by Cate Beauman
“You’ll have to work around them. I want this handled.”
“Consider it done.”
Chapter Thirty-six
Reagan sat in front of the mirror in Jenny’s room, applying a layer of clear gloss to her lips, still trying to figure out what in the world she was doing. Hadn’t she told herself only hours ago that she was finished with Shane? He’d been back little more than a day, and her resolve had already crumbled. She’d cried in his arms last night, and today she’d confessed everything in a moment of anger, telling him all of the secrets she’d planned to keep to herself for a while longer. Then she’d agreed to a date on top of that. What was it about that man that made it impossible to walk away? But it was just one dinner, she reminded herself. They would eat, talk a little, and then it would be over.
“I wish I had hair like yours. It’s so soft and pretty,” Jenny said as she set the last curl in Reagan’s mass of hair.
“What are you talking about?” She smiled, meeting Jenny’s eyes in the mirror. “Your hair’s beautiful. It’s so shiny and healthy and the perfect shade of blond.”
“It’s that fancy shampoo and conditioner I got in my birthday box.” She set down the curling iron and brushed her fingers through the coils of brown.
“Well, whatever it is, your hair is amazing, and so is your skin—it’s flawless. You’ll be the perfect California chick before we know it.”
“California chick.” Jenny grinned. “I thought I was gonna be stuck here my whole life, but we’re really gonna be California chicks, huh? Or someday at least.”
As much as she was still leery about a move so close to Shane, she was sure taking the girls to Los Angeles was the right thing to do. Jenny had opportunities waiting for her there. Reagan refused to allow her issues with the man down the hall to be an obstacle in Jenny’s way. “Absolutely. Hopefully in a couple of weeks.”
“If that Guardian person says you and Shane are what’s best for me and Faithy. I mean, of course you are. You two changed me and my baby girl’s life.”
“The judge just wants to be sure.” She slid a pair of Jenny’s new silver dangle earrings in place, the perfect complement to the bracelet she wore.
“Do you think Shane will introduce us to Abigail Quinn and Sophie McCabe?”
“I’m pretty sure most of Shane’s co-workers get together at Ethan’s house fairly often—or at least that’s what Shane says—so I imagine yes. They’re supposedly family parties.”
“Family.” She grinned again. “I love that we’re a family. She crouched down, resting her chin on Reagan’s shoulder.
“Me too.” She tilted her head, touching her cheek to Jenny’s.
“Sometimes I think about what a miracle it is that you and Shane came to The Gap. I’m pretty lucky, ya know? First you two save my life and Faith’s with it, then you saved us again by givin’ us a chance. It’s not every day a girl finds the perfect mom and dad, but I sure did.”
Reagan’s eyes filled and she blinked, completely touched by Jenny’s words. “I think we all got pretty lucky, sweetie.”
Jenny smiled at her in the mirror and gasped as her eyes wandered to the alarm clock on the bedside table. “It’s six fifty-five. You’ve gotta go.”
Reagan grinned. “I hear traffic’s pretty bad between here and the dining room.”
Jenny laughed.
She stood, examining her pretty yet simple navy blue cinched-waist dress with beaded spaghetti straps in the reflection. “Do you think this is too much?”
“No way. You look amazin’.” Jenny smoothed a couple of the curls at Reagan’s back. “Your first date.”
“An unusual first date.”
“I think it’s gonna be special.”
She applied gloss once more and rubbed her lips together. “It’s definitely a sweet gesture.”
“Are you still mad at him?”
She turned, facing Jenny. “Why would you think I’m mad?”
“I wasn’t bein’ nosy, but this mornin’…the walls are pretty thin around here, and I heard you fightin’.” She smiled sheepishly.
“I’m not mad at Shane. I think ‘unsure’ is a better descriptor.”
“I believe him, Reagan. He doesn’t want that Amber woman. He wants you.” She took Reagan’s hand. “Are you mad at me for tellin’ him about Henry and that little girl?”
Clearly she and Shane shouldn’t have wasted their time trying to argue in whispers this afternoon. “You have good ears.” She smiled when Jenny blushed. “No, I’m not mad.”
“I’ve been worryin’ about you, and I know he can help.”
“I’m not mad, Jenny,” she reassured again. “I’m sorry I put you in a position where you felt like you had to keep secrets.”
“You never asked me to keep secrets. I sorta got the sense you wanted your privacy—especially about Mable.”
“It’s really complicated. Nothing here in The Gap seems to be simple.”
“I just want you to be okay—and happy, especially with Shane.”
“Sometimes I think I’d be happiest if Shane and I could just stay friends. It’s easier.”
Jenny frowned. “I don’t know, Reagan. I don’t think you and Shane have ever been just friends—at least not since I’ve been around.”
“We’ve always been friends.”
Jenny shook her head. “Friends don’t look at each other the way you two do, with all that electricity snappin’ between you.” She sighed. “Someday I’m gonna have that, and if the guy’s hot like Shane that would be okay too.”
She laughed, wrapping Jenny in a hug. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
She kissed Jenny’s cheek as she eased back. “Thanks for helping me get ready and for giving up the living room for us tonight. You and Chase are good sports.”
Jenny shrugged. “Chase is probably on the phone in his room speakin’ Farsi or whatever, and Shane’s lettin’ me use his laptop. I’m gonna watch somethin’ on Netflix while Faithy gets her rest.”
She looked toward the crib where the baby slept soundly. “Have fun.”
“Thanks. You too.”
She opened the door. “Here I go.”
“Maybe kissin’ him wouldn’t hurt. Like you guys did at the airport,” Jenny added.
She grinned. “I’ll take it under consideration.” She closed the door behind her and walked down the hall, feeling slightly silly for wearing heels and a dress to eat at the dining room table, but the amazing homey smells wafting her way made her mouth water. She stopped in the doorway, staring at Shane dressed in black slacks and a white button-down as he lit the last of the candles scattered around the room, casting the space in romantic, muted light. She took in the pretty place settings and the vase full of twigs decorated with berries and wine glasses filled with ice water while music played. “This is beautiful.”
He turned, smiling, and her heart melted. “You’re beautiful.”
She stepped further into the room. “This looks amazing, Shane.”
“I wanted to give you something special. This is the best I can do in the middle of nowhere.”
“It’s perfect.” She walked up to him, pressing a kiss to his cheek, touched by all of the work he’d put into the evening. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He glanced at his watch and looked around. “Uh, we don’t exactly have a commute to the restaurant.”
She smiled. “No we don’t.”
He scrubbed at his freshly shaven jaw. “I kind of didn’t plan anything out for this part of the date.”
Her smile turned into a grin. He couldn’t possibly know how adorable he was—and absolutely gorgeous. “That’s okay.”
“So, do you want to eat—or we could talk first if you’re not ready.”
“It smells great in here, and I am pretty hungry.”
“Then come have a seat.” He took her hand and walked with her to the table, pulling out her chair and pushing her in. “Hold on just a second,�
� he said as he turned, doing something behind her back. “All set.” Smiling, he sat down across from her.
“I—” She stopped when Jenny walked past them, smiling, coming back minutes later with beautifully presented side salads and a steaming casserole.
“Here you go.” She set the small salad bowl to the right of the placemat and the main dish in the center, then did the same thing for Shane.
“Thanks,” Shane and Reagan said at the same time.
“Have fun.” She wandered back down the hall.
“I thought she was watching Netflix.”
“Tonight she’s a waitress too.”
She grinned, looking down at her plate.
“Tatter tot casserole. Again, the best I could do in the middle of nowhere.”
“I love tater tot casserole.” She sampled her fist bite of cheesy potato and salt-and-pepper chicken. “Very good.”
“Yeah?”
She cut another bite and ate more. “I love it.”
“I want to do this again—take you out—but to a real restaurant.”
“I don’t know if a real restaurant could top this.” And she meant it. Shane had created a lovely evening.
He smiled. “We’ll be able to eat somewhere by the ocean or in the city—wherever you want—if you decide to bring the girls out to California.”
“I miss the ocean. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been.”
He paused with his fork in his salad. “So you’re coming to California?”
“I think we would be foolish not to. Everything’s set up for Jenny. And she’s excited.”
“Ocean dining it is.” He took a bite and swallowed. “What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Are you excited?”
She shrugged. “Honestly, I’m overwhelmed.”
He nodded. “I can imagine. I thought I could help, so I talked to a realtor today about renting and buying options in the Palisades area. I’m not sure what your budget is.”
She shook her head. “I haven’t given it much thought.”
“I want you and the girls to move in with me, but I’m not going to pressure you.”
She took another bite and set down her fork. “I don’t know what I plan to do yet.” All of this was happening so fast. She’d sworn herself away from Shane, now they were having dinner, and she and the girls were definitely moving to California.
“I thought it would be good to try to have something in place before we meet with the Guardian Ad Litem in a couple of days.”
“You’re right.”
“If worse comes to worse and you don’t want to move in, the three of you could stay with me while we get everything sorted out.”
But then she wouldn’t want to leave. “I think Jenny should have some say since she’ll be working and going to school.” She frowned as a thought occurred to her. “Does she even know how to drive?”
“I’m thinking not.”
She winced. “The roads are so busy in the Los Angeles area.”
“We’ll get her squared away. I can teach her how to drive, and my buddy Stone buys cars pretty cheap, fixes them up, and sells them. I’ll give him a call and see if he can keep an eye out for something safe and good on gas.”
“That sounds like a good idea. I’ve been thinking about Jenny’s work and school schedule. She’s so young. She’s really just a baby herself. I’m hoping that once we get things settled with the judge we can talk to Mr. Cooke about finding her something part-time and maybe enroll her in a class or two a semester. With Faith that’ll keep her plenty busy.”
“Yeah. Sure. We can make those changes.” He took a drink of his water. “What about you? I’m sure Grant would love to have you at LA General.”
She truly couldn’t tolerate the idea of walking back into an ER. “I might take some time off.” She shrugged when he looked at her. “Like I said, I haven’t thought everything through.”
“I’ll support whatever you want. Ethan pays us well, so we can do it however. Everyone’s really good about covering each other’s duties. I won’t have to travel much, if at all, during the first couple of months while we get you ladies set up.”
“I don’t need you to support me, Shane.”
“I know you don’t need me to do anything, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to.” He finished the last piece of chicken on his plate. “Are you finished?”
“Mmm. I’m full. It was very good.”
“Do you want dessert?”
“Maybe in a little bit.”
“I made apple crisp. With Jenny’s help,” he admitted.
He turned her heart to mush. “I can’t wait to try it.”
“So, no dessert.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “I guess I never realized how important the whole driving part of the date was.”
She laughed and he grinned.
“Do you want to dance?” he asked.
“Okay.”
He stood, turning up Jewel’s version of Have a Little Faith In Me on his MP3 player.
She took his hand and walked with him to the center of the room, looking into his eyes as they held each other close, moving in a slow circle. “You know, normally I would agree with you about the whole commute thing. The drive does give everyone an opportunity to transition as the evening progresses, but I like this better.”
“It’s certainly not bad.” He pulled her closer.
She rested her head on his firm shoulder, savoring his familiar scent and the way she could relax so easily in his arms. The song ended, but three more passed before she drew away.
“All finished dancing?” His gaze darted to her mouth as he asked.
She licked her lips. “Yes.”
“How about dessert?”
“I’m still stuffed. How about I have a bite of yours?”
He held her hand, bringing her with him to the refrigerator. “Big bite or little bite?” he asked, grabbing a spoon from the drawer.
“Medium.”
He scooped a sample, holding it to her mouth.
She tasted apples still slightly warm and the delicious crunch of oatmeal and cinnamon. “Mmm. Really good.” She took the spoon and scooped some for Shane.
He accepted her offering, nodding. “I’m thinking Jenny and I are going to have to have big bowls of this for breakfast.”
She frowned her disapproval. “You do know you’re talking to a doctor.”
He laughed. “Okay, a mid-morning snack.” He put the dish back in the refrigerator. “Are you ready to call it a night? I know you haven’t been sleeping well.”
“Are you taking care of me, Shane? A balanced meal, good conversation, and early to bed…”
He smiled. “Guilty. I’d offer you a walk on the beach but since that’s not an option…”
“This has been great.”
“Good. We could watch a movie though if you’re not ready for bed.”
Lights off with Shane sitting next to her in the dark: bad idea. “I could probably use the extra rest.”
He took her hand again. “I’ll walk you to your door.” They stopped in front of her bedroom as if they were at her apartment door in the city. “I believe this is your stop.”
She smiled. “It is. Thank you. Tonight was truly perfect—maybe the best date I’ve ever been on.”
He raised his brows. “Oh really?”
She grinned. “Really.”
He lifted her hand, studying the bracelet he’d given her wrapped around her wrist. “This looks good on you.”
“It’s my favorite. Someone pretty special gave it to me.”
“Someone special, huh?” He settled his hands against her hips.
“Mmhm.”
The fun left his eyes, turning intense—her cue to end the evening.
“I should probably—”
“Kiss me. You should kiss me, Reagan.” He cupped her face, brushing his thumbs along her cheeks. “I need to taste you,” he whispered, capturing her mouth, dra
wing out the joining of lips as her heart beat faster and she melted against him. “I missed you.” Their mouths met again. “You’re the only one I want. You’re the only one I thought of.” He touched her lips again, teasing out a moan as their tongues tangled and she gripped his wrists. “You’re the only one I want to be with.” He moved in to kiss her, pausing and frowning as he looked towards Jenny’s slightly open door. He pulled it shut as Reagan realized they had a spy. “Christ.” He shook his head. “What’s a guy gotta do to get a little privacy around here?”
She chuckled. “Close quarters.”
“I guess.” He smiled, kissing her chastely. “Think about what I said.” His eyes darted to her lips. “I’ll see you in the morning.” He turned to leave and she grabbed his arm.
“Shane.”
He turned back. “Yeah?”
What was she doing? What did she need to say? Why wasn’t she letting him walk away? “I… Stay.” She pulled him back, hesitantly touching the buttons on his shirt as they stared in each other’s eyes. “Stay.”
“Are you sure?”
She was sure this felt right. Swallowing, she nodded.
He took her mouth, hungrily, almost savagely, grabbing for the doorknob, walking with her inside as she pulled at his shirt. “God, I need to touch you.” He unzipped her dress and lifted it up and over her head, groaning. “You’re perfect,” he said, making quick work of her bra, filling his hands with her breasts. “God, Reagan.”
She closed her eyes, whimpering with the sensations of his calloused palms teasing her sensitive skin.
“God,” he whispered again, his breath heaving as he took her breast into his mouth.
Moaning, she went after his shirt and he yanked it off, sending the buttons on his cuffs flying, as she fought to free him from his belt, slacks, and boxers.
He sent her panties to the floor, lifted her, and moved to the bed, falling with her, plunging deep, making her gasp as he filled her with his girth.
“Yes. Yes,” she shuddered as he clenched his jaw, sucking in a sharp breath, pumping quickly before slowing his pace as he stared into her eyes.
“Slow.”
She kissed him, still caught up in the frenzy of yearning, and he eased back.
“Slow,” he said again, drawing out the pleasure. “I want to feel you, Reagan. I want to watch you.” He arrowed deeper and she moaned. He kept his promise, and she built with each lazy thrust, her gaze held captive by his until her hands clutched at his back and she gasped, arching up with the flash of heat, then fell, her staggered cry swallowed when he took her mouth, sending her high again, climaxing with her the second time.