Lily opened her eyes.
Park Street Church, he said, nodding toward the window. The tall steeple just over there. And the Boston Athenaeum and the Old Granary Burying Ground. Lots of famous Revolutionary War soldiers are buried there. His hand slid a bit higher and Lily sucked in a sharp breath. Including Paul Revere. And then he was moving again, running his fingers up and over her hips. He caught the lace of her panties with his fingers and slowly began to tug them down. Lily shifted and they slipped to her knees and then off her feet.
Brian held them up and examined the lacy scrap of lingerie. I love black underwear.
Lily leaned forward, but her skirts once again billowed up between them. She shoved the fabric down, then knelt in front of him. Though hed lost his jacket and tie, his shirt was still buttoned to the neck. With nimble fingers, Lily reached out and began to work on the studs.
When shed brushed the shirt aside, she smoothed her hands over his chest, hard and muscular. Then she leaned forward and pressed her lips to the soft dusting of hair beneath his collarbone. Working her way down, she kissed a trail to his belly. But when she let her fingers drop to his trousers, Brian grabbed her hands and drew them away.
Are you sure about this, Lily?
She smiled. He didnt have to be such a gentleman, but Lily was glad that he made the attempt. Theres nothing wrong with two She moved back to his trousers. Consenting adults She worked the button open. Engaging in mutually satisfying She slowly drew the zipper down. Sex.
Most guys had probably dreamed about hearing those very words. And Lily had never expected that she might be the one to say them. But shed had enough of relationships. What was wrong with taking pleasure where she found it? Shed always wanted to make more out of a simple sexual attraction and that had only led to disappointment.
Lily knew Brian Quinn wouldnt disappoint her. Not tonight. And after tonight, she wouldnt give him a chance. Theyd go their separate ways and be satisfied with the pleasure theyd taken in each other. Havent you ever just been swept away by the moment? she asked.
Yeah, he said with a smile. I think thats happening right now.
He reached around her back and pulled on the zipper of her gown. When it gaped in front, Brian drew Lily up onto his lap, settling her knees on either side of his legs. She groaned as he unhooked her strapless bra and tossed it aside.
He reached up and shut off the light, the sights of Boston now illuminating the tinted windows of the limo and their tempting seduction. Brian slowly explored her body with his hands and his lips. Every so often, hed brush aside clothes to get to naked skin, but both of them still remained half-dressed, their clothes providing an effective barrier to complete surrender.
Lily wrapped her arms around his neck as he slipped his hands beneath her skirts. Hed done away with her underwear and now she was naked beneath the gown, the fabric shifting over her skin as she moved. He drew her down, settling her on his lap, but his boxers still stood between them and pure contact.
She reached between them and tugged at the silk, but Brian whispered for her to stop. He searched the car for his jacket at the same time she looked for her purse. Lily found a condom first and handed it to him. He smiled gratefully. For a minute there I was afraid wed have to stop at a drugstore.
Lily pushed up, anticipating the feel of him slipping inside of her. Then she slowly lowered herself on top of him, his hard shaft probing at her damp core. Brian moaned softly, his hands sliding up beneath her skirt to her hips. He held her fast, controlling her movement until he was completely buried inside of her.
Shed only met him a few hours ago and now, they were making love in the back of a limo. Just the thought of it made her shiver with desire. This was what it was all about, basic lust, the need to be with a man, to feel him move inside of her and to reach her release.
But as they moved, Lily couldnt help but believe there was something more to this spontaneous intimacy. Maybe she had fallen a little in love with Brian over the course of the evening. He was sweet and funny and sexy and hed swept her off her feet. She couldnt have chosen a more perfect man for this little adventure.
Lily ran her hands over his face. He opened his eyes and looked up at her. Their gazes locked as he began to increase their rhythm. She watched his reactions as his hands controlled her, the pleasure that suffused his features, first easy and then intense. He drew her up and down on top of him but then stopped suddenly. Without warning, he held on to her waist and gently laid her back onto the seat. Her skirt billowed up around her face and he fought through it until he could kiss her.
He was so gentle with her, yet so determined, and when he slipped his hand between them and touched her, Lily knew that he be wouldnt satisfied with simply taking his own pleasure. He began to move again as he caressed her. A tremor shot through her at his touch and she felt her need increase, tightening in her belly.
Lily closed her eyes and focused on that feeling, on the sweet sensations that raced through her limbs to the tips of her fingers and toes. Every thought dissolved in her head and she could only feel, aching for her release. She arched up, meeting his every thrust, daring him to take everything she offered.
His name slipped from her lips, not once, but twice and then again, a plea to give her more.
Come with me, he murmured, his mouth hot on hers. Come with me, now.
And then, as if his invitation was all she was waiting for, Lily felt her body explode in a soul-shattering orgasm. She cried out, but hed already found his own release, driving into her one last time and then allowing the spasms to shake his body.
He collapsed on top of her, then rolled off to the side, grasping her waist to pull her tightly against him. For a long time, he didnt speak and Lily listened to his breathing, harsh and quick at first, then slowing.
Are you all right? she asked.
I cant believe we just did that. Ive neverwell, Ive just never done that.
Lily smiled hesitantly. I find that a little hard to believe.
Believe it, Brian said, nuzzling her neck. That was pretty incredible. You werewow.
She furrowed her fingers through his hair and kissed him, lingering for a long time. Lily had never felt so completely satisfied and given the choice, shed have spent the next week making love to Brian Quinn in the back seat of the limo. But shed made a promise to herself and she was going to keep it. A one-night stand was just thatone night.
Suddenly, a wave of regret washed over her. Maybe this hadnt been such a good idea. After what theyd shared, Lily didnt want to just walk away. Brian Quinn was a wonderful man! And from what she could tell, he was available. She sucked in a sharp breath. Now was not the time to change directions.
I think I have two questions left, dont I? Brian murmured.
Dragged from her thoughts, Lily frowned. II dont know. I lost count.
So what happens now? Brian asked, running his hand along her shoulder. We cant drive around in this limo forever. Were going to run out of gas.
I say we go until we run out of gas, Lily murmured, her attention fixed on his mouth.
We could go to my place or we could go to yours, he suggested.
I say we go until we run out of gas, Lily murmured, her attention fixed on his mouth.
We could go to my place or we could go to yours, he suggested.
Again, Lily had to force herself to remember her plan against formidable distractions. She sat up and adjusted her dress, then reached for the zipper. Brian turned her around on the seat and zipped it for her, then let his hands drift down her arms.
His touch sent a shiver through her, but Lily occupied herself by collecting her underwear and shoes. She stuffed her panties and bra into her purse, and slipped the strappy sandals on her feet. Then she pressed the intercom button. Driver, take us back to the Copley Plaza, please. She glanced over her shoulder and her gaze met his. For a moment she lost herself in the beautiful color of his eyes. Lets be honest with each other, she murmured. This was all about passion and lust and it was wonderful. It was exciting. But it doesnt have to be more than that. I dont expect more.
But we should at least
Lily placed her finger on his lips. What? I should give you my phone number and well get together? Maybe youll call, but maybe, after thinking about it for a day or two, youll decide that its better to just let it go. But if I give you my phone number, then maybe Ill expect you to call and when you dont, Ill be hurt. Or maybe well get together again and realize that theres nothing butthis between us. Or maybe, well even find that we have a lot in common and well have a relationship. But then, youll grow bored or Ill get too demanding and well fight and it will all end badly and well hate each other. Lily smiled and drew in a deep breath. So maybe its best that I dont give you my phone number and we just skip all that pain and heartbreak.
He buttoned his pants and yanked up the zipper, then reached for his jacket. Lily, I dont
This time she replaced her finger with her mouth, kissing him deeply, her arms wrapped around his neck. I had a wonderful time, darling.
He sighed. So did I, sweetheart, he murmured, pressing his mouth into the curve of her neck. But, that doesnt mean
Yes, it does.
The car stopped and Lily looked out the window, surprised to find that they were back at the Plaza so quickly. Brian slipped his hand around her nape and drew her close, giving her a fierce kiss designed to persuade her to go with his point of view. Wont you at least let me try to change your mind? She drew away, shaking her head and he finally loosened his grip. Then, I guess I wont be seeing you again.
I guess you wont, Lily said with a smile. I had a good time, Brian.
He looked into her eyes for a long moment, then shrugged and slid across the seat to the door. Good night, Lily.
Goodbye, Brian.
With that, he pushed the door open and stepped out. For a moment, Lily thought he might turn around and say something to her. But then he shut the door. She watched him walk down the sidewalk, but the tinted windows made that difficult. With a soft sigh, Lily sank back into the leather seat and pressed her palm to her chest. What have I done?
Miss Gallagher?
Startled, Lily pushed the intercom button. Please take me back to my hotel.
As the car pulled away from the curb, Lily closed her eyes and tipped her head back. This was no time for doubts. She had a job to do here in Boston and when she was finished, shed go home to Chicago. And shed take along incredible memories of a very passionate and spontaneous encounter to keep her warm at night.
She braced her hands on the seat and her fingers fell on a smooth bit of fabric. Lily picked it up and realized it was Brians bow tie.
It was great sex, Lily murmured, fingering the tie. And thats all it was. But though she said the words, they just didnt seem to ring true.
ARENT YOU DOING the news tonight?
Brian slid onto a bar stool next to his twin brother Sean and waved to his father at the far end of the bar. For a Sunday evening, Quinns Pub in South Boston was relatively empty. A few of the regulars were playing pool in the back and a couple sat in one of the booths near the bar. A soft Irish ballad played from the jukebox.
Seamus, a canvas apron around his waist, strolled up and tossed a paper coaster in front of Brian. Arent you doing the news tonight? Were tuned in, he said, pointing to the television in the corner.
Brian nodded. Yeah. The eleven oclock news. Ive got to be at the station at seven. I thought Id get something to eat.
Weve got corned beef and cabbage, Seamus said. Ill get you a plate.
No cabbage, Brian said. Itll make me burp.
Seamus raised a bushy white eyebrow. So?
Da, I have to read the news. I cant be burping every few seconds. Give me a club soda over ice. And a cheeseburger, no onions.
Seamus fetched the drink, then wrote the order down on a pad and walked it back to Henry, the short-order cook in the kitchen.
Brian and Sean sat silently, both of them contemplating their drinks. They didnt need to talk. Since the moment theyd been born, theyd shared a silent kind of communication, an ability to read each others moods, to know what the other was thinking. While Sean rarely confided in his other brothersor anyone for that matterwhen he was alone with Brian, he was able to open up.
Brian knew everyone thought Sean was shy and aloof. But he also knew his twin brother used an indifferent facade to hide a deeply sensitive nature. He wrapped himself in a protective armor, allowing very few people to see the man underneath.
Of all of the Quinn brothers, Sean had been the one whod come away with the most childhood scars. Hed been the one to rebel against his circumstances. Hed never really learned to trust and had turned into a brooding loner. Hed washed out of the police academy and drifted into private investigative work. It had been a good choice for Sean, but it hadnt made him any more outgoing.
Hows business? Brian asked.
Not bad. Not good, either.
I thought you made a bundle on that case with Liam and Eleanor and that Pettibone guy.
A few months back, Sean had taken on an embezzlement case for a Manhattan bank and enlisted the aid of their youngest brother, Liam. Charged with surveillance on the female suspect, Liam had fallen in love with the woman. After they had cleared her name, he and Eleanor Thorpe had continued seeing each other and announced their engagement the day after Brendan and Amys wedding in early May.
I did, Sean said. But I burned it all on expenses on another big case. My rich client didnt like what I found. Turns out his wife wasnt cheating. Hes decided not to pay the bill. Now, Ive got to spend more money to get him to pay. Ive got to hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit.
Sorry, Brian murmured. I wish I had something I could throw your way.
Sean held up his hand. Im going to be fine. Liams making money now. Hes paying the rent at our placefor once. He and Ellie are moving out at the end of the summer. Ill be all right until then.
How is that, living with them both?
Sean shrugged. She likes to clean. Shes got a thing about the toilet seat. And I really wish she wouldnt hang herunderthings all over the bathroom.