Page 20 of Resurgent
I pull my hand away and take a deep breath. Why did I just tell him that? And why was he so sweet about it? Uncomfortable about opening up to him, I revert back to safe ground—talking business. “It’s fine for other people. But not for me. But I do believe in the power of careful planning and organization, and there’s nothing I love more than making the most stressful day of woman’s life go seamlessly.”
Liam spears a piece of shrimp with his fork. “The most stressful day? I thought it was supposed to be the happiest day of a woman’s life.”
“You have no idea how stressful it is! There’s endless preparation, the dress, the invites, the flowers, the cake, the venue for the reception. Which means seating charts and appetizers and table decorations and a million tiny details. All of which I handle so the bride doesn’t have to. But do I want to be a bride? No thank you. Marriage is an outdated idea invented hundreds of years ago to make women submit to men.”
Something dark and primal flashes in his eyes. “Don’t knock it ’til you try it.”
“Marriage?”
“No, submitting to a man.”
My breath catches. There’s no denying exactly what kind of submitting he means. I’d seen a hint of it in Playa, and it had set a thousand tiny fires simmering in my blood that have never fully been extinguished.
He abruptly stands. “I’m going to go shower and clean up.”
While Liam’s in the shower, I explore the rest of the villa. It’s two stories, and built into the side of a hill. The terrace downstairs is even bigger and more luxurious than the upstairs one. It has its own small plunge pool and hot tub overlooking the jungle and a couple of hammocks.I can hear the calming sound of the surf in the distance.
I’m leaning against the wood rail staring out at the sliver of ocean I can see through the trees when Liam walks out. I turn, and my heart stutters at the sight of him. He’s shaved off the beard and looks exactly like I remember him, but with longer hair, which makes him look rugged and even sexier. He also has nothing on but a white hotel towel wrapped around his hips, revealing his smooth, muscular chest, defined abs, and a bulge beneath the towel that leaves nothing to the imagination. I try to look away, but it’s hard. Pun intended.
“What do you think?” He nods at the big wrapround terrace.
“It’s a huge dick.” Horrified, I stammer, “I mean deck.” Dammit.
He laughs, and despite my embarrassment, the sound loosens something in me, reminding me not to take things so seriously.
“We have our own pool and hot tub!” I add.
He nods. “If we’re stuck here for a few days, we might as well enjoy it.”
“The only thing better would be if we could actually go to the beach, but this is the next best thing.”
He stares at me for one long minute, and I wish I knew what was going on behind those fathomless blue eyes. “Go put your swimsuit on. We’re going to the beach.”
“But you said we should lay low.”
He squints out at the beach, then back at me, considering. “This place is pretty remote, and I haven’t seen a lot of people. Should be okay.”
“And if it’s not?”
“Then I’ll take care of it.” His voice is full of steely resolve, and I have no doubt he can protect us from anything.
“Are you sure?” I ask, but I’m already heading inside to get my swimsuit. I can practically feel the soft sand between my toes.
“Positive. It’s time you learn how to have a good time.”
