Shamus sat back in his chair, crossed his arms, and stared at her. “You're serious about this?"
She nodded. “I left my job in Vermont before I came here. That's why I didn't get here sooner. I had to give notice, store my belongings, sell my condo, and tie up loose ends."
A slow smile crossed his face and his eyes began to gleam with pleasure. “Then I think it's a great idea."
She felt an answering smile curve her lips upward. It was one thing for her to think this would be a good idea, but it was reassuring to know that someone else did, too. Not that she needed approval, but it was still nice.
"Although, this means that you're the competition."
She frowned. “What do you mean?"
Shamus laughed. “Burke and I just put in a development at the lake. We also own Cozy Cabins and rent them in the summer."
Cyndi turned up her nose and spoke in her most snooty tone. “I'll have you know that I'll be renting to a different clientele altogether."
His eyes narrowed and she burst out laughing. Shamus shook his head as he pushed off his stool and ambled around the table. “You're one dangerous lady, you know that?” Although he appeared more pleased than worried.
"You should have seen the look on your face,” she snickered.
"It won't be easy."
She sobered immediately. “I know. There are a lot of people who won't want me staying in this town. I already have one nameless enemy.” She tilted her chin up. “But no coward is going to drive me out of Jamesville. This is something I need to do.” She took a deep breath and slowly released it. “If it doesn't work out, I can always sell the B & B later. It would probably sell quicker as an established business than as a private residence.” She was determined to stay, but it was always good to have a backup plan.
Shamus crowded in next to her and she was forced to widen her legs to give him room. He edged closer so that her legs were on either side of his. He was huge as he loomed over her. His large hands cupped the sides of her face as he leaned down. “You are an amazing woman, Cyndi."
The sincerity in his voice brought tears to her eyes. This man saw only the good in her. “I wasn't always a very nice person.” She felt the need to be honest with him.
"All that's behind you now.” He rubbed his nose against hers. “Someday you'll tell me why you did the things that you did.” She made a sound of protest, which he hushed by placing one finger across her lips. “When you're ready,” he murmured, dropping soft kisses on her temple and down the line of her jaw.
She tipped her head to one side to give him better access. He made a deep rumbling sound in his chest, and she knew her action had pleased him. She wanted him to kiss her, but felt the need to protest at the same time. “Shamus, you're so much younger than me.” That had been bothering her somewhat. “Maybe we shouldn't do this."
He nipped the sensitive skin at the base of her neck, making her jump. “Of course we should do this.” He soothed the sting with his tongue before moving up to nibble on the outer edge of her ear. “Age doesn't matter. I think you're sexy.” He traced the sensitive inner shell with the tip of his tongue. “Beautiful,” he whispered, tugging gently on the lobe before pulling away to stare down at her. “And mine."
Capturing her lips with his, he kissed her. Not the quick pecks she was used to or the soft, exploratory kiss she was expecting. No, this kiss was full of hunger and want and need. She responded immediately.
Her lips parted and his tongue surged forward, laying claim to her mouth. His tongue touched hers, twining with it. She felt lightheaded, all thoughts of denying the passion between them silenced for the moment. Heat pulsed between her thighs. She felt empty, aching to be filled.
Shamus slid one of his hands behind her back and urged her forward on her stool. She slid to the edge and gasped when he pressed his pelvis against hers. The stool was at the perfect height for her to be able to feel the hard length of his arousal pushing against her mound. It felt incredibly good and right, and she arched her hips, trying to get a better angle.
Shamus continued to eat at her lips like a man starved. His tongue ran over her teeth, tracing every edge before he returned to tease her tongue into playing with his again. Her nipples puckered, pressing against her bra. She squirmed, trying to get closer to him, needing to rub her breasts against his chest to ease the growing ache.
He tore his mouth from hers, leaving them both gasping for breath. Keeping his eyes on hers, he tugged the hem of her shirt out of the waistband of her jeans. She knew what was coming and lifted her arms. He skimmed the shirt over her head and tossed it to the floor.
His blue-gray eyes darkened as he stroked his finger over the lace edging her bra. Her chest rose and fell with every breath of air she sucked into her starving lungs. His thumb brushed over the tip of one breast, stroking the already turgid nipple. Cyndi groaned and leaned forward, wanting more of his touch.
"So sweet.” He leaned down and captured her nipple though the thin fabric of her bra and sucked. Her fingers tunneled into his hair, dislodging the thong that held it back. Free from its confinement, his silky locks flowed through her fingers in a sensual caress. The soft hair slid between her spread fingers, sending tingles up her arms.
Sanity reared its head and Cyndi struggled to remember why they shouldn't do this. “Your family,” she gasped out. “They won't like this."
He nuzzled her breast, shoving the cup of the bra lower, exposing one tight, dusky-pink nipple. “But I will.” She could hear the need and the determination in his voice. Then he traced her bare nipple with his tongue. “And so will you."
Cyndi gave up. He was an adult and so was she. What they did was nobody's business but theirs. No one needed to know about them. Her heart clenched at the thought, but she pushed it aside. This was probably not going to last. She was realistic enough to know their age difference and the displeasure of his family would probably drive him away, sooner rather than later. But for now, they were together.
She was in his arms and she wanted him. Cyndi had never indulged in an affair before. The only man she'd slept with was her ex-husband, and she'd always sensed there should be more than what she'd experienced in their bed. Every instinct she possessed also told her Shamus was the man to show her what she'd been missing.
Giving into the growing desire, she arched her back, offering her breast to him. Sensing her consent, his nimble fingers made quick work of her bra. She was forced to release her hold on him long enough for him to slide the straps down her arms. She let it fall from her fingertips.
Shamus stared at her breasts, a hungry expression on his face. His hands opened and closed at his sides as he feasted his gaze on her, looking his fill. She didn't feel self-conscious, but proud. Shamus made her felt sexy and beautiful.
"Your turn.” Reaching out, she tugged at his shirt. Shamus wasted no time in grabbing two handfuls of his shirt and peeling it over his head. “Oh my.” Cyndi placed her palms on his chest. His skin was warm and tight. He was magnificent. There was no other word adequate enough to describe him.
His shoulders were broad, his biceps thick from years of hard labor. Heavy bones were wrapped with sinew and muscles making his forearms and wrists thick. She slid her hands across the wide plane of his chest, exploring the flat, brown nipples. Shamus sucked in a breath and groaned. Delighted, Cyndi did it again.