Deceiving The Groom (10 page)

The air was chill, but all she could feel was the heat of Liam’s eyes on her. She leaned forward and tugged at his shirt collar. He moved to help but she shoved away his fingers, smoothing her hands over the skin on his chest. She kissed over the path of her hands and tasted the clean slightly salty flavor of his skin.

The buttons of Liam’s shirt all undone, she pushed it from his shoulders. In the soft light his skin was even more golden, even more inviting. She wanted to run her tongue and her teeth over every inch of it. His breaths quickened and he grasped her shoulders, but she slid free, falling to her knees in front of him.

She ran her hands over the bulging front of his pants. She’d never been chaste, but also had never been so wild. He did something to her. It was more than knowing that she shouldn’t have him.

Her hands found the button at the top of his pants and popped it free. She slid down his zipper in a slow deliberate action. His glorious manhood sprang free. Claire grasped its silken length in her hands, she leaned closer, her breath brushing against his tip.

Liam made a sound above her. Claire looked up. His head was tossed back and his Adam’s apple bobbed under the stubble on his neck. He ran his hands over his face. “Christ, Claire. I don’t think I’ll survive.” His voice was raspy and broken.

Claire glanced at the beautifully rounded head of his cock in her hands and sucked it deeply into her mouth. She had to taste him. Even if she missed out on having him inside her, she needed to feel this. Her tongue flicked over his tip and his hands sank into her hair. He moved in her mouth and she took as much as she could until he groaned and pulled away.

Liam scooped her up and sat her on the edge of the hot tub. Her hands braced either side of her as Liam nudged her knees apart. His hands slid down the centre of her thighs spreading them.

“Open for me, lovely.” She opened herself to him. It was like all her madly rushing blood flowed to that one pulsing place at her core.

He bent, the stubble on his cheek brushing against her sensitive inner thigh, stimulating and tantalizing with its hint of roughness. The heat of his tongue touched her and she nearly fell off the edge. He caught her, sucking the hard little nub between her legs and laving it with the slick ridge of his tongue. Her insides liquefied, quivered, and burst. A dam of sensations rocketed over her and a guttural, breathless moan squeezed from her. She shook, but he didn’t ease up, only continuing to lap as her thighs squeezed around his head.

“Liam, now, please now,” she panted.

Liam rose and tugged off the remainder of his clothing, then carried her into the hot tub. The heated water on her chilled skin took her breath away. The bubbles rushed around her. Liam sat and pulled her into his lap.

One of Claire’s arms circled his neck and her other hand went to his face, tracing the line of his jaws before she covered his mouth with hers. Bubbles lapped at her breasts tormenting her and she straddled him. She rubbed her sensitive aching flesh over him, felt him slide against her.

Liam opened his mouth wider under hers and gripped the back of her neck. His other hand grasped her hip, sinking her over him with untamed urgency. He thrust into her and she pushed down on him, desperate for the filling ecstasy of his girth. Her every sense was invoked, squeezing out thoughts of anything other than the slide of her body against his.

Her lips moved over his and she rocked her hips. Pleasure mingled with aching need, and she bucked against him. Liam grasped her hips, controlling her movements, but heightening the divine agony. He moved inside her, one punishing stroke at a time. Her lips left his and she arched her back, bowing in ecstasy.

Liam’s mouth caught one trembling nipple and sucked. She came apart, exploding around him in a spasm of muscles and convulsing warmth. Liam’s body strained, and he thrust deeper, faster, stiffening and joining her tumbling in that moment of bliss. 

Her face rested in the crook of Liam’s neck and she panted. His hands stroked her wet back, and she snuggled deeper into him, luxuriating in the sensation of him still buried inside her. His lips nuzzled her forehead, planting soft, delicate kisses along her brow. She clung to him, not wanting to let go. Not wanting reality to intrude. She just wanted this moment, the beauty of it, to soak into her and wash away all else.

In the enormous hotel bed, Claire laid her cheek on Liam’s heaving chest. His skin was slightly damp and the musky scent of his body amplified. Claire inhaled deeply, drawing his rich masculine fragrance into her. If only she could stop time, she would pause here.

Liam’s fingers trailed over her shoulder, and she snuggled deeper into him. Things were changing. Each second that passed made her want to run further and further away from the decisions she’d made. She wanted to bury what she had done where he would never find it. Liam’s phone vibrated next to his bed. He groaned and reached for it, looking at the screen. The space between his eyebrows furrowed. “It’s Mrs. Ruiz.”

Liam answered. Fast high sounds emanated from where he pressed the phone to his ear. His body tensed under Claire’s arm and she sat up. Liam rolled over and slid from bed. “Hold on, I’m on my way.”

He hung up the phone and reached for his pants. Claire reached for her underwear. “Is everything alright?”

Liam turned towards her and she caught her favorite part of him disappear underneath his zipper. “Mrs. Ruiz’s daughter is in labor. I need to get home to Lexi so she can leave.”

Claire swallowed the lump of disappointment. “Oh, well wish her luck for me.”

“Why don’t you do it for yourself? Come home with me.” Liam pushed his arm through the sleeve of his shirt, then fiddled with the button on his wrist. Liam gave her his dimpled half smile.

“I’ll just get dressed,” she said and reached for her clothes on the floor.

Mrs. Ruiz was waiting on the step when they pulled in the drive, a large spotted suitcase sat beside her. She hurried down the steps, suitcase knocking on the stairs as she tugged it down. Liam rushed out of the car and took the case from Mrs. Ruiz, easing it down the last step.

Mrs. Ruiz rushed ahead of him and popped the boot of her tiny hatchback. She turned to Liam who lifted the suitcase inside.

“Lexi is in bed, asleep. Her things are ready for school in the morning, but other than that, I’m afraid you’ll have to fend for yourselves for a while.”

Liam glanced in the boot. “How long did you say you were going to be gone?”

Mrs. Ruiz gave him her behave-child glare. “Now Mr. Channing, this is not up for negotiation. I’m taking three weeks off to be with my daughter.”

Liam nodded but his face looked like he’d swallowed a rock. “Of course, I know we agreed.”

She slammed the boot and looked at him. “Besides, I think it will be good for you. You underestimate your capabilities.”

Liam smiled briefly and touched Mrs. Ruiz’s arms. “I know we’ll be fine. Give my well wishes to Kate.”

Mrs. Ruiz face softened and she gave his cheek a little pat. “Goodbye, Liam.” She turned to Claire who lingered behind Liam. “Good to see you again, Claire.”

Claire returned the smile. “You too. All the best for you daughter.”

Liam opened the driver’s seat door for Mrs. Ruiz and she climbed in. She started the car and waved before driving away. Liam stared after her. “Well this should be interesting.”

Claire linked her arm through his. “I have seen you on Mrs. Ruiz’s nights off. You and Lexi will be fine on your own.”

Liam sighed deeply. “Hmm, I hope so. Not sure the business will be. I had two trips planned. My lawyer, Peter, is going to skin me.”

Claire raised her eyebrow. “Skin you?” Like anyone could touch this man.

Liam chuckled. “Well he’ll try. He likes to think he runs me. It’s his mission keeping my backside out of legal trouble.”

“Will it be okay to miss the meetings?”

Liam gazed at the house. “It will be. Lexi comes first. Peter knows that now.”

Claire felt a tiny bit of her heart break. Why did this man have to say these things? If he was anyone else she would pitch her tent right here and build her world around him. She gazed at him, if something didn’t stop her she might just do that anyway.

Chapter Twelve

Looked like Liam was serious about bringing her home, because there she was for the second day in a row. She entered the lounge room and Lexi jumped up and ran to her, wrapping her arms around Claire’s waist. “Claire!”

Liam smiled, something soft she hadn’t quite seen before passing over his features. Claire stiffened for a moment then hugged the girl back, patting her soft curls. Lexi let go and looked at her uncle. “What’s for dinner?”

Liam scooped her up and kissed her cheek. Lexi was still wore her school uniform, the cute plaid pinafore and white shirt. “I don’t know, what can you cook, Lexi?”

She laughed. “Cheerios?”

Liam chuckled and carried her into the kitchen and sat her on the counter. “Well, hopefully I can do a little better than cereal. Want spaghetti?” He turned to Claire. “Feel like spaghetti?

Lexi scrunched her nose. “I thought you said you weren’t going to try that again.”

Liam pulled a packet of spaghetti from the pantry. “It wasn’t that bad…”

Claire laughed under her breath at the banter and followed him to the pantry. Liam flung open a cupboard and pulled out a large pot, and filled it with cold water then placed it onto the stove. He tore open the pasta and made to pour it into the water.

“Uh-uh!” Claire said, moving towards him and holding her hand out for the pasta. Liam raised a brow but handed it over.

“Boiling water,
boiling
water.”

Liam raised his hands and stepped back from the stove. “By all means, learn me.”

Claire shook her head and put the lid on the pot and turned it to maximum heat. She went to the fridge and plucked out onions and a few vegetables. “Liam, you’re on onion duty.”

She set them down on the counter and he nodded, finding a chopping board and knife. Claire placed cheese and a small grater in front of Lexi. “You are in charge of cheese.”

Claire chopped up some bacon, poured the spaghetti into the salted boiling water, and fried the onions and vegetables with the bacon. Liam drained the pasta and poured it into the pan where Claire added a dash of cream, half of Lexi’s perfectly grated cheese, and salt and pepper.

The rich aroma filled the air and Claire twirled large scoops into the middle of the pasta bowls. They sat at the table to eat.

“Damn this is good.” Liam whispered, blowing on his second forkful.

Claire finished chewing and swallowed. It was pretty damn good. It had that smoky richness that clung to the roof of your mouth.

“Don’t look at me. We all made it together.” Claire glanced at Lexi over her fork and the little girl beamed at her uncle. Liam shot Claire an appreciative look that made her wonder if a pinch of chili slipped in to her dish.

“How was school today?” Liam asked.

Lexi dropped her fork into her plate and shrugged.

Liam’s mouth twitched. “Lexi?”

“I have a note for you.”

Liam rubbed his forehead. Claire’s gaze flickered between the two. They finished dinner in silence and then did the dishes.

“Lexi, I’d like that note now please.” Liam put away the last dish and dried his hands.

Lexi went to her school bag and withdrew a letter. Claire took out cups and rested them in front of the coffee pot. Lexi handed the note to Liam looking at her shoes.

Liam tugged it open and quickly scanned the contents. He crumpled up the note and tossed it into the bin underneath the sink. “Go upstairs and put your pajamas on please.”

“But it’s not bedtime!” Lexi cried, her face full of youthful indignation.

“Lexi, do as you are told please. We talked about what would happen if this continued.”

Lexi’s face scrunched tight and she turned and thundered up the stairs. Above them a door slammed. Liam rested his palms on the counter. Claire passed him a coffee.

“I just don’t know what to do with her. She keeps getting in trouble, fighting with other kids…”

Claire rested her hand on his shoulder. “Has she said why she’s fighting?”

Liam shook his head and took a sip of the coffee. “Bits and pieces. She won’t tell me everything. I know the kids say things that upset her. Sometimes I think they don’t realize it’s going to set her off.” He turned to her, his expression like she had never seen. “Last week a boy referred to her as an orphan and she socked him in the eye.”

Claire wrapped her arm around him. “Perhaps her school could try and encourage some sensitivity?”

“They haven’t exactly been responsive. The school is more concerned with punishing Lexi for being a nuisance. It leaves me stuck in the middle. I can’t ignore it but how can I punish her as well?”

Footsteps pounded down the stairs and Claire moved back. Lexi emerged in her pajamas. “Do I at least get a story?”

Liam took a gulp of coffee. “Just one.”

Claire glanced at her handbag and took a breath. “Actually, would you like me to read to you, Lexi?”

Lexi nodded and stepped forward. Claire moved to her handbag and pulled out her constant companion—her e-reader.

“What’s that?”

Claire handed it to Lexi. “It’s for downloading and reading books. I have a few things on here you might like.”

Lexi’s eyes widened and she glanced at Liam. He nodded and Lexi led Claire up to her room. Lexi turned on her lamp and Claire switched off the light, then she helped Lexi under the covers.

“How does it work?” Lexi asked, already having figured out how to turn it on and flick through the menu.

Claire took the e-reader. “Here, I have a folder with kid’s books.” She clicked on the book she had downloaded for Penny but had not yet been able to read to her. It was about knowing you are loved even when the people you love are gone.

Claire glanced up at the shadow at the door. Liam leaned in the doorway, resting on his shoulder. Lexi listened quietly, not speaking as she held the tablet while Claire read. She looked over her shoulder and glimpsed Liam’s face before the expression of tender admiration disappeared with him back into the shadows. When it was finished, Lexi handed back the tablet and gave Claire a kiss on her cheek. Claire adjusted the blanket on Lexi’s shoulders. She switched off the lamp and slid out of the room. “Goodnight, Lexi.”

“Goodnight, Claire.” Lexi’s small voice whispered in return.

Claire reached the bottom step and heard Liam’s voice on the phone. She had to get out of here. It’d been a bad idea to read that story to Lexi. She was getting in too deep, getting in too close. Claire didn’t know what was worse, letting the child worm her way into her heart or the possibility she might find a place in Lexi’s.

Claire rushed for her coat and bag. Lexi reminded her far too much of Penny. Her heart panged at the thought of her sister. She needed space, to clear her head and get some perspective.

“You’re leaving?”

Claire put on her coat, ignoring the presence behind her. “Yeah, I have a few things I need to do.”

“I thought you were going to stay?” Liam’s voice rumbled.

Claire turned. “I forgot I need to work on a design.”

Liam put his cell phone down and walked to her. “Is everything okay?”

Claire pressed her lips against his cheek fleetingly. “Fine, just busy.”

She tugged her handbag on to her shoulder and walked to the door. Liam followed behind her.

Liam grabbed her hand. “You’re sure everything is alright?”

Claire turned back to him and pressed her mouth against his, kissing him deeply, then dragging herself away. “Absolutely.”

She forced herself to take small steps to her car, but everything in her begged to flee.

The next afternoon, Claire slid the key into the post office box and opened the little black door. Her hand wavered on the envelope before she slid it out. Crap, just as she thought she was putting things behind her, something else had to be set right. She knew what was in here, her new license as Mrs. Claire Channing. She’d have to try and change it back. What kind of idiot was she to think she could just walk away from what she’d done?

“Claire?”

Claire jumped and spun awkwardly in her heels. Liam stood behind her, his suit jacket draped casually over his arm and the top button of his shirt undone. Her hand flew to her throat. Her heart heaved.

“Liam!” she said and shoved the envelope into her handbag, pushing it as far in as it would go.

Liam glanced at the post box. “You have a post box in the city, why not get them to hold it at Hopetown?”

Claire closed the door with one hand and tugged the key out. “It’s for Geoff. He hasn’t gotten around to redirecting.”

She didn’t give Liam a chance to ask another question, just slid her hand over his shoulder and pressed her lips against his rough cheek. His shoulders moved under her hand.

“What are you doing here?”

Liam gestured across the road at the large building.

“The courthouse?”

Liam’s jaw twitched slightly. “Yes, it seems no one is able to keep to their word or honor their deals anymore.”

Claire tried not to cringe. Some deals were simply too hard to keep. “More business troubles?”

Liam wrapped his arm around her waist. “I don’t want to bother you with the details. Since you’re here, let me take you to lunch.”

Claire pulled away with a shake of her head. “No, I can’t. I just closed the store to come in before my next appointment.”

“A coffee then?” Liam asked, his irresistible dimple luring her into submission.

Claire glanced at the watch on her wrist. “I suppose I can squeeze in the time for you.”

Liam flashed a grin, and tugged her against him. They went to the small cafe across from the courthouse. Claire stirred the froth on top of her coffee. Liam watched her, tapping the small espresso cup in front of him. 

“I’m glad we bumped into each other, Claire. You left so abruptly last night I was worried.”

Claire scooped up a big spoon of froth. “I was just busy like I said.” She slid the spoon between her lips. Liam’s gaze seemed to feast on them closing over the bowl of the spoon. He paused his tapping and took a sip of espresso without looking.

“You know, I wanted to thank you for last night.” His gaze rested on her, she could feel it measuring her, embracing her, but could not meet it. She tore open another packet of sugar and dumped it into her cup.

“Well, someone had to save the spaghetti from you.”

Liam chuckled and Claire lifted her cowardly gaze. God this man was something when he really smiled. His teeth gleamed straight and even, his dimples pressed into deep laugh lines. It was the kind of smile that stopped you and took you out of wherever you were, putting you wholly at its mercy. He was dangerous for sure. Even more dangerous to her.

“That’s true enough. I’m the first to admit, cooking is not my strong suit.”

Claire returned his smile. “Thank God. If you could do that as well, what hope would us girls have?”

Liam leaned forward, a wicked kink to his brow. “Are you suggesting you find it hard to resist me?”

Claire’s smile faded and her eyes flirted between her cup and Liam, her cheeks warmed. “I don’t think I ever did a very good job of resisting you did I?”

Liam’s hand moved across the table and grasped hers softly. “I didn’t know you were trying.”

Claire tucked her hair behind her ear and licked her lips. “Well, if I had been, I would have failed hopelessly.”

Liam remained silent and rubbed his thumb across the centre of her palm. Claire cleared her throat and slid her hand from his, picking up her cup and taking a shaky gulp.

“I wasn’t actually referring to your delicious culinary skills when I thanked you. I meant thank you for what you did with Lexi.” Claire’s cup returned to the saucer with a clatter. “It was nothing. Don’t mention it.” Her smile failed on her strained lips.

“That story was beautiful. You’re a natural with children. Was it for your sister?”

“Something like that.” Claire pushed her cup aside and looked at Liam. “So how did you go at the courthouse?”

Liam sat back, his features becoming momentarily unreadable. Claire tried to keep her gaze level with his as she prayed he would accept her rebuff.

“It was only arbitration. But I got what I wanted, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Claire watched his eyes close off. “Do you always win, Liam?”

Liam rotated his cup. “I don’t lose.”

A pearl of unease swept down her back—she didn’t doubt it. She made a show of inspecting her watch. “I really need to get back to the store. But thank you for the coffee.”

She rose to her feet and Liam stood beside her. His fingers wrapped around her forearm, bringing her body close to his. As usual, it betrayed her by straining towards him. He was like gravity.

“So will I see you again tonight, Claire?”

Claire’s eyelids fluttered with the erratic rhythm of her heart. “Sure, I’ll teach you and Lexi to make sloppy joes.”

Liam’s cheek dimpled softly. “I’m sure she would love that. I don’t think she has had them since her mom was here.” His dimple faded sadly, and Claire rubbed his arm. “You’ll be able to make them together from now on.”