Page 59 of Masquerade

“I didn’t ask that.” Yet in a way she had.

For an answer, he toppled her back on the mattress.

“You look good in my shirt.” He pushed the tee higher, nuzzling the underside of her breast. “You taste better in my shirt.” By turns, he suckled then licked her nipple until it was tight with need, his other hand resting on her pubic curls, one finger sliding inside her.

She shuddered. His clever finger and mouth triggered a storm of need. “W-What do you think we should do?”

“You tell me.” His lips brushed over her chin, then her jaw. “I’ll suggest something, and you say yes or no.” His tongue found the sensitive skin beneath her ear, and she trembled.

“What if I want to suggest something?” Her arms closed around him. Her knee slid up the outside of his thigh.

“Ah! A replay of last night. Be my guest.”

* * *

After several hoursexploring sites near town and a lengthy photo shoot at a B&B cottage, the local,‘call me Pete’,photographer hired by Anna drove Liam and Kate back towards town.

“Want to join us for a drink?” Liam leaned forward, his hand on Pete’s shoulder. The photographer had been good company, providing a steady stream of gossip at all four locations they’d visited, including the small café which he’d organised for lunch.

“The Golf Club suit you?” Pete asked.

“Sure,” Liam answered easily, linking his hand with Kate’s. “We can say a last goodbye to everyone we’ve met.”

The photographer chuckled. “Having a photo shoot here has been a morale boost for the locals. If Genosearch decides to use any of these shots, it’ll bring in some tourists.”

“I’ll put in a good word,” Kate answered. “It’s a lovely region. Thanks for being so generous with your time and information.”

“No problem.” Pete drove into the club carpark.

Most of the tables were taken when they ambled into the main bar.

“You two grab a table,” Liam said. “I’ll get the drinks. What’ll you have?”

“A merlot,” she said.

“A beer.” Pete spoke at the same time.

Liam joined the queue at the bar, noting Kate had snagged a spare table, and Pete had conjured a third chair. She smiled and waved at him. He grinned back. He’d spent most of the day with a grin on his face. Given a choice, he’d still be in bed with her.

Inching his way forward in the queue, Liam pulled out his phone. He thumbed through the compromising photos. Kate was unhappy about them, so he’d find another way. Photos were Selina’s weapon of entrapment. Even without such clear evidence, his body knew the two women were different. Kate aroused and cherished simultaneously. No wonder he wanted more.

“What’ll you have?” the barmaid asked.

“Two lagers and a glass of Australian merlot, please.” Liam slipped his phone back into his pocket and accepted the drinks. “Cheers.” He walked over to the table and handed Kate and Pete their drinks, then took his turn being questioned by strangers and acquaintances alike about the day’s shoot.

“They serve a decent meal here if you want to hang around.” Pete’s slow smile encompassed them both.

“Maybe a pass.” Under the table, Liam squeezed Kate’s knee in warning. “We’ve got a big day tomorrow. Might order in a pizza.”

Kate raised an eyebrow but raised no objection. Having her read his unspoken cues made them stronger as a team.

Damn, when had that happened?

“Do you want a lift back to the apartment?” Pete drained his beer.

“I’d like a last walk along the river.” Kate softened her no with a smile.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you.” Pete took his leave. “Maybe I’ll see you next time you’re up.”

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