“So he could abduct the both of us?”
“You know what I mean.” Denise rolls her eyes.
“How do you handle a crisis at work? I’d…”
“Here he comes! Talk to him!” she tries to whisper as she’s batting my shoulder again.
“I don’t even know him. Wh…?”
“So, you get to know him, silly!”
Before I can reply or protest, Shaun opens the door behind me to climb in, tossing a bag next to him. Denise swings around, oh-so-cheerfully greeting him.
“So, I’m Denise, I work with your sister. And this is my sister, Abby. She’s visiting from San Francisco.”
Shaun’s brow rises, and I can already guess what he’s thinking. Sisters? Really?
I get it. Denise and I look nothing alike. Although it’s difficult to tell our height while sitting, she’s only got a few inches on me, at an even six feet. I’m five-foot-nine. And while my hair is chocolate brown and in a braid that nearly reaches the center of my back, hers is currently frosty white, with magenta tips that barely reach her shoulders.
Denise is voluptuous from head to toe and is just shy of spilling out of her silky peach top. Although my figure leans more toward the trim and athletic type, with the right clothes––at least, thanks to Denise––even I can enhance my features. A push-up bra to help my girls, and the perfect green blouse to bring out the color in my eyes.
But back to Shaun. I continue to smile nervously, wondering what’s happened to my voice as I struggle to speak. Oh yeah, it’s lodged in my throat, threatening to escape as if I’d been huffing on helium. Thankfully, Shaun speaks up, giving me a few more moments to collect myself.
“Thanks again for the lift.”
“Sure,” Denise offers. “Do you live in the area too?”
“No, actually, Abby and I are neighbors.” He smiles as he sees my eyes widen. Before I can respond, he adds, “Well, as neighborly as one can get living in San Fran.”
“Oh! You live there too?” Denise squeals. “Abby lives in Parkside. Where do you live?”
“Denise,” I utter, none-too-silently.
“It’s okay, Abby, I don’t plan on stalking you.”
Just hearing my name cross his lips sends a tingle through me. Jeez––when did I become susceptible to a handsome face and a smooth voice? Apparently, three minutes ago, when I laid eyes on Mr. Adonis, the epitome of California Dreamin’.
“But if I tell you where I live,” Shaun starts, “can I have your word you won’t stalk me?”
“I make no promises,” I hear myself say. I’m rewarded with rich laughter from the back seat and giggles from my sister.
“So, I take it you gals are headed to Sherri’s for the party?”
“We are,” Denise beams. “I’m part of the celebration!”
“Congrats. Big promotion?” Shaun asks.
“Yes! Your sister has been a wonderful mentor.”
“That she is,” Shaun says. “Knows exactly what to draw out of a person.”
“So, what brings you here, Shaun?” Denise asks.
“Extra time on my hands. Thought I’d spend time with my sis. Guess you had the same thoughts too, Abby?”
“Um, sure. I mean, yes, I wanted to celebrate Denise’s promotion. Only I didn’t know we’d be going to a party at your sister’s.”
“I kinda sprung that on her upon arrival,” Denise confesses. She puts the car in gear and proceeds to drive around Shaun’s car and on toward Sherri’s place. “So, Shaun,” Denise says, looking in the rearview mirror. “What is it you do in San Francisco?” She looks at me, wiggling her eyebrows. I just furrow mine.
“I work at Oxygen Paragliding, gi––”
“No way!” Denise excitedly interrupts. “Abby was just saying how she wanted to sky dive!”
“No, I wasn’t. I just…”
“It’s kinda the same thing, right?”
Shaun chuckles before responding. “Actually, no.” He sees Denise’s pout and confused look, and quickly adds, “But close.”
I turn to look at him as he’s already looking my way. He grins and winks at me. Of course, I blush and turn away, almost grinning myself.
Shaun resumes. “I give instruction on paragliding and parasailing. I can take a person up on a tandem flight if they’re a novice, or people can go solo, if experienced enough.”
“Tandem,” Denise contemplates. “That’s like, two people together? Side-by-side, or back-to-front?”
Chuckling again, Shaun answers. “The instructor is behind the rider.”
“Sounds thrilling! You could do that, right, Abbs?” Again, with the wiggling eyebrows.
“Um, no. Does sound thrilling, but dangerously so,” I meekly reply.
“I’ve been doing it since I was twenty,” Shaun adds.
“Just a few years, then?” I remark. He can’t be but Denise’s age… twenty-five, at the most.
“Actually, ten,” Shaun answers. He sees my surprise as I quickly swing around to look him over, again. “I get that a lot. Older than I look. And experienced.” Again, with the winking.
I swing around, looking out the window. Are we there yet?
“So, then you must be really good,” Denise states. She swerves into a driveway and slams on the breaks to settle behind a BMW.
“Depends on who you ask,” Shaun quips, laughter in his voice.
“We’re here! Let the fun begin!” Denise shuts off the engine, throws the keys in my direction, and quickly exits the car. I barely have time to react so the keys don’t smack me in the face. Luckily I’m spared that embarrassment. But I fumble with the keys, dropping them onto the floor by Shaun’s feet. I try to stretch over the console and twist around as we both reach for them at the same time, bumping our heads in that classic way. We each draw back, me wincing, him grinning.
“Sorry, my head seems to be harder than yours,” he says.
“No kidding.” I quickly smack my hand over my mouth.
“It’s okay, no need to be embarrassed. Here.” He hands me the keys, which I drop in my bag. “Why don’t we start again?” He extends his hand toward me. “Hi. I’m Shaun Porter.”
I look at his hand, then back to his face. I’m so mesmerized by his eyes, all I can do is stare.
“I promise I won’t bite.”
My nervous laughter causes him to smile. I slide my hand into his and shake it, immediately feeling his warmth. Parts of his skin are rough, parts are smooth. My eyes never leave his as he leans in close, parting his lips to speak again.
But not before I blurt out, “Let me guess, not unless I want you to, right?”
The outburst startles me and I feel flush. Not to mention nauseated. Good Lord, what is wrong with me?
“Not exactly where I was going, but, okay.”
“I’m sorry.” I pull my hand from his, turning to open the door. “I’ll just exit this car and you pretend I never uttered a word.” I finally get out and try dashing toward the house. I hear the car door slam as Shaun gets out, trotting to catch up to me, his flip-flops slapping his heels.
“Abby, wait.”
I hurry my pace but he has no problem catching up to me. “Wait, I’ll walk with you.”
I remain quiet although he’s determined to engage in conversation as he speaks again.
“So how long are you visiting your sister?”
“Monday.”
“Through Monday, or are you returning Monday?”
“Uh huh.” I’m not really paying attention to his words, I’m just trying to make it into the house without making a fool of myself any more than I already have.
Evidently that’s not going to happen as I stumble in the grass and Shaun bursts forward, reaching out to save me from a face plant. He hauls me up, our chests touching, his hands cupping my elbows. I pull back as if he’s on fire, which he is, because my god, he’s hot…
“You okay?” he asks.
“Yes, thank you.” I side-step him to continue walking
, then stop and turn back. “Um, no, actually I’m not. Look, I’m just going to say it. You’re gorgeous.”
He looks surprised but continues to grin. So cute.
“I’m sure you get that all the time.” I feel my face flame. “And I’m awkward and making a fool of myself.”
“Abby…”
“So, to avoid any further embarrassment, would you just please stand here and count to ten, giving me a head start? Okay? Great.” I quickly turn again toward the house, thinking I’m finally going to get inside without further incident.
Nope. Shaun speed-counts to ten––out loud, mind you––in about four seconds before rushing to catch up to me again.
“You didn’t say I had to count slowly.”
I can’t help but giggle.
“Look, I find you attractive and intriguing.”
I snort and don’t even mind. I think I’m beyond trying to be smooth.
He chuckles. “We really can start again.”
I look at him out of the corner of my eye. “How many do-overs are you going to give me?”
“As many as it takes.”
I stop to face him, almost reluctant to accept what he’s saying. He seems sincere, and he’s just so dang sexy. Here goes nothing…
“Okay.” I extend my hand. “Abby Carter.”
He takes my hand. “Shaun Porter. Pleased to meet you.”
All of a sudden, Denise rushes up to embrace me and pulls me from Shaun, causing him to stumble slightly. I try to look back at him, but all I see is peach bosom in my face. “Abby! I’m so excited! Sherri’s going to sell me her BMW! Imagine, me, driving a Beemer!”
She’s bouncing me up and down so that I have no choice but to go with her as if I’m taking a ride on a pogo stick. “That’s great. Can I breathe now?” I muffle into her chest.
She loosens her hold, grabs my hand, and drags me back to where I just came from. I try to smile at Shaun as I’m being Denise-handled. He smiles back, nods toward the house, and mouths, ‘see you inside’.
We rush up to the BMW she parked behind. It’s silver, clean, and perfect.
“It’s perfect!” Denise squeals. “It’s only two years old. She said she’s already been wanting another vehicle. One she can put all the dogs in. So she’s going to give me a great deal on this one. Can you believe it?”
“I can believe it,” I say and try to mimic her excitement. “That’s so great for you.”
Denise doesn’t own a car, and neither do I, for that matter. I brought a rental. Denise does however, have a Vespa, which she’s able to use a great portion of the year. And when the weather isn’t cooperating, well, honestly, I don’t know how she’s been getting to and fro…
“Life is perfect!” She grabs my hand again as we sprint back to the house. “Come meet everyone!”
“Denise, you really need to slow down. I’m not used to running in sandals, and I’d hate to ruin this pair for you.”
“Oh, it’s fine, they’re old.” She waves her hand carelessly like I shouldn’t give it a second thought.
“Great. I get my baby sister’s cast-offs.”
“I didn’t mean it like that,” she nearly stops, continuing on slowly. “You know me … I barely keep a pair for a year before I’m giving them away or even trading them up. I just bought those a few months ago, but only wore them once before I realized they really weren’t what I wanted.”
“I’m not going to find an entire room full of shoes in your condo, am I?”
She chuckles. “No. I really am responsible with my newfound wealth.”
“Newfound wealth?”
“Well, being as young as I am, I really do make a buttload of money.”
I can’t help but laugh at her choice of words. “Is that what you’d call it?”
“Sure. I mean, not many can say at age twenty-four that they’ve got their Bachelor’s degree and no student loans because they paid as they went. I have no debt, and the only bills are the condo and my living expenses.”
“And now a car payment,” I add.
“Nope, not even that. I’ve got money in savings, so I can buy the car out-right.”
“Okay, now you’re just bragging.” I smile at her as she turns back to me. She has a look on her face that says, ‘crap, I really am bragging’. “No, don’t say it,” I start before she can say anything. “You’ve done fantastic for yourself and have every right to be proud. And if you want to have a room full of shoes, go for it.”
She hugs me, squeezing all the air out of me again. “Jiminy, when did you get so dang strong?” I manage to wheeze.
“Oh, sorry. Yeah, I’ve been working out too.” She releases me and shrugs. “Come on, let’s get that cool drink and start acquainting you with everyone.” She keeps my hand in hers as we stroll up the front walk.
“Denise, I really am happy for you. And I’m glad I’m here to celebrate with you. Maybe this party is a good idea after all.”
“Abbs, I’m so glad you’re here too. I miss my big sis!” She gives me a side hug. “And as much as I’m glad I dragged you here, I’m going to leave you now. For good reason.” She winks at me.
Before I know what’s happening, she gives me a nudge and a light swat on the behind before veering off on a path toward the side of the house. I continue walking forward while watching where she’s going, when all of a sudden, I crash into a wall.
A wall of muscle, named Shaun Porter.
Am I ever not going to make a fool of myself with him?
Chapter Three
“Careful. Gotta watch where you’re going,” he teases.
“Apparently. Sorry about that.” I reluctantly push away from his body.
“No harm. I came looking for you, actually. Figured you’d be ready for one of these.”
He holds out both hands, a beer in one and a wine cooler in the other. I surprise him by grabbing the beer and taking a lengthy pull on it. “Thanks,” I say, coming up for air. “I really did need that.” I put the bottle to my lips again, his eyes never leaving mine. I finish the bottle in two more gulps.
“That went down entirely too quickly,” I manage, and gasp for more air. “And now I think I’m going to truly embarrass myself by burping.”
“Hey, go for it.”
I laugh, and sure enough, I go for it. A squeak escapes me, followed by a quick inhale, followed by more squeaks. Shaun’s looking at me with a very puzzled expression as I laugh more.
“Is that your idea of embarrassing yourself?”
“Sorry.” I hold my hand over my mouth.
“For what? Squeaking like a mouse?” He laughs. “I never thought I’d hear myself say this, but if that was your version of burping, that was damn cute.”
I watch him as he takes a drink of the wine cooler. His lips pucker and his eyes squint. “People really drink these? That is way too fruity and sweet.”
“Not this gal. I always go for the beer.” I hold up the empty bottle. “I guess I owe you.”
“I’ll extract payment immediately,” he says smoothly.
“Which is?” I hear myself purr. One beer has now become my instant-change-O, now-I’m-a-sex-kitten elixir.
My eyes never leave his as he leans in, bringing his hand forward. Just when I think he might reach up and touch my face, he traces his hand down my forearm, taking the empty bottle. He transfers it to his other hand before taking my hand in his, which is warm and comforting.
“Another beer with you.” He gently pulls me in the direction that Denise took, leading us around to the back of the house.
Which, by the way, is stunning. A well-groomed lawn is framed with perfectly manicured hedges as they wrap around this side of the house. A stone pathway with solar lights leads us to the back area that looks like a resort. There’s a gorgeous pool with a rock waterfall and a pool house. Or is it a guest house? Heck, it’s an entire other house, nearly as big as my parents’. And the size of the main house looks like an HGTV Dream Home.
The a
rea is filled with people. Many are already in the pool while others are lingering on the decks. That’s right––plural. There are multiple levels of decking, scattered with chairs and loungers and beautifully potted plants, all leading up to the main house. Mixed sounds of conversation and water splashing surround me. Somewhere in the crowd I hear, but can’t see, the happy yips of dogs. I cast another quick scan around, and the view of the hills from out here is marvelous.
Shaun leads me up to the middle deck area where the bar is located under a gazebo-like structure. A beautiful blond is mixing drinks, laughing delightfully with several guests. “Abby, meet my sister, Sherri.” Yep, her eyes are a beautiful blue, matching Shaun’s.
“So pleased to finally meet you.” She smiles. “Denise said you’d be coming down this weekend. Welcome to my home.”
“It’s beautiful! Thanks for having me. Denise sprung this party on me when I got to her place. Hope you don’t mind another guest.”
“Not at all.” She waves her hand out in front of her. “As you can see, there’s plenty of room. I love entertaining.”
“She’s the party diva,” Shaun adds.
“That I am, little brother, that I am. Can I get you another beer?”
“Actually, you can get me my first. Abby drained this one, and I don’t do wine coolers.”
She chuckles. “No, you don’t.” Taking the bottles from Shaun, she places them somewhere under the bar before coming up with two more beers. She pops the tops off, handing one to each of us.
“Thank you,” I reply, taking a healthy drink. Before I can stop it, a string of squeaks and hiccups escape me. I flush deeply, covering my mouth with my empty hand. “Excuse me, I am so sorry.”
“Are you okay?” Sherri asks.
“That’s her excuse of a burp. Well, I guess that’d be a string of burps.”
“I really should have something to eat. This is already going straight to my head, and I think I’m supposed to drive back to Denise’s tonight.”
“No worries,” Sherri starts. “If you need to, you and Denise are free to stay the night.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
“Like I said, plenty of room. Shaun, why don’t you and Abby get something to eat? Jeff’s got lots on the grill.”
Unexpected Adventures Page 2
