Free Shocked and Shattered by Aleya Michelle Page B

beach on a large blue picnic blanket is an array of fruits, nuts, deli meats, cheeses, chocolates, and a bouquet of purple roses.
     
    “Wow, this is breathtaking,” I squeal, totally blown away with his creation. He pours a glass of champagne and hands it to me, then pours one for himself.
     
    “Cheers to us. Cheers to new beginnings, and hopefully a lot more dates,” he toasts, making me giggle.
     
    “Cheers.” I clink my glass to his. The moment is so perfect and amazing. I squeeze his hand and can’t control myself as I lean in to taste his sweet lips. He kisses me back with eagerness, and with no reason to stop, we make out on the beach for the next hour.
     
    “Okay, I think we should get some food into our mouths before I ravish you again,” he chuckles.
     
    I start with some grapes, then cheese and crackers. Then, realising I am famished, I continue with chicken on a roll, two chocolates, and another glass of champagne.
     
    “God, I’ve missed food that I can keep down,” I confess, and we both laugh, knowing exactly what I mean.
     
    We snuggle as the sun sets and kiss each other passionately. When Liam rubs his fingers along my skin, I tingle and get goosebumps. I had forgotten just how special the freshness of a new relationship can feel; the magic and eagerness of spending every minute together.
     
    “I have dreamt of meeting someone like you, Liam, and I can’t believe my dream has come true.”
     
    “I know what you mean. I have never met anyone like you, Crystal, and my feelings for you intensify daily,” he confesses to me, and it’s like fate planned for us to meet.
     
    “Maybe in some twisted way, me getting cancer was the only way for fate to push us together. I wouldn’t change a thing because meeting you has changed my life.” With that acknowledgement, he leans in to kiss me deeply. “You were the light in my darkness, Liam."
     
    “If I could have created my own perfect woman, it would be you. You are a masterpiece; absolute perfection.” My heart swells.
     
    We stay on the beach until the air gets a chill to it, then we drive back to my apartment, feeling content and happy.
     
    “Come in for a coffee, or a night cap. It will be the perfect end to the perfect day.” I’m glad it’s Saturday, so I can sleep in tomorrow.
     
    “I’d love to.” We walk hand in hand up to my apartment.
     
    The closeness I feel to Liam is surreal. I don’t want to let go of his hand, so I hold it tight, and once inside my apartment, I pull him into me and we kiss; this time more passionately. All the months of built-up tension come out in our kiss. I walk backwards, with him following me to the lounge where I lay. He follows my lead and lies on top of me, not breaking our kiss. I grab onto his ass and it’s so toned and firm. My hands venture under his shirt; his skin soft and toned to perfection. Our tongues tangle together.
     
    “Mmm,” I moan from the incredible feeling.
     
    I start to lift his shirt off. I can’t wait any longer. He stands and removes it for me, and I take in his sexy upper torso. I then decide to take a risk. Standing slowly, I shimmy out of my dress. His eyes widen with lust.
     
    “Are you sure, Crystal? There is no rush,” he reassures me.
     
    “I have never felt so sure of anything more in my life,” I confirm.
     
    “I know the feeling. Being here with you and kissing you, touching you, is sensational.” His gaze finds my naked skin.
     
    We kiss again, our hands exploring and discovering each other’s bodies. I unbutton his shorts and pull them down His arousal is evident through his boxers. I pull him closer, feeling his hardness against my throbbing core that has been neglected and out of action for so long. God, it feels good as he rubs against me.
     
    “Lie down and let me pleasure you,” he says sweetly. I do exactly as he says, feeling eager to be pleasured.
     
    His hands rub along my breasts, circling my nipples that are hard and