Page 46 of The Red-Hot Stakes

“Yep, he’s gotta work for it. Just ’cause we’re engaged, doesn’t mean I’m easy.” She tossed her long strawberry blonde hair over her shoulder and strode to the door.

I almost asked her to wait, wanting more reassurance that yes, I did look okay. But I clamped my mouth shut.

Avery jutted out her hip, cracking the door open. “Can I help you?”

“Special delivery.”

Derek’s voice sounded muffled, and I strained to catch a glimpse of what was happening.

“Derek! They’re so pretty!” Avery squealed, flinging open the door.

I couldn’t even see her fiancé over the bouquet of roses he held. I laughed as Avery flung her arms around him, remembering her words about making him work for it. Evidently he wasn’t complacent yet.

Liam’s gruff voice sounded behind them. “I have a date in there somewhere, but I can’t get through because there’s a damn garden in the way.”

Derek chuckled, gripping Avery with one arm and hauling her to the side. “Sorry, man.”

And there he was. Liam carried a simple bouquet of wildflowers in one hand. A polo shirt stretched over his muscular chest and accentuated his defined arms, showing off the black circle of flames that wound around his right biceps. The dark denim jeans he wore were definitely tighter than should be allowed, and I loved all of it.

“Hey,” I said quietly.

But Liam didn’t move a muscle. He just stood there, staring.

At me.

Derek and Avery exchanged a look, and I gave them an annoyed shove. “Go find some water for your flowers. And like a million vases.” I reached out to tug Liam inside the apartment so he wasn’t just lurking in the hallway. “See something you like?”

“Damn, Red. You’re more than living up to your nickname.” His heated gaze slid down me, and I couldn’t resist a little twirl.

Avery’s voice sounded from the kitchen. “Wait, what’d you just call—” Her words cut off as Derek clamped a hand over her mouth and dragged her to the hallway.

“Excuse us for a minute.” He smirked at Liam. “Holler when you’re ready to go.”

I waited for them to disappear, then turned back to my date. “You were saying?”

He set the flowers on the end table, cupping my face with both hands. “You’re gorgeous, Gina.” His lips touched mine. “I’ve been thinking about doing that all day. I haven’t been able to get you out of my head.”

My stomach flipped as his eyes darkened. I ran my hands over his chest, stepping closer.

“Then I saw you, and I forgot how to breathe. How am I supposed to go out with you? Especially when you look this amazing.”

I beamed. “Liam, I think that was the sweetest, most romantic thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

“Wait, what?”

“Don’t ruin it.” I slid one hand to his neck, tugging his head down. “Kiss me.” Just before his lips hit mine, I breathed, “You look really nice, too.”

Then my world imploded. Wherever our skin touched, electricity flowed. His hands splayed across my bare back, my fingers gripping his biceps. Any space between us was too much, and he swallowed my sigh of relief as he crushed me to him.

When he claimed me with his hungry lips, I responded eagerly. Our tongues danced, leaving me breathless. I would have been content to kiss him forever, but Avery’s laughter sounded from the next room, breaking the spell. We reluctantly pulled apart.

“Shit, Red. Do we have to go?”

I basked in the empowering plea underlining his words. “And waste all this?” I gestured to my outfit, shaking my head. “Avery, Derek!” Liam muttered under his breath, but I ignored him as our friends emerged.

“Gina, didn’t you want to put those in water?” Avery pointed to my bouquet, still laying on the end table.

“Yes, I do.” I shot another smile at Liam, making sure he saw how much I loved the flowers.

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