Her blood beating a steady thrum, she returned her hand to his hair. His gaze roamed her face and then settled on her mouth. He shifted his body and tugged his hand free of their tangle. When his finger trailed from her temple to her chin, her eyes fluttered closed. The touch was like thousands of points of electricity pulsing against her skin.
She opened her eyes. Liam's gaze held hers captive and he traced his finger over the shape of her lips. "Fighting this hasn't worked. If anything, it's made me want you more."
The words spoken in the roughened tone were both arousing and gratifying. She hadn't been the only one who'd suffered. "So maybe we should stop fighting it."
A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face. He moved his hand to her throat and stroked her skin with a feather light caress. Claire left one hand buried in his hair and slid the other to his neck, massaging the muscles.
Liam groaned and lowered his head and his mouth crashed down on hers faster and hotter than she'd expected. His lips coaxed hers apart and she let his tongue slide inside to dual with hers. He kissed a trail to her jawline then down her neck in a series of nips and licks that weakened her muscles and heated her blood. Tugging his hair, she nudged him until he returned to her mouth. His urgency matched hers and his body blanketed her, wrapping them in their desire.
A knock pounded on the door. Claire jolted and knocked her forehead into Liam's. "Damn it."
He pulled away, rubbing his forehead, and rolled to the floor. "Just a second," he called out as he reached for his crutches.
Claire sprung to her feet. She adjusted her costume, slipped her mask in place, and helped Liam put his on.
When she opened the door, Tim, one of the security guards, stood with his hand on his radio. "You guys all right? Our guest singer for the National Anthem was late, but she's ready to go now. You need to get on the field."
They were much later than she'd thought. Claire groaned and glanced at Liam. "Sorry. I had some costume trouble."
"I'll have them hold the elevator for you." Tim stepped away, speaking into his radio.
Liam locked the door and climbed into the golf cart. He rubbed Fin's fins together. "Time to burn some rubber."
She started the engine and sped down the hall. Her attraction to Liam couldn't get in the way of doing her job. "Listen, about what happened..."
"It was a good first kiss, starting with the crash and ending with a bang." He raised his hand to his head.
Laughing, she glided the cart onto the empty elevator. "Seriously. We can't let it affect things here."
He laid his hand on her thigh. "Believe me, I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize this job. On the clock, we'll make sure to keep a better watch on the time. But off the clock, all bets are off."
A shiver tore through her. Anticipation rolled together with wariness. Losing focus of her responsibilities wasn’t an option. And Liam proved to be the biggest distraction she’d ever had.
CHAPTER NINE
LIAM
FIN THE SHARK'S BIRTHDAY festivities were always a big event. Liam drove the golf cart decorated with balloons and streamers through the stadium, waving and nodding at all of the well-wishers he passed. The early afternoon Sunday game had started with a visit from other mascots in the area. He'd sat in a chair while they held a dance-off on the field. Claire, as Fiona, had won. In his opinion, no one could match her moves. The crowd had agreed.
It had been followed by a photo op with a huge sheet cake and videos from all of the players wishing Fin a Happy Birthday.
All in all, a good day so far, and they were only at the top of the fifth inning. Tie score, too. Hopefully, the team could pull off a win.
Beside him, Claire held the small cake they were delivering to the kids from the Wishes Granted Foundation. "It's sweet that you wanted to be with these kids when the fans sing Happy Birthday to you. They're going to be so excited about being on TV."
"I want to make sure they enjoy their experience. The best suite, being on TV, and then batting practice with Slade after the game." For hours now, he'd been strictly professional. Their kiss from the previous day lingered in his mind, followed by more before they’d said goodnight and another this morning before they’d headed to the field, played like his own highlight reel. He could still feel the way her lips had softened under his and how her body had melted as they'd kissed. One taste of Claire wasn't enough; he fully intended to do it again soon.
He slowed to a stop outside one of the luxury suites. "We're here."
Claire hopped out of the cart and waited for him to grab his crutches before she opened the suite's door. A sea of small faces swung in their direction and then the kids erupted into cheers.
Happiness and satisfaction burst like the brightest fireworks. Grinning, Liam eased into the room and accepted hugs flung at him from all directions. This was why he loved his job. Making them happy was the best feeling ever.
Savanna came to his left side. "Guys, be careful of Fin's ankle, okay?"
She directed their attention to the cake Claire had set on the table. The kids swarmed her too and then one asked if she and Fin were getting married. Claire lifted her fins in a shrug before rubbing the kid's head.
One of the cameramen entered the suite with Tim from security. They gathered the kids around Fin and then directed their attention to the huge screen over left field.
As the
