Her eyes widened and Aggie shook her head. “Tell my brother to stop acting like I need a babysitter. I’m a grown woman, for goodness sake.”
He gave her a cheesy grin and wiggled his eyebrows. “I’ve noticed.”
Aggie batted his arm. “Liam...”
“What? You’re gorgeous and I have no trouble telling you. It’s just that usually you don’t give me a chance to say more than a couple of words to you unless it’s about dough rising or how much butter goes in that pastry. Normally you avoid the personal but not today. We’re not playing by your rules, Aggie, so it’s anything goes. Now that I have your attention, I’m letting you know.”
“You’re embarrassing me.” Heat flooded her cheeks and she looked like she wanted to walk away but found herself captivated by his words. Liam had hoped that their time together in the bakery had smoothed out some of her apprehensions where he was concerned. He’d been as calm as he could be over the last few weeks, making sure she was okay at work and lending moral support. Maybe she’d give him the chance he wanted to rekindle their love. At least, that was what he hoped.
“Let’s go.” Liam grabbed her hand and pulled her toward his car while the bride and groom rode off in their horse-drawn carriage. He helped her into the front seat, making sure her beautiful dress was tucked in, and then went around to the driver’s side. He grinned and started the car, heading in the same direction as the newly married couple while other guests made their way to the yacht club where the wedding reception was being held. “Let’s get the photos over and done with, and then you and I are doing our own thing.”
They followed the bride and groom and posed for the required photos before Liam took her hand again and pulled her toward the car. This time when Liam took the coast road, it wasn’t back to where the reception was being held.
Looking confused, Aggie stared at him. “Wait. Where are you taking me?”
“Wait and see. We have an hour before Drew and April will be at the reception, if not longer. I imagine the photographer is going to want to make the most of the light so you and I are going somewhere first.” He put a hand on hers. “I cleared it with Drew. Relax.”
* * *
That was half the problem. She tried to relax but in the back of her mind, a small voice prodded her with doubt. She’d heard those very words before. Relax, pretty girl. Her life hadn’t been the same since.
Aggie swallowed and took a breath. This was Liam, the man she trusted. The same guy who gave up his sleep to help her at night so she didn’t feel so alone or frightened. What could he possibly do to her that would make her worry?
“Sorry. It’s been a hectic day and my nerves are a little bit shot.” Aggie twirled a curl around her finger to try and distract her overactive brain.
“And now the hard part’s over—for you. Unlike you, I have to give a speech that will impress your brother.” He grimaced and Aggie laughed.
“Oh, right. Of course you do. Best man duties and all that fun stuff.” She shuffled in her seat so she was almost facing him. “What little nuggets of horror have you decided to share about him?”
Liam grinned. “You’re wicked, you know that? The look on your face as you think about me roasting your brother is priceless.” He turned down a coast road toward the water. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you got some perverse joy in seeing him squirm.”
“True, but what do you expect from siblings? Any chance we get to cast them in a less-than-stellar light, we take.” And she had, too. “Must be because we were always trying to outdo each other growing up. Twenty-first birthday toasts and wedding speeches are the only times you can say what you want and get away with it.” Aggie grinned at him. “The chances of them grabbing you and dunking you in a mud puddle are less in public.”
“I remember Arlo doing exactly that to you once.” He chuckled. “Drew even came to your rescue and got much the same treatment.”
Her mouth dropped open. “He did! I remember that day.” She gave a small sigh. “I want you to remember that when you give the speech.”
Liam drove over the rocky road and pulled up near a row of boulders separating the parking lot from the beach. He turned the car off and grinned. “You’ll have to wait and see. But for now, let’s you and me toss off our shoes and go for a quiet walk. We’ll get the stress out of our systems so we can go and enjoy ourselves without any baggage.”
When he pulled into their favorite beach, Aggie got out of the car, slipped off her shoes and left them on the floor mat. When Liam came around to her side, he took her hand.
Aggie let him lead her down to the sand. She dug her toes in and felt her shoulders relax. “Something about the beach. It always makes me feel more centered somehow.”
Liam looked out over the water. “I know what you mean. When we were interning, I missed this so much. Some nights all I wanted to do was get on the ferry and come home. It felt like I’d never finish my internship.”
“But you did.”
He slid his hands in his pockets and looked at her. “Yeah, I did. Still have regrets though.”
Was she one of them?
“I regret not coming back to the island more often and taking downtime. I regret losing touch with you more than anything. What went wrong between us, Aggie? How did we drift apart?”
“Life, I guess. Careers, opportunities. Call it what you want, but everyday living got in the way.”
“Do you have any regrets?” He stared at her with such need in his eyes that she had to turn away.
“Lots. Doesn’t everyone?” Aggie started to walk, this line of questioning getting too close to the bone for her. She wanted to distract Liam, keep things on a lighter note. Today was her brother’s wedding. The last thing she needed were depressing thoughts about how she could have handled the situation differently. She’d questioned herself enough that night. “Race you to the rocks.” Aggie lifted the skirt of her dress and she was off.
The adrenaline coursed through her body as she dug her toes into the sand, the soft sea breeze brushing over her cheeks. Liam regretted losing touch. How different life would have been if that hadn’t happened. But now wasn’t the time for regrets. It was too late for that. This was a new day, a new opportunity for them to reconnect. That was if she had the nerve to take advantage of it.
She touched the biggest rock and shouted out, “I win.” Exactly the same words she used to holler when she was a teenager.
Liam pulled up beside her, puffing. “You always did win. Why am I not surprised that would still be the case?” He sucked in a few deep breaths. “But things have changed slightly. Now you’re more gorgeous than ever.”
No wonder Aggie had fallen for him years ago. He was the most sensitive, kind, caring guy she’d ever met. It wouldn’t take much to really fall for Dr. Liam Davidson. If only she could let go of her fear. The fear of being a failure in his eyes when he found out she was damaged goods.
But for now, Aggie wanted to feel like she deserved him and the opportunities he offered. Today she was a normal girl enjoying the wedding of someone she loved, in the company of someone she wished she could love.
He cupped his hands on her cheeks. “You’re absolutely stunning, Aggie. Please give us a chance to reconnect. There’s nothing I’d like more.”
He stole her breath when he was this close. Could she—should she—do as he suggested? The thought had gone through her head more than once. Aggie had pitched between yes and hell no so many times it made her head spin. But staring into his love-filled eyes made her want to risk it, if only for a moment.
“We’d better head back. How would it look if the best man and maid of honor didn’t show up?” Liam touched her lips briefly with his, then he took her hand and led her back to the car.
Aggie let him lead her. She couldn’t have managed the short walk on her own, not with the buzz zipping around her body, after scrambling her brain to mush with that kiss.
Chapter 9
Liam took the m
ic from the master of ceremonies. “Now that the bride and groom have had their first dance, I’d like you all to turn your attention to the gorgeous bridesmaid, Ms. Agnes Hope. This is for you and I mean every word.”
She was going to kill him when this was over, he knew it, but it didn’t stop Liam from serenading her. He signaled the band leader and the music started. Liam began to sing his favorite Michael Bublé tune and the crowd went wild at his choice of song. At parties and get-togethers, Liam had always been the first to bust out a tune and he loved to do it. He closed his eyes and sung about the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
Once the initial excitement of hearing him sing died down, the room went silent as Liam crooned the words. He put every emotion he could into the song, all the love he’d held in his heart for her, the regrets about letting her go. He sung about the dreams he still wanted to share, the life he wanted for the pair of them, hoping that at least some of it would get through to Aggie. He dared not look at her for fear of what she might be doing. So long as she let him finish without bolting from the room, he figured he had a fighting chance. She’d either kill him for embarrassing her, bolt away before he could say anything or, hopefully, take it all in stride and appreciate the sentiments.
He sang the final notes and stood in the middle of the floor as the music faded. Filled with trepidation, he glanced at the bridal table. Drew gave him a wink and April lifted her glass to him, and then he looked over at Aggie. She sat frozen, her hands in her lap as the applause rang out around them.
Liam groaned. She’d hated it. She put down her glass of champagne and stood. If she was going to storm from the room, he’d have to go after her and explain. No way he was letting her go now that he’d put his heart on the line in front of everyone.
She came from around the table and stepped down onto the dance floor, her gaze levelled at him. A whisper of voices shimmered around the room as the anticipation built in his chest.
Liam gulped as he wiped his sweating palms down his trouser leg. He should’ve been a bit more subtle, judging from the looks he was getting from her family.
Aggie stepped up to him, her gaze roaming over his face. Still she didn’t give anything away. The murmur stilled as everyone turned to watch her walk across the floor to Liam. “You think you’re pretty clever, don’t you? Putting your feelings out there for everyone to see.” She tilted her head. “I didn’t take you for a reckless kind of guy, Liam.”
“I’m not, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Or so I hear.”
“That’s funny.”
“So, are you going to put me out of my misery? Did you like the song or are you going to slap me down like I deserve?”
A hint of a smile touched her lips. “Well, I probably should slap you. You know I hate anything public like this, but it is a wedding and people do strange things. You know, with the heightened emotions and all.” She put a hand on his shoulder. “I’ve never had anyone sing to me before, Liam. I’ve never seen that side of you. I liked it.”
“You’ve heard me sing before.”
Her lips twitched. “True, but never for me.”
“Dance with me, Aggie?”
“All you had to do was ask.”
The band struck up and Liam guided her around the floor to the delight of the guests. Eventually Arlo and Hilary joined them, but he only had eyes for Aggie.
“Good job, sis.” Arlo tapped Liam on the shoulder and took his sister from the best man. Liam continued the dance with Hilary. “That was smooth.”
Hilary laughed. “Sorry. Arlo wanted to have a quick word and thought now was the perfect time. I haven’t seen Aggie looking so happy as long as I’ve known her.” Hilary did a twirl as the music came to an end. “You seem good for her, Liam. Look after her. I’ve become quite attached to my future sister-in-law.”
“Does that mean Arlo’s popped the question?” He hadn’t heard that bit of information yet.
Hilary smiled. “We’re not mentioning it yet. Not until Arlo becomes used to it and Alice and Drew get back from their honeymoon. Don’t want to steal their glory.”
“That’s kind of you, Hilary.”
As the dance finished, Aunt Gigi called across the floor. “Aggie, April’s throwing the bouquet. She said for you to come now.”
“Go on. It’s tradition.” Liam gave her a small nudge.
“I don’t want…”
“Aggie, come help me,” April called to her.
Liam pushed her in the right direction.
“Aggie, hurry up. I need you for one final job tonight and then I’m going.” April beckoned her.
“Okay, then. But don’t throw it at me. I mean it, April. I’m not catching it. Give it to someone who deserves it.”
“I know but you still have to be there.” April shuffled to the front of the room and all the single ladies lined up behind her when she turned around. Aggie tried to move to one side to make room for Hilary but was jostled into the middle of the floor. Liam almost went to her aid.
“One, two, three!” April leaned forward and lifted her arms, letting go of the bouquet. The flowers came flying over April’s head and hands scrambled to grab them. Aggie put her hands out to protect herself from the grasping fingers around her and caught the bouquet.
She turned around, the bouquet clutched against her chest and the shock clear on her face as she met his gaze.
The breath caught in Liam’s throat. Everyone knew the superstition about the person who caught the flowers and he wanted to shout with joy about the significance of it. Would she freak out or take it in her stride?
The Aggie he used to know would laugh. This Aggie had the potential to flee.
As Liam watched, a tiny smile curved her lips and the breath eased from his throat. He lifted his hands and clapped. Her smile grew and she gave him a curtsy. Thank goodness that went over well. It boded well for the rest of the evening and their future.
* * *
“Time I took you home. I think you need to sleep off this champagne.” Liam took her hand and led her outside. The fresh air hit her in the face and Aggie stumbled on a crack in the path.
“I haven’t had that much. In fact, I’m pretty sure it was only two glasses all night. I changed to mineral water ages ago.” She shook her head but that only made her feel worse. “That’s what happens when you’re caught up in the buzz of a romantic wedding and don’t want it to end.” She leaned into him and he put his arm around her. It felt warm and natural to be with him. Aggie slid her arm around his waist and snuggled her head into his neck. “Take me home, Liam.”
“That was the plan.” He walked her down to his car and opened the door.
“I meant to your house.” She gazed into his eyes and saw the turmoil but also the spark of lust. He wanted her.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
Don’t you dare turn me down now that I’ve worked the courage up to offer myself to you. “I do.” Aggie got in and slammed the door. “Let’s go.”
Liam got in and started the car. “You really need to think about this. If we go to my place, there won’t be any taking it back, Aggie. Things will never be the same between us. I want you to know that.” He pulled out of the parking lot. “I want you, I always have, but you need to be very sure this is what you want too.”
She pushed aside the doubt. She could do this, and there wasn’t a better person to do it with than Liam. “Stop talking and drive.”
By the time they got to his cottage on the outskirts of Hope Harbor town, Aggie was on autopilot. She hurried out of the car and up the path to his front door.
“Hang on, slow down. Are you sure, Aggie?”
She took the key off of him and groaned. “Stop being so bloody nice. I want you, you want me; that should be enough.” Aggie slid the key in the lock and pushed open the door. The next thing she knew, she was pressed against it with Liam devouring her mouth. She dropped her purse and slid her arms around his hips. A mo
ment of panic crawled up her throat before the passion set in. Her hands went around his back, pulling his shirt from his trousers. She ran her hands under his clothing, relishing the feel of his skin.
He rained kisses over her face and down her throat. Aggie arched against him, desperate for the closeness she hoped would make her feel alive again. She ignored all the small warning bells going off inside her brain and slid off her shoes. Yes, this was wrong. Yes, she might regret it in the morning but heck, she needed to feel loved. She wanted that human connection that came to her with love, not fear or force.
Above all else, Aggie wanted to know if it was even possible for someone to love her. The used her, the wounded her. The hurting her. Liam was the only one she trusted enough to let her guard down with.
“Let’s take this to a comfortable bed.” Liam’s words barely registered in her brain. She was too busy trying not to fight her body’s urges and run away. It would be the sensible thing to do but Aggie desperately wanted to feel loved. Sensible didn’t come into it.
She needed this more than she knew. Aggie grabbed his hand and dragged him to his bedroom, throwing caution to the wind and shutting out her doubting voice. He brought up feelings she didn’t know she still had, and she needed to let them loose.
“Make love to me, Liam. Let me know how good it feels.” She pulled him down and pressed her body against his.
Chapter 10
Aggie rolled over, bumping into a warm body, and froze. She opened her eyes, knowing what she was going to find. He lay with one arm over his head on the pillow, his mouth slightly open in sleep and dreams flickering under his eyelids. She glanced down. The blankets were pushed away with only the sheet covering the two of them. When she peeked under it, all she saw was their naked bodies, one of which she’d spent hours discovering last night.
Don't Let Go (Hope Harbor Book 3) Page 7
