Page 25 of Aim Assist

Oh, my.

Feeling it against me was one thing, but seeing it?

Yeah. Paul Winklestick has nothing on this man.

I'm pretty sure he'd rip me apart without some serious prep, and maybe lube. Which I didn't pack, because I wasn't quite expecting to slut out to this degree.

I watch, unabashed, as he adjusts himself to be a little more appropriate for public eyes. I'm pretty sure my eyes glued to his pants turn him on.

A lot.

But he's a gentleman again as he bends over and picks up the end of Lucky's leash. "Shall we go?"

Amy

Lucky dashes ahead, kicking up sand. Her little legs carry her back and forth in frantic, random paths across the beach as she chases seagulls. They want nothing to do with her, of course. I laugh as she bounces around, completely oblivious to their annoyance.

"She's having the time of her life." Liam's arm brushes against mine, sending tingles across my skin.

I glance over, admiring his profile. The sun glints off his hair, turning it to burnished gold. "Chasing birds is her favorite thing ever, besides treats."

"What about belly rubs?"

"Oh, she loves those. But only from people she trusts." I shoot him a mischievous look. "She has discerning tastes."

His lips quirk. "I see. And what does it take to earn the trust of a discerning lady like Lucky?"

My heart does a little flip at the flirtatious lilt in his voice. "Hmmm. Treats help. And a gentle touch."

"I'll keep that in mind."

We continue on, dodging the crowds of beachgoers. Liam shakes his head as we weave between a group of college-aged guys throwing a frisbee. "Is it always this busy?"

"It's the beach. It's summer. It's California." I shrug. "Tourists."

"Ah. The bane of every local's existence."

"So, you're not from around here, then?" I try to keep my question casual, but I'm probing.

He grins. "Was it that easy to tell? No." His gaze drifts to Lucky, who's now rolling in a pile of kelp. "It's not bad here, though. Especially with such cute company."

I laugh. "Don't let her hear you say that. It'll go straight to her head."

As if on cue, Lucky bounds up to Liam, little paws batting at his knees.

"Well, hello there." He crouches down to pet her. "Are you having fun?"

She pants and licks his hand, then takes off again, no doubt to find more birds to terrorize.

"I think that means yes." I grin at him, feeling lighter than I have in ages. "She's officially decided you're good people."

Liam stands, brushing sand off his shorts. His eyes meet mine, crinkling at the corners. "I'm honored."

We walk again, close enough that our fingers almost touch. The salty breeze tugs at my hair, the sun warm on my skin.

Lucky's developed a funny little prance as she dances about on the sand, keeping both of our attention. Still, at least seventy percent of my brain is focused on the places where our arms brush occasionally, sending my heart into a ridiculous, uncoordinated patter.

I glance over at Liam, curiosity getting the better of me. "So, you're not a driver. What do you do for a living, then?"

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