His hips thrust forward as he sucked in a breath. His heat branded her skin. “Please, Ella. I’ll get down on one knee and—Holyshit.”
She dropped toherknees and freed him from the constrictive fabric. He was much larger than she’d thought, and she’d guessed he was big. She had a moment of doubt. Could she manage him?
One way to find out.
She slid the tip of her tongue up his pulsing length and then slipped her lips over his broad crown. The palm tree trunk at her back scraped across her skin. That strange dichotomy of sensations—smooth, silky skin on her tongue and rasping bark against her back—heightened Ella’s every sensation. She lowered herself down his length, the tang of salt water and man saturating her awareness. He ran his hands through her hair, his fingers spasming as she lifted herself off his length and found a sensitive spot just beneath the corona. She paused, thrilling at the command she wielded over the powerful man who stood before her. He shook so that his legs seemed to almost fail him. His breaths were so harsh he sounded like a racehorse nearing the finish line. And the way he had to remove one hand from her head to prop himself up on the palm tree at her back? She ruled his body just then, and she relished every second.
Reaching up, Ella cupped Liam’s sac, gently rolling it in her palm at the same time she sank down his length. The tip of his cock brushed the back of her throat, and she hummed her approval.
He groaned, knees bending so she had to adjust her position.
“Ella,” he ground out. “I can’t...”
She worked him harder, feeling the subtle change as his testicles drew tight just seconds before he lost control. It was all Ella could do to keep from touching herself, bringing herself over that beautiful edge and joining him in the fall, but this was about him, about her command of him, her control, his pleasure. Next time, and there would be a next time, she’d see to it that he gave as well as he received.
Releasing him, she found him staring down at her, his forearm propped on the tree, his forehead resting on his arm. The sated look in his eyes was sexy as hell, but it couldn’t compare to the slightly swollen bottom lip—he must have bitten down on it to keep quiet. She’d done that to him, driven him to the point he’d nearly cried out.
And she suddenly wanted nothing more than to drive him so far beyond rational thought that he lost all reason and simply let go.
Next time.
Liam offered her a hand, and she rose with his help. He nuzzled her neck, her sensitive skin erupting in goose bumps. She wanted him, more than she’d ever wanted anyone. Even a short affair would be enough. Enjoy him while she was here, removed as they were from everyday life stress, and take the memory with her when she left. That would do.
It would have to.
She sagged against him, something akin to disappointment sneaking in and leaving a dark smudge on what had been a bright moment. Reality was always such a quick way to go from thrilled to simply breathing in and out. The only option was to live in the moment and enjoy what little free time she had between work and related obligations.
“Ella?”
Her name, a soft question on his lips, had her lifting her face to his. “Hmm?”
“Thank you.”
She grinned. “Not what I expected, but I suppose you’re welcome.”
He smiled and then surprised her by bursting out laughing. “Well, ‘you’re welcome’ wasn’t what I expected, either. No matter. What I meant was, that was absolutely incredible. And generous.” He kissed her, soft and swift. “And you’ll get your own back soon enough.”
One eyebrow shot up. “Is that so?”
“It is.” He ran a thumb over her eyebrow. “Have dinner with me.”
“Agreed. But you have to do one thing for me.”
“And that is?”
Irritation prickled along her spine. “You won’t agree out of gratitude?”
Liam blinked slowly. “Darling, I learned early on to never make blind promises to old friends or new lovers. It tends to sully the relationship.”
Relationship.Not the word she would use for a tryst, but he could call it whatever he wanted.
He hooked a finger under her chin and drew her attention back to him. “What is it you want from me?”
“The revised list.” The request was flat, even to her ears.
“Have dinner with me, Ella, and I’ll bring the list. The event coordinator texted me on our way back from the dive. He’s coordinated a banquet on the beach with local performers, and you’ll make your final menu choices then as well. The goal, I believe, is to have you consider the same or similar event for the post-ceremonial reception. He and his staff have contracted quite a few entertainers, and they want you to pick your favorites.”
“Why did he text you?”