Great, she was a sandwich while they had their "space."
Doug answered just as she prepared to leave him a message. "Hey, babe."
"Hey," Shannon whispered and leaned forward hovering over the crackling bowl. "What are you doing tonight? Can you come to Tuesday's? I need to talk to you."
"Can't, I've got a date." It sounded as if he was doing something; the rustling of a plastic bag tearing open was distinct. "I got a new shirt," he answered her unasked question.
"Are you getting dressed?"
"Yep, got a date," he repeated. "What's up?"
She certainly couldn't vocalize an "I'm desperate for a date" call while sandwiched by two men. "Um, well are you going straight home after? I could come over."
"Oh, wow." Doug, the genius, decided it was a booty-call. "Normally it would be cool. I'd sleep with you, but I have a date."
"Doug!" Shannon snapped, but then lowered her voice when John Deere guy turned to look at her. "I know you have a date, you said it three times. I just want to talk. How about tomorrow."
"No can do. It's more than just a date. I think I like this girl."
"Oh." She pictured herself sitting against the wall at the wedding with her unmarried older aunt. "Okay, well, I'm happy for you, Doug. Hope it works out."
"Yeah, thanks." She pictured him smiling.
"Later, babe." He hung up.
"Shit."
"Just get dumped?" John Deere guy suddenly became interested in her. "Sucks, don't it?"
"No, I did not. He is just a friend." Shannon drank from her beer and turned to the guy on her left.
"Sounded like you got dumped to me," the new guy muttered.
"I did not get dumped, he is just a friend who's busy tonight." She looked up to glare at the guy only to sputter and do a choke-cough when her beer went down the wrong pipe.
While she talked with Doug, Hotness-on-a-stick sat beside her. The clean-cut guy wore a burgundy polo shirt. His dark hair was meticulously combed away from the most beautiful face she'd ever seen up close. When he pounded her back, she choked again at seeing his light hazel eyes and dimpled chin.
"Are you okay?" His deep voice fell over her like a caress. She would have answered, but his lips took her attention and she couldn't stop the widening of her eyes. Well formed and reminiscent of her favorite actor who danced half naked across the big screen recently. Those lips were a siren call for women, full and pouty.
"Holy. Shit." She reached for her napkin and wiped her mouth. "What are you?"
"Excuse me?" He leaned closer and studied her. "Are you sure you don't need a doctor or something?"
"Oh." Shannon attempted a nonchalant shrug and cute chuckle, but the guy on her other side got up at that moment, accidently nudging her with his shoulder so instead she hunched forward and squeaked. "Oh, no thanks I'm fine. You're perfect. I mean...I'm perfectly fine." Shannon cleared her throat.
"Oookay." He frowned at her for a couple seconds then the bartender placed a bowl heaping with cracklings in front of him.
"Here you go, darlin'." She'd removed the elastic band from her ponytail and swung it sideways. It was a failure since it had a thick crease from the rubber band and it bunched together barely moving.
"Thanks," Sex-on-a-stick replied, his eyes back at the television.
He was not only hot, but smart too.
Shannon played with her cell phone while pondering how to get his attention in a way that didn't make him want to call a paramedic. "You just driving through town? Or you live here?"
"I'm here for a couple of days," he replied and smiled at her. Of course a dimple formed on both sides of his delectable mouth. "You?"
"Me? Oh, me...yes. I live here." She held out her hand. "Shannon."
"Drew." He shook her hand. “So tell me about Longview.” They chatted about the amazingly few points of interest in the small town for a few minutes.
"Would you like to join me for dinner? I don't like eating alone," Drew asked.
"Sure."
And then...one thing led to another.
Chapter Four
When Drew walked into Tuesday's, a small bar and grill in Longview, the last thing he expected was to end the evening stumbling in the dark with the pretty redhead he immediately spotted perched on a barstool.
At first he thought she might be with the guy who sat on the other side of her, but soon it was apparent they did not know each other. It turned out to be his lucky night when she'd not been able to meet the friend she'd called. Whoever the guy was, what an idiot.
"My bedroom is this way," she told him between kisses, tugging up his polo shirt. The sexy minx wasted no time. By the time they got to her room he was down to boxers and socks.
Her pretty lips curved in appreciation when noticing his bulge, then she went to her nightstand. After flicking on a lamp, she opened the top drawer and peeked in. "Crud. I don't have any condoms. I never thought about getting any after..."
He cleared his throat and closed the distance between them. "I don't have any either." Hell he'd not considered the need since he usually took dates back to his apartment in Bozeman where he kept a supply.
"Figures the first time I bring a guy home in months, I can't even get it right." A slow blush crept up her face and she covered her face and groaned. "I really wanted to sleep with you too."
"Don't move." Drew dashed from the room, grabbed his pants and shirt yanking them on as he made his way to the door. "I'll be right back."
She giggled, her brows lifted. "Really?"
"Are you kidding me?" Drew went to her and pulled her into his arms. He took her cute chin with his thumb and forefinger and lifted her face. "You are a wonderful surprise. I am not about to miss time with you because of a stupid technicality." He checked his pocket for his keys. "I'll be right back."
Half an hour later, Shannon lay under him. He moved in and out of her in a slow steady pace while his body screamed for him to pick it up and crest. He forced himself to keep it slow and steady. The picture of the beautiful woman, reddened lips parted and breasts jiggling in sync with his thrusts was something he was not ready to end yet.
She grabbed his ass and like his body, urged him forward. "Oh god." A loud moan accompanying her body constricting around his penis just about undid him, and it was much too soon to end. Drew pulled out and guided Shannon onto her stomach.
For a few moments, he took in her plump, round butt and ran his fingers from the middle of her back to above the part. She arched. Drew slid his hands under her hips and lifted her until Shannon rested on her knees.
She looked at him over her shoulder, a sultry pout to her lips. Taking himself in hand, Drew guided his penis to her wet center and slowly thrust in. Shannon moaned and pressed back, meeting him until he was fully seated.
Instead of taking control, this time he allowed her to set the pace. Her bare skin beckoned him to kiss every part of her; the softness forced him to be gentle when his fingers touched it. And he slid his palms up her back and around to cup her breasts. With his thumbs he flicked her nipples. She dipped her head and pushed back with her arms. "This feels so good. I don't want you to ever stop."
Certainly a promise he couldn't make. "Tell me what you want, Shannon."
"I want to see you when you come." She spoke between gasps. Her face lifted from the pillow and she glanced back at him. "Okay?"
He could deny her little at the moment. Once again he reluctantly pulled out of the suppleness and rolled to his side then guided her down to face him. "Lift your leg over me." The weight of her leg across his hip helped to find the entrance. Both let out an "ah" when they joined.
Her darkened green eyes bore into his face, eroticism almost taking him over the edge as they returned to making love.
Shannon held onto his shoulders and began to tremble. "Oh!"
He couldn't stop even if his life depended on it. The slapping of skin rose to a crescendo to be overpowered by the sounds of their shouts of release.
He pulled her face to his and took the luscious lips in a ravenous kiss.
They made love with their mouths, tongues tangling, teeth nipping until after a span of a several minutes the play brought them to another bout of lovemaking and on they continued until collapsing into a heap of entwined boneless limbs as they fell into the deep slumber of full satiation.
Chapter Five
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Shannon turned to her side and pushed her face into the pillow. Who the hell banged on her front door so early on a Saturday morning? Whoever it was, he or she was going to die. She looked at the handsome sleeper on the other side of the bed and let out a sigh. Oh yes, she'd have to be with him one more time before he left. She lifted the blankets and peeked at the yummy nakedness.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
"Ugh." She had planned to wake him and in a very special way, but instead slid from the bed and peeked between the blinds.
Her sister stood at the front door digging in her purse for her copy of the house key. "Oh shit." Shannon flew to the bedroom door and turned the lock.
Realization hit her like a crow flying into a windshield. The hard impact, the tumbling of its body over the top of a car and one last bang and bump before landing on the rough pavement.
She peeked again and as the rest of her family trailed in after her sister.
Then of course a second car ran over the bird in case any breath was left.
"Drew!" she screamed and shook the still sleeping guy. Men could sleep through most anything it seemed.
His eyes opened slowly, the light blue taking her breath. His lips curved. "Good morning."
Thump. Thump. Thump. At the knocks on the bedroom door Drew's eyes went wide. "Who's that?"
"Shannon?" Her sister Meagan's nasally voice called from the other side of the door. "Are you in there?"
"My sister," Shannon explained then faced the door. "Yeah, I'm in here. Give me a minute."
"What are you doing? Open the door." Meagan wiggled the knob. "Why is the door locked?"
Drew slid up to sit, but remained in bed. He looked from the door to her as if watching a tennis match.
Shannon let out a loud breath. "I'm getting dressed, go away!"
"Rehearsal luncheon is in half an hour. Hurry up." Meagan finally walked away.
Of all the stupid things.
How could she have forgotten? Only she would bring a one night stand home the night before her family planned to meet at her house before heading to Friday's for lunch. But it wasn’t as dumb as having a pre-wedding luncheon. Why couldn't her sister be like normal folks and have a rehearsal dinner?
"My entire family is here," Shannon explained to Drew who watched her intently, eyes half closed in a lazy, sexy way, the corners of his mouth curved up.
"Don't you think you should get dressed?" he said with raised eyebrows.
She then realized she'd been pacing around talking buck-naked. Parading in front of a stranger. Sure they'd been intimate, but still she didn't really know him. To walk around nude in front of him was not something she was ready to do. Especially after eating a bowl of cracklings and drinking three beers. Her belly was probably puffy.
"Ohmygod!" Shannon dove for the bedspread they'd shoved off the bed and yanked it around her. Cheeks ablaze, she blinked refusing to cry at the mess they found themselves. Besides she was an ugly crier and the guy had already seen enough yuck for one morning.
"Come here." He lifted his hand to her. "What do you want to do? I can hide in your closet." For some reason his calmness made her panic worse.
"No, don't be silly." She took his hand and attempted a smile. "The bathroom would be more comfortable. I'm sorry, I forgot they were coming this morning."
Why today? All she wanted was to get between the damn sheets and snuggle with him. "I can't tell my parents I had a one night stand. Can I please introduce you as my boyfriend? We can break up tomorrow."
"Okay." He shrugged and climbed out of bed. She bit her lip at the sight of his muscular thighs and tight butt. The only mar was a long scar from his left hip to his thigh. And even it was sexy as hell.
He dressed, his movements sure and graceful. How often did he end up in something like this? He remained so calm. "Let's keep it as close to the truth as possible. We met at Tuesday's a week ago," he told her.
"A week? No! I don't sleep with someone after only a week." Shannon crossed her arms and then flushed when he raised an unbelieving eyebrow. "Well, except for you. I wait a few weeks...at least that's how long it took with my ex. Then there's Doug. But he doesn't count. I've known him forever."
"For some reason everything you said sort of makes sense." Drew watched her wiggle into jeans. "Okay, we met three weeks ago at Tuesday's. Give me your full name and tell me what you do."
"Shannon Aldean. I am the HR and payroll person at Longview Ranch Supply." Shannon pulled on a navy blue sweater.
Finally his calmness broke. Right before her eyes she he transformed. His mouth fell open and all the blood seemed to leave his face. "I...I'm Andrew Emerson. I just bought the company."
Thump. Thump. "Shannon, this is your mother. What the hell are you doing in there? We're going to be late."
Shannon knew the blood had left her face too because her mouth was open and her eyes felt as if they were going to pop out of her head and roll across the room.
Drew opened the door as Shannon wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole.
It was possible. Why couldn't she be lucky enough to fall into the biggest sinkhole to ever appear in Longview, Montana?
Chapter Six
Donna Aldean halfway fell into the room, her mother had been leaning with her ear to the door when Drew pulled it open. Upon catching sight of him, she did a perfect impersonation of a catfish out of water. Her arms flapped and her mouth fell open and closed without a sound.
Shannon had to give her mother credit. In less than ten seconds she was in full form. "My stars! What the heck are you doing in my daughter's bedroom half dressed, young man?" Her eyes roamed disapprovingly over Drew. "Never mind I don't need any details." She narrowed her eyes. "I don't know you."
"Andrew Emerson." Drew held his hand out to her mother who recoiled as if he held a handgun. He lowered it and looked to Shannon for help.
Act one.
Shannon went to Drew's side, wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Mama, this is Drew. My boyfriend."
Her mother's eyes slid from her to him. "Since when?"
"Mama, be nice and say hello."
Meagan returned with not only their brother Trace, but also Ashley. The trio of blondes with mouths open, wide eyes, and yes, smirks, filled the doorway.
"Holy shit," Meagan ever the eloquent one said, her mouth fell open again. "You had a guy spend the night?"
"What?" Her father's voice boomed in the distance. "What did you say, Meagan?"
"For crying out loud. Would y'all stop gaping like idiots? We're going to be late for the luncheon." Shannon grabbed Drew's arm and pulled him to the door while at the same time he tugged his shirt over his head. "Drew was just leaving. He's got stuff to do."
They all waddled to the front room in a dysfunctional parade, her mother leading with hands on her hips. "Donald...you need to talk to your daughter."
"Which one?" Her father looked up from the couch where he'd already commandeered the remote control. "Who's the guy?"
Shannon was impressed at his ability to spot the one person not related without taking his eyes from the television. "Dad, this is Drew. He's my boyfriend and he spent the night."
Her father, a bit overweight had to rock a bit before he could lift himself from the couch. Once he did, he held out his hand to Drew. "Donald Aldean. Welcome to the family."
"Dad," Shannon frowned, "we are not that serious."
"What?" Her father glared at Drew. Trace came to stand by her father his fists on both sides of
his waist, like a superhero he joined the "We're gonna kick your ass task force."
Her father had yet to release Drew's hand and by the grimace on Drew’s face, the hold was not a gentle one. "Better damn well be serious if he spent the night." Her wonderful but pissed off dad drilled a look into Drew. "It's serious, right?" He dropped Drew's hand.
"Yes, sir," Drew replied, flexing his fingers.
"Good. Come to lunch with us." Her father went back to the couch.
"We're going to be late," Meagan's soon to be groom announced from the doorway.
"Hey, Drew, nice to meet you." He walked in and they shook hands in the normal shake and let go fashion. Brad Connelly, an accountant from Bozeman who'd fallen in love at first sight when Meagan applied for a job at his firm, was the one person in the room Shannon loved at the moment.
Her cousin and brother followed Brad and Meagan out the door. Her mother blocked Drew's path. "Well, I'm glad to see Shannon is over her loser ex-boyfriend." She gave Drew a firm nod. "Do you have any gay inclinations?"
"Mama!" Shannon knew her face was bright red as she attempted to pull Drew to the doorway. "Why would you ask such a thing?"
"Come on, Donald," her mother called over her shoulder and sidled up on Drew's other side as they made their way out and looked up at Drew. "Her last boyfriend is a homo-sexual man. Poor Shannon was oblivious to the fact the only reason he stayed around so long was because he was interested in Trace."
At the mention of his name Trace turned and glared. "What the hell, Mama?"
"I'm just saying. What else could it be?" Donna Aldean slid her arm around Drew's and pointed to the huge truck parked in the drive. "Poor Shannon was blindsided by his coming out. It was right after she bought this house. I'm glad she's dating you. We were sure she planned to be one of those single women with a bunch of cats. Even though we don't approve of your spending the night, we're relieved to find out she's got a boyfriend."
Montana Boss: Montana Cowboys Page 2
