Page 145 of He Loves Me Knot

ChapterThirty-Four

“Did you have fun tonight?”Liddy asked Elle, leaning against her as they walked arm in arm toward the bungalows.

“So much fun. I mean, it’s probably less fun than you all had—you know, not being able to drink and all—but it was perfect. Way better than a silly rehearsal dinner.”

“Good.” Liddy stopped as the paths split by the pool. They had different walkways to take, and it was really the first time all night she’d been alone with Elle. She sighed, then hugged her. “I’m thrilled for you.”

Elle held her close, settling her chin against Liddy’s shoulder. “Lid, I’m sorry if I was a jerk earlier today. Or if I’ve been awful during the past few days. I’ll admit I was jealous. You were spending so much time with Callum, and I’ve barely gotten to see you the last year and you see him every day.” She pulled away, straightening. “But I’m so proud of you. You’re so independent and amazing.”

“Yeah, well, my sister set a high bar of achievement to look up to. Don’t forget, I’m not the famous one.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Elle stepped toward her bungalow. “I should check to see if Quinn is back. Hopefully, the men didn’t get him too wasted tonight. I don’t need my mother-in-law . . .” She paused, then gave an exaggerated shrug. “You know what? I don’t care. It doesn’t matter.”

Liddy laughed. “See? You’re learning. Speaking of Quinn, though, can you do me a favor?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Can you tell him that while I appreciate him trying to be a good ‘big brother,’ just let Callum and I figure this thing we’ve got going on together?”

A hint of a smile touched Elle’s lips. “You’ve got it. Like I said, you’re all grown up now.”

“But I’ll always need my big sis.”

“And I’ll always need my little sis.”

Liddy hugged her one more time, then they parted. Liddy strolled slowly toward her bungalow, searching her clutch for the room key. There had been a break in the rain for the evening, but clouds appeared to be rolling over the stars again. Everything in the canopy of trees around the bungalows was damp and glistened with droplets. The monkeys and birds were quiet for the night.

A soft snore broke the silence as she reached the bungalow.

Callum was curled up in the hammock, one hand hanging over the edge. He didn’t look entirely comfortable.

But he’s here.

That filled her with a happiness that made her chest hurt.

Going closer to him, she squatted, then swiped her hand across his cheek. Lowering her lips to his, she kissed him softly. “Hey, sleeping beauty.”

Callum blinked, then pushed his shoulders back. He smelled of alcohol, which didn’t surprise her.Just how drunk is he?

“Didn’t make it inside?” she teased as he sat up straight, almost dazedly.

“Not quite.” Rather than get up, he reached for her and pulled her onto his lap, one leg at a time so that she was straddling him.

She relaxed into him as the hammock swayed slightly, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Miss me?”

“You have no idea.” His hand had found its way up her dress and deftly unhooked her bra. “I’ve been waiting here for you for ages.”

She chuckled against his jaw, sucking in a breath as his palms slid around to her breasts. “We’re outside you know,” she whispered. “Someone could see us.”

“It’s dark,” he countered, making slow circles with his palms over her nipples. “And we can be quiet.” His lips found hers, and he drank from her mouth with raw intensity. He tasted like whisky, not that she minded.

Her pulse was already speeding, her desire for him mounting.

“Are you drunk?”

“Just a bit.” His hands left her breasts and pushed her skirt up.

“Liar. You’re wasted.”

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