Free Truth or Dare (Liar Liar #2) by C.A. Mason Page B

are so competitive. I can’t imagine being able to make a name for myself there.”
    “With the right connections, you could build a successful business anywhere,” I said, smiling as I brought the glass to my lips. “Including New York.”
    “Subtle, real subtle.”
    I laughed as I reached for her hand to kiss it. “Admit it, you love that I say what’s on my mind.”
    “Maybe I do.” She glanced at the lights illuminating the paths to the Olympic-sized swimming pool. “What do you think? Should we take my father up on his offer?”
    I looked back, noting the loungers gathered around the pool. I could walk a few feet and be in the very same spot I’d first laid eyes on her. I felt as though my life had started that day. Before that, I’d just been going through the motions. Seeing her gave me reason to want to get out of bed in the morning.
    “Of course, if you’re tired or you need to get some work done before you turn in—”
    “No, I’d love to go for a swim.” I held her hand as we carried our wine glasses to the patio. I stopped at the end of the walkway, took her glass, and set it on a small table between two chairs. Brushing her hair off her face, I stared into her eyes, thinking how grateful I was that life had brought us full circle.
    “What are you thinking?” she whispered, her eyes trained on my mouth.
    “I’m thinking about how beautiful you are.” I kissed her lips. “I don’t want to leave you. I’m not looking forward to going back to New York.”
    I was still waiting for the private investigator’s report. Apparently he was having trouble tracking down one of the guys I’d worked with, and I couldn’t prolong the trip home forever. I’d come back, maybe in a week or two, to talk to the old crew and see Maura again, but that would seem like a lifetime. I wanted her with me. All the time.
    “When do you have to go?” She wrapped her arms around my waist as she laid her head on my chest.
    “I have, uh, a commitment the day after tomorrow.” I wasn’t looking forward to telling her about it, but I would have to. Later. Much later.
    “I’ll miss you,” she admitted. “I’m sorry about the things I said to you the other night, and yesterday. I was just hurt and upset—”
    I pressed my lips to hers to silence her. “I’m glad I was there to help you through it.” I grinned. “Anytime you want to use my body, feel free. That was seriously hot.”
    She rolled her eyes and smiled. “You’re such a guy.” Tipping her head toward the pool house I’d helped build, she said, “Shall we get changed?”
    “We could always go skinny dipping instead.”
    She giggled. “I haven’t done that since I was a teenager.”
    I know, I was there. “It might be fun.” I wrapped my arms around her waist, my hand splayed over her perfect ass as I nuzzled her neck.
    “I’m sure it would be.” She sounded breathless, excited. “But not here. I’d be mortified if they came down and found us like that.”
    I chuckled. “Somehow I don’t think your father would mind all that much if we hooked up. Granted, I don’t think he’d want to witness it, but…”
    “My father definitely seems to be in favor of this… relationship, or whatever you want to call it.”
    “Relationship works for me.” I’d never been one to label affairs, but this was different. She was different.
    “You know I can’t rush into anything,” she said hesitantly, pressing her palms into my chest. “I’m still reeling from what happened with Jeff, and I don’t want you to be…”
    I couldn’t help but laugh. She was trying so hard not to offend me. It was sweet. “Your rebound guy?”
    Rolling her eyes, she said, “I can’t imagine you being anyone’s rebound guy.”
    “Then what are you worrying about?”
    She dipped her head, ensuring I couldn’t see her face. “Maybe I don’t wanna screw this up.” She sighed. “I know I said I suck at relationships, and I clearly do. I trust the wrong