by C. A. Szarek
The previous weekend with Shannon had given her a moment to breathe—among other things. It’d been hard to leave him last Sunday to go back to Dallas.
In some ways, if she ignored her confusing, chaotic emotions, the sex-filled weekend had allowed her to recharge, so she could better focus on her case.
She was going to get Carter Bennett no matter what.
Eddie had called from LA and he’d given Taylor and her partner the same line of bullshit about working on getting Bubba to talk, but at least the fellow agent had brought the bastard into the office. Locked him up in holding for as long as legally possible when that had failed. He said he was still handling things and would be in touch, soon.
Holman had texted this morning that he had a Saturday meeting with the analysts about Rowdy Vargas’ sister, and Taylor was still waiting to hear if there was anything new or helpful.
She’d sought out Shannon’s company and ended up in Antioch again. In his arms, in his bed. They’d had sex twice overnight, and she’d gotten up for an early run.
He’d offered a joint shower that would likely be steamy for reasons other than the water. Of course, she didn’t have any no in her when it came to the sergeant.
His large, calloused hands made their way over her shoulders and down her back. Then up again, in soothing strokes, helping her breathe, helping her thundering pulse return to a normal rate, although she hadn’t had the guts to ask him for that.
“You squeaked.”
She whipped her head up, breaking the skin-to-skin contact. Taylor mock-glared. “Somehow, I knew you’d give me shit about that.”
When Shannon chuckled, she felt it rumble in his chest against her breasts. The vibration made her nipples peak.
“Sorry, sweets.”
“Bullshit.” The growled curse only made him grin.
Her stomach fluttered and her irritation slipped away, only half against her will. She melted into him, hiding a smile when he kissed her temple, then her forehead. The gentle press of his lips only made her want more. “Thanks for catching me,” she whispered.
“Always, sweets. Always.”
She believed him. And that scared the shit out of her.
Taylor sucked in a breath. “Water’s gonna get cold.” She cursed the shake in her words and couldn’t look at him.
“Hey.” Shannon’s whisper made her jump. He guided her chin up, and she wanted to close her eyes, but didn’t. “Are you really okay? What happened anyway?”
“I must’ve slipped on some water or something…” She tried to look down to confirm, but he hadn’t released her. “I turned the shower on and backed up. I dunno.”
“Be careful next time. You could’ve gotten hurt.” The admonition was gentle, but the caring in his voice made her wince.
She should leave, instead of getting into the shower with him. She’d let him back her against the tile and take her, like he’d done in the very same shower last weekend.
“Hey, you’re leaving me again. Stay with me.” His gaze was imploring and the emotion she saw there sent her into an even wilder tailspin.
Taylor pushed it all way. Stay in the here and now. How he made her feel physically was unmatched. Focus on that. “I’m good. Let’s get clean.”
“Clean? Is that what this is all about? I thought it was about getting inside you.”
Arousal roared again, and darted all over her before it settled low, making her sex ache. She flexed her hands on his biceps and had to smile when Shannon waggled his eyebrows.
Non-sexual, self-induced tension lifted and she was able to let go, relax a tad. Breathe. Because he’d lightened things, calmed her like he always did. And Taylor was about to let him rock her world.
She cleared her throat. “How about both?”
“If you insist.” He chuckled.
Taylor let him lift her into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist and moaned when his lips grazed her collarbone.
He stepped into the shower and the warm water cascaded around them. Shannon slid the glass door closed without releasing her or stopping his heated exploration of her skin with his mouth and tongue. He pushed her backwards until the cool tile met her shoulders and caused a shiver.
Then his body was there, covering hers. His chest warmed her breasts, his erection was poised and ready against her sex, but he didn’t join them yet.
The contradiction of the cool behind her and the warmth in front kicked her libido into overdrive. Steam and hot water carried her away.
Finally, he thrust inside her and they both groaned.
Taylor leaned her head back, resting it against the shower wall. She clung to Shannon, kissed him back, and just let go.
* * * *
Taylor looked so freaking hot standing in his kitchen wearing only his black T-shirt. It fell to mid-thigh, and her strawberry-blonde hair was free, down to the middle of her back. Bare feet, bare legs, had never been more appealing.
After their shower, air-drying her natural waves had forced them into tight curls. She was the total package, so beautiful it stole his breath and made his chest ache.
She was making coffee, and the fresh scent tickled his nose as it percolated. Even with the strong aroma of brewing beans, Shannon smelled her. Fresh, clean and familiar. A mixture of his soap and something that was just Taylor.
His mouth went dry and his cock jumped. He’d had her in the shower but it wasn’t enough. It’d never be enough.
He shouldn’t have pulled jeans on. They were about to get too tight in a certain area.
“Want coffee?” She threw a smile over her shoulder and his heart skipped. The expression on her face was open and rare.
“I love your hair,” Shannon blurted.
Taylor arched a pale eyebrow and turned toward him. “Says anyone without naturally curly hair. I hate my curls. I usually brush and blow them out, unless I take time with the flat iron.”
“You’re speaking girl. I’m unfamiliar.” He shook his head and flashed a grin.
She laughed.
Shannon paused, letting the sound ring in his head, and his heart. He had to swallow hard.
This was the side Taylor never showed the world. And he was damn glad to be seeing it now.
The real Taylor Carrigan.
He went to her in two strides and tugged her into his arms. Her palms landed on his bare chest with a small slapping sound. Taylor’s lips parted on a whoosh.
As soon as their eyes locked, Shannon dipped down and captured her mouth.
She kissed him back without hesitation, and he was lost.
He slid his hands down her back, cupping her ass, half over and half under the hem of the cotton of his tee. Already hard as granite, he rocked into her and she pressed right back, flattening her small, high breasts into his chest.
Shannon groaned and kissed her deeper, until their tongues merged and desperation took hold.
She slid her hands over his shoulders and around his neck, shoving her fingers into his hair.
He lifted her to the edge of the counter, and Taylor wrapped her legs around his waist, holding him tighter.
Shannon pushed up under the shirt, caressing her breasts. He teased her nipples into hard peaks with his thumbs, until she writhed under his touch. Dragging his hands down her belly, he stroked the soft skin below her navel, well on his way to her bare sex.
She broke their kiss and moaned into his ear. Taylor nipped his lobe, then nibbled his bottom lip, and spread kisses along his jaw.
Tremors ran down his spine. Shannon panted, trying to order himself to slow down, before he blew in his jeans. The zipper bit into his cock, begging for freedom.
Not long now, then he’d slide home—
“Uncle Shannon?”
Taylor’s eyes darted somewhere over his shoulder. Then she froze in his arms. Her cheeks flamed all the way up to her ears. The passionate haze he’d seen in those hazel orbs was gone. They were wide and clear—and mortified.
He took a for
tifying breath and ordered his dick to soften so he could face his niece. Shannon closed his eyes for a second before he could turn. He made sure his body blocked Taylor’s. He hoped the island obstructed the view of his crotch.
Taylor pushed at his shoulders until he stepped forward. He heard her bare feet slap the tile floor but she stayed behind him.
He didn’t spare her a glance. “Cailey, what’re you doing here?” Shannon cringed. He hadn’t meant to snap a demand at her. Knowing Cailey, she’d scream outrage at him instead of crying. But at thirteen, one never really knew.
“Um…” Her brow furrowed. Confusion darted across her amber eyes. “Grandma’s working today. She dropped me off. You’re supposed to take me shopping.”
Shit. That’s today?
Shannon cleared his throat. His mom had asked him about taking Cailey last week, Taylor’s first weekend with him.
Right.
He’d endured some Cailey-whining and Mom-nagging and had bought himself a week. So…it was today. Fan. Tas. Tic.
Cailey tried to peer around him and catch sight of Taylor. Then her gaze narrowed and she glared, perching both hands on her thin jean-clad hips. “You forgot. Didn’t you?”
“Of course not.”
“Right.” Her ponytail flipped as she cocked her head to one side. She rolled her eyes. “I texted you.” This was an accusation.
He fidgeted. Taylor shifted behind him, too.
Shannon could feel her warm breath on his bare back, but she wasn’t touching him. He half wished she was. “Sorry, kiddo, my phone’s in the bedroom and I was—”
“Busy. Obvi.” Her eyes were too knowing for a kid her age.
Tamping down his alarm at the fact his niece knew exactly what they’d been doing, he scrambled for words. “I was going to say, I was getting breakfast together.”
“Right,” Cailey said again. Amusement darted across her pretty face.
Shannon sucked in a breath. Answering to his niece made him feel like he’d done something wrong. Like he was…well…her age.
“This is Taylor.” He grabbed his FBI agent’s hand and tugged her forward.
Taylor protested, pulling against him, but he didn’t release her.
He didn’t take a moment to laugh at her reaction—she’d just throttle him later. Shannon focused on the curious look his niece wore.
Cailey’s eyes darted up and down Taylor’s petite frame, but the smile that curved her mouth was genuine. “Nice to meet you.”
Thank God for Southern manners.
Taylor’s expression said it was anything but, as far as his niece was concerned. She glared at him, cleared her throat and yanked the black tee down. Then she schooled her expression and offered Cailey a hand. “Nice to meet you, too. Heard a lot about you.”
Shannon quashed the smile that hovered. He crossed his arms over his bare chest. He cared about these two females more than any others in the world—besides his mom, of course. What they thought of each other mattered.
Cailey grinned. “Haven’t heard a word about you.”
Damn kid. He bit back a groan. “Cails, don’t be a brat.”
She narrowed her eyes at him and looked back at his lover. At least her smile was pleasant. “Are you going shopping with us?”
Taylor swallowed and shifted on her feet. “Uh…”
“You can, but no pressure,” Shannon whispered. He wanted to take her hand, but didn’t. She didn’t like comfort in general, and the show wouldn’t be good in front of Cailey, even if innocent. His stomach knotted while he waited for her to answer.
He wanted her to say yes.
A day with both his girls might be just the thing they needed. To get closer. So she could see how important his niece was to him and move forward. With him. With them.
“I need new softball stuff. I’m pitching this year. Season already started and I’m kinda behind.” Cailey’s voice was proud and Shannon threw her a smile.
He was proud of her, too. The kid was acing eighth grade and was a star on the JV softball team. She was smart and getting prettier by the year. He’d be beating the boys away—in lieu of shooting them—any day now, and it scared the shit out of him. She already had a cell phone and was texting-crazy.
“Softball, huh? I played in high school,” Taylor said.
“Cool!” His niece’s face lit up. “What position did you play?”
Taylor’s shoulders relaxed, but only an inch. She gave a slight smile as Cailey fired off questions about softball and his FBI agent answered.
“I like her!” Cailey announced, grinning from ear to ear. She shot forward and patted his chest. “Don’t screw it up, Uncle Shannon.”
Shannon was caught between a laugh and an admonition. He glanced at Taylor.
Her cheeks were bright red again. “Uh, well…” She inched toward the hallway.
“Get a bowl of cereal or something, kiddo. We’ll get dress—ready—and we can leave.”
Cailey smirked. She hadn’t missed his blunder. “I already ate. Meet you in the living room.”
Taylor was too silent as they made their way back into his room.
“I’m sorry. I forgot I told my mom I’d take her. Mom got roped into working all the weekends this month.” Shannon shut the door and turned the lock. It gave a loud click. Not that Cailey would disturb them—it was more for his lover’s comfort.
“It’s fine.” Taylor turned her back to him to don her bra.
Shannon felt a canyon between them. His gut clenched. He didn’t like it. Wouldn’t put up with it. Not when she’d been so hot in his arms minutes before.
He crossed the room and took over without a word, knocking her fingers away and fastening the small hooks. “Usually I’m taking this off you, not putting it on,” he teased.
Taylor slipped away from him without so much as the smile he’d been going for. She popped her overnight bag on his bed, then tugged a folded red shirt out.
“Hey,” Shannon said.
“Hmm?”
“Taylor, don’t do this.”
She paused, the top still folded in her grip. Finally looked at him. “Do what?”
“If you don’t want to go shopping with me and my niece, then don’t. Like I said, no pressure. But don’t freeze me out. Not after last night. And this morning. And…just now.” Shannon offered a smile, hoping she would relax. Be free with him like she had been before Cailey had busted in.
Taylor closed her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Shannon gathered her to him, half expecting her to pull away, but she let him wrap his arms around her.
She sighed into his chest. “I’m not good at this stuff.” Her words were muffled against his skin.
Her breath tickled, and he tried to ignore the tremor that shimmied down his spine.
Shannon leaned back and cupped her face. “There’s no good or bad. Just breathe. Hang out with me and the brat who already adores you.”
Taylor fidgeted, but didn’t pull away. “Adores me?”
“Oh yeah. She loves softball. Expect her to talk your ear off about it, and brag about the catch of the season from last year.”
“Of the game-winning variety?”
“You got it. Ninth inning, down two runs kinda thing.”
Taylor smirked. “I have a few of those times.”
“Good, you can swap stories.” He brushed his lips over hers, but ended it before he could get swept away.
“No pressure?” The words were low and she looked lost.
He squeezed her into him. “No pressure, sweets. Just me and a kid. A few hours.”
“Okay. I can do that.”
“There’s the Taylor I know and lo—adore.” Shannon cursed his almost slip. There was no way he could tell her how he felt about her and not have her not walk out on him.
The smile she flashed was sweet—and the last thing he’d expected. Taylor pushed to her tiptoes and planted a loud kiss on his mouth that was over much too soon.
He went with it, caressing her cheek with his thumb after they parted. Their eyes stayed locked for a moment.
“We’ll have fun today,” she whispered.
“Sure we will. She can be a brat, but she’s a great kid. I love hanging with her.”
“I hope I do, too.” Taylor slid from his embrace and took a deep breath. “No pressure.”
“None, sweets. I promise.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Never mind. This isn’t a good idea.
The words died on her lips when the teenage girl’s face lit up at the sight of them.
Shannon dropped her hand, looking at her then at his niece. He ran his fingers through his thick dark hair and rubbed the back of his neck. His expression was uneasy, but only when he looked at her. The smile for his niece was natural.
Taylor tried not to fidget. She swallowed and made her lips curve up when the girl glanced at her.
No pressure.
Chanting Shannon’s familiar reassurance did nothing.
He looked delicious in the dark gray T-shirt and light-colored jeans. The shirt hugged his pecs and biceps and the jeans outlined his thighs and the curve of his perfect ass. Not that those were appropriate thoughts with a kid in the room.
Cailey grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. She slid her arms around Shannon’s waist. “I didn’t hug you yet.”
One corner of his mouth shot up as he embraced his niece and dropped a kiss on her blonde head. “Well thanks, kiddo. I missed it.”
Taylor wanted to back away. The moment seemed…intimate, somehow.
She didn’t belong.
Her lover sent a reassuring smile her way.
She wanted to shake her head and her gut tightened for some reason. The urge to bolt for the front door was almost overwhelming. She half-wished Holman would call and the case would demand her attention.
Should she check in with him about that meeting with the analysts? They had to find Rowdy Vargas’ sister, after all.
“Ready?” Cailey asked, practically bouncing with excitement. She turned to go, no doubt expecting them to follow. “I’ve never been shopping with Uncle Shannon’s girlfriend before.”