Page 63 of Bake You Mine
“You’re a beautiful woman worthy of Liam’s attention, Aubrey. You’ve got this.”
After her pep talk, she exited the van and punched the code into the keypad by the front door.
Any remaining nerves rattled straight out of her as she took the steps two by two. This night would be different from any vague fantasy she’d allowed herself when she’d harbored her crush, but different wasn’t always bad.
She knocked on Liam’s door. While she waited for him to answer, she considered making a smart-assed quip about how the spoils he’d ordered had arrived. When he opened the door, the joke died on her lips. He was handsomely disheveled in tattered jeans and an old band T-shirt, his wild hair swooped to one side.
The real thing outmatched any fantasy. She reached for him, pulling him out into the hallway. They tumbled together as she arched up to kiss him. They fell against one another until her back came to rest on the brick wall opposite his door. Her hands slid up under his shirt before Liam took a half step away from her.
“Um, not to be a prude or anything, but we should probably take this inside. Besides, it never ends well once Teddy tastes freedom.” He nodded toward the door, where Teddy’s gigantic paw poked through the crack.
Aubrey blinked. “I didn’t realize we were in the hallway. Damn, your mojo is strong.”
He snickered as he reached for her hand, and they walked inside together. Teddy looped around their legs before hopping onto the back of the sofa.
“Why don’t you take off your coat and stay awhile?”
She paused to throw off her coat and kick off her shoes. “So, are you going to tell me about my punishment?”
“Why tell you when I can show you?” Liam reached for her again, capturing her in his arms and lifting her off her feet.
“If you caveman lift me, I will fucking kill you.” She butted her head against his shoulder.
He snorted. “Thanks for taking my fantasy away from me, Aubrey. I don’t know if I’ll ever recover.”
They laughed again as he carried her into the bedroom. He set her down on the end of the bed.
He sat beside her, their thighs touching. The next kiss came in a rush, taking her breath. She was eager to proceed, but Liam took his time. His kisses were slow, languid as she angled closer to him.
He snaked a hand behind her, gently fisting a handful of her hair and giving it a gentle tug.
A feral-like noise burst out from deep in Aubrey’s throat.
He broke the kiss, wearing a devilish grin. “You like?”
“Until ninety seconds ago, I would have said no, another item chalked up to your persuasive skills.” She leaned in close, inhaling every bit of him. How did he smell so good? He lowered his head toward her, and she ran her fingers through his hair.
“I’ve been wanting to do that for ages.” She pushed his hairback in the other direction, enjoying the silky strands between her fingers.
“Have you thought about…this before?” Firecrackers of sensation exploded everywhere he touched.
“If you’re asking whether I had fantasies, they were more like dirty dreams, impossible to shake off. It felt weird to me, having fantasies about someone I know.” She stared at the pattern on the rug, unable to meet his eyes. “The heart wants what it wants, I guess.”
“Is that why you kept your distance? Your dirty mind worked overtime, and you couldn’t face me in the light of day?” He waggled his eyebrows. Before she could protest, he cupped her cheek. “I’m kidding, Aubs. I believe you.”
She huffed out a breath. “I’m glad.”
“I had dreams about you, so we’re even.” He kissed her, then stood up.
She reached for him, unbelieving. “Seriously?”
He nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. “Seriously. Although I lack the supplies to reenact them now, so we’ll have to hold off on that front.”
She started to ask what he meant by “supplies,” but her brain flatlined when she reached the leather and silver belt looping around his waist. He held up his hands before she could reach for the hem of his shirt.
“Let’s each take turns to get our fill.”
A joke died on her lips. He wanted to prolong this as much as she did. He’d been serious about seeing her as a prize.
