Chapter 26

 

“How’s your Prince Charming feeling this morning, Cinderella?” Russ asked when I walked into the kitchen the next morning.

I smiled. “He’s still passed out in the bed.”

Russ handed me a cup of coffee and I sipped at the dark liquid. “So, are you going to marry him or what?”

“He was drunk last night, Russ.”

“So what? The guy obviously wants to marry you.”

“People say all sorts of things when they’re drunk.” I said moodily.

Before Russ could reply, Steve sauntered into the kitchen. “Morning, my lovelies.”

“Hey, baby. We still on the for the farmer’s market this morning?”

“Yep. We should get going if we want to beat the crowds. Besides, your boss is awake and in the shower. I imagine he and Mae have some stuff to talk about.”

“Yeah, like a wedding date, honeymoon location, a big or small wedding…” Russ grinned at me.

“Shut up, Russ.”

Steve laughed. “Try not to make too much noise when you’re “talking” okay? We’ve got nosy neighbours.”

“Shut up, Steve.”

He laughed again and kissed me on the forehead before he and Russ left. I took another few sips of my coffee and went back to the bedroom. I was sitting on the bed when Liam entered the bedroom, wearing just a towel around his waist. My mouth dried up at the sight of his damp, naked skin and I shifted nervously as he sat down next to me.

“Hi, Mae.”

“Hi. How are you feeling?”

“Okay. A bit of a headache.” He replied.

I smiled. “Yeah, I bet.”

He sighed and stared down at his loosely-clasped hands. “I’m sorry, Mae.”

“It’s fine. It isn’t like I haven’t been drunk in front of you.” I replied.

He shook his head. “No, I mean that I’m sorry for how awful I was to you. I was angry with you and I treated you horribly. Everything you did, you did to protect me, and I hurt you. I’ll never forgive myself.”

I reached out and cupped his face, forcing him to look at me. “You didn’t know what was happening. I should have told you about Neil and what he was doing. I don’t blame you for your reaction.”

“It doesn’t excuse my behaviour and I – “

I kissed him. He kissed me back immediately and pushed me backwards on to the bed. He cupped my breast almost frantically, and kissed me with a fierce kind of desperation that took my breath away.

“I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” He muttered against my mouth as his fingers found my tight nipple and rubbed lightly.

“Shh.” I whispered. “Make love to me, Liam. Please.”

I pulled my t-shirt over my head and wiggled out of my shorts as he stared at me with dark lust. When I was naked, he reached out and traced my abdomen with the tips of his fingers, running them lightly across my trembling skin.

I took his hand and pushed it between my thighs. It had been too long since I had felt his touch and I was in no mood for teasing. He stroked my soft skin and then rubbed his finger lightly across my clit. I gasped and tugged his towel free. I reached for his cock, stroking it firmly until it was rock hard and throbbing under my touch.

As his fingers circled my clit, he dipped his head and sucked firmly on my nipple. I moaned and squeezed his cock until he gave his own moan of pleasure. I was soaking wet already and I urged him between my thighs.

“Now, Liam. I can’t wait.” I demanded.

“Yes, Mae.” He murmured as he rested his cock against my tight opening. He slid into me and I moaned as his thickness stretched and pressed against my inner walls.

“Oh God, Liam. I’ve missed this.” I muttered. I squeezed my pussy around his cock and he groaned with need.

“Stop, Mae. I’m so close already.” He gritted out.

I smiled up at him and licked his jawline, relishing the rough scrape of his stubble against my tongue. He moved within me with long, deep strokes, resting his hands beside my head as I arched my hips into him. I kissed just below his earlobe, took a deep breath and whispered, “I love you, Liam.”

He inhaled sharply and stared down at me. “I love you too.”

I could feel tears starting to slide down my face and he leaned down and kissed them away. “Please don’t cry, honey.”

“I love you.” I whispered again.

He kissed me on the mouth as he continued to push gently in and out of my warm body. “I love you.”

I reached and took his hands, linking our fingers together as his hips thrust faster. I matched his rhythm, my breath quickening and my core throbbing and aching as he brought me closer and closer to my climax.

With a sudden, soft cry, I stiffened beneath him as my orgasm rushed through me. He squeezed my hands tightly and lunged deeply into me. Warmth flooded through me and I wrapped my shaking legs around his hips and clung to him as he rested against me.

After a few minutes he rolled off me and I turned on my side to face him. I stroked his face lightly as we stared silently at each other.

“Do you remember what happened last night?” I finally asked.

“Yes.”

“Really?”

He gave me a sheepish look. “I remember it in great detail, unfortunately. I made a fool of myself in front of Russ and Steve.”

I grinned at him. “They thought you were adorable.”

He sighed and kissed my forehead lightly as I stared up at him. “What else do you remember?”

“I remember asking you to marry me.” He said quietly.

I couldn’t stop the smile from crossing my face. “More like telling me I was marrying you.”

He groaned and covered his face with his hand. “I’m so sorry, Mae.”

I pushed him on his back and straddled him before pulling his hand away. “Are you sorry for asking me to marry you, or sorry that it was the least romantic marriage proposal ever?”

“I don’t regret asking you to marry me.”

My smile widened as he gave me a wry look. “I do regret that it wasn’t romantic, that I was drunk, and that I forgot to give you the damn ring.”

“You bought a ring?” I leaned over him.

“I did. It’s in my suit jacket.”

With a soft shriek of delight I slithered off of him and scurried naked to his jacket. I rifled through the pockets and smiled excitedly when I found the blue, velvet box in the inside pocket. I opened it and caught my breath. A silver ring with the biggest diamond I had ever seen was nestled inside.

“Oh, Liam.” I breathed. “It’s so beautiful.”

“Do you like it?” He asked.

“I love it.” I closed the box and, holding it tightly, clambered on top of Liam again.

“Try it on.” He encouraged.

I hesitated and then balanced the box on the middle of his chest. “Ask me again, Liam. Properly this time and while you’re sober.”

He grinned and stroked my bare thighs with his warm hands. “Let me up, then.”

“What for?”

“So I can get down on one knee. You said properly, remember?”

I shook my head. “Nope. You naked and under me is perfect. Now, ask me again before I spank you for your disobedience.”

“Yes, mistress.” He popped the ring box open.

He stared up at me, his eyes filled with warmth and love, and smiled. “I love you, Mae Temple. Will you marry me?”

I leaned down and kissed him softly on the mouth. “Yes, Mr. Knight. I will.”

***