Caught in the Act: Book Two: Independence Falls (9 page)

Knowing she was here for him gave him hope that the hot and wild need he felt for her ran both ways.

The boat lurched, shifting to the right. Liam turned her attention to the water, holding tight to wheel. Behind him, Katie tried to hold on, but ended up sliding down the bench as the boat stopped. Liam waited for them to move forward, drift with the tide. But the vessel remained still, stuck at the awkward angle.

Liam peered over the edge and spotted the stump resting beneath the right side of the boat. “Shit. I guess the water level was too low.”

And he’d been distracted, looking at Katie when he should have been keeping careful watch for stumps. Liam studied the shore. It wasn’t far to the dock. And the water wasn’t deep here.

“Looks like we’re going to get wet,” he said.

“We’re swimming to the cabin?” She joined him at edge, peering over.

“Walking. Unless I can push it loose.” He swung one leg over the side, sinking into the cold water. Drawing his other leg over, he hit the muddy lake floor. Waves lapped at his waist.

He pressed against the raised side near the stump, feeling the burn in his arms. But it didn’t budge.

With one hand on the edge of the damaged boat—he was going to owe Marvin big-time, no way around that—Liam held out the other to Katie. “Coming?”

She stared at the murky water. “What’s down there? Fish? Snakes?”

“Might be some of both, but I bet they’re long gone. The boat probably scared them away.”

Katie didn’t take his hand. She remained frozen, her feet planted to the floor of the lopsided boat. “I don’t like not knowing what I’m walking through.”

He didn’t either, but they couldn’t stay here.

“I could carry you on my shoulders,” he offered. “You’ll never touch the water.”

Katie nodded and looked up from the murky depths, taking his hand. Bending his knees, he helped her climb on.

“I’ll come back for the bags,” he promised once she sat on his shoulders, her knees bent and hooked under his arms.

With his hands on her calves, he stepped forward. He felt her fingers grip his short hair. “You won’t drop me?” she asked.

“I’ve got you, Katie. Trust me.”

Chapter 12

K
ATIE FOCUSED ON
the cabin, the muscles in her legs flexing, gripping tight to Liam. They were halfway there, with the water lapping at his ankles, but he didn’t put her down. He kept his promise, never letting her touch the water.

“We’re almost there,” Liam said, rubbing his hand over her calf. “You can relax.”

She glanced down, feeling her leg muscles tremble. “I didn’t want to fall.”

“I’d never let you,” he said, stepping onto dry land. He moved to the grass and crouched. “Ready to stand on your own two feet?”

Katie unhooked her legs and slid down his broad back. The feel of his body against hers pushed against the fear, demanding room for desire.
Stand on her own—
she’d been working toward that for so long. Ever since Liam had walked out of her life. But she wanted him back—for now, for tonight—and her reasons were as muddied as the lake water.

“I’m going to get the bags,” he said. “Wait here.”

He turned and waded into the water. When Liam was knee-deep in the murky depths, she withdrew her phone. She had every reason to call her brothers. She and Liam were stranded with their vehicles on the other side of the reservoir. She could ask Brody, Chad, and Josh to come for her, tonight, while she seduced the man who’d carried her to shore, asking for her trust. She could guarantee her brothers refused to give in to Moore Timber. She could stop Brody from making a stupid business decision because he thought it was in her best interest.

Her fingers moved across the screen, texting Chad, confirming that he would feed the animals as promised. She told him that she’d arrived at the cabin and was not sure when she’d be back. No mention of Liam or the boat stuck on a stump.

Liam returned to shore holding their bags and the groceries above his head. The muscles in his arms bulged from exertion, taut and tempting. But it wasn’t the need to touch and explore the contours of his body that kept her from demanding her brothers rush out to the cabin.

Desire had a way of wrecking even the best-laid plans for revenge. And forgiveness followed close behind.

She’d spent seven years holding the past against him. But she was finding it harder and harder to cling on to the anger. He’d made a mistake. Violated her trust. And in the aftermath, she’d built walls to protect herself. Those barriers had taken years to construct. But she’d been taking them down brick by brick ever since he’d walked her home carrying her rescued goat.

Liam stopped in front of her, dripping wet from the waist down. “Ready to check out the cabin?”

Katie nodded, leading the way up the manicured yard to the structure that stood twice as large as any “cabin.” The three-bedroom, log-cabin-style house featured a wraparound porch. At one end, under a covered gazebo, stood a swing covered in ornate pillows, and a pair of rocking chairs. In the center, the porch led to an expansive deck complete with a barbecue grill and seating for eight, maybe more.

She headed around the side, to the front of the house, and marched up the three steps to the door. A lockbox hung from the knob. Retrieving the slip of paper from her pocket, she entered the combination provided by the owner and found the key. She opened the door, stepped inside, and held it for Liam. He set the bags down, careful not to cross the threshold.

“Are you coming in?” she asked.

“I don’t want to track water and mud through this place.” Bending over, he unlaced his sneakers. “That rug you’re standing on looks like it’s worth more than anything in my house.”

Setting his shoes aside, she watched as his hands moved to his waistband. The soaking wet fabric hit the deck, revealing his muscular legs. His T-shirt followed, leaving him in a pair of dripping wet boxer briefs.

Katie drew her lower lip between her teeth, taking in the defined lines of his muscular body. And his abs . . . She wanted to reach out and run her fingers over him. Touch him. Taste him . . .

Logic told her to close the door. But her hands refused to obey. Out here, alone with Liam, feeling as if she’d left the past on the opposite shore, she couldn’t look away.

“Is this your idea of foreplay?” she asked.

“Covered in lake water? No.” He let out a low chuckle. “I’m going to take a rinse in the shower. When I get back, I’ll start dinner.”

He turned, walked down the steps, and disappeared around the side of the cabin. Maybe it wasn’t his idea of foreplay, but the sight of his backside in those wet, clinging shorts? Katie slowly closed the door. She wanted to seduce him. But not in the shower. Liam desired a bed.

“In this place there has to be more than one,” she murmured, picking up the bags. Setting groceries on the green marble kitchen counter, she scanned the expansive space. There was an island at one end, with three bar stools. The range top stood in the center of the space, attached to the island. High-end appliances lined the counters. The description had included a chef’s kitchen, but she’d thought that meant it came with pots and pans.

Katie turned and headed down the hall. The first bedroom held a pair of built-in wooden bunks. She headed for the second and found a queen-size bed. Nice, but she had a feeling she could do better. Opening the third door, she spotted a bedroom set that belonged in a magazine. The room featured large timber pieces, including a four-poster bed covered in pillows and deep green blankets. It was like an island. And Katie had a feeling that once she climbed onto it she would never want to leave.

She set her bag down on wooden bench at the foot of the bed. Unzipping it, she withdrew the black satin slip with the lace trim. The store had labeled it a nightgown, but she couldn’t imagine keeping it on that long. Stripping out of her jeans and shirt, she pulled on the fitted lingerie. The silky fabric grazed the tops of her thighs and dipped low between her breasts.

Barefoot, she padded down the hall and went in search of Liam. She heard movement in the kitchen. Standing at the island, his short hair wet from the shower, he wore a clean, dry pair of jeans low around his waist. The lines of his muscular abdomen dipped below his pants. She wanted to follow the path beneath his clothes, tracing it with her tongue.

He turned away, opening the fridge and reaching inside. “Hungry?” he called over his shoulder.

“Depends on what you’re offering.”

Closing the refrigerator door, Liam looked over at her. A slow grin spread across his face as he set a head of lettuce on the counter. “That outfit doesn’t exactly scream,
I want a salad
.”

“I had something more substantial in mind.”

He crossed the kitchen and reached for the strap on her shoulder. His fingers toyed with the fabric. “We’re stranded here.”

She nodded as he traced the neckline of her nightgown, brushing the swell of her breast. Her nipples formed tight peaks that demanded more. “It’s too late to call for help,” she murmured.

He ran his hand up the other side, pausing at her collarbone. “We have all night. I could feed you first.”

She reached for the front of his jeans, dipping her fingers below the waistband. “You could.”

“Katie.”

The rough edge to his voice sent a thrill swirling through her, settling in the places that craved his touch most. Holding tight to his waistband, she gave a tug drawing him closer. His powerful arms wrapped around her as his lips lowered to hers.

He kissed her, and every nerve in her body responded, begging for more. Releasing his pants, she hugged him tight, pressing every inch of her body against his. His tongue touched hers and she moaned. It was kisses like this that left lingerie decorating bedroom floors. And she would have stayed with her mouth pressed to his, waiting for the perfect moment to strip away the satin slip, if he hadn’t broken away.

Liam leaned his forehead against hers, running his hands down her arms. “I want you so damn much.”

“There’s a bed down the hall.” She entwined her fingers with his, stepping back and taking him with her. “A big one.”

He moved with her, stealing kisses, running his mouth over her neck, her jaw, brushing her lips, as she guided them past the bunkroom, and the one with the queen bed. He stopped in the doorway to the master bedroom, his hands releasing hers, moving to her bare legs.

He drew back, his gaze fixed on the place where her black nightgown touched her thighs. “Is this what you planned to wear for your photo shoot?”

“No.” She placed her palms flat against his chest, feeling the beat of his heart, pounding, racing. “Just for you.”

His fingers stilled against her legs and he lifted his chin, looking down into her eyes. Without a word, he placed an arm at her back and the other under her knees as he swept her into his arms. He carried her to the bed and gently laid her down on the smooth green blanket.

“I’ll be gentle,” he said. “Take this slow.”

No. She’d had gentle and slow. She didn’t want either from him. She wanted the man who’d sparked her desire under the fir trees.

She shifted until she was kneeling on the bed, her knees spread as the nightgown rose higher. “Don’t you dare.”

“Katie.” His brown eyes followed the hemline of her slip.

“I want
you.
No holding back.” Bunching the black fabric in her hands, she stripped off the covering, revealing every naked inch of her. “Please, Liam.”

He let out a low growl as he unbuttoned his jeans and pushed them down over his hips. He’d possessed an impressive body the last time she’d seen him stripped down. Watching him now, the hard, thick length of his erection jutting out from his body, she was left with only one question. Why had she waited so long?

“Lie down, Katie.”

Her pulse raced. His commanding tone sent a thrill through her body, settling in the place that craved his touch. Seeing him stripped down had turned her on, but his words left her wanting and needing him.

She obeyed, lying back on the bed as Liam joined her. He straddled her, leaning forward to brush his lips over hers. He deepened the kiss before he pulled back, moving his hands to cover her breasts. She could feel every callus from his days spent felling trees. She waited for him to explore, for the rough touch of his palms to drive her sensitive nipples wild. But he kept his hands still.

Katie shifted beneath him, her body craving more while delighting in the way he held back, drawing out the wanting. But if he kept this up, she’d fight back, start making demands. “Liam—”

“Hands over your head,” he ordered.

She drew her arms up, pausing when she reached her chest. Placing her palms over his, she guided his fingers, encouraging his touch. But Liam refused to follow her lead, instead lifting his hands up, his palms brushing against her nipples.

“More,” she said, arching up.

“We’ll get there. Trust me.”

In this cabin, separated from their day-to-day by a lake? Yes, she trusted him.

“Place your hands over your head and keep them there,” he said, staring down at her.

“Or else?” she challenged raising her one hand while keeping the other on his.

Releasing her right breast, he lowered his mouth to her chest and drew a circle around her nipple with his tongue. He stopped, lifting his head and meeting her gaze. “You will. I know you will.”

Katie did as she was told, her fingers brushing the wooden headboard. He was right. She’d obey his requests without threats or ties binding her to the bed. She’d do it because the sound of his voice was like a caress, and the rewards for following his lead, pure pleasure.

He looked down at her, the expression in his rich brown eyes a potent mix of wicked wants and approval. Lowering his mouth again, he drew her nipple between his lips, sucking, tasting, teasing—and, oh heaven help her,
this
was what she’d wanted from him.

Keeping her arms over her head, her body writhed against the sheets, craving friction. “More,” she demanded.

He drew his head back and raised an eyebrow.

“You’re not the only one who can give orders,” she said. “Not this time.”

“Honey, in a few minutes, when you say ‘more,’ you’ll be begging.” Trailing kisses over her belly, he moved lower, shifting his body back. He guided her limbs apart, revealing the places he’d touched in the nightclub.

Positioning his broad shoulders between her spread thighs, he ran one finger up and down, taking a detour to draw a small circle around her clit. Katie lifted her head, watching and waiting for more.

Liam met her gaze with a wolfish grin. “I’m going to worship you. The only words I want to hear are ‘more,’ ‘please,’ and ‘yes.’ ”

His tongue replaced his fingers, licking and exploring. Katie allowed her head to fall back, her eyes closing, losing herself in the sensations.

But then he stopped and she ground her teeth together.

“Do you understand?”

“Yes,” she said, her voice heavy with the need coiling low in her belly.

With one hand, he parted her outer lips. He lowered his mouth and began to tease her, taste her . . . it was everything she needed and wanted from him. He lapped at her entrance, and her hips bucked against his mouth. Slipping one finger inside, his tongue returned to her clit. And, oh God, she was so close.

“More,” she begged. “Please.”

He gave it to her, pushing her further, until her body was like a rope pulled taut, ready to snap. His fingers slipped in and out of her as he drew his lips away. She moaned in protest.

“Come for me,” he ordered. Lowering his mouth, he pressed his tongue against her, firm, demanding, leaving her no choice but to obey.

Her body snapped, breaking apart, her senses, her everything, overrun with pleasure.

“Yes, yes, yes!” she cried out, moving wildly, everything seemingly beyond her control as the orgasm raced through her. And then slowly, the explosive sensations faded.

Liam sat up, his hand still gently caressing her. “You’re so wet. So ready,” he murmured.

Hearing the promise of more in his words, she let out a soft moan. It felt as if she’d climbed up to a peak of pure pleasure, a place she hadn’t visited in so long—and she wasn’t ready to leave.