Page 16 of Embracing Easy

Shawn holds out his hand to me. “Ready to head home?”

The way he says “home” makes my belly flutter. I take his hand, marveling at how perfectly mine fits in his. “Yeah,” I say softly.

The drive back to Shawn's house is quiet but comfortable. As we pull into his driveway, I can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. It's strange how this place has started to feel like a safe haven.

Shawn kills the engine and turns to me, his brown eyes intense. “You hungry?”

My stomach growls in response, and I laugh. “I guess that's a yes.”

He grins, that heart-stopping smile that makes my insides melt. “Good. I've got some steaks that are begging to be grilled.”

We head inside, and Shawn immediately starts gathering supplies. I hover awkwardly, wanting to help but not wanting to overstep. “Can I do anything?”

He glances up from the fridge. “Yeah, take this.” He hands me a bowl of potato salad and a couple of beers. “We'll eat outside.”

I take the offerings in his hands and trail behind him as he heads out to the backyard. It's small but cozy, with a patio table and a decent-sized grill.

As Shawn fires up the grill, I settle into one of the chairs, cracking open a beer. “This is nice,” I say, gesturing to the yard.

Shawn nods, focused on arranging the steaks on the grill. “Thanks. It was the first project I took on when I moved here.”

“It's perfect,” I say, meaning it. After everything I've been through, this little slice of normalcy feels like paradise.

We fall into easy conversation as Shawn tends to the steaks. I tell him more about my work as a vet tech, and he shares storiesabout some of the crazier tow jobs he's had. It's nice getting to know each other like this.

As I watch him at the grill, his muscles flexing as he flips the steaks, I feel a flutter of attraction. It's not just his physical appearance, though that's certainly part of it. It's the way he's taken me in without question, the kindness he's shown me. I find myself wondering what it would be like to be with someone like Shawn.

But then reality crashes back in. I'm basically homeless, jobless, and completely dependent on his charity right now. The last thing I should be doing is developing feelings for him. Besides, a guy like Shawn probably has women lining up around the block. Why would he be interested in a mess like me?

My stomach growls loudly, pulling me from my thoughts.

Shawn hears it and chuckles. “Won't be long now, baby.”

A warmth spreads through me at the endearment. He's been calling me that since we met, and each time it sends a little thrill through me.

“Let me tell you the story about the runaway RV that—” his words are cut off by the sound of the gate swinging open. Both of our heads whip around to find a woman with dark hair and bright eyes stepping through with her nose lifted to the air.

“Hey, Easy! I smelled those steaks and couldn't resist coming over to—oh!” She stops short when she sees me, her eyes widening in surprise.

My jaw drops.

Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap!

“Oh my god!” I squeal, unable to hold it in any longer. “You're Amelia-freaking-Shea.”

Amelia's eyes widen, her surprise turning to delight. “I am! And you are...?”

“This is Lexi,” Shawn says, flipping a steak. “She's staying with me for a bit.”

I can barely contain my excitement as I stand up. “I'm such a huge fan of your books! Your Ghosttown Riders MC series is my absolute favorite!”

Amelia grins, stepping closer. “Well, aren't you sweet! It's always a pleasure to meet a reader.”

Shawn chuckles, shaking his head. “Should've known you two would hit it off. Amelia lives next door,” he explains, eyes still trained on the grill. “She's always trying to use me for research for her biker romances.”

“Hey now,” Amelia protests, playfully swatting his arm. “You love being my muse, and you know it.”

This feels like a dream. Amelia Shea is Shawn's neighbor. What are the freaking odds? “I can't believe I'm actually meeting you. Your books... they got me through some really tough times.”

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