Tom, Harper’s younger brother, loved to tell people God loved him more so he gave him an extra chromosome. Harper was his biggest advocate and had taken care of him most of his life while her mom spent her nights and weekends partying. Ever since he turned nineteen, he’d been begging Harper to help him get a job.
“Wish him luck for me,” Isla said.
Olivia had no doubt, he’d get hired. The entire town loved his infectious smile, quick wit, and caring nature. “Tell him I said to turn on his charm.” Tom was a flirt who loved to make women laugh.
Harper snickered. “We’re trying to get him a job, not a date.” Harper tossed down some cash on the table. “That should cover it. Let me know if I’m short.”
Olivia picked up the bills and didn’t even need to count. “You’re more likely over.”
Harper waved her hand. “Put it toward the tip then.” Harper never liked to shortchange anyone and was always generous with tipping. Olivia suspected it had to do with her mom. Most things that Harper did was to make sure she was nothing like the woman who birthed her.
Harper left, and Olivia placed the money aside. Isla sipped her tea, and Olivia motioned toward her. “How’s your grandma been?”
“I saw her yesterday and her spirit’s a little down, but other than that, she seems good. I’m going to stop back there a little later today.”
“We have to plan that beach day.”
“I’ll check her doctor appointments and let you know what days are good.”
The waitress dropped off the bill. “Whenever you girls are ready. No rush.”
Olivia picked up the check. “Thanks, Annabelle.”
Annabelle had been a staple at Aunt Greta’s, working there morning and afternoon for as long as Olivia could remember. Sitting in Aunt Greta’s with Annabelle as her waitress was another blast of the familiar that made Olivia feel right at home.
She and Isla paid the bill and said their goodbyes. Olivia started walking away when she called out to Isla. Isla spun back around, blonde hair whipping around her like a cape.
“I forgot. Hal’s playing tonight at McConnell’s. You and Harper should come. We can have a couple drinks when I get off my shift.”
Isla gave a thumbs up. “Count us in. I’ll text Harp.”
Olivia waved goodbye and headed to the pub. Her shift didn’t start for another hour, but Shane would be there, and after last night, she couldn’t wait to see him again. And who knew, if it was a slow day, maybe they could sneak off to the back, and she could show him just how much she missed him.
Chapter 18
Hal jumped up and down, sweat dripping down his face, black eye makeup smudged across his cheeks. He was more than halfway through Alice Cooper’s entire catalog and didn’t seem to be losing any of his energy. The crowd of twenty roared, cheering for an encore.
Shane wrapped his arm around Olivia’s waist, and she leaned her head against his chest. Harper, Isla, and Milo threw their arms up on either side of them, screaming their song requests. Shane laughed when Hal pointed at Milo and delved right into School’s Out. Milo pumped his fists in the air and pretended to air guitar, jumping up and landing in a half split before getting back to his feet. He had been drinking water all night yet had less inhibitions than people who’d downed nothing but beer.
The chorus came, and the entire pub sang along, some hitting God awful notes, but not letting that hold them back.
Connor manned the bar, giving Shane a fifteen-minute break before he had to return to duty. The kitchen was closed, and Olivia was done for the night. Up until a few minutes ago, he’d been watching her dance with her friends, laugh, and sing.
The desire to join them had been stronger than anything he’d ever known. For so long, he’d kept his distance, refusing to let people in, but these people, this town, were wearing him down. He knew he had to be strong, but for one more night, he was letting himself experience life as if he didn’t have a care in the world. As if he never had cancer, and he grew up normal, having fun with friends.
He didn’t realize the deep-seated ache he had in his heart that was desperate for a connection. It been so long since he had a friend, but looking around now at Connor, Olivia, Milo, Harper, and Isla, he was happy for this time they had together.
Olivia glanced up and kissed his chin. He smiled down at her, holding her tighter. They rocked in sync with the music, and he closed his eyes, absorbing the moment and locking it to memory. If he ever faced death in the face again, he would remember tonight and the sense of normalcy and happiness that filled him with such overwhelming strength.
Hal finished School’s Out, and Olivia screamed out her request.
“You and Me!”
Hal pointed the microphone at her, sat down on a stool, and swayed as the music played. Milo acted out every line to Harper who laughed at his antics. Olivia turned in Shane’s arms, linking her hands behind his neck. Her hips moved in tune with the beat, and his hands slid down to sit firmly on her waist.
She lifted up on tiptoe, pressing a kiss to his lips. He knew he should stop her, knew the entire town was going to have them married off tomorrow and pregnant with twins, but he’d worry about that then. Right now, all he cared about was Olivia’s lips on his.
***
Olivia’s legs ached from dancing, and her throat hurt from singing along with Hal. Shane managed to keep up with her energy and throughout the night showed small signs of affection—a kiss to the forehead, a squeeze of her hand, a quick tap to the ass when he didn’t think anyone would notice.
She didn’t want to get her hopes up, but it was hard when Shane had fit in effortlessly with her friends as if he’d been friends with them for years. She still didn’t know if Shane was planning on staying or if he was going to up and leave one day. After the time they spent together, she hoped he wouldn’t leave.
She made herself at home on his couch while he grabbed a couple of waters for them. She wondered what his place looked like back in California. This house came already furnished, so she couldn’t get a glimpse into his own personal style.
Shane came into the room with two glasses and placed them on the coffee table. “I was hoping I’d come in with you naked and waiting.”
“Is that so?” She grasped his hand and yanked him on to the couch with her. “I’m sorry to disappoint you.”
He kissed her, soft and sweet. “You could never disappoint me.”
“Give me time,” she joked.
He tickled her side, and she let out a yelp as she curved her body to dodge his fingers. He got her on the other side, and she wiggled against him, but he managed to flip her beneath him, pinning her down with his solid frame.
Laughs poured out of her, the torture turning her on. She twisted and turned, but he was relentless. A smirk settled on her face as she reached down and grabbed his dick through his pants. His entire body froze, and she smiled in victory.
She rubbed, running her thumb up and down his hardened length. She bit her lip, loving how she could stop him in his tracks. The control turned her on, made her feel strong and desired.
Moisture pooled between her legs as she pulled the zipper down and released him. His erection stood at attention; an impressive sight of flesh attached to an impressive man. The night she had met Shane, she thought she was done with men. She didn’t think she’d be capable of picking up the pieces and opening her heart to someone else.
From the night she met him, without him even realizing, he gathered the shattered pieces of her heart, and not only put them back together, but made them stronger. He made her feel powerful at a time when she had never felt weaker. He lifted her up in spirit and in nature, making her feel special despite all her tribulations.
She shifted to get on her knees and show Shane exactly how much she appreciated him, but before she could, he flipped her beneath him, his hardness pressing firmly against her center. “I’ve been thinking about this all night.” He dipped his head, devouring her in a searing kiss that shot fire thro
ugh her veins.
Her insides melted as his hands roamed her body. The warmth of his finger touched her stomach and trailed a line to the waist of her pants. A frantic need ripped through her and she fumbled with her button, pushing her pants down, desperate for his touch.
Shane helped her, pulling her legs free of the restricting material. His mouth traveled down her neck, sucking on the sensitive skin at the crook. Desire spiraled with need and she shoved at his pants. She didn’t want anything between them. All she wanted was their bare bodies, uninhibited, free of barriers, sliding against each other.
He reached behind him, pulling his shirt over his head and she followed suit. She unhooked her bra and quickly tossed it in the pile of clothes on the floor. Her fingers trailed up and down the cut lines of his chest.
The sound of foil ripping echoed through the quiet house. Olivia squirmed as she patiently waited for Shane. An all-consuming need so potent, so intense overwhelmed her. Her body ached for more, craved the only thing that Shane could give her.
Finally, his strong hand cupped her ass, angling her body. She lifted, opening her thighs to him, tossing her inhibitions to the night. In one quick thrust he entered her. She cried out as soft tissue stretched to accommodate him. Her muscles clenched around him, and her head fell back, eyes rolled toward the ceiling as a million explosions detonated through her body, fueling an inferno of heat and pleasure.
She grabbed his face, bringing his mouth to hers, desperate to be as close to him as possible. Needing to be connected in every way possible. Their tongues thrashed and slid, bodies rocked and bucked until they moved as one. Shane’s thumb found her clit and with a gentle stroke, her body tightened with built up pleasure. He pumped into her, his thumb moving in delicious strokes, propelling her toward release.
She dug her fingers into the hard flesh of his ass, urging him to go harder, faster. She relaxed, absorbing every stroke, every sensual touch of his hands and mouth.
White hot heat flashed, her body tightened, preparing for the release. With one final thrust, she exploded, screaming out Shane’s name. A feeling washed over her in a wave of intensity, knocking her world upside down, drowning her in complete and total bliss. She savored the sensations devouring her body, opening herself and her heart up and letting Shane in completely.
She opened her eyes, locking with his as realization settled over her.
Somehow, someway, she’d fallen in love with the boy from the train.
***
The next morning, Shane’s phone buzzed, and he reluctantly left Olivia’s naked body. He swiped his phone off the nightstand, rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and focused on the screen. A new text from Mimi popped up. He opened the text and read.
She was inviting him to a family dinner at the house. He’d met all his family, at least those that lived in Morgan’s Bay, but he had never experienced them all together.
Would the dynamic be different? He couldn’t say no, but he didn’t want to go alone either.
He texted back.
Can I bring a friend?
Of course!
Shane put his phone down and snaked an arm around Olivia’s waist. “Would you like to come to Bayview for dinner tonight?”
Olivia’s eyes widened. “To Bayview? I have nothing to wear! All my good clothes are in the city, and I told Daniel I didn’t want any of them.” She sat up a look of panic on her face. “I need to go shopping.”
Shane lay down and pulled Olivia with him. Her body flopped over his, and he angled toward her. “You do not need to go shopping. It’s just dinner. Nothing fancy.”
“It’s dinner at Bayview Estate with your grandparents who basically own the entire town. How can I not go shopping?”
“One, because you don’t need to spend the money.” He kissed her forehead, and she sighed her disappointment to the truth in his statement. “And two, you don’t have to impress anyone with your clothes. You do that with your intelligence, charm, and kindness.”
“You’re just looking for brownie points,” she said.
“And you’re digging for me to keep going with the compliments.”
She pressed her lips together, eyes rolling upward, smirk tugging at the edge of her mouth. “I would never.”
He kissed the corner of her mouth. “Liar.”
A glint of silver caught Shane’s attention. He rolled toward it, and Olivia rested her chin on his shoulder. “What are you looking at?” He kissed her forehead then threw his feet over the bed and walked toward the dull metal.
He bent down and picked it up, placing the ring in the palm of his hand. His heart slammed in his chest as the familiar inscription looked back at him. How was that even possible?
“What is it?” Olivia sat up on the bed and tucked the sheet around her.
He held the ring up. It had been years since he’d seen this ring, but he’d never forget what it looked like.
“Probably from the previous tenant,” she said.
“No,” Shane stared at the inscription as he backed up to the bed and sat. “This is my mother’s ring.”
Olivia moved closer, looking at the ring in his hand. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive. My dad gave her this ring. She wore it all the time, but she lost it.”
“How did it get here?”
“That’s a really good question.” Shane stood up and pulled his pants on. “And I’m going to find out tonight.”
“Do you think your mom was here?”
“I don’t know. Every time I think I have this screwed up puzzle figured out a new piece presents itself and brings me back to square one.”
Chapter 19
Shane put the car in park and took a deep breath before getting out. Olivia was out before he made it to her side of the car, but she let him close the door. “And here I thought chivalry was dead,” she joked.
Shane took her hand and squeezed. “I’m just trying to impress you.”
“Consider me impressed.”
“Hey.” He tugged on her hand, and she stopped, turning to him.
“What’s up?” she asked.
“I know you wanted to handle Daniel on your own, and I never apologized for jumping in like I did.”
“You have nothing to be sorry about. I didn’t mind the assist. I was grateful for it.”
“I was happy to, but I also need you to know that I did it for my own selfish reasons, not because I didn’t’ think you were capable.”
A knowing smile lit her face. “I know. Now, are you done stalling?”
Shane laughed and kissed her knuckles. “That obvious?”
“Your hand is a little sweaty,” she joked.
He let go of her hand and wiped his palm on his pants. She immediately reached out and laced her fingers through his. “If I knew you were going to drop my hand, I wouldn’t have said anything.”
He smiled, and she could see it was for her as it was as much for him.
“You’ve already met everyone.”
“I know, but I met them all separately. Now they’re all going to be together at one table.”
“Everything will be fine.”
“I hope so.”
Shane led the way up the front steps and knocked on the door. Connor opened the door, and Olivia relaxed at the familiar face. He swooped down and hugged her, then motioned them inside.
Olivia stepped into the McConnell house—the house she dreamed about living in since she was a little child. It was an open floor plan with big windows throughout, showcasing the amazing views of the bay. The walls weren’t lined with gold gilt like she’d assumed they would be. Instead, white crown molding framed the room. The walls were a beautiful shade of yellow that brightened the entire house and were complimented by navy, yellow, and white accents that looked like a photoshoot for a high-class magazine.
While it was unbelievably pretty, it felt void of life. There were no scratches on the floor, scuffs on the coffee table, or wear on the upholstery.
; Her whole life she couldn’t appreciate what she had, too focused on what she didn’t have. If she would have taken a moment to realize, she would have realized that there was nothing wrong with her life. She’d had blinders on for so long, and they were finally falling away and revealing the things she should have seen all along. Money didn’t buy happiness.
“Shane, darling.” His grandmother came into the room, arms up, martini dangling from one hand. She took Shane in a hug and turned her attention to Olivia.
Shane placed a hand on Olivia’s lower back. “Mimi, this is Olivia Green.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You have a lovely home, Mrs. McConnell. Thank you for having me.”
“Please, call me, Mimi. Everyone else does.”
Olivia felt honored to be able to refer to this woman she had idolized for so long in such a personal manner.
“Come, come. We’re all sitting outside on the patio for cocktails.” Shane’s shoulders set in a rigid tense angle and his head bent up at tight attention. Olivia squeezed Shane’s hand as they followed Mimi to the backyard, hoping to calm whatever was going on in his mind.
“Shane,” Morgan’s Bay mayor—Shane’s uncle—stood from an Adirondack chair and came over to greet them. He shook Shane’s hand and pulled him into a hug. Shane hesitated, awkwardly patting his uncle on the back. Olivia had thought Shane liked his uncle, so why was he so closed off?
Mayor McConnell smiled at Olivia, and Shane once again placed his hand on her lower back. “Uncle Grady, this is Olivia Green.”
“Are you Rick’s kid?” he asked.
“I am.”
“He’s a good man, your father. Always keeps me on my toes at the town meetings.”
Olivia could only imagine. “He is strong in his beliefs.”
“Tell him I say hi and look forward to the next meeting. We’ll be discussing the geese issue on the football field and track. I’m sure he’ll have plenty to contribute.”
Dad had been complaining about the geese since she was in school after he was chased off the track by a very aggressive mama goose. Every spring he was driven out of his daily track laps after school because the geese took up residency. “I wish you all the luck with that one.”
All Because of You (Morgan's Bay Book 1) Page 16
