Unexpected Adventures (New Adventures Book 1)

by Laura M. Baird

  “Would you like me to follow you to Sylvia’s? I’d be happy to help in any way I can.”

  “Really?” I manage to squeak out, still shocked he’d want anything to do with me.

  Shaun reaches out to gently stroke his knuckles down my cheek and it takes all my will power to keep from leaning into his caress.

  “Really, Abby. I’m not ready to say goodbye to you.”

  I close my eyes and sigh, and yes, lean into his caress, ever so grateful there may still be a chance with him. But before I can say a word, Sylvia opens the car door and smacks me in the legs, nearly taking me out in the process.

  “Abby, why aren’t we moving? I want to get home. Shaun can follow us.” And with that, she slams the car door shut.

  Shaun and I exchange snickers before he leans in for a quick, gentle kiss.

  “I’ll follow you. Give me a moment to catch up, I’m just around the corner.” He nods behind him indicating where he’s parked.

  “Okay. Um, Sarah said you hopped in the Cruiser?”

  “Yeah, since my car wasn’t ready yet. Sherri won’t mind.”

  I nod as he steps away, and I already hate that I hate the loss of contact. I mean, earlier I was ready to write him off, and now, I just want to lean on him and forget about the horrible way I acted with him. Sheesh, what is wrong with me? And how could he possibly want to give me another chance?

  “Abby,” Shaun says quietly, bringing me back into focus. “Get in the car.” He grins. “I’ll be right behind you.”

  I can’t contain my smile as I look at his handsome and kind face.

  “All right. We’re not far from her place.”

  I watch him nod and disappear around the corner, then decide I better get in the car before Sylvia feels the need to prod me again.

  Once settled, I see Shaun come around the corner, so I ease into traffic, allowing him to tail me.

  “So, tell me more about Shaun.”

  I look over at Sylvia and see her grin, causing me to chuckle.

  “One thing at a time,” I say. Because really, I’m not sure what there is to tell at this point. “Let’s get you settled and we’ll have lunch. There’ll be plenty of time for talking.”

  But what will be said, I wonder, as I try to concentrate on making it to Sylvia’s without losing Shaun.

  Because I realize I don’t want to lose Shaun. Ever.

  Chapter Fourteen

  We arrive at Sylvia’s, get her settled comfortably, and prepare to eat. And talk. Let’s not forget that part, because I know Sylvia’s just chomping at the bit to find out how Shaun and I came together.

  Well, not that I’m going to tell her about how I came with Shaun, because that’s just too personal and something she doesn’t need to know.

  I’ll just tell her how we met, and…

  And what? Our relationship is just beginning, or so I thought. Then I had to act like a screwball this morning and practically push him away. But here he is, being thoughtful and attentive and… still interested.

  We’ll see where this goes.

  “Abby, would you please make some tea?”

  Sylvia’s request brings me out of my own thoughts. “Sure.”

  “Thank you, dear. Now, Shaun, come to the table. Let’s get to know one another.”

  I manage to grin at him instead of grimacing before going to the kitchen to assemble sandwiches and make tea. I know how tenacious Sylvia can be. However, in the little time I’ve known Shaun, I know he’s perfectly capable of handling her. But what will he say about us? Where do we stand with one another?

  Gah! I groan. I hate this turmoil.

  “What’s wrong?” Sylvia asks me as I make my way to the table.

  “Nothing,” I mumble, placing the tray of offerings on the table, taking a seat, and trying not to notice out of the corner of my eye the curious look Shaun is giving me. As I face Sylvia, she’s giving me pretty much the same look, questioning me over the rim of her cup as she sips her tea she quickly snatched up.

  “Well then,” she starts, placing the delicate china on the table. “Tell me about the two of you. Abby seemed dead-set against finding a man and doing new things in life. And yet here you are.”

  I nearly choke on the bite of food I put in my mouth, causing Shaun to rub my back as I finally swallow and reach for my drink.

  “Well you can’t tell me he isn’t a new man in your life, right?”

  I only manage to croak as I finish my drink, trying to clear my throat.

  “To be fair to Abby, I did most of the pursuing,” Shaun said. “She dazzled me from the moment I saw her.”

  He looks over at me and I’m sure he sees the surprise clearly on my face as my mouth drops open. His eyes never leave mine as he continues. “She’s obviously a beauty.”

  My eyes soften as I close my gaping mouth.

  “She’s genuine, honest, sweet.”

  My heart melts.

  “She’s someone I want to get to know a whole lot more.” He reaches for my hand and his fingers lock with mine. I give him a good squeeze.

  “That’s just lovely. Tell me more about yourself, young man.” Sylvia finally begins to nibble on her lunch.

  As Shaun releases my hand to also pick at his lunch, he proceeds to tell her about himself, his work, and Sherri. We then take turns telling her about our short visit with our sisters and our trip out to Link Observatory.

  Sylvia’s brow wrinkles and she tsks. “And then this nasty business with my idiotic fall throws a wrench in your plans.”

  “Hey, stop,” I say softly to her. “I couldn’t have stayed away. Yes,” I continue on before she has a chance to interrupt. “I’m sure you would’ve been fine without me, as you’re clearly displaying now. But I would’ve been an emotional wreck and no fun to be around anyway.”

  She lovingly pats my hand. “Well, thank you for that, Abby. You really are a dear.” She turns to Shaun. “I’ve loved having her help, but in talking with Millie, I realize I’m going to need to do something different.”

  “What do you mean?” I’m immediately concerned about what’s going through her mind.

  “In truth, I’ve been thinking about my situation for some time. As I said, I’ve loved having your help, but it isn’t enough.”

  “Well I could do more,” I hastily say. “I…”

  “Abby, I know you could. But I’m not going to ask that of you.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because you’re not meant for this.” She waves her hand in the air. “Taking care of an old lady.”

  “Sylvia…”

  “No, Abby, you’re not. As wonderful as you’ve been to and for me, you’re meant for so much more. And I have to be honest with myself, I’m not as spry as I used to be,” she says with a laugh. “God, how I hate to say those words. However, in talking with Millie, I’m going to start planning a move.”

  I notice Shaun sitting back, quietly listening to our exchange.

  “A move? To where?” I sit forward, flattening my hands on the table, my anxiety level climbing.

  “Well, Millie has had concerns about living alone as well, and as much as I love my dear friend, I know our living together, either at her place or mine, isn’t going to work. She’s been checking into some independent living communities, and we’re scheduled for a tour at one. Tomorrow, in fact.”

  I guess you could say I sat in stunned silence. I adore Sylvia, and the thought of not seeing her on a regular basis makes me sad. Not because losing a client meant losing hours and pay—Heather has plenty to distribute around. But Sylvia was special to me. Is special to me.

  “You should be celebrating this, Abby. You’re finally going to be rid of my constant nagging.”

  “Stop. Don’t do that, Sylvia.”

  “Oh, dear, I know you’re upset.” She places her hand across mine. The difference is stark—her thin, frail hand with delicate, pale skin that’s speckled with brown spots rests across mine that is tan and nearly flawless. �
�I am as well,” she continues. “And I’m just trying to make this as easy as possible.”

  “Nothing about this is easy.” I turn my hand over so our palms touch and instantly our hands grasp one another. “Yes, I know, nothing lasts forever, and yes, a part of me really understands your thinking, but it still makes me sad.”

  “Me too, dear, me too. But that doesn’t mean you can’t come to visit me when I’m settled.”

  “You say that as if it’s a done deal. As if you’re actually making the move tomorrow.”

  “Well, in a way, I am. My mind is made up about this. Whether the place we look at tomorrow is the one, or whether it’s another, the move is going to happen.”

  “And what about your condo? Are you selling? What about all your belongings?”

  “Richard will be here before long, so I’ll talk to him about most of my belongings and who in the family wants what. Given I’ll be reduced in living space, I’m fine with taking only a few things to my new residence. As you know, I’m not one to tie myself up in material possessions. I’ve seen what scavengers your own family can turn into when it comes to distributing the so-called wealth.” She says the last part with disgust.

  “I’ll help you in any way I can,” I say to her.

  “Me too,” Shaun adds. “I have a pretty strong back and I’m not afraid of lifting.” He winks at me.

  “Thank you,” I say.

  “Yes, thank you, Shaun,” Sylvia adds. “So, Abby, depending on how soon I move, I hope you won’t mind helping me pack some things. A lot I’ll leave up to Richard to take care of, so I won’t overwork you.” With a quick squeeze of my hand, Sylvia releases it.

  “Hey, I offered, so I’m willing.”

  “As for my condo, again, I’ll leave that up to Richard to deal with. He’d know more about finding an agent and having it listed.”

  “A great place like this, in its location,” Shaun says. “You shouldn’t have any problem in getting a great price for it. And fairly quickly too, I would think. Real estate around here has been on fire.”

  “Well that’s good to know,” Sylvia says. “I’d rather the entire process be dealt with expeditiously.” She places her napkin on the table and begins to rise. I hurry to her side to assist. “I just need a little help in getting to my chair. If you don’t mind, Abby, would you and Shaun stay until Richard arrives? I’d like to go over some things with you when he’s here. Then you and Shaun can be on your way to something more enjoyable.”

  I look to Shaun, raising my eyebrows, hoping he’s okay with that. And thankfully, he nods yes. “Not a problem, Sylvia. Would you like more tea?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  As I get Sylvia comfortable, Shaun begins to clear the table, taking items into the kitchen. I grab a few things from the table myself and join him. Once we have everything put away and the tea is steeping, I brace myself against the counter, closing my eyes and rolling my head to stretch my neck. I’m startled by Shaun wrapping his arms around my center, pulling my back into his chest. I instinctively rest my head back against his shoulder as I cover his hands with mine. He leans his head down to place tender kisses on my neck.

  “You’re an amazing person, Abby.”

  “I am?” I manage to sigh. His nibbling on my ear does wonderful things to my insides.

  “Yes. You’re handling this situation with a lot of grace, while I’m sure inside, you want to crumble. I can see how much you and Sylvia mean to each other.”

  “In such a short time, she feels like family.”

  “Just remember what she said about visiting her. Your relationship doesn’t have to end just because you may not be her caregiver anymore.”

  “I suppose.”

  Shaun stops his attention to my neck, straightens, and turns me around to face him. “Maybe she’s right. Maybe you’re meant for more than this, and now’s the opportunity to think about that.”

  “But I don’t know what I’m meant for. I hate change.” I hang my head, stupidly feeling sorry for myself.

  “Does that mean you hate me?”

  I suddenly whip my head up, looking at him with shock and surprise. “How can you say that?”

  “Well, two days ago we never knew each other existed. And if someone had told me in that short of time, I’d be standing in the arms of an angel—to steal Sarah McLachlan’s words—I don’t think I would’ve believed them.”

  “Pfft, I’ve hardly been an angel when I practically told you to go to Hell this morning.” He raises his eyebrows at me and I can’t help but blush. I rarely cuss, but changes are happening and I’m not sure what to do with them. I shake my head. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately.” I look directly at him.

  “A lot’s happened lately, so it’s understandable you’re shaken up a bit.” He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. “Maybe I can help steady you?”

  “I think I’d like that,” I whisper.

  “So, does that mean some changes are good?” He smiles.

  I smile in return, standing on my tippy toes so that our lips nearly touch. “Some changes are magical.” I take his lips in a kiss that’s soft and subtle.

  Before we get too caught up in ourselves, the doorbell chimes. Reluctantly, we pull away from one another, grinning.

  “That’s probably Richard,” I say. “I’ll go see to it.”

  “And I’ll take Sylvia her tea.”

  Before leaving him, I give Shaun another quick kiss. “Thank you. For… for not giving up on me.”

  “I’ll extract payment later.” He gently pushes me out of the kitchen, giving my bottom a playful swat.

  Before I reach the door, I try like heck to wipe the enormous smile off my face.

  It’s impossible.

  I look through the peephole and see Sylvia’s son on the other side of the door. I gladly open it and greet him. “Hi, Richard. Come on in.”

  Sylvia’s son, her oldest child at age fifty-five, is dressed nicely in slacks and a casual shirt. With a hint of a softening belly and thinning black hair, along with the type of face that says eternal cherub with his cute pudgy cheeks, Richard is one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. He’s happily married with two kids of his own and three grandkids.

  “Hello, Abby. Nice to see you. How’s Mom?”

  “I’m just fine, dear,” Sylvia calls from the living room.

  He grins at me and we both make our way to her. Shaun is standing nearby.

  Richard approaches Sylvia, giving her a kiss on the head. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she says. “Richard, this is Abby’s friend, Shaun. Shaun, my son, Richard.”

  They shake hands and greet one another.

  “Sit, sit,” Sylvia says. “Let’s get down to business.”

  And we do. Or more accurately, Sylvia does. She proceeds to fill Richard in on her decisions and what she’d like him to take care of, and I give him a brief update on her condition. He states he plans to spend a day or two in town, and he’s booked himself a room at the Omni, not far from Sylvia’s place.

  “Now,” Sylvia states. “Millie will be by a little later and she’s planning on staying the night. First thing in the morning, we’ll visit our potential new residence. So, Abby, you and Shaun go on and have a good evening. Why don’t you come back by tomorrow afternoon and I’ll tell you all about the tour?”

  “Are you sure there isn’t anything else you need?”

  “I’m sure… and thank you.”

  “Yes, thank you,” Richard says. “Both of you, for all you’ve done for Mom.”

  “My pleasure,” Shaun and I say at the same time. We chuckle and say our goodbyes.

  Shaun and I head down to our vehicles. Before I can ask “where to”, he beats me to it.

  I nestle close to him and whisper, “I don’t want to be alone.”

  “Then you won’t.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  I follow Shaun to his place. It’s a really nice townhouse just north of the
Golden Gate Park in the Richmond District.

  “Make yourself at home. The bathroom is just down that hall.” He points the way once we’re inside.

  “Thank you.” I make my way there, having held it since Sylvia’s. My sphincter muscles are getting quite the workout lately. I snort to myself then groan as I think about what Shaun and I shared and wonder if I’ll be lucky enough to get back in his good graces. And if I’ll ever have the privilege of being naked in his arms again, because, damn, I want that. But I can’t assume it’ll be easy just because he’s being so nice and caring. Just because I’m here at his place with him.

  Just because the look of desire he gave me before leaving Sylvia’s had me thinking that’s exactly what was on his mind. And, well, mine too.

  After taking care of nature’s call, I return to his living room getting a better look at his place. It’s a well lived-in space, neat and comfy. A couch sits in the middle of the room facing a TV. Built-in shelves line the walls and are filled with books, magazines, and DVD’s. Everything is something of purpose with not one knick-knack to be seen. Behind the couch is his open kitchen with a few stools at a counter. Shaun is there, opening two bottles of beer.

  “Thought we could each use one of these,” he says, passing me a bottle.

  “Thanks,” I say before draining half the bottle. “For someone who doesn’t usually drink all that much, I think I’ve had more in the last two days than in the last six months.”

  “How are you processing everything? Sylvia’s news must be a shock for you.”

  “Tell me about it,” I say. “Guess it’ll take time for the news to settle into my brain.” I drain the rest of the beer, staring blankly at the bottle. “Good thing I had something to eat or my head would be spinning out of control.”

  After taking a drink from his bottle, Shaun sets it down and moves around the counter to my side. He takes the bottle from my hand and easily pulls me into an embrace. “Why don’t I give you a good reason to spin out of control?” He begins a slow, leisurely kiss while his hands begin to lift my t-shirt up my sides.