Page 111 of Summertime Friends

“It’s my birthday,” I say to him.

“I know.” He inches toward me on the ledge. We’re standing shoulder to shoulder.

“Aren’t you going to wish me a happy birthday?”

“Is that what you wanted? Me to follow you up here to wish you a happy birthday.”

Liam leans into me. I want him to kiss me again.

He doesn’t.

His facial hair brushes against my cheek, and I shudder at the roughness of his movements. His mouth is next to my ear.

“Happy birthday States,” he says. His breath sends a shiver down my spine.

Liam reverses his movements, placing a kiss on my cheek.

“You look sexy tonight,” he says, kissing my cheek again.

Similar to Chloe, I’m also wearing a silver dress. Metallic denim, strapless, mid-thigh, and a zipper front that is undone enough that my boobs can breathe from being pressed up into each other. Matching silver heels and earrings.

“Liam,” I sigh as he kisses my cheek again. Then my bare neck.

I want his mouth on mine. Not my neck. Not my cheek.

Not on anyone else.

I want his mouth on mine and only mine forever.

I reluctantly pull away from his touch, turning to face him. Finding his eyes, I see intensity rivaling my own, but I read what else they say.

Liam isn’t going to kiss me again. I need to be the one to kiss him.

You shouldn’t kiss him. You should kiss him.My conscience battles itself.You shouldn’t kiss him. You should kiss him.

I want to. I need to. Screw it.

I kiss him. It’s frantic and rushed before I change my mind.

Our kiss isn’t soft. Neither of us is trying to be. Our lips move with passion and intention, laying claim to each other.

We pull apart.

Liam’s eyes search my face as if he’s trying to gain access to my present thoughts. I don’t know why; he is my every thought. Right now. Six years ago. Three years ago. Every damn day.

I bring my hand to my lips, gently touching them, dragging my fingers down, and pulling my lower lip with them until they are resting there. I’m savoring the feel of his kiss. My eyes never leave his.

In a heartbeat, Liam’s hands are cupping my face. He turns our bodies, pressing my back into the ledge.

Liam devours my mouth in a kiss, so satisfying it will be in the minds of everyone around us, not that I’m paying attention to them. I couldn’t even if I tried.

I moan into his mouth as his tongue slides against my teeth and then licks the roof of my mouth. I kiss him harder. Liam lets me take control as his tongue retracts to his mouth.

He moans out a curse as I bite down on his lip, exactly the way he used to let me. Three years, and we still know exactly what buttons to push, where to touch, nip, kiss, and lick.

My hands drop from his hair to his back. Finding the hem of his shirt and then finding their way under them.

“Quite impatient.” He laughs against my lips. “I’ve had three years to think about the things I want to do to you, States. No need to rush this.”

---