Page 50 of My Favorite Sin

“I think about them a lot, actually. And to answer your question, they’re just to my liking.”

I try to resist a smile. So far, this evening has been one flirtatious thing after the next. While dinner was simmering on the stove, Liam taught me some basics about how to play the double bass. He stood behind me, with his chest pressed to my back and his lips against my ear as he instructed my fingers over the instrument’s strings. It was a sensual lesson that ended with kisses while the food boiled over on the stove. I can see myself being with him in the long run if I can manage to get Dan out of my head.

I snuggle closer into Liam, resting my head in the nook of his neck and disregarding the movie. It’s nice being in his arms. He kisses my forehead and I can tell that he too has stopped paying attention to the movie, enjoying this moment between us. We’re quiet yet it’s comfortable. There’s no need for conversation.

“Hey.” I break the silence, peering up at him. “My parents are hosting a Forever Families benefit in the gardens of our beach house tomorrow night. Would you like to be my date?”

Dan won’t be in attendance. He’s never at Forever Families events, which will give me a good opportunity to spend quality time around Liam without the distraction of my stepbrother. As for my parents, they were embarrassing today when meeting Liam, but I’m hoping the more they see me with him, the less they’ll think of me as their little girl.

The skin around Liam’s eyes tightens with concern. Notquite the reaction I was hoping for when asking him to be my date. He twirls a lock of my hair around his finger, contemplating something. “I’d love to be your date but I already have plans.”

“Oh, no worries.”

“Ally.” He strokes my cheeks, his voice gentle. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you about something. You said you’re willing to give an open relationship a try. I’m glad, because I really like you. Honesty is the only way these kinds of relationships work, and while I know we’re not in a relationship yet, I’ll always be one hundred percent honest with you. I’m seeing someone tomorrow night.”

“Oh. Okay. That’s all good.” My words come out on autopilot before I have a chance to absorb the information Liam dropped on me.

“How does that make you feel? I know you’re new to this style of dating. I want to make sure you’re okay with everything.”

He’s being very caring toward my well-being, which I appreciate, along with the honesty. I take a breath, trying to navigate my feelings. Liam going on a date does feel a little weird but only because I’m new to open relationships. Overall, I don’t have an issue with him seeing someone else. I knew this was a possibility right from the first time we met.

The two of us have fun together. I enjoy our conversations and his kisses are nice. All I want is to go with the flow and not overthink.

“I’m fine with you seeing someone tomorrow night. I wouldn’t have agreed to see you again if I wasn’t.”

The light from the TV flickers across his face as he studies me. “You sure? I’m happy to talk through any feelings you may have about this. Any questions.”

I shrug. “I don’t have any issues.”

“You’ll tell me if anything changes?”

“Of course.”

Liam’s arms tighten around me. “Good. So, tell me about this benefit. You’re pretty involved with Forever Families?”

“From an appearance standpoint, yes. Our family is the face of the organization. All I have to do is smile for the cameras and give the occasional interview. Be on my best behavior. I’ll be performing a piece on the piano tomorrow night. Funnily enough, a piece by Mozart.”

“I miss out on you performing? Damn. I’m still hanging out to see you play.”

“I’ll play something for you on our next date.”

His fingers weave with mine and he brings the back of my hand to his lips. “I’ll be out of town for ten days performing with the band. When I get back, I’m holding you to your word. As for tomorrow night, since you’ll be performing Mozart, I must insist you wear a dress like that one and send me a photo.” Liam nods to the TV screen, at the actress in her corseted dress with life-threatening cleavage.

I laugh again, my amusement cut short by Liam’s lips pressing against mine. The kiss is gentle and sweet and warms me. I sink into his embrace, my lips moving in time with his.

“Your laugh is beautiful,” he murmurs. “I really like you, Ally.”

“I like you too.”

A few weeks ago, I could barely talk to a guy. Now, I’m making out with one on his couch. I’m so…pleasedwith myself for getting here. Pleased that I have the ability to be attracted to someone other than my stepbrother.

Dan’s words return to me from earlier in the day.Tonight, on your date, let him touch you where I just did. Then, come and tell me if it feels anywhere near as good as what we’ve just done.

Dan is wrong about us and I’m going to prove it.

I deepen the kiss, attempting to lose myself within Liam’s touch and chase away all thoughts of Dan. My hands slide up his chest and into his hair. Liam pauses the movie, then guides me onto my back and hovers above me, grinding between my legs. My hands trail down and I gasp when my fingers run over the large bulge in Liam’s pants.

“You sound so good,” he groans.

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