Page 66 of Shea's Hero

The sex is amazing, too. It always was, but I think this time apart has made us appreciate each other even more. Maybe the intensity of it will fade over time, but right now, I just feel so damn lucky every time we make love.

I feel pretty damn lucky all the time, really.

Yes, there’s the uncertainty around Shea’s case, but I’m confident between the police department and B and A, we’ll get it solved. The progress is still frustratingly slow; it seems like every lead turns out to be nothing, but we’ll get it. And Shea’s safe, which is the most important thing.

Safe with me, living at my house, which has already been transformed from adult-dorm-room to cozy-Shea-style, complete with lots of pillows and decorations and pops of blue all over, bringing the bland white-ness of my place to life. In the five days Shea’s been here, my house has been transformed into a home.

Just a month ago, I couldn’t have imagined being this happy.

“Oll?”

Shea’s uncertain voice has me turning from the bathroom mirror to face her before I think to spit my mouthful of toothpaste out. “Yesh?”

Then I see her, and my brain malfunctions for a second. She’s wearing the silver dress, the one she informed me has fringe, not tassels, and… wow. Just wow. When I saw the gracefully dipping neckline and little slit along the side, my first thought was Shea would look amazing in it. But she looks beyond amazing. She’s breathtaking.

The slit exposes a glimpse of toned leg, and the neckline shows off more than a hint of cleavage. The fabric drapes across Shea’s sweet curves, accentuating the flare of her hips and making me wonder what her ass looks like when she turns around.

Her hair is loose, falling in loose waves across her shoulders. The diamond necklace I gave her for her twenty-fifth birthday hits just below her collarbone, sparkling in the bright light of the bathroom. And she has that shimmery stuff on again, which I now know is a special lotion that’s supposed to make her look all glowy, whatever that means.

She looks awesome. That’s what I know.

The tiny creases etched across Shea’s forehead smooth out and she smiles. “I have a question. But you can spit out your toothpaste first.”

Right. The toothpaste. So I spit it out as subtly as I can and quickly rinse my mouth with water. “Okay.” I bare my teeth at her. “I’m not rabid anymore. What’s up?”

“Are you sure this dress is okay?” She spins around. “It’s not too revealing? Too shiny?”

The hem of the dress lifts as she moves, revealing more of her legs. My pants go tight. Pressure throbs. “Um.”

Do I have time to take Shea to the bedroom before we have to leave? Or could we just use the bathroom counter?

“Um?” Shea’s brows wing up. “That doesn’t sound good. I should change.” She heads for the bathroom door. “I’ll find something else. Just give me?—”

“No.” My voice is rough with need. “Don’t change. You look incredible. I was just thinking about how much I want to make love to you. Not that there’s anything wrong with your dress.”

Pink rises in her cheeks. “Are you sure? Because I want to make a good impression on all your friends and coworkers.”

I gather Shea in my arms, pulling her close enough that she can feel the growing bulge in my pants. “Not that I care what anyone else thinks, but you’re going to make a great impression. Partly because you look beautiful in that dress, although you’d look gorgeous in anything you wear. And also because you’re an amazing person. Smart, funny, kind…”

“Oll.” Her lips curve into a pleased smile. “You’re so sweet.” She pauses to lean back from me a bit, her gaze sweeping up and down my body. “And handsome, too.”

“Oh? You think so?” Not that I’m an insecure guy, but hearing Shea say she likes how I look is something else entirely.

“Yes.Veryhandsome.”

“Handsome enough to make a quick detour into the bedroom?”

“Oliver.” It’s lightly scolding. “Do you know how long I took getting ready?”

I give her a hopeful look. “Would it help if I said you look stunning after we make love? All flushed and bright-eyed and your hair all sexy?”

Shea laughs, her earlier uncertainty gone. “While I love that you think that, I was hoping for something a little more polished for an evening fundraising event.” She pauses before adding in a throaty tone, “Butdefinitelyafter.”

“Okay.” Cupping her cheek, I press a soft kiss to her lips. “After, then. At least twice. First with the dress on—” I slide my hand up her leg. “And then with it off.”

“Oh.” Desire flares in her gaze. “Yes. Absolutely.”

“Alright.” My hand inches higher to give her ass a light squeeze. “Let’s get to this thing, then. Have some good food, listen to some music, talk to our friends, and when we get home…”

---