And he does.
Chapter 24
Sex on theBeach
? Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
Ruby
Hand in hand, we make our way through the grove down a narrow path that stretches beyond the campsite. The tree line gives way to open air, and the crunchy leaves beneath my feet turn into a sandy shore as Liam leads me onto a private beach behind his property.
I look out over the vast expanse of Oak Ridge Lake with the sun setting behind the small mountain range beyond the horizon. The area we’re in now is completely surrounded by trees, creating a beach alcove about the size of a baseball diamond. Soothing, gentle waves lap at the shore, creating a perfect soundtrack for the evening as a sense of calm settles over me.
Liam’s arms wrap casually around my shoulders, resting just under my collarbone. I place my hands over his forearms and lean back into his chest. A girl could get used to this. The sense of comfort and safety Liam provides is unlike anything I’veever felt. His calm is the perfect juxtaposition to my chaos. We just… fit.
“Another one of your sanctuaries?” I ask.
His lips ghost over my ear. “Now that you’re here with me? Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
I glance over my shoulder, and my lips inadvertently meet his.
I smile against his mouth. “Smooth. I bet you say that to all the girls.”
“Other girls?” He presses into me. “You’re the only one who’s ever meant a damn thing to me, Ruby Hayes.”
The scary thing is, I actually believe him. Liam doesn’t open his heart to just anyone. Holding it, even for a little while, is a privilege.
I turn and wrap my arms around his neck. His hands skate along my ribs and settle at the small of my back.
“How cold do you think the water is?” I ask.
He pulls me tighter and grins. “No skinny dipping this time.”
I slip my hands into the hair at the base of his neck and let my desire flow through me. “Do you have something else in mind?”
“Why do you assume everyone has an ulterior motive?”
“Because they usually do,” I say matter-of-factly. “Everybody wants something from me.”
“I just want you, baby. Just you and me watching the sunset on this beach is more than enough for me.” He threads his fingers through mine and tugs me further down the shore. When we get to a more secluded spot, he drapes his flannel on the sand and pulls me down between his spread thighs.
We sit in comfortable silence as the sun sinks below the horizon, casting us in shadows as time passes in a contented haze. Being with Liam is easy—no pressure or expectation. I feel more relaxed than I have in a long time,and that’s due in large part to the man who holds me like I’m something to be treasured.
I close my eyes and let out a long breath. He sweeps my hair to one side and peppers my neck with kisses. “What are you thinking about?” he murmurs.
“Nothing. I’m just… happy.”
His rough palm slides around my neck. He uses his thumb to tilt my head back and takes my mouth in a languid kiss. It’s barely a taste, not nearly enough. We have a million kisses to make up for.
“Could be happier,” I whisper against his lips.
“Yeah? Maybe I can help with that.”
His other hand slips under my T-shirt and across my ribs. My stomach flutters at the light brush of his fingertips against the underside of my breast.
“Fuck. We shouldn’t do this here. Somebody could catch us.” His voice is gruff and full of need.
“It’s dark. They won’t see anything.”
