He is looking at me like he craves me after all these years, but that’s how he must look at all the girls. With his following, he can’t be short of options. But to feel this desired one more time, I can’t pass that up. Not many people want to commit to the woman with no spare time and bucket-loads of emotional baggage. But as Liam slides into a taxi besides me I can feel the waves of desire coming off him.

“Fuck, I’ve missed the sounds you make,” he murmurs against my jaw, goose bumps cover my arms.

“One night Liam,” I say again. I don’t know who I am trying to convince. Mister Big Shot NHL isn’t going to want more than one night with me. For him, this is just convenience, or nostalgia, but for me it’s a night of freedom from all my responsibilities. Lyndsey, my best friend and only employee, is opening the shop tomorrow and was more than happy to take care of my son, Jack, overnight. Plus, one more night with Liam… It’s too hard to resist.

“I want your number El.” His voice is low and his eyes intense, his gaze makes me squirm in my seat.

“There’s no need,” I remind him. This can only be tonight.

“Ten, nine, eight…” He starts to count down, smirking at me as though he has won. But I’m not the same girl he once knew. His threat of an impending spanking just excites me.

“You can’t just count down to get what you want any more,” I laugh, but the sound is uneasy. My mind feels empty from having his lips on mine.

“Seven, six, five…”

“What? You get to one and I get a spanking, I’ll just enjoy it.” I keep my voice low to avoid allowing the taxi driver to hear every part of our sordid conversation. I kiss Liam again, hoping it will distract him enough to drop it.

He pulls his lips from mine, throwing his head back against the seat of the taxi. “Jesus Ellis, you drive me crazy. I want your number before we get out of this car.”

“Just kiss me instead,” I whine.

“Nope.” His voice is light. The opposite to mine. “Not until I have your new number.” His eyes shine with satisfaction. I want him, he knows it. And if giving him my number is what it takes, then fine. I guess he can have it.

“Jesus Liam, fine!” I snatch his phone from his hand, I think for a split second about putting in a fake number, but knowing my luck he will call it now to make sure it works. Needing his hands and lips on me again, I jab my number in and toss it back at him. “Now kiss me. Just for tonight.”