by Emma Renshaw
“Can we go at that pace the whole time? I’m sure we can just stick to surface streets, maybe keep the hazards on?”
“Why are you so freaked out?”
“I like my cars to have doors!”
He shakes his head like I’m joking. I’m not. He takes off through the stop sign at a faster speed. My hands clench the seat on either side of me. Wind starts to rush around us, the sun kissing our skin from above. My hair is flying around my face.
Wonderful. Another thing to love about this. I look like I have a bird’s nest on top of my head. At the next stop light, Liam says, “You look sexy.”
I laugh. “I didn’t think you were into bird’s nests.”
“You look like you’ve had a good tumble in the sheets. It’s got me imagining all kinds of things.” He gives me a crooked grin I can’t resist.
I pull a hair tie from my dress pocket and throw my hair on top of my head.
“That’s even better, baby. I love your neck. You have this tiny freckle right here,” he says, brushing his knuckle along the spot where my neck meets my shoulder. “I’ve been dying to suck on it.”
Heat creeps up my neck and blasts over my cheeks as Liam takes off down the road again. With my hair out of the way, I’m starting to enjoy the wind surrounding us. I tilt my face up to the sky to feel the sun touch my skin. With the combination of sun, wind, and Liam’s steady hand on my thigh, I feel stable. I feel peaceful. I feel content. I feel happy.
There haven’t been many times in the past few years where I’ve allowed myself to completely let go and enjoy smaller moments. With my eyes closed, enjoying every sensation around me, I’m letting myself be vulnerable. I can feel Liam’s gaze on me every few seconds.
I open my eyes and turn to him. The next time he glances over at me, a slow smile spreads across his face. It’s sexy and full of promises. My body heats, thinking of last night and what could come. I want to be with him, rub my hands over his abs, lick each crevice, but I’m not ready for him to see me that way.
I turn my face back to the road, sticking my arm out, and feel the wind bouncing, moving my hand like a wave. Country music croons through the speakers about sunny days, summer nights, and losing yourself in a kiss. We pull into a park that takes us to a beach of the local lake.
Liam smoothly drives over the hills and around the curves leading to the lake at the edge of the park. I drive by the lake daily, but I’ve never been down to the beach area where couples and families picnic and go fishing. We pull into a parking spot. As I unbuckle my seatbelt, I ask Liam, “Should I wait for you to come get the door for me?”
He chuckles. “Smartass.”
He does come around the front of his monstrous Jeep and helps me down. “I could have done that by myself, you know.”
“I know. I know you can do anything yourself. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to help you and doesn’t mean I won’t find any excuse to touch you.” He shoots me a wink before grabbing a cooler from the back of the Jeep. He grabs my hand and ushers me over to a table right on the water. The water laps at the table underneath. I take off my sandals, wanting to feel the sand between my toes and the cool water kissing my skin.
“I got some sandwiches from the deli near your house. Also brought beer, wine, and water.” He pulls out the bottle of wine.
“That’s one my favorites.” I smile, picking up the bottle. First my favorite flowers, now my favorite wine. I could get used to this.
He nods with confidence. “I know.”
“How do you know that?”
“A wise man never reveals his sources.”
I smile and shake my head—his grin widens and my heart races. I sit on the bench facing the water, watching boats and Jet Skis race in the distance. Just down the beach, two young girls play with their mom in the sand. Another couple is sitting farther off. It isn’t too crowded yet, but with this beautiful day, I know more people will arrive soon.
Liam starts to pull sandwiches from the cooler. It looks like he is ready to feed an army with how many he is setting on the table.
“Are we meeting people here?” I ask.
“Nope, just us for the day. I don’t want to share you.”
I look at him, confused. “Why is there so much food?” I ask.
He continues to pull out side dishes from the deli. Salads, chips, potato salad, coleslaw. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I just bought a little bit of everything.” He spreads his hands out, as if presenting me with the feast in front of my eyes. “Go ahead and choose what you want.”
“I would’ve eaten anything you brought, but thank you for this.” My heart melts at his thoughtfulness. I know he wants to make me happy, and he puts so much effort into making our time special. My heart warms at the thought of Liam standing in the deli getting one of each sandwich on the menu.
I find my favorite turkey sandwich among the mountain of food. I grab it, placing it in front of me while he chooses two beef sandwiches. We eat in a comfortable silence for a minute, listening to the small waves over the lake, engines of the boats, and laughter filling the air.
The hair on the back of my neck stands on end. I rub my hand along my neck and look around. More people have joined us under the sun, but I don’t see anyone looking our way. I can’t get rid of the sensation that we are being watched. I keep scanning the area and jump when Liam lays his hand on my back.
“Are you okay?” His features are laced with concern. He’s now looking around, too.
I mask my features as much as I can. My smile feels off. I nod my head once. “Yeah, I’m okay.” I still feel a stare penetrating my back, but I don’t want to admit to Liam that I feel the weight of a stare most places I go. I don’t want to admit that I expect things to be lurking around a corner. Liam keeps looking at me. He doesn’t believe me.
I drop my hand to his thigh and give it a squeeze, then I lean into him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “I really am fine,” I lie. I know he doesn’t believe me as he scans my face, looking for the lie, but he reluctantly lets it drop. I grit my teeth and tell myself to focus on the now and what is right in front of me. I take a silent, deep breath and remind myself of one of my daily mantras, He’s in prison.
16
LIAM
I didn’t bring a swimsuit today and didn’t tell Savannah to wear one. I could kick my own ass over that mistake. Imagining her under the sun, her soft skin on display in a bikini, her entire body just a couple bows away from my hands, mouth, and cock sets me on fire. I can picture her so perfectly standing in the water, tempting me in a small bikini. Though my current view isn’t bad—she’s standing in the water in that hot dress, tousled hair piled on top of her head, head back letting the sun warm her face. And that damn freckle at the perfect angle to suck isn’t so bad, either.
I slowly walk up behind her, water lapping at our calves, to wrap my arms around her. In the sun, her brown hair shows off strands of gold. I kiss the top of her head and rest my chin on it.
I don’t say a word, neither does she. She does release a long breath, as if she has been waiting for me to hold her like this. I pull her tighter against me, knowing she must feel my raging hard-on. It’s something I’ve become used to since seeing her for the first time—if Savannah is near me, I’m hard.
I know she feels it when she wiggles her ass softly back and forth. I groan and drop my forehead to her shoulder. “Gorgeous, you’re killing me. I’ve been picturing you in a bikini and now I have you in my arms, warm and pink from the sun. You’re nothing but temptation. There are too many kids around here to do what I actually want to do.”
Her breathing picks up. Her chest is rising and falling. I look over her shoulder to see her nipples hard beneath her dress, poking through the fabric. “Wh–what do you want to do?”
I can tell she is nervous asking that question. Even though things got heated last night, I’m guessing she doesn’t often lose herself in a man the way she is losing herself in me. That thought makes me w
ant to pound my chest like a caveman. There are times when I see a feisty, bold Savannah come out to play, but I also see her restraint. Second guessing every move she makes. I want her to let it all go with me, show me every part of herself. I’d drink it all in, my elixir of life.
“There’s a lot I want to do to you, with you. I’m not sure you’re ready for most of it, though. I don’t want to scare you off.”
She is quiet again, looking toward the horizon, bottom lip between her teeth. She opens her mouth to speak, promptly shutting it to bite her lip again.
“Tell me, Savannah. Be honest.”
“I’m scared of what I want with you. I haven’t felt this ... this ... this desire in a long time. I’m willing to bet I want what you want, but I also think you’re right. I’m not sure I’m ready for it.”
I kiss her shoulder. “I need you to tell me when something is too much.”
“I will. I’m not sure you’ll believe this, but I don’t scare easily. I won’t go running for the hills.”
“That’s good to hear. I know you’re strong and won’t scare easily, but I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, either.”
That’s the truth, too. Even when I see hesitation in Savannah’s eyes. I know it’s not hesitation out of fear—it’s something else. When I think back to her punching that bag at Raise the Bar as if her life depended on it, something in my gut tells me she was punching as if her life depended on it. I hug her closer . The only way we could be closer in this moment is if we were naked and I was inside of her. I have her melded to me, wanting to protect her from something unknown. Some threat I don’t even know is real. I know what my gut tells me and how I see her react in certain situations.
In the Jeep on the way here, I saw her let go. It was amazing to see, but once we got here, she’s kept her head on a swivel. I’m making it a personal mission to get her to a space where she can always be the feisty and bold woman who has nothing weighing her down. I want her to feel as free as the wind.
“Just be honest with me. I don’t expect you to spill every secret to me tonight, but I’m letting you know now. I’m interested. I’m more than interested. I will always be honest with you. I want the same from you. You’re not ready to talk about something? Tell me. My touches make you uncomfortable? Tell me.”
She doesn’t speak. So many moments pass that I become impatient and worried. “Savannah?”
“I think I can do that,” she finally responds.
The sun is starting to set. We’ve been here most of the day, but I’m not ready to release her yet. I could stand here with her like this for the rest of the night, but by the sound her stomach just made, I’m not sure she can.
I laugh. “Hungry?” It’s been several hours since we’ve had lunch.
“I was hoping you didn’t hear that. I’m pretty sure it’s obvious now. Yeah, I’m hungry.”
“Do you like seafood?”
“Love it.”
I grab her hand, dragging her out of the water and to the next part of our date.
17
SAVANNAH
Liam takes me to The Shore, a popular seafood restaurant on the opposite side of the lake. The large, white-wood building is two stories with a wraparound porch and balcony. Tables and booths are set up on each level along with a bar dedicated to each space. There are two floors of seating inside, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows for a 360-degree view of the water.
The flaming orange and bright pink in the sky is the perfect setting for dinner. The night is still warm even without the sun. Once we approach the hostess stand, Liam asks for a corner booth on the second-floor balcony. The balcony is usually rowdier than the first-floor diners. Families tend to stay on the first floor while the younger crowd goes up to the second.
Liam follows behind me up the spiral staircase. He keeps his hand anchored to my lower back the entire time. When we reach the top, there is already a decent size crowd gathered around tables and the bar. The hostess shows us to a booth with low backs in the corner of the balcony. We have an unobstructed view of the water. Boats are cruising over the lake. I slide into the seat, expecting Liam to sit across from me, but he ends up sitting next to me, making me slide all the way in.
He slings his arm along the back of the booth and angles his body into mine, creating the sense that it’s just the two of us in the restaurant. I hear the patrons, but I can’t see them around Liam’s hulking frame. When a waiter approaches, requesting our drink order, we both order beers and an oyster appetizer. Once he leaves the table, Liam turns toward me, resting his hand on my thigh. He is invading every one of my senses. His hand raises to my neck, making my face tilt up to meet his gaze.
My eyes snag on his lips. They’re full and soft. When one corner tips up in a grin, my eyes shoot to his. He has a sexy expression on his face. His eyes are dancing with laughter and lust.
“Kiss me,” he demands.
“Here?” I ask, trying to look around him at the other people.
“They can’t see us. Kiss me, Savannah.”
I cast my gaze down to his lips. I want to kiss him again, drink in his taste. I bring my hands to his chest. His chest is so hard. I slide one hand down until it’s rippling over each ab. My hand on his chest curls in, grazing my nails over his peck. Liam growls deep in his chest. I can’t wait anymore. I launch myself at him, landing right on his lips.
I’m demanding he return the kiss, guiding each movement, until his hand goes into my hair, tilting my head, seizing control of the kiss. His tongue rolls over my bottom lip, seeking entrance. I don’t hesitate opening my mouth, meeting his tongue with mine. His hand pulls my head back slightly, so he can suck on my bottom lip. I whimper, wanting him. Desire is pooling in my panties. My nipples ache for his touch. I turn my body in our secluded booth, trying to get my chest as close to his as possible, so I can feel his body against my aching nipples.
Two slams on the table break me from our passionate kiss.
“Thanks,” Liam says in a raspy drawl, not looking at the waiter.
I peek over his shoulder and quietly say, “Thank you.”
The waiter gives me a smirk and mouths, “He’s so hot.” He winks before turning away.
“I hope he didn’t see these,” Liam says, brushing a thumb over one of my nipples. “It sets me on fire knowing they’re like this because of me. I’m not willing to let another man see any part of your pleasure.”
I laugh. “Don’t worry about that. The waiter would rather see you lost in pleasure than me.”
“How do you know?”
“He mouthed to me that he thinks you’re hot.”
“Is that right?”
“Yep.”
“That may be the case with this guy, but any other straight man here would kill to see your beautiful face as you’re coming.”
Warmth fills my cheeks. I think about my orgasm last night. “You’ve only seen that once. In a dark car.”
“It was enough for me to know I want to see it again. And again. You were lovely.”
His hand caresses the back of my neck. I fall even more into a trance, which is broken when the waiter delivers our appetizer and asks if we’re ready to order. Neither one of us has bothered to open the menu, too consumed with each other.
“Thanks, man,” Liam says. “We’re going to need more time to decide what we want for dinner.”
“Take your time,” the waiter replies cheekily, winking again before sauntering off.
Liam picks up an oyster, loosening it from the shell. “How do you like it?”
“On top,” comes out of my mouth without thinking. It’s been a long time since I’ve let my sassier, sarcastic side slip with anyone I don’t know very, very well.
Liam looks at me with surprise, then throws his head back in laughter. His deep, rumbling laugh sends goosebumps up my arms. It’s so deep and rich, I want to revel in that sound and coax it from him as much as possible. When he’s finished laughing, he leans into me, kisses my neck,
and murmurs against my skin, “I’ll have to remember that.”
My smile is broad; I think my cheeks are on the verge of breaking. He kisses each of my cheeks and tells me, “This smile you have on your face is stunning. I like you like this. Happy. It’s also making me hard as a rock.”
I can’t help but let my eyes fall to his lap. He wasn’t lying. He’s straining against his shorts, I can see the outline of him perfectly. I gulp.
“So, lemon juice? Cocktail sauce?” His smile is firmly in place with a cocked eyebrow for good measure.
“Lemon juice and Tabasco sauce,” I answer.
Liam squeezes fresh lemon over the oyster with a dab of hot sauce.
“I like it hotter than that, Liam.”
He drizzles more hot sauce on top. “Did I make it spicy enough for you?” His lips are twitching like he’s holding back a chuckle.
“We’ll just have to see,” I tell him before taking the oyster and licking my lips. He groans in answer.
When the sun is fully set, bright, white, twinkly lights turn on above us. Strands of them are hanging in the center of the balcony to each railing.
We haven’t stopped flirting. Liam has been touching me since we sat down. My panties are ruined. My nipples are about to slice through my dress. His simple touches and stolen kisses are catapulting me over the edge.
Liam stopped drinking and is now nursing water. Butterflies fill my stomach when he says he wouldn’t ever indulge too much when he’s driving, especially if I’m his passenger. I’m nursing another beer, feeling the happiest kind of buzz. My skin prickles in anticipation. Each time Liam moves, his muscles flex under his shirt. His cock remains hard. I am using every bit of restraint to not maul him in public.
I feel free and happy. His responses and the alcohol help me along to a state of ease—and horniness—that can’t be ignored. I’m not sure if he knows he’s torturing me. I watch as his bicep bunches when his glass of water hits his mouth. I try to hold in my moan, but I know I’m not successful when Liam says, “Gorgeous, I’m trying here. Not to go too fast, but you are making it painfully hard. Pun intended.”