Enticing Liam (Big Sky Royal 2)

“I have several projects in the works for a facility for injured veterans who need both psychological and physical help, no matter their age in the UK. So, not just retired veterans. There needs to be much more outreach in that area.”

I’ve stopped eating and am just staring at her as she talks about the things that she’s passionate about. Her eyes are animated, her cheeks flushed as she gushes about her plans.

Ellie works her ass off. She’s not just an indulged princess. She wants to make a difference in her country, and it makes me like her even more.

“Well, I’d say you’re right. You do have a lot on your mind.”

“I’ve already sent emails this morning to check in on everything and get status updates. I know I’m out of the country, but I want to be kept abreast of the situation there. That doesn’t even include the conservation projects we have underway with endangered animals in Africa and Australia. I could bore you all day.”

“You’re not boring me at all,” I reply and find myself rubbing the back of my finger up and down her bare arm. “I like your voice.”

“Father tells me I talk too much,” she says. “I think it’s because I have so many older siblings. I had to talk frequently and loudly to be heard. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

I feel the smile fall from my face. “I had a sister. Belle was younger than me.”

“Oh, no.” She scoots closer and cups my cheek in her hand, throwing me off-kilter with her gentle touch. “What happened?”

“She drowned,” I reply. “Here, in Whitetail Lake. I was sixteen, and she was about seven. We’d gone out on Lauren’s parents’ boat, and she jumped in to swim. She wasn’t a good swimmer and was trying to show off. She hit her head, and I couldn’t get to her fast enough to pull her out.”

“And then last summer, I decided to be an idiot and take off on a boat,” she says softly. “Now I know why you were so cross with me.”

“It scared the shit out of me,” I admit, my voice quiet. “It was that day all over again. I’m not afraid of the water. I can swim well, and boats don’t bother me. But not knowing where you were that day was my worst nightmare happening all over again.”

“I’m sorry,” she says again. “And I’m so very sorry about Belle.”

“She was a great kid. You would have liked her.”

“If she was anything like you, I know I would have liked her very much,” she says.

“Okay, enough sad talk.” I set the picnic basket to the side and turn to face Ellie. “Let’s get on with your lesson.”

“I’m a willing student. What is today’s lesson?”

She’s eager. And if the way she bites her lip is any indication, she’s a little nervous.

“Let’s recap what we know.”

“You’re killing me,” she mutters, making me chuckle.

I drag my fingers through her thick hair and brush it to her back, exposing her shoulder. Her denim top is sleeveless, so I gently slide my fingertips over the ball of her upper arm.

Just that simple touch is enough to set me on edge.

As my hand slides down her biceps, I lean in closer and press soft, light kisses to her jawline and up to her ear.

“You’re absolutely beautiful with the morning light flirting with your skin,” I breathe. Ellie inhales sharply, and I drag my lips down her neck to her collarbone, then back up to her chin. “You make me want things, Ellie.”

“Sexy things?” Her voice is shaky.

“Plenty of sexy things,” I confirm. I know she wants me to kiss her. She’s licked those luscious lips of hers twice. And she’s going to get it, but I want to build the anticipation a bit more.

It appears I’m a masochist.

I urge Ellie onto her back and lean over her, one hand braced on the blanket by her head, the other still making lazy circles on the bare skin of her arm and shoulder.

She plants her hands on my sides, fists my shirt, and moans when I lay wet kisses on her neck.

“Oh, that’s nice,” she whispers.

“I think we’ve mastered the first lesson.” I brush my nose across hers. “Now, lesson two.”

With my eyes open, I lay my lips over hers. Softly at first. But when those hands of hers fist even harder on my sides, I can’t help but give in to the kiss I’ve been dreaming about for a year.

I lick her lips, urging them open, and then I sink into her. I alternate between nibbling on her lips and exploring her mouth with my tongue. I let my hand roam from her arm to her side, and then cup her small breast over her shirt. I don’t want to startle her.