7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Rhys

M y cheeks heated, and I dropped my gaze on my cup. It hadn’t been one-sided, then. I’d been embarrassed by my interest—bordering on obsession—with Liam.

I had stalked him on Kraken for hours on end, and not just once. Every couple of days my thoughts strayed back to him.

I’d searched his shop on Kraken Maps, had pored over posts, and listened to a Radio-Active feature on his business about a million times.

“Want another one, or do you have to leave soon?” There lay so much hope in his voice that I had to meet his eyes. They were bright green and sparkling with something I’d rather not investigate, or I would never leave this place.

“I have time for another coffee. You, too?”

“Yes, pup, I have time.”

He covered my hand with his and gently squeezed it.

“Be right back.”

My eyes hung on him as he walked towards the bar, his red and green kilt swaying with every step. He wore it with a knit jumper, knee-high knitted socks, and heavy boots.

This man is a walking, talking Scottish wet dream.

“Your thoughts are showing on your face, pup. They are quite loud.” He settled back into his chair and stirred a tiny spoonful of sugar into his cup.

“Are they? What am I thinking of?” I asked him, cocking an eyebrow at him. Gods, this man turned me into a brat.

Liam leaned in, his lips in a teasing pout. “That you would like to get under my kilt.”

“I was merely admiring the craftsmanship,” I told him in a lofty voice.

He tutted. “Pup, keep up the cheek, and I’ll rethink my stance on public displays of affection.”

My smile turned saccharine, and I sneaked a hand under the table to rest it on his thigh. “Good. I’m a fan of PDAs, Daddy,” I whispered, my hand sneaking up to his hardening cock.

“Keep doing that if you want me to lay you across my lap and spank this pretty ass of yours.”

I hummed, fondling him for a moment before taking my hand away.

“Tempting, Liam. But not quite the direction I want our coffee date to take.”

He took hold of my chin and pecked me on the lips. “Me neither. You were telling me about your life in the city before we got sidetracked.”

“My exciting life in Scotland’s up-and-coming metropolis.” I winked and drank from my coffee latte. “Well, I went from employee to co-owner this year, and I work way too much. In my spare time I try to do my shopping and keep my apartment tidy. I even manage to grab the occasional cuppa with a friend. When I’m feeling fancy I even get enough sleep for a change.”

He snorted.

“What about you, Liam? Where do you live?”

“My hound and I have a cottage near Kincardie. My workshop is in town, but I need space. And peace and quiet.” He plucked my hand from the table and cradled it in his. “And I try to hang out with my sister’s kids regularly. Fergus dotes on them, and so do I.”

I found kids a little scary but imagining him with his niblings was endearing.

What wasn’t endearing was the thought of parting ways with him. We couldn’t sit here and drink coffee forever.

Although…watch me.

Back out on the street, with both of us bundled up in coats, hats, and scarves, I stalled.

“Want to go for a little walk with me before we get back to the cars?” I blurted out before Liam could speak.

The corner of his mouth lifted up in a smile, and he laced his fingers with mine.

“Excellent idea, pup.”

We strolled down the street towards the river and alongside its bank, past churches and the castle. Neither of us spoke much. Occasionally we stopped to admire the view or to kiss as snow fell down on us, tangling in Liam’s beard.

It was the most romantic morning of my life.