"I'd say that there's nothing slight about this problem,” she gasped in between laughs. “It's rather large."
"Vixen,” he chuckled and then captured her lips in a searing kiss that drove all the laughter out of her. Moaning, she wrapped her arms around his neck and sank into the embrace.
It was Shamus who pulled away. “I've got to go, but I'll be back later tonight, after work. If that's okay?"
She nodded, rubbing her fingers over the fabric of his shirt. She was suddenly feeling shy with him. He tucked one of his fingers under her chin and tilted it up until she was looking at him. “We'll talk more about your renovation plans. Then we'll finish what we started here."
Cyndi took a step back, knowing she had to distance herself from him. “That's fine.” She finished zipping up her pants, grabbed her bra off the floor, and stuffed it into her back pocket.
"I'll work up some quotes for you when I know what you want done.” He was serious about this, she realized.
"You can't.” She shook her head for emphasis. “Your family won't like it. Your business partner won't like it.” That was putting it mildly. Burke wouldn't want to do business in any way, shape, or form with her. “Maybe you can recommend someone else to do the work."
Shamus shook his head. “I'm doing it.” When she stared to protest, he cut her off. “You want the best, don't you?” She nodded, sensing the trap tightening around her. “Well, B & O Construction is the best. I'll handle my family. Don't you worry.” Dropping a quick kiss on her lips, he grabbed the remains of his sandwich and headed to the front door. Cyndi trailed behind him, her head spinning. “I'll see you after work.” He grabbed his jacket and then he was gone.
Standing on the porch, she watched him drive away, wondering what the heck she was getting herself into. It was easy for him to say not to worry. She didn't think he had any idea just how complicated things could get with them working together and seeing each other on a daily basis.
Cyndi knew she needed to think, and she had to get moving with her plans. She'd call the auction house right now and get that started. Then she'd take another look at the list of renovations she wanted done. It was almost complete, but she'd had a few more thoughts. Tomorrow, she'd have to make herself go out to the hardware store and start choosing her paint colors.
Chewing her bottom lip, she tried to put thoughts of her and Shamus on the backburner for now. They'd talk tonight. Still worrying, she turned and went back into the house.
Chapter Nine
It wasn't easy to make it through the rest of the afternoon at the job site, but Shamus managed. He was semi-erect most of the time, just thinking about his lunch date with Cyndi and anticipating the night to come. The fact she was staying in Jamesville eased some of the tension that had been riding him the last few days. He knew she was still unsure about them spending time together, in spite of the intense physical connection between them, maybe even because of it. He planned to wear down her resistance, and now he knew he had plenty of time to do so.
He grinned as he imagined just how he'd go about that. Hmm...so many possibilities.
"Well, you look like you're in a good mood."
Shamus swiveled his head to find his brother standing off to his right, hands on his hips. Patrick was wearing his khaki uniform, his badge gleaming on his chest, and looked every inch the town sheriff. Shamus lowered the hammer he'd been using to finish installing the molding in the almost-finished living room. His plans of a quick getaway after work were beginning to appear slim. His brother looked as if he had a lot on his mind.
Climbing to his feet, he laid the hammer aside. “Sure. This place is almost done.” Shamus surveyed the room with pride. This was one of six luxury, getaway cabins. More house than cabin, really. They'd spared no expense on the professional-grade kitchen or the spa-like bathroom. There were three bathrooms upstairs and two baths. The floors were hardwood and each room had details such as crown molding and large windows. It would definitely attract someone with money.
Patrick nodded and strolled to the window. The view of the lake and the surrounding forest was spectacular. B & O Construction had been very careful when clearing the building sites and had left almost all the surrounding wilderness untouched.
Shamus sauntered over to stand beside his brother, sensing there was something he wanted to say, but didn't quite know how to say it. He waited, letting his tension fade away as he looked out over the land.
Finally, Patrick sighed and turned to him. “I want to apologize for the other night."
Everything inside him stilled, but he said nothing.
His brother's eyes narrowed into gray slits. “I allowed my personal feelings to interfere with the job."
Shamus crossed his arms over his chest. “Isn't me that you should be saying this to."
Patrick swore and raked his fingers through his hair. “Look. I still don't trust Cynthia James."
"Cyndi Marks,” he immediately corrected.
"Whatever name she goes by, I don't trust her. Not after what she did to Dani.” Patrick thrust his hand out in front of him as if to keep Shamus from protesting. “But regardless of that, I should have been more concerned for her safety first. It's bothered me."
"Again, it's not me that you should be telling this to."
Patrick crossed his arms over his chest and glared at him. “Well, I am telling you."
"Fine.” Shamus turned away and went to pack up his tools. He glanced at his watch. It was half past five and most of the men had already left. He'd had a few things he'd wanted to finish before he called it a day. Most of them were done. The rest could wait until tomorrow.
"Damn it, Shamus.” He heard his brother stomping after him.
Turning, he lifted a brow questioningly. “What?"
"I still think you should stay away from that woman. She'd obviously trouble."
Anger began to simmer low in his belly. “It's not her fault that someone shot out her windows."
"It's because of who she is and her family's history in this town,” Patrick retorted. “Most folks couldn't stand the sight of Cyrus James. Lord knows he was a tight-fisted tyrant, only worried about making a buck."
Shamus straightened, all pretense of calm gone beneath the onslaught of his anger. “Let me get this straight. If this is her fault because of who she is, then if someone was to shoot out your windows, it would be your fault because you're the local sheriff."
"Now you're just being obtuse."
"No, brother. You're just being prejudiced. So much for your apology.” Shamus was angry with his brother, but more, he was disappointed. He'd thought his brother more fair-minded than that, but he seemed to have a block where Cyndi was concerned. And while he could understand it, it didn't make it any easier to deal with.
Patrick's hand dropped onto Shamus’ shoulder. “Look. I don't want to fight with you. I'm just worried about you."
"I'm not the one who needs your concern."
"Damn it, Shamus.” He dropped his hand and began to pace. “The department has investigated, but there are no solid leads. We have the bullets and some more physical evidence, but unless we can find someone to link them too, they're useless. The woman has too many possible enemies in this town."
"I know you've done what you can.” That much Shamus did trust. His brother was a good cop and, no matter his personal feelings, he would do everything in his power to solve this crime.
Patrick halted and rubbed the back of his neck. “All I'm saying is be careful.” Shamus could see the concern in his brother's eyes. “I'm worried and so is Dani."
"I'm a big boy. I can take care of myself."
Patrick nodded, but Shamus could see the muscles in his jaw clenching as if he were keeping himself from saying anything more. Finally, his brother heaved a sigh. “Shannon wanted me to ask you to come to supper."