"Have they said anything about an employee meeting?"
Katie shook her head. "They are in the conference room. It's Emerson, Havers, your brother and the other guy from production."
"I suppose we'll find out one way or another. I'll drill Trace later." Shannon let out a sigh. "I hope he doesn't decide to close down."
"Oh God! That would be horrible." Katie lived alone, the sole provider for two dogs and most of the stray cats in Longview. "I'd have to move back in with Mom." She made a face.
"It won't come to that," Shannon said in an effort to convince them both. "And you can move in with me. We can always go back to waitressing at Friday's." Both shivered in disgust.
The knock at the door made them jump. Drew stuck his head in. His eyes went to Shannon and then to Katie.
Katie jumped to her feet. "Ummm, Hi, Mr. Emerson. I was just leaving." She skirted around him and darted away.
Hopefully he could not see how fast her heart was beating or notice she'd lost her ability to speak.
Handsome in navy slacks and a pinstriped shirt, his hair slicked away from his face, he took her breath away. "Hello Shannon." He walked in and closed the door. Two closed door talks and not even lunch yet. Instead of sitting he walked to her desk, so she got to her feet. "I'm sorry I haven't called. There's so much I want to talk to you about, but I wanted it to be in person not over the phone."
If he planned to thank her for driving him and being there for him at the hospital and then tell her he was moving to Bozeman, she would have preferred it not to be in person. It was hard to hide feelings in person.
"Would you have dinner with me tonight?"
"Can't you tell me now?" Shannon looked past him to the shut door. Maybe she could block his exit and force him to talk.
The last thing she needed was a public breakdown; tear drops in her mashed potatoes when he told her good-bye.
"No. It should be in private."
"Private is not a restaurant." Shannon clarified the obvious.
"All right then how about I come over then?"
Why couldn't he show some sort of expression? A hint to what he thought? Was it too much to ask? Shannon exhaled. "All right." At least in her house she could cry, kick, and scream with no witnesses.
She pedaled home as fast as her legs could pump. Drew would come to her house and although the situation was less than ideal, the irritating Martha Stewart girl in her needed to ensure the house was tidy. Shannon rushed to put her bike behind her house and went inside.
Not even ten minutes later, Drew knocked. She opened the door and moved back to allow him in.
As soon as he crossed the threshold strong arms wrapped around her and Shannon gasped when Drew buried his face in her hair. His solid form was comforting and strangely familiar at once. "Thank you so much for everything." His husky words left her breathless, or maybe it was his cologne, which instantly reminded her of him naked.
She hugged him back, unable to say anything right away. They stood leaning against each other for several minutes.
Better get it over with. "I'm glad I was there for you, Drew. I hope things are working out well." Okay that sounded stupid. "I missed you." Ugh, worse.
"Did you?" He lifted his face and looked at her, a small lift to the corners of his lips. "I hoped you did."
"I wondered if you were all right. How you were managing."
"Why didn't you call and ask me?"
"We agreed not to see each other.”
"No, we didn't and it has nothing to do with a phone call."
It occurred to her phone calls worked both ways, but with his arms around her and those half closed long lashed eyes meeting hers, she found it hard to be sassy.
"I have to go back." He kissed her lightly and stepped away. "Dinner at the parent’s." Kissed her again. "Work in the morning." Another time his lips pressed against hers. "But first I want to set things straight between us."
"What do you mean?" Shannon shrugged from under his arms. "Why are you kissing me? I get it you're grateful, but don't."
Drew glanced down and then back up. "I'm trying to explain."
She crossed her arms and moved away from him even though she wanted to get closer and back into his embrace. But here it was, he would set things straight, ensure she didn't expect anything from him. He was such a nice guy feeling so horrible about it, he seemed nervous.
"I want to keep seeing you. But I will be working at the Bozeman offices. I've put Havers in charge of the administration portion of the company here and your brother will be a good production manager. I have something totally different to offer you."
"Okay." Shannon inhaled and held her breath. "I'm not sure--"
"What," Drew interrupted, "I'm trying to say is I want you to move to Bozeman. Move in with me."
"I can't do that!" Shannon yelled and then slapped both hands over her mouth. What the hell was she saying? Of course she could. "I mean, I can, but I need my job, Drew."
"Havers said you can do your job via computer. Telecommute. We'll come here to these offices one day a week." Drew took her hands and pulled her to the couch. He scowled, the lines between his brows forming a 'V'. "I'm doing this all wrong. Look, I--I tried to stay away like you asked. I pick up the phone over and over only to stop when realizing I didn't have any idea what I'd say. But I can't stop thinking about you."
He continued. “I bought a condo in Bozeman because the kitchen was the same color as yours. I kept thinking how you'd fit in each room, what you'd do to decorate it, and what you'd think of the views. Tell me you'll at least think about it. I moved in yesterday, it needs you in it to be complete."
She threw herself against him and pulled his mouth to hers. He cared for her. Wanted to continue seeing her. It was hard to keep kissing past the grin on her face. "How about I think about the moving in part. But I definitely want to keep seeing you."
He took her face in both hands, his blue eyes darkening. "I want to kiss and make up."
"I thought you have dinner plans," Shannon replied already on her feet pulling him to the bedroom.
"I can be a bit late."
Drew's muscular yet sleek physique, as he shed clothes, took Shannon's breath away. She only wore a dress and had dropped it after removing her shoes.
Wearing only boxer briefs, he neared and it was all she could do not to meet him halfway. Each assured step, and even the angry scar on his left thigh a picture of raw masculinity. When his lips curved into a knowing smile, her heart skipped a beat. "You're a beautiful man."
"I don't think I've ever thought of myself as particularly attractive. But I'm glad to hear that's what you see when you look at me." His hand covered the scar. "Especially when you mean so much to me."
"Don't, she pushed his had away."
Shannon swallowed at the heat in his gaze. He reached for her; his arms tightening his hold.
"I missed you." His mouth covered hers with such raw surprising hunger.
His tongue pushed past her parted lips and he took and tasted, his head turning from one side to the other while all she clung on to him, her fingernails digging into his back. A moan left her lips when he traced her lips with his tongue and continued the trek from the corner of her mouth down her throat.
Not trusting her legs, she wrapped her arms around his neck while threading her fingers through his hair. It was almost too much; almost too perfect the way they fit together. His larger, hard body completely flush against her smaller, softer one.
"I can't wait any longer," Drew lifted her easily and carried her to the bed and together they fell onto it. "Let me love you." Shannon lay while he slipped each bra strap off her shoulder, his hands and mouth covering the exposed skin. A tingle traveled straight to between her legs when his hot mouth pulled in her taut nipple and suckled while his fingers teased the other. Shannon arched off the bed sending a clear message she needed him inside her.
Drew nipped and kissed his way to the other breast. Unable to stand it any l
onger, Shannon reached between her legs. She had to do something to ease the want, but he was too quick. Took her hand and pulled it over her head, holding it captive while he continued his assault on her breasts.
"Ahhh!" Shannon cried out when he flicked his tongue over her hard nipple. "Oh God. Drew, I want you so bad."
She heard the smile in his voice. "Good things come to those who wait."
With excruciating slowness, he moved down, the puffs of his heated breaths on her stomach and abdomen. When he licked her inner thigh, she once again lifted from the bed and looked down at the top of his head.
He released her hands and held her hips, sliding his palms down to part her thighs. Shannon's eyes widened. "Oh."
His mouth covered her sex, his wicked tongue teasing through the thin material of her panties, while his hands slid under her bottom to pull them down and away. She giggled only to stop when he lifted her against his mouth. He continued until her legs shook. Then he only released her to remove his boxers.
She was barely able to hold her eyes open, so overcome by the sensations. The sound of foil ripping made her giddy with relief.
Perfection was the only way to describe the feeling when he covered her body with his heavier one. He gave her a crooked grin. "I was hoping to make you wait longer, but I can't."
Shannon reached for him, her hand sliding up and down the covered hard part of him and guided it to her center. The whole while, they maintained eye contact, not looking away even when he thrust in. Her mouth fell open at the amazing feel of his thickness.
"Shit." Drew exhaled. "I can't hold back." He moved in and out of her, each thrust hard and steady. "I'll make it up to you."
She lifted her hips to meet each stroke. Each sound and movement amplified by the heat where they connected. A cry escaped when an orgasm slammed Shannon.
Desperate, Shannon grabbed his butt pulling him to move faster and harder. Drew complied, his entire body taut with the strain. Four more strokes and he lost control, a hoarse moan in her ear as he, too, came.
"Are you sure you want me to come to dinner?" Shannon checked her reflection in the visor mirror once again. They'd taken a quick shower and dressed, her in a green top and skinny jeans with matching pumps and a thin cream sweater. He in the same clothes he'd worn to work.
"Yes, you're part of my life now. I want you to get to know my parents."
"Are you sure they'll be all right with it?" Shannon said, remembering the coldness in Jacqueline Emerson's eyes when assessing her at the hospital. "Maybe we shouldn't tell her about me moving in just yet."
"Relax."
Right.
An hour later, they sat at a long dining room table, Drew on one end, and she in the chair to his right. Drew's mother sat at the opposite end. Drew's father was not up to eating at the table it seemed.
"So, Shannon, am I to understand you work for the company Drew bought?" His mother looked to her without expression.
She swallowed past the dryness of her throat. "Yes, ma'am. I do."
Jacqueline Emerson's attention went to her son and then back to her and offered a tight smile. "A bit cliché, isn't it, son?"
"Mother." Drew's jaw clenched. "Don't."
The older woman picked up her wine glass and shrugged. Obviously it would take a lot to win over his mother.
"We're moving in together. I am serious about Shannon."
Shannon stopped eating and wished she could grab her glass and gulp her wine down, but her hands shook so hard it would probably end up on her lap.
Drew's mother was a hard woman. Her lips twisted into a semblance of a smile. She poured more wine and drank it. "I expected you'd remain here. At this house. At least a bit longer."
"I'm thirty-three years old, Mother, a bit old to continue to live with my parents," Drew replied. "I bought a condo near here."
His mother's eyes widened and she took another sip of wine. "You did? It makes little sense Andrew when there is so much room here. Of course we won't allow you to live with a woman. Not unless you're married, which I suppose you don't plan to do..."
"No matter what I do, it's not good enough for you." Drew released Shannon’s hand to run it through his hair then grabbed for it as if she was some sort of life line.
"You assume the worst of me." His mother didn't stop. "If only..."
"If only what, Mother?" Drew dropped Shannon's hand and rounded the table closing the distance between him and his mother.
Matilda walked in with a pie and her eyes rounded. "Oh, Lord."
"Say it," Drew insisted. "If only I would have died and not Adam. That's what you wish, isn't it? No matter what I do, it always falls short."
"Oh, Drew," Matilda said but stopped when he glared at her.
"Adam would be more sensible. He cared about what is important. I do wish he was here of course."
"You know what, Mother?" Drew shook his head. "I wish it too. Tell my father I will call him tomorrow afternoon." He stormed from the room not looking at Shannon.
Matilda went to Jacqueline and put her hands on both shoulders. "Go to him. Tell him what you said is not true."
Shannon waved goodbye to Matilda and left to go after Drew. Hopefully he'd not left her there. The last thing she needed was to remain in the house any longer than necessary.
Drew stood by his truck, head bent. Shannon wasn't sure what to do, so she did what came natural and hugged him tightly. "Do you have something strong to drink where you're staying?"
He inhaled deeply. "Is it okay if I drive you back to Longview?"
A cold pain speared her heart, but she played it off. "Of course. Or I can call a cab."
"No. I will take you."
The drive home was quiet. Once in front of her house, other than apologizing again, he'd kissed her lightly and promised to call her the next day.
That night, she found herself in the same bed they'd made love in. Except now she was confused and heartbroken. Not just for her but for Drew. Was it true? His mother's words were meant to hurt.
The only thing Shannon knew for sure was her eyes would be swollen in the morning, so she'd call in sick.
He was hurting; she understood on some level, yet she had hoped to be there for him.
Instead he pushed her away.
Chapter Fifteen
Time in Bozeman passed easily enough. Drew worked fourteen-hour days and then went to the gym. Afterwards, he collapsed into bed.
His mother wished him dead instead of Adam. If he kept up this pace, in a few years her wish would be granted. Unfortunately it would not bring Adam back.
But tonight was different--he couldn't sleep. Drew stared at the ceiling willing his heart to stop. Things had turned out so differently than he pictured. In his plans, Shannon would be lying next to him, her pouty lips swollen from his kisses.
They'd cook together, take walks, and maybe adopt a puppy. He hoped to propose to her on either Valentine’s or her birthday depending when he'd think she'd say yes.
But after the whole episode with his mother, she would never accept being part of his life. He'd failed her by not saying the right things that night, taking her home instead of keeping her near. Now he had a hard time facing her now. Surely after what his mother said and his behavior, she thought him a weak man.
Funny thing was he enjoyed working at Emerson. And with each phone call and teleconference, his father and he became closer. Elliott even telling him how proud he was. The Longview office was thriving on its own thanks to Havers and Trace Aldean and headed steadily to doubling in size.
His cell phone rang and he looked at the time. It was almost ten at night.
"Mr. Emerson, this is Trace Aldean." He recognized Shannon's brother's voice. "I am calling because I don't know where you live."
"Are you in Bozeman?" Drew replied perplexed at why Trace would want to see him in person so late at night.
"Yeah, I'm not calling as your employee, but as Shannon's brother. I need directions to your place."
"All right."
"I'm coming over to kick your ass."
Even though the thought of the large male made him nervous, he had to smile. "I deserve it." Drew rattled off his address. "When you get here push the button and I'll let you in."
Trace Aldean seemed taller and bigger when he crossed the doorway into his condo. The fact he did not seem outwardly mad put Drew on edge. He made sure not to turn away from him as he made his way to the kitchen to get a drink.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Why did you come back only to break her heart?" Trace said without preamble, but at least his hands were not balled up.
"I care for Shannon very much," Drew started, holding out a beer to Trace who took it. "I want a future with her, but..."
"I don't want to hear buts. I want to hear what you plan to do."
Forthrightness. This was the reason he expected Trace to take over the Longview company one day. Drew raked his fingers though his hair. "I love her."
"Shit." Trace seemed to deflate and lowered to a kitchen stool.
"It seems all I'm doing is apologizing to her. My mother insulted Shannon and I didn't stand up for her. Afterwards, I was so embarrassed, instead of making things better and reassuring her, I took her home and left her there alone. I haven't called Shannon because she deserves better."
Trace took a long pull from the beer and rolled it between his hands. "Shannon's strong. She is trying to do the day to day without letting any of us know how she really feels, but we all see it. She's always been a ray of sunshine, you know?" Her brother glowered at him until he nodded.
"She's not so much, right now. Whatever the crap is between your mama and you, it's time to make it right. Life's too short. Find out what the hell is up and talk it out. Don't leave in anger, and when it gets uncomfortable, stay at it until it's cleared up. Then move on. But my sister. You have to fix things with her now." Or else. He didn't have to say it. The message was clear by the firm thud of the empty beer bottle hitting the counter top.
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