Justin came over to drape a blanket over her. Sophia snuggled into Sean. He was warm. It didn’t take long for the fire to build back up. A few minutes later, Sophia looked around, at least ten people sat around the fire. She noticed her cousin, Susan, whispered with Neil, the man who worked with Sean. Sophia hoped something would come from it. It was time for Susan to find someone to love.
“You okay?” Sean whispered in her ear several minutes later.
“Yeah, I was watching Susan and Neil. They seem cute together.”
“I hope it works out. Neil’s a great guy.”
“Susan’s a great woman. Do you know she’s raised Connor by herself since he was six months old?”
“I thought he was two when her husband left.”
“Nope, six months. He’s going to be thirteen in a couple of weeks. He’s a great kid.”
“I know.” Sean said, watching the couple. He noticed Neil was talking to Connor and Susan. He snuggled Sophia closer sighing in contentment. For the first time in a long time, Sean was content. He had a beautiful woman in his arms, and he had a date with her tomorrow. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t trying to get into a woman’s pants. It’s not like he didn’t want to, he did. There was something about Sophia. Sean wanted to savor his time with her. He thought she was special. He was going to take his time to get to know her before they did anything sexual. A first for him. He liked it.
To bring her attention back to him, he whispered in her ear. “What do you want to do for our date tomorrow?”
“I don’t know. You’re the one who asked me out, what do you want to do?”
“What I want to do wouldn’t be appropriate. I’ve talked to you three times, today is the fourth. I’ll save what I have in mind for at least our sixth date. You don’t know the area, do you?”
“No, I go from Susan’s to the office. I did go out to buy myself a car. It’s getting cold. I wanted one before the snow hit. Don’t know how I’ll drive in the snow since I’ve lived in Daytona my whole life.”
“Did you get a four by four?” At her frown, he smiled. “Four-wheel drive.”
“Oh, no, the one I liked has all-wheel-drive.”
“When the snow hits, if you want, I can give you lessons.”
“I think I’ll be okay. It can’t be that bad, can it?”
“Have you ever even seen snow?”
“No, not in person. I’ve seen it on the weather channel, in movies, or on TV, but never in person.”
Sean shook his head as he settled back in the seat, bringing her with him, making sure they were both covered with the blanket. He was hot, but he figured she was still cold because she kept snuggling closer to him. He wondered if she’d be cuddly in bed after sex. He couldn’t wait to find out. He usually didn’t stay long with a woman after sex. Something about Sophia wanted him to have her in his bed, in his home. He wanted to wake up next to her. He’d have some work to do with her fear of Kilo.
From what Sean had witnessed today, Sophia had made significant progress with her fear of Kilo. Several times he had seen her talking with the Malcolm’s, Kilo hadn’t been too far away from her all day. Sean considered that progress. He’d have to continue exposing Kilo to Sophia. Maybe by constant contact, she would get over her fear. Right now, she wasn’t a blubbering, crying woman when she saw him. Kilo sensed to stay back from her, not to push his luck. From what Sean saw it worked.
Susan came out of the house carrying two glasses. One with white wine, the other she walked over and handed to Sophia.
“What’s that?”
“Bourbon.”
Sean frowned as he took the glass from her. With his eyes on hers, he took a sip. Sean nodded his head, licked his lips. “Jimmy?” Referring to the Jim Beam bourbon in the glass.
“Yep.” Sophia nodded, taking her glass back, and sipped. “I think I’m going to like you. You know your bourbon. Please continue about the snow, what do I have to look forward to?”
“Last year was mild. The snow didn’t start until early December, and lasted until the beginning of April.”
“How the hell is that mild?”
Sean used his hand to cover his smile. “The snow could start any day from now and could last until almost the beginning of May. Sometimes we’ve been known to get at least ten feet of snow.”
“Holy shit, that’s a lot”
“Yeah, other years we get a total of six or less. Still others, we get twenty. It depends on Mother Nature’s mood and whether she’s pissed off or not.”
“Does it get freezing?”
“Yes, some days it doesn’t even get above zero.”
“Holy shit, in Daytona, it gets down to the upper thirties or lower forties. That’s freaking cold.”
“The trick is to dress in layers. If you want, we can go shopping tomorrow, I can give you pointers.”
“You’d go shopping with a woman? For clothes?”
“Sure, if it means you’d be warm. Because right now, I don’t mean to be crude, but I’m sweating my balls off, you’re still cold.” She went to get up, he held her tighter. “Use me for a heater.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Sean encouraged her to snuggle into him. Even after her shakes subsided, they continued to sit under the blanket. As Curt and Dana joined them Curt frowned at the blanket covering Sean.
“Are you cold?”
“No, Sophia is.”
“It’s fifty degrees out, it’s not cold.”
Sophia snorted. “Hello, Florida girl here, anything below seventy is cold.”
“Oh, I forgot.” He looked at his wife. “Remind me to dig out the heater. Sophia might need it under her desk at work.”
“Speaking of work.” Sophia turned to Sean. “You need to come in to see what I’ve designed. I need to get to work on it. If you approve, I can get into the paint booth next week.”
“She can move onto the next person on my backlogged list. I’ve got enough work for the next year. I figured with you working the backlist, me working my current clients, we can take turns taking care of the walk-ins. We should be caught up in a year.”
“You’re that busy?” Sean asked in surprise.
“We are, or at least I was until Sophia arrived. You’re her first client.”
“I would have shown you a couple of days ago. We all know how that turned out. I need to pull up my big girl panties and not freak out when Kilo comes up to me unannounced. I need you to come in to check what I’ve done.” Sophia turned to him and giggled. Sean sucked in his breath at her beauty. “I can’t wait until you see it.”
“Why don’t we make it part of our date tomorrow. Since I’ll be leaving Kilo home, why don’t we stop by the shop? I can look over the design.”
“Because I don’t have any keys to the shop.” She gave a small squeal when something landed in her lap. She looked down and smirked when Curt had tossed her a set of keys.
“You remember the code?”
“Yes.”
“Good, keep them, I’ve meant to give you a set for a couple of weeks. You’re always there before any of the guys, or even myself. You can go in, get the coffee started.” He grinned when she rolled her eyes at him. They spent the next few hours sitting around the fire. When Sophia started nodding off, she knew it was time to call it a night. She wasn’t surprised when Sean walked her out to her car. He said something to Kilo. It must have been for him to stay because the dog wasn’t with them when they reached the car. Sophia reached for her door handle, but Sean swooped in, gently turned her to face him. With her face in his hands, he bent toward her, giving her plenty of time to pull away. She didn’t, and he gathered her closer and kissed her. He started out gently when their tongues touched. It didn’t take long before he devoured her. Several minutes later, they had their hands buried in each other’s hair, both breathing hard. Sean was the first one to pull away. He didn’t go far, he put his forehead on hers.
“Wow, I didn’t expect that.”
“Don’t be, it was hot. He gave her a quick kiss before he stepped back. “I’m going to let you go, are you okay enough to drive?”
“Yes.” Sophia whispered. “Could I have your phone number?”
“Of course.” Sean pulled out his phone but asked for her number instead. After they programmed each other’s numbers, they gave each other a quick kiss. As Sophia got into her car, Kilo joined Sean. Together dog and man watched until they didn’t see her taillights any longer.
Sean looked down at Kilo. “Give her time. It helped you stuck by her side, don’t expect miracles overnight.”
Kilo gave a small woof, the two went back to the fire, they stayed for another thirty minutes before leaving. Though it was out of his way, he drove by Susan’s house. He saw the porch light on, a light where he knew the kitchen was. And a light at the top of the house. That must be where Sophia’s room was. He felt better knowing she was safely home. Sean turned his SUV around, leaving to go home. He fell asleep with visions of making love with Sophia Swanson. If the kiss was any indication, it was going to be hot.
11
“You ready?” Susan looked at Sophia as she entered the kitchen. Sean Kilduff was due any minute for their date. Susan looked at her with a critical eye. “You don’t have any clothes other than jeans and tee-shirts, do you?”
“No. Sean said he’d take me shopping for winter clothes. I suppose I could pick up some other outfits.”
“Don’t let him take you to the superstore. Have him take you to the mall. It’s a little further out, there are plenty of stores. There are several restaurants in the mall and along the highway. It opens your choices.”
“Sean knows where it is?”
“Yes, I’m sure he drives by it once or twice a week while working. It’s still in the county.” Susan turned at the knock on the front door. Sophia turned to look at herself one last time in the mirror. “You’re beautiful,” Susan said as she headed toward the door. Connor beat her to it. Sean entered, he paused, sucking in his breath.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.” No man had ever told her she was beautiful. It was hard for her to process when the hottest man she’d ever laid eyes on said it. Remembering the kiss they’d shared the night before she was embarrassed by his attention. Especially in front of Susan, knowing the two had dated in the past.
“I’m ready if you are.” Sophia grabbed her purse.
“I thought after we stopped by your office, I’d take you out to the superstore, have you shop around.”
“No,” Susan and Sophia said together. It was Susan who laughed. “Take her to the mall, a larger selection of stores. Think of the restaurants you can pick from. If you remember, there are two fast-food joints by the superstore.”
“You’re right.” Sean nodded. “Fine, it’s the mall then. I’ll even agree to carry your bags.”
“There won’t be many, I’m not rich.” Sophia sighed. She hugged her cousin, then Connor, before leaving. Connor stepped between Sean and Sophia, with his arms crossed over his chest, a stern expression on his face.
“Can I help you?” Sean frowned at the young man before him. Connor was a great kid, growing like a weed; he was taller than the women, but not quite as tall as Sean.
“Don’t keep her out too late. She has to work in the morning.” Connor said in his best man's voice, the effect was ruined when his voice cracked. Susan and Sophia exchanged grins.
Sean looked at Connor withholding his smirk. He could tell the pre-teen was trying to be the man of the house.
“I’ll make sure she’s home at a reasonable hour.”
“Okay.” Connor nodded, stepping aside. Sean nodded to him, following Sophia out.
“What was that all about?” Sophia asked once they headed down the road.
“Connor asserted himself as the man of the house.”
“Oh god.” Sophia felt her cheeks heat. Before she could say anything, Sean pulled into HALO Customs. She lived less than ten minutes away. Sophia didn’t wait for Sean to come around to help her down. She opened the door, had to slide down the seat, hoping she didn’t land flat on her face. The ground was a long way down, there were no running boards for her to use. At the last minute, Sean caught her around the waist, holding her up.
“Thanks.” Sophia sighed. “Why would Connor tell you to get me home at a reasonable hour?”
“He’s looking out for you.”
“Ah, that’s sweet.”
“Yeah, don’t let him hear you say that.”
“Oh crap, not something to call a pre-teen who thinks he’s protecting me.”
Sean followed her inside and watched when she punched in the code, flipped on some lights. Sean flipped the lock, following Sophia to her office. He stood in the doorway smiling at her excitement. Sophia gathered papers Sean saw were drawings. With her arms full, Sophia looked up and smiled.
“Follow me.” She left her office, going a couple of doors down to the conference room. Once she was settled, she looked at him. “Please have a seat.”
Sean sat to her right; he looked at the papers she started to set out before him. He watched as she laid the designs out until one caught his eye. Leaning forward, Sean picked up the design, whistled. “Wow, it’s gorgeous.” He grabbed the next drawing, studied it, laid it beside the first. Several silent minutes later, he looked up.
“You designed this?” He indicated the skulls he had requested for the new paint job on his bike.
“I did, how do you feel about repainting your whole bike?”
“Meaning?” Sean asked.
“Wait here.” Sophia ran out of the room. Returning, she was out of breath from laughing. Her mood was infectious. Sophia kept her hands beneath the table. “Right now, your bike is flat black. Dull. I think to do these designs justice, you need to repaint it. Check this out, I used a paint called ‘Midnight Madness.’” She brought her hands out from under the table, handing him a piece of metal. Sean frowned at it.
“It’s blue.” Sophia could tell by his expression, and the tone of his voice Sean was not impressed. He looked disappointed.
“Now it is.” Sophia angled it in the light.
“What the hell? Now it’s purple?”
“Come with me.” Sophia gently gripped his forearm and pulled him behind her all the way outside in to the daylight. Sean took the cover from her to move it in several different angles. He saw the color changed from purple to blue to black. He looked at her with a raised brow.
“Depending on the light, the color changes. If you agree, I want to paint your whole bike like this. The skulls you saw earlier would go on over it. Come back in, I’ll show you which design goes on which part of the bike.” Sophia led the way back to the conference room. The two spent the next hour discussing the way Sophia wanted to paint Sean’s bike. By the time they finished, Sean agreed to the plan, signed on the dotted line, and gave her a down payment. Sophia locked everything up. At the truck she laughed as Sean put his hands on her waist to help her up.
“You know, I never thought I’d need running boards on this. I have them on my work SUV, didn’t even think about them. Now, because you need them, I realize I use them on the SUV. I’ll have to put a set on.”
“This isn’t your work truck?”
“No, it’s my personal one. I drive the county SUV for work. Right now, it’s parked in my driveway.”
“Oh.” A comfortable silence settled in the cab as they drove toward the mall. Several times Sean looked over at Sophia content. This was the first date he’d been on in a long time. He didn’t feel the need to fill the silence. He liked the fact Sophia didn’t prattle with idle chatter. He hated women who did. It was his number one pet peeve, having a woman fill the silence with nonsense.
“Do you know what store you want to start shopping at?” Sean asked. He noted the mall was a few miles away. If she knew, he’d park close to the store.
“No. I don’t kno
w what type of stores they have. I can afford a couple of outfits, not a whole bunch of useless stuff. I’m a practical shopper. Before we go inside the mall, tell me what I’m going to need to buy. I can go from there.”
Sean stopped at a red light, looked at Sophia with a critical eye. The light turned green, he started driving again. “Those boots waterproof?”
“Yes, they’re my riding boots, they’re warm and comfortable. I wear them all the time. Except in the paint booth. I’ll need to look for a pair of cheap sneakers.”
Sean reached above her head, pulled down a small pad of paper, took a pen from his inside pocket and handed it to her. Sophia started her list.
“Socks, which is a given, jeans, both for good and work. For the top half, you’ll want layers like I mentioned last night. Tee shirts, maybe flannels, or insulated tops.”
“You’ll show me?”
“Sure.” Sean slowed to pull into the mall parking lot. He drove around until he found the store he thought Sophia would prefer. Sean parked near the back of the lot. He helped Sophia down from the truck because it felt right. He took her hand in his as they headed toward the entrance to the mall.
At one point, Sophia looked around at the parking lot. Having to dodge several vehicles on their way into the mall. “Never expected so many shoppers on a Sunday.”
“It is the week before Halloween. People must be getting last-minute candy, party supplies, decorations, costumes for the kids. Or adults. There are several adult parties in the area.”
“Adult as in an adult, adult?”
Sean frowned at her, “I don’t understand.”
“Adult as in sex parties? Or adult Halloween parties without the kids?”
Sean sputtered in shock, “The latter.”
“Oh.”
“Have you ever been to an adult sex party?” Sean asked.
“Not a party.”
“Meaning?” Sean asked. They dodged another car. Once they reached the entrance to the mall, he pulled her off to the side. His imagination was running wild, he wanted answers. “What did you mean about not a party?”
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