Page 28 of Recklessly You
She chews and continues talking as she walks toward me and cups my cheeks. “You, my Liam, have chains, shackles wrapped around your heart, your beautiful, precious heart. It will take a special woman to undo those shackles. And when it happens, you will feel the power of love, and oh my, what a beautiful thing to feel.” She smiles and looks into my eyes.
I place a kiss on her forehead. “Love is for chumps.” I’m joking, but she swats me with a kitchen rag.
“Then you’ll be a chump someday.” She winks.
* * *
I wokeup at the crack of dawn on my fucking day off since I found out little Miss Sassy Pants jogs every damn morning and night. I made it a mission to stalk her like prey. It’s been two and a half weeks since I’ve spoken to or seen her. The kiss lingered on my lips for days after I left her standing on her doorstep, yet I could not bring myself to stay. Being around her is intoxicating. I was losing control of the situation.
A part of me wanted to take her there and then and have my way, and another ached to be the man she craved, not just a replacement for her ex. I freaked the fuck out and ran off like a pussy. I asked her to call me when she was no longer thinking of her ex, but what if she changed her mind? I didn’t think it would take this long.
My damn forearm is sore from all the hand jobs I’ve been giving myself. Like now, I stroke it as I lean on the shower tile, picturing her naked creamy skin all over mine, my mouth capturing every part of her body, tasting her desire for me. I groan when my mouth covers her breast. I spill all over my hand. Fuck me. Getting out of the shower, I dry myself, only to put on workout clothes to run with Sophie. Who fucking does that? Takes a fucking shower so that they can see the woman they want to fuck while jogging. What the hell am I thinking?
Duke barks and wags his stub of a tail when he sees me reach for my keys.
“Sorry, bud, I would take you with me, but I fucking know you. You’re an attention stealer. She will fawn all over you. Not today, Duke.”
He barks repeatedly. His head tilts to the side, giving me innocent eyes.
I lift my hands in defense. “My dick needs attention right now. I need to see if our friendship with benefits, or whatever you call it, is still on.”
He tilts his head, looks up at me, and barks again when I grab my keys.
I park my Camaro close to Sophie’s neighborhood near a trail leading to a park and a small pond. This was where I saw her run one morning when I was on patrol. I’ve been taking this route to see her since then.
I do some leg stretches before running along the trail. A couple of yards away, I spot her in some tiny pink shorts and a white tank top, taking a sip of bottled water. I jump behind a giant willow tree and pinch the bridge of my nose. What the fuck am I doing? What the hell am I supposed to say? Hey, I decided to park my car around your neighborhood and take a jog.
Fucking lame, Liam.Fuck.
I need to think of something. Maybe I can say I’m getting ready for a marathon and ran from my house. Fuck it. She won’t know. I’ve never reacted this way toward a woman. It’s insane.
I dash down the dirt trail as soon as I notice her picking up speed. She is sexy as hell in those tiny shorts, especially with her toned legs. Goddamn, her ass is perfect. I run faster to catch up to her, but she speeds up like the fucking boogie man is after her. She runs like a gazelle, light and airy with lightning speed. She pumps her legs, gaining momentum with each push. I pick up my pace. Fuck me, I’m a fast runner, or so I thought, but this woman can run.
I finally catch up to her. She’s startled when she sees me running alongside her.
“Hey, Sophie. Why are you running like the devil is chasing after you?”
She continues running at lightning speed and snickers. “That’s because he obviously is.”
I grin. “The devil is chasing you because he wants to play, baby.”
She stumbles to a stop on the trail, and I can’t help but stare. Perspiration runs down her neck and soaks her tight white tank top. The white top clings to her body, dark patches of sweat showing where it has soaked in. Her nipples are hard and prominent, pushing against the fabric of her sports bra. I feel my stomach tighten with desire.
She puts her hands on her hips. “What are you doing here, Liam? You don’t live close by, do you? I would have seen you around.” She sasses as if she’s irritated by my presence.
She could be pissed off from the other night, but not too pissed. Her blue eyes drink me in like I’m her favorite wine. I’m dripping in sweat. It’s January, and it’s still fucking cold as fuck. This woman does not seem bothered. It could be because she’s from New York. I peel my shirt off just to watch her unthaw. She bites her lip, watching the sweat glisten and drip down to the V line; she swallows slowly as her gaze travels back to my face.
I smirk and say, “No, I don’t live around here. I’m training for a marathon.”Lie, lie.
Her eyes brighten at my words. All sassiness gone. “That’s awesome, Liam. I’ve done a couple of marathons back home. When is it? Maybe I can sign up?”
Oh, fuck.
I scratch the back of my neck and avert my gaze to the pond where kids are feeding some ducks. “Um, well, it’s for work. Only for officers.”
Her shoulders deflate. She takes her air pods out of her pocket. “Oh, I see. That’s too bad.”
I clear my throat. “You’re a fast runner,” I say, trying to change the subject.
