if he wanted to caress her body and memorize her curvy figure.

  Her hands slid down his back, and he savored the feeling of her petite hands on him. He wasn’t sure if he ever felt this good. He lifted his head to kiss her on the lips, claiming her mouth with more intensity than before. His tongue slid over the seam of her closed mouth, asking for entrance, which she quickly gave.

  She squirmed in his arms, moving forward so that their bodies pressed more snugly against one another’s. His erection nestled against her stomach, but she didn’t pull away. She leaned into him and continued exploring the muscles in his back and shoulders.

  He pulled back just long enough to ask, “are you sure about this?”

  * * *

  Olivia bit her lower lip. Part of her felt a deeper connection with Liam than anyone she had ever been with. She wanted him, and she doubted this would be a one-time affair. But she’d never been the type of girl to go for sex on the first date. The last time she did that, it ended with the guy deciding he had his fun, and he never called or texted her again.

  She looked into Liam’s eyes and didn’t want that to happen between the two of them. Maybe if she decided to wait, he would respect her for it and come back for more.

  “I’m sure about this, but I think we shouldn’t do more than this yet.” How was she supposed to explain why? “I don’t think I’m ready for sex just yet. It’s better if we get to know eachother better first.” That was truthful enough.

  Liam raised an eyebrow at her as if he didn’t quite believe her, but he nodded his head. “I understand,” he said. “I want you to be comfortable. I’m not going to pressure you into anything that you’re not ready for.” He waded back toward the bench, sitting on the edge so she could still be in his lap.

  “Thanks.” She stared at his rock solid abdomen and pecs. Her mouth went dry just looking at his body. She wanted to run her hands over his muscles, but it might feel strange if she said she wasn’t ready for sex and then continued to tease him.

  “Like what you see?” he asked, sensual humor warmed his voice, pulling at things low in her stomach.

  Her desire to say yes to him was getting stronger by the moment. “Of course, I do. You’re in amazing shape. I bet you work out a lot,” she said, shocked by her own brazen attitude.

  “Thanks. I enjoy going to the gym. I also like being out in nature and running.” His lips curled in a smile. “What do you like to do?”

  “All sorts of things. Nature, going to the beach, surfing, shopping, movies. Enjoying what the city has to offer.” Being with him. That was something else she enjoyed.

  “Sounds like we have a lot in common.” He looked over her, his gaze dropping to her lips. “Do you want to get out of the hot tub, or would you like to stay in here longer?” He held up his hands to reveal their prune-ish look. “I’m happy either way.”

  She looked up at the dark sky. It was getting later, and she had to get up for work tomorrow. “As much as I hate to say it, I should probably get going.” She leaned toward him, kissing him on the lips again. “Let’s exchange numbers. I’ll text you when I get home.”

  His hands slid back to her waist, and his hands moving over her sent warmth gathering between her legs. “You’re probably right,” he admitted. “I should get home too. Tomorrow will be another busy day at the office. Maybe we can get together after work? I can’t wait to see you again.”

  “Of course, I’d love to get together then. Do you want to pick me up?” What did she just do? She asked him to come over? No, he didn’t have to come inside her place. It wasn’t as if she would be offering herself up for sex. Although, sitting on his lap like this…

  “That sounds great. Maybe we’ll go to the pier, grab something to eat, and see the sunset?” he suggested.

  She scooted back, sad to be free from his hands on her, and headed up the Jacuzzi stairs. “I couldn’t have thought up a better plan myself.” She glanced over her shoulder at him, seeing the desire in his eyes as he looked her over. He made her feel sexy and worthwhile. This night had surpassed her wildest expectations. She couldn’t wait to see Liam again.

  C
hapter Nine

  Olivia couldn’t stop thinking about her magical night with Liam. The date went so much better than she anticipated. He was everything she hoped to find in a man, and then some. The fact his family had a yacht didn’t entirely play into it. Jared had been well off, too, but how Liam treated her was so special. The way he kissed her, and the time they spent in the Jacuzzi. His hands trailing over her body. The fantastic dinner they’ ate. Everything was incredible.

  She pulled up outside of her complex and leaned back in the seat. When was the last time she’d felt so alive?

  Her phone buzzed, and she remembered Sophie’s funny question about asking if Liam had a single brother. She thought about asking Liam, if it was him, to keep their conversation going. If it was Sophie, she’d have to confess she forgot to ask about the brother situation. When she peeked at her phone, she felt her heart plummet into her stomach. Why was Jared texting her? What gave him that right?

  The last thing she needed was to think about him. She was moving forward, not backward. She tucked her cell phone away and headed inside her loft-style apartment. She put down her purse on the sofa before going to her bathroom to hang up the damp bikini.

  She looked up at it and was reminded of how Liam reacted to seeing her in it. He struggled to control his wandering eyes. It made her feel so sexy and gave her the courage to kiss him.

  She brushed her fingertip over her lower lip as she thought about their kiss again. He was a great kisser, and their chemistry set her body on fire. She took her phone from her purse, then walked up to the stairs to her bedroom. She opened her phone to see five new text messages from Jared. If she was a stronger woman, she would just block him and stop his little outburst in its tracks, but she didn’t want to deal with it at all.

  She texted Liam instead: hope you made it home safely. Good night, hottie.

  Within a few moments, he replied. I did, sexy. Had a very nice night. Sleep well.

  Olivia couldn’t help herself. She could not wait to see him again. Once wasn’t enough when it came to Liam Sinclair. I had a fantastic time with you. Can’t wait for our next date. ;-)