Liam looks at me with an air of supreme obstinance. Coupled with the scruff, the bun, and the dirt-smeared face ... yeah, he definitely looks like a sexy Genghis Khan, ready to do bad things to me if I disobey. I've never really had a thing for historical figures before, but I wouldn't complain about going a few rounds between the sheets with Liam's version of a warrior king.
"Elissa," he says, and his voice is as primal as his appearance. "I promise that when we get back from vacation, I'll donate a fat chunk of cash to whichever African charity you choose. But right now, I'm going to need you to pick up every bit of lace, satin, and leather in that goddamn dressing room and charge all of it to the credit card I organized for you. Understand?"
I drop everything on the floor and sigh. I can tell arguing would be futile. "Yes, master."
Liam makes a noise in his chest. "You need to call me that more often."
I pick up the phone and bring it up to eye level. "Oh, you like that?"
"No. I fucking love that." He's looking at me so intensely, it gives me chills. Then he shakes his head and chuckles. "Wow. I think I've been living this character for way too long. I need to get back to civilization and stop behaving like a caveman. Okay, I gotta go shower. You heading back to your parents' place?"
"Yeah. I'd much rather watch you shower, though."
"Don't worry. Soon, you'll get to shower with me."
"Can't wait. Will you still have those hair extensions when I see you?"
He raises an eyebrow. "I was going to get them removed after our last scene, but if you want me to keep them in ..."
I feel like a schoolgirl admitting a secret crush. "Maybe. And the beard. Just for a few days, at least. Long enough for you to pretend I'm half of eastern Europe and thoroughly plunder me."
A slow, sexy smile spreads across his face. "I think that can be arranged."
As we stare at each other, the sexual tension builds, and we realize that because of his shooting schedule, this is the last time we'll see each other before we reach our vacation destination.
"I love you," he says. "I'll see you soon."
"I love you, too. Travel safe."
When I hang up, a wave of emotion rises up in my throat, and I have to take a few deep breaths to stop myself from crying. When he gets home this time, that's it. I'm nailing his feet to the floor. He's not allowed to leave me like this again. I miss him too much.
It doesn't help that I've been wearing his engagement ring for nearly four months now, and we haven't made one single wedding preparation. While I adore him being my fiancée, I want him to be my husband.
After shaking off my emotional mood, I change back into my clothes and carefully gather up my pile of overpriced scraps of fabric. When I take it to the counter and inform the girls I'll be buying everything, dollar signs light up behind their eyes.
Merry Christmas, girls. Get a bottle of Bollinger for yourselves, courtesy of Liam Quinn.
As I'm waiting for the redhead to ring up the purchases, the tall brunette studies me. "Hey, have we met?"
I smile politely and shake my head. "I don't think so."
"Really? Because you look familiar. You've never shopped with us before?"
"No. My brother shops here enough for the both of us."
"Uh huh." She continues to stare, and it makes me want to be anywhere else. Of course, wrapping a million pieces of intimate wear in tissue paper takes forever, so it seems I'm stuck here for a while. To get away from the unwanted scrutiny, I wander over to a rack labeled Bridal. There are lots floaty, pretty things in white, cream and pastels. Maybe I'll come back here before my wedding night and pick up something special. Or if my husband-to-be has his way, I'll take the whole damn rack.
"Liam Quinn!" the brunette exclaims suddenly.
"Excuse me?"
"You're the girl who was on the red carpet with Liam Quinn a few months ago. The one he dated after he broke up with Angel Bell." She turns to the redhead. "You know, I'm still not over that. They were so perfect for each other. I never saw it coming."
The redhead nods. "Right? I cried when I heard. I still can't believe they're not together. The way he used to look at Angel? That was true love."
I clear my throat. They turn as if they've forgotten I was there.
"Oh, sorry," says the brunette. "So, was it fun? Dating a movie star? Did he break your heart? Is it painful to talk about?"
I walk back to the counter and pick up my purse. "Are we almost done here?"
The brunette nods in sympathy. "I understand. It's hard to let someone like that go, right? I mean, the man is gorgeous. Did you kiss him? Is he a good kisser?"
"Chastity, stop," the redhead says, giving me a sideway glance.
Seriously? She works in a store that reeks of sex, and her name is Chastity? Oh, the irony.