by Joan Bramsch
"Is that why you got that funny look on your face every time he came within ten feet of you?” Mike easily dodged the length of one-inch pipe she swung ominously in his direction. “Why don't you admit you like him, Casey? It's about time you found a man to take you away from all this.” He grinned impishly when he swept his arm in a wide arc to illustrate his point.
Casey knew in her heart that her brother was just teasing, nevertheless she bridled at his cross-examination. “You don't want to be saddled with all this yet, little brother,” she countered, swinging her gaze over the property. “And to answer your question one final time, I am not interested in Shawn O'Brien.” Her show of bravado was thin but holding up, she decided. “I think his business ideas are worth further exploration but that's all."
John put the last of the supplies in the truck and gave Mike a playful jab on the shoulder. “Let your sister alone, Michael."
He realized his sister-in-law wasn't up to parrying her brother's pointed remarks while she tried to cope with her reawakening womanhood. Although he privately agreed with Mike's estimation of the situation, he believed Casey was going to go down fighting.
Perhaps it was time for her to share some of the heavy responsibilities she'd been carrying on her narrow shoulders since she'd assumed the mantle of leadership for the company. Although he and his wife and brother-in-law had found out early last year what miracles she was pulling off with their creditors, they'd never broached the subject with her, letting her keep the secret. They'd decided it had something to do with her pride, and they weren't going to confront her with their knowledge. But they'd watched her closely, making sure they carried as much weight as she'd allow.
Maureen had put it succinctly. It was called “going the extra mile.” Personally he called it love! The unselfish sort that cemented a family into an indomitable, powerful unit. He also knew Casey wanted, needed a family of her own someday. He'd watched her shower attention on his little daughter Katie as she grew from infant to feisty little girl—so much like his wife and sister-in-law—that his heart ached sometimes. She could do worse than Shawn O'Brien, he decided, grinning slyly.
The relationship would bear watching if it was given a chance to grow. The man was as strong-willed as John's delightful in-law. She wouldn't be able to influence him easily like she'd done with Jack. Thank God she'd realized she needed more from a man than she'd gotten from him. Before she'd broken the engagement, he and Maureen had shared many a sleepless night, worrying. It would have been a big mistake for her.
He pulled himself back to the present. “Casey has a good head on her shoulders,” he lectured Mike, fondly. “She knows what she wants and what she doesn't want. Now get yourself behind that wheel and let's get to work.” He opened the passenger door to let Casey climb into the seat first.
As they sped along the highway, Mike hummed merrily while John went over the specifications one last time. Casey sat quietly between them, outwardly composed and relaxed but reliving the torment and ecstasy of Shawn's kisses.
Again she admitted that she felt a definite physical attraction toward Shawn. She knew it last night and was totally aware that the chemistry was not one-sided. But she'd be a fool to start a relationship with him. Business would keep getting in the way—and that was where her allegiance lay, with her family and their business.
And where could it lead if she overrode her priorities? Certainly not to marriage and a family—the two things she eventually wanted in her future. No, she was going to have to fortify herself against any romantic entanglement with him.
She continued to argue with herself, only then realizing an unexpected obstacle had been thrown across her clear path to stay out of his way—her hunger for romance. She'd known it was there all along but unlike the need for food or for sleep, she had ignored it until it seemed almost not to matter. Almost! For the last five years she'd worked hard at her trade while getting her engineering degree at night school. She had a career and a solid business to operate. Romance had been placed on the back burner of her life, simmering in her soul, nudging her libido occasionally but always easy to control, to put off until another day.
Right now she had no time for romance. Not even for a brief fling. And that was all it could be, she cautioned herself. Nothing more. He was a travelin’ man, going places. No, she decided, her hunger would not be assuaged in the near future. She'd have to deny romance until there was adequate time and a more likely partner with whom to share it.
She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she was jolted back to consciousness when they pulled up to the Bluebell address to find Shawn leaning nonchalantly against his rented low-slung automobile. A grin curved his firm commanding lips, lips Casey had tasted and savored only hours before.
Mike whistled expressively. “Well, well, well! Look who's here?"
Casey sat frozen in the seat, her body experiencing all manner of fierce emotions—surprise, excitement and, yes, downright shock! John had to call her three times before she snapped out of her stupor.
"Come on, kid,” he repeated. “We've got work to do."
She threw herself out the door and walked quickly to the back of the truck to begin unloading. From the corner of her eye she could see Shawn strolling toward them, looking very rugged and fit in snug faded jeans and a thick black turtleneck sweater topped by an old army fatigue jacket opened to show the wide expanse of his muscled chest. His curly black head was uncovered but his large able hands were encased in well-worn leather gloves as if he were ready to go to work, too.
He walked with a slow, relaxed gait, taking the time to size up Casey's reaction to his unexpected appearance. Was she happy to see him? Had she found the courage to continue their friendship, to get to know one another better? She was almost hidden behind the truck, not hiding exactly but certainly trying to put off the inevitable. Not good! he decided irritably. Well, he had promised himself he'd give her some time to get used to the idea, and what better way to show her his patience than to work with her throughout the day without making one personal comment?
Now that was going to take some doing, he decided. She even looked cute in her mannish work clothes! Sighing, he wondered if he'd ever have the opportunity to see her legs in anything less cumbersome than heavy trousers?
"Good morning, all.” He stopped by the men. “I hope you don't mind that I've come over this morning. I'm hoping you'll let me work with you on this installation today,” he explained. “I'd like to learn all the shortcuts you've discovered so I can pass them on to my other contractors."
John and Mike both agreed it was all right with them. “But it's up to the boss,” Mike added, hoisting a ladder onto his shoulder with little effort.
Shawn walked to her side, gazing down at her, waiting. “Well, Casey, what do you say?"
"Trying to catch another mistake, Mr. O'Brien?” She was immediately sorry she'd made such a spiteful accusation when she saw the offended expression that came over his face. What was wrong with her anyway? she wondered, disgusted that her usually sunny disposition seemed to evaporate whenever Shawn was around.
"No,” he replied, quietly but firmly. His voice held a steel edge of determination. He knew if he lost his temper he'd have to leave. “This is business, Casey, and I have a lot to learn for the good of my company."
Shaken more than she wished to admit, Casey grabbed a bundle of fittings from the truck bed. “Suit yourself. We can use another worker today.” She walked toward the house, trying to put as much distance between them as possible but not before she heard Shawn's low teasing response.
"Thanks a lot ... Boss!"
He chuckled softly when he saw the way her body momentarily stiffened and her step faltered before she shot forward as if someone had stuck her with a pin. She could deny it till the cows came home, he mused, but he knew he could affect her even through that chain mail armor she'd donned for protection against his advances. No, she wasn't going to keep this male at arm's length! he vowed, grinning wit
h relish when he thought of the fierce battle ahead. Casey was one special lady!
The work went smoothly. McDermott's had made many such installations and they knew what they were doing. Shawn was a tireless worker, asking questions and jotting down some notes for later referral while he showed that he was an able-bodied man who knew his way around a construction site. With grudging respect, Casey found herself giving him more and more responsibility during the crucial last phases of the job.
Time passed quickly and productively; each person worked well with the others. Nothing personal was said, and Casey was surprised again at how smoothly Shawn could separate business from the rest of his life. She wished she could do as well! It was easy for him, she fumed silently. And it only showed how little last night meant to him.
She scolded her contrary nature when she caught herself secretly watching him as he worked, using muscles most men hadn't even developed. And when she got a peak at his backside when he bent over to help Mike, well ... it was a good thing she had the chimney to hang onto! She continued to berate herself as her heart throbbed impulsively whenever he turned to her with a question or a quiet warm smile. This would never do, she decided, firmly ordering her body to go on red alert.
After work they all went back to the office where Maureen had the perennial pot of coffee brewing for their last cup of the day. They threw off their coats and sat down for a final summation of the week's work. All agreed that they'd put in five days of hard labor and were glad it was Friday.
Shawn stretched contentedly and smiled. “It felt good to work with my hands again. I don't get the chance very often anymore. Thanks for the lesson in real teamwork. You don't waste any time, do you?"
"Time is money, our Dad always said,” quoted Mike, sighing as he too stretched out in his chair.
"Your Dad was right,” Shawn agreed. “I think he'd be very proud of all of you. You work like a well-oiled machine. I admire that."
"We appreciate the compliment, Shawn.” Casey smiled her thanks, unaware that Shawn's middle was turned to mush by the warm gesture. “But you're going to make my crew so big-headed I won't get a lick of work out of them all next week if you don't stop showering them with praise.” She was teasing, of course, feeling good about the day's work and Shawn's words.
They sat in companionable silence while John and Maureen discussed plans for a family gathering on Sunday afternoon with his relatives. Casey saw that Shawn was listening with a bittersweet smile on his face as if he were enjoying their discussion vicariously. When he glanced over and caught her scrutinizing his somewhat pensive expression, he broadened his smile and searched her face, finally meeting her steady gaze. The sigh that slipped from her lips brought dancing lights to his sparkling jet eyes.
"A penny for them,” he offered softly, arching one brow to communicate to Casey with the silent gesture that he'd bet his life she was thinking about last night when he'd kissed her and felt her fiery response.
Blushing furiously, she ad-libbed. “I was working on my acceptance speech for the award banquet next week."
"Liar!"
He whispered, and Casey could do nothing to deny his accusations with the family gathered around her, but she spoke ten thousand words with the daggers flying in his direction from her snapping jade eyes. He only laughed softly at her inability to speak her mind in front of the group. It was so easy to get her dander up. But then he had to admit that he didn't always play fair with her. She was fighting two enemies, he reminded himself. His continuing determination to know her better and her wavering defense against him. So give her some space, O'Brien! he relented.
Rising, he walked to the coffee table and placed his empty cup on the tray. “I have to fly out to the plant this weekend. Got a few bugs in the new product line,” he explained to the group, pausing to glance at his watch. “And if I don't get a move on, I'm going to miss my flight.” He shrugged into his jacket and smiled. “Have a nice weekend. See you next week."
Maureen, Mike and John wished him a safe trip; Casey, however, continued to sit quietly. Finally she lifted her eyes and met Shawn's level gaze.
"Be good,” he whispered, winking.
"You too,” she replied, smiling. At the moment it wasn't in her to think of a flippant comeback. Darn it, she thought, she was going to miss him!
"See you on Monday,” he called over his shoulder. He closed the door and jogged to his car. Then he was gone.
* * * *
The following week, Shawn was in and out of McDermott's office almost as much as the owner and her family. Every morning, Casey found him at the next installation site, helping in many ways, and learning, always learning. At noon he would disappear, going to work at his own office, but he always came back for the last cup of coffee of the day. He was steadily forming friendships with the entire McDermott clan, including Casey.
She began to appreciate his quick sense of humor. Even when he teased her personally, she found she could laugh at the joke. How like her family's, was his idea of fun! she pondered.
Two times she and Shawn ate lunch together at Li Ching's Oriental fast food. They laughed, learning to use chopsticks, then mopped up the mess when Shawn tried to feed her. Casey took over and wasn't much neater, she had to admit. She tried to stop laughing when Li Ching brought a pot of hot herb tea to their table.
"How lovely,” she said. “Thank you."
"Ah so! Is good for digestion,” he proclaimed, grinning. “Makes happy tummy-tum.” He bowed low, then tilted his round face to one side. “Especially if you keep eatin’ in this greasy spoon!"
Dumbstruck, Casey and Shawn had been completely taken in by his act. The tea was good, they agreed. Between sips of the hot brew, Shawn told her of his business plans for the future.
"I want your company to play an integral part in AEI's expansion, Casey."
She listened closer, caught up in his enthusiasm, and if he hadn't looked at the time, they'd both have been late for their afternoon work commitments.
On Friday noon, they had a family picnic on the parking lot. All the working relations joined the pair for the impromptu fare—the Colonel's chicken, pizza from the Godfather, and Aunt Jenny's barbecue.
"Eat the last Hush Puppy, Casey.” Shawn held the golden cornmeal ball to her lips.
His dark eyes dared her to pig-out, Casey noted. “I can't, Shawn. I'll bust if I do,” she said, backing away and holding her tummy. “Toss it to Mike,” she suggested. “He's the one with the wooden leg."
Shawn did, then laughed when her brother popped the morsel into his mouth. Grinning, he helped gather the papers and litter, complaining loudly that he should have insisted on paying for all the food. “I needed the write-off!"
Casey clucked her tongue. “You'd write off a picnic?"
"Would I do that?"
"I don't know,” she countered, tossing the ball squarely into his court. “Would you?"
"I would not,” he answered, still smiling and shaking his dark head, but there was firmness in his tone.
Casey sensed his quiet denial was evidence of his honesty and integrity. How strange! she mused. One week ago she'd disliked him. Even distrusted him. Now he seemed like a part of her every day pattern. She often missed him during the afternoons when he wasn't around. She didn't even mind it, when he touched her or gave her a little kiss on her cheek. All in all, Casey decided, she wanted his friendship.
He'd kept their conversations light. Nothing was said to threaten her sense of well-being. And when he held her hand or smoothed her flaming mop of curls, his touch did not undermine that feeling. Perhaps, she decided, it was possible to be friends while he was here.
After Shawn left for his “other job” as he called his business, Casey had to hurry downtown. She had a two o'clock appointment with her lawyer, Jessica Lang.
Stepping off the elevator she glanced at the lettered door before she pushed it opened. Seger, Swyden, Johnson, and Lang. Jessica was one of the few young female lawyers in town with a
full partnership in a thriving law practice. Intelligent, creative, and thoroughly versed in business law, Jessica was also Casey's friend. They'd met three years ago at a builder's Convention.
"Good afternoon, Ms. McDermott.” Jessica's secretary rose to open the inner door. “Ms. Lang said for you to go right in."
"Thanks, Jim,” she said, smiling while she unbuttoned her heavy work jacket. “Do you suppose I could have a cup of coffee, please? I need a little caffeine."
"Certainly. I'll bring it right in. You take it black, don't you?"
"Right, and thanks.” She walked through and closed the door quietly behind her. Jessica was just hanging up the phone.
"Hi, Jess. Gosh, it's good to see you."
"Hi, yourself, Casey.” Jessica came from behind her desk and hugged her. “It's good to see you too,” she said, looking down from her superior height.
Casey always thought Jessica must make a formidable opponent during a court case because she was over six feet tall in her heels—which she refused to surrender for anyone!—besides being a ravishing beauty with waist-length raven hair and startlingly clear blue eyes. On top of all that, she was a well-respected lawyer, winning many more cases than she lost. Her specialty was corporate law. With all that going for her, how could anyone ever lie to her? Casey often wondered.
"I've completed the new contractual agreement that you need when your company acts as subcontractor on a job. It's a work of art, if I do say so myself,” she said, smiling smugly. “Your corporation's assets will be safeguarded even if the world comes to an end for the contractor! I know how important that is, considering all you've endured this past year, Casey."
She handed several sheets of letterhead stationery to Casey who was now seated in a large leather chair, her cup of steaming coffee on a table at her side. While Casey read, Jessica quickly braided her long silky hair and twisted it in an ebony crown on top of her head, adding even more height and an aloof serene appearance. It was one of the tricks of her trade, she'd told Casey long ago. Made men think twice before they engaged her in verbal combat in the courtroom!