“Are those for me?”
“For the babysitter.”
“My mother?”
“Without her, we wouldn’t be going out tonight.”
“Don’t be making my husband jealous,” Elisabeth said as she came into the hallway and took the flowers from him. “They’re beautiful. Thank you, Shaun. Now get out of here before Loras and I sneak out in that limo parked out front.”
Morgan grabbed her purse and kissed her mother on the cheek. “Call me if you need me. I’ll keep my cell phone on.”
Shaun handed Elisabeth a card. “And here is mine. Call for anything.”
Elisabeth took the card and said, “You never know when this may come in handy. But not to worry, it won’t be tonight.” She smiled and winked at Shaun.
Really, Mom, you’re killing me here. “Bye, Mom.” Morgan took Shaun’s hand and led him out of the house before her mother could embarrass her any further. As they walked down the pathway, she said, “Sorry about that. She just—”
“Loves you.”
Morgan nodded. “Yes, she does.”
The driver opened the door, and they slipped inside. Shaun never let go of her hand. His fingers entwined with hers. She wasn’t a petite wallflower, but her hand seemed so tiny compared to his large one. As his fingers slid over hers playfully, he asked, “What do you want to eat?”
What I’m hungry for, isn’t on any menu. “I . . . I’m . . . what would you suggest?” She couldn’t think straight. All she wanted was to be alone with him, not in a crowd where she’d need to keep her hands to herself. Calm down. Let him take the lead. I can’t be throwing myself at him. It’s not . . . ladylike.
“Going to my place with some takeout food and cold—”
“Beer.”
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Yes, beer.”
Mom, I’m so glad you talked me out of wearing that stuffy business suit and my granny panties. Morgan rested her head on his shoulder as they made their way to his house. She actually had no idea where he lived, but she could picture it, based on how he dressed: neat, orderly, and very masculine.
When they entered his penthouse suite, her guess was confirmed. But she noticed it was void of anything personal. Not one picture or trophy. It looked more like a model home than a lived-in home. There was no sign of the man she’d come to know. Maybe in his bedroom. But I’m not about to ask.
He still held her hand as he guided her inside. “We could eat here or out on the balcony.”
“It’s a lovely night. I say outside.”
“Why don’t you go out, and I’ll get us some beer.”
She did as he suggested. Once outside, she saw his getaway. A piece of him. It was similar to her backyard but much classier. On one side there were lounge chairs and side tables. She could see he must spend a lot of time out there. Business magazines and books were near one of the chairs. She almost took a seat there, but she heard what sounded like running water. She went around a six-foot-high stone wall and saw a running waterfall with a statue of a half-naked Greek goddess holding a basin of water overflowing into a small endless swimming pool. You could sit on the edge of one side, but it looked like if you swam to the other side you would go right over the edge of the building. Wow. Breathtaking. Beautiful. A glassed-in infinity pool! I’m glad I’m on this side.
Morgan sat on the edge of the pool and let her thoughts wander to the possibilities of what lay ahead. It wasn’t just a moment in time. Tonight would be the night she was letting go of some of her excess baggage, allowing herself to enjoy the closeness of being with a man she’d come to adore. I’m a thirty-six-year-old mature woman; there’s nothing wrong with being confident enough to say and do what I want. And tonight I want to be with Shaun in every way. I’m tired of being shut-off and feeling nothing. It stops tonight! Tomorrow is another day. A refreshing cool breeze came by and blew a stray leaf into the water not far from her, snapping her out of her musings. She leaned over to pluck it from the otherwise pristine pool.
“There you are.”
Shaun’s husky voice startled her. As she tried to sit back up, she lost her balance. The harder she tried to regain it, the farther she slipped toward the water. With a not so subtle splash, she found herself fully submerged. She tried to stand, but found it was not as shallow as she’d first thought. Normally she’d enjoy a late night swim, but not clothed in her vintage white dress.
When she surfaced she had lost her bearings. Damn. I’m at the other edge. Shit. Swim away. Don’t think about it. It’s not going to break. You’re not going to fall over the edge of a thirty story building.
Until then she never realized she had a fear of heights. Maybe just a fear of falling from them. As she tried to calm her nerves, there was another splash and Shaun was right by her side still in his suit as well. Does he think that I can’t swim? I was on the swim team at BU. When he pulled her to him, she lifted her arms to wrap them around his neck. But you don’t need to know about that yet because I like this much better.
His arm pulled her close while he brought them both back to the edge of the pool. There she could tell his feet made contact with the bottom. Morgan could reach for the side and pull herself up, but no way was she releasing him. It had been too long since she’d felt his arms around her.
“Are you okay?” Shaun brushed the wet strands of hair from her face.
She nodded. “Thank you for jumping in after me. I hope you didn’t ruin your suit.”
“I don’t care about the suit or your dress. You never mentioned if you could swim and all I could think was—”
“Saving me?”
“I’d never let anything or anyone hurt you, Morgan.”
His voice was softer than she’d ever heard it before. He wasn’t flirting with her. It was a proclamation of what? His feelings? A commitment of some kind? Whatever it was, it touched her heart. She’d never before felt as safe as she did now in his arms.
“I know.” There wasn’t anything more to say.
“Come on. Let’s get out of here before these clothes weigh us down.”
He put his hands around her waist and in one motion lifted her out of the water and back onto the edge of the pool. Then he pulled himself out as well. Shaun swung his legs around to stand back on the ground. The water was running off his suit, and she heard his shoes slosh with each step. She chuckled at the sight.
“Find this funny, do you?”
“A bit, yes.” Morgan loved teasing him. When she did his eyes sparkled and his jaw relaxed.
“Then you will love to know your pretty white dress is totally see-through when it’s wet. Love your polka-dot bra and panties.”
Morgan looked down to find it was true.
“I suggest we get out of these wet clothes and warm up by the fire.”
There was enough heat flowing through her already; she didn’t need a fire to warm her. All she needed was his touch. She reached behind her and unzipped her dress letting it fall at her bare feet. I had shoes when I went into the pool. Hmm.
Standing clothed only in her bra and thong, she met his smoldering gaze. “I believe you said we.”
She’d never in her life been so bold or suggestive. But with Shaun, she found herself taking chances she thought impossible. He brought out a flirtatious, carefree side she never knew she had.
He took off his jacket and tossed it on the ground—then his tie. He unbuttoned his shirt, and she so badly wanted to help him. He was taking too damn long and, by his expression, it was on purpose. Once his shirt was removed, he acted as though he was struggling with the belt buckle.
That’s it! She stepped forward and her hands brushed his away. That buckle was coming off if she needed to bite through the leather. He said nothing as he watched her trembling hands finally free it. The button on his pants popped off as she tugged with a bit more force than she realized. Oh, God. What’s wrong with me?
“I’m sorry.”
His voice was deep and fill
ed with need. “I don’t care if you shred them. You’re so damn beautiful, and if I don’t touch you soon, I’m going to lose my mind.”
Her pulse raced. She felt the same way. Never before had she wanted or needed anyone so much. “Please.” It was the only word she could say.
Shaun finished undressing and stood naked in front of her. He was perfect. Every inch of him toned and solid. Reaching out, she ran her tiny hand up his chest. He brushed it away.
“I want to see all of you, Morgan.” He slipped a finger under one bra strap and slid it off her shoulder, then the other. He pulled her close to him and reached behind her, finding the clasp and releasing it, letting it drop. Then he hooked each of his thumbs on the strings of the thong on her hips, and as he dropped to one knee, he slid it off her.
“Tell me what you want.”
Morgan looked down at him as he knelt only inches away from her most private area. She felt no shame as she replied, “You, now.”
Shaun groaned, rose, and swept her into his strong arms. Being near him broke down all her inhibitions. All she felt was an overwhelming need to touch and be touched.
She’d never felt fragile, but as he carried her into the house he made her feel like fine porcelain. Nothing he was doing was rushed, even though she could feel his pulse race and his obvious need press against her.
Shaun kicked open a door to what appeared to be his bedroom. It was exactly how she pictured it, solid like him. He laid her gently on the center of the king-sized bed yet didn’t release her. His eyes swept over her hungrily as though he was trying to decide where to start. I know a good place. I’m aching for your touch. I need you inside of me.
His warm hand gently ran up the length of her leg, over her hip, finally resting on her collarbone. She leaned into his touch with more yearning than she’d thought possible.
She reached out, wanting to run her hands all over his rock-hard body, but he brushed her hand away. “I want to take this slow and enjoy every inch of you, but if you touch me, it will be over before it even starts.”
Morgan looked him over hungrily and felt his manhood move against her as though she’d physically touched him. Knowing how strongly he wanted her heightened her nearly out-of-control desire. She bit her lip and closed her eyes, trying to maintain even the slightest control.
He kissed her forehead, then trailed kisses down her cheekbone, over her, and to her neck. Raw need exploded within her. She heard the words take it slow, but the fire building within her center was screaming otherwise.
Shaun cupped one breast and plucked at her taut nipple. A shiver ran through her body, and she arched against him. His kisses continued to trail up her body until his fingers were replaced by his mouth. Once his lips came in contact with her nipple, her body began to twitch in unison with his. “Shaun.” Her voice trembled with need. He ignored her pleas and continued to flick with his tongue, or nip with his teeth, and it only increased her desire. “Shaun,” she pleaded, her voice barely a whisper now. Oh, God, I can’t wait. I need him now.
“Patience, baby,” Shaun said, his words muffled by her flesh.
Her moans grew deeper as he rolled one nipple between his fingers and continued sucking the other. The need between her legs was almost unbearable. Her plea didn’t fall on deaf ears as she opened her legs. “Please, Shaun, I need . . .”
He didn’t deny her. He moved one hand from her breast and reached between her legs, finding her swollen clit with this thumb. Her back arched, and she opened more for him.
Slowly, he circled it, bringing her higher. As her body trembled, he repositioned himself so his mouth was now only inches away from her center, spreading her farther until he had full access. Her hands gripped the blanket as he slipped one finger inside her and pulled it back out. Then again and again.
Breathlessly, Morgan begged, “I want you. I can’t . . .”
“You’ll have me, but first I want to watch you come undone as you lose yourself, surrendering to my touches,” he said as his finger entered her again, and he continued to circle her clit. She cried out in pleasure. It was more than she’d ever experienced. He was giving, not taking.
Faster and deeper he made love to her with his finger until her body jerked violently, and she lost herself in a powerful release.
“Yes! God, Shaun. Oh, yes!”
Before her body settled, he left her for a moment. She heard him open the foil packet before returning to her. She needed more than his finger. She needed him deep inside her. She wanted to wrap herself around him and give him the pleasure he’d just given her.
He didn’t enter her right away. Instead, he stroked her with the head of his shaft until she trembled. He slowly guided himself through her folds, then back to her clit. Her body, still so sensitive from the first climax, reignited for a second, quivering under his. “Shaun!”
As she released, Shaun plunged deep within her. Her body clenched tightly around him. He lay upon her as her body continued to rock.
Once she quieted, he began to move in her.
She looked up at him and saw desire burning deep within him. He couldn’t wait any longer, and she knew it.
“Shaun, give me what I want. I want all of you.” Her breathing was coming in short gasps.
“God, baby. You feel amazing,” Shaun said, never taking his eyes off hers. Again and again, he buried himself deep inside. She pulled him down to her, and he captured her lips with his as their moans of pleasure blended together. They were not slow any longer. She could feel the raw need as he was losing control. Fast and furious, he entered again and again.
“Morgan. I can’t—”
“Yes, Shaun. Give it to me. Let go.”
It was as though the heavens opened up; a feeling like nothing before rocked them both. Her cries met with his deep growl as he released. He gripped her hips for one last deep thrust before collapsing into her waiting arms.
A single tear trickled down her cheek, and she brushed it away.
He lifted himself up to look at her. “Fuck. Did I hurt you?”
She shook her head. “Shaun, you could never hurt me.”
What they shared was so much more than she’d ever imagined. She knew she was safe with him. And for the first time since becoming a mother, she knew her son was safe with someone besides her and her parents. You’ve given me more tonight than you’ll ever know. More than I can ever say.
Chapter Thirteen
“That was quick.”
“Bennett, I told you, when the chain of events starts, people are going to notice quickly.” At least people who give a shit about what happened with the Sapp family. He, on the other hand, never would’ve given them a second look. They had a very successful, growing business. But they would learn, compared to his family’s company, their business was small and could be easily squashed.
Bennett took another gulp of coffee. “I have someone watching the house at all times. Did you want someone on the inside at Poly-Shyn as well?”
Shaun hadn’t thought about that. His only concern had been for Morgan and Tyler. For as long as he could remember he’d only thought of his family’s protection. When did that change? Why did it?
“It won’t affect Poly-Shyn. If they look for a culprit, I’ll make sure it’s me they see.”
Bennett arched his brow. “You’re making yourself the target. What am I missing?”
“Nothing.” If I wanted you to know my plan, then I’d inform you. No one knows it all and no one will.
“Shaun, I respect what you’re doing for Morgan and Tyler, but I’ll put a stop to it if you go too far.” Bennett’s face had no hint of backing down.
“And you think you can stop me?”
“Any day. You do your job well. But so do I. Don’t forget that.”
“You’re not threatening me are you, Bennett?” It’d been a long time since anyone had the balls to speak to him like that. Shaun wanted to hate the guy, but the more he got to know him, the more he respected him.
/> “I don’t deal with threats.” Bennett’s phone beeped.
Shaun watched as he checked the message. Whatever it was, it didn’t make him happy. “Problems I should know about?”
“Zoey is at lunch with Morgan. I didn’t realize they were friends.”
Damn it, Zoey. This is no time to become buddies with Morgan. All it will mean is another person for Bennett to cover. “She’s a very—”
“Beautiful woman.”
“Don’t even think it, Bennett. My sister is off limits. If I even think that you’re—”
“I don’t mix business with pleasure. And trust me, she would be a pleasure.” Bennett laughed.
You’re just fucking with me. It’s a dangerous game, but I know you’re not stupid enough to actually go after my sister. Hell no. Not that dumb.
“Is there anything else that concerns you at this time?”
“Tomorrow’s bike ride is going to be tough without being noticed. It’s a very tight neighborhood. My men are good but, there’s no way they won’t be noticed. If not by her, then one of her neighbors. Damn, every neighborhood should have a crime watch program like theirs.”
If it were only that simple; they were used to the quiet, peaceful life. They watched each other, mainly for the sake of gossiping, but that is because no trouble had come to them. What would they do if it did? It would be too late. No matter what, he wanted to make sure there was someone close by at all times. If it couldn’t be Bennett’s team, then there was just one who could be there.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be there with them for the ride and possibly most of the weekend. I’ll let you know if plans change.”
He was the one who’d decided to push the issue with Walter, to make him crumble and fall. No harm should be sent Morgan’s way, but he knew all too well not to trust a wounded animal, and that is what the Sapp family was going to feel like when he was done with them.
Even if there was no potential threat, Shaun wanted to be with them anyway. He truly enjoyed Morgan’s company. He didn’t want her to leave last night. Holding her in his arms, his bed felt like nothing he’d ever had before. The connection they shared scared him more than any threat from Walter. There were all these thoughts running through his head, and for once in his life, he couldn’t organize them rationally. Even now his mind continued to wander back to her. He could understand if it was just her beautiful olive skin, but it wasn’t. He was lost in her eyes, her smile, and her bubbly personality. She was the type of woman who made a man want to go home at night. Too bad I’m not the type of man to appreciate such a gem.
You & Me Make Three: Barrington Billionaire's Series: Book Three Page 13