Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Liam
“You chose that movie because you look like the main character,” Athena accuses through a grin. “Just admit it, Liam.”
It’s not the first time someone has told me that I resemble Aquaman. I see it. My hair is a few shades lighter, my beard is shorter, but there’s a similarity that I can’t deny.
“I can’t swim,” I admit on a heavy sigh.
My attempt to change the subject works. Athena lets out a stuttered laugh. “You can’t swim?”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I paste on the best scowl I can muster. “Are you seriously laughing at me right now?”
My weak attempt to look pissed doesn’t faze her. “I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing with you.”
Taking a step toward her, I tilt my chin up. “I’m not laughing, lilac.”
The nickname stops her cold. Her plump lips part before they curve up into a smile. “You want to laugh.”
I want to kiss her. I’ve been fucking thinking about kissing her since I picked her up at her shop.
Her long hair flew over her shoulder when she turned around and saw me. She was dressed all in white. She looked incredible in skinny jeans and a short-sleeve sweater. She topped that with her black leather jacket when we left the store.
She’s the most effortlessly beautiful person I’ve ever met.
I hold steady with my commitment not to crack a smile. “Can you swim?”
Sucking her cheeks in, she purses her lips. “Like a fish.”
I can’t contain the laugh that escapes me. “That’s a great look for you.”
“Try it.” Her finger circles the air in front of my mouth. “Do fish lips for me.”
“Fish lips?” I question back as if I have no fucking idea what she’s talking about.
Fish lips are Winter’s favorite thing at the moment. She’s been trying to teach her younger sister how to master the move. She learned it from me.
My contributions as an uncle go above and beyond taking toys and candies to my nieces.
“Like this?” Athena sucks her cheeks in again. “You try.”
I don’t know why the hell we’re doing this right outside the theater, but I’m on board for whatever this woman wants.
The corners of my lips twitch. “Show me again.”
She does. She tilts her head to the left and the right as she purses her lips out.
I lean in, breathing a path over her cheek. “I think I need a closer look.”
She keeps it up, sucking in her cheeks and wiggling her lips.
When I’m less than an inch from her, I mimic the movement of her mouth with mine.
She leans back, taking it in.
I have to look like a goddamn fool, but I don’t give a shit.
“You’re good at that,” she whispers. “Really good.”
“I’m better at this,” I say before I tangle my hand in the hair on the back of her head and finally take her sweet mouth in a kiss.
I wrap an arm around her tiny body and tug her closer, my lips still on hers, our tongues sliding against each other.
I don’t care that people are passing by us. Let them stare. This feels too good, too natural for me to want to stop anytime soon.
A small moan escapes her before she steps back, pushing her hands against my chest with little effort. “Liam.”
My knees buckle at the sound of the desire wrapped up in that one word.
Jesus. What the fuck would it sound like to hear her scream my name when I’m balls deep inside of her?
“Athena,” I say her name quietly. “Come home with me.”
I don’t want to fight what I’m feeling anymore. I want her. I’m hard as nails right now, and I know the instant I taste her skin, I’ll be close to losing it.
I haven’t felt this desperate for a woman’s touch before. I’m craving it more than my next breath.
“I’m not sure…” Her voice trails as hesitancy flashes across her face.
“We can just kiss,” I spit out like I’m a horny fourteen-year-old kid who will do anything to be near the girl he’s crushing on. “Whatever you’re comfortable with. Nothing more.”
Relief pulls the corners of her lips up. “You’re sure?”
Hell no, but I’ve never pushed a woman to do more than she’s ready for. I sure as fuck won’t start tonight.
If all I get is another taste of that perfect mouth, I’ll fall asleep happy.
“I can come over for a little while.” Her hand slides into mine.
I’ll take whatever time she’ll give me because I’m already addicted to her. I keep that to myself. Squeezing her hand in mine, I kiss her again. This time it ends with a scrape of her teeth over my bottom lip.
I swear to God I could blow a load just from that.
Sucking in a deep breath, I tug on her hand. “Let’s go, lilac.”