7. Chapter 7
~ELLIE~
I ’ve never woken up with a man in my bed before. Well, unless you counted the few times when I was sick as a child, and my father was there to comfort me. Though that was rare, as I usually had nannies to tend to me.
Waking up with Liam wrapped around me is a whole new experience. I fell asleep with him pressed to my backside, but now my head is on his chest, his arms holding me close, our legs tangled.
It’s as if we’ve been lovers for years. Natural.
It feels bloody amazing.
“Good morning,” he murmurs and kisses my head.
“It is rather good, isn’t it?” I snuggle against him and smile. “Did you sleep well?”
“Surprisingly, yes.” He sighs and shifts his legs, rubbing one up and down mine. I want to purr.
“You don’t usually sleep well?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“You’re too full of questions for this time of day.” He rolls me onto my back and smiles down at me. “Did you sleep?”
“Like a baby.”
“I think”—he presses a sweet kiss to my cheek—“we should”—kisses my nose—“move on to”—another on my chin—“lesson three.”
“Fantastic.”
He pauses to kiss me on the mouth, one of his slow, deep kisses that make me weak in the knees. It’s a good thing I’m lying down.
His hand travels from my hip, up my side over my shirt, and lands on my breast, where the nipple is already hard and waiting for him. He tweaks it, pulls on it, and then journeys to the other side to pay that breast the same attention.
“This lesson,” he whispers, “is called heavy petting here in the States. I have no idea what you’d call it.”
“Frustrating,” I groan and arch into his touch. But then he surprises me by slipping that hand under my shirt, then up my stomach and back to my breasts. “Oh, that’s better.”
“So soft.” He kisses down my neck and settles in to nibble on that most sensitive place.
“You give me the shivers.”
“That means I’m doing something right.”
He’s pressed to my hip, and I can feel his hardness there. I want to see it. Touch it. Taste it. There’s so much I want to do with him, and he’s going at this snail’s pace that’s absolutely driving me mad.
But it also feels so bloody good.
I join in the fun, pushing my hands under his shirt. I roam over his skin leisurely, soaking him in. I drag a foot up his bare leg.
I’m consumed by him and his sexiness.
When my hands wander around to his back, he takes them and pins them above my head with a firm grip, holding me with just one hand.
“Lower,” I rasp as his fingers brush over my stomach.
“What do you want, sweetheart?”
“I want your hand lower. ”
To my utter shock, he complies. But he doesn’t dip under my pajama shorts. No, he stays over them and presses his hand against my center.
I’ve never felt anything like it. “ Liam .”
“You’re incredible,” he rasps. “Look at me.”
I open my eyes and find his gaze already on me. I can’t help but arch up into his touch, longing for more. I can feel something happening, and I desperately want it. But just as I’m about to get there, Liam’s phone rings loudly.
“Fuck,” he murmurs, burying his face against my neck. “God, babe, I’m sorry.”
I can’t reply as he rolls over and fetches his phone.
“Cunningham,” he barks into the device. His eyes dart to me, and then he’s hurrying from the bed and pulling on clothes. “When? Is Baxter headed there? Good. I’m with the princess now. I’ll stay here until he reports in. Keep me posted.”
He hangs up and pulls on his pants, cringing when he tucks in his cock and then zips up.
“What’s happening?” I sit up and push my hair off my face.
“Apparently, there’s been a security breach. The camera on the path that leads into the woods is out, and there was a man on that camera moments before.”
He pulls a handgun out of a holster, shocking me. He checks the magazine, then pushes the weapon back into its cradle.
He glances my way. “Why do you look surprised?”
“I never see your weapon.”
He loops his arms through the holster and secures it around him, then slips his jacket on over it.
“I’m always armed,” he replies. His voice is cold now, his body tight, his face devoid of emotion.
“How do you turn it off so quickly?”
“Turn what off?” He’s staring out the window now, his broad back to me.
“The emotions. We were having an incredibly intimate moment. I was about to explode beneath you, and thirty seconds later, you’re just…”
“Just what?”
“Cold.”
He turns and looks at me for a long moment.
“What I’m feeling for you is anything but cold. But this is my job , Ellie. Your life may be at risk. I was hired to protect you.”
“It’s fascinating,” I admit with a sigh. “Watching you work, after having shared other things with you. It’s interesting.”
Liam’s phone rings again. He has it answered and pressed to his ear before I can blink.
“Report.”
He listens carefully, and then his body sags in relief. “Good. I was about to call Hull in for backup. Thanks, Baxter.”
He hangs up and holsters his weapon.
“All clear?”
Liam nods. “It was a jogger, and he took the path by accident. Tripped on the camera. Baxter did a quick background check. He’s clean.”
“Good.”
He walks to me and tips my chin up with his finger. “Are you okay?”
“I’ve been sexually frustrated my whole life.” I shrug. “I’m fine.”
“I’m sorry.” He kisses my lips gently. “Next time, we won’t be interrupted.”
I nod, confident that what he says is true. Liam’s not the type to offer hollow promises.
“I suspect you have to go to headquarters.”
“I do.” He takes a deep breath. “But I won’t be too long.”
An idea has been working its way through my head for a couple of days.
“Actually, take all the time you need. I’m going up to the main house for the day.”
“I’ll wait and escort you.”
I hop out of bed, change my clothes, and rather than waste time showering and primping here, I gather the things I’ll need.
I can do all that once I’m in the main house.
“I’m ready.”
“Thanks for coming on such short notice.” I smile at Natasha and Monica, who are currently sitting in the living room, enjoying the view of the lake. “I’m sorry Aspen couldn’t join us.”
“She practically lives at the coffee shop,” Natasha says. “It’s her passion.”
“I admit, it feels odd to talk about this with you both now that I’m sober.”
“Oh, this is going to be good.” Natasha leans in, ignoring Monica’s rolling eyes. “What’s up?”
“I want to go to the cinema with Liam.”
Both of them just continue staring at me as if waiting for a punch line.
“We have a movie theater in town,” Monica says at last.
“I can’t go out to the movies,” I reply. “I’m trying to stay relatively discreet.”
“Well then, that rules out movies in the park,” Natasha says.
“What is that? It sounds lovely.”
“On Friday evenings during the summer, we have movies in the park,” Monica replies. “They’re usually films that have been out for a while, but it’s a chance for people to go and hang out in the nice weather, doing something fun. Our summers are so short, we tend to try and enjoy every moment.”
“As much as I would love that, I’m afraid it’s out. And I’d like to do this today. There’s a movie theater here in this house. I just want your ideas for things I should do for it. I’ve never been to a traditional theater to see a movie.”
“You haven’t?” they ask in unison, both taken aback.
“We have a theater in the palace,” I say quietly. “And, sometimes, we’re invited to premieres. I’ve been to a few of those, but I don’t think they count as a normal cinema experience.”
“Definitely not,” Natasha says just as Monica’s phone rings.
“Sorry, guys, it’s my brother.” She quickly answers. “I’m busy, what do you want? Uh-huh. Okay. Yeah, I can.”
Natasha and I share an amused glance. Monica’s face is so expressive.
“Right. Got it. I got it. I won’t forget. Gotta go. Bye.” She sighs and tucks her phone into her pocket. “Sorry.”
“What’s Sam up to?” Natasha asks, trying to sound nonchalant, but it’s not working.
“I don’t know,” Monica says. “He wants me to take something somewhere. Oh! He needs me to take his boots to the fire station.”
“He forgot his boots?” Natasha asks.
“Different boots. I don’t ask a lot of questions,” Monica says with a shrug.
“Is your brother a firefighter?” I ask.
“Yeah, he used to be an EMT, but he recently moved into a firefighter position. He’s pretty badass. We’re all proud of him.”
“You should see him in his gear,” Natasha adds, waggling her eyebrows. “Hello, hotness.”
“Nat’s had a crush on my brother since middle school,” Monica says, waving her best friend off. “And, no, I don’t look at him like that when he’s in his gear because he’s my brother. That’s disgusting.”
“Not from where I’m sitting,” Natasha says with a smile. “But let’s get back to the task at hand. Movies.”
“Right.” I nod and wring my hands. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“Me either,” Monica says. “It doesn’t take anything fancy. Just a dark room and a movie.”
“Wrong,” Natasha says. “She needs popcorn. Soda. Maybe some licorice.”
“Let’s go see what we’re working with,” Monica suggests.
“Good idea.” I gesture for them to follow me and lead them downstairs to where the theater is located.
“It’s like a lobby out here,” Monica says in surprise. “You have plenty of candy, a soda machine, and a popcorn popper.”
“We just have to make the popcorn,” Natasha says with a nod. “We’ve totally got this. In fact, why don’t you text Liam and ask him to come down here in thirty minutes? We’ll serve your goodies, and then leave when you’re settled to do…whatever you want to do in there.”
“Really?” I’m stunned that they’re so excited to help me. But I shouldn’t be. Isn’t this why I asked them to come over?
I know I’ve only recently met them, but I feel like I can trust them. I’ll miss Montana and these wonderful women that I’ve come to know in such a short time when I leave.
I don’t want to think about that now. I have a surprise to set up.
“We’ve totally got this,” Natasha says. “It’s so fun. Go primp or something and let us do this. Don’t forget to text Liam.”
“You’re so wonderful. I’ll be back in twenty,” I promise and hurry up to the guest room where I stashed my things. Before long, I’ve styled my hair, done my makeup, and thrown on a simple sundress. When I make my way back downstairs, the incredible smell of fresh popcorn greets me.
“Good afternoon, and welcome to Royal Cinemas,” Natasha says with a smile. Before I can reply, Liam walks in behind me.
“What’s all this?”
“The movies,” Monica replies and winks. “We’re showing Sherlock Holmes today. What can we get you to snack on?”
“Popcorn is a must,” Natasha says, filling a big bucket with the kernels. “What else?”
“I’ll take a Coke,” I reply. “And some Junior Mints.”
“Good choice,” Monica says. “And you, sir?”
“Uh, I’ll have a root beer. The popcorn is enough for me.”
“There’s plenty out here, and we offer free refills,” Natasha adds. “But you’ll have to get those yourself because we’re about to leave.”
“Have fun,” Monica says as Liam and I walk into the theater.
I don’t know how they managed it, but just as we sit down, the movie starts, and the lights dim.
“This is a surprise,” Liam says as we sit smack dab in the middle of the room. He shoves a handful of popcorn into his mouth. “But a fun one.”
I sip my Coke and suddenly feel nervous again. I wanted to do this, but now that I have Liam here, what am I going to do with him?
He’s supposed to be teaching me .
I reach for some popcorn and smile when my hand brushes his. Before long, we’re engrossed in the film, enjoying our snacks and each other.
About an hour in, Liam sets the empty bucket on the floor and takes my hand in his. He kisses my knuckles, my wrist, and then my shoulder.
I didn’t realize the armrest between us was moveable, but he must have known because he lifts it and shifts closer to me.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispers in my ear.
“Thanks,” I say.
“Shh.” He nibbles my earlobe. “We’re in the theater. We have to be quiet so we don’t disturb anyone.”
I start to laugh, but then he kisses my ear again and starts playing with my hair. I’m a goner.
All coherent thought dissipates from my mind, and all I can think about is this man and his magical mouth.
“Making out in a theater isn’t a lesson that came to mind,” he admits as his hand glides down to my breast. “But it’s something everyone should experience at least once.”
“I daydreamed about this,” I admit with a whisper and then moan when his thumb pushes against my hardened nipple.
“We’re going to discuss more of those daydreams.”
And that’s it. Something bold within me rears its head, and I boost myself up and straddle Liam’s lap. My mouth crashes over his. Liam’s hands are on my bum, and we take this make-out session to the next level.
I want to get naked. I want him to take me right here, on this seat.
But I know he won’t.
That doesn’t stop me from grinding down on him and relishing the powerful feeling that pours through me when I feel him harden.
“Fucking hell,” he growls before fisting his hand in the back of my hair and pulling me down for more kisses.
He tugs my dress down in the front, exposing one naked breast, and wraps his lips around the nipple, sucking hard.
Oh, my God.
My head falls back, my center grinds down harder on him, and with his mouth tight on that sensitive bud, I feel something massive and marvelous move through me.
I cry out and shudder, and everything in me tightens.
I do believe I’ve just had my first orgasm.
Liam kisses my chest, my neck, and when he feels me start to loosen up, he pulls me down into his arms.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever been better,” I confess. “Liam, I think I?—”
“You did.” His voice is confident, and he sounds quite pleased with himself. “You had one kind, anyway.”
“There are different kinds ?”
He laughs and kisses my forehead. “A few that I know of. Congratulations, sweetheart.”
“This was a bloody good idea.”
He laughs again, and I enjoy the sound of it. He doesn’t laugh often enough.
“Agreed.”
“I’m still not convinced that this is the time or place. Couldn’t you make your own coffee at home?” Liam asks as he parks his car in front of Drips & Sips.
“My coffee isn’t as good,” I reply. “Liam, it’s two o’clock on a Wednesday. I don’t think the place is going to be packed to the gills with people just waiting to get a peek at me, should I happen to be in town.”
“You don’t know that.”
I roll my eyes and move to get out of the car, but he stops me with a hand on my arm. “Wait. I’ll come around.”
I do as I’m told, and Liam and I walk into the coffee shop together. It smells delicious. I love that it’s also a gift shop, and take a moment to admire the array of fun things that Aspen has for sale.
I’ll have to remember to come back and gather some gifts for my family before I return back to London.
“Well, this is a fun surprise.”
I look over at the sound of Aspen’s voice and offer her a friendly smile. “I thought it would be fun to drop in and see how you are. I hope that’s okay.”
“You’re welcome here anytime, Ellie. I’m glad you came. Can I make you something?”
“A chai latte would be lovely.”
I follow Aspen to the counter and watch as she fusses with my drink. “Have you had a busy day?”
“Every morning is busy, and thank goodness for it,” she says with a wink. “But afternoons usually slow down a bit. We close at four, so this is the perfect time to stop by.”
“I’ll remember that.” I accept the drink and take a sip. “This is delicious. How much do I owe you?”
“That’s on the house.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“It’s your first one,” she says, waving me off. “Hopefully, you’ll be back for more.”
“You can count on it.” I glance to my right and smile. “I’m going to go say hello to someone.”
“Enjoy,” Aspen says.
“Did you see that Lauren’s here?” I ask Liam, who’s been quite silent since we arrived.
“Of course, I saw her.”
“You didn’t go and say hello.”
“I’m working with you,” he reminds me as we walk to Lauren’s table.
“Hey, you two,” Lauren says with a smile. “I just finished writing a chapter.”
“I didn’t know you wrote here. Don’t you have an office at your home?” I ask.
“Sure, but sometimes, I need a change of scenery. If I do, I usually come in here. What are you two up to?”
“I talked Liam into bringing me into town for something to drink, and a change of scenery of my own.”
I reach out to put my hand on Liam’s arm, but he backs away from me. I blink rapidly, trying to keep up with my conversation with Lauren.
“Oh, here’s Sam,” Lauren says. “Sam, have you met Princess Eleanor?”
“Can’t say I have.”
I turn to see a tall man with broad shoulders and strawberry blond hair. His smile is friendly as he nods.
“Ellie, this is Sam Waters.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well. I’ve heard a bit about you from your sister. Monica says you recently joined the fire department?”
“That’s right. Hey, Liam, can I talk to you for a second?”
“Sure.” Liam turns to me, and still without touching me, says, “Stay right here. I’ll be within eyesight.”
The two men walk away to the other side of the coffee shop and immediately delve into conversation.
“Are you okay, Ellie?” Lauren asks.
I’m confused. Hurt. Perhaps disappointed.
But I paste a smile onto my face and nod. “Oh, yes, I’m just fine, thank you.”