and the park, the city beyond it. Liam strode across the huge living area to the kitchen. He set the file on the Bronx property on the lake-sized island made of white marble, veined with gray.
“Should we stand on the terrace?” he suggested. “If anyone is watching, they might spot us. We can give them a show.”
I glanced out at the terrace. It was walled in with sleek outdoor furniture. It looked private.
“Not that terrace, the upper deck,” he said. “More chance of being seen.”
“You have two terraces?”
“Yes.” That wicked smile.
“You’re enjoying this.”
“Being close to you is no hardship.” He echoed my own words. “Glass of wine?”
I nodded. I wouldn’t normally drink, but I needed it to settle my nerves.
He pulled a bottle of something from his huge Subzero refrigerator. It took him a second to open it, then he grabbed two glasses from a cupboard. He poured the pretty gold liquid into the glass and then poured one for himself too.
“Come on.” He handed me a glass, then took my hand.
His hands weren’t soft. I found it surprising that he had calluses. He led me up some stairs, and I stared at the huge, draping chandelier in the void space. He opened the doors onto a huge terrace.
“This is incredible,” I breathed.
There was a fire pit off to one side, surrounded by comfy chairs. Some sun loungers lay on the other side of the terrace, along with a large carved statue made of black stone.
But the most impressive thing was the view of downtown. It was breathtaking.
“Do you have a pool?”
He pointed over the glass railing. I glanced down at the pool on the level below.
I wanted to weep. I loved my apartment, but I’d trade it for Liam’s place in an instant. Although, I’d definitely add more plants if I lived here.
We stood at the railing, and I stared at the Kensington Group building in the distance, then I scanned the street far below.
“Can you see anyone?” he asked.
I glanced around casually, like I was taking in the view. “Not from up here, but they’re likely there, somewhere, with a telephoto lens aimed our way.” I sipped the wine, then moaned. “Oh my God, this is so good.”
“Glad you like it.”
“What is it?” If I memorized the name, maybe I could grab a bottle next time I needed wine.
“It’s Château d’Yquem.”
I paused. “That sounds expensive.”
“About five hundred dollars for this bottle. But it gets more expensive depending on the vintage.”
I choked on my next sip. “Seriously?”
“Drink up.” He leaned in, his fingers dancing over my temple. “You really think someone’s watching?”
“Probably.”
“Well, in that case—” He took the wineglasses and set them on the table.
“Liam—” I pressed my hands to his chest.
“Relax.”
He stroked my cheek. Desperate, I grabbed onto anything to distract me. “Why do you have calluses on your hands?”
“You expected them to be soft?”
“Yes.”
“I worked construction in college to help pay my way.”
I blinked. “Why? Your family is wealthy.”
“My father is prone to tantrums. He liked to cut me off periodically, depending on his moods. Especially if I didn’t follow his exact wishes. I never knew if I’d have money to pay rent each month.”
“Liam, that’s terrible.”
“We’ve all had things to cope with in our lives. Tough times. I’m well aware people have had it far tougher than me. Those situations, they forge us, make us stronger. It can’t always be smooth sailing. Besides, I’ve learned that the best stuff usually arrives after the storm.” He pulled me closer. “I’m going to kiss you now.”
I glanced over his shoulder. “Is someone watching?”
“I’ve no idea.”
His mouth closed on mine.
He Smelled like Sin
Liam
Liam pulled Aspen closer, sliding a hand up to cup the back of her head.
Damn, she tasted so good. A delicious temptation.
She made a sound close to a whimper, pressing into him. Moving his lips on hers, he tried to keep some control.
He should’ve known better.
The touch of her, the taste of her, it was like a damn drug.
And he was willingly addicted.
She tasted like Aspen and wine. Everything about this woman sung to his senses.
More. Take more.
He pulled back for a second, absorbing her flushed cheeks and swollen lips, then he fused his mouth to hers again.
She made a hungry sound. His tongue delved into her mouth, and she met him stroke for stroke. His groan vibrated in his chest and he deepened the kiss.
Liam slid one hand up her body, shaping her rib cage. He pulled her shirt free of her trousers, then his hand