When The Music Ends E-Book

Simone Beaudelaire

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

How does a fated love rise from a pleasant note to a passionate symphony?

Budding musician Erin James knows all too well the noise of neglect and tragedy, and that her infatuation with her best friend Sheridan’s brother, Sean, is doomed never to blossom.

For his part, Sean Murphy isn't in the market for a relationship. He's more interested in helping build his father's construction company. Even if he were, his sister's best friend isn't on his radar.

Everything changes when Sheridan plays matchmaker. That night, a date quickly flares into irresistible passion. But as their love reaches a crescendo, personal tragedy threatens to end their harmonious, unlikely romance.

When the music ends, will the lovers find a way to compose a life together?

This book contains graphic sex and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

Leseprobe

WHEN THE MUSIC ENDS

HEARTS IN WINTER BOOK 1

SIMONE BEAUDELAIRE

LARGE PRINT VERSION

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Next in the Series

About the Author

Books by Simone Beaudelaire

Copyright (C) 2013 Simone Beaudelaire

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2021 by Next Chapter

Published 2021 by Next Chapter

Cover art by http://www.thecovercollection.com/

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author's permission.

For Sandra, Reed, Guy, Jill, Cary and Lin.

I couldn't have done it without you.

CHAPTER1

October 2001

“Hello?” Sean Murphy called as he entered the white, century-old colonial house in which he had grown up. He stepped into the silent living room. The age-darkened door slammed shut behind him in a gust of chilly October wind.

Home looks the same as always, he thought. Rose-printed sofa, two maroon armchairs and an antique wooden rocker flanking the brick and brass fireplace. It's too quiet, though. Mom and Dad must be out. I bet Mom left something delicious in the fridge. That will keep me busy until dinner.

A muffled greeting interrupted his refrigerator piracy scheme. “Hi, Sean, can you come here, please?”

Smiling to himself, he climbed the stairs to Sheridan's bedroom and opened the door, unsurprised to discover his seventeen-year-old sister wasn't alone. Sheridan's best friend Erin James sprawled with her on the pink and lace canopy bed. Small and pale with dark hair and eyes, Erin's serious face reflected her intense personality.

Sheridan—tall and curvy with golden skin, masses of blond curls, and a cheerful demeanor—resembled sunshine brought to life. She jumped from the bed and ran to her brother.

“Hey, sis, what did you need?” Sean asked as he received his sister's exuberant hug. From the corner of his eye, he saw Erin sit up, her cheeks flaming at the sight of him.

“Your timing is perfect, Sean,” Sheridan gushed. “I need you to take Erin to the homecoming dance.”

“Huh?” Sean turned from his sister to Erin and saw her fair face had darkened even further.

“Yeah,” Sheridan blurted, a flood of words seeming to erupt from her all at once. “This stupid guy has been messing with her, making her think he would take her, but he really just wanted her to help him study. Today we found out that he was going to the dance with Lindsey Jones, that tramp. We know what he wants, and no loss there, but now Erin doesn't have a date and the dance is tomorrow. Would you take her?”

“Danny, please,” Erin said, softly interjecting into the rapid gush, “I don't need this. I don't care about homecoming and you know I can't dance. I'll just stay home and practice for my audition.”

“No way, you have to go,” Sheridan insisted. “I won't have a bit of fun without you. I'm so sick of Jake, I may just ditch him.”

“It's about time you ditched that dickhead,” he commented, making both girls giggle. “He's nowhere near good enough for you, Danny. Why don't you forget about him and you and Erin go together? That would be better, wouldn't it?”

“Come on, Sean.” Sheridan waved her brother's words away with a careless gesture. “It's not nice to dump someone just before a dance, especially since he's nominated for homecoming king. Oh, don't worry; I'll break up with him. I just think it would be politer to do it after, and after the S.A.T.s next week too, so he's not distracted, but that still leaves Erin. She can't come with the two of us. It's too pathetic. Erin deserves better than to be the third wheel. But think about it, Sean. What if she comes with a man instead of one of those little boys?” She waved at him again, this time indicating his work-hardened muscles, currently straining the sleeves of a red plaid shirt and a pair of ratty blue jeans.

Sean heaved a heavy breath and took a moment to consider. A date… with Erin? His gaze traced the delicate lines of her face: wide brown eyes that always seemed tinged with sorrow. Long yet elegant nose. High cheekbones. Pale rosebud lips. Her collarbones peeped from the scooped neckline of a long-sleeved navy tee shirt that hugged her slender frame.

There's nothing wrong with her looks, certainly. She's pretty, and as she's been Sheridan's friend since kindergarten, I know her well. She's sweet. In fact, if I hadn't known her all her life, I might just ask someone like her out.

He stared at the familiar face for long moments, watching the heat in her cheeks fade and the pale lip slip between teeth that had only recently lost their braces. He shook his head. Someone like her, but not her. “Yeah, I know what will happen. I'll be arrested. Sheridan, I'm twenty-three. What do I care about homecoming?” He raised one eyebrow at his sister.

“Probably nothing,” she admitted, “but do you care about Erin?”

“Of course,” Sean replied, “she’s practically a member of the family.” Again, he considered the proposition, considered how Erin must feel. Already shy and not inclined to date, for her to be toyed with and then dropped—even by a loser—must have played hell with her self-confidence. But imagine what a coup if she did show up with someone like… me.

Someone like me, but not me, right?

But if not him, there was no one. He turned his attention to Erin, whose face lit up like a Fourth of July firework the moment their eyes met. She likes the idea, even if she's too shy to admit it. “Erin, come here a minute. I think we should talk about this without Danny.”

“Okay.” She rose from the bed and stepped out into the hallway with him, close to his side but not letting her body brush against his.

He led her into the room that used to be his, still decorated with all his old high school memorabilia. Sean couldn't help grinning. My sentimental mother. She'll never turn this into a storage room or rent it out to college students.

Erin moved to stand near him, leaning against the thick footboard and biting one short fingernail. “I hope you know,” she said earnestly, “that I didn't ask her to do that.”

“Of course not,” he replied, patting her shoulder. “I can smell a Sheridan Murphy plot a mile away. She's my sister, don't forget. However, she is right about one thing. You do need a date; that is, if you want to go. Tell the truth, Erin. Do you really want to stay home and practice?”

“No, I would like to go,” she whispered as if admitting a shameful secret. Her face had reddened so it looked like it might burst into flame. “I really can't dance, though.”

“Come on,” he urged, “you're a musician. I can't believe you have no rhythm.”

Her dark eyes met his at last, her discomfort pinching the corners. “It's not a question of rhythm but of self-confidence. I always feel silly dancing in front of a room full of people.”

“How about if you have someone confident leading the way, kind of like a director?” he offered, pantomiming an invitation with one hand extended.

“That might help.” She looked down, and as if that were not enough to shield her from embarrassment, swept her long, dark lashes over her eyes.

Sean didn't know what to say next. Her shyness overpowered his attempts at conversation. Inhaling deeply, he took the plunge. “Okay then, let's do it. At least we can show that douchebag what he's missing.”

“Are you sure? Don't you have plans?” Her eyes pleaded with him.

Oh boy. I hope I'm doing the right thing. Her crush on me is sweet… in an embarrassing sort of way. She is still in high school, after all. “Nah. Just boring stuff, you know, like laundry. So, Erin, will you let me take you to homecoming?”

She gave him an intense look, her dark eyes glowing with eagerness as she said, “Yes,” in a voice so tiny he almost couldn't hear her.

He gave her a brotherly hug around the shoulders.

She squeaked and fled the room.

Well, one thing I didn't expect was to go to a high school dance. Maybe it will be fun.

Then he recalled his own high school dances; awkward, loud and smelling faintly of B.O.

Maybe not, but at least I'll have done a good deed and made my sister and her friend happy.

CHAPTER2

The following night, Sean arrived at Erin's house dressed in a fitted green button-up shirt and some dark slacks, trying to appear as mature as possible.

He drove into her prestigious neighborhood near The University of the Lakes, their local institute of higher learning. Elegant, narrow homes crowded cheek by jowl along the street. Oak and maple trees—formally attired in their colorful autumn leaves—obscured the view of the houses’ bright colors and gingerbread trim.

“2107,” he muttered, trying to make out the numbers in the semi-darkness. “2107 Water Street.” He passed 2103 and knew he must be nearly there. Two houses down, he frowned. Short and squat, Erin’s house looked like a troll crouching between the two and three-story giants all around it. The miniature two-bedroom home had been painted tan with green shutters framing a stained-glass window. If this is the best an investment banker and a commercial artist can afford, yikes. He shook his head.

Sean parked his Mustang against the curb, kicked his way along the leaf-strewn sidewalk, rang the doorbell and waited.

I wonder what she's going to be wearing. Hopefully not anything like what she had on at her last birthday. Sean grimaced at the memory of oversized black, orange, pink and silver bows sewn all over a dress made of a man's sweatshirt, paired with fishnet purple tights—one of her mother's 'artistic' creations. This might not have been such a good idea.

The door opened to reveal his date clad in a touchably soft black velour knee-length dress. It contrasted with her skin and made her dark hair—done up in an elegant twist—seem to glow. Sheridan must have helped with the subtle application of makeup. Erin looked at least five years older than he had seen her before, not to mention more confident. She met his gaze without blushing and smiled sweetly. For the first time, Erin seemed real and alive in front of him.

Awareness stole his breath. “Hi,” he said at last, holding out a corsage consisting of a single red rosebud. She stepped forward and he carefully pinned it to her dress, breathing in a waft of lilac perfume. The contrast of the vivid scarlet with the shimmering black drew his gaze to the slender curves of her figure.

He lifted his eyes to hers, taking in the satisfied glow of approval. “Hi, Sean. Let's go.”

“Do you need me to come in and say hello to your folks or anything?” he asked, peering over her shoulder into the darkened living room.

“No, my parents aren't here.” She stepped out and closed the door behind her, dropping her key into a tiny silver bag hanging from her wrist.

“Where are they?” He placed his hand on the small of her back and moved her forward. The warmth of her skin radiated through the fabric of the dress, making his fingers tingle.

“I'll tell you in the car,” she said, suddenly terse.

“Okay.”

They arrived at the passenger side of the Mustang and Sean opened the door for Erin. Closing it behind her, he circled the car and slid into the driver's seat, firing the ignition before saying, “Okay, what's up?”

“My parents are splitting up,” she said flatly.

Sean winced.“That's too bad. Why?”

“My dad's always away at work, you know?”

He nodded.

“Well, Mom met someone. She's spending the weekend with him and Dad's gone for work again, so I'm on my own.”

He reached across the console and patted her hand. “That sucks. Sorry.”

“It's okay. It's not like they actually liked each other or anything.”

Have I ever heard such a bleak tone from Erin? He hadn't, he realized, because she'd never let him see her real feelings. Or maybe I just never bothered to look. He rested his hand on top of hers. “Still. I don't care about them, but I'm sorry for you.”

“Don't pity me, Sean,” she pleaded. “The one thing I can't stand is for you to see me as pathetic.”

“You're not pathetic, Erin,” he reassured her. “Let's say I'm sorry about your situation, okay?”

“Okay, thanks.” She fell silent for a moment, considering what to say next and nibbling her knuckle. “I'm so glad finally to be a senior. If I can just get through this year, I'll go off to college, and I won't be at the mercy of their choices anymore.”

“Where are you going?” he asked, wanting to keep the conversation positive. “Danny mentioned a conservatory in Texas.”

“I'm not sure,” she replied. “I have an appointment with their recruiter in two weeks to play an audition, but I'm also considering going to State with Danny. That would be nice too.”

“Can you be a performance major at a state university?” he asked. “Don't musicians have to go to Julliard or something like that?”

He shifted his eyes in her direction in time to see her dip her chin. “Sure, I can. It wouldn't be as prestigious as Juilliard—or even Texas—but I would save a ton of money, and I would likely get better scholarships too. With everything that's been happening, I'm probably going to need them. Didn't you go to State, Sean, to get your business degree, before you started working with your dad's construction company? Isn't that why he made you assistant foreman? Because you learned so much about handling marketing, accounting and all those things?”

“Yeah, I did,” he admitted, surprised she knew so much. “It's a good school. Don't sell yourself short, though. Saving money is fine, but not if you miss out on your dreams. I know you want to play your oboe professionally. You're good enough to do it, so go for it, okay?”

Another glance revealed a warm glow around her cheeks, not exactly a blush but a hint of her pleasure at his compliment. “Good advice. Thanks.”

They drove along in silence. Erin stared out the window at the masses of orange, gold, and vermillion trees, interspersed with the green of pine and spruce. A thrill of nervous excitement threatened to turn her belly into a knot. I didn't expect to go to the dance at all. Now I'm going with my crush. Amazing. Forget David Landry. He can score with Lindsey. I now have, without a doubt, the sexiest date of all.

A motorcycle roared by, its growl interrupting her train of thought. Noisy monster. Why do people enjoy such a rackety thing?

Sean braked abruptly as the bike swerved into their lane. His movement released a waft of spicy cologne that teased her awareness. What would it feel like to be surrounded by those muscular arms, breathing in his scent as he tumbles you onto the mattress? Her breathing slowed and deepened as she imagined the unknown sensation.

Then, with a blink, she forced herself to refocus on reality. Don't fool yourself. He's not here because he likes you.It’s just a favor, escorting his sister's shy and uninteresting friend to a dance he doesn't want to go to. Sean is a true gentleman.

He turned into the high school parking lot and guided his Mustang between two white lines near the back. Then he escorted Erin, his hand on her back again, into the crowded and noisy gym.

Paper streamers in the school's colors of maroon and white hung from the ceiling. A hand-painted cougar roared from the far wall. The noise inside the gym beat on Erin's eardrums with the force of a sledgehammer. She could barely hear the music over the cacophony of adolescent voices.

While they waited in line to have their picture taken at a white lattice arch hung with football pennants, streamers and balloons, Erin glanced around. Just as she expected, people stared at her, and some of the girls had envious expressions on their faces.

She turned to face her date, admiring his neatly-cut brown hair, which she found much sharper-looking than the shaggy style most of the boys were wearing. His face, tanned from working outside, made his slightly crooked front teeth shine even whiter and his dark blue eyes glow bright. His arms, chest and shoulders bulged with muscle from long hours on the construction site, but his waist was narrow, his hips slim. In short, he was every girl's dream. Why does he have to be six impossible years older than me?

At last, they reached the head of the line. A chubby photographer with a lot of gray sprinkled in his dark, bushy hair motioned them to stand in front of a mottled gray screen.

“Okay, buddy,” he told Sean in a scratchy voice, “put your arms around your girl.”

Erin opened her mouth to argue, to suggest they pose side by side, but Sean didn't give her the chance. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her flush against his front. The noise in the room receded as Sean's warmth and scent washed over her.

“Now you, sugar. Arms around his neck.”

She obeyed without protest.

“Face the camera.”

They turned their heads. The shutter clicked.

“Right, now go dance. Next!”

Keeping one arm around her waist, Sean escorted Erin deeper into the gym. She could feel the noise buffeting her, but the sound faded beneath the pounding of her own heart. I'll cherish that photo forever.

“You know,” Sean said loudly, his lips close to her ear to be heard over the din, “I thought of a solution to your dancing dilemma.”

“What's that?” she shouted back.

“Only dance the slow ones,” he replied. “Those are the easiest. You just hold onto me and sway.”

She drew in a deep breath, her skin tingling. “I think I can manage that. What about the fast ones?”

“Walk around. Mingle. Get a snack or drink. It's easy.” He pulled back a bit to gauge her reaction.

She smiled. “You're smart, Sean. Thanks.”

His mouth curved into a beautiful answering grin that set her heart pounding. “Shall we start right out? This is a slow song.” He extended his hand.

She grasped it. “Okay.”

He led her to a spot far from the congested center of the gym and stopped, turning to face her. Erin placed her hands on the back of Sean's neck. Sean looped his arms loosely around Erin's waist and demonstrated to her how to move in time to the music.

As he had predicted, she didn't find slow dancing difficult to understand. What she did find was that it was insanely erotic. She could hear the soft sighing of fabric as his shirt and slacks moved with his body. Arousal simmered. Remember, this isn't a date, she told herself, no matter how Sean's body heat sinks sinuously into me.This is not a romance. It's just a dance. It doesn't mean anything to him.

Oh, but it meant something to her. “I Swear” by All-4-One played in the background, passionate and romantic, the poetry of its lyrics wrapping around her like a cozy blanket of bliss. She hummed the melody softly to herself, committing the perfect moment to memory.

Sean could see the effect he was having on his sister's friend. Maybe this isn't a good idea, he realized. What if her shy crush turns into a full-blown infatuation? That just isn't appropriate. Not least of all because he wasn't as immune to her as he pretended. As the music wove its spell, her warmth infected him, making him see things he’d never noticed before.

Erin's pretty, really pretty, he realized. I bet beneath her timid demeanor she has a passionate soul. Otherwise, how could she play her instrument so well? Someday, maybe, when she's finished growing up, I'll ask her out on a real date.

Of course, if she moved to Texas, he might never see her again. This night would only be a remembered possibility—unfulfilled but never forgotten—to be thought of occasionally with fondness and a touch of regret.

Cut that out, he ordered himself. Don’t relegate the evening to memory before it's scarcely begun. You may not have anything more than this night, but enjoy it.Surely there's no harm in that. You do have to have enough self-control to dance with a pretty girl and not get turned on, don’t you?

The answer was not as clear as he’d expected. Every time Erin brushed the front of her body against his, his ability to remember why this wasn't real took a blow, especially now that she had grown more comfortable with him.

As her shyness melted away minute by minute, allowing her lovely spirit to shine through, Sean found himself enchanted. I always knew Erin was nice, but only because Sheridan has no time for mean or fake people. I never realized how truly special she is.

Try though he might, he could not conceal his growing admiration, and from the hope shining in her eyes, he could see she felt it and liked it.

I'm in serious trouble.

In this way, Erin and Sean passed a pleasant evening. They danced together several times, and when the songs became too fast, they wandered the periphery of the room, watching, conversing, drinking punch, and generally just enjoying themselves.

About halfway through, another fast song came on and Erin made a face. “Can you believe they're playing this at high school?” she asked Sean, waving at the offending speaker. “So dirty.”

He raised one eyebrow. “I know what you mean. Makes me want to cover your virgin ears.”

She laughed. “I've heard it before, you know. I don't live in a convent. It is pretty gross, though. Come on, let's get out of the way of all the dirty dancers.”

They wended their way through the crowd, past a girl who was grinding her backside on a boy's crotch. Erin turned away quickly and then pulled up short as the couple in front of them paused to kiss. Sean collided with Erin's back.

“Uncomfortable?” he asked her, indicating the scenes of decadence all around them.

She shrugged. “It's high school. People are making out in every corner. I've seen it, but I'm not sure this is the place for it.” She tried to play it cool, but Sean's body against her back, his warm breath near her ear, sent tingles racing through her body.

He hooked his arm around her waist and led her away.

After a sharp turn to the left to avoid a gaggle of teachers bearing down on the misbehaving students, she and Sean ran into Sheridan. Her friend's red face and narrowed eyes spoke volumes, as did her hissing undertone. “Jake, I can't believe you said that. Do you even know how to listen? No!”

“But, Danny,” the boy whined, scrubbing the golden scruff on his jaw with the back of one hand.

“But nothing, Jake. The conversation was over before it started. You know my answer, and nothing has changed, so shut the hell up.”

Erin met Sean's eyes. His tightly clenched teeth revealed his anger. As much as Sean disliked Jake, it wouldn't take much to put him over the edge. She indicated the couple with her head, silently asking if they should intervene.

Sean didn't bother to respond to Erin's query. He waded right in, his protective big brother glare in place. “Danny, is everything all right?” He gave the handsome blond youth a hard look.

Sheridan shook her mane of golden curls as though in surprise and turned to her brother. “No, I don't want to be here anymore. I want to go home.” Her voice caught.

“I'll drive you,” Sean offered. “You don't mind, do you, Erin?”

Damn it, I don't want to go home yet. Do I have to let the fairy tale end already? Then she took in her friend's unhappy expression again and answered, “Of course not.”

“No, I'll take her,” Jake sighed wearily, running a hand through his shaggy hair.

“Danny, is that what you want?” Erin asked, glaring at her friend's boyfriend.

Sheridan looked at Erin for a long moment, and then applied the same treatment to her brother. At last, she heaved a sigh and said, “I don't want to interrupt your evening. Jake can drive me. I'll see you Monday, okay?”

“Sure, sweetie.” Erin hugged her friend and whispered, “Thanks.”

“Don't sell yourself short, Erin,” Sheridan breathed in her ear. “You are completely worth it.” With that cryptic comment, the couple left.

“I hope she breaks up with him soon,” Sean said, shooting daggers at Jake's departing back with his eyes. “I really don't like that guy.”

“Me neither,” Erin agreed, still wondering what her friend had been trying to tell her. “You know, I may encourage her not to wait until after the test. She needs him out of her life now. He's becoming a pest.”

“What do you mean?” Sean turned to regard her. For a moment the lingering anger on his face seemed directed at her, and she recoiled.

“It's high school, Sean. He wants to sleep with her,” she blurted.

Sean's jaw clenched.

Oh dear. That might have been too blunt when he's already so angry. Erin hastened to explain. “She keeps telling him no, but he's not listening. I'm a little worried about all the pressure he's putting on her.”

“Sheridan won't succumb,” he retorted, his fury giving way to annoyed amusement. “She's one of the most stubbornly upright people I've ever known.”

Erin touched his arm reassuringly, and he covered her fingers with his hand. She closed her eyes at the touch, trying to get a grip on herself so she could speak coherently. “Yeah, but she doesn't need it. It's disrespectful, you know?”

“Yes, it is. Erin, do you want to dance some more?”

Shifting the focus back to herself jarred Erin, and she opened her eyes as a wave of heat rolled over her. Composed of equal parts hundreds of sweaty teens, the blasting heater and her own dizzying blend of anger toward Jake and desire for Sean, it drew beads of sweat to her forehead. “Not really. Actually, it's kind of stuffy in here. Would it be all right if we step outside for a minute?”

“Okay,” Sean agreed. This time, instead of a casual arm wrapped around her, he took her hand.

Erin bit her lip as they wound their way through the crowd of wallflowers—Erin's usual spot at events like this—and past a table where the dance team was selling bottles of cold water at only slightly usurious rates. Skirting the line, they ducked out the door.

In the parking lot, the evergreen-scented coolness of an autumn evening quickly washed away the sweaty sensation of the crowded dance floor. The quiet whispering of the breeze through the pines sounded sensual and sweet, but it blew with a wintry chill. It teased its way through the thin fabric of her dress, and she shivered.

Sean wrapped his arm around her, lending her his warmth.

She leaned on him, her head against his shoulder. His scent, which had teased her all evening, burst on her senses like a drug; compelling, addictive and impossible to resist. Lifting her head again, she met his gaze. An unreadable expression turned his eyes to blue flames.

Neither of them spoke. Maybe we shouldn't be this close, especially in a semi-private setting, Erin thought, willing herself to move away. Her body refused to comply. Another gust of icy wind sent Erin even closer into the shelter of Sean's body. His free arm angled across her back to rest on her shoulder. Her forehead warmed as Sean leaned his cheek against it. If no one says anything, maybe it won't really be wrong. She slid her arms around his neck.

Afterward, neither one was sure who moved first, but suddenly, they found themselves kissing. It started simply enough, a feather-light brush of mouth on mouth. Harder and sweeter, the second kiss stole rational thought. For several heartbeats, Erin forgot completely that the evening was anything other than a normal date between two people who wanted to be together. Another moment passed, and Sean's mouth opened on Erin's, his tongue pressing her lips. Is this really happening? I can't believe it. Like a dream come true. She opened to the pressure, eagerly accepting his passion and returning her own.

The tension of the confrontation with Jake vaporized in Sean's arms as his mouth mated with hers. A tingling sensation flared in her lower belly and radiated outward until Erin felt like one raw nerve ending. Everywhere his body touched, hers burned. Wetness pooled, preparing her for the next step. Oh, God. If only. Again, the images of her bare, sweaty body tangled with Sean's took hold of Erin. Already her skin ached for more intimate caresses. I would never regret that opportunity.

After several long moments, Sean released Erin's mouth, and they both stood panting, looking at each other with dazed expressions.

Sean spoke first. “I'm sorry, Erin. I don't know what came over me.”

Sorry? The single best moment of my life and he’s sorry? Stung, she blurted, “Maybe you were entranced by my stunning beauty.” Then she frowned, hearing the harsh irony in her voice. Well, that's it. Now he won’t have anything to do with you. See what you get for being bitchy?

“Don't put yourself down,” Sean insisted, surprising her by trailing his fingers down her cheek. “You are beautiful, but it's not right for me to kiss you.”

Okay, so he's still here. Still talking. Still touching me. Desire ratcheted Erin's courage to unknown heights, allowing her to ask an unthinkable question. “Why? This goes a bit beyond trying to do your sister a favor. Am I wrong to say you kissed me because you wanted to?” Her heart hammered painfully as she waited for his response.

A sad smile curved Sean's lips upward. “No, you're not wrong. I did want to. And I didn't come tonight as a favor to Danny; it was a favor to you.”

Her stomach fluttered.

Sean continued. “But, Erin, you're too young. I can't be with you now, even if I really want to.”

Erin considered whether it was worthwhile to ask one more pointed question. Finally, she steeled herself and asked, “Do you?”

Sean sighed. “I do. I mean, you're a great girl. Anyone would be lucky to have you, but I don't want to get arrested.”

“I'm eighteen, you know,” she reminded him. “My birthday was a couple of weeks ago.”

“That’s right!” he replied. “We hosted your party more than once... and my mom made me help clean up. Second week of September. It slipped my mind for a minute. But I'm not a teen, not anymore.”

“I don't care.” Her warm brown eyes begged him not to care either.

“I do,” he answered honestly, hating the hurt that flared again. “If you're done dancing, you should let me take you home.”

Erin drooped. The corners of her mouth turning down, she mumbled, “Yes, I think that would be good. Let's get out of here before the crowd disperses and we're caught in their wake.” Erin slouched dejectedly as she shuffled to the car. She seemed lost in thought, as though struggling with some weighty and unsolvable problem.

He opened the door and she slipped in without a word, but her eyes, when she met his gaze, spoke of deep hurt and deeper longing.

Could this be more than a crush? Not possible. What kind of man feels something deeper than a mere passing attraction for his little sister's best friend? Even the attraction felt wrong. Or did it? The sensation of her lips against his, her fragile, waif-like body in his arms had affected him profoundly, and he couldn't think of the feeling as negative.

Sean wrestled with his internal dilemma as he drove toward Erin's house. Despite the objective knowledge that kissing his sister's best friend was a terrible idea, he couldn't regret it.

She’s delicious; delicate and passionate and so very sweet.When has a simple kiss turned me on so much? I want another kiss. I want… Erin, all of her. What's wrong with me that I can't stop myself from wanting this girl? Even though it might be legal for me to be with her, she has another year of high school to go, so it wouldn't be right… A glance revealed one dainty hand lying on the dark fabric of the seat's upholstery near his thigh. He had to struggle to keep both of his on the steering wheel.

She felt so right in my arms. I want her there again, raw desire argued. The thought of not holding or kissing Erin anymore caused a greater pang than he had expected. When did this small woman become so important to me that I want to claim her for my own?

Another quick look revealed her chewing nervously on the side of her lip. She licked the spot and he wanted to groan. Willpower shattered. There isn't any other choice. Controversy be damned. Unless she says no, our evening is far from finished.

He reached across the console and took her hand in his, raising it to his lips. “Erin…” he swallowed hard, “that was an amazing kiss.”

“Yes.” Her fingers slipped over his cheek. “I loved it.”

“I want more.”

Her stroking fingers went suddenly still. “Me too,” she said. “Are you still having a hard time with my being in high school?”

He heaved a conflicted sigh “Yes, but it can't be changed for a year or so, can it?”

She shrugged off his silly quip. “Not until I graduate.”

He laced his fingers through hers and set them on his knee, steering with only one hand. “Not soon enough. I want you right now. I'm pretty sure I'll still want you after you graduate, though.”

“What are you saying, Sean?” The pulse under his thumb began throbbing.

“That if you want me to drop you off and leave, tell me now. Otherwise, you had better plan to see me a lot more often in the future.”

Her hand tightened on his. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“So, then, is this a beginning for… us?” she asked, disbelief flooding her voice.

“It is. That is to say, after tonight, there's going to be an 'us' unless you tell me otherwise.” He stroked her skin soothingly with the tip of his thumb.

“Don't play with me that way, Sean,” she said, her voice wavering.

He tried not to take her doubt personally. She's so shy, it doesn't surprise me she would struggle with this. He hastened to reassure her. “I'm not playing games, I promise. Besides, you only need to worry about yourself. You decide if you want me. I've already decided I want you.”

She sucked in a noisy breath. “Are you kidding? As long as I've had a crush on you?”

“That's what I thought.”

Erin sat in silence for an endless moment. At last, she said, “I can't believe this is really happening, Sean. It's like a dream.”

Her frank admiration warmed him, and heat rushed to his groin. I can't wait to taste that sweet mouth again. He swallowed hard. “It's no dream. You're sure your parents are gone for the whole weekend?”

“Yes.”

“Good, because we're here.” He grinned at her reaction as he pulled up to the curb and parked the Mustang.

Hand in hand they walked into the house. Erin led Sean to her bedroom. He pulled her into his arms for another one of those deep, drugging kisses, and eased his tongue into her mouth. She made a soft humming noise as his hand slid into her hair, releasing the pins and letting the chocolate strands fall around her back.

Letting go of her mouth for a moment, Sean gazed down at her. She's so pretty, girl next door pretty, the kind you marry. Her warm brown eyes had gone hazy with passion, and her lips parted slightly. He took that as an invitation, sliding his tongue back inside to caress her mouth. He felt her hands loosening his shirt from his pants and slipping inside to touch his skin. Her aggression startled him. Whoa, she's moving fast. “Erin?”

“Hmmmm?” she hummed against his lips. She seemed so relaxed now, melting in his arms.

“How far do you want to go tonight?” His thumb traced a thick line on her back.

Erin didn't even pause to think. “All the way. I want you, Sean. I want you so much.” She spoke with absolute certainty, her gaze soft and trusting.

His eyes traveled down her body, taking in obvious signs of arousal. Her erect nipples pressed the front of her dress forward. From the navel down, her body crushed against his. His sex responded to the heat and nearness of hers. Hell, yeah. It's been so long since I was with a girl. That's gonna feel good. … Then the implications sank in and he blinked, nonplussed. All the way? On our first date? Where has this wild Erin been hiding? “Have you done this before?” he blurted. Please say yes. Please say yes.

She shook her head.

Sean sagged with disappointment. “I don't know if I can feel right about taking your virginity. It's kind of our first date,” the gentleman in him forced him to say.

“You wouldn't be taking it. I'm giving it to you. Unless you don't want it?” Her confident tone turned more hesitant with each word.

What does she think I am, a eunuch? I'm about to bust my zipper. He adjusted his erection uncomfortably with one hand. The move caused his knuckles to brush against her lower belly.

She moaned.

So ready. Oh, God. Tight, virgin heat. His self-control took another battering. “I do want it. I'm just not sure why you do.”

“Because I do, that's all.” She touched his face. “Seriously, you know how much I like you, Sean. Sometimes you just have to grab onto an opportunity, or you'll regret it forever. My first time with someone so special, someone I've dreamed of so long? This is that kind of opportunity. Life is uncertain. Twenty-year marriages can end overnight. I'm here, tonight, with you, and there's nowhere else I want to be. It's magical. Can't we make it even more magical?”

He made one last stab at acting like a gentleman. “I don't want you to regret this.”

“I won't,” she replied, excited, eager and certain again.

“If it were anyone else?” he pressed.

“I wouldn't have gone to the dance at all. I would be alone now, practicing my oboe. I only want to do this with you.”

Here I'm supposed to be building up her confidence, and she tosses out the greatest compliment a man can get. “Are you sure?”

She nodded.

He could find no further reason to resist. Her offer tempted him beyond sense or decency. “Let's make a different kind of music.”

Erin smiled. Reaching down, she caught the hem of her dress in both hands and pulled it over her head, shocking him with her boldness. She reached for the clasp of her bra, and his hand closed on hers.

“Slow down, baby,” he urged. “We have all night. There's no need to rush.”

But it seemed Erin did feel all in a rush. She slid her arms around Sean's neck and pulled his head down, this time snaking out her tongue to caress his lips and then plunging deep.

He growled, pressing her to him and letting her feel how much he wanted her. She made a soft sound at the intimate contact.

Sean cradled Erin in his arms, kissing her again and again as his hands wandering over her soft skin body. She's so thin. I can feel every bone. The pink of her underwear—a tiny demi-bra that lifted her small breasts, and a scrap of lace covering her mound—complemented her milky skin. He cupped one breast in his hand, pushing up gently so the soft globe spilled free. Then he leaned down and opened his mouth over the delicate, rosy nipple, sucking gently.

Erin's knees gave way and she leaned against Sean for support. He chuckled. Like that, do you, baby? You haven't seen anything yet. Then he worked the clasp of her bra, dropping it to the floor. Another deft movement sent her panties down to puddle around her ankles. She kicked them away. He scooped her into his arms, carrying her to the bed.

Now that the moment had almost arrived, Erin began to seem nervous.

I wonder if she will change her mind. It's all right if she does... and would be no surprise. He frowned at the thought of relieving his arousal in the shower, but so be it.

Leaning up on one elbow, Erin opened the front of his pants. They slid to the floor and he stepped out of them. Another long, considering moment later, he slowly removed his underwear, watching to see her reaction. Her lip slipped between her teeth as she eyed his rampant erection, but still, she reached for him.

He joined her nude on the bed. His penis brushed against her belly and she gulped, the corners of her eyes pinching.

Maybe I should stop, he realized. She’s too nervous. Going from barely-kissed to full intercourse in one night is a lot. Before he could make the suggestion, she shyly leaned forward and kissed him again, leaning into the contact.

Even better, maybe we could caress each other to orgasm; give her a taste of intimacy, but not take her yet. Give her time to get used to it. That would be a really good idea.

He pulled her close, pressing his body full length against hers, and he felt Erin's nerves melt away. Then he lowered his mouth to her breasts again, tasting first one hard nipple and then the other until she was panting with desire. Her back arched, offering her breasts to his stimulation as she laced her fingers into his hair.

His hand slid down her belly, but she didn't react. Not ticklish. Good. Makes things easier. Then he snaked lower and she opened eagerly for him. Wow, this girl is amazing. So eager, so bold. He caressed the wet, silky folds and she gasped in startled pleasure.

Oh, this is very good. He slipped one finger inside her as he gently rubbed her clitoris with his thumb.

Erin bowed her back, pressing herself down on his invading finger. Her hips squirmed.

That's it, sweet girl. Reach for it. Her every breath emerged as a soft moan as he brought her higher and higher.

“Sean?” she whimpered, voice wavering.

“Almost there, baby. Almost there.”

He pushed deep with his finger and gave her a hard rub. With a cry, she succumbed to a powerful climax, hips bucking as she tossed her head on the pillow.