Chapter 5

Emily finished her last client and headed back to her desk. Ada had dropped her lunch there when she returned from Jack’s Place. It was a small pub just around the corner from the salon and had the best turkey sandwiches Emily ever tasted.

She’d tried to forget about the man behind the reception desk with Aurora. It also pissed her off that he wasn’t as big a distraction to the clients as she was expecting. In fact, most of the people knew him.

She shouldn’t have been surprised since the O’Connor family were all over Hopedale. You couldn’t go anywhere without running into one of them, or at least that was what she was told. Emily didn’t spend a lot of time exploring the small town. Not because she didn’t like it, but she’d only been living in the apartment above the salon for a couple of months, and then her mother vanished.

“Aunt Alice makes a great sandwich, doesn’t she?” Emily snapped her gaze up to the doorway which was filled with the beautiful man she’d been doing her best to ignore all morning.

“I should’ve known she was related.” Emily tried to sound annoyed, but her voice came out all breathy.

“Yep, if you meet an O’Connor in Hopedale, they’re related to me.” He plopped in the chair across from her desk and proceeded to open a massive sandwich. He popped one of his fries into his mouth and then looked up.

“Is there a reason you’re in my office?” Emily didn’t feel comfortable being in such close quarters with him. The scent of his cologne was driving her nuts. Not because it was a bad smell but because it was incredible. If she wasn’t mistaken, it smelled like, Straight to Heaven by Kilian. It was a combination of spicy and woodsy with a hint of musk. It was also extremely expensive. She didn’t know many men that wore it.

“I’m eating lunch and waiting for your decision.” He took a bite of his sandwich although she didn’t know how he got his mouth around the bloody thing. That was another thing that was too distracting. His mouth. Full lips that could only be described as lickable, suckable, and biteable.

“My decision?” She had completely forgotten what the question was. It was hard to since her thoughts were engulfed in wondering if his lips were as soft as they looked.

“Your father’s place or the compound.” He locked his gaze on her, and Emily trembled. “I need to know so I can make the necessary arrangements.”

“I’m pretty sure I told you that I’m not going to either,” She wasn’t changing her mind.

“How many bedrooms do you have?” He balled up the empty sandwich wrapper and tossed it into the garbage bucket across the room. Of course, he didn’t miss.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but there’s one bedroom.” Emily rolled her eyes.

“I guess I’ll have to get a camp cot brought over.” He pulled his phone out of his jacket and before she realized what he said, he’d made arrangements with someone to bring a camp cot to her salon.

“Wait one damn minute. You’re not staying in my apartment. There’s no way in hell.” Emily stood up, pressed her fists against the top of the desk and leaned over it.

“Hold on a second, Smash.” Keith pulled the phone away from his ear and stood up. She had to lift her head to look up at him. “I’m going to tell you this once more, and it’ll be the last. When we know you’re not in any danger and only then, will you be rid of me. Until then we’ll be joined at the hip. It’s pointless for you to cop an attitude with me because, Princess, nobody on this earth has an attitude that can match the females in my family. I’m immune to the pissy moods and complaining. Do you understand me? So if you don’t want me staying in your apartment, make a choice.” She didn’t miss the clenching of his jaw.

“I’m no Princess, and you’re an asshole.” Emily stomped out of the office into the private bathroom off her office. She slammed the door and pressed her forehead against it.

“Okay, so I’m assuming I’ll need the cot.” She heard him shout. Emily wanted to march out of the bathroom and punch him straight in the gut, but from what she could see she’d probably break her hand.

Emily paced the tiny bathroom grumbling to herself. Keith was too huge a presence for her dinky apartment. She’d have to hide in her bedroom to avoid being around him, and she wasn’t one that liked to hide, but he gave the impression of being a bad boy. The very type of guy she avoided.

It was unusual that she was so attracted to him, especially since she’d just met him. Her whole body reacted to him. Between the pounding of her heart, the palm sweating, and just his near presence, she was ready to go out of her mind. The thoughts of doing a lot of really naughty things to him, and with him were not helping either.

“Get a fucking grip, Emily.” She leaned on the small counter and stared at her flushed face. He was driving her blood pressure through the roof, and the big jerk didn’t even know. She splashed some cold water on her face and covered it with the small towel that was hung on the hook.

“Maybe you’re ovulating or something.” She whispered as she peered at herself in the mirror again. “And it has been a long while since….” A hard knock stopped her chat with herself and made her almost fall back over the toilet.

“Your next client is here, Em.” It was Ada.

“Thanks, can you tell her I’ll be right out,” Emily called through the closed door.

“Will do.” She heard the clicking of Ada’s block heels slowly fade away.

Emily took a couple of deep breaths and opened the door. She fully expected to see Keith still sat in her office. She didn’t know if she was relieved or disappointed to see the chair was empty. She tugged down on her shirt and headed to the front, and there he was sitting behind the reception desk like he’d been all morning.

“I love that new receptionist.” Her client giggled as she motioned to Keith. No surprise that Ginger Dwyer would notice him. The bitch would probably text all her snobby friends in SummerBrook when she left to talk about him.

The only reason she even continued to have clients like Ginger was because they paid top price for anything they had done. Sometimes Emily thought they just came to her place to look down on her.

“Aurora has been here for a while.” Emily pretended she didn’t know Ginger was talking about Keith.

“I wasn’t talking about the girl. I was talking about the bulging wall of muscle in black. He looks like one of those men you’d like to have just once.” Ginger whispered.

“I don’t think that would work with him. I’m pretty sure he’s gay.” Emily spoke a little louder than she probably should have, but she wanted Keith to hear her, and from the way, his gaze slowly met hers she was sure he did.

“Wow! Really? What a waste.” Ginger sighed as she turned to glance at Keith. Emily tugged on her hair. Hard. “Ouch.” Ginger whined.

“Sorry, the brush got tangled.” Emily lied.

She felt dead on her feet, and except for Aurora, everyone had left for the day. Emily walked around to check all the stations to ensure everything was turned off. It was weird being there without Kim hovering around. Her business partner had some kind of OCD when it came to checking all the stations.

“I’m gone, Em,” Aurora wiggled her fingers as she headed out of the door.

“I’ll see you in the morning, sweetie.” Emily waved as she made her way to the reception desk to grab the cash drawer. She was just going to take it to her apartment and do up the tally. As she picked up the drawer, a deep voice startled her.

“I’ve secured the windows,” Keith sauntered out of the back. Emily dropped the cash drawer sending coins rolling across the floor. The debit slips and receipts flew into the air, and she almost tripped over it when it hit the floor.

“Shit, shit, shit,” Emily grumbled.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Keith crouched and began to grab the coins that had rolled near him.

“I forgot you were here.” Emily lied as she knelt on the floor and began to scoop up the mess. She couldn’t forget he was there even if she tried. His scent filled the place, or at least that’s what it seemed.

“You forgot, or you were hoping I left.” He grinned as he knelt in front of her and tossed the coins he retrieved, into the drawer.

“Hope springs eternal.” She couldn’t help but smile at him as he continued to help.

“I’m starting to get the feeling you don’t like me, princess,” Keith chuckled.

Emily shook her head as she picked up the drawer and began to stand. When she looked up, he had his hand held out. At first, she was just going to ignore it but the way her legs felt she was sure she wouldn’t be able to get up on her own.

I’m so out of shape.

She accepted his hand, and he pulled her to her feet as if she was a child. When he took the drawer from her hand, she glanced up at him.

“Where do you want this? I’m afraid you’ll drop it again.” He winked.

Emily rolled her eyes, and he smiled. It changed the whole appearance of his face. Softened it somehow. Not that he wasn’t gorgeous either way, but that smile could melt a woman’s heart.

“My security is also a comedian. I dropped it because of you, jerk.” Emily took the drawer back and headed to the door of her apartment in the back of the salon. “I’m taking it upstairs.”

As she walked towards the door, she stopped so quickly he slammed into her back. How could she have forgotten he was going to be staying in her apartment?

“What’s wrong?” He placed his hand on her shoulder. The slight touch sent a wave of need through her entire body.

“Umm…. Don’t you have to go get your things?” She closed her eyes and prayed he’d say yes.

“I thought we’d established I’m your shadow until all this is over. Smash dropped off the things I need, and Ada let me in your apartment to set it up.” Emily turned around so fast she hit him with the corner of the cash drawer.

“She did what?” Emily’s voice squeaked when he grabbed the drawer before it hit the floor.

“I didn’t want to disturb you with your flirty client. You know the one you told I was gay.” Keith smirked. She so wanted to slap it off his face.

“You were right earlier. I don’t like you very much.” Emily yanked the drawer away from him and stomped up the stairs.

When she pushed the door open, there was a large green army cot off to the side of her living room and a duffle bag next to the door.

“That’s okay.” He plopped down on her sofa, but she ignored him and went to her room to tally up the sales. He could entertain himself.

Emily turned onto her back for the third time. She never had trouble falling asleep after a busy day, but it was after midnight, and she was still wide awake. The only thing going to help was a cup of Camomile tea. She tossed the blankets off and pulled on her fluffy purple robe.

She opened her bedroom door slowly and peeped through the crack. The only light was the one over her stove, and everything was completely quiet. Emily tiptoed towards the kitchen but stopped when she saw him.

He lay on the camp cot still in his clothes. He didn’t even have a pillow. With one hand resting on his abdomen and the other behind his head, he looked comfortable enough. His breathing was deep and slow making it obvious he was sleeping. She had to stop staring at him before he woke up and thought she was some weirdo.

She sat down next to the small table and wrapped her hands around the warm mug. Shutting off her mind seemed to be impossible, so she pulled her phone out. The picture on her screen made her smile. It was her mother and sister at the Sweet Heart Ball the previous year. As usual, her mom was the most beautiful woman at the event. Emily was well aware that her sister resembled their mom and looking at the picture it was evident. Emily had some likeness, but Elaine could pass for her mother’s twin.

The Sweet Heart Ball was an annual event her mother started after Emily’s youngest sister passed away from a heart condition. It was to raise money for the children’s hospital that had taken such good care of Ella up until her death.

Ella had a form of heart disease called cardiomyopathy. Her heart wasn’t pumping enough blood to her body, and she required a heart transplant. Unfortunately, Ella didn’t get a heart and passed away a week before her sixth birthday.

After that, her mother made it her mission to raise money for the children’s hospital. She volunteered at least twice a week and made sure if any child was in the hospital for their birthday they had a special celebration.

Her mother had been deep into the preparations for the fundraiser when she vanished. She’d heard her father say he’d move heaven and earth to make sure it still went ahead because it’s what she would want. It was not even two months away, and Emily wasn’t confident he was going to be able to do it.

Emily wiped the tears that ran down her cheeks. The only time she let her emotions out was when she was alone in her apartment, but she wasn’t exactly alone at the moment. Only a few feet away on the other side of the wall was a man that made her pulse quicken and her body ache. It was something she’d never experienced before. She’d never felt the animalistic need to have someone. Not until him.

Emily remembered her mother telling her when she met the right man she’d feel it from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, and he wouldn’t even have to touch her. There was no way Keith O’Connor was the one for her, but she did feel it all over.

With a shake of her head, she emptied her cup and placed it in the sink. Quietly she tiptoed towards her bedroom, but as if she had no control, she turned to take another glimpse of him. The light from the moon glowed through the window allowing her to see his form still motionless on the cot.

She spotted the tartan throw on the back of the couch out of the corner of her eye. There was a chill in the room, and it would be rude to let him be cold. It probably would have been more polite to have offered him a blanket and pillow before she stomped off into her room.

Emily grabbed the throw and moved slowly towards Keith. For a moment she stood over him and studied his face. He had a day’s growth of beard forming, and it was a little redder than his hair, but it only enhanced his handsome face. His lashes were long and thick but light in color. Across the bridge of his nose, there was a small scar, and she wanted to trace it with her finger, but she wouldn’t dare. Her gaze moved to his slightly parted lips, and it appeared as if he was grinning slightly.

“Was there something you needed, princess?” His voice was just above a whisper, but it startled her making her jump back from the cot.

“Yes, … I mean no…. It’s cold and….” She stammered over her words.

Keith opened his eyes, and the way they traveled down her body and up again made her shiver.

“I brought you a blanket.” Emily tossed it over him, but it slid to the floor. She was thoroughly embarrassed to be caught sizing him up. She crouched to pick it up, but he grabbed her wrist and tugged her towards him.

“I’m not the least bit cold. As a matter of fact, I find it hot.” His eyes sparkled, and the heat of his hand around her wrist was unnerving. “But I suggest you go back to bed.” His gaze locked with hers and for a moment she thought about throwing caution to the wind.

“Emily, go back to bed.” His teeth clenched, and she lowered her eyes but not before she got a quick glance at the large bulge in the front of his jeans.

Holy mother of Jesus.

“I’m sorry I woke you.” Emily yanked her wrist from his grasp and practically ran to her room. She ducked inside, closed the door and pressed her back against it.

What the fuck is wrong with you?

It wasn’t like she was a virgin. In fact, she was far from it, but the man looked about ready to bust the zipper in his jeans and part of her wanted to see that. Who the hell was she fooling? All of her would have loved to see it.

“It’s not like you haven’t seen one before.” What was she, sixteen? He was just another man that woke up with an erection, and that was it. He probably had his way with some hot blonde in his dream or maybe two. Either way, it had nothing to do with her, and she needed to get some rest. Maybe her brain would return after a good night’s sleep because it was evident it had taken a vacation since Keith O’Connor had appeared in her life. There was only one person to blame for the whole thing.

Thanks a lot, Dad.