Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
~LEXI~
I turn onto my side and stretch like a lazy cat, enjoying the way the crisp, cool sheets feel against my naked skin. My muscles are sore. Deliciously so. Shawn gave me a workout last night that I won’t soon forget. And while he didn’t do anything that was even close to needing a safe word, he was intense in his lovemaking. I’m excited to explore this with him. Is it unprofessional and inappropriate? Yeah, it is. We’re colleagues, and he’s roughly seven years younger than me. I mean, I’m not old enough to be his mother, but I am about the same age as his eldest brother.
I suppose that as long as it doesn’t bother him, it shouldn’t bother me. But I might ask him about it later, just to be sure.
Although, given how he behaved throughout the night, I’d guess our age gap isn’t a concern for him. Not in the least.
I open my eyes, expecting to see Shawn lying next to me, but the bed is empty. I take a deep breath, and the smell of bacon and coffee invades my senses.
Shawn can cook. I should start running again just to burn off the extra calories I’ve been consuming thanks to the man’s culinary skills.
I rub my eyes as I climb out of bed and pad into Shawn’s closet to help myself to one of his shirts. My stuff is all in the guest room upstairs, and I’m not going to wear the grease-smelling shirt I wore at the pub last night.
I slip into a black T-shirt that hangs down to mid-thigh on me, slip a condom into the breast pocket just in case, and walk out to the kitchen.
Shawn is wearing a white tee and gym shorts. His hair is a mess from my fingers, and he has a day’s worth of scruff of his face. He works efficiently, dropping batter onto a skillet.
“You’re making me pancakes?”
His head comes up, and a grin spreads over his handsome-as-sin face as he takes me in from head to toe.
“I thought you’d be hungry,” he says.
“You thought right.”
I could sit on one of the stools at the island, but instead, I walk around and hug him from behind, pressing my cheek to the center of his back.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning,” I reply before letting go and walking over to the coffee machine to brew myself a cup. He’s quiet while he flips pancakes, and I pour cream into my coffee. When I turn around, I find him staring at me. “What?”
“You look good in my kitchen.”
I grin as I boost myself onto a stool and watch him as he puts the finished pancakes into the warm oven, then pours more batter onto the skillet.
“How do you feel this morning?” he asks.
“Fine. Not hungover like I thought I would be.”
He nods. “That’s good.”
I narrow my eyes, watching him. Finally, he sighs and looks me square in the eyes.
“Why is this awkward?”
“I don’t feel awkward.” I tilt my head. “Do you regret last night?”
“Not even a little.”
“Is it weird because of my age?”
He blinks at me and then smirks. “No. Not even a little.”
Well, at least there’s that.
“Then I’m not sure what the issue is. Amazing, consensual sex is nothing to feel awkward about.”
His shoulders relax, and I immediately jump off the stool and circle the island to stand next to him.
“Wait. Did you think you took advantage of me because of the whiskey?”
He shrugs a shoulder. “I know you had your wits about you. You weren’t that drunk, but I wanted to make sure that you’re still okay with everything that happened.”
I find myself softening toward him more every day. Shawn is a thoughtful man.
I boost myself up onto the countertop and fist his shirt, pulling him between my legs. My hands glide up his chest and over his shoulders, and then my fingers dive into his hair as his head lowers to mine.
“Coworkers with benefits is the best idea you’ve had since I met you,” I say against his lips.
His arms encircle me as his mouth plunders mine. Without breaking the kiss, he reaches over and unplugs the skillet, making me grin.
“I didn’t give you permission to wear this,” he says.
“Oh, sorry.” I slip the shirt over my head and set it on the counter next to me. “I’ll be sure to ask next time.”
But he’s no longer listening to me. His green eyes are the deep color of grass on a rainy day as his gaze roams my chest, and then moves farther down. His hand glides up my thigh, and then two fingers are suddenly and expertly inside me. I gasp and hold onto his shoulders as he moves his hand.
“Ah, shit.”
“Watching you get worked up is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” His voice is Irish when he’s turned on, and it only turns me on more. “That’s it, love. I fucking love it when you flush like that. Just for me.”
He kisses my neck, drags his tongue up to my ear, and I’m helpless to do anything but ride his hand.
I fumble with the shirt next to me, and when I find the condom, I hold it up to him.
“Fuck me, Shawn.”
He growls, deep in his throat. “Good girl.”
He can’t tear it open fast enough, and when he’s finally sheathed, he pulls me to the edge of the countertop and easily slides inside me, making us both moan in delight.
“Like a damn fist,” he mutters.
I can’t respond. I can only hold on as he fucks me—on his countertop. And when we’re finally sated and catching our breath, he takes my face in his hands and looks me deeply in the eyes.
“For as long as you’re here, you’re mine. Understand?”
“Yeah. Back at you.”
He grins and kisses me deeply, then tugs the shirt back over my head.
“If you stay naked, I’ll keep fucking you, and we’ll never eat.”
Mom: Hello dear. I haven’t heard from you in a couple of weeks, so I thought I would check in.
I read the text and roll my eyes. I love my mom. We get along great, and since my dad died about five years ago, we’ve grown even closer. She’s awesome.
But she’s also fabulous at guilt trips. The phone works both ways. If she wants to talk, all she has to do is call.
Rather than text her back, I dial her number and press the phone to my ear as I watch Shawn changing the oil in his car.
I didn’t know men still did that. Apparently, he does.
“Hello, Lexi.”
“Hi, Mom. You know, if you want to talk, you can always call me. I’ll answer and everything.”
“Well, I don’t know if I’m interrupting your work.”
So, I send texts filled with parent guilt. Got it.
“How are you, Mom? What’s new?”
“Oh, I’m fine. Your aunt Darla and I went to the farmer’s market this morning, and I found some fresh strawberries, so I’m going to make some jam. I’ll be sure to save you a jar.”
“Yum, sounds awesome, thanks.” I sip my lemonade and watch as Shawn lifts something that must be heavy. I can’t tell what it is, but the muscles under his shirt bunch deliciously with the effort.
Goodness, he’s a sight to behold.
“How are things in Seattle?”
I have to look away from the gun show happening just outside the window so I can concentrate on the conversation at hand.
“I’m actually staying just outside the city on an island with Shawn O’Callaghan, the screenwriter I’m working with.”
“Oh, I thought you were staying in the city.”
“Well, I was, but we weren’t getting much done because of distractions and noise. This is much more comfortable.”
I don’t mention that we’re still not getting much done because he’s a stubborn ass and we can’t seem to agree on anything when it comes to the project.
“So, you found a nice hotel, then?”
“No, I’m actually staying at his house. He lives on the island.”
She’s quiet, and I can hear the disapproving side-eye.
“I’m staying in his guest room, Mom.”
I mean, as of last night, I’m staying in his bed, but my things are still in his guest room, so it’s not a complete lie.
“And his family owns a really fun Irish pub here on the island. I’ve been helping out in the kitchen.”
“You’re working in a bar?”
She sounds scandalized. It’s awesome.
“I guess so. But I’m just helping out. Shawn took me with him the first night we were here, and I really enjoyed it, so I’ve been tagging along. They’re nice people, Mom. You’d like them.”
“You sound different,” she says.
“In what way?”
“Honestly, you sound happy. Maybe even more confident. My daughter doesn’t enjoy leaving her house for much, let alone working in a bar.”
I shrug a shoulder, even though she can’t see me.
“I’m having fun. And I’m happy.”
“Well, that’s all that matters, then. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, honey. I’m going over to check on your condo in just a little while. I’ll let you know if anything is wrong, but I’m sure it’s fine.”
“I appreciate you checking on it for me. I’m sure it’s fine, too, but you never know.”
“It’s good to hear your voice, Lexi. Let’s not wait so long to chat next time.”
“Just call me, Mom. Honest.”
She laughs in my ear, and it makes me miss her. “I will. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“Okay, bye.”
I hang up and tuck the phone into my pocket. We’re about to go to the pub for the evening. I never would have thought that I’d look forward to helping out at O’Callaghan’s the way I do. Shawn’s siblings are awesome, and the music is fun.
Maybe my evenings there are what’s bringing me out of my shell a bit. I’ll have to think about it more later.
“I just have to take a quick shower, and then I’ll be ready to go,” Shawn says as he walks into the house, wiping his hands on a rag. He stops when he sees me. “You’re wearing that?”
I glance down at my jeans and Henley top. “What’s wrong with it? Is this shirt stained already? I just bought it before I came to Seattle.”
“It’s tight,” he says. “It fits you like a glove.”
I blink at him, and then realization hits. I look too good in it. “Yep, definitely wearing it.”
He sighs. “Good to know so I can mentally prepare to break a bunch of necks tonight.”
I laugh and shoo him with my hands. “Go get your shower so we’re not late.”
“Bossy woman.” But he’s smiling as he hurries into his bedroom.
“Why are you back here alone?” Maggie asks as she bustles into the kitchen.
“Because Shawn is manning the bar while Keegan talks to the police,” I reply. “I guess he had to call the cops on some guys fighting?”
“Oh, right. Is he still outside?” She frowns and blows a stray lock of red hair off her face. “Okay, I need two cheeseburgers and fries, and an order of nachos.”
“Got it.”
“Lex, do you want a job?” I turn in surprise and find Maggie’s expression is perfectly serious. “You’re really good at this.”
I smile. Inside, I’m beaming with pride. “Thanks, but I’m only here for a few weeks to write this movie, and then I’ll be headed back to Minneapolis.”
“Bummer,” Maggie replies just as Shawn returns to the kitchen.
“What’s a bummer?” he asks.
“That Lexi doesn’t want a full-time job here,” she replies before lifting a tray full of loaded plates onto her shoulder and leaving the kitchen again.
“She offered me a job,” I say with a proud smile. “I guess I’m doing okay.”
“Honestly, you’re doing better than that, and I’m not just saying that because I want to get into your pants.”
I roll my eyes and turn back to the griddle to turn the hamburger patties. “Thanks.”
Maggie returns, but her good mood has disappeared, replaced by a scowl as she slams her tray on the table. “Slimy bastard. Who does he think he is coming in here looking like that?”
“Who?” Shawn and I ask at the same time.
“No one,” she mutters and leaves again, the scowl still in place.
“I’m going to go grab a beverage. Can I get you something?” I ask Shawn.
“No, thanks.”
Before I can walk out, Shawn catches my hand and pulls me back for a quick kiss.
“What was that for?”
“Just for being you,” he says. “Go get your drink.”
I press my tingling lips together as I stride out of the kitchen and move right behind the bar. Keegan told me earlier to just come back and get myself a Coke whenever I want. So, I fill a glass with ice and shoot the gun thingie into it.
I glance up to find a strikingly handsome man smiling at me from across the bar.
“Hi, I’m Lexi,” I say before sipping my drink.
“Cameron,” he replies with a nod. “You’re new here.”
“I’m just helping out in the kitchen. What are you doing here?” I feel my eyes go wide and clamp my hand over my mouth. “Oh my God, who am I? I don’t just start up random conversations with hot men. Shit, I just said that out loud, didn’t I?”
Cameron is laughing now, and Maggie rushes up to the bar, unloading her tray of empties. “So, I see you met Lexi,” she says. “Don’t be an ass and scare her off, okay?”
“I’m not in the habit of scaring off women,” he replies, leveling Maggie with a cool stare.
“Ha!” is all Maggie says before she hurries off again.
“So, you’re the slimy bastard,” I say with a nod. “I get it. Now, I’m off to the kitchen again before my mouth gets me into more trouble.”
I hurry away, passing through the swinging door to the kitchen, and stop cold when I see a woman wrapped around Shawn. The blonde has her lips pressed to his mouth, her ample tits glued to his chest, and her hands on his ass.
I don’t give two shits that his hands are nowhere near her, or that he doesn’t look pleased with the current situation. In fact, he’s glaring at her as she pulls away with a satisfied grin.
“Well, now I know what sexual assault feels like.”
“Oh, you’ve wanted that for a long time,” she purrs. “There’s no need to play hard to get with me, Shawn.”
“I’m not playing anything?—”
“Ahem.”
The bimbo doesn’t jump back; she just turns her head and glares at me. “What?”
I smile. “Hi. We haven’t met. I’m Lexi. And I’m only going to tell you one time to take your fake double-Ds off him.”
“Who the fuck is this?” she demands.
“Lexi,” I reply again before Shawn can. I take her arm and pull her through the kitchen, then push her out the door. “Don’t worry, you can have him back in a few weeks.”
“What the?—?”
I let the door swing shut in her face and my smile leaves mine as I turn back to Shawn.
“If you’d come in two seconds later, you would have seen me pushing her off and telling her to get the fuck out of here.”
“But I didn’t come in two seconds later, did I? Am I poaching on another woman’s territory?”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “No.”
“Is she going to be an issue?”
“No.”
“Good.” I pull a clean basket off a shelf and line it with a square piece of parchment paper, getting it ready for a burger and fries.
“That’s it?”
“None of my business otherwise,” I say, not looking his way. “Coworkers with benefits, remember?”
“If the tables were turned, and I walked in here to find some asshole with his hands on you, I wouldn’t be this calm.”
“Oh, she almost lost the cheap extensions in her hair, but one thing saved her.”
“What’s that?”
“You didn’t have your hands on her , and you weren’t kissing her back. If that had been the case, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
“She’s someone I?—”
“I don’t care, Shawn. Honest. As long as she’s not your girlfriend, and I’m not a homewrecker, it doesn’t matter to me.”
He blows out a breath and runs his hand through his hair. “Really?”
“Really. Now, are you going to help me with these orders or not?”
“You suddenly got really bossy,” he says. “As long as it doesn’t bleed over into the bedroom, it’s sexy as fuck.”
I laugh and drop a basket of fries into the grease.
“You know, I’m really sad that tomorrow is Monday.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because we have to go back to work, and that means I have to go back to hating you.”
He smirks. “You don’t hate me.”
“I might have wished painful things on you Friday.”
“We’re going to hit our stride this week. I can feel it.” He leans in to kiss my cheek. “Don’t sweat it, Lex. We’ve got this.”
“Right.” Maggie barges through the door with anger and frustration written all over her pretty face.
“He’s a fucking moron, that’s what he is. And if he thinks he can just sit there and look smug, watching me while I bust my ass in that pub, he has another thing coming altogether, I’ll tell you that right now.”
Maggie’s face is mutinous as she sets baskets of food on her tray.
“What in the bloody hell are you talking about, Mary Margaret?” Shawn asks.
“Oh, there’s a guy named Cameron out there,” I reply, earning a glare from his sister. “The chemistry is off the charts.”
Shawn’s eyes narrow on his sibling. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. He’s about to find his Guinness in his lap, I’ll tell you that right now.”
She turns and leaves, letting the door flap in and out behind her.
“Who is this guy?” I ask.
“A family friend,” he says. “And, I suspect, the love of her life. But both of them are too damn stubborn to admit it.”
I raise a brow. “Wow.”