by Joan Bramsch
He swept her into his arms and walked over to the easy chair where he sat down, snuggling her in his lap. Running his finger down her nose, he leaned over and kissed the perky tip. “That's three questions but I have it all figured out, baby. Number one: I'll live in Tucson. Number two: You'll live in Tucson. Number three: Self-explanatory!"
"But what about my business?” she cried.
"Easy, sweetheart,” he soothed, bringing his hand to rest on her trembling tummy. “You'll just move your schedule ahead for turning the reins over to Mike and John. I'd like you to be my partner and travel with me as my personal assistant ... my very personal assistant,” he emphasized, caressing her breasts. He felt her response all the way into his loins. “You did plan on making John CO-president with Mike when he got married, didn't you?"
"Yes!"
"So?"
This time she kissed him, melting deeper and deeper into his warm embrace while his hand continued to fondle and arouse her nipples. And when he slipped his fingers inside her blouse to stroke and gently pinch the smoky tips, she positively swooned with satisfaction.
He chuckled against her skin when he covered her face and throat with hot moist kisses. “Baby, you sure know how to say yes!"
Casey moaned throatily, eager to share his kisses. “I'll probably never be able to say no to you, my darling."
"Do you mean that, Casey?"
"Yes!” She traced the rim of his ear with her tongue. “But the question is ... will you respect me in the morning?"
Her saucy words flew straight into Shawn's heart. Smoothly he stood, her compact body held snug in his arms. “No question about it, sweetheart. Besides we only have today, remember?"
She nodded her head against his shoulder and smoothed a curl from his forehead. Then their eyes met in electrifying heat. Emotions had warred this day. Anger, frustration, fear, hope. And now love. Desire boiled in their blood. It had been almost a week since they'd last made love and both felt the molten tug of passion.
"Ever made love on a bar stool, honey?"
Her dreamy eyes snapped wide with shock. “No!” She gulped, searching for a witty retort. But words failed her.
"Very handy items ... bar stools,” he enthused, walking over to the high seat by her drawing board. “Well, what do you know!” he whispered. “A bar stool."
Casey followed his line of vision, blushing and mumbling at the same time. “Shawn, we can't! We just can't. There isn't time ... the people outside ... and ... and..."
"And I love you so much I ache. I've got to love you, Casey. Now. Don't say no to me, baby. Please."
"But a bar stool?” She began to giggle. Talk about different. Talk about kinky. Talk about terrific!
"Shh! Don't knock it if you haven't tried it. Come on, we'll make believe we're a couple of commandoes.” When she looked up at him with an absolutely stupefied expression on her flushed face, he explained in the quietest of whispers. “You know. Commandoes. We move fast ... and silently!"
The devilish glint in his ebony gaze was her undoing. She began to giggle again but he stilled her with his persistent kisses, so erotic they took her breath away. When they came up for air, she would have made love to him standing on her head! She supposed it was the sneakiness that appealed to the imp in her soul.
"Do we do this fully clothed?” She tried to make her voice serious but a hidden giggle rose to her lips. It was captured instantly by Shawn's crafty mouth.
"You're going to have to control yourself, Casey,” he admonished tenderly.
"But it's the farthest thing from my mind, Shawn."
"Me too."
He helped her shed her panties. Gently he lifted her to the stool. He held her in his arms as he worked his magic, bringing her higher and higher toward the peak of fulfillment. Neither needed preparation for an act that had been too long in coming ... and perhaps might never have been again if they hadn't healed their differences.
Her breath caught in her throat when he came to her. Hard and insistent, he drove into her moist heat. Within moments he swept her from the stool, clasping her tight derriere in both hands, pulling her against his shuddering body. Her legs locked around his waist; her arms tightened around his neck. They kissed passionately, catching any sound, when they reached the high secret place.
"Oh, love,” he choked hoarsely. “I just couldn't wait. It's been too long ... and I love you very, very much."
Still breathless she soothed his brow and kissed his relaxed mouth. “And I love you very, very much.” She sighed dreamily. “And to think all I really wanted was a little romance."
"But, darling,” he countered softly. “The real stuff of romance is the discovery, the exploration of secret places, of another person's personality ... and soul. It's where risks are taken so that relationships can really be forged. For life."
"Oh, Shawn.” She kissed him tenderly, loving him so much she thought she might burst from it.
He smoothed her flaming curls from her flushed cheeks. “That's romance ... and if two people are truly blessed—like us—it simply goes by the name of love!"
She could say no more; the tears were too close, so she kissed him again instead.
A few moments later, Casey moved from his arms. She didn't want to leave his embrace but she knew they still had to deal with her family. “I think we'd better freshen up before we tell the family."
Suddenly realizing that his high emotions had surpassed his good sense, he glanced around and shrugged questioningly. Then he chuckled when Casey pushed on one of the wall panels, revealing a small bathroom.
"Your father thought of everything when he designed this house."
Soon they had put themselves back together again and, except for faces that revealed pure pleasure, they looked the same as when they had entered the study.
"You think we'd better tell my family now ... before Mike breaks down the door?"
He gathered her in one last warm embrace. “I could hold you in my arms for a week, my love. When I think of how close I came to losing you, baby, it makes my blood run cold.” He shuddered, crushing her against him. Then he drew in a deep breath and smiled. “But I suppose you're right. We'd better face the McDermott clan. Will you stand in front of me for protection, honey?” His plea was matched by laughing eyes.
She laughed musically bringing the heat right back to Shawn's system. “You betcha, fella."
"Go get ‘em, Tiger,” he ordered, unlocking and opening the door.
The pair stood side by side, facing the suddenly alert crowd. Both noted Mike's grim expression. Shawn cleared his throat. His only outward sign that he was nervous was the level of pressure he was placing on Casey's hand, but she knew she'd suffer broken bones before she'd withdraw from his iron clasp.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to make an announcement. Kathryn Celestine McDermott has finally consented to become my bride. Her brother and brother-in-law will be assuming control of the family holdings,” he continued, winking at the surprised looks that had come over Mike and John's faces. “We'd also like to invite you to the biggest wedding celebration this town has seen ... after my lady and I have had an extended honeymoon in my home state of Hawaii."
Then he pulled Casey into his arms and kissed her in front of everyone.
The family responded with whistles and applause. Casey was blushing like the traditional new bride by the time he'd finished kissing her. Then everyone surged forward, offering congratulations and a hearty welcome into the family. Over the din, Casey could hear Katie shouting.
"Let me through! ‘S'cuse me. I want to get through!"
And like the parting of the Red Sea, the family stepped aside to make way for Katie, everyone's favorite.
She stood solemnly before Shawn and motioned for him to come to her level. Like a well-trained pet, he did her bidding. “Now do you know, Mr. O'Brien?"
"I sure do, honey,” he replied happily. “I love your Aunt Casey with all my heart."
Katie turned to Ca
sey. “Aunt Casey, do you love Mr. O'Brien?"
She repeated Shawn's words. “I love Mr. O'Brien with all my heart, Katie. And now you can call him Uncle Shawn."
"Super!” Katie cried. “I knew a long time ago that you were going to get married. I saw how you looked at each other. It was real funny looking!” She laughed, then looked bewildered when all the adults loudly joined in while Casey and Shawn looked slightly chagrined.
Later, after Shawn and Mike had shaken hands in friendship, the newly betrothed couple found themselves in the kitchen alone.
"Would you like to see your wedding ring, darling? I picked it up this morning.” He grinned at her surprised expression. “It was going to be my ace in the hole if you refused me."
He dug into his jacket pocket and withdrew a small black velvet case. “For you, sweetheart, with all my love."
She opened the tiny box and gasped at the ring nestled inside. A wide band with four magnificent diamonds sparkled brilliantly. They matched the love light shining in Casey's eyes. “It's beautiful, Shawn. So very beautiful."
He saw the tears gathering and tried to make her smile. “How's that commercial go? Oh, yeah! Diamonds are forever. Just like my love for you.” He moved her into his arms and hugged her tight. “Mind if I kiss the future Mrs. Shawn O'Brien?"
"Not if you're Mr. Shawn O'Brien,” she teased, lifting her face for his kiss.
"The very same,” he murmured against her lips an instant before he began a sensual assault on her senses that affected her all the way to the tips of her toes.
Her happiness was complete. But a worrisome thought tugged at the edges of her joy. “How's Connie? Did she tell Tom yet?"
Shawn shook his dark curls. “We're flying back tonight.” Before she could say a word, he straightened her out. “What I mean, my love, is that the three of us are flying home tonight. I was hoping we could have a double wedding ceremony tomorrow evening. What do you think?"
Casey didn't think at all. Her heart did all the talking. “I'd love to, my love. But do you really think Tom's going to go along with it."
He chuckled softly. “That guy's been so in love for so long, he's going to jump at the chance. Connie's just scared. The news was quite a shock to her.” He couldn't resist kissing his fiancée again.
"How do you feel about children?” she asked when the kiss ended. “Do you want a baby right away?"
"Whatever you want, my sweet. But the sooner the better for me. It'll bring us one closer to our own O'Brien-McDermott soccer team."
"Eleven! You want eleven children?"
"I didn't much like being an only child, Casey,” he said seriously. “As I told you, even in a crowd I was often alone. I want a family so they'll feel connected to one another like you and Mike and Maureen."
"But eleven?"
"We'll have to save room for Katie and any brothers or sisters that join her plus Mike and Tina's children,” he considered. “How about at least two?” he compromised. Then he smiled, melting Casey's bones with the heat of his charm. “See how easy I am, honey. With you ... I'm a regular pushover!"
"I must point out that you know how to get what you want too.” She laughed softly when he caressed her back inside her blouse, trying to slide his fingers beneath the waistband of her skirt. She began to lose her train of thought. “I want at least two children also, Shawn, but I'd like to wait a few years before we begin our family. You know, we've got a lot of work to do with the new company ... and with the new product line ... and our plans for the consumer package ... and..."
She gasped when he undid the last button on her blouse and efficiently unhooked the front opening of her bra. He stood back a step and admired his handiwork, smoothing his hands across her flesh before he bent to kiss each firm mound.
He raised his smoldering gaze to meet her passion-glazed emerald eyes. “Yes, you're truly going to be my match, Kathryn, my heavenly woman. Thank you for saying you'd be mine, sweetheart. I love you beyond words but just to show you that I really want you for my new equal partner..."
He hesitated for a moment, sliding his approving gaze over her bare thrusting breasts. Then he quickly buttoned her blouse and grabbed an old coat from the hook on the back of the door, jamming her arms into it. Hustling her out to the car, he ordered, “Come on, Tiger. We're about to get into some heavy negotiating!"
She knew then that she had met her match and she would never regret her decision. This man had his priorities straight now! When he slipped in beside her, she lifted her face to his, ready to surrender her very soul to her man. “I'm ready whenever you are ... partner! Oh, and before I forget, our team will be called McDermott-O'Brien."
For a few moments all was still except for the sounds of their exhilarated breathing. Then they started back to his hotel. Connie's dilemma was not yet solved.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter 11
Casey and Shawn should have gotten a speeding ticket when they took off for his hotel. A policeman pulled them over and strode purposefully to the side of their car.
The officer bent forward to give the interior of the car a quick once-over along with its occupants. “Would you like to be telling me where the fire is then?"
"No fire, Officer Clancy,” chirped Casey. “We just got engaged."
"Casey, is that you? I didn't recognize you without that old truck, child.” He chuckled merrily. “Engaged, are you? And who's the lucky fellow?"
"Shawn Timothy O'Brien,” she answered proudly, grinning from ear to ear at her fiancé.
The officer flashed his light over Shawn's beaming face. “And I'd say he was a fine broth of a lad,” he pronounced, shaking Shawn's hand. “Congratulations, young man. You've got the finest lassie in town."
"Thank you, sir. I've never felt more lucky in my life."
Officer Clancy closed his book of tickets and gazed at Casey. “Darlin’ girl, your mom and dad would be that glad for you,” he crooned, giving her a misty wink. “Get on with you now ... but mind you, drive carefully."
"Thank you,” Casey replied.
"Be happy, child. And congratulations again, young man.” Then he hurried back to his car, suspiciously wiping at his eyes.
"Whew! That was close, honey. I'm glad you knew him."
"Closer than you might think, my love. That man has gotten each of us kids grounded for a month—at one time or another—for pranks or for driving carelessly. He'd herd us right to the house, following in his patrol car with all the lights flashing. Dad just continued the punishment after he left."
Shawn chuckled, carefully pulling back into traffic. “Sounds like he made quite an impression!"
Casey groaned. “It wasn't anything compared to the impression Dad made on us! We couldn't drive for a month, but then we couldn't have sat down anyway."
"Your father beat you?” He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Corporal punishment!
Casey laughed deprecatingly. “We got sixteen swats across the seat—one for every year. Funny, how we all got into trouble the first year we were driving,” she mused. “Dad didn't really hurt us. Mostly, it bruised our pride. He always said if we didn't use our good minds, he'd have to find another way to get our attention."
"And was he successful?"
"Ohhh, he was very successful. We've never gotten even a parking ticket in all the years we've been driving."
Silently he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed each fingertip. “I want you always to drive carefully, my darling. And I want you always to wear your seat belt. Promise?"
She began to tingle all over from his warm kisses. “That's a promise I already keep, darling. How about you?"
"Always."
He pulled the car into the hotel parking lot and turned off the ignition. “Race you to the suite."
"You're on!"
Casey had a head start, but Shawn beat her to the door and opened it gallantly so she could enter first. Then he grabbed her hand and whispered urgently.
"N
ow, we're going to have to walk across this lobby, my sweet, but for heaven's sakes, walk fast!"
In reality, she had to almost run to keep up with his long strides. Inside the elevator, he kissed her senseless and had to drag her off when it stopped at his floor. Then, as if on a secret signal, they ran full-out to the door of his suite. As he ran, he dug down into his pockets, searching frantically for the key.
"Would you like me to help?” Casey asked in her most throaty, sensual whisper, trailing her fingernails up and down the back of his trouser leg.
"Would you like me to take you right here in this hallway?” he shot back, fidgeting away from her touch. “Ahhh, finally!” he gasped, triumphantly pulling the key from his pocket.
Quickly he unlocked the door and peeked around the corner. “Good, the coast is clear. Get in here, woman.” He plucked her from the hall and held her to his hard body, letting her know exactly what he had in mind. “Alone, at last,” he murmured hotly against her ear.
Trembling at his touch, she found the strength to ask, “Are you absolutely sure?"
He snapped to attention and searched the room with narrowed eyes as if expecting to find someone lurking behind the draperies.
"Connie could be in her room, you know."
Without a word, Shawn hurried to the closed bedroom door and knocked. When there was no answer, he scanned the office area. “If she's gone out, she would have left a note.” Spotting a scrap of paper on his desk, he walked to the work area and read the scribbled words aloud.
"Since I'm trying to think positively, I've gone shopping for my trousseau. I won't be back until midnight—the stores are opened late. Don't worry. I'm with Teri and Jo from the office. Remember, Boss, the plane leaves at three in the morning so we'll have to start out by one o'clock. I won't go back alone so don't you fail me. Love, Connie."
"She sounds all right to me,” he decided, chuckling. He stretched his left arm and crooked it, checking his watch. “Ten-thirty. An hour and a half for a trip to Paradise."