“I don’t drink, and I’m not a big shopper, but I do like to eat and try new foods,” I said.
Liam lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it lightly. “Good, because I have packed some of your favorite snacks.”
“Are you serious? You packed food, too?” He nodded. “If you tell me there is a cake in your luggage, I’m going to tell you that you’re crazy.”
“Not a cake, but I did bring the best chocolate frosted brownies you’ll ever eat. I picked up a batch of double chocolate chunk cookies, too.”
I giggled. “You must think I eat like this all the time, but honestly I don’t. Chocolate is a treat for me.”
“And here I thought I was your tasty treat,” he joked, pretending to be offended.
I leaned over and kissed him lightly. “Don’t worry, Liam, you run a close second,” I teased.
He pulled me up onto his lap and said, “I, on the other hand, have never tasted anything as sweet as you.” Liam kissed my neck, and I arched my back, wanting more. “It won’t be long, babe. The cabin’s just minutes away.”
I unbuttoned his shirt and slipped my hand inside. “That long?” I asked.
A low moan rumbled through him and he warned, “Don’t tempt me.”
I chuckled, then slipped off his lap. “We have the entire weekend, so I guess I can wait a few more minutes.”
“The question is, can I?” he said, kissing me again.
I no longer worried that we’d be spending a lot of time outside in the elements - not when we could hardly keep our hands off each other. The question was, would my need for him fade once there was distance between us? I hated to hope so, because otherwise it would be pure torture.
“What are you thinking about, beautiful?” he asked.
“It’s what I’m trying not to think about,” I replied.
“I know. Me too.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t want to ruin the mood,” I said, fighting back the sadness within me.
“You don’t have to apologize. It’s not going to be easy not being able to see you, hold you, whenever I want.”
“There are a lot of people who never even get what we have now, so I guess we should be grateful and make the most of it.”
He stared at me for what seemed like minutes. Is he thinking the same as me?That there won’t ever be enough time?
The limo came to a stop and Liam turned away without responding. He opened the door and got out. A gust of cold air whipped around me.
“Shut the door before I freeze to death,” I blurted.
He laughed, extended his hand, and said, “Come on. It’s not that bad. See the smoke coming from the chimney? There’s already a fire going inside.”
I practically ran from the limo, up the steps, and into the cabin. My teeth were chattering when I got inside. When Liam entered, I was already huddled by the fireplace with a blanket I’d snagged off the couch.
“I’m sorry. I want to help you carry in the luggage, but I’m too cold,” I admitted. “Why would anyone do this to themselves?”
“Because it’s fun. Trust me, you’ll adapt to the temperature,” he said.
He went back outside to make another trip for suitcases. I shivered. “I think hell will freeze over before I get used to this.”
Moments later, Liam joined me by the fire and said, “Tell me that you really hate this, and I can call the driver to take us back to Boston.”
The fact that he was willing to do that for me warmed my heart. The rest of me, however, was still cold. “No. But now that you’re close, I’m sure I’ll warm up.”
“I know you don’t believe this, but that jacuzzi will do the trick. Come, let’s give it a try,” he said, trying to coax me into saying yes.