Enticing Liam (Big Sky Royal 2)

“How’s Seth?” I ask Zack. Seth is Zack’s oldest son.

“He’s great. He’s graduating from college in the spring with a degree in environmental science. He wants to work in Glacier National Park.”

“That’s awesome, man.”

“He’s become a good man,” he says, pride thick in his voice.

“Despite being a pain in the ass as a kid,” Josh adds and winks. “Would you like to join us, Liam?”

“No, thanks. I’m headed back to headquarters. But it was good to see you.”

“Anytime,” Zack says again.

I wave and head out into the warm summer night. I parked my car just down the block. It’s a good night for a walk. The sky is clear, lit up with millions of stars.

And it gives me an idea.

I hurry back to HQ and let Baxter know that I’m taking the princess off property for a bit before hurrying up the stairs and into Ellie’s apartment.

She’s on the couch, the TV on but muted as she reads something on her iPad.

“You’re back early,” she says when she hears me walk in. Her smile is sweet, like she’s happy to see me. “Didn’t you enjoy yourself?”

“It was good. But there’s something I want to show you.”

“Now?”

“Right now.”

She looks down at the clothes she’s wearing. “Do I need to change?”

She looks fucking wonderful just the way she is. “We won’t see anyone where we’re going.”

“Then I guess I’m ready.”

She stands, ready to go. She doesn’t even ask where we’re headed, she just trusts me to take care of everything.

It’s a damn good feeling.

I take her hand and lead her down the stairs, but then drop it again when we’re outside.

I don’t want my men to know that anything unprofessional is happening.

“It’s so nice out tonight,” Ellie says. “Look at all of these stars.”

“Hold that thought,” I say as I open the car door for her. I get in and drive us out of the gate and away from town. I turn right after a few miles and head up Whitetail Mountain. Roughly five miles later, I turn again and find the spot I’m looking for.

When I park, I turn to look at Ellie. Her blue eyes are big as she stares out at the lights below.

“The town is so small and beautiful,” she whispers. “This is a lovely spot.”

“It’s not just pretty,” I admit and release my seatbelt. I turn toward her and push my fingers into her hair. “This is a famous point of interest in Cunningham Falls.”

“Tell me more.” She unfastens her own belt and turns toward me, her eyes glowing in the darkness. “What’s so special about it?”

“Have you ever heard of Make Out Point? Most American towns have one.”

“I don’t think I recognize the term.”

“Well, it’s a place where young people go to make out. It’s romantic.”

“Is it?” She laughs and glances down at the town again. “I suppose the lights and stars are romantic. But if it’s such a popular place, why are we the only ones here?”

“I guess everyone else is busy tonight.” I drag my fingertips down her cheek. “Lucky for us, we’re all alone.”

“That is quite fortunate, isn’t it?”

“Have I ever told you how much I love your accent?”

“I don’t believe you have, no.”

“I do,” I reply before leaning over to kiss her lips softly. I can’t get enough of the taste of her, the way she gasps every time our lips meet. She’s sweet and addicting. “And I think this is a good opportunity to review what you’ve learned so far.”

“That could be fun,” she says just before I sink into her, tasting and exploring her perfect, smart little mouth. Our hands are everywhere, slipping over shoulders and arms. Finally, I slide up her tank, hitching it under her arms and exposing her bra and stomach.

“Take it off,” she says, but I shake my head.

“Not yet.” I kiss the skin at the edge of her bra. No nipple play this time. I want to explore her skin, discover what gives her goose bumps. She’s gathering my shirt in her hands, pulling it up, but I shake my head and tug it back down again.

“I want to see you without the shirt,” she says.

I’m not ready to show her those scars. Not yet. I don’t want to see the pity in her eyes or feel her recoil at the marred flesh.

“Not yet,” I growl again. “Sit back and let me make you feel good.”

“You always make me feel good.” She bites her lip when I slide my fingers over her stomach and down to her navel. “You have brilliant hands.”

“You have such soft skin.” I kiss my way over her neck to her chin, and with my lips against hers, I whisper, “I’m going to kiss your stomach now. Is that okay?”

“Oh, yes. That would be lovely.”

Her manners make me smile. I make my way down to her exposed stomach and lay open-mouthed kisses on her skin. She’s warm and smooth, and her muscles contract at the light touch.