The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke

Chapter Fourteen

An hour later, Cyndi was clean and dressed. She and Shamus had just finished eating a quick lunch of canned chicken noodle soup and ham sandwiches, and were now touring the house, clipboard in hand.

They were in the formal dining room with its dark burgundy walls and oak flooring. Cyndi threw back the heavy, velvet drapes to let some light into the room. “I want to get rid of the dining room table and chairs.” It was a monstrous thing that could seat two dozen easily. “I want to set this up as the dining room, of course. It's close to the kitchen and the flow-through is good.” She pointed to the doors on either end of the room.

"But I want smaller tables scattered around to give people privacy as they eat their breakfast. Set up a large hutch against this wall.” She pointed to the head of the room. “Coffee, tea, muffins, and snacks could be left here for guests to help themselves during the day. I've been thinking I'd do breakfast and light lunch—soups, sandwiches and that kind of thing—and close the kitchen around two in the afternoon."

"There's certainly enough space for it. There's not much work to do in here besides painting.” Shamus walked around the room, examining the walls.

"A lot of the house is the same. It's just a matter of paint and changing the furniture and drapes.” She watched as he prowled around the room. There was something on his mind. She'd sensed it when he'd arrived and it hadn't gone away. She wanted to ask him what it was, but held back. He'd tell her when he was ready. Hopefully.

There was no doubting that they were involved in a full-blown affair, but beyond that, she wasn't quite sure how deep their relationship went. She knew that she wanted more, but she was also realistic enough to know that the odds were stacked against them. Their age difference was enough of a barrier without adding their pasts into the mix.

He'd stopped what he was doing and was staring at her. Cyndi cleared her throat and continued. “I'd like to see something lighter in here, maybe a sage green."

"That would work. Or maybe a pale yellow."

Cyndi noted both possibilities. “That could work, too."

Shamus pointed to one large window overlooking the side garden. “You could easily put in French doors there that would lead right out into the garden. You could put in a patio and let guests eat outside in the summer months."

"That's brilliant.” And it would certainly take advantage of the large, sculpted gardens. “I need to get some work done to whip the yard into shape. Like the rest of the place, it's too formal and needs some color and life.” She added the new projects to her growing list.

They went through the downstairs making notes in the library, formal living room, and front parlor as well as her father's office. Finally, they landed back in the foyer.

"What do you want to do in here?"

Cyndi found her gaze going back to the spot just inside the door where they'd made love earlier. She knew she was blushing when she faced Shamus. She could feel the telltale heat on her cheeks. “Brighten up the place for sure. I want to change the lighting as well.” She wandered over to an alcove that held a large urn. “We could put a desk facing away from the wall here and make this the check-in area."

Shamus took out a measuring tape that he'd gotten from his toolbox before they started their tour and walked over to where she was standing. “It's only three feet wide. We could widen it, give you a bit more space."

She stood back and studied it. “Wouldn't that be a lot of work?"

"Not that much. But if you didn't want to do that, I could build you a counter that wrapped around three sides, making it a small, enclosed area with a half door on the far end. That way you could have storage under the counter for your phones and paperwork and whatever else you needed. I could even build a small three-foot desktop into the alcove for you to work at or I could have one end of the counter low enough for you to sit and work there. It's up to you."

She could see the possibilities. “I like the counter with one side low enough to sit and work. It's not as if I'd use it that often. I'm going to have an office area in my living space where I'd do most of my paperwork."

"Sounds good. I'll draw up some plans for you to look at.” With his hand at the small of her back, he followed her up the stairs.

They went through all the guest rooms first. Cyndi knew she was being cowardly, but she wanted to put off her father's room and her old room as long as possible. Like most of the rooms downstairs, the work was cosmetic, although she did want to update the bathroom fixtures and lighting in several of the rooms.

Finally, they came to her father's room. She took a deep breath and put her hand on the doorknob. “I haven't been in this room yet."

Shamus stilled beside her. “Not at all?"

"No.” She shook her head. “This room was pretty much off-limits when I was a child.” Turning the handle, she pushed the door open.

It was slightly stuffy, but other than that, it looked as if the original occupant might be back at any time. A small glass, half-full of water, sat on the bedside table alongside a picture of her mother. There was a pair of slippers tucked beneath the bed and a robe was draped over a wingback chair that sat to the left.

Cyndi made herself take a step forward. Then another. She was very aware of the fact that Shamus was right behind her. His presence steadied her, made it easier to face the ghost of her father.

Looking away from the few personal belongings scattered on the top of the oak bureau, she forced herself to examine the room with a critical eye. “This is the largest room upstairs. I'd like to turn this into an executive suite or maybe the honeymoon suite."

Shamus moved away from her side and strode to the other door and peeked inside. “Good idea. There's already a Jacuzzi in here."

"Really?” That hadn't been there when she'd left. “It must be fairly new. At least within the past decade.” When she reached his side, she peeked around him. “This is definitely new, maybe within the past two or three years."

The bathroom was huge, with the large tub in one corner. Low windows allowed for a view of the garden from the tub. All the fixtures were brushed nickel and the countertop was granite. Stone tiles on the floor complemented the rest of the decor, which was surprisingly light and airy.

"I don't think that this room will need any work at all."

Cyndi stepped into the room and fingered the towels. “Paint and some new towels should pretty much take care of it."

Finishing her cursory inspection, she headed back to the bedroom, which was really a combination bedroom and sitting room. “The furniture is too dark and large for this room. I'd like to take out the desk and put in a sitting area where a couple could relax and chat or curl up and read. I'll probably put in a small entertainment center with a television, DVD player, and a selection of movies."

"That's not a bad idea.” Shamus ambled around the room, checking the view from each window. “This is great. You get a good view of the town from here."

"Yeah.” Cyndi traced her fingers over the frame holding her mother's photo. “That's why my ancestors built this house here. They liked being able to look out over what they considered to be theirs."

Shamus turned away from the window and came to stand beside her. “What else do you want to do in here?"

"Paint, drapes, and new linens, of course.” She leaned back into him when he wrapped his arms around her waist. “I'll have to check the attic for furniture, too. If there are any sofas or chairs up there worth keeping, I'll get them reupholstered to suit the rooms they're going in. I may bring a few of the chairs from the living room and parlor upstairs to use in the rooms."

Sighing, she closed her eyes for a moment. “I need to clean this room out, box up my father's clothing and give it to charity."

"Yes, you do.” He leaned down and kissed her temple. “But not today."

"No,” she agreed. “Not today.” Tomorrow or the next day was soon enough.

"What's left?"

"My rooms—the old one and the new one. I think that I'm going to make my permanent quarters in the room I'm staying in now. I want to take out the wall with the small bedroom next to it and create a bedroom and sitting room area. The bathroom is large and will work perfect after it's renovated. I want a new tub, flooring, vanity, and fixtures."

Shamus laughed. “You want to gut it, in other words."

"Pretty much.” She pulled away and headed for the door.

"That's not a problem. I just hope the plumbing in this place is good or it's going to get expensive.” Once again, Shamus was right behind her, his presence like a talisman, holding the worst of her memories at bay. It had been surprisingly easy to walk around her father's room. Probably because she'd never spent any time there as a child.

"That's not going to be a problem.” She closed the door behind her and headed down the hallway. Her room was next. “I found a bill in my father's papers. I haven't gone through half of them yet, but from what I saw, there was some major plumbing work done when he had the kitchen renovated a few years back. I think his bathroom and several more upstairs were probably redone at the time."

"Now that you mention it, I seem to remember that. Your father didn't use a local company to do the work, but brought in someone from outside."

Cyndi snorted. “Sounds like him."

"I take it you'll be using local tradesmen."

"If I can get them to work for me, I will."

"That won't be a problem.” Shamus wrapped his hand around her upper arm, stopping her. “Cyndi.” The heat from his hand seeped into her skin, warming her. She hadn't realized she was chilly. “You don't have to do this today."

She knew he was talking about her old room, but she was determined. She'd put it off long enough. “Yes, I do."

He released her and rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. “Okay, but promise me if it gets to be too much, you'll call it a day and try again tomorrow or the day after."

"I will.” She was touched by his concern. Reaching out, she laid her hands on his chest, absorbing his strength and his warmth. “Having you here makes it easier."

"I'm glad.” Leaning down, he brushed a kiss across her lips before straightening back to his great height. “Let's get this done.” Not waiting for her, he grabbed the doorknob, twisted, and pushed.

The room was exactly the same as it was the last time she'd been here. Walking inside was like walking through a time warp. “This room needs to be gutted—clothing, belongings, furniture, carpet, the works."

"Whose idea was it to put white carpet on the floor?"

"Not mine.” Cyndi hauled open the closet doors. Designer clothing filled it from one end to another. “I should have the antiques dealer look at some of these. They might qualify as vintage. Most of it is designer stuff. She might know a resale store that would take them on consignment."

"You don't want to keep any of it?” His deep voice penetrated her thoughts.

"No.” She shivered. “I never picked any of it out anyway. I was always told what to buy, what to wear."

Shamus tucked her beneath his arm. “You're cold. Why don't we get you a sweater and something warm to drink before we check out the attic?"

Tilting her head back, she looked at Shamus. She could see the concern in his eyes, but it was tinged with sadness. Tentatively, she broached the subject that had been on her mind all afternoon. “What's wrong? You've been upset since you got here."

Turning her in his embrace, he herded her toward the door. “I don't want to talk about it."

"Okay.” Ouch! That certainly put her in her place. She glanced away, trying to hide her hurt, but he saw it anyway.

"I don't mean to hurt you.” His hand tightened around her waist before falling back by his side. “I'm not shutting you out.” He closed the bedroom door behind them, locking the memories inside. “I need to think some things through, but for this afternoon, I don't want to think about my problems. I just want to enjoy being with you."

"Fair enough.” She knew his problems probably had something to do with her, but there was nothing she could do to help until he talked to her. And he obviously wasn't ready to do that yet. “How about I grab a sweater and we go up to the attic and have a quick look around? When we have an idea what's there, we'll go downstairs and I'll make us some coffee or hot chocolate."

"You sure?” Concern was etched on his face. Her heart turned over as he rubbed his hands over her arms to warm them. She soaked up all the loving care and kindness that he dispensed so easily. For a woman who'd never gotten that kind of attention from a man before, it was heady stuff.

"I'm sure.” She patted his arm to try to reassure him. “Let me grab a sweater.” She hurried into her room and grabbed a warm, beige cardigan, tugging it on over her T-shirt while Shamus waited patiently outside her door.

"Which way to the attic?"

"Follow me.” She led him to the large storage closet at the end of the hallway and tugged open the door. Reaching out, she flicked on the light switch, bathing the room in a dim light. The closet was actually the actually the size of a small room, and immediately to the right of the door a set of stairs went upward.

"Clever.” Shamus was obviously impressed as he followed her up the stairs.

"Convenient too.” Cyndi hadn't been up here in years. Not since she was a kid. When the lights worked, she gave thanks to the diligence of the staff that had worked here.

"Wow.” She could hear the awe in Shamus’ voice. It echoed her own thoughts.

"I always thought this place was magical when I was a kid.” The room was dusty and smelled stale, but not musty. Stuff was piled high, filling practically every square inch. “My family didn't believe in throwing things out.” She moved forward, lifting a dust cover and peering beneath. “Oh, look at this."

Shamus grabbed the other end of the cloth tarp and lifted, revealing the frame of a large sleigh bed and matching dresser. “The workmanship is amazing.” He ran his hand over the wood grain.

Cyndi shivered, but this time it wasn't because of the cold. Watching Shamus stroke the wood reminded her of how he'd touched her last night. “I want this for my room."

"I don't blame you. It's a beautiful piece of work."

They re-covered it and moved on. Like two kids in a candy store, they were eager to see what was beneath each covering. Shamus uncovered several more antique bedroom sets, while she found half a dozen chairs that would work perfectly when they were reupholstered.

"Look at this.” She'd hit the mother lode in a far corner. “Tables.” There were five small tables that would sit four people at each. “These are perfect for the dining room."

Shamus grabbed a large tarp close by and tugged. “Ah ha!"

"What?” She turned and began to cough and sputter as dust filled the air.

"Chairs."

Cyndi waved her hand in front of her face, as she hurried over beside him. Sure enough, piled haphazardly on one another were easily fifteen to twenty chairs. “This is perfect. They don't all match, but they'll look amazing with all the seats covered in the same fabric. It will be charming and inviting, but not stuffy."

"No. Not stuffy at all.” Shamus cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing her cheeks. “You've got dust all over your face."

"And whose fault is that?” Her voice was husky as she leaned into his touch.

"Not all mine.” He moved closer and she rose on her toes to meet him. His warm, firm lips touched hers and she sighed as her insides turned to liquid. All he had to do was look at her a certain way and she wanted him. His mouth barely touched hers, and her entire body hummed with pleasure.

His hand snaked around her waist, tugging her closer. She could feel the outline of his erection as it pressed against her stomach. The kiss went on and on. It was unhurried, a goal in and of itself. Their tongues twined together, their lips melding. The man certainly knew how to kiss. Heat suffused her entire body, making her sweat beneath her sweater. Shamus could drive away the cold, whether it was physical or emotional.

When he raised his head, all she could do was stare at him. She licked her lips, not wanting to lose his taste and he groaned. “Enough of that. This isn't the time or the place.” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and brushed another smudge of dirt from her face. “We need to finish here and then I need some coffee."

"Right.” She reached out and swiped at the bridge of his nose. “I'm not the only one who's dusty."

"Yeah, but I'm a manly kinda guy. It just makes me look tough."

Cyndi laughed, as she knew he'd intended. He was only joking, but the fact was, he was right. It did only serve to make him appear more rugged and handsome. “Come on, tough guy."

Tossing the cover back on the chairs, she headed toward the door. She was halfway there when some boxes caught her eye. “I just want to check this out."

Shamus laughed, but refrained from saying anything.

Ignoring him, she flipped open the cover of one box and then another. They were filled with packing paper, so she reached inside and drew out one of the wrapped items. Carefully pulling back the paper, she exclaimed in delight. “China!” Laying the delicate plate back down on top of the box, she reached into the one alongside it and unwrapped another bundle. It was another plate, but a different pattern.

"This is good, right?” Shamus picked up a cup and examined it. The delicate china looked fragile in his huge hand, but he held it with exquisite care. This was a man very aware of his strength, and he adjusted accordingly.

Cyndi was struck with how the image defined the man as a whole. Shamus might only be thirty, but he was very self-aware, even more so than most men who were a lot older. He was a man of honesty and integrity who would never use his strength against another. But he would use every last ounce of it to protect someone he loved. She was as certain of that as she was of the fact that the sun would rise in the east tomorrow morning.

He was also extremely stubborn and had a tendency to keep things to himself. It was as if he didn't want to burden other people with his problems. It made her feel as if there was a barrier between them. She'd poured out her heart to him, while he kept his problems to himself. She was hoping he'd learn to open up and share with her more as time went on.

They'd only known each other for a matter of days, but she already knew that she wanted to be loved by this man, to fall under his protection. But at the same time, she wondered who looked out for him and his best interests. Shamus was a natural caretaker, and it would be easy to allow him to take over and do everything that needed doing. Cyndi wasn't going to allow that to happen. At least not in their relationship.

For one, she wanted and needed to stand on her own two feet. And secondly, Shamus needed a strong woman to stand beside him and keep the rest of the world from taking advantage of him. Not that he was a pushover. Shamus hid a will of iron beneath his easygoing facade. When it was something he cared about, she had a feeling no one could match him for sheer stubbornness. But he was such a naturally giving person that it would be easy for him to be the one always on the giving end and never on the receiving.

Clearing her throat, she answered his question. “Yes, it's very good. I need to go through all these boxes and see what's here. I like the patterns a lot more than the formal Wedgwood that's in the dining room hutch."

Shamus tucked the cup back in the box and closed the top. “There are six boxes here. How about we bring them downstairs, and you can check them out while we're waiting for the coffee to brew?"

Cyndi carefully closed the box next to her, once again reminded of how different Shamus was. She knew that he couldn't care less about the china, but he cared because he sensed it was important to her. “I'd like that."

Grabbing a box, she carried it down the stairs, laying it on the floor of the storage room. Shamus was right behind her with two boxes balanced in his arms. One more trip and they had the six boxes in the storage room and the stairs to the attic shut tight.

"I'll probably leave most of the furniture up there until the renovations are done.” She grabbed a box and headed for the main staircase. “I should get the chairs down and find out who in town can do upholstery work. Once I pick out fabric, I can send them out to be done."

"Sounds like a plan.” Shamus's boots were heavy as he followed her down the stairs. “I've been meaning to ask—” He broke off as he walked down the hall and into the kitchen.

"Meaning to ask what?” She laid her box on the counter and watched as Shamus did the same.

Dusting off his hands, he leaned against the counter. “You checked with city hall about the zoning for this, didn't you? I know that you know what you're doing when it comes to running a B & B, but I wasn't sure how much you'd had to deal with town bylaws and things of that nature."

She smiled, not at all offended. She knew that he wasn't questioning her intelligence, but he was honestly concerned. “Don't worry. That's not in question. This has been James land for about a hundred and fifty years. When the town was incorporated, it was agreed that this land was zoned for whatever the James family wanted to do with it. I searched through my father's records. Even if the town doesn't have it on file, I've got it here. But I do plan to hit city hall on Monday to check and to get the necessary permits for the renovations."

"Got it all figured out, do you?"

Cyndi smiled at the look of pride and satisfaction on his face. “I wish.” Her smile disappeared. “I just wish that the rest of life was as easy to figure out."

"It'll come.” Shamus pushed away from the counter. “Give it time.” He headed to the door. “I'll get the other three boxes. You start the coffee."

"You sure?” Like he couldn't carry three boxes down the stairs himself.

"Positive.” He paused in the doorway. “Do you still have that cheesecake I brought last night?"

"Hungry, are you?"

His eyes darkened to a stormy blue-gray. “You have no idea, but cheesecake will do. For now.” With that parting shot, he left.

Cyndi could only stare after him. He'd done it again. With nothing more than a look and a few words, he had all the nerves in her body jumping. Her limbs felt like jelly, and her breasts ached.

The pounding of his booted feet going up the stairs shook her out of her daze. “Girl, you are in such trouble,” she muttered to herself as she hurried to start the coffee and pull the cheesecake out of the refrigerator. Still, she couldn't hold back the smile that bloomed on her face. She might be in trouble, but she figured she was up to the challenge.