Beyond Affection: Callaghan Brothers, Book 6

by Zanders, Abbie

  Soon, his eyes said with a flash of that luminous, dark blue that made her think of sapphires lit from within. It was a unique shade that she now associated solely with Shane’s desire.

  I can’t wait, she answered, lowering her lids in just the slightest hint of submission.

  Their silent, secret conversation thrilled her.

  * * *

  His grin grew, inwardly glad he’d had the foresight to keep his shirt untucked. The woman could make him harder than iron with just a look from those bedroom eyes. “My pleasure,” he answered, his voice a sexual purr that betrayed his illusion of total self-control. It was just as well she arrived when she did; he would be far less inclined to see to some of those items on his new to-do list otherwise.

  “I have some things I need to see to today. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?”

  She flushed and averted her eyes. The little vixen was clearly thinking naughty things, and that knowledge only increased the aching throb in his cock. Across the room, Corinne sighed.

  After ensuring that Corinne would be spending the afternoon with Lacie – he did not want Lacie here alone with Davidson until he had a chance to cool off - Shane forced himself to leave.

  There were several other scenarios he would have preferred. One was sending Corinne on her way and spending the rest of the day pleasuring Lacie. Another was to take Lacie with him back to his room at the Pub where he would get Ian started on vamping up security, then spend the rest of the day making love to her. His favorite had him doing both – loving her here, then gathering her and taking her back to his place, safe among his family - and doing it all over again.

  In the end, though, he leashed his raging arousal, caging it for a more opportune time, preferably when Lacie wasn’t feeling quite so vulnerable. But he could not keep himself from claiming her mouth in one final, soul-searing kiss that screamed possession, taking satisfaction in the open-mouthed shock on Corinne’s face and the dazed, entranced look on Lacie’s.

  * * *

  Later that evening when her cell phone chimed, Lacie was prepared. She had it resting beside her as she re-read the official, bureaucratic responses to her latest inquiries into what was being done to locate her brother. It bothered her that Craig had been sifting through it. She knew he didn’t believe that Brian was still alive, but for her sake, he refrained from saying so very often.

  “I’m breaking protocol again by calling so soon, but I wanted your voice to be the last thing I heard before I go to sleep tonight.” Shane’s deep male voice flowed through the small device and directly into her heart. Damn if the man didn’t just make her insides squirm in the most wonderful way.

  “I’ll allow it,” she said. “But only because your voice is pretty fine, too.”

  He answered with a soft hum that made her tingle in the most feminine places. It was exactly the same sound he’d made right before he’d kissed her earlier. She understood it for what it was - a warning of considerable restraint. “Is Corinne still there?”

  “No, she went back to our parents’ house.”

  “She couldn’t stay?” Lacie heard the frown in his voice.

  “I’m a big girl, Shane.”

  “I know you are. I’d be a pervert otherwise, wouldn’t I?”

  She laughed. “Yes, I suppose you would.”

  A moment of quiet. “Has he been by again?”

  “No.”

  There was a hesitation, as if Shane wanted to say something but was looking for the right words. “He seemed very upset earlier, Lacie.”

  Yes, he was, but that was just Craig. She was used to his sudden flare ups. Silently Lacie vowed to speak to her sister for voicing her overzealous concerns to Shane, obviously thinking she’d found a powerful ally in him, then immediately recanted that thought. Corinne did what she did out of love, and Shane couldn’t be expected to understand that Craig was a lot more about the bark than the bite. Besides, she had already made up her mind that she was going to talk to Craig and put a stop to this nonsense once and for all.

  “His bark is worse than his bite. He won’t hurt me.” Not intentionally, she added silently, looking down at her casted hand. Craig just didn’t know his own strength sometimes, especially since he’d come back. He had really thrown himself into his physical therapy after Mikaela’s death. He would be horrified if he believed he had been a contributing cause to her injuries, and would be constantly underfoot in an attempt to make up for it. She didn’t bother telling that to Shane, though. Given his fierce reaction to the day’s earlier events, he wouldn’t be any more receptive to her reasoning than Corinne.

  Another heavy pause. “I worry about you, Lacie. I know I haven’t earned that privilege yet, but I certainly hope to.”

  He considered worrying about her a privilege? If he kept saying things like that she was going to turn into a puddle right then and there. “I’d say giving up a Saturday night to watch over me earned you something,” she said quietly, hopefully.

  She heard his slight intake of breath. “That was a privilege in itself,” he answered.

  Her body felt strangely boneless. And empty. Terribly empty. “You made me waffles,” she whispered.

  “I’ll make you a thousand more for the chance to kiss you again.”

  “Deal,” she said, breathless. Just the thought of it had her body flushing with heat, but his soft, almost silent groan intensified the sensation.

  “You don’t want me to sleep at all, do you?” he grumbled sexily, making her smile. She loved the idea that she was having a similar effect on him.

  “Of course I do,” she said boldly. “But only if you dream of me.”

  “That’s a given,” Shane told her. “I can’t seem to think of anything but you these days.”

  “Nice to know I’m not alone, then.”

  “Lacie.” Shane breathed her name like a prayer. “What are you doing to me?”

  She didn’t know, but she wished she did. If it was anything like what he was doing to her...

  * * *

  Shane exhaled heavily. Every cell in his body screamed for him to head over to her apartment at that exact moment and finish what they had started that morning, but he was afraid of rushing her, scaring her away.

  “Promise me you’ll call me immediately if anything happens.”

  “I promise.” She sighed. “But I can’t run away from this, Shane. Craig needs to understand that I am a grown woman capable of making my own decisions with or without his approval. I’ve let him believe otherwise for far too long.”

  “I don’t think you should do it alone.”

  “I have to. Otherwise Craig won’t take me seriously. He’ll think I’m acting under someone else’s influence.”

  Shane could see her point, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. He really didn’t give a rat’s ass what Craig Davidson believed as long as he was out of the picture.

  “Shane?”

  “Yes?”

  “You’ve earned the privilege.”

  Shane smiled into the phone. “Now say something wicked to give me memorable dreams.”

  He expected her to laugh softly, maybe give him a gentle chastisement while her eyes sparkled and her cheeks turned that lovely shade of rose, but she surprised him. In less than a heartbeat, her sexy purr sounded in his ear. “Syrup tasted better on you than your waffles, but next time I want to try whipped cream, too.”

  Lacie’s sensual laughter was the last thing he heard as she disconnected the call.

  Chapter Eleven

  When Lacie walked into her classroom early Monday morning, she found a single, perfect rose in the center of her desk. It sat next to a shiny, dark red apple. She picked up the small tented note card that completed the set - a textured, heavy cream-colored paper with Lacie scripted in bold, male script - and opened it to read the message within.

  Coffee after class tomorrow night? Then below it: Whipped cream optional.

  Warmth flooded her body once again as
her lips curled up in a smile. How had he gotten inside her classroom? The windows were closed, the door locked. Of course, she thought with a flash of pride, gaining entrance to a Kindergarten classroom would be child’s play for an ex-SEAL.

  It was official. Shane Callaghan had just managed to completely steal her heart.

  With a mischievous grin, she picked up a bright red crayon and block printed “YES” in the corner. Then she added a few motivational stickers she put on her kids’ papers (“Star Student”, “A+”, and “Super”), and tucked the card into the pocket of her skirt. Rather than call the number he’d given her, she would deliver this personally later.

  * * *

  Across town, Shane grinned from behind his laptop as he looked at the clock. Lacie should have found his little surprise by now. Wishing he could see her reaction in person, he contented himself with imagining it instead. He checked his phone, turned the volume up a notch, and waited.

  * * *

  Lacie walked into Jake’s Irish Pub later that afternoon. She’d passed it hundreds of times, but had never actually ventured inside.

  It was nothing like she’d expected it to be. Dark wood gleamed, accentuated by polished brass. The room was filled with the aromas of pipe smoke and lemon oil, mixed in with the heady scents of finely aged spirits. The bar took up half of the primary room, with comfortable-looking padded stools inviting patrons to step up and take a load off. Toward the back was a smaller room, only partially separated from the main area by a half-wall. There appeared to be tables there, old-fashioned high-backed booths, and a small stage. From somewhere farther out of her immediate line of sight came the muted sounds of billiards.

  Behind the bar, countless shelves held bottles in every possible color size and shape, reflecting like stained glass in the mirrors behind them. Soft, muted lighting gave everything a decidedly homey feel, whether from the recessed tracks cleverly hidden above or the antique-looking brass lanterns spaced along the walls. In every corner, a flat screen was suspended, each showing a different sports-based channel.

  The place was immaculate and well-kept. For someone who had never stepped foot in a bar before and was unsure what to expect, Lacie was pleasantly surprised and felt instantly at home.

  * * *

  Jake took one look at the young woman taking in every detail of his Pub with wide-eyed wonder and unmasked curiosity. Even without the tell-tale pink cast, he would have known exactly who she was. With the conservative skirt and blouse, the soft blonde waves held in check at the back of her neck, and a presence that exuded a patient gentleness, he would recognize Shane’s croie anywhere. She was perfect for his soft-spoken, organized younger brother.

  The Pub wasn’t crowded at this hour, just a couple of locals. More would be stopping in as it got closer to evening. Those who were already there regarded the newcomer with interest. A woman like Lacie would have stood out, even if she hadn’t been standing in the middle of the bar looking around as she was. Jake chuckled.

  “Looking for someone, sweetheart?” one of the patrons asked, rising from his stool. Jake allowed it. Stan Campbell was well into his seventies and a real old-fashioned gentleman.

  “Yes, actually,” she said, smiling at Stan. “Shane Callaghan?”

  Stan chuckled. “Well, you’ve come to the right place. Can’t shake a stick without hitting a Callaghan boy,” he winked. “No guarantee it’ll be the right one, though.”

  She laughed easily, her eyes sparkling even as a hint of color rose in her cheeks. Jake instantly liked her, and decided to take pity on her.

  “You must be Lacie,” he said, emerging from behind the bar. “I’m Jake.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Jake. This is a beautiful place.”

  He acknowledged the compliment with a nod and a smile. “First time?”

  “That obvious, huh?” she grinned. “I’m afraid my sister and I grew up with the ‘nice girls don’t go to bars’ lesson drilled into us from our father.”

  “Smart man,” Stan nodded approvingly.

  “I don’t think this is the kind of place he was talking about, though,” Lacie said, her eyes meeting Jake’s head-on for a long moment before taking in the room again. “This is really nice.”

  The fact that she was able to look him in the eye without turning away was an encouraging sign; Callaghan women had to be made of strong stuff, regardless of how docile they appeared on the outside.

  “Thanks,” Jake replied. “Shane’s not here, but I’m expecting him shortly. You’re welcome to wait for him.”

  She looked around uncertainly. “Well, I really just wanted to give him something...” She pulled out the small notecard and handed it to Jake. He looked down at it, saw it sealed with stickers, and grinned.

  “Sure. But before you leave, my wife would love to meet you. Do you mind?”

  * * *

  Caught by surprise – why would Jake Callaghan’s wife want to meet her? – she fumbled for words.

  “Shane mentioned that you were the Kindergarten teacher, and our daughter Riley will be starting next year,” he explained. “My wife Taryn is a little anxious about the whole thing. Maybe meeting you will help.”

  Lacie relaxed instantly. “Of course. I would love to. Your first, I take it?”

  Jake nodded. “It’s always harder on the parents than on the kids,” she told him truthfully.

  “Come on,” he encouraged, leading her to the private kitchen in the back and doing a few quick introductions. “Lacie, my wife, Taryn. Taryn, baby, this is Lacie McCain,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “I told her you were a little anxious about Riley starting school next year.”

  A beautiful young woman looked up from the counter where she was slicing up some carrot sticks. Not much older than Lacie, she had a mane of riotous hair, streaked black to platinum and the most unusual violet eyes. Wearing faded jeans and a black maternity tank, Lacie’s eyes were immediately drawn to the blue and green eyes of the dragon peeking over her shoulder. The tattoo was hypnotizing.

  Two small children looked up from a table covered in Lincoln Logs and LEGOs. One was a lovely little girl who had the trademark Callaghan hair but her mother’s violet eyes; the other, a little boy who could not be mistaken for anything but a Callaghan. They eyed her warily.

  Two baby swings moved in the background, each holding a sleeping infant.

  “Hi,” Taryn said, her smile friendly and welcoming. She turned to Jake accusingly. “You told her I was nervous?” Jake grinned, unrepentant, and returned to the bar.

  Taryn snorted, then looked at Lacie. “Coffee?” When Lacie nodded, Taryn continued, “I don’t suppose he told you that he’s already done background checks on everyone associated with the elementary school and their immediate families.”

  Lacie’s eyes widened. “No. He didn’t mention that.”

  Taryn shook her head and poured a cup for Lacie. “Don’t sweat it, sweetie. Comes with the territory.”

  “The territory?”

  “Yep. Callaghan men. Irresistible but overprotective as hell. You get used to it after a while.”

  Was there a warning in there somewhere, Lacie wondered? “So I suppose since I’m sitting here with you I passed inspection?”

  Taryn grinned. “And then some.”

  * * *

  Fifteen minutes later Shane walked into the bar. He was in an ill temper. Checking his phone once more, he frowned. Surely Lacie was home by now. Why hadn’t she called him to confirm their coffee date tomorrow night? He thought the rose and apple had been a nice touch, but maybe he’d freaked her out by leaving it on her desk.

  No, he argued, Lacie wasn’t the type to get spooked easily. She knew he’d been a SEAL, and her brother was in the Army. There must be some other reason she hadn’t gotten back to him. His scowl deepened. Maybe Davidson was giving her a hard time again. Maybe he’d been lying in wait for her when she returned to her apartment, itching for a chance to warn her away from him again.

  That thought
had him quickening his stride. He was going to run upstairs, change, then head right over there and make sure she was okay.

  The huge grins on Jake’s and Ian’s faces didn’t help improve his mood any. “What are you dickheads grinning about?” he asked sourly.

  “This.” Ian tossed Shane the folded note embellished with stickers. His heart leapt as he snatched it up and unsealed it. His bad temper instantly vanished, until he started to wonder how it came to be in Ian’s hands. His head snapped up and he scanned the bar. “Lacie was here?”

  “Still is. She’s in the kitchen with Taryn,” Jake told him, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.

  Shane’s heart stuttered when he walked into the private kitchen. Lacie and Taryn were sitting at the table, sipping coffee as if they had been friends forever. Jake’s daughter Riley was in Taryn’s lap, and Ian’s son Patrick was on Lacie’s. It was such a perfect image, he stopped for a moment just to savor the beauty of it.

  It was Taryn who spotted him first. Lacie’s attention was on the small Lincoln Logs dwelling she and Patrick were constructing together. Taryn winked and gave Shane a discreet thumbs-up.

  “Is this a private party or can anyone play?” Shane asked, stepping into the room. Lacie looked up, and the smile she gave him felt like a hundred supernovas firing in his chest. She turned to Patrick. “What do you think? Should we let your uncle play, too?”

  At Patrick’s enthusiastic nod, Shane sat down next to them. “Miss Lacie’s gonna be my teacher next year,” he said proudly. Shane shot a questioning look at Taryn. It was a well-known fact that Patrick was very much opposed to the idea of starting school.

  “Changed your mind, have you?” Shane asked.

  “Uh-huh.”

  “How come?”

  Taryn coughed back a laugh when Patrick gave Shane what could only be described as a “duh” look. “Cuz. Miss Lacie says I’m really good at stuff, and I can help her out with the other kids who aren’t so good as me.”

  “I see. Well, Miss Lacie’s pretty smart. I’d listen to her if I were you.”