Enticing Liam (Big Sky Royal 2)

“Appreciate it,” the other man replies, and then they walk to the house to get settled in for the day and relieve the remaining night shift man.

I keep two men on property guard duty at all times. One stays in the house to monitor the cameras, and one walks the perimeter on foot. They switch off and on throughout the day. If we have more royals visiting, I can pull in police officers who aren’t on duty for extra help. Brad Hull, the chief of police, has been a valuable ally where the royals are concerned.

While Sebastian and Nina are gone, with Charles and Nick in tow, it’s just me and two other guards here at any given time. As long as Ellie keeps a low profile, that should be enough.

“Liam?”

I turn at the sound of my name and see Baxter escorting Aspen Calhoun, the new owner of Drips & Sips, down to the dock.

“She’s good,” I say to him and offer the woman a smile. “Thanks for doing this. I would have brought her to the coffee shop, but she’s trying to keep her time here on the down-low.”

“Oh, it’s my pleasure,” she says and passes over a basket. “There is coffee in there, along with some breakfast goodies.”

“It smells damn good. I have cash—”

“I’m running you a tab,” she says with a shake of her head. “Just square up with me the next time you stop in.”

“I will. Thanks again.”

“Aspen,” Ellie says as she steps outside. She’s in a cute pair of red shorts with a denim top tied in the front. Her long, blond hair is up in a ponytail, and her makeup is simple but perfect.

She looks so damn young.

Compared to me, she is young. Which is another reason why this is a bad idea.

“Hey,” Aspen says and flashes a wide smile. “I was just dropping off this basket of goodies. I have to run back to the shop. I’m shorthanded today. But, Ellie, I’d like to invite you to have dinner with Monica, Natasha, and me at my place this weekend. You remember the girls from the salon?”

“Of course. That would be lovely.”

“I’ll need to have someone do a security check on your home,” I say to Aspen, ignoring Ellie’s scowl. “It’s protocol.”

“Anytime,” Aspen replies. “Dinner will be a lot of fun. Natasha makes the best margaritas.”

“What can I bring?”

“Just yourself. We’re going to have Mexican food and Natasha’s famous frozen margaritas on my deck. I have a great view. You’ll love it.”

“Thank you for inviting me,” Ellie says as Aspen waves and hurries away. Then she turns back.

“Liam has my number,” Aspen adds. “Just text me later, and I’ll send you the specifics.”

Ellie waves at Aspen and then turns to me with a sweet smile. I want to kiss the hell out of her. And I will.

Soon.

“Come on.” I nudge Ellie toward my car. “I have a specific place I want to take you.”

“We’re not having a picnic here?”

I lean in to whisper in her ear. “Too many prying eyes. I want privacy.”

She smiles and happily climbs into my car. I set the basket in the backseat, then jump in, start the vehicle, and pull out of the gated driveway, headed away from town.

I drive about three or four miles then turn onto a dirt road that leads down to the lake.

“This is a state park, but not many people come down here, especially at this time of day.” I park the car and lead Ellie to a grassy area that overlooks the water, giving us a great view.

“Oh, it’s pretty. Isn’t it awesome how the view changes so drastically, but it’s the same lake?”

“It’s a big lake.”

I spread out a blanket, and we sit next to each other.

“Coffee?” I say with a smile, pulling out a thermos and two Drips & Sips coffee mugs. “There’s cream and sugar in here, too.”

“I’ll take all of it,” Ellie says. “Do I smell scones?”

“Looks like huckleberry, still warm from the oven.”

“Mine,” she says, holding out her hand.

“Yes, ma’am.” I pass her a scone, grab one for myself, and take a bite. “Damn, Aspen makes good scones.”

“Mm-hmm.” She chews, devouring the thing.

“Why couldn’t you sleep last night?” I ask.

Ellie frowns, takes a sip of coffee to wash down the bite of scone, and shrugs a shoulder. “I guess I have a lot on my mind.”

“Like what?”

I’ve often wondered what can be so stressful for royalty. I know they have responsibilities, but they live a life of privilege. What could be so concerning?

“Well, one of the charities I work with is for a children’s hospital in London. I visit monthly to look in on patients. One of the little boys who has been there for many months was very ill the last time I visited a few weeks ago. I was thinking of him. He’s lovely.