“Not for any amount of money?” he asks, arching an eyebrow at me, an amused grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
I shrug. “Money isn't everything, Liam,” I say. “My parents' legacy means more to me than even millions of dollars. Not that they're offering me millions, but you get the point. Legacy means a lot. I'm sure you understand that.”
“I understand all too well, actually,” he says. “Which is why I admire your dedication. I just want you to be happy, Paige.”
I sigh. “You know? I am happy. I never really thought about this life for myself and it's not very easy,” I say. “I had other plans and dreams. I always thought my life would go a different way and that it wouldn't lead me back to Port Safira for many years. But, it didn't work out. And we can only play the hand we're dealt, right? So, now that I'm here, I'm content. I have everything I need. If I have one wish, it's that I could figure out how to make my shop profitable again.”
“It's hard. Everyone is buying from Amazon these days. eBooks are becoming more popular,” he says. “You have to learn to adapt or die in the world today. Which means, it might be time to think about updating your business model some.”
“How so?” I ask, cocking my head to the side, finding myself hoping that he has some answers or ideas for me.
“I don't know,” Liam says. “I'm a developer. I know real estate. But I have friends who specialize in different things and if you're interested, I'm sure we can figure something out.”
“We?” I ask.
Almost unconsciously, I feel a smile pulling at the corners of my lips at his use of the word.
“I'm happy to help in any way I can,” he says. “I can do some research, talk to some people I know and see what I come up with.”
“Thank you,” I say.
I reach across the table, take his hand, and give it a firm squeeze. We stare into one another's eyes for a moment, just enjoying the atmosphere between us. I can honestly say this is the very best dinner I've ever had – and the food hasn't arrived yet.
It feels silly and perhaps even a bit scary, to even think about, given that we're trying to avoid any serious romantic entanglement. But, this is the best night out I've ever had, all because of the man sitting across from me.
ooo000ooo
“That was fantastic. Beyond fantastic. It was amazing,” I say, leaning back in the helicopter seat feeling like a bloated, beached whale. “I feel like my belly is going to burst. So much food. And it was all so amazing, I just couldn't stop eating.”
“I'm glad you enjoyed it” he laughs. “It's nice being with someone who appreciates good food.”
I look over at him and wonder if there's more to his comment than just that. Part of me wonders if he was taking a subtle shot at his ex. He's told me a bit about her. That she didn't appreciate things, that she took everything for granted, and was addicted to living a lavish lifestyle.
But, I remind myself, that is not any of my business. Right now, all I know is that he seems to be happy to be with me. That he is enjoying my company. I can tell by the things he says, the things he does, and especially by the way that he looks at me.
We're laughing together, and Liam is smiling wide, his dimples on full display. The smile lines on his face make him even more attractive – something I didn't know was possible. The laughter fades after a few moments and I find myself staring into Liam's eyes. There's an air of expectation hovering between us and then he leans down, kissing me, as the helicopter begins ascending.
His lips are soft and still taste of dark chocolate from our dessert. It's a kiss full of fire and passion – and I can't help but get sucked in. Revel in it. Our tongues dance together and I feel a warmth spreading through my lower body. I slide my hands up, wrapping them around the nape of his neck. I feel his hands, so large and strong, sliding up my midsection, tenderly cupping my breasts. A small gasp escapes me as he circles my already stiff nipples with his thumbs.
Liam looks at me and smiles. “I'll assume that since you've never ridden in a helicopter,” he says, his voice low and husky, “that you've never had sex in one.”
A small laugh escapes me, but his words and touch ignite a fire inside of me.
“You would be correct on that,” I say.
Liam kisses me again and I pull back and look up toward the cockpit. There's a wall between us and the two compartments are separated, but I'm not sure if the pilot can still hear us or not. Still, the idea of having sex with Liam in the helicopter, so high up in the air, sends a tingle through my body and a chill up my spine. I'm nervous about it but excited at the same time.
“There's a first time for everything,” Liam says, nipping my ear gently. “Opening your mind and having new experiences are always a good thing.”
Liam reaches over and pushes the button on my seatbelt, unlocking it. I stare at the two halves of the belt fall away and land on the seat, a nervous flutter in my belly. He leans down and kisses my neck, which sends an electric charge along my skin.
I allow Liam to pull me from my seat and slide me over onto his lap. Our mouths locked together and our tongues swirling around one another furiously, I pull my dress up around my waist and straddle him. Lowering myself down on to his lap, I feel his erection pressing into me. I grind myself against it, remembering the way he felt inside of me. I recall the length and girth of his beautiful cock and the way he filled me up so completely and can feel myself growing hotter and wetter with each passing second.
My body trembles and I feel my breath catch in my throat as I think about being with him again. Having him inside of me again. It's crazy, but it seems like Liam Anderson has some sort of power over me. Some sort of a hold on me. He knows exactly what to do, how to touch me, and how to turn me on more than anyone else.
Liam plants a soft row of kisses down my neck, and I feel myself already beginning to surrender to his touch. Six months ago – hell, three months ago – I never would have even entertained the idea of having sex with a man that I'm not committed to. Nor would I have ever even considered the possibility of having sex in a public place. And although the private compartment of his helicopter isn't exactly a public place, it's much more public than I'm used to. Despite that, I want to do it. I want to fuck him right here, right now. I need to have him inside of me in the worst way possible.
It's that power he has over me. That magic touch. Something. When it comes to Liam Anderson, I've not only become shameless as hell, but entirely insatiable to boot. I close my eyes and grind myself against him harder, rubbing my dripping wet pussy against his long, thick erection. I groan as Liam takes my breasts in his hands, teasing my stiff nipples.
I'm wearing a dress and it's already bunched up around my waist, so that's not the issue. It's Liam's pants that are now proving to be the problem. I reach down and fumble with the buttons, and Liam helps me. It takes us a few minutes and a little laughter, but we finally manage to get his belt and slacks undone. I slide a hand down his pants and take him into my hands. A wicked smile spreads across my face as I grip his thick rod – already so hard and ready for me.
“Do you –” I start to ask.
“I always come prepared,” he says, whipping a condom out of his pocket. “I used to be a Boy Scout, you know.”
“Good to know,” I say and laugh.
I take the condom from him and quickly tear open the packaging. I reach down and with one hand, cup and stroke his balls as I use my other hand to slip the condom onto the tip of his prick. Feeling his cock throbbing in my hand, I bite my bottom lip, my body crying out to have him inside of me. I want it. Need it. I slowly roll the condom down his cock with my hand, still squeezing his balls with the other. Liam presses his head back against the seat, groaning softly, and growing even harder at my touch.