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“You’re just saying that because you liked coming to use the pool.”
“Maybe the pool was a draw.” We giggle a little, the tension between us shifting.
“Anyway, I wasted a lot of money. And I got to the point where I wanted something that nobody knew about in case it failed. I didn’t want to deal with announcing I’d lost or failed again. So, I kept this to myself.”
“You couldn’t have lost all your money. You’re like a millionaire, right?” We never talked about money when we were kids. It didn’t matter. Still doesn’t, but the thought that Liam isn’t this rich playboy makes my heart ache just a little bit.
He smiles. “Well, no. I didn’t lose it all. Since the hotel venture, I’ve been more careful, and it’s paid off.”
“So still richer than sin?” I jest.
“Interesting analogy, and yes, I am.” The sexy tone in his voice, and the un-challenged confidence he has hits me in my chest, stirring up thoughts I should leave well alone, so I nod and lie back onto my back, happy to soak up the sun.
“Stay.”
“Sorry?”
“Stay. For a few extra days, here with me.” The words register in my brain, but I can’t quite wrap my head around them. “I’m sorry, I’m having difficulty here. One more time.” I sit back up to get a better look at him.
“Come on, Lil. I want you to stay here. Enjoy the sun. You came late, so at least this way, you aren’t missing out.”
“Oh, right. You won’t be here.” I shake my head feeling dumb that I thought he might be asking more than he is because there’s a big difference between staying to enjoy the hotel and staying with Liam. God, I need to grow out of my adolescence and stand up for myself.
“No, you heard me right the first time. Stay here. With me.”
I stare at him before I push my sunglasses on top of my head, needing to get a clear look at his face. Or rather, his eyes.
“You’re serious?”
“Like a heart attack.”
I’d spent years pining – pining for a love I’d built up in my mind into a palace of grandeur, complete with walls of safety, securing my heart behind them. Only to have Liam crash the same walls and sack off the love I’d kept inside. He humiliated me when I was younger, always letting me believe there was a chance. But no. I was the foolish Lil who would never be anything other than Eric’s sister. At least that’s the message that screamed when he ghosted me as soon as he was old enough to move on and not be shackled to me.
Well, the palace doesn’t exist anymore. I’m not the princess waiting on the prince because I tore my palace to the ground.
And while he might have been the prince in my story once upon a time, he’s not now. Now, he’s a handsome and sexy guy offering me something I’d love to jump at.
The red flags are waving, and alarm bells are sounding so loud I’m deafened by them because, after last night, I’m not sure I can be trusted around Liam. But who am I to turn him down? Can I even say no to this man?
“What do you say, Lil?” He shifts in the sand. “You said yourself, this is the first holiday you’ve had in years.”
“It’s a tempting offer.” Too tempting. But I’ve grown up, at least enough to ask some questions. My head might still be cloudy and recovering from too much alcohol, but I want to know why. “I have a question for you. Why now? Why me?”
From everything Taylor and my brother have told me, I should stay clear of Liam. Hell, even I know that myself deep down. But knowing something and acting on it are two completely different things.
“Honestly, I think I may need to make up for some things. Eric’s off on his honeymoon. It would be nice if we could get to know each other again. Clear things up and enjoy the sun.”
“And Eric’s restraining order?” I remember that part of my speech and Liam brushing me off.
“Won’t be a problem. Scouts honour.” He does a silly salute which tweaks the smile on my lips. He even looks cute and totally un-scout-like.
“You are no boy scout, Liam Ford.” And I’m going to prove that to you because Eric didn’t give me the same warning.
“Is that a yes?”
I look out to the horizon and the gorgeous Ionian Sea. “It’s a yes.” My pulse picks up as I turn back to look at Liam. He’s smiling. Not his charming smile, but his deadly sexy smile – the one that I was first introduced to when I was just a kid. Forgetting that smile has been a little harder than I’d hoped. But remembering that gut-wrenching disappointment when I was looking for him at my graduation or birthday party, and he didn’t show up, helps.
“Great.”
