Nerves start to take hold as we get back to the house. I try to tell myself it’s only Liam, but then again—it’s Liam.

“I’m going to put her down.” My voice trembles. Smooth, Natalie.

“I’ll come with you,” he offers and places his hand on my back.

Great.

We climb the stairs and reach the spare bedroom where I’ve set up her portacrib. It faces the back of the house so the sun shouldn’t wake her first thing in the morning. I hold her a little longer than normal and kiss her forehead. I’m stalling.

Liam kisses her cheek, then kisses mine. He leaves the room and I let out a deep breath.

I need a fucking drink.

“Here goes nothing,” I say to myself and place her in her crib. “Sleep all night, my little princess.”

Mommy’s going to be busy.

Well, now where do I go? The bedroom? The bathroom? Do I have to slip into something? I feel like a dipshit.

I decide I really do need a drink and head to the kitchen. Liam is standing against the counter sipping a beer.

“Seems I’m not the only one,” I say with a laugh and grab the beer from his hand.

He grabs my waist and pulls me against him.

“You don’t have to be nervous. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want,” he says against my neck. His nose trails from my neck to my shoulder, and I place the bottle down on the counter behind him. Slowly his fingers dip into the fabric where my back isn’t exposed. He lingers there, grazing against my skin, while his tongue traces my neck up to my ear.

I shiver and heat pools in my core.

“I want to go slow. I want to savor every moment with you. I want to touch you, taste you, feel you, and then we’ll do it again.” His deep voice is rich and full of promise.

I melt in his arms.

“Liam, I’ve…” I stop speaking when his tongue traces the shell of my ear.

“You what, sweetheart?”

“I’ve…” I let out a shaky breath. “I’ve only ever been with Aaron,” I admit and tense. To some this might be a turn off. I don’t know. I only know how to do what Aaron liked and maybe I didn’t do it well. Maybe that’s why he sought another woman. “What if…”

Liam’s hands drift up my back and grip my shoulders from behind. He pulls me back so we’re eye to eye. “What if?”

“What if I suck?”

“I’m going to keep my first thought in check,” he replies with a smartass grin.

I stand waiting for him to be serious.

“Natalie, stop it. You’re perfect and we’ll talk. If you don’t like something, just tell me.” Liam’s eyes don’t waver. He waits until I nod.

Then he scoops me into his arms and pulls me against his chest.

“Put me down.”

“Hush.”

“I can—” I start to say, but he silences me with his lips.

Liam carries me with almost no effort up the stairs. We enter the bedroom and he carefully kicks it closed with his foot. He holds me and kisses me nonstop as he lays me on the bed.

“I love you,” he assures me.

“I love you.”

“I’m going to show you how much,” Liam’s eyes don’t leave mine as his hand travels from my face all the way along my body. He leans down allowing me to feel his weight.

I’m warm everywhere. I want him to touch me, kiss me, and I want to feel him inside of me. The want to be claimed by him is so fierce it rocks me to my core. He strokes the skin on my leg with his fingers. Gradually gliding up and down while staring at me. He inches higher and higher until he’s at the hem of my dress.

“Kiss me,” I request and he does.

Our tongues volley between each other and he pushes me deeper into the bed. His weight covers me and I want more. I hold his face and kiss him with everything I have. My heart thumps in my chest and my pulse races when his fingers skim across my underwear. Liam deepens the kiss and his hands trail higher until he’s rubbing the underside of my breast. The fabric is too tight and he retreats.

He sits up and pulls me with him. Deftly he unties the knot behind my neck and the straps fall, leaving my bare chest exposed. Liam looks down before his hands cup my breasts. Leaning in close, his lips are at my ear. “I’ve waited to do this again. I’ve dreamt of you lying naked before me. I hope you’re ready for a sleepless night, sweetheart.” He rolls my nipple between his fingers and I moan.

“Take your shirt off.” My voice is desperate. I want to feel his skin against mine again.

I help him by pulling it up and he removes it. The pads of my fingers trace the tattoo again and I remember how much he’s been through. Before I can think too much, his lips wrap around my nipple and his tongue circles it. My hands grip his head and hold him there.

“Oh,” I sigh as his teeth gently bite down. “Liam.”

He stops, “Say it again.”

I look into his eyes confused.

“Say my name.”

“Liam,” I say it again.

He groans and then lavishes the other breast. His hand snakes to my back and pulls my dress off. He throws it on the floor and lies me back down. His mouth returns to my breasts and then he begins to sink lower. I tense as fear begins to take over.

Liam doesn’t miss the change in me though. He knows too well how to read people. “Relax, sweetheart. I want to make you feel good.”

I let his words wash over me and focus on staying in the moment. His fingers hook in my white simple thong and he leisurely pulls it off. I’m completely bared to him. I’m open and exposed, but all I see is awe in his eyes. He looks at me like I’m a prize, a gift for him.

With his eyes trained on mine, he lowers his head and kisses my stomach. Then an inch lower he places another kiss. Another inch receives the same attention before he’s settling between my legs.

He watches me as I lean up on my elbows.

His head dips and mine falls back. Liam’s tongue swirls against my clit and every part of me comes to life. He sucks and then his tongue enters me. I jump up, but he anchors me. My arms give out as I squirm against him, but he doesn’t relent. Each swipe of his tongue brings me higher. I build toward my orgasm and he moans against me.

“So close,” I start to chant.

It’s been so long. I swear I’ve never come this quickly. I’m right there when he lifts his mouth.

My eyes fly open and my mouth is slack as I look at him in frustration.

“Not yet,” is all he says and then he returns. He starts slowly and his tongue is feather light. I fight the urge to push his head where I need it most.

“Liam, please,” I beg.

I feel his finger press against my opening and he slowly enters me. I don’t know whether to cry or laugh. He starts to move and his tongue is exactly where I need it. I climb, and I swear if he stops, I’m going to bite him. He moves creating the friction I need. Heaven. This is fucking heaven. My nerve endings burn with the need to release. My muscles lock and I let go.

Each part of me tingles and feels heavy. I’m panting and still throbbing as Liam continues to draw out every ounce of pleasure my body can give. He pushes up and stares down at me. “You’re even more beautiful when you come.”

“Now it’s your turn,” I say flipping over and climbing on top of him. My fingers touch his lips and I trace all the way to his sternum. I travel over every ridge and plane of his six-pack. Sliding down his body, I admire the man beneath me. He’s strong, sexy, caring, and I’m going to do everything I can to make this night memorable for him.

Touching him feels right.

Being with him feels like it’s meant to be.

I loosen his belt and remove his pants. He lies there with a lazy smile as I take my time removing his boxers. I take a moment to admire him. His long, thick cock throbs before me and the need to be filled overwhelms me. I want him to take me. But first, I want to explore him.

“Natalie, if you keep looking at me like that, I’m not going to be able to control myself,” Liam warns and I want to defy him.

I love that I can test his limits. It’s a sense of power I’ve never known.

My hand wraps around him and I lean up and nip at his ear. “You’re not the only one testing their strength,” I say low and seductive. “I want you inside of me so bad I could cry. Make me yours, Liam.”

A switch flips inside of him and he turns me onto my back. “You’re already mine.”

My eyes close and he waits.

“Look at me,” he demands.

I open my eyes and see the love shine through him. “Do I need a condom?”

“No.” I don’t tell him that the chances of me conceiving are slim to none. The only way I can get pregnant is through infertility treatments.

“I want to feel you. Only you. I want you to feel me. Don’t close your eyes.”

Each breath I take feels like an eternity passes waiting for him to enter me. He goes slowly and I feel the tip of him. “I love you. I love every part of you. I wanted to fight it, but I can’t fight you.” He comforts me as he pushes deeper inside. My eyes stay on his and I give over all my heart. “You’re supposed to be mine and I won’t lose you.” Liam’s eyes close as he enters me fully.

My breathing is short as I try to adjust. He stays still and then presses his lips to mine. I relax and get lost in the kiss and then we begin to move together. Liam thrusts and I hold on to his back as he slowly rocks inside of me. I push against him and he groans.

I take everything about him in. The way his jaw is tight and his muscles are taut as he moves. His eyes shift from dark blue to light, his eyes open in pleasure. My hands memorize the way his ass fits in my palm as he moves with me. Pushing and pulling me apart. We fit together as if we’ve been doing this forever.

He flips me over so I’m on top and my hands trail his body. “You feel incredible,” I say as I rock back and forth. “I don’t want this to stop,” breathless as I start to climb again. “It feels so good,” I whisper against his mouth and he kisses me again.

His hand dips between us as he finds my clit. The pressure from his finger and the way his dick hits the spot inside of me…I’m a goner.

“I’m gonna come, Lee. You feel so fucking good,” he warns me.

“Oh my God,” I moan as my orgasm is so close. I close my eyes and free my mind. I focus only on the way Liam is touching me.

I shatter apart and I swear my body just exploded.

He flips me back over and pounds relentlessly as he follows my orgasm with his own.

Liam and I made love and I never want it to end.

We lie here trying to catch our breath and I start to come down from my high. I get up and head to the bathroom. I stare at myself in the mirror after cleaning up and try to notice anything different. My hair is a mess and I try to fix it, but I’m still the same. The insides of me are changed though. I’m no longer just Aaron’s girl. I’ve given myself to another man—a good man. A man that I hope will be around for a long time.

I climb back into bed and he wraps the blanket around us. I lie there staring at him with adoration.

His head lolls over and his face lights up. “That was…” Liam struggles for words.

“Good?” I ask apprehensively.

He takes my hand. “No, sweetheart. That was better than good.”

I beam and close my eyes. My mind drifts without permission to my first time with Aaron. It was nothing like that. We were both inexperienced teenagers who were trying to recreate a movie. I don’t want to think of him. Liam deserves to have me here and not in my past right now.

“Liam?” I ask, trying to divert my thoughts.

“Hmmm?” He takes my hand and places it against his chest.

I don’t know after this how much we’ll see each other. I wonder if he’s leaving soon for a deployment or if it’s just training. Even before our relationship progressed, I missed him when he was gone. I don’t know how I’m going to handle it now. I have to remember he’s a SEAL and I’m back to that life. Previously, I wouldn’t even notice when Aaron was gone, but Liam and I are so attuned.

“What’s your schedule for the next few weeks? I’m not a needy person, but I want to know how much we’ll see each other.”

“I have to leave in a few days for about two weeks. Then I’m home for a bit. I’ll be here for Aara’s birthday and then probably have to leave after that.”

“I’ll miss you.”

Liam shifts, pulling me on top of him. His fingers trace down my nose to the side of my face. My chin quivers a tiny bit thinking of him leaving for six months. We’re so new and I don’t want him to go. “I’ll see you every day. When I close my eyes, I’ll see your blue eyes, blonde hair, and your beautiful face. You’ve done this, you know it’s not forever,” Liam stops, catching himself on that phrase. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I know you didn’t,” I reassure him and roll over. “But it can sometimes be forever.”

Liam pulls me to his side and I close my eyes. He holds me close and I dare to hope that this forever won’t be the same fate as the last man I loved.

I wake the next morning and my hand reaches for Liam, but all I get are cold sheets. Again.

No.

I sit up and look around. Please don’t let this be a dream. It’s definitely not my bedroom. I’m in North Carolina. “Okay,” I tell myself, “Just take deep breaths.”

Climbing out of bed, I feel the aches of the muscles I hadn’t used in a while. I’m sore but I welcome it. It reminds me of the complete ecstasy I felt in Liam’s arms. The sun shines through the window and I go to see where he is.

I walk past Aarabelle’s room to check on her, but she’s not there. I rush down the stairs and see them on the couch. Liam has Aara tucked into his side and she has food all over her face. She’s elated and smiling, watching television with him. Leaning against the wall, I watch them.

She starts to wiggle and he places her on his lap. “Okay, Mommy’s still sleeping, and I’m pretty sure you’re going to need a new diaper after the amount of food you ate. We’re going to keep that between us.”

She stands on his legs and bounces.

“So if you could not poop, that would be really great,” he tries to convince her. “I mean, I can buy you a doll or whatever it is you kids are into. Want a pony? There are wild ones running around. I’m sure I can snag one if you can keep up your end of the bargain.”

“Mamamama,” Aarabelle coos and Liam tries to occupy her.

“Your mama is way better looking than me. Can you say Liam?” he asks and she eats her fingers. “Probably not but you could try.”

I stifle my laugh as she eats her hand and bounces, oblivious. If he’s already bribing her with ponies, we’re going to need to nip this in the bud.

“A pony?” I say as I come into view.

“Oh, thank God. I was worried she was going to shit and I don’t have rope or tape.”

“There’s so much wrong with this situation.” I smile and walk toward them. If this is a glimpse of my mornings with Liam, I’ll be a very happy woman. He sits shirtless and I do my best not to ogle, but his body is hard to tear my eyes away from. His chest is broad and shoulders strong. I know what it feels like to have his strong arms wrapped around me.

In fact, I would like to have that right now. I saunter over, wearing his long t-shirt that I found on the floor. Remembering how much he liked me leaving in it the first time we fooled around, I figured he wouldn’t mind.

“Good morning,” he gazes at me as I stand in front of him.

“Morning.” I scrunch down and kiss him and then kiss Aara. “Morning, Princess.”

I lift her into my arms and make myself comfortable on his lap.

“My two favorite girls.” Liam wraps his arms around us and squeezes.

“Thank you for waking up with her.”

Aarabelle babbles on as I nestle her into my chest. She looks at Liam and her whole face lights up.

Liam shuts the television off and pushes the hair off my face. “I went for my run and when I got back I heard her talking in her crib. I must’ve worn you out last night,” he says with pride.

Rolling my eyes, I snuggle into his chest. “What time is it?”

“Ten,”

“Ten?” I yell out as I jump up. “You let me sleep till ten? What the hell?” I ask and look at Aara. “Did you feed her?”

“Yes, I fed her,” he scoffs. “I’m not a total idiot.”

“What the hell is on her face?” I ask, swiping the dark brown smear on her face. “Is this chocolate?”

Liam stands and ignores my question. “I’m gonna hop in the shower.”

“Liam! You gave her chocolate for breakfast?”

“Feel free to join me,” he says while walking up the stairs.

“You’re going to change every shitty diaper she has!”

“Love you!”

“Ugh!” I groan and look at her all happy and clueless. It’s hard to be mad at him since he let me sleep in, but still. He has so much to learn and hopefully he’ll be around for me to teach him.