Sean didn’t say anything. I crouched lower on the stairs and leaned forward, trying to hear every word.
“Sometimes,” he finally said. “But it doesn’t matter. She’s here to take care of my kids, Phil. What kind of father would I be if I hooked up with their nanny?”
“It wouldn’t be the end of the world,” Philip said. “Besides, after everything Telissa put you through—”
“We’re not talking about that,” Sean said roughly.
“I won’t,” Philip said. “I’m just saying, it’s obvious that you deserve a little happiness. You’ve been through hell these past few years. So have Tommy and Sarah. From what I can tell, Emily is the best thing that could have happened to all of you.”
“She’s amazing with them,” Sean said. My heart warmed at the compliment. “She dotes on them.”
“She’s good with you too,” Philip said. “When you let her be.”
“I don’t know.”
“Let yourself have this,” Philip said. “At least, see what can happen. You’re right. It could be terrible. But it could also be great. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to get laid?”
Sean laughed, and Philip quickly joined in. I found myself smiling as I listened to the rest of their conversation. I stayed perched on the stairs for a while, waiting for the perfect opportunity to make my presence known.
“I should get some sleep,” Philip said. “I’m beat.”
Getting a sudden bold streak, I straightened up and took the last few steps down the stairs. Sean and Philip both turned to look at me. I smiled innocently and moved toward the kitchen, acting like I simply wanted a drink of water.
“Good night,” Philip called to me, making his way upstairs.
“Night!” I called back.
Once he was gone, I walked over to where Sean was sitting on the couch. The strange rush of bravery was still coursing through my veins as I stood in front of him. Without a word, I held out my hand to him.
“What?” he asked softly, all the anger and coldness gone from his voice.
“I heard you,” I said.
He looked panic-stricken for a brief moment. “Heard me?” he said
I dropped my hand and sighed, plopping down next to him on the couch.
“Yes, I heard you and Philip talking. I like you Sean. A lot.”
He looked at me for a moment as if trying to figure out what to do next. I decided to make i
t easy for him. I stood and again reached out my hand.
“Can we just stop fighting this?” I asked. “Please.”
Sean stood up and took my hand. His other touched my hip lightly. His lips were inches from my face. I stood on my tiptoes, ready to feel his kiss yet again, but he pulled away suddenly. I frowned until I felt a tug on my hand. He led me through the living room and down the hall to his bedroom.
We stepped inside, and his lips found mine in an instant. I sighed and sank into him, kissing him hard and fast. My body reacted on its own, lifting me up to press myself firmly against him. He groaned and slid his hands down to my ass, squeezing it in his strong grip.
His tongue slipped inside my mouth, swirling around and tasting every inch of me. I kissed him back, feeling that familiar burning in the pit of my stomach. His hands moved from my ass to my hips, where he tugged on the bottom of my shirt. When his fingers touched my bare skin, I froze. My lips stilled against his, and my entire body went rigid and I was suddenly nervous.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, concern in his voice.
“Nothing,” I said softly, looking up at him. “I just want this so damn much.”
Sean led me gently to his bed and laid me down on my back. He climbed on top of me, moving slowly. He kissed me, his lips pressing lightly against mine at first. As our kiss grew, so did my desire. When Sean finally broke away to move down, I felt my entire body shaking. He lifted the bottom of my shirt just enough to kiss my stomach while his hands expertly removed my jeans and panties.
He traced his lips along my thighs, making me tremble, until he finally buried his face between my legs.