The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke

Chapter Twenty-Six

Cyndi sat up in bed, surrounded by people. She wished it was just her and Shamus again, but he'd been gone when she'd finally opened her eyes this morning, sneaking back to his own bed sometime during the night. He was back again, this time seated in a chair right next to her bed, but they were anything but alone.

Her Aunt Verna had arrived late last night, and when she'd checked into the Jamesville Motel and inquired about Cyndi, she'd been directed to the hospital. The small town grapevine was alive and well. Cyndi was glad her aunt was here, if only for moral support.

As if sensing her unease, Shamus reached out and took her hand in his, twining their fingers together. She drew strength from his nearness and took a deep breath. “Okay. What exactly is going on?” Patrick was here, along with his wife, Shannon. Burke and Dani were here as well. Cyndi was getting more nervous the longer this took.

Patrick stepped forward. “Bo Hobbs admitted that he was hired at first to try to scare you out of town. When you didn't leave, the plan was changed and he was told to get rid of you."

"Who?” Cyndi had to know who hated her that much.

"Elijah Harris.” Patrick crossed his arms over his chest. “He tried to deny it at first, but when I confronted him about what you'd found in your father's safe, he finally admitted it. Harris wasn't happy when you decided to transfer all your business to another law firm. He figured if you were scared enough, you might leave town and forget about switching. Seems he was hiding some of the funds from the firm and pocketing them himself.” He eyed Cyndi with something resembling respect in his eyes.

She blinked, sure she must be mistaken as Patrick continued. “He had another document already forged, naming Harris and Hammond beneficiary of the estate in the event something happened to you. He'd forged both your signature and your father's. It never occurred to him that your father might have kept proof about their wrongdoings."

"That bastard.” She could feel the anger emanating from Shamus and squeezed his hand tighter.

"What will happen now?” She wanted this mess put behind her so she could get on with her life. Her father and his legacy had made a mess of so many lives.

"Bo Hobbs is charged with attempted murder and a long list of other crimes. Elijah Harris will also be charged, but the charges are still being decided on. I'm sure the list will be long and he'll be disbarred and imprisoned for what he's done."

"Good.” She wasn't normally a vindictive person, but she wanted these men punished for what they'd done, not only to her, but to Shamus.

"Stephen Hammond had no idea any of it was going on and is in shock over this,” Patrick continued. “He's shut down the office until this mess has been straightened out, but he knows he's going to be ruined over this as well."

She tugged the covers tighter around her waist. It was uncomfortable to be surrounded by Shamus's family. Cyndi glanced over at her Aunt Verna who was watching the proceedings carefully. She smiled at the older woman, knowing her aunt wouldn't hesitate to intervene if she thought it was necessary.

"Is there anything else?” She was getting tired and wanted to rest. Patrick had already informed her that she could move back home today. The crime scene tape was down from around her house, the investigation done.

Dani cleared her throat and stepped forward. Cyndi braced herself, ready for just about anything. Shamus's grip tightened around her fingers. “I wanted to say that I'm sorry."

"Sorry?” Cyndi didn't quite believe her ears.

"Yes. Sorry for what happened to you. Sorry for trying to stop you from seeing Shamus. I was distraught and wasn't thinking.” Dani sighed. “That's no excuse and it was very petty of me."

Burke laid a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. “All of us have been against your relationship with Shamus from the beginning."

"I know.” Cyndi glanced up at Shamus, then back at Burke.

"What we seemed to forget in all this is that Shamus is a man and his choices are his own.” Burke gave a self-deprecating chuckle. “I can't claim to have always made the best choices in my own life, so who am I to cast stones?"

"I guess, what we're trying to say is that we hope you'll give us another chance.” Dani stared at Shamus and then down to where his fingers twined with Cyndi's. “You're a big part of Shamus's life and therefore, part of ours."

Cyndi could see the doubt and worry in Dani's eyes. She looked up at Shamus but his face was impassive as he stared down at her. She could see it in his eyes. This was her choice. He'd support whatever one she made. She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. For her there was only one choice. Shamus loved his family and they were trying. That's all that mattered.

"Of course I'll give you another chance. It's what I want from you, so I'd be a hypocrite if I denied you the same thing.” She could see the relief on Dani's face and knew she'd done the right thing. The road ahead wouldn't be an easy one, but that was okay. Shamus was worth it. What they had together was worth it.

"When are you getting out of the hospital?” Aunt Verna rose from her chair and came over to stand beside Cyndi.

"Hopefully, I'll be released when the doctor makes his rounds."

Burke stepped forward and offered his hand. “Dani and I have got to run, but I wanted you to know that I've got a crew out at your house, clearing out the rubble and cleaning the downstairs. Most of the damage was confined to that area. Unfortunately, you'll have to repaint the downstairs. The upstairs has already been cleaned just to freshen it up."

"Thank you.” Shamus replied for her because, quite honestly, Cyndi was speechless.

The men shook hands. Dani leaned in to kiss her brother's cheek before patting Cyndi on the arm. “I'll see you soon,” she promised as she followed her husband out the door.

Patrick came forward, his wife by his side. “I'll let you know if there are any new developments in the case. And Alicia Flint told me to tell you not to worry. She's on top of all of it."

"That's good to know. Thank you.” One of the best moves she'd made since coming home was hiring Alicia.

"Drop by the diner once you're feeling better,” Shannon invited. Cyndi didn't have the same history with Patrick's wife and instinctively knew that their relationship would be a bit easier.

"I will,” she promised. Exhaustion hit her as Patrick and Shannon left, and Cyndi couldn't quite stifle a yawn.

"You should get some rest.” Shamus smoothed back a lock of her hair, his fingers playing with the soft strand.

"I will if you will.” To her eye, he looked pale. The man had been shot, for heaven's sake and he was up and around!

"I promise.” He turned to Verna. “Let me know when the doctor stops by. I'm getting released the same time as Cyndi."

"Is that wise?” Cyndi studied him carefully. “Maybe you should stay in hospital for a few more days."

He shrugged and she could see the stubborn glint in his eye. “Wise or not, I'm not letting you go home without me.” The corner of his mouth kicked up, giving him a rakishly handsome look. “Besides, who better to take care of me than you?"

"I'll be back in a few minutes. I need a cup of coffee.” Verna left the room before either of them could reply.

"You know, I really like your aunt."

Cyndi chuckled. “Me too."

She cupped his jaw, feeling the scratch of his beard stubble against her palm as he lowered his head. Their lips met, clung, parted, and touched again. It was a gentle kiss, fraught with emotion.

They broke apart and stared at each other until the door was pushed open. They both turned their heads, expecting to see Verna. Instead, the doctor was standing in the doorway, shaking his head. “I might have known I'd find you here, Shamus. Why don't you step aside so I can have a chat with Ms. Marks?"

Shamus sat back in his chair and listened while the doctor asked Cyndi a few questions and checked her arm as well as her hip and thigh. When he was done, he turned to Shamus. “If you won't rest here, you might as well go home. That is, if Ms. Marks will take you."

"She will,” he replied confidently.

The doctor laughed as he headed to the door. Your paperwork will be waiting at the desk and a nurse will be down in a minute to help you get dressed, Ms. Marks. I suggest you go and get your things packed, Shamus, so your lady doesn't leave without you."

The door closed behind the doctor, but Cyndi and Shamus only had eyes for one another. “Let's go home,” he whispered as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

"Home.” She hugged the word tight to her heart, knowing that she'd finally come home.

The place was chaos when Verna Marks pulled her car up in front of the house. There were trucks and workmen everywhere. Burke had told her that he had a crew out here, but Cyndi was still shocked by the number of people who seemed to be working.

"Let's get you both inside.” Verna whipped her door open and climbed out. Her aunt had been a godsend, gathering Cyndi's belongings from the motel and checking her out before coming back to the hospital to get both her and Shamus.

Cyndi tried to swallow back a groan of pain as her aunt helped her out of the car, but it escaped her. Shamus was by her other side in a flash. “I know it hurts, sweetheart,” he murmured as he wrapped his arm around her waist. “Let's get you inside and into bed."

"I'll get her bag."

"Thanks, Verna.” Her aunt and Shamus were on a first name basis already. Cyndi was thrilled by how well they were getting along.

With Shamus's help she made her way up the front stairs and into the foyer. She'd expected the acrid smell of smoke and ash, but it was barely a whiff on the air. Shamus tried to herd her toward the stairs, but she stubbornly headed toward the kitchen. He sighed heavily, but didn't fight her. She shot him a grin. “I just want to see what they're doing."

"One minute and then it's upstairs."

"You're so bossy,” she teased.

"He's had too many years of being boss.” A man stepped up beside them and held out his hand to her. “Joe Banks. I'm a foreman with B & O Construction, ma'am."

"Cyndi Marks.” She shook his hard, calloused hand with her good hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Joe."

"Pleasure is all mine, ma'am.” He nodded toward the kitchen. “We demolished the entire back wall and part of the side one and ripped up the floor. It was past saving."

"Call me, Cyndi,” she absently replied as she looked around. The side wall had already been reframed and they were working on the back one. The sounds of hammers and power saws filled the air. “You've done an amazing amount of work.” She hadn't expected them to be anywhere near this far.

"We've been working nonstop since we got the go-ahead from the sheriff's office. I took pictures and had your insurance adjuster out here too."

Before she could ask how he even knew who her insurance agent was, Shamus spoke. “I asked Alicia to handle it for you."

Cyndi didn't know whether to be irritated at his highhandedness or just pleased that the work was being done so quickly. She thought about it for a second and chose to be pleased. This wasn't worth getting upset over.

As if sensing her mood, Shamus pulled her tight against his body with his good arm and gave her a light squeeze. “I know that you could take care of this, but I didn't want you to have to deal with it as soon as you were released from hospital. This way all you have to worry about is how you want the kitchen."

"I'd like a bigger kitchen nook for the table, with more windows. Like you did over at your place."

"Done,” he promised. She saw him glance over at Joe and nod. The other man smiled and walked away with a wave and a promise to talk to her later.

"What did you do?"

Shamus led her back down the hallway to the stairs and didn't speak until they were half way up. “I knew how much you liked what I'd done to my kitchen, so I'd already planned to have them do that as a surprise."

"Really?"

"Do you mind?” His hand was steady against the small of her back as she took the stairs one at a time.

"No, I don't mind."

He breathed a huge sigh. “That's good. I've ordered paint samples and tile samples for you to look at too. Plus, you need to decide on kitchen cabinets."

Verna was coming back down the hallway when they reached the top of the stairs. “I've got your things put away and the bed turned back. You really need to rest."

"Thank you, Aunt Verna.” Reaching out, she hugged the older woman as tight as she could manage.

Her aunt patted her on the shoulder. “Now, don't you worry about me. I'm going to stay at the motel for a day or so. I think that you two need some time alone."

"You don't need to stay at a motel,” Cyndi protested.

Shamus reached into his pocket and hauled out a set of keys. “You can stay at my place.” He gave her directions to Peach Street.

Verna took the keys and smiled. “Thank you. I'll do that.” She pocketed the keys. “I'll be here until the men leave. I'll make sure that everything is locked up. Not that it matters, I suppose, with part of the house still not framed in."

"Don't worry, Verna. We'll be fine."

"If you're asleep when I leave, I'll see you in the morning.” She gave them both a kiss on the cheek and headed downstairs.

Cyndi sighed with relief when she finally walked into her room. They'd been later leaving the hospital then she'd hoped. By the time Verna had gone to the motel to collect Cyndi's things and the paperwork was done, lunchtime had come and gone. She glanced at her watch to see that it was just after one in the afternoon. So much had happened in the past forty-eight hours.

"Let's get you into bed."

Cyndi laughed. “I bet you say that to all the girls."

"No.” He nuzzled the side of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. “Just to you."

Patiently, he helped her undress and slipped her nightgown over her head. She unbuttoned his shirt and eased it down over his bad shoulder. He took care of his socks, shoes, pants, and boxers, swearing several times as he accidentally moved his shoulder. Finally, he eased down onto the bed, patting the mattress next to him.

It took her a few minutes, but she finally settled in a semi-comfortable spot. She could hear the sounds of the construction in the distance, but they were muted. Cocooned in the bed with Shamus, she closed her eyes and slept.

When she awoke, the room was dark. Glancing at her watch, she noted that it was just after seven in the evening. They'd slept for almost six hours.

Cyndi rolled over to one side, pleasantly surprised to notice that it wasn't quite as hard to do as it had been earlier today. Rest was indeed the best medicine. And speaking of medicine, they both had some to take and she was suddenly starving.

Shamus was stretched out next to her, the light of the moon bathing the room in a soft glow. A lock of his long hair lay across his forehead and she reached over to brush it away. She loved the silky feel of his hair and longed to bury her fingers in it.

His facial features were strong and hard, but she knew that the man inside had a softer side when it came to those he loved. As if he felt her gazing at him, he opened his eyes and stared right at her.

"Hey.” His voice was rough with sleep and stroked her skin like a physical caress. Just being near him was enough to get her blood pumping and her heart pounding.

"Hey yourself.” She stroked a finger down over his jaw and across his lips. His tongue snaked out to lick the tip, making her entire hand tingle. She continued down the strong column of his neck and over his chest. A low rumble came from deep in his chest as he trapped her hand against his stomach.

"You have to stop. Neither one of us is up to anything more than lying here."

"You sure about that?” Suddenly, she wanted him inside her. Wanted that physical connection with him.

He stilled, his eyes narrowing. “I don't want you to hurt yourself and honestly, I'm not up to more than lying here."

Her hand slipped from beneath his and continued lower. He groaned when she closed her hand over his thick shaft. He was certainly up for the task ahead, if she was any judge. He grew longer as she pumped her hand up and down his length.

"Cyndi,” he groaned, his hips arching upward.

She shifted up on her hands and knees, barely noticing the physical discomfort as she straddled him.

"Condom,” he gasped as her hands continued to pleasure him.

Reaching out, she tugged the nightstand drawer open and pulled out a condom. While she was opening it, he stroked a hot path up her thigh and stomach with his good hand. His palm covered her breast as she sheathed him in latex.

His hand felt so good against her breast. Her nipples were tight, hard buds and she was already wet for him. He tweaked her nipple with his thumb and forefinger before sliding his hand straight down her torso and slipping it between her thighs. She gasped as he stroked her wet folds.

"You're already wet.” She could hear the wonder and pleasure in his voice. She tilted back her head, panting hard when he slowly inserted one finger inside her. “You're always so ready for me."

"Yes,” she gasped. They were always ready for each other. They fit one another perfectly.

Shamus withdrew his hand and helped position his erection at her opening. Slowly, she lowered herself onto him, barely daring to breathe until she was seated to the hilt. She sucked in a deep breath and braced her hands on his chest.

Neither of them had much range of movement, but it didn't matter. Shamus rocked his hips upward on each downward thrust. She moved up and down, barely moving more than an inch or two, but it was enough. Their eyes met and held, his dark blue-gray eyes never leaving her lighter blue ones as they moved in a slow, passionate dance.

The passion swelled inside her. Her heart pounded, her head swam. Every nerve ending in her body hummed in anticipation of what was to come. Her skin tingled and tightened. She could see the emotion in Shamus's eyes and knew he was feeling their joining as deeply as she was.

Shamus's movements got jerky, less controlled, and she knew he was close too. When he inserted his hand between her thighs and stroked her swollen clitoris with just the right amount of pressure, she exploded.

Crying out, she closed her eyes and ground her hips downward, wanting Shamus as deep as she could take him. She heard him groan as his hips rose up from the bed one final time. It wasn't the most explosive climax either of them had ever had, but it was the most emotional, at least for her.

As if a dam had been released on her emotions, tears began to flood her eyes. She tried to blink them back, but there were too many of them. Shamus didn't question them, but carefully withdrew from her and helped her to lie back down into his arms.

Gradually, the tears subsided and Shamus stirred. She was reluctant to move, but rolled over onto her back. Shamus got out of bed and carefully made his way to the bathroom. A few minutes later, he was back with a glass of water and a damp cloth.

She was past being embarrassed by such things and let him help her get cleaned up. Gratefully, she took the glass of water and sipped. Shamus crawled back into bed beside her and urged her back into his arms.

"How do you feel?” His voice was almost a whisper as if he too felt the need to keep the intimate mood that surrounded them.

She thought about it for a minute and although she was aching from head to toe, she felt good. “I'm doing okay. You?” She brushed her hand over the small patch of wiry hair on his chest.

"As long as you're here in my arms, I'm just fine.” He paused. “I know that there's been a lot happening the past couple of weeks."

Cyndi gave a watery hiccup. “That's certainly an understatement."

Shamus chuckled. “I suppose it is. Since B & O is now officially doing the renovation on your house, I'll supervise and keep on top of things."

She stopped stroking his chest and stared up into his face. “That's fine, as long as you don't overdo things. They can't go much further until I make some decisions about flooring, color and cabinets and such."

"Tomorrow is time enough for you to worry about that. They're still working on the outer wall. If they get done before the cabinets and flooring is delivered we can repaint the downstairs rooms.” He paused and changed the subject. “My family is coming around."

"They seem to be.” She didn't want him to have false hopes. “They may not ever truly accept me."

"I think they will. Once they know who you really are."

She hoped so too, for both their sakes. “Aunt Verna has certainly taken a shine to you."

He smiled. “She sure is one tough lady. I like her.” He stroked his hand down her arm and she snuggled closer to his warmth. “I know a lot has happened and I don't want to rush you into anything."

She could hear the underlying question. “But?"

His grip on her tightened fractionally. He released a pent up breath as he released her. “But, I'd like you to consider marrying me."

Cyndi pushed out of his hold and sat up slowly. “What did you say?"

"Marry me.” It was there between them, stark and raw. She looked deep into his eyes and saw the loneliness and need. It matched what existed inside her.

She knew deep down in her heart that she'd never meet another man who suited her as well as Shamus did. They'd have their share of problems. They were both stubborn people, and then there was his family. But never would she doubt his love for her. It was in everything he did, every word he spoke.

"It won't be easy,” she began solemnly.

A slow grin split his face. “I never went for easy."

She nodded. “Then I guess I'll think about it."

Shamus framed her face with his large, rough hand. “I love you, Cyndi. Marry me."

She covered his hands with hers, feeling the difference in their strength, loving their differences as much as their similarities. “What about children? I'm almost forty years old.” This was something that worried her when she thought about them having a life together.

"Do you want a child?” Shamus was staring into her eyes as he spoke, but she honestly couldn't tell from his expression how he felt about this issue.

"I honestly don't know.” No, she wasn't being truly honest with herself or with him. “Maybe,” she began. “Maybe a little boy.” She could picture a miniature Shamus running around, getting into all sorts of trouble.

"Or a little girl.” He shook his head and gave her a soft smile. “Doesn't matter if we have children or not. I want you as my wife. Children would just be a bonus."

Drawing in a deep breath, she took the plunge that would change her life forever. “I love you too. And yes, I'll marry you."

Shamus levered himself up and kissed her. Their lips met and clung. It was a kiss of passion, of possession, and of belonging. This was home. Not a place or a building, but here with Shamus.

It was a beginning.