by Ciara Cole
Leila gave an eager nod. “I love it when the three of us spend time together.”
“So do I,” Rachael murmured with a distant look in her eyes. She loved it more and more each time. It had been over a month since Leila had fallen ill, and now Rachael and Sean were seeing each other steadily, finding as many opportunities as possible to share quality time together.
Rachael was happy, Leila was happy, and hopefully so was Sean. They were taking it all one day at a time, and Rachael felt grateful for even that much. She didn’t plan on putting any pressure on Sean, and simply relished the fact that he wanted to be involved in their lives. She only prayed that nothing would go wrong and ruin the beautiful togetherness taking shape.
And each time she thought it, Rachael simply laughed off her fears. What could possibly ever have the power to come between them? Sean was turning into a devoted father and a dependable partner, and Rachael couldn’t see anything going wrong.
Or could it?
***
Sean looked through his schedule for the coming weeks and wondered, for the first time in as long as he remembered, if he didn’t need to slow things down.
One thing was certain, he did love to cook for people, and that was something that would always be a part of him. His restaurants had gained renown because he stuck to the basics. Organic, sustainable, farm-to-table ideals that matched the fanciest fine dining establishments, while ensuring he tried to make a difference in the vibrant San Francisco food scene. He was constantly ambitious with his dishes, especially the burger recipe that had made him famous.
However, being so good at his profession meant he was going to have to take all the public attention that came with the territory. In the past, it was just a lot about ego and maintaining that high profile that got him all the beautiful women and the high-flying status.
He could see how he’d been all too close to losing his way. He was slowly coming to terms with the fact that there was far more to life. He’d still pursue his passion, but he was going to keep things more in perspective.
And he knew of one or two reasons why things had changed.
“Why so pensive?” Moira asked as she walked into Sean’s office and found him seated at his desk looking out of the window. “We were packed as usual, and everything went smoothly tonight.”
“Oh, I’m not worried about how the restaurant is doing. After all, we’re still making the power rankings with all the major critics.”
“Bang on,” Moira said smugly. “Add on the fact that we just earned two Times stars for the restaurant, I’d say we’re doing okay.”
Sean only gave a nod while thoughtfully rubbing his finger over his lip as his gaze took on a far-off look. He was critically and financially successful, and before now had reveled in his freedom from any kind of ties. But since he’d seen Rachael again and found out about his daughter, he was forming a whole new mindset. Things like commitment, a family, had taken root and were opening a world of possibilities.
Out of nowhere, this light seemed to go off, and he knew what his life should have been all along. To make himself happy, he had to make the people he cared about happy. Now he had so much more to prove. As a lover, and a father.
“Could it be you’re having doubts about that new docuseries you’ve been asked to star in?” Moira asked, breaking through Sean’s reflective haze. “It’s not set to premiere till fall—plenty of time to make up your mind whether to do it.”
“You’re partly right. I keep asking myself if the series is not going to be more limelight than I plan for,” Sean mused. He was getting more and more TV offers as he gained more popularity through his endorsements and the competitions he’d won. He just had to decide exactly when to draw the line…
Sean didn’t notice Moira quietly moving up behind his desk, her hand hovering above his shoulder for a few moments. She seemed about to rest a comforting touch on his shoulder, but in the end fisted her hand and let it fall to her side.
“Tell me you’re at least still going to do the charity cook-off thing coming up next week,” Moira said, sighing.
“Of course I will. You know how dedicated I am to my causes,” Sean said, finally breaking out of his brooding to swivel his chair in her direction. The yearly event had been planned months in advance and was featuring celebrity chefs. Sean had been invited to showcase his world famous burger in the competition to raise money for his favorite charity.
“That reminds me of a very important detail. I want you to arrange it so Rachael can attend,” Sean said to Moira. “I want her to have a great time, as she’s never attended such an event before. It will give her a chance to see me in my element.”
Moira seemed to freeze, yet managed to school her expression into one more casual. “Isn’t it too soon? I mean, the media is going to be swarming all over the place. Are you ready to let it out in the open about Rachael? Especially since with a little digging, they’ll find out about Leila.”
“I don’t think you can ever be ready for something like that. I haven’t exactly kept my personal life private thanks to being linked to far too many supermodels. But I want to show Rachael I can give that all up. I’m also doing this for Leila.”
Sean let out a heartfelt sigh. “Leila deserves a father who wants her. A father who wants to show her off. One she can depend on. How can I achieve that if I’m afraid to let anyone know she exists?”
“If that’s what you want to do, of course I’ll support you as always. I’ll make sure it’s all arranged.” Moira turned and headed for the door.
“Good work, Moira,” Sean said warmly. “And one more thing...”
She slowly spun to face Sean again and saw his crooked smile.
“Thank you for all your help with Rachael. She’s full of high praise for you and how you always make her feel welcome, especially when she comes by the restaurant to see me. And also, for the times you called to ask if Leila was okay. Rachael really thinks of you as a good friend.”
Sean sent Moira a level look as he spoke. With all the stuff that had passed between them, he’d been wary at first seeing Moira having contact with Rachael, even if casually. But he’d been impressed with the way Moira handled things with Rachael, putting Rachael at her ease. Not that Sean was surprised—being his general manager, Moira always maintained a friendly, energetic manner and was great with people.
He really wanted both Rachael and Moira to be on good terms since Moira was part of his work life as well as a friend, while Rachael was the woman he was with and whom he loved.
“You’d do the same for me if I was in your shoes. If I was the one with a man and a kid, you’d treat them as family too. And speaking of me getting a man,” Moira said wryly, “I’m hoping you’d bend the restaurant’s no-fraternization rules a bit for my sake.”
Sean’s expression turned knowing. “Ah. I saw that new sous chef acting flirty with you all morning. What is he, eighteen—and all of it muscle?”
“Ivan is twenty-two,” Moira said primly, lifting her chin. “And yes, I happen to like them meaty. Is it okay if I ask him out to dinner?”
“Hey, so long as you both don’t do your fraternizing here in the restaurant, it’s nothing to do with me.” Sean waved his hands in the air with a grin. In a way, he felt relieved that Moira was on the road to moving on. He was certain that whatever moments of indiscretion they’d had, it was all one big misunderstanding. Now they could just focus on their friendship and work interests.
***
The chance to lend his culinary talents to a worthy cause was something Sean took pride in whenever possible. Tonight was no different.
The cook-off event began at six p.m., and attendees arrived at the banquet center decorated beautifully for the fundraiser. A number of celebrity chefs, including Sean, were among those invited to serve up some of their signature cuisine.
It was billed as a fun evening of music, auctions and raffles to go with the delicious food, while the proceeds were to benefit selected c
harities both local and beyond.
For Rachael, it turned out to be a thrilling night of glamor and glitz that she’d never imagined. She rolled up in the limo Sean had sent to pick her up, and once she walked into the venue with other distinguished guests, they were treated to a glass of bubbly.
Who would have thought she’d get the opportunity to watch masters at work, battling it out to win the competition? It was like being on reality TV! The cameras, the lights and fabulous decorations turned the atmosphere into an exhilarating vista. She only wished Leila could have been there to see Sean create his marvelous recipe.
He was so methodical and yet badass as he worked, and it was easy to see he had no problem with live cooking under pressure. Well, he had started off working on a food truck, feeding thousands of people back then in a Dublin market, Rachael thought with pride. He was known as the king of the modern burger, so Rachael had no doubt that he’d smash the competition tonight.
Sean went head-to-head with many of the topmost chefs, some of whom Rachael had only glimpsed on television cooking shows.
She could just see herself becoming a foodie too, as her interest and knowledge of world cuisine was getting more fine-tuned by the day.
Apart from the great food, Rachael was also glad to play an active part in the other aspects of the event. There were raffle prizes, auction items, as well as donations going to the named charities.
Later, they got an opportunity to meet and speak with the celeb chefs while taking the expected selfies. Rachael couldn’t lie, she did feel weird having to watch all those women who rushed to have a shot with Sean. It wasn’t the first time he’d gotten her feeling jealous, as she was getting used to him receiving more than his fair share of female attention.
It happened at the restaurant a lot, which she’d noticed during those times she went over to see him. On more than a few occasions, she’d caught sight of a female customer, usually young and beautiful, slip Sean a piece of paper with her name and number whenever he came to the dining room to greet a guest or two.
Moira would notice too and tease Rachael to pay no mind to any of that. “You’ve got Sean totally hooked, trust me.”
When Rachael had dressed carefully for the charity event, she had planned to avoid being photographed. Or draw any kind of attention to herself.
Apparently, Sean had other ideas.
When she finally got through the adoring crowd around him after he took the winning prize—which was no surprise—Rachael aimed simply to congratulate him. She hadn’t expected to have him pin her to his side just as he was being interviewed. Reporters asked him how he’d felt taking part in the competition.
“It was great,” Sean said. “Turned out to be a lot more work than I thought it would be, but I loved the experience. Especially with knowing my girlfriend was there to cheer me on.”
With that, Sean did the last thing Rachael would have expected, what with all the reporters and cameras. He turned her to face him, bent her over and kissed her.
That caused the paparazzi to go ballistic! Taking pictures of them from every possible angle, they bathed Sean and Rachael in flashing lights while people craned their necks from the crowd and nearly pushed each other just to try and capture what was indeed a bewildering moment for Rachael. A moment of bliss, triumph and love that she’d never, ever forget…
Chapter Twelve
“You did awesome tonight,” Rachael said shyly once they finally escaped from all the spotlight. The show had ended, and they were in the limo driving them off amidst more flashing cameras.
“And you looked beautiful,” he said, those dangerous blue eyes soft and deep as they gleamed at her.
Rachael felt her cheeks heat up. Well, she’d had to summon her inner Greek goddess, hadn’t she? What with nothing but those airbrushed models with their flawless tans and skin to live up to.
Not that she was trying to compete with them or any of the women in Sean’s past.
She was simply gratified that Sean had noticed her extra effort, with her blush-colored, off-shoulder dress that flattered not just her skin tone but her figure as well, ending just at the knee.
“I’ll be spending the night at your place, just so you know,” Sean said, giving instruction to the chauffeur and then sliding up the partition.
“Ahh,” Rachael said, toes squishing in pleasure at Sean’s smoking look. “We, um, hadn’t discussed it.”
“No need,” Sean murmured, sitting back with a smirk as Rachael shot him an arched eyebrow.
“You see, I’ve already been invited for a sleepover...by Leila.”
Rachael huffed and crossed her legs, causing her jersey dress to ride up slightly. She turned to Sean to give her retort, and saw him biting his lip.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“Oh, I’m fine. Just a little flustered,” he said as he looked at her. His eyes traveled right down to her exposed upper thigh.
A tingle purred between her legs. It was true that it had been weeks since they’d had a night together. Sean was tremendously busy with the restaurant and all his other business and PR pursuits. While Rachael had been snowed down with so many exhibitions to organize at the museum each week.
“Half the time I was supposed to be focused on the competition, I was looking at you,” he said huskily, trailing the back of his knuckles over her brown skinned thigh.
“I didn’t even know you could pick me out from the crowd.”
“Trust me, I’d find your face in a thousand others. It’s only you I see. And that’s why I almost came over and decked the wanker who was sat beside you trying to act cute and flirty with you,” Sean growled. “He reminds me too much of the first time I saw you again, with that boss of yours. I hope he doesn’t still bother you or ask you out on dates.”
“He’s not even in the country. Besides, I think he knows I’m kind of unavailable,” Rachael said wryly.
“Kind of? Lady, you’re officially off the market, so get that straight.”
Rachael didn’t want to show too much how pleased she was when he said that. Did he really mean it, or was he just putting up a jealous act to make her feel nice? She couldn’t really imagine any man making Sean O’Hare jealous because, well, he was so fucking perfect.
He swept her onto his lap and had her straddle him, his hands pushing up the hem of her dress to cup her ass. Giving in, Rachael sighed against his lips as her arms slipped around his neck. “Did Leila really invite you for a sleepover?”
“Aye,” he said thickly, squeezing hard on her ass cheeks. “It was either that or having a princess party with her and her friends.”
Rachael giggled, burying her face into his neck. His sexy scent made her so wet, and she moaned. “Judging by the time, she’ll already be asleep when you get there. It’s way past her bedtime.”
“I can just have the sleepover with you then,” he suggested hoarsely, plucking her lips with his and nipping her with his teeth, making her whimper. “She’ll have to make do with me at her princess party instead. Good thing I know how to bake cupcakes.”
Sean moved his lips down her jawline, sucking on it as he added, “Right now, though, I’m far more interested in your cakes.”
He gave her butt another hard squeeze and slid his hands up to meet the outline of her sexy black lace panties. Rachael hummed and rocked her hips on his erect member jutting into her center through his pants. Shifting slightly, Rachael reached down and unbuckled him, pulling out his thick, hard length and slowly stroking it. Sean let out a deep groan.
Lifting her ass with his hand and not breaking his gaze from hers, he hitched her panties to the side, leaving her eager sex exposed.
Without a word, Rachael knew exactly what he wanted and settled herself down slowly on him, moaning with a hiss.
Thank goodness for the black tinted partition. In an instant, they were caught up in their thickly fogged lust, Rachael bouncing up and down with her fingers tight in his hair for leverage. The stark sensation of hi
s thick meat thrusting hard inside her hot tunnel was a dizzying delight. Rachael got lost in shameless abandon, rocking her ass fluidly on him and listening to his breaths hitch.
Hot sex in the plush-lined limo…mmmm, Rachael figured she didn’t mind adding that to their growing list of unusual sex exploits. They never got too far, though, their raunchy session coming to an end minutes later as the ride stopped in front of Rachael’s apartment.
Sean and Rachael straightened their clothes, gazes burning with promise to finish what they’d started upstairs. Because the anticipation was half the fun, sharpened by their recent lusty sample. They made to leave the limo together, barely breaking their kiss until Rachael rested a hand on his chest.
“Wait.” She gave an apologetic look. “I almost forgot. My mom came over to babysit Leila, so she’ll be up there in the apartment…” Rachael normally had a teenaged babysitter, the daughter of a neighbor, who lately helped with the babysitting. But the eighteen year old had gone on a trip with friends. So that had left Susan as the best choice to stay with Leila while Rachael attended the fundraiser cook-off.
Rachael wasn’t so happy how her mother couldn’t seem to see eye-to-eye with Sean just because of the past. Susan really believed Sean would only break her heart again.
On the other hand, having sex with Sean while her mother was in the apartment didn’t really seem like a good idea, now that she thought of it.
“I’m sorry,” she said on a pout as Sean sighed and reluctantly released her waist. “You probably should rest after such a hectic night with the competition. You should have a good sleep tonight at home. Lord knows neither of us will be getting much of sleep if you come up with me for the night.”
