The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke

Chapter Eight

Thankfully, the next few days were fairly quiet, and Cyndi settled into a routine of sorts around the house. Shamus had brought her home from the hospital the night of the shooting and insisted on staying on the sofa downstairs until the next morning. She'd been both alarmed and touched by his gesture. For the next few days, she was tense and unsettled even though a deputy from the sheriff's office drove by every hour.

When nothing else happened, she began to relax somewhat. Maybe it had just been someone with a grudge against her or her father and they'd gotten their anger out of their system. She didn't know what to believe, but she refused to live in fear. The bandage came off her hand, and all that remained was a fading, red scar.

She hadn't known him long, but in that short span of time, Shamus had become much too important to her. Unlike most men who shouted their accomplishments from the rooftops, Shamus quietly went about doing things for her without even mentioning the half of them.

All she'd had to do was contact the phone company about repairing the damaged line. It was Shamus who'd seen to having her windows replaced. It was Shamus who'd cleaned up all the glass in the study when the sheriff's department was finished with their investigation. When she'd questioned him about it, he calmly told her that she had enough to deal with, and this was something he could take care of.

He was unlike any other man she'd ever met. The more time she spent with him, the more she was drawn to him. Like a moth to a flame, she knew it was only a matter of time until she got burned, but she was beginning to think that some singed wings might be worth it.

He'd also driven her to the sheriff's office the following day to give her statement, staying by her side the entire time. The men down at the station treated her with courtesy and respect, which pleasantly surprised her. It was then that she realized she was doing it again—expecting people to treat her a certain way. She had to let go of such expectations. Yes, a lot of folks didn't want her here, but just as many had been kind to her. Still, she hadn't made any unnecessary forays into town yet, content for the most part, to stay cocooned in the house.

She'd talked to her Aunt Verna several times, but hadn't told the older woman about the shooting. She'd just worry and there was nothing she could do about it. She'd also insist on coming to Jamesville, and Cyndi didn't want her here right now, not while the lunatic with the rifle was still at large.

Cyndi glanced at her watch and consulted the pad of paper, which contained copious notes. It was almost noon, and that meant that Shamus would soon be here. He'd taken to dropping by for lunch every day. She'd already made some sandwiches and put them in the refrigerator. She had some chips, a pitcher of iced tea, and some chocolate chip cookies.

She heard the powerful growl of an engine outside and knew Shamus had arrived. Hurrying to the front door, she opened it and strolled out onto the porch.

The air was crisp, but the sun was shining. It was the perfect fall day. Shamus climbed out of his truck and she shivered. He never failed to have that effect on her when she saw him. With his tall, muscular build and his rough, yet handsome, face, he always made her heart speed up and her body tingle.

He strode toward the house and bound up the few steps separating them, dropping a casual kiss on her cheek. That was another thing about Shamus that was disconcerting—he was always touching her. Not in any big way, but light brushes of his hands over her shoulders or at the small of her back. He always kissed her when he arrived and when he left—a quick peck on her cheek or, occasionally, her lips, which always left her yearning for more.

For a woman who'd always shied away from shows of physical affection, it was a revelation to find herself wanting more. Her father had shown affection in public, putting on the big display for those around, but behind closed doors, his touch had been anything but loving. She shivered again, this time with revulsion as memories bombarded her.

"You okay?” Shamus wrapped his arm around her shoulder and guided her toward the door. “You shouldn't be outside without a jacket. You'll catch a chill.” He had her inside before she realized it.

"I'm fine,” she snapped, shaking off his arm. She wasn't some witless female who needed a man to look after her. She'd been standing on her own two feet for years now.

He ignored her outburst and casually removed his jacket and hung it on the coat rack just inside the door. “What have you been up to this morning?” She could see the genuine interest in his eyes and realized that she was being bitchy with him for no reason.

Cyndi had forced herself to go through the house room by room this morning, making note of the furniture she wanted to get rid of, which was most of it, and deciding what she wanted to do with each room. She held up her clipboard. “I've been deciding what to do with everything in this place."

The smile disappeared from his face. “Come to any decisions?"

"We can talk over lunch. Come on back.” Turning, she led the way to the kitchen. Shamus was right behind her, his heavy work boots making a reassuring thud on the floor. No Italian, leather shoes or three-piece suit for this man. For some reason, that made Cyndi smile.

Laying her clipboard aside, she waved him over to one of the sturdy oak stools surrounding the end of the granite counter. It made a cozy eating area and wasn't as formal as the dining room, but wasn't quite as intimate as the kitchen nook. Shamus slid onto the stool as she pulled out the sandwiches and chips. It didn't take her long to pour the iced tea and arrange their dessert on a fancy plate. When there was nothing else left to be done, she took the stool across from him.

Shamus picked up his ham and cheese sandwich and took a large bite. He chewed slowly and finally swallowed, making his Adam's apple bob. Realizing that she was watching him eat, Cyndi turned away, grabbed a chip, and stuffed it in her mouth.

"So, tell me more about what you've been up to this morning.” Shamus reached for his glass. Cyndi watched as he raised it to his mouth. She almost groaned when his lips parted. This had to stop. The man was wreaking havoc with her emotions and her hormones.

Grabbing her clipboard, she flipped it open to the first page. “First, I need to go through every room. There's a ton of clothing in my father's room and in my old one.” Her fingers tightened around her pen, but she continued undaunted. “Then there's all this furniture."

Shamus laid his glass back down on the counter and propped his elbows on the granite. He rested his chin on his hands, giving up any pretense of eating. “What about the furniture?"

"It's...well, it's formal and dark and ugly.” She hated the stuff.

A grin kicked up one corner of Shamus’ mouth. “All that?” She could tell he was teasing her, but she was deadly serious.

"Yes, all that. I detest the stuff.” Grabbing a chip, she bit down hard on it and chewed.

Shamus shrugged. “Then get rid of it."

Once again, she was reminded of how different Shamus was. Her father would have insisted that the furniture was an investment. Her ex-husband would have agreed with her father. Good, antique furniture always appreciated in value, both of them would have said.

She knew it wasn't that Shamus didn't understand the value of the pieces. He was a carpenter and had already shown his knowledge, commenting on several antique pieces from the eighteen-hundreds. It was his mindset that was different. As far as he was concerned, if she didn't like it, it should go. It really was that simple to him.

"I've been thinking about calling an auction house that I know in Vermont and getting them to come and have a look. I think that they would jump and run here for this much quality furniture."

"Then do it if it will make you feel better."

She tapped her pen on her notes. “I think I will.” A weight lifted from her shoulders now that she'd finally made her decision. This was her house now. She could do whatever she darn well wanted with the house and its contents.

Shamus reached across the counter and closed her fingers around her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “What are you going to do with the house?"

"I could sell it, but it probably would take a while. This is a huge, historic home and takes a lot to upkeep.” Cyndi hadn't told anyone that she planned to stay in Jamesville. It wasn't that she was being secretive, not really. She'd had years of practice at keeping her thoughts to herself, and it was hard to break the habit. Still, she had no idea how Shamus would take the idea of her staying in Jamesville permanently

"It's well-constructed, and as you said, historic, so you'd probably find a buyer eventually. If that's what you want.” His voice lowered to a husky whisper, his fingers stroked the back of her hand.

She could feel that simple touch all throughout her body. It was as if every nerve ending connected to that small patch of skin on the back of her hand. Her breasts felt heavy and an ache began low in her belly. “It would make sense.” She'd meant for her voice to be strong and assured. Instead, it was sultry and soft.

"Very sensible,” he agreed as he entwined her fingers with his.

She nodded, trying to remember what they'd been talking about. Oh yes, the house. “I could invest the money."

"Investing is good.” Shamus used his thumb to stroke her palm. “Then you could take your time and decide what you want to do next."

"I already know what I'm going to do.” She blurted out the words and Shamus froze. He sat back, slowly releasing her hand. Her fingers closed tight as if trying to keep the sensation of his touch from dissipating.

"You're leaving.” His tone was flat, his words blunt.

She shook her head, took a deep breath, and spilled what had been in her mind for several days now. “I'm renovating this place and turning it into a B & B."

She held her breath and fiddled with her pen, waiting for him to respond. It was a sound idea. She'd been in the hotel business for years and had worked at several B & B's as well as a couple of classy hotels. She knew this industry inside and out. It would also give her the opportunity to become a solid member of the local business community.

"It's a lot of work,” he began, but she cut him off before he could go any further.

"I know it's a lot of work. I'm not stupid,” she snapped.

His brows drew together in a frown. “You're anything but stupid, Cyndi. It's just that most people have no idea what they're letting themselves in for when they take on a renovation project this large. Plus, running what amounts to a small hotel is not easy work."

She straightened her shoulders and launched into the plan she'd formulated. “I've worked in this business for more than ten years. If there's one thing I do know, it's how to run a bed and breakfast. Most of the work on this place is cosmetic—new paint, some minor repairs and maybe some updated plumbing. I need to go through the attic, but I've already had a quick glance and I think it has most of the furniture I'd need. It's stuff my father didn't like, but it's lighter and friendlier than the furniture that's filling the house now. The sale of what I don't want would offset the cost of the renovations. I could be up and running early in the new year, maybe sooner."

Shamus sat back in his chair, crossed his arms, and stared at her. “You're serious about this?"

She nodded. “I left my job in Vermont before I came here. That's why I didn't get here sooner. I had to give notice, store my belongings, sell my condo, and tie up loose ends."

A slow smile crossed his face and his eyes began to gleam with pleasure. “Then I think it's a great idea."

She felt an answering smile curve her lips upward. It was one thing for her to think this would be a good idea, but it was reassuring to know that someone else did, too. Not that she needed approval, but it was still nice.

"Although, this means that you're the competition."

She frowned. “What do you mean?"

Shamus laughed. “Burke and I just put in a development at the lake. We also own Cozy Cabins and rent them in the summer."

Cyndi turned up her nose and spoke in her most snooty tone. “I'll have you know that I'll be renting to a different clientele altogether."

His eyes narrowed and she burst out laughing. Shamus shook his head as he pushed off his stool and ambled around the table. “You're one dangerous lady, you know that?” Although he appeared more pleased than worried.

"You should have seen the look on your face,” she snickered.

"It won't be easy."

She sobered immediately. “I know. There are a lot of people who won't want me staying in this town. I already have one nameless enemy.” She tilted her chin up. “But no coward is going to drive me out of Jamesville. This is something I need to do.” She took a deep breath and slowly released it. “If it doesn't work out, I can always sell the B & B later. It would probably sell quicker as an established business than as a private residence.” She was determined to stay, but it was always good to have a backup plan.

Shamus crowded in next to her and she was forced to widen her legs to give him room. He edged closer so that her legs were on either side of his. He was huge as he loomed over her. His large hands cupped the sides of her face as he leaned down. “You are an amazing woman, Cyndi."

The sincerity in his voice brought tears to her eyes. This man saw only the good in her. “I wasn't always a very nice person.” She felt the need to be honest with him.

"All that's behind you now.” He rubbed his nose against hers. “Someday you'll tell me why you did the things that you did.” She made a sound of protest, which he hushed by placing one finger across her lips. “When you're ready,” he murmured, dropping soft kisses on her temple and down the line of her jaw.

She tipped her head to one side to give him better access. He made a deep rumbling sound in his chest, and she knew her action had pleased him. She wanted him to kiss her, but felt the need to protest at the same time. “Shamus, you're so much younger than me.” That had been bothering her somewhat. “Maybe we shouldn't do this."

He nipped the sensitive skin at the base of her neck, making her jump. “Of course we should do this.” He soothed the sting with his tongue before moving up to nibble on the outer edge of her ear. “Age doesn't matter. I think you're sexy.” He traced the sensitive inner shell with the tip of his tongue. “Beautiful,” he whispered, tugging gently on the lobe before pulling away to stare down at her. “And mine."

Capturing her lips with his, he kissed her. Not the quick pecks she was used to or the soft, exploratory kiss she was expecting. No, this kiss was full of hunger and want and need. She responded immediately.

Her lips parted and his tongue surged forward, laying claim to her mouth. His tongue touched hers, twining with it. She felt lightheaded, all thoughts of denying the passion between them silenced for the moment. Heat pulsed between her thighs. She felt empty, aching to be filled.

Shamus slid one of his hands behind her back and urged her forward on her stool. She slid to the edge and gasped when he pressed his pelvis against hers. The stool was at the perfect height for her to be able to feel the hard length of his arousal pushing against her mound. It felt incredibly good and right, and she arched her hips, trying to get a better angle.

Shamus continued to eat at her lips like a man starved. His tongue ran over her teeth, tracing every edge before he returned to tease her tongue into playing with his again. Her nipples puckered, pressing against her bra. She squirmed, trying to get closer to him, needing to rub her breasts against his chest to ease the growing ache.

He tore his mouth from hers, leaving them both gasping for breath. Keeping his eyes on hers, he tugged the hem of her shirt out of the waistband of her jeans. She knew what was coming and lifted her arms. He skimmed the shirt over her head and tossed it to the floor.

His blue-gray eyes darkened as he stroked his finger over the lace edging her bra. Her chest rose and fell with every breath of air she sucked into her starving lungs. His thumb brushed over the tip of one breast, stroking the already turgid nipple. Cyndi groaned and leaned forward, wanting more of his touch.

"So sweet.” He leaned down and captured her nipple though the thin fabric of her bra and sucked. Her fingers tunneled into his hair, dislodging the thong that held it back. Free from its confinement, his silky locks flowed through her fingers in a sensual caress. The soft hair slid between her spread fingers, sending tingles up her arms.

Sanity reared its head and Cyndi struggled to remember why they shouldn't do this. “Your family,” she gasped out. “They won't like this."

He nuzzled her breast, shoving the cup of the bra lower, exposing one tight, dusky-pink nipple. “But I will.” She could hear the need and the determination in his voice. Then he traced her bare nipple with his tongue. “And so will you."

Cyndi gave up. He was an adult and so was she. What they did was nobody's business but theirs. No one needed to know about them. Her heart clenched at the thought, but she pushed it aside. This was probably not going to last. She was realistic enough to know their age difference and the displeasure of his family would probably drive him away, sooner rather than later. But for now, they were together.

She was in his arms and she wanted him. Cyndi had never indulged in an affair before. The only man she'd slept with was her ex-husband, and she'd always sensed there should be more than what she'd experienced in their bed. Every instinct she possessed also told her Shamus was the man to show her what she'd been missing.

Giving into the growing desire, she arched her back, offering her breast to him. Sensing her consent, his nimble fingers made quick work of her bra. She was forced to release her hold on him long enough for him to slide the straps down her arms. She let it fall from her fingertips.

Shamus stared at her breasts, a hungry expression on his face. His hands opened and closed at his sides as he feasted his gaze on her, looking his fill. She didn't feel self-conscious, but proud. Shamus made her felt sexy and beautiful.

"Your turn.” Reaching out, she tugged at his shirt. Shamus wasted no time in grabbing two handfuls of his shirt and peeling it over his head. “Oh my.” Cyndi placed her palms on his chest. His skin was warm and tight. He was magnificent. There was no other word adequate enough to describe him.

His shoulders were broad, his biceps thick from years of hard labor. Heavy bones were wrapped with sinew and muscles making his forearms and wrists thick. She slid her hands across the wide plane of his chest, exploring the flat, brown nipples. Shamus sucked in a breath and groaned. Delighted, Cyndi did it again.

His chest was practically bare, but a thin line of hair bisected his belly, disappearing into the waistband of his jeans. Bands of muscles wrapped around his torso, each one finely sculpted. His waist narrowed, but was still thick. The man was built.

Shamus moved suddenly, wrapping his hands around her waist and lifting her out of her seat. Carrying her, he sat her on a section of countertop that was lower than the rest. Cyndi wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling him tighter into the notch of her thighs. Her breasts pressed tight against his chest and she moved her torso, rubbing her distended nipples over his tight muscles. She shivered and moaned. She'd never felt anything quite this wonderful before.

She protested when Shamus pulled away, but then began to help him when she realized he was unzipping her jeans. She lifted her butt when he began to tug. The jeans caught around her ankles and canvas sneakers. Shamus swore and tugged at her footwear. Cyndi heard one shoe and then the second hit the floor. Then her legs were bare, her jeans discarded.

She was left wearing only her thin, cotton panties and socks. Shamus took her in his arms again, leaning her backward until her spine hit the cool marble. She arched up and Shamus captured one of her nipples between his lips and suckled. His hand plumped her other breast, his fingers tugging gently on the swollen tip.

Cyndi rolled her hips, rubbing her mound against the hard length pressing against the front of his jeans. She wanted to see him naked, to feel his cock slid inside her waiting heat. “Shamus,” she gasped his name, tugging at his hair. “More. I need more."

He pulled away, a lock of his hair falling across his forehead. A muscle in his temple twitched. The passion in his eyes made her skin sizzle. “More,” he agreed as he kissed his way down her torso.

Cyndi squirmed and bucked, but it was no use. Shamus would not go any faster, nor could she dissuade him from his path. Taking his time, he licked and sucked her flesh, his hair brushing against her sensitized flesh. He nipped at her hipbones, delving his tongue into her belly button before shifting his attention downward. Grabbing the band of her panties in his mouth, he tugged. They slipped lower. Shamus lifted her hips in his hands and kept pulling until her underwear were down over her knees. She kicked her leg and they slid down and off.

Her legs were dangling over the edge of the counter, her butt and back against the cool marble countertop. Shamus slid his hands around to the inside of her thighs and pushed them open. She felt cream slip from her core as he viewed the wet, damp folds of her sex.

"Now I'm going to have what I really wanted for lunch.” He lowered his head and licked up one side of her labia and down the other. Crying out, Cyndi didn't know whether to push him away or pull him closer. Her husband had only done this a time or two, and she hadn't really taken pleasure in it. It had left her feeling vulnerable, and she'd been unable to relax and enjoy herself.

With Shamus, it was a totally different experience. When he draped her legs over his shoulders, she relaxed and let her thighs fall open. A low rumble of pleasure came from deep within him, and she felt the vibration all through her pussy. Her fingers clenched into fists at her side as she arched her hips upward.

Shamus skimmed his fingers up her inner thighs and then rimmed the opening of her heated center. His tongue traced circles around the swollen bud of nerves at the apex of her thighs, never quite touching it.

Cyndi thought she might go mad waiting for him to touch her the way she wanted him to. “Shamus.” It was more of a demand than a plea, and she felt him smile against her.

Two thick fingers pressed inside her, pushing past the initial resistance of her body and sliding deep. Her inner muscles contracted as his fingers stretched her. It had been ten years since she'd had a man inside her body. Her vibrator didn't even come close to what Shamus was making her feel.

He widened his fingers and began to withdraw them slowly. Sweat glistened on her torso as she watched Shamus's dark head buried between her thighs. Her breathing quickened, her entire body quivered from head to toe as he pushed his fingers back inside and began a slow, torturous rhythm of advance and retreat. Her heels dug into his shoulders as she bucked against his mouth, trying to get him to touch her the way she wanted, the way she needed.

She cried out when his tongue finally lapped at her clitoris, but it quickly turned into a moan as he took the nubbin between his lips and tugged. And when he began to suckle, she screamed.

His fingers plunged deep and when he retreated, he dragged them over the top of her sex, stimulating sensitive nerve endings and sending her plummeting over the edge.

Her climax hit her hard and fast, heat rocketing through her, inner muscles clenching as she locked her thighs around his head and squeezed tight. Shamus continued to draw out her pleasure, sucking on her clit and teasing her with his fingers until she couldn't stand it any longer.

Relaxing her thighs, she reached down and pushed his head away. “Enough,” she gasped.

Shamus leaned back, a satisfied grin on his face. “We're just getting started.” He raised his fingers to his mouth and licked off the evidence of her orgasm.

Cyndi shivered, goose bumps racing down her arms and legs. Cream slid from her body and ran down between the cheeks of her behind.

Shamus lowered her legs from his shoulders, letting them rest against the countertop. His hands went to the button of his jeans. She licked her lips in anticipation, eliciting a groan from him. “This won't last long if you keep that up."

Her eyes were on the front of his jeans. She wanted to see him, to touch him. Then she wanted him buried deep inside her.

Suddenly, he stiffened.

"Shamus?"

Swearing, he reached into his pocket and drew out his phone. She realized that he must have set it on vibrate. “Yeah.” He listened a minute, sighed and rubbed his hand over his face. “Yeah. I'll be there in about ten minutes.” He ended the call and slid the phone back into his back pocket. “I'm sorry, Cyndi. There's a problem at the job site. I told the foreman not to call unless it was important."

Embarrassment began to drive out the flush of pleasure. She was lying naked on her kitchen counter for heaven's sake while Shamus was still mostly dressed. Scrambling off the counter, she grabbed her underwear and yanked them on. Ignoring her bra, she reached for her shirt.

"Cyndi?” Shamus grabbed her top first. Taking his time, he turned it right side out and slid it over her head. She felt marginally better when it covered her. Shamus dropped a quick, hard kiss on her lips. She shivered, as she tasted her arousal on his lips. “I'm sorry about this, sweetheart."

"No. No, that's okay.” She found her jeans and began to tug them on.

"It's not okay.” Shamus yanked on his T-shirt, tucking it into his jeans. “You're upset and you have every right. I shouldn't have started something I couldn't finish."

Cyndi stopped, her hands on the zipper of her jeans. Was the man apologizing for having to stop? She blinked, not quite believing she was hearing him correctly. He was the one who hadn't gotten to come. She glanced down and sure enough, he was still rock-hard in his jeans.

"It's really okay.” Now she was reassuring him. The ridiculousness of the situation hit her and she began to giggle.

Shamus raised his eyebrow at her while he gathered his hair back into his customary ponytail and wrapped the leather thong around it. She began to laugh. Shamus grinned at her as he finished tying back his hair and tugged her into his arms. “Think this is funny, do you?” he growled as he nuzzled her neck.

She nodded, unable to stop laughing.

"It's fine for you,” he grumbled. “I've got to get rid of this slight problem before I get back to work.” He gripped her hand and laid it over his erection.

"I'd say that there's nothing slight about this problem,” she gasped in between laughs. “It's rather large."

"Vixen,” he chuckled and then captured her lips in a searing kiss that drove all the laughter out of her. Moaning, she wrapped her arms around his neck and sank into the embrace.

It was Shamus who pulled away. “I've got to go, but I'll be back later tonight, after work. If that's okay?"

She nodded, rubbing her fingers over the fabric of his shirt. She was suddenly feeling shy with him. He tucked one of his fingers under her chin and tilted it up until she was looking at him. “We'll talk more about your renovation plans. Then we'll finish what we started here."

Cyndi took a step back, knowing she had to distance herself from him. “That's fine.” She finished zipping up her pants, grabbed her bra off the floor, and stuffed it into her back pocket.

"I'll work up some quotes for you when I know what you want done.” He was serious about this, she realized.

"You can't.” She shook her head for emphasis. “Your family won't like it. Your business partner won't like it.” That was putting it mildly. Burke wouldn't want to do business in any way, shape, or form with her. “Maybe you can recommend someone else to do the work."

Shamus shook his head. “I'm doing it.” When she stared to protest, he cut her off. “You want the best, don't you?” She nodded, sensing the trap tightening around her. “Well, B & O Construction is the best. I'll handle my family. Don't you worry.” Dropping a quick kiss on her lips, he grabbed the remains of his sandwich and headed to the front door. Cyndi trailed behind him, her head spinning. “I'll see you after work.” He grabbed his jacket and then he was gone.

Standing on the porch, she watched him drive away, wondering what the heck she was getting herself into. It was easy for him to say not to worry. She didn't think he had any idea just how complicated things could get with them working together and seeing each other on a daily basis.

Cyndi knew she needed to think, and she had to get moving with her plans. She'd call the auction house right now and get that started. Then she'd take another look at the list of renovations she wanted done. It was almost complete, but she'd had a few more thoughts. Tomorrow, she'd have to make herself go out to the hardware store and start choosing her paint colors.

Chewing her bottom lip, she tried to put thoughts of her and Shamus on the backburner for now. They'd talk tonight. Still worrying, she turned and went back into the house.