“Thanks,” I murmured genuinely.
I went back to eating my breakfast, feeling much more relaxed and cheerful than before. I should have known better than to expect the worst. Liam had never been one to snap to conclusions or act on impulse, and I doubted he even gave the incident much thought.
Finishing my plate I stood up and took his, more than happy to clean up.
“Lily,” he stopped me, looking up from his paper as I carried the dishes to the sink. “I wanted to ask you if you’d like to go to dinner and movie with me tonight."
The plates fell from my hands and crashed to the floor. What did he just say?! I stared into his eyes. I was just inches from his lips---the same lips I had tasted the night before. My belly clenched reflexively. Was he…asking me on a date?
His mouth moved slowly, sensually as he began again. All I could seem to focus on was those full lips.
“I already bought the tickets and made reservations at Café 421.” His eyes looked towards the floor and he took a deep breath. “I had planned to take your mother.”
I shook my head, trying to physically cast away the thoughts that were flooding in and corrupting my mind.
"Ah, well, it’s no problem then. I could use the night off anyhow,” he said, interpreting my headshake as a denial of his offer.
“Oh no, no! That wasn’t what I meant at all! I just got lost in my own thoughts for a moment. Yeah, sure, I would love to join you," I replied awkwardly, trying to regain my composure and save face.
“Then I’ll see you back here at six,” he confirmed, refilling his coffee mug.
My eyes secretly followed his movements, taking in parts of him that I had never given much thought or notice to before. His arms were sculpted, and even from across the kitchen I could see the sinews of his biceps flex as he moved. His t-shirt clung to his chest and back, stretching over his long, lean frame. His jeans hung low on his hips and rounded nicely over his shapely ass.
Liam had always taken good care of himself, and it definitely showed. I had never really considered that he wasn’t that much older than I was. I guess I always just thought of him as being old enough to be my dad, but in fact, he was five years younger than my mother, which made him only twelve years my senior. He had a full head of dark brown hair, with just a few flecks of silver near his temples that made him look distinguished.
Liam turned in my direction, forcing my eyes to snap back to the sink as my cheeks grew red hot. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me,” he declared, disappearing up the stairs to his study.
I scrubbed the dishes anxiously. ‘What is heck wrong with you?’ I scolded myself. I had never, ever looked at him that way, and I wasn’t about to start…was I? I looked at my watch. It was seven-thirty, which meant I had just enough time to get to yoga if I hurried.
A sense of relief flooded through my veins as I set up my mat and began taking deep meditative breaths. Yoga had been an integral part of my life ever since my biological father passed away. He had been a firefighter, and was killed when a building collapsed around him. The entire community came together and generously donated so much to our family, but only one thing had truly helped me cope and come to terms with my loss: yoga.
I let out a deep cleansing breath, feeling myself float into oblivion as my mind went blank. I didn’t come to yoga to think; but rather, not to think. Somehow letting go of every fear and every thought was infinitely more productive than meticulously sifting through emotions, fears, and desires.
By the time I walked out of class I just felt…lighter. It wasn’t that I had come to any epiphany, condemning or accepting my actions and thoughts. No, it was simply that I had let go of all judgments against myself and against my mother.
As I was approaching the gate to the walkway that led up to the house, I saw Liam come jogging around the corner towards me. I lifted a hand and smiled as he closed the gap between us. His body was wet with perspiration and his chest and legs were bare. I let myself stare as he began slowing down to a walk.
“Hey there,” he grinned. His hair was wet and his face was glowing with the adrenaline of a good hard run. “How was yoga?” he asked, nodding towards the mat tucked under my arm.
“Wonderful,” I smiled back. “You really should try it sometime. It does wonders for the soul.”
“Not to mention the body,” he winked playfully, his eyes giving me a once over as he pushed the gate open and held it for me.
I blushed as I walked past him. He was flirting, and I was certain that he was admiring my backside, clad in tight yoga pants, as he followed me up the walkway. ‘What the heck,’ I thought, putting a touch more sway in my hips than usual; perhaps I wasn’t so opposed to the attention after all. Besides, it was sort of…fun.
I took a shower and decided it would be a good day to take Liam’s advice and apply to some colleges. Just as I was headed out the door my phone buzzed. It was my mother. I took a deep breath before answering.
“Hey mom,” I said quietly as I stepped outside. Liam seemed to be doing relatively well, all things considered, and I didn’t want to bring down his mood by revealing the fact that I was on the phone with her.
“Lily, I think we should talk. I’m headed downtown to Pesto Italiano and want you to meet me for lunch.”
I looked at my watch. It was only eleven; that still gave me plenty of time to get to the library afterwards.
“Alright mom. I’ll be there in twenty-five minutes.”
When I walked into Pesto’s I saw my mother stand up and wave to me from a table near the back wall. I started towards her, quickly realizing that she hadn’t come alone. It was bad enough that I was going to have to make amends for the night before, but now I would have to do it with an audience.
“Lily, I want you to meet Tom!” my mother gushed with excitement as Tom stood up to shake my hand.
“Nice to meet you, Tom,” I said unenthusiastically. She gave me a disapproving look as she wrapped her arms around me in an embrace.
We all sat down and studied our menus. Once we had ordered, there was no avoiding conversation, so we ended up awkwardly commenting on the weather and the traffic as if it were truly interesting.
My mother’s lips turned up into a huge smile. She leaned in over the table, taking Tom’s hand into hers.
“The real reason I invited you here today was that we have really big news!” she chirped with excitement. I knew what she was going to say before she even said another word. I was completely disgusted to say the least.
“Tom and I,” she lifted the back of her hand to eye-level and exposed the little diamond-encrusted band wrapped tightly around her ring finger, “are getting married!” she exclaimed with pride and excitement.
I swallowed hard, knowing that there was nothing good that could come from letting my frustration get the best of me. Sure, it would have felt good to tell her exactly what I thought about her little surprise, but I knew I would regret it later.
“Wow mom,” I brought her hand closer to me so I could better study the ring. “It’s beautiful,” I said with false enthusiasm.
I looked at Tom and smiled, then not-so-politely inquired, “How long has my mother been hiding you?” Her eyes grew dark as she caught the drift of my sarcasm. I didn’t care.
“Well let’s see. Penny and I met last August, so…that makes it almost seven months now!” Tom said cheerfully. Clearly, he wasn't the brightest bulb in the box.
“That is really great,” my lips held in a false smile, “I am so happy for you both.” I glanced at my watch. “Oh shoot! I hate to do this to you guys, but I am going to have to cut this thing short.” I pulled a twenty from my wallet and dropped it on the table. “Again, really nice to meet you, Tom, and I wish you both the best.” I wrapped my arms around my mother. “Love you,” I said dryly as I turned and stalked out of the restaurant. I knew my mom had her issues, but this was just plain low.
I spent the rest of the day trying to forget the scene at the restaurant
. How my mom had slept in the same bed with Liam for over six months while courting a new man was beyond me. Every last semblance of respect I’d had for her was beginning to fade, only to be replaced by a ridged indifference.
I was so worked up that I had completely forgotten that Liam had invited me to dinner. I walked into the house at 6:30 only to find Liam dressed to the nines and waiting for me.
“Oh,” I cried, “dinner!”
I ran down the hall, Liam’s face looking puzzled as I muttered obscenities at myself for being such a thoughtless dunce. I stripped down and pulled on my best little black dress, leggings and heels. Five minutes later I returned, panting from the rushed effort.
“I’m ready!”
Liam took my arm and led me out into the garage where we climbed into his Jaguar. I had always loved his car, and by the pristine condition he kept it in, one could tell he did too.
As we drove into the city I knew I wasn’t being my usual chipper self. I was debating on whether or not I should share the events of my afternoon.
“What’s wrong, Lily?” Liam finally asked.
“Nothing,” I lied, putting a smile on my face.
“We’ve been driving for over fifteen minutes and you’ve hardly even acknowledged my feeble attempts at conversation.” He looked at me seriously. “If taking you out in place of your mother tonight is bothering you, I would be happy to take you back home. It’s really no problem at all.” His eyes were kind and soft as he spoke.
“It…it’s not that, Liam. My mother…” I let out a sigh. “She invited me to lunch this afternoon. She’s engaged.” I finally choked out.
Liam stiffened in his seat and his eyes narrowed. “Engaged,” he scoffed. “I knew she’d been hiding things from me, but I didn't realize that it went that far.”
“Apparently she’s been seeing him for almost seven months, which means she's been dating him almost as long as we’ve been living with you. It just feels wrong,” I shrugged, embarrassed to admit my mother had treated him so poorly. “I would understand if you wanted me to move out now.”
Liam reached across the car and put his hand on my knee, squeezing it gently as he pulled the car to the side of the road. He then turned to m and said, “Listen Lily, you are not responsible for your mother’s behavior. I won’t have you going around feeling guilty for what she has done. My offer is still on the table, and nothing she has done will change my feelings towards you. You deserve to be happy Lily, you deserve a chance to live your own life.”
I remained silent, meekly staring down at my hands cradled in my lap.
“Do you understand?” he asked with sternness in his voice.
“Yes,” I nodded timidly.
“Then let’s enjoy the night. The past is behind us, why drag it out on a perfectly beautiful evening?” Liam pulled back onto the road and resumed driving, his hand never leaving my knee.
Dinner with Liam helped to put my mind at ease. He was so easy to talk to, and for the first time since we had met we took the time to really get to know one another on an adult level.
“Can I pour you another glass of wine?” he asked considerately, aware that I had just finished my drink a few moments before.
“Thanks,” I nodded, pushing the goblet towards him.
I watched him intently as he poured my wine; the way he moved, the way his lips turned up into a grin when he spoke, the way his eyes burned into my own… It was as if I had never actually looked at him before. But now that I had I didn’t want to stop.
We finished dinner and decided to walk the six blocks to the theatre. The night was cool and Liam put his arm over my shoulders. Goosebumps rose up on my legs and the back of my neck, and I wasn’t sure if it was the chill of the air, or the heat of his touch that had triggered them. I sighed contently, wrapping my arm around his waist as we made our way down the quiet streets.
As we settled into the near-empty theater, my mind couldn’t seem to focus on anything but the electrical charge between the two of us. Part of me condemned the thoughts that had been building within me, but Liam’s voice kept playing through my head, reminding me that I deserved to be happy for once.
I yawned silently, trying to focus on the screen.
“Tired?” he whispered softly.
“A little.”
Liam shifted in his seat, bringing his hand to rest next to mine. I could almost feel the passionate vibrations his skin was letting off. I held my breath, watching him through the corner of my eye as one slow, brave stroke of his finger released every bit of built up tension between us.
I released the breath I had been holding and let my own fingers respond to his touch. I slowly traced my nails along the palm of his hand and heard a deep, low moan escape from his lips. Our hands spoke for our entire bodies, stroking and massaging each other, building to an intense crescendo. Liam’s face leaned in close to mine and our lips slowly came together in an earth-shattering kiss.
Every cell in my body responded to his touch and a wave of heat radiated from the sweet place between my thighs. My entire body quivered as he ran his hand firmly up my thigh, pushing my short skirt up towards my hip.
His eyes burned hard into mine, his fingers just millimeters from my sex. I bit my lip, thrusting my hips erotically into his hand, encouraging him to explore the one place on my body that was utterly sacred. With a deep breath and a powerful scoop of his fingers Liam tugged my panties aside, sinking his fingers hard and fast into my aching sex. I gasped a little too loudly. A woman three rows ahead glanced back in our direction. I stared towards the screen as if nothing had happened, all the while desperately gripping the flimsy plastic armrests as Liam worked his fingers hard and deep in my sex.
My body was on fire, a deep need being met with sensual pleasure as he fingered me. I steadied myself and closed my eyes. A blistering orgasm was imminent now, and my entire body was on edge. ‘Daddy is going to make you cum,’ I whimpered to myself, the thought finally sending me over the precipice. My entire body shook violently as my insides contracted hard around him.
“Mm-mm,” a low growl seeped from his lips as he felt my wet release.
I panted softly, still in shock that I had just cum, and even more so because Liam was responsible.
We didn’t speak another word, neither on the walk back to the car nor on the drive home. How we had ever let things go this far was difficult to comprehend, but one thing I knew was that I didn’t regret it.
After pulling into the garage Liam came around to my door and opened it, helping me out of the car. I stood up, our gazes meeting for the first time since the theater. I squirmed under his intense examination.
“I never meant for things to go this far,” he said softly.
I felt my knees growing weak as I waited for him to finish his thoughts. I never meant for things to go this far either, but now that they had I didn’t want to go back to the way things were before.
Liam traced his fingers down my cheek, pausing as his finger rested on my bottom lip. “You are absolutely breathtaking, Lily.”
I stepped forward and into his arms, wrapping myself up in his protective, strong embrace.
“I want you,” I breathed.
Liam leaned down and kissed me softly, scooping me up by my thighs carrying me effortlessly up the steps and into the house. He turned towards his bedroom and my body tensed.
“Not there,” I told him.
“Your room then?” I nodded. He turned, carrying me down the hallway in the opposite direction.
He pushed open the door with haste, pressing me down onto the plush fabric of my bed as his tongue explored the curves on my neck, chest, and breasts. I whimpered as he gripped my dress and forcefully pulled it up over my hips.
“Oh, god,” he moaned when he saw my tiny lace panties and thigh-high stockings. Dropping to his knees Liam traced his tongue slowly up my thigh, unlatching my stockings and slowly rolling them down. My body trembled as his tongue explored the sensitive flesh at the top o
f my thighs. His thumbs guided my hips up, then very, very slowly and sensually he slid my panties off. I could feel my pulse pounding into my clit as he exposed my secret place. His fingertips slowly traced back up my calves, coming to my knees, where he then spread my legs wide as his lips encircled my desperate clit.
I gasped loudly, my entire body shamelessly grinding against his steamy kisses. His hands traced up my waist and pushed my dress to my shoulders, exposing my ample breasts to his fingertips. He gripped my breasts hungrily and rolled my hard nipples between his fingers. His touch was like fire, igniting my entire body, causing me to scream for more. I lifted myself onto my elbows and pulled the dress the dress off, baring my naked body before him.
“I want you, Liam. I want you to fuck me now,” I begged.
He stood up and loosened his tie as I helped him unbutton his dress shirt. I slowly pushed the smooth fabric back over his shoulders, exposing his firm chest and stomach. I leaned forward and kissed his firm abs as my fingers traced his obliques and along the hem of his waist. I worked the button of his pants free, unzipping them and letting them fall to his ankles as my tongue slid along the edge of his waistband
Taboo Step Surrender (Steamy Twenty Book Box Set) Page 32