Page 76 of Liberating Lily

“Why?” she asked.

“Because he’s dying to meet you and he’ll take that as an invitation.”

“Oh, and you don’t want me to meet him.” Probably because she was a mess right now. She couldn’t blame him for that.

“Not yet. And not for the reasons you’re probably thinking. It has nothing to do with you and everything to do with my family. They’re . . . a lot. I don’t want them scaring you.”

She bristled a bit at that.

“I know I come across as a coward. But I’m not so much of a wimp that I can’t handle meeting your family.”

She regretted saying that as soon as the words came out. Because he straightened up and stared down at her, his arms crossed over his chest.

“What did you just call yourself?” His voice was a low growl that made a shiver race up her spine.

She couldn’t deny that that tone of voice turned her on. Even if this wasn’t exactly a sexy conversation.

And the glint in his eyes told her that he was taking this very seriously.

Lily swallowed heavily. “I didn’t call myself anything.”

“Yes, you did. You just called yourself a coward.”

“That was more of a descriptive word.” And it was simply the truth.

“It was an insulting word and you’re in big trouble.”

Big trouble? What did that mean?

“What? What sort of trouble?”

He leaned forward, placing his hands on the countertop where he stood across from her. “The sort of trouble that will end up with you over my knee, getting your butt spanked.”

That wasn’t hot.

It. Was. Not. Hot.

What was wrong with her? Why did the thought of being over his lap, her bottom bare with his hand landing on her cheeks, send her into a tailspin?

“I don’t . . . that’s not . . . what?”

He grinned. “Are you speechless, baby? Just think about it. If it’s something you can’t agree to then I understand. But you’re still in trouble and you’re owed a punishment. If it’s not a spanking, which would be my preference, then it will have to be something else.”

“We’re not . . . I’m not sure you have that right.” She raised her chin.

This was a reminder that she needed to put some boundaries in place. Things were becoming so muddled in her mind. And she was concerned that she was becoming far too attached to him.

“Ahh, Mo bhreáthracht. I’m afraid you’re wrong.”

Lord. He was frustrating at times.

“No, I’m not.”

“You are. But it’s all right. I’m here to teach you.”

“I won’t let anyone control me again.”

To her surprise, the smile wiped off his face, and he gave her a serious look before taking a step back.