His Paradise

“Nikki?” Peter says, the question clear in his voice. He’s asking if I’m okay with being manhandled and should he call the cops.

“You can’t just pick me up and carry me where you want me to go.” The testosterone is growing thick in the room. But instead of answering me, he just looks at my mouth like he wants to kiss me.

“Hey, caveman. Put her down. We’ve got work to do today,” Sammy says, strolling in the front door.

“Crap! I forgot!” I sigh. “Is the farmer’s market still going on today?” The storms were pretty rough last night. I think. It’s hard to recall after spending most of the night in bed with Liam. He’s capable of providing pleasure I didn’t even know was possible.

“Yep! Tell him to put you down. If he wants to lift shit we can put him to work and Peter can man the desk. Besides, l think your man candy will draw more attention to our booth.”

Liam makes no move to put me down. In fact, his hold on me tightens even more.

“We need to get the booth up and then get all your shit moved over. Those jars can be fucking heavy,” Sammy adds.

She’s right about Liam. Not just about helping with the heavy lifting. Still, I don’t like that every woman in town is going to be checking him out. Hell, Vicky tried to crawl all over him last night. I’m sure the gossip is already hot all over the island.

“I’m sure the sheriff will help,” I say, and Sammy shoots me a look that could kill. Then her eyes run over me like she’s seeing me for the first time.

“You dirty bird!” she says in a teasing voice.

I wiggle to get out of Liam’s hold and he reluctantly lets me down.

“Don’t.” I point at her and shoot a look over to Peter. She’s not going to bring up what Liam and I did right now.

“I already saw the walk of shame,” Peter says, and I can feel my face burn.

“There wasn’t any shame,” Liam says, but we all ignore him. Well, the best that I can ignore him. That deep rumbling sound in his voice is making me tingle.

“You staying around today?” Sammy asks him. She sticks her hip out and puts her hand on it.

“Yes.”

“You’re only booked for one night.” Peter flips through the reservation books like we are booked solid. I stifle a laugh at the hard time he’s giving Liam.

Liam reaches into his back pocket and tosses a credit card down. “Book me indefinitely for now.”

Peter picks up the credit card, “Is this thing even real?”

I look over and Sammy mouths an oh my God because I’m pretty sure it’s a black Amex, but that can’t be right. I’ve heard those things are impossible to get.

“Get dressed, Daddy Warbucks. Your ass is working today,” Sammy says.

“Fine,” he tells her, but not before he leans down and plants a kiss on my mouth right in front of everyone. He pulls me to him and his hands go to my ass, giving it a squeeze. All too soon he’s breaking the kiss and leaving me breathless.

“Don’t go sneaking out of bed without me knowing next time.” I want to say something smartass, but my mind blanks as he turns and strolls back towards his room to get dressed.

“Bossy. I like it,” Sammy says from beside me, then leans closer and whispers, “He acts like he has the right to be. You so gave it up and now he’ll never leave you alone.” She shakes her head but has an evil grin on her lips.

I’m not sure I want him to leave me alone, but I keep that to myself, not wanting to sound needy. I don’t even know him. I can’t stake a claim on him.

“You finally give it up to Cyrus?” I throw back. She narrows her eyes at me. “I know he followed you out last night.”

“He’s never getting into my pants.” She shrugs, making her dark ponytail bounce.

“Are you two going to tell me what’s going on?” Peter leans forward on the desk, clearly wanting to hear this, too.

“I have enough alpha male in my life. I don’t need another,” Sammy says.

“He doesn’t seem like that. I mean, Cyrus is bit bossy at times, but he’s the sheriff and a former Marine,” I say. Besides, I think she needs an alpha male.

“You only see the good old boy routine. I’ve seen other sides of him.” Her jaw clenches and I can tell from the look in her eyes this isn’t something she wants to talk about right now. I don’t get why she’s fighting this, but I know I’m not getting anywhere right now on the subject. Plus, if I push her she’ll have reason to push me about Liam. So I let it go. For now.