“Not really. I don’t usually sleep with girls I’ve just met, either, but you’re making me want to murder that rule and melt its body with acid.”
I laugh. “Well, we have three hours of Shakespeare about a mad, violent, misogynistic monarch ahead of us. I’m sure by the time we’re done, sex will be the last thing on our minds.”
He gives me a skeptical shrug. “If you say so.”
When we walk out of the theater three hours later, it’s clear Liam’s skepticism was well-founded. My entire body is buzzing with energy. Not only was the production incredible, but sitting next to him in a darkened theater for all that time was like low-voltage electrocution.
I’ve never had such a powerful reaction to a man before.
“So,” he says. “That was amazing.”
“It really was. Thanks for the ticket.”
“Thanks for the company.”
I hear us making lame small talk, but there’s nothing lame about what’s passing between us. I’ve got so much adrenaline going on, I feel like I could Hulk-jump into traffic and flip over a cab.
Liam looks around and bounces on his toes. “I don’t know about you, but I’m too buzzed to go home yet.”
“Same.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. Come on.”
As we push through the after-show crowds and head back toward Times Square, Liam puts his hand in the middle of my back so we don’t lose each other. It adds another layer of tension to my already overworked adrenal glands.
At this time of night, the atmosphere in the Broadway area is electric. There are thousands of people pouring out of all the theaters, giddy and high in the way only live theater can make someone. Liam and I dodge and weave, but I have no clue where we’re going. After a while he gives up trying to steer me from the rear and grabs my hand so he can lead me instead. His fingers are warm and rough, and the shape of them feels so familiar it’s bizarre.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
He looks back at me and smiles. “Does it matter?”
I know I should be cautious because I know so little about him, but for some reason, I feel safe. Everything about him is brand-new and familiar at the same time. Like there’s been a tune playing in my head for my whole life, and he’s finally given it words.
After we pass through the mayhem of the main square, we travel a few blocks down and head toward the river. At last, he stops at a doorway shoehorned between a thrift shop and a dry cleaner.
“This is my building,” he says, and brushes his thumb against the back of my hand. “My apartment’s old and cramped, but . . . do you want to come up?”
I look at the grimy door. “Do I have to?”
He chuckles. “Of course not. I just . . .” He takes a step forward, and my breath catches. “I don’t want to say good night yet. I don’t have any alcohol, but I have milk and cookies. And if you play your cards right, I’ll show you my roof garden.”
“Is that a euphemism?” I’m surprised at how husky my voice sounds.
The way Liam’s gaze falls to my mouth, I think he likes it. He leans forward, and I press my back into the door. “It’s whatever you say it is.” His voice sends shivers across my skin.
“Even if I come upstairs with you, my statement about not having sex tonight stands.”
The edges of his mouth twitch, but he doesn’t smile. “Okay.”
I put my hand on his chest. “I’m serious.”
He looks down at my hand, then covers it with his own and presses my palm into his pec. My breathing speeds up. So does his.
“I’m not taking you upstairs to seduce you, Elissa,” he says as he lightly strokes my fingers. “Even though I’m pretty sure I could.”
“Wow. So arrogant.” He gives me a lusty smile, and I narrow my eyes. “You don’t think I can resist you?”
He puts his hand on the wall next to my head and moves closer. I put my other hand on his chest. Not to stop him. Just to feel more of his body.
He closes his eyes and exhales before looking at me again. “If you’re feeling even half of the attraction I’m feeling toward you, then, no, I don’t think you could resist. In fact, I think if I kissed you right now, we’d barely make it through that door before tearing each other’s clothes off and fucking like there’s no tomorrow. But I promise, if you come upstairs, I’ll behave. Maybe you should vow to do the same. The way you’re touching me? It makes me think you want to ride me hard and put me away cold. May I remind you that I’m a man, Elissa. Not a sexual plaything.”
My lungs tighten as I stare at his mouth. Damn him to hell for conjuring up an image of me riding him.
“Point taken.” I reluctantly remove my hands. I’m trying to keep my cool, but his nearness has set my heart to hammering in my chest. “Liam, I swear on the life of my hamster not to use you as a sexual plaything.”
He looks crestfallen. “Not even if I beg?”
I smile. “Not even then.”
“Just so we’re clear,” he says as he leans down to whisper in my ear. “If you ever beg to be my sexual plaything, I’ll make it happen in record time. More than once, if necessary.”