Always Read Free

beautiful, clear night, and they had the pier to themselves. Fishing boats were docked on either side, the moon was full, and she had the sudden urge to walk along the waterfront and dip her feet in the water.
    “I guess it’s a good thing James got me to tag along.” She smiled at Liam. Her brother had ditched them almost immediately to find a quiet spot and get reacquainted with Susan.
    “I agree.” He smiled back. “It doesn’t surprise me that they left us, though. When those two get together, nobody matters but the other.” He winked.
    She giggled. “I think what they have is amazing. Anyone would be lucky to have a spark like the two of them carry for one another. They’ve got great chemistry and an obvious sexual attraction. They can’t keep their hands off each other. I’m just thankful they waited until I wasn’t around to act on both. In the car it looked like a close call a couple times.” She shuddered, and this time he laughed.
    She stopped walking and twirled around with her arms spread wide. “Don’t you just love it here? Everything is so beautiful.” She bent over and took off her shoes and socks. “Care to join me?” She ran toward the water and squealed when the cold hit her toes.
    “You’re full of questions suddenly,” Liam teased. “I do love it here, actually. I really enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming. Maybe I should take you whale-watching sometime.”
    “I’d love to.”
    “I’m glad. You know, I haven’t smiled like this in a long time. I like you, Teegan.”
    “And I like you, Liam. What took you so long?”
    “For what?”
    “Well, I’ve been single and dateless for months.” She shrugged. “I guess I just wish we’d met sooner.”
    “Well, that is a shame. You’re too beautiful to be dateless. I guess I’ll have to remedy that for the next little while.” He stepped up to where she stood, right at the edge of the water.
    “Well—” she beckoned, “—I’m awfully lonely over here.”
    “Really?” He hopped on one foot and then the other as he removed his shoes and socks. “I’d hate for you to be lonely, Sunshine.” He pulled her into his embrace, wrapped his arms around her midsection, and kissed her forehead.
    “Sunshine? I’m not sure I like that nickname.”
    “Why not? You’ve certainly brightened my day, but I can think of a new one if you don’t like it.” He took a strand of her long, blonde hair between his fingers and twirled it. “Your hair has gold highlights in it. ‘Sunshine’ suits you, Teegan.”
    “Well, when you put it that way—” Her heartbeat quickened, her face flushed, and she held her breath as he moved his face closer. “Liam.”
    “Yes?” His lips stopped short of touching hers.
    “Please kiss me,” she whispered. She raised her hand and brushed her fingers through his hair to pull him the last inch in for their first kiss. Their lips touched, they opened their mouths, and their tongues met with equal desire. Swept away in the moment, he lifted her, and as she put her legs around his midsection, Liam slipped from her added weight. She screeched and then laughed as she landed on her butt in the cold water.
    “Well, big guy, the cool down was nice and all, but I think I need you to warm me up again.”
    “I think you might be right.” He helped her up, and they grabbed their shoes and began to walk back to his car. “I’m sorry about that.”
    “So am I. We were having a moment, and I liked kissing you, Liam.” They stood in front of his car, and she shivered. “If only I could dry off so we could continue.”
    “If only—” He began to unbutton his shirt. “I may have a solution to that. I’m thinking maybe you should take off your wet shirt and put on my dry one.”
    She smirked, and while feeling brave, she pulled her T-shirt over her head and watched as his gaze left her face and centered on her wet bra and erect nipples. “I think that’s a great solution.” She held out her hand and