What Love Can Do: O’Neill Brothers (Home to Green Valley Book 1)

Seven

“Is that right?” Quinn’s eyebrows shot up. It was exciting as hell to hear shy, old-fashioned Lilly Parker say such a thing. It sent him reeling with a billion thoughts, a billion ideas, and a billion positions.

He’d have been lying if he’d said he didn’t feel hesitant too. She was tipsy. But having had only one pint, he wasn’t. He could drive her home, take his time, make sure whatever buzz she had going was gone by the time they did anything.

If she still wanted to do anything, that was.

“Then let’s get out of here.” Quinn hopped off his stool and pressed a soft kiss against her cheek. As much as he wanted to plant it on her full lips, he didn’t want their first kiss to be at a bar, no matter how great Paul had been to them. “We’re out, Sir Brennan,” he said, fishing into his wallet and placing enough cash on the bar to cover both his and Lilly’s drinks.

“You don’t have to do that,” Lilly said, her hands inside of her purse, ready to pay. “But thank you.”

“Lil, it was just a beer. You can buy me one tomorrow. When we come back.” He winked at her.

“Quinn, it was a pleasure.” Paul reached across the polished length of wood to shake Quinn’s hand. “Glad I got to see Maggie and Grant again, if only through your eyes.”

Paul Brennan’s words and the catch in his lonely smile crunched Quinn’s stomach into a hard knot. He reached across the bar top and gripped Paul’s arms. “Thank you. Much appreciated.”

Lilly swirled off the seat and waved goodbye, heading for the door, treating Quinn to a fantastic view of her backside in those tight pants that hugged every contour of her kickass frame. Her hair was down tonight, in loose curls that cascaded down her upper shoulders and back, and just as he was admiring the curve of her ass, she shot him a coy smile over her shoulder.

Outside, the climate was fantastic. He was used to dense humidity, but the sweet California air was cool, not too dry, and not any more moist than it needed to be. Around the corner of the building, he spotted shadows linked in an embrace against a car—his brother and Dara. Why hadn’t they just gotten a room already? “You’ll be alright, maggot?” he called out.

Con peered at him through the darkness, through a lip lock, and gave him a thumb’s up.

“Go get yourself a room, you filthy bugger,” Quinn laughed, placing his hand on Lilly’s back. His brother went on kissing Dara in the shadows of the car park and lifted his middle finger in response.

Quinn smiled, happy he’d brought his brother along, if only to distract him. Thank you, Dara.

Lilly folded into him warmly, not making any attempt to keep her distance. As they headed down the sidewalk, he held out the crook of his arm for her. “Shall I drive you back, m’lady? Wouldn’t be a proper gentleman if I made you drive after your sloshing tonight.”

Lillian punched his bicep then held onto his arm for support, as she walked in her sexy heels. Helping her along made him feel strong and wanted. “I’m hardly sloshed, Quinn. I was born and raised with chardonnay in my baby bottle, you know.”

“Ah, go off with you, you little lush. I was just joking, but seriously, I’d rather you come with me, if that’s alright.” They reached a large oak tree on the corner, its leaves swishing in the breeze. Quinn absorbed the brightness of Lilly’s blue eyes in the feeble light. “Please.”

Warm hands slid up his arms in the chilly air, causing goose bumps to break out all over his skin. She pressed up against him, and he felt the warmth of her body and the curve of her breast against his arm. “I’d be happy to,” she said with eyes alight. God, when she looked at him that way, he just wanted to snog her in public, rip her clothes off, and wipe that air of coyness off her beautiful face, one moan at a time.

And why not? They were two consenting adults. They may not have the same life goals. After all, it seemed like she wanted to get the feck out of Green Valley, whereas he was just beginning to discover its secrets. Remembering what he’d said to her about the possibility of him settling down here, he winced. He wasn’t sure where the words had come from. Only that she’d asked what he thought of the area, and he’d been telling her, and it had struck him suddenly, incredibly, insanely, that sitting in the pub, Lilly beside him, he’d felt at home in a way he hadn’t in a long, long time. Why not, his mind had teased.

Why not?

Because it was ludicrous, he realized now that he was out in the cool air. He was at a crossroads in his life. He needed time to find himself before he chose a place to live or became serious about a woman. And Lord knew, it wouldn’t do to lose his heart to a woman who was aching to spread her wings and fly.

In any event, what did it really matter if Lilly might soon be leaving Green Valley and Quinn had no idea where he’d be come next month? Why couldn’t they spend an evening together to ward off the loneliness while they were both here?

“Quinn?” She touched his arm.

“I was just thinking, your place or mine?” Quinn brushed a strand of hair away from her face then chuckled at the cheesiness of his line. “Sorry.”

“Considering you’re staying at my house, let’s go there.” She squeezed his bicep. “God, these arms,” she said, her verbal filter all but completely gone—eradicated. “Pick me up and carry me to heaven. Sheesh.”

He laughed at her words even as he felt his chest puff out a bit. There was nothing more sexy than a woman forgetting her decorum and just letting loose. He loved it. “Why, thank you, and ah…didn’t realize you lived at the good ol’ Russian River House. Thought maybe you lived at Parker House, in the tallest tower like some Greek goddess surrounded by golden grape vines. At least that’s how I played it out in my head.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” she said as they reached his car. “But I live at the bed and breakfast. On the third floor. Surrounded by empty coffee cups and crumpled tissues. Romantic comedies, classic sweeping romances…I’ve seen ‘em all.”

Sexy, Quinn thought.

Seriously. He imagined her working hard during the day then lounging in her room at night, going out when she wanted to have a bit of a frolic, but otherwise, being a down-to-Earth, movie-watching gal. Not like the women he’d gone out with in the past. Always seemed like he and his rugby friends attracted the high maintenance types looking for money, power, and fame, so it was nice to spend time with someone who didn’t seem to need nor want him for it.

They left the east part of town in Quinn’s rental and snaked down the winding roads toward Russian River House. Quinn’s hand inched over to Lilly until it rested on top of her hand, and she laid her other over his. He stole quick glances at her through the darkness, loving the way the oncoming lights lit up her eyes like sparkling blue diamonds. “You’ve got to be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he said. “I’m not just saying that, but I swear it’s true. From the moment I walked through the door, I was just like…bam! Smack me if I get annoying, will ya?”

She beamed at him sideways. “Stop.”

“I can’t. And you don’t realize it either, which makes you even more gorgeous.”

Lilly’s delicate fingers brushed across the top of his hand. “Thank you. That’s sweet of you to say.” Then, she rested her head back against the headrest and closed her eyes.

Driving along the Russian River, they rode the rest of the way back in near silence. Quinn wondered if, now that they were out of the confines of the pub and back into the real world, Lilly might have second thoughts about what she’d suggested back at Mulligan’s. “You alright?” he asked. “We don’t have to do this. We can just sit and talk. I love talking. Talking is one of my favorite—”

“Quinn…”

He glanced over at her, head back, smile spread on her face, neck craned, watching him drive. The picture of relaxation. He could make her relax even more, if she wanted.

“I’m totally good with it. Unless you don’t want to.”

“Oh, I want to. Trust me. I do.” If she only knew how much. “I just—I need you to be completely sober first, Lil. To be sure.” He loved the way her skin felt—warm and soft—on his.

“Oh, I’m sure. But if you want to wait until you’re sure I’m sober, that’s fine. Just keep this in mind. I came looking for you hoping this would happen. My biggest worry was how to get your brother out of the way. And no, I wouldn’t have wanted to have both of you at the same time. I see that naughty look on your face.”

“Me?” He couldn’t contain his smile. He’d never shared a woman with any of his brothers before, nor would he ever, but he loved the saucy way Lilly thought. “You’re the one with the filthy mind. Me, I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t have to. You have this permanent mischievous look about you, like a little kid who’s been caught polishing off a whole pack of Oreos. Every day, all the time.”

“I don’t know, Lil. I think you’re more mischievous than I am. And well, I do like cookies.”

She giggled nervously. “Well, hopefully I can give you something you’ll like even more.”

“Oh I have no doubt of that.” Raising his hand, he kissed her fingers.

For several minutes, the car lapsed into a comfortable silence.

“But um, Quinn?”

“Yes?”

“Just this once…okay?”

He heard it there in her voice—trepidation, the same worry he had over getting too attached. He didn’t want to fall in love anymore than she did. He wasn’t ready. Maybe soon, but not now, not when he didn’t know where his life was headed. “I got you, Lilly. Just one time.”

She sighed, and he knew she was satisfied with their decision.

He drove around the last bend toward the bed-and-breakfast all lit up on the roadside like one of those ceramic houses covered in snow in a Christmas display. Just talking and being with Lilly felt normal, natural. He hadn’t smiled in almost two weeks, and now, in just one night, she’d made him laugh and flirt like his old self. He couldn’t wait to see how else she’d make him feel.

At about midnight, he parked the car, shut the engine, then they crunched over gravel toward a side entrance in the shadows, where Lilly pulled out her key, doing her best to slide it into the lock but having a hard time.

“May I?” Quinn offered to help. Was it the tipsiness again or just her nerves, he wondered?

She handed him the key. “Ooo, a registered guest using the private access door, instead of the public front entrance.” She giggled, stumbling over a flower pot, before he caught her. “Aren’t you the rebel?”

“You’re the one bringing me through the super secret side door. We might have to have a rebellion contest, you know. See who’s more disobedient—the cheeky Irish lad or the classy American bird with the hot muffins.” He laughed a little too loud, and she shushed him. “Eh, does your mam live here too?” Quinn asked, stepping into a dark hallway on the opposite side of the guest bedrooms.

Lilly closed the door and tugged him by the hand to a narrow staircase. “She does, but she’s always in bed by now. Come on up.” She started up the dank, carpeted staircase, stumbling over a newspaper sitting halfway up the second set of steps. Quinn wrapped his arms around her hips to keep her steady. In his arms, she felt solid and good, and he liked not having a real excuse to hold onto her but doing it just because she let him.

At the first landing, Lilly turned impatiently and helped Quinn up to her level, and there, in the middle of the stairwell with the moon shining through a tall, thin window, she pressed herself against him, tilting back her chin.

He knew what she wanted but drew it out a bit longer.

“Why, Lilly, this is all so sudden. I don’t know how I feel about this,” Quinn chided, sliding his hands around her waist underneath her shirt. Her skin burned, as he raked his fingers slightly below the waist of her jeans.

“You love it.” She kissed him in the same spot he’d kissed her back at Mulligan’s. On the cheek. Her breath sent shivers down his neck.

His eyes closed to relish the sensation. “You’re right, I do.” Just as he cupped her chin to lower his mouth to hers, she turned away, a playful smile lingering in her eyes. Then, she sprinted up the next flight of stairs to the third floor.

Ah, saucy wench. Quinn chased her, happy to play the game.

When they arrived at a closed darkly-stained wooden door, she turned the knob and let it fly open with a soft squeak. First thing he noticed was how tidy and classic everything appeared, from the wooden furniture to the perfectly made bed with goose-down comforter, to the light orange walls, vases and flowers on the dresser, fireplace, and everything. No tissues on the floor to speak of—a girly place for sure.

“This your flat? Looks like a magazine house.”

She held the door open. “Thanks. This is just the room.”

“There’s more?”

“Lots more. Come on.” She kicked off her heels onto the varnished wooden floor and padded barefoot, unwinding her scarf and tossing her purse onto a chair. When she reached double French doors, she slid aside two sheer curtains and popped open the doors. “Et voilà!”

He walked through the open doorway.

A wave of sweetness hit him, as he ventured out onto a grand veranda decked out with lounge chairs, cut-open barrels holding various herbs—everything from basil to sage to rosemary. He didn’t know all their names, but he knew it smelled good enough to eat out here. The whole perimeter of the balcony was lined with herbs, and a trellis bordered one end, full of all sorts of flowers. “Whoa, amazing, Lil. What kind of flowers are these?” He rubbed a velvety white bloom between his fingers.

“Hydrangeas,” she said, sparking on a handheld lighter and pushing the flaming end into several jars of candles. “There’s also jasmine over there and azaleas, gardenias…you probably smelled them when you came out. You like them?”

“Like them? They’re fecking amazing. You grow these all yourself?”

“I do. Have a seat. I’ll be right back.” She whirled away, leaving him alone on the deck with a darkened view of the mountains and a night sky full of stars. What a lovely landscape, and to think that his mother had been familiar with these same skies and smells and nighttime noises. In some ways, maybe she’d returned here in spirit.

So this was California.

Nowhere in the world is the air sweeter, more fragrant than my little home in Forestville, his mother had written in her diary. So long ago. How on Earth could she leave behind such a wondrous place? Once again, the thought came to him—could he live here?

Lilly returned a minute later with two wine glasses in one hand and two bottles in the other. She set everything down on a small wooden table between the lounge chairs. “I didn’t know which one you preferred, but they’re probably both glorified grape juice to you anyway.”

“Ah, sorry about having said that. I should probably watch my tongue a little more closely,” he said sheepishly, leaning against the railing and gazing at Lilly. Because of the chilly air, her nipples were slightly hard through her thin T-shirt and wraparound sweater. He did his best to keep his eye contact on her face, though it kept dropping. Hopefully, he would see those before the night was over. Hopefully, he would get to touch them and make her feel good.

“I don’t know,” she said, pulling an opener from her pocket. “I think I’d like to see more of what that tongue could do.” She was reaching for one of the wine bottles when he gently covered her hand with his.

“Did I mention I want you completely sober for what we’re about to do?”

She blinked. Licked her lips. “Um, well, yes. But I’m fine. Honestly. I’m sober and I know exactly what I’m doing, Quinn.”

He took the opener from her and set it on the table, then placed his hands on her hips. “Well, I’m glad to be hearing that.”

“Not that I do this kind of thing a lot,” she said quickly. “But there’s something about you, Quinn…I feel comfortable talking to you. You’re funny, you’re sweet, and very, very sexy.”

Softly, he kissed the side of her neck. “Why, thank you, Lil. And you’re…” He wanted to say perfect. She was perfect in every way, but he knew she just wanted to have one night with him. Keep it fun and simple, Quinn. “Lots of fun to be around.”

She smiled and tilted her head back further, exposing more of her smooth, creamy throat to him.

The air’s fragrance and the fact that the most gorgeous woman ever to walk the Earth stood inches away, offering herself up to him, transported Quinn to another place and time. Forget the damn wine, the only thing he wanted to get drunk off of was Lilly’s lips underneath this remarkable endless sky. He sprinkled kisses along both sides of her neck until she was sighing and he couldn’t hold back any longer. As exquisite as her skin was beneath his lips, he needed her mouth.

“Lilly,” he whispered.

She righted her head, blinking slowly, face flushed, eyes hungry.

“Kiss me.”

Gentle arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him in tight. Finally. Sweet, warm lips melted into a sizzling kiss that sent fire straight down Quinn’s belly. Something about their tongues tasting and exploring while surrounded by fresh cool air and new spectacular surroundings made him hyperaware of just how great life was right now.

Quinn broke the kiss a minute later to press his forehead into Lilly’s. “Can I just say, thanks?”

“For what?” She bit her shining lip, still wet from their kiss.

“For inviting me here. I feel closer to my roots in some ways. It’s breathtaking, almost as breathtaking as you.” Swiping his thumb across her jawline, she smiled and lifted her chin to kiss him again.

“My pleasure,” she said with an edge to her voice.

He wondered, briefly, if anyone could see them out here, though he didn’t see any windows clearly from where they stood, only the barely lit ones from the vineyard and winery house a ways up the road. “Can we stay out here all night?” he asked, doing nothing to hide the mischief in his voice.

“Ah, I see now what you mean about a rebellion contest. Let’s see who’s badder to the bone,” she giggled, taking him by the hand, leading him to the lounge chair. She sat then laid back, guiding Quinn with her. He squeezed into the length of the seat with her, their bodies pressed together, and their kissing grew hotter, messier, more urgent. “There’s a chenille blanket,” she whispered, sucking on his bottom lip, “behind you in that basket.”

His body shifted until his eyes spotted a big wicker basket. Reaching in, he plucked out a fluffy red blanket. “This one? And what shall I do with it, my dear lady?” he asked.

“Want to fulfill a fantasy of mine?” she asked, biting her lip.

Her request made his balls tighten against his body, his heart beat just a little faster. A classy woman—with an edge. “Is it what I’m thinking?”

She tilted her head, as her fingers deftly began unbuttoning his shirt. Her small hand slipped inside and rubbed his chest. All he could do was watch her lustful gaze roaming over his body, take in the sight of her delightful breasts growing swollen and hard with desire. He knew what she would say even before she said it. “Let’s sit here all night, under this blanket, and see what happens between us. If you’re feeling up to it, that is.”

“I’m definitely feeling up to it, woman.” He bolted up straight, finished unbuttoning his shirt for her then pulled it open. Her eyes soaked in the sight of his broad chest. It was one thing about his body he always felt pride over, something years of rugby had given him—a tight, wide upper torso most women loved to lay their hands on.

Lilly was no exception. Sitting up, leaning into him, she kissed his chest, her warm lips leaving a trail of kisses down his body toward his stomach. It had been years since he’d made love to anyone in the outdoors. His last girlfriend, Sofia, had gone and moved to Paris last year, and while their sex life had been relatively active, she was a shy and cautious woman who never would have dreamed of doing it outside—that would’ve been a holy show.

Lilly, however, seemed to relish in making things happen, as she was currently doing by peeling off her sweater then crossing her arms in front of her, in that awesome pose a girl does right before she takes off her shirt, and pulling it up and over her head. He must have looked like a horny schoolboy watching her do it, but she didn’t mind one bit. Again, her breasts were the perfect size—not too big, not too small, pushed together with deep, succulent cleavage in her black bra.

“Well?” she said, reaching behind her and unclasping the bra, sliding her arms out, and tossing it to the floor. Her diamond eyes twinkled in the dark, as her beautiful tits hung free in the cool autumn night. “What are you waiting for, Mr. O’Neill? Let’s get naked under that blanket.”