by Opal Carew
She walked up the stairs, watching Del walk down the hallway, Liam’s hand still on her back as he walked right behind her. Abi knew this must be really difficult for Del.
They reached the top of the stairs and Liam guided her down a short hallway to a set of double doors. The doors were open and as they walked into the room, she saw her suitcase set on a stand by the closet.
“I should unpack,” she said as she started toward the suitcase, but Liam caught her arm and pulled her back, then drew her against him.
“I’ve missed you,” he said, his deep, silky voice gliding through her in a sweet caress.
She gazed into his chocolate-brown eyes, sparks flaring in the depths as his face moved closer, and she found herself leaning into the kiss. His lips brushed hers, but instead of stopping there, like he had downstairs at the door, he deepened the kiss, gliding his tongue inside her mouth.
She murmured softly. She was stressed and confused and hormonal and … His tongue pulsed inside her.
Oh, God, horny as hell.
She cupped his face, loving the feel of his rough stubble against her hands, and pulled him tighter, driving her tongue into his mouth. His hand glided down her back and he pulled her tight to his body. He arched his hips forward and she felt his cock, iron hard, against her belly.
Need careened through her but … Oh, God, Del was downstairs. And in an hour she’d have to face him.
She jerked her mouth from Liam’s, sucking in a breath. She’d only been in this house for five minutes and she was already throwing herself at him.
Having Del here was good. It was helping her make better decisions already. Helping her from falling completely under Liam’s spell.
“I really should unpack.”
Liam released her, a smile quirking up his lips.
“I think you said something about changing.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Abi drew in a breath, trying to ignore the glitter in his eyes. Trying to ignore her own desire to strip down in front of him right now.
“I think I’ll take a shower first.”
His smile broadened. “Great idea. Let me show you where it is.”
He took her hand and led her to a door beside the floor-to-ceiling window revealing a stunning view of the ocean. He guided her outside to the huge balcony, which had a private hot tub sunk into the smooth wooden floor.
“Why are you bringing me out here?” she asked.
“This is where the shower is.”
He pointed and she realized there was an open shower stall with three walls: part of the bedroom window forming one wall, a glossy marble wall housing an array of spray nozzles, and another clear glass wall facing the ocean.
Which meant that if she was in that shower, she would be visible to anyone on the deck, or in the bedroom. Possibly even from the ocean.
“I can’t shower in there.”
“Don’t worry,” Liam assured. “This stretch of beach is totally private, so no one will see you. And no one can see the shower from the patio downstairs.”
“I mean, I’m not going to shower in front of you.”
“Why not? I’m your husband.”
And she had agreed to live as husband and wife while they were here.
“Please, Liam. I need a little time to settle in.”
He smiled and took her hand, then pressed it to his lips. The contact sent a spiral of delight quivering through her.
“Of course, kitten. I’ll go down and see how dinner’s doing.” He nuzzled the back of her hand again. “But I’ll be back in thirty minutes, so don’t take too long.”
He walked into the house and she hurried along behind him. He opened a cupboard and pulled out a large white towel and dropped it on the bed. Then he went to the closet and pulled out a fluffy terry robe and handed it to her.
“Maybe you’ll be more comfortable with this near at hand.”
“Thank you. Where’s the bathroom?”
“That door in the corner.”
She watched him walk to the double doors and open one. He winked as he closed the door behind him.
She hurried to the open bathroom door. As soon as she stepped inside, her breath caught. It was huge, with marble floors, a large marble tub in the center of the room, and a chaise longue a few feet away. And one wall was clear glass with the same stunning view of the ocean. Which meant this room was totally visible from the balcony outside, too. The toilet was in the corner with a marble barrier giving privacy from the window.
She stripped off her clothes and pulled on the robe, then grabbed the towel and went outside. She glanced around, assuring herself no one could see her, then she dropped the robe and stepped into the shower. The warm water flowed over her body. She soaped herself and scrubbed her skin. As she rubbed her soapy hands over her breasts, she couldn’t help imagining Liam in the shower with her, his big hands gliding over her body. The familiar ache started inside.
She leaned the top of her head against the glass wall, the water flowing over her back. She had to get a grip on herself.
She rinsed off the soap and slipped from the shower, then dried off with the big towel. Ten minutes later, she was unpacked and dressed in clean clothes, feeling refreshed. She was running a brush through her damp hair when Liam came back into the room.
“Feeling better?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you.”
“So what do you think of the villa?”
She glanced around the bedroom, then out the window to the ocean beyond.
The bedroom was very open and airy, with the abundance of glass making the inside feel like it melded with the outside. It was a huge room, with a full sitting area with couches, armchairs, and a large television. The neutral contemporary décor didn’t detract from the stunning outside view, and it gave a cozy, yet upscale feel to the room. She remembered the downstairs had the same feel.
“It’s very nice. It’ll take some getting used to having an outdoor shower, as well as the bathtub being practically outside.”
“I thought that was one of the best features of the place.”
His devilish smile sent sparks flirting along her nerve endings.
“I’m sure you did,” she said. “Why don’t we go downstairs so we can see the rest of the place?”
They walked out of the bedroom into the upper hallway.
“There are two more suites on this floor,” Liam said, as they passed by two closed doors, “but Del is in the second largest suite in the villa.”
They walked down the large, spiral staircase. Del was sitting in the living room gazing out at the view.
“Liam is showing me around the house,” Abi said to Del. “Join us.”
“Sure.” Del got up and followed them.
Abi was amazed at the size and luxury of the place. There was a room with a pool table. Several sitting rooms. Televisions in every room. An office with a high-end desktop computer and huge monitor. Even a small gym.
They stepped out the door to a stone deck with an infinity pool that seemed to blend into the ocean. In the shallow end, there was an area that was only about ten inches deep, where the pool angled back so sunbathers could comfortably lounge right in the water.
There were lots of cushioned lounge chairs around the pool. There were also outdoor couches and chairs in various locations around the huge patio to provide different conversation areas. Liam led them to the railing at the end of the patio where she saw that there were a few steps down to a wooden deck that led right to the white sand of the beach.
“How do you like your room, Del?” Abi asked.
He turned back to the house and pointed. “Look for yourself. You can see the whole thing from here.”
As they walked back to the house, she saw that Del’s room, like the whole main floor and the master suite, had an entire wall of glass facing the ocean. As they got closer, she could see the inside of his room.
There would be no privacy for Del if anyone was out here on the patio. A
t least with the master suite, no one would be walking on the second-story balcony to peer into their room. Hopefully, Del’s room had drapes.
“It’s time for dinner,” Liam announced.
She and Del followed him across the patio to stairs leading to a higher level. They passed several large pots filled with greenery and one with a plant with large red blossoms. Then she saw a round teak table set with china place settings and crystal glasses. A couple of staff were setting out food.
When they reached the table, Liam pulled out her chair and she sat down. Del sat on one side of her and Liam on the other.
There was a lovely salad with a vinaigrette dressing and some kind of fish with a fancy sauce. Abi wasn’t quite sure what, but it smelled delicious. The staff poured white wine into the stemmed glasses in front of Liam and Del. As a woman poured what looked like white wine into her glass, she started to protest.
“Don’t worry, Abi,” Liam said. “It’s sparkling white grape juice.”
The staff finished serving and disappeared into the house.
“Del,” Liam said, “this is a difficult situation for all of us, and I know it’s put you in a particularly awkward position, but I want you to know that I value your friendship and hope that no matter how this unfolds, that we’ll still remain friends. In the end, we both want what’s best for Abi, and for the baby.”
“I agree with the sentiment,” Del said, “but will you feel the same way when Abi still wants the divorce at the end of the three weeks?”
Liam’s eyebrows arched. “You seem pretty confident.”
“Despite the fact that you seem to be holding all the cards.”
Abi didn’t like where this was going. “Could we put this conversation on hold so we can enjoy our dinner and the lovely sunset?”
She stabbed a piece of lettuce and popped it into her mouth as she gazed at the golden light washing over the ocean. The sky was aflame with purple, rose, and gold.
The men both sat back in their chairs and turned their attention to their meals.
Over dinner, Abi asked Liam about the resort and his plans to buy it. He told them he had most of the details worked out, now it was just a matter of meeting with some of the other current owners, then the lawyers writing up the papers. He had about four more meetings over the rest of the stay, the final one to sign all the legal documents. His next meeting was in a few days.
When they finished the main meal, the staff brought out a platter of fresh fruit and some pastries, along with coffee. Liam had arranged decaf for Abi. Since the sun had set, the light was fading, so the staff lit candles and turned on lanterns that were hung around the patio.
Liam asked Del about the classes he would be teaching in the fall and soon they were talking like they used to, reminiscing about when they’d taken one of those classes when they were still students.
Abi watched them, wishing this strain had never been put on their friendship. Why did she have to have fallen for both of them?
Finally, the staff came and cleared away the dishes.
“I’d suggest we all take a moonlit walk along the beach,” Liam said, “but the moon’s not cooperating.”
Abi glanced up to see the moon was obscured by clouds.
“We could play some pool,” Del suggested.
She knew he probably wanted to keep them up as late as possible. Anything to defer her climbing into Liam’s bed. But she was tired. The traveling and the pregnancy had taken a lot out of her.
“You two go ahead,” she said. “I’m going to turn in.”
Liam stood up and drew back her chair as she stood. “I’ll join you.”
Del rose, too. He did not look happy. She stepped toward him and gave him a hug.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” she said.
“Yeah, sure. Have a good sleep.”
Liam tucked his arm around her as he accompanied her into the house. She glanced back to see Del staring out at the ocean.
Once they got into the bedroom, Liam closed the doors behind them.
“Do you actually want to go to bed right now, or would you like to go in the hot tub? I turned the temperature down low enough so it’s safe for the baby.” He smiled. “It’ll relax you.”
“Do I need relaxing?”
He walked behind her and rested his hand on her shoulders. She stiffened.
He laughed. “Yeah, I’d say you do.”
He began massaging her shoulders, and she found herself relaxing a little. As the tension melted away, she found that his touch started having other effects. Tingles dancing across her skin. Heat flashing through her body. A hunger started to build in her.
“Maybe the hot tub is a good idea.”
She walked to the door and stepped outside, breathing in the fragrant night air. Instead of heading to the hot tub, she walked to the stone railing and gazed over the ocean. Liam stepped behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing her back against his body. His hard, muscular body.
He was her husband. She was supposed to be spending this time with him as his wife. She shouldn’t feel guilty that being in his arms like this excited her. Made her want to strip off her clothes, step into the hot tub, and climb right onto his lap. Facing him. His rigid cock sliding right into her.
Then she’d ride him like a wild stallion. His cock filling her again and again.
His hand glided upward and cupped her breast. His fingers found her hardening nipple and squeezed it. She arched against him.
“Oh, baby, I’ve missed touching you like this.” His lips played along her neck and she whimpered in need.
God, she wanted to lean over the railing and pull up her dress so he could fuck her right here and now. Her hands even crumpled in the cotton of the full skirt, itching to do it.
His hand glided over her hip, then he cupped her behind.
She started to pull up the fabric, lost in the siren call of her hormones.
Then she heard a splash. Her gaze shot to the pool below and she saw Del under the crystal-clear water, then his head break through the surface. He gazed up and saw her leaning against the railing.
Oh, God, could he see that Liam’s hand was on her breast? Even if he couldn’t, he could see that Liam was standing close behind her. Two lovers staring out at the ocean.
Guilt surged through her.
She pulled away from Liam and strode to the door. Once inside, she turned to him.
“I’m sorry, I changed my mind about the hot tub.”
“I figured. You know, you don’t have to feel guilty being with me. We are married. And Del knows this is part of the arrangement.”
“I know. It’s just … it’s stressful right now. I need a little time … before we…”
He drew her close and captured her lips. The kiss was sweet and tender.
“Baby, I told you I wouldn’t force myself on you. We can just go to sleep.”
She nodded. Sleep. That’s what she needed.
She pulled her pajamas from her suitcase and turned to the bed. Then stopped cold at the sight of Liam, already bare-chested, dropping his pants to the floor. He stepped out of them, totally naked. Then he walked to the bed.
“You’re not going to sleep like that, are you?”
He smiled. “Yeah, I am. Kitten, I said I wouldn’t force myself on you. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to make it easy for you to ignore me.”
He climbed under the covers and folded his hands behind his head, watching her. She stared down at the pajamas in her hand. Damn, she couldn’t strip off her clothes right in front of him.
She turned and walked into the bathroom, then changed into the PJs. When she climbed into bed with him, he moved in behind her and wrapped his arms around her. Being curled up in his embrace was warm and comforting.
It was also crazy sexy and had her body quivering with need. Especially when she could feel his cock swelling against her. But she ignored it as best she could, drawing in deep, slow breaths.
Someh
ow, after what seemed like an eternity, she finally drifted off to sleep.
* * *
Abi awoke to the sound of spraying water nearby. She opened her eyes to the morning sunlight streaming in the bedroom window. She stretched as she enjoyed the stunning view beyond the glass. As she shifted her gaze, the sight of Liam, totally naked on the other side of the window, water washing over his muscular body, took her breath away.
She bit her lip as she watched the water rush over his head, flattening his hair to his scalp, then over his broad shoulders and down his back. His taut buttocks, which she knew were rock hard, were glazed in the moving, sunlit water. Her heart rate increased and she longed to rip off her pajamas and join him right now.
He turned, giving her a profile view. The sight of his long cock, hanging heavy between his legs, sent need thrumming through her. Her fingers ran over her breast, stroking the sensitive nipple, before she realized what she was doing.
He soaped his chest, covering it in white suds, and she licked her lips as she watched the foam wash over his body. Finally, he pumped some shampoo into his hand from a spout on the marble wall and stepped out of the water enough to soap his hair. When he stepped back under the flow to rinse it off, his eyes closed. He was facing her, his long, dripping cock in full view.
Her insides ached with need and she could feel wetness pooling between her legs.
He pushed the water back from his face and opened his eyes.
CHAPTER TWENTY
When Liam opened his eyes, he saw Abi staring at him with such hunger in her eyes, he almost choked. His cock jumped to attention, swelling to a painful level of need.
God, he wanted to stride in there right now and take her.
As soon as she realized he’d seen her, her eyes widened and she scampered from the bed into the bathroom.
He turned off the water and dried off, then walked into the bedroom.
He wanted her. Badly. And if he chose to, he was sure he could easily sweep her into his arms, and into his bed. But right now, it was more important to him that he gain her trust. He needed to give her time.