Author: JoAnne Kenrick
Date: 2011-09-29 04:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Romance; Contemporary; Erotica; Contemporary Romance; Novella
Description: ARe Bestseller BookStrand Bestseller Amazon Bestseller Shaun Bell, a divorced workaholic, spends all his time tending bar in his Irish Pub. He's ready to love again, but the women who visit his bar are only after his infamous Irish cocktails. At the advice of his darts team over a tanker or two of Beamish, he applies to 1Night Stand to get back into the swing of things and enjoy the company of a woman specially selected for him by Madame Evangeline.Rachel Taylor has issues. Her father broke her mother’s heart with his cheating and Rachel swore never to let that happen to her, but one ruined re
Publisher: Decadent Publishing

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Sweet Irish Kiss

Copyright © 2011 by JoAnne Kenrick

ISBN: 978-1-61333-106-4

Cover art by Fantasia Frog Designs

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

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Sweet Irish Kiss

JoAnne Kenrick

A 1 Night Stand Story

~DEDICATION~

To Valerie, Kate and Olivia...for starting the 1 NightStand Series which has given me endless hours of reading entertainment. I can only hope my addition does the series justice. Thanks, ladies!

Chapter One

Shaun drew back his arm, sucked in a breath, and took his shot. The instant his grip left the barrel, the dart ripped through the air with a precision only seen in that of a...well...drunk. Or someone inflicted with a bad case of nerves.

He missed the board by an inch, and the crowd reacted with rowdy laughter.

“Bounce out!”

“He’s right, you totally missed that board. How many you had?” Another one of them raised his glass in a salute. The action caused his pint of dark ale to swish down his clothes and over the wood floor. “Oh shit, missus is gonna be pissed now. Supposed to be at work, not boozing it up in Bell’s with me Irish lot.”

Shaun ignored the shout-outs, shuffled his right foot a touch more forward, and threw another. The tip of the dart tilted down the instant it took flight, and the Bell logo’d tail failed to catch air. It plummeted toward the oak floor and a nearby punter. He jerked his foot out the way in the nick of time, though, and his look of horror jolted Shaun straight. The punter laughed it off and tipped his empty glass in Shaun’s direction. He nodded in return. The nod was an unspoken rule in Bell’s Irish Pub—his pub. It meant a drink on-the-house, and only the regulars knew this.

“Shit, me game is way off tonight.”

“Ya game is fine, but ya booze-eyes are a problem. Not like ya ta drink this much. I reckon ya banjo’d, so ya are.” Devlin’s thick Irish accent coated each word; a childhood bud and Shaun’s only full-time bartender, he’d come over from Northern Ireland weeks earlier.

Shaun staggered toward his friend behind the bar, tail between his legs. Devlin reached over and snatched the remaining dart from him. He frowned. “No more darts for ya tonight. Ya need ta sober up, so ya do. Coffee? Aye, it’s time for a coffee. San, bring this lad a strong’n.” Sandra, a part timer and the only born ’n bred Londoner in the building tonight, scurried to the pot and set about getting her boss a cup of the good stuff.

“Gawdon Bennet! Donkey Amateur Dart night. I curse internet shopping and that darn dart board Shaun found doing it.” Sandra clanked the teaspoon in her boss’s cup and went about her vent session with vengeance. “Lawd above! Sunday nights were nice before that bunch took residence. Should be home with my grandkids telling them tales, not here serving this impatient lot, innit.” She poured the full-fat milk and presented the coffee to Shaun. “There, don’t say I don’t do nothing for you.” He winked at her. “Don’t you go flashing your gorgeous greens at me, either. It’s so not gonna fly, mister!” Sandra wiped down the bar and went to serve a punter.

“Dev, I’ve only had two pints. What the hell is wrong with me?” He perched on a barstool and smiled at his friend. He’d lived in London since a child, so his Irish slang wasn’t as pronounced as Devlin’s.

“Pack that in for starters. Ya need ta save it for ya lady friend tomorrow.” Shaun laughed and ushered him to the customer side of the bar by patting the empty barstool to his right.

“San, pour up a pint of Beamish for me mate here.” He frowned upon seeing his friend’s mocking expression. “’I don’t mind admitting I’m nervous about tomorrow night.”

“Well, I got ya that stuff ya asked for. It’s in da duffle bag behind da bar.”

“The candles, mood music, and some condoms? It’s all there? Ya sure? I wanna make a good impression.”

“Nervous much?” Devlin took the pint offered by Sandra and necked half of it on more or less one breath.

“An arranged one-night stand. That’s weird, don’t ya think?”

“Fucking genius is what it is. Don’t question it. Enjoy it.” Devlin wiped away the beer froth from his mouth and grinned.

“But what if she doesn’t like me?”

“You’ll win her with ya Irish charm and green eyes, so ya will. Now drink up ya coffee and stop whining like a baby. This girl’s gonna have a fantastic night tomorrow. She’s gonna worship da ground ya cock drags on.”

Shaun growled and nudged his friend. “Hush up, ya crude bastard.”

“So, what’s da girl like, anyway? Anything like ya ex?”

“Not a clue. Nothing like the wine totties and mingers that come in here, hopefully, or me ex. 1NightStand’s rigorous questionnaire should have found me someone half decent. Pages long, so it was. Fucking pages. Almost felt like the questions were aimed at me, too.”

“Yeah? Like what?”

“Are ya happy with ya balance of work and play? Do ya find others telling ya that ya are too generous? Is it time to settle down?” Shaun raised an eyebrow at the word generous and nodded to his friend’s drink. “Ya paying for that?”

“Shit, yeah, those questions are Shaun custom made. Here’s ta her not being like ya light-fingered, easily distracted ex.” Devlin finished his drink and slammed the empty onto the aged oak bar. Sandra held out her hand for cash and Devlin took her fingers in his like a proper gent might. Except for the slobbering kiss that followed.

“Two quid, mate.” Sandra broke free of his grip and scrubbed herself with a wet-wipe.

“Yeah, yeah.” Devlin slapped two one-pound coins on the bar which Sandra tried to claim for the cash register.

Shaun stopped her mid-money grab. “Kidding, this one’s on me.”

Sandra rolled her eyes. “Drinks are always on you. Anymore and you’ll be swimming in ale.”

“Have one yourself, San.” Shaun winked at her again. She laughed, muttered something, and poured herself a gin and tonic. “Don’t know how they think questions like that will find me a date. But Madame Evangeline says....”

“Madame Evangeline?” Devlin took the seat next to his friend and played with a coaster.

“The woman who runs the site.”

“Madame? So, you’re, like, seeing a hooker? Whey, hey. Tell her ta bring along a friend and I’ll join the party.” Devlin picked at a corner of the cardboard mat with Bell’s Pub’s logo on it.

“She’s French is all. It’s a regular matchmaking site. And if all ya after is a quick shag, ya should work Friday nights instead...or contact me ex. She’s always up for a quickie with anyone.” Shaun snatched the coaster away from him—before Devlin could scatter tiny bits everywhere and mess up his bar—and catapulted it toward the trashcan.

“Easy, boyo. Ya don’t hate me that much, do ya?”

“Course not, I’m messing with ya is all. But I’m serious about Friday nights.”

“If I work Friday’s, you’ll give me Saturday off?” Devlin pouted.

Shaun shook his head. “Saturday is our busiest night, ya know that. Who knew gay night would be so popular, and they love ya and ya silver tongue. Ya could always come in for a drink on ya night off. That's when the place is packed out the most with women on the prowl.”

Devlin paused for a second. “I should take ya place on this date. I’m more needy.” Shaun laughed at the suggestion. “I guess that’s a no? Oh, well. Ya tell this Madame whatshername thanks from me, because I put a twenty down on ya, so I did. And them nerves of yours killed ya game.”

“A twenty? Is that all? Big spender.” Shaun waved Sandra over and pointed at his empty.

“Shaun, ya don’t pay me enough ta throw any more than a twenty away. So, what’s this girl like?”

“According to her profile, she enjoys Baileys over ice, going to the movies, and refuses to watch the Grand National because she thinks it’s cruel. Oh, and she hates dressing up in posh frocks.” Shaun attempted to grab Sandra’s attention again and waved his arms in the air as if flagging down a taxi.

She signaled she’d get to him in a second.

“Hates dressing up? Hope that doesn’t mean she’s a minger because a tasty lass usually likes to get dressed up. Other than that, she sounds perfect. Low maintenance and a heart.” Devlin patted his friend on the back in a well-done-chap kind of way. “Ya should totally play with her, though, and quickly add ta ya profile that ya like ya women to dress up.”

“Hell, she can wear whatever she wants, so long as it’s not green. Fucking hate the color.” He craned his neck and scanned the coordinated interior; green leather on the stools, bunting, and stained glass. Even the beer mats matched.

“We’re Irish, so we’ve gotta love green. It’s in our blood or something. And if she does wear it, ya can enjoy ripping it off her. Right? Right?” He jarred. “ Hey San, fill me up, too?”

Devlin slid his empty toward the flustered barmaid who tsked but went about her job like a professional.

“Wrong. The whole idea of this one-night stand is for me to remember what women like, and to be in the company of a woman I’m attracted to without sweating profusely. It’s not about screwing her senseless.” Shaun shook his head and wondered how the two of them had ever become friends. They were like chalk and cheese.

“Sure hope it wasn’t expensive because there’s numbers on the lav doors that could have given ya a cheap date for the night.” Devlin stood and tried to usher his friend to the restrooms.

Shaun laughed and pushed him back to sitting. “Toilet door numbers are not the go for me. Ya know that’s not me style.”

“And dating sites are ya style?”

“I’ve gotta get back in the game somehow, and 1NightStand is 100 percent safe for both her and me. When I find the right lass, I want to be able to seize the opportunity. I want to settle down, Dev. I’m ready for the real thing. A house, kids...the whole shebang. This is me simply opening that door, safely.”

“Settle down? What are ya? Sixty?” Dev shook his head.

Sandra presented the lads with new drinks. “Need the lav. Will one of you cover me?” She scurried off before either had a chance to answer.

“No, but I sure as hell don’t want to be still single at sixty.” Shaun made his way behind the bar and grabbed a tea towel. He set about mopping up all proof of anyone having been served beer in the last ten minutes. “Dev, ya supposed to be doing this. Can’t get good staff, eh?”

“So. Ya not going ta bang her, then?”

“Guess that depends on me seduction techniques, and her.” He laughed and chucked the sodden material at Devlin’s face.

Chapter Two

Pretentious, that’s how Rachel described the infamous Knightsbridge store where she worked. She loved her job, though. It meant she could let loose, make crazy-ass window displays, and stretch her imagination beyond the high street fashion trends. Usually.

“Fucking yuppie fashion.” She stood, pin cushion in hand, staring out the huge plate glass window. The rain drizzled over passing shoppers who huddled and shared umbrellas with loved ones. She wished she could have someone she could trust to protect her when life pissed all over her, but she didn’t have anyone like that. The big brick wall she’d built had seen to it.

A flashback of running through a downpour with her father hit her hard. He’d thrown his coat over her, sheltering her and leaving himself open to the elements. They giggled all the way home, running late for a Mother’s Day dinner.

She closed her eyes to try and block out the past, but the darkness acted as a blank canvas for her memory to play out the scene until a rumble of thunder in the distance brought her back to the present.

She sniffled back her feelings and grasped a plastic body to steady herself. A teardrop trickled down her face, and she smeared it away. Time to buckle up and get over it Once a fond memory, it now served as a bitter pill. He’d tricked her, tricked everyone with his gallant gestures. He could never again be the genuine, kind man she remembered from her childhood. At least not to her, anyway.

“Fucking life.” She threw a knit over a male model’s shoulders and fluffed to give it a casual yet purposeful style. “What are they thinking, asking me to decorate the mannequins with this jumped up crap? Men don’t dress like Prince William. No man I know anyway.”

Her pocket buzzed.

Rachel flipped her phone open. “Hello?”

Nothing.

“Hell-o?”

Still nothing. She pulled it from her ear and glanced at the digital display.

“Email, not a call. I’m never going to get used to this stupid, high tech phone.” She pressed a few buttons. Some wrong. Some right. Eventually, she managed to open up the message.

A last minute check, to make sure your 1NightStand goes as you desire. May I suggest you wear a corset, my dear, to flatter your curves. He’ll be there before you, and I picked a room especially with a double door entrance so you can have a Scarlet O’Hara moment. Please don’t wear green. He hates the color. A bottle of Jameson would make a wonderful gift, should you wish to bring something along to break the ice. And best of all, Rachel, remember why you wanted this and enjoy the experience. Good luck, dear, I hope he’s all you need.

Bien a toi, Evangeline

She could barely think as she read the words over and over, wondering if she had indeed lost her mind by arranging to meet some guy a matchmaking agency picked out for her. And if she planned on going through with this, she needed a corset and a dress. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d worn something fancy.

Hmmm, I get to enjoy an evening with some hot dude without worrying about if he’s thinking of cheating on me. I can indulge in him and all he can offer me for one whole night. And who knows, maybe this is a step closer to enjoying men again. I could use a strong shoulder from time to time.

“Damn my dad for screwing half of London. It fucked me up more than my mum.”

She gathered up the pile of cocktail wear spread at her feet—last season’s favorites—and dragged herself off to the staff discount area in the warehouse. One by one, she hung up the formal garments and then she saw it, one rack over; a beautiful brocade corset with flecks of metallic emerald in the thread and matching tiny sequins around the trim. The label said: Floor damaged: 75% off—stained, matching thong and garter missing. She gave it the once over. Gorgeous, and she couldn't see any stains. It would be stunning against her auburn hair, which she could wear loose so it spilled over her breasts. She imagined how sexy she’d feel wearing it like that and grinned.

But green? Should I? Shouldn’t I? He hates it? How can anyone hate a color? Maybe I should, screw him. Screw. Him. Hmm, I will screw him. Wonder what he looks like? Wonder if he hates red, too? God, hope he’s not a weirdo.

“Here, this will be spectacular on you. The slight see-through effect will show a smidgen of the goodies hiding beneath.” As if he’d appeared magically, the most desired personal shopper in Knightsbridge presented her with a Grecian goddess style, silk wrap dress. He spoke with a forcibly stiff-upper lip and wore a close-fitting, purple silk suit that glistened when light hit the delicate thread. “And these. You must get these, too. It’s going to be a warm evening tomorrow.” He shoved a pair of light-gold, strappy, Stuart Weitzman sandals with four inch heels in her hands.

“But….”

“Hush now. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“But you’re him. I mean, you’re the guy from the reality TV show...what’s it called? Dressed for Love?”

“Oh, goody, you watch! I didn’t know I had any viewers. But that guy? Darling, name’s Colin and don’t you forget it.” He fluttered his eyelashes and put on a fake I’m embarrassed expression.

Panic wrenched in the depths of her stomach, and she gulped. “Am I on TV?”

“Love, do you see any cameras?”

Thank God for that. “How do you know this is for tonight?” she asked, preoccupied with trying to hold on to the sandals, material from the very expensive dress she most definitely could not afford spilling over her arms.

“I know all, sweetie. Come, let’s get you paid up. Then I’m taking you to Ritchie. He can work wonders with your gorgeous, thick hair.”

“But....”

“I think the lady does protest too much.” He placed a finger to her lips and shushed her. “Let’s say I’m a gift to help spruce you up a few notches for tonight’s date.”

“But how did you know?” Thoughts zoomed through her mind. Mum wouldn't have strings to pull this one off, and she's the only one who knows about my adventures in the matchmaking world. Unless....Madame Evangeline? She's the only other one who knows. “Of course. She did this, but how did she...?”

“Who? The cat’s mother? Dear, please. Use manners.” He flicked his left hand. “We haven’t got all day, dear, come on.”

“I can’t afford this lot, I really can’t.”

“I think I can manage a 50% discount.” He produced a red glitter injected gel-pen and waved it about like a magic wand. Next, he pulled out a Barnsley’s staff discount ticket pad and began scribbling. She wanted to ask if she had to be home by midnight, but something told her he wouldn’t see the funny side to that comment.

Chapter Three

Shaun shifted his weight against the glass barrier that separated him from a ten floor drop off the Castillo Hotel in Knightsbridge. Perhaps the barman in him made him resort to leaning against a wall whenever nerves struck. Unsure with what to do with himself, he fumbled with his hair and straightened his pants. A flower pot, something pink and leafy growing out of it, caught his attention. He returned the favor by giving it a kick. But he booted it harder than anticipated and soil and greenery spilled over his foot.

“Perfect!” He straightened out the pot and scuffed the discarded soil into a corner where he hoped no one would notice. At least not for tonight and not Rachel.

He checked his watch for the umpteenth time. She should be there any minute.

What must I look like? All this fretting and pulling at me hair? She’ll think the cat dragged me in from the bins.

Shaun spun and checked himself in the pristinely clean glass door that led into the penthouse suite. Ugh. His hair sat all skewed to the right, so he ran his fingers through his thick, deep brown locks and attempted to sort his style out. Instead, his actions forced the front to revolt and flop over his face in true Hugh Grant style.

“For fuck’s sake.” He tapped his fingers on the tempered glass and frowned at his reflection. Not too shabby, he figured, besides the hair. Plain black slacks and a pin-stripe cotton shirt. His mum had always said darker colors flattered him because he worked out, and his shoulders and arms had attracted most of the bulk. Of course that could also have something to do with the fact he rode a motorbike to work every morning. London traffic was bloody awful and he’d quickly learned to maneuver in and out like a pro. Moving a bike like that was bound to build up certain muscles.

It had been overcast and drizzly all day. True to typical Brit weather, not knowing if it was coming or going, the mid-August evening air had warmed up. He undid a couple of shirt buttons and made himself comfortable on a sun chair to enjoy the scenery. He could see Knightsbridge below and the London Eye in the distance.

Impatience grabbed at him and edged him to fidget and count the seconds drag by. He stood and paced the tiny space the balcony offered, sipping on an iced whiskey from the mini bar and watching people scurry by below. Each time he saw a woman alone, he wondered if it was her. But they all passed by.

“She’s not coming. Stood up by a sure thing. Stood up by a paid sure thing. That could only happen to me.”

“Rachel.” He smiled. “R-rachel.” He liked the way her name sounded, and the way the R resonated in his mouth and rolled off his tongue.

He checked the time again. Ten minutes late, but it felt more like an hour.

He finished another drink and readied himself to hit up the mini bar, again. The clicking and fumbling sounds of someone trying to get a card key to work and a woman swearing several times made him glance toward the door. Rachel, he presumed, and chuckled. Before he could even debate heading over to help, the doors swung open like they’d been forced apart by a crowd of vampire hunting, log lunging, flaming torch throwing villagers. Or his regulars at Bell’s ready for happy hour

And there she stood. Holy mother of....

Would ya look at that.

He noticed her sexy curves first, then her milky white skin barely hidden by semi-transparent material. Hells bells, she had a corset on beneath her dress. A green corset! He didn’t linger on that little detail for long because her fiery red hair and bright blue eyes grabbed his attention and held it there for what felt like the longest time.

Marilyn Monroe hour-glass figure, huge breasts, and cute ass. And her waist scoops in perfectly. I'd love to wrap me arms around her. This woman is smoking hot!

Her smile made him want to reach for support of his bar. But with nothing nearby he could lean on, he shoved his hands in his pockets and prayed she didn’t notice his body language that must have spelled out “awkward.” He smiled back, possibly. He couldn’t be sure. He had sent the mental message for his lips to quirk up but felt nothing move. Nothing except for his cock, which had awakened from a seemingly long sleep. She fluttered her eyelashes and her grin widened. Did she like what she saw? His heartbeat stalled for a second while he wondered what his next move should be to impress this beautiful creature.

Lucky bastard, she’s a stunner.

She edged toward him, leaving the doors to swing shut behind her. Her eyes were still set on his, her stare wide. Her mouth formed an O and she glanced down at her feet. Before Shaun could register what had happened, she’d gone down like a ton of bricks with legs in the air and hair in her face.

So damned adorable, like a five year old who just fell off her bike in front of her mates. I could squeeze her to death.

He rushed to help her, but when he saw the disgruntled expression on her face, he couldn’t help but chuckle. This woman, far from helpless and no balance, had plenty of fire. She intrigued him.

He figured he should offer anyway. “Need some help?”

“What a gent you are. But there’s no need. I’m not an invalid.” She stumbled to standing, straightened her dress, and flicked back her free flowing curls.

This girl had growl and quite possibly a bite, too. Had he taken more than he could chew or had there been a mix-up? Romantic, that’s what he’d requested. Someone who wanted to be wined and dined. But he couldn’t complain. She seemed like a challenge he could do with.

Change the subject, fool, quick. “Ya should come out and see the view, it's nothing short of spectacular.” He offered his arm to distract from what must have been an embarrassing moment.

She hooked her arm in his. “So, how do you want to play this?” Her words were full of aggression but her touch, as gentle as Snow White, intrigued him. Who was this firecracker?

Chapter Four

I can’t believe I did that. What a great first impression. Not! And only I could top it off by going all defensive on his ass. Poor guy looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights. At least he was a gentleman about it, though. Had any of my exes seen me go down like a ton of bricks, all Nia Vilvados style, they’d have pissed themselves laughing and grabbed their cameras. I’m the character who gets caught up in headphone wire when she sees a hot guy in that movie...Fat Greek Wedding, Big Fat Greek…whatever. I know what I mean.

Rachel shuddered. She’d fallen flat on her face because the hunkiness of her one-night stand had taken her by surprise. She hadn’t expected it. Not in the least. Average, that’s what his profile had said. It’s why she picked him. She figured he wouldn’t be up himself. Most attractive men who know they’re hot behave like monkeys in heat because of it. She wanted a man who would be thanking his lucky stars to have her in his arms, and one who would be romantic and polite. And when he rushed to help her, he‘d surprised her again.

Drop dead gorgeous and caring? This could be dangerous.

“Ya feeling better now?” Thick Irish accent, smooth like Baileys, coated each word her one-night stand spoke.

“Uh-huh.” She glanced up at his welcoming expression and caught her stare in his. “So, you’re Irish?” You’re Irish?

He quirked his mouth into a grin as if she amused him. She reminded herself that she wanted this and backed up. She sat on the nearest thing to her, a dining chair from the breakfast for two set, and chewed at her freshly manicured nails. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this nervous. Her stomach flip-flopped around the butterflies dancing in her gut.

“Ya, that a problem?” God I love his Irish brogue.

“Oh, fuck. Listen, Shaun, I’m sorry about the way I came down on you. I mean, not came down on you. Hell, I...I’m sorry for losing it.” He raised an eyebrow. “For biting your head off when you tried to help.”

“Hey, I get it. I’m not what ya expected.” Shaun, hands firmly rooted in his pockets, shrugged his shoulders. “Ya definitely not what I expected, either, but here we are. We can call it a day if you prefer, or we can enjoy the rest of the evening. What do ya say? I can leave if ya like. The hotel room’s been paid for, so ya can spend the night and make the most of it. I’ll leave ya be, so I will. But I’d rather stay here...with ya.”

Her stare locked on Shaun, and she watched him grab his bag from the foot of the bed and stride toward the exit. His muscular frame, dark features, and great sense of style had her knees knocking together. She couldn’t remember the last time she actually wanted a man. But it wasn’t like she’d chase after him. The day she did that would be the day she forgave her daddy, or rolled over dead. The latter was more likely to happen first.

“Yes. Leave if that’s what you want.” She couldn’t catch her breath and gasped before dashing to the balcony for air.

Why didn’t I ask him to stay? A whole night, no repercussions, with a red-hot gorgeous man who is the spitting image of Colin Farrell. Hmmm, he’s got stubble. What would that feel like brushing up against me?

Images of this hot, Irish man going down on her flashed before her; using his tongue to massage her clit, burying his fingers deep inside her, and his unshaven face scraping at her most sensitive parts. Her sex swelled from thinking about it. She had to experience that first hand, but first she had to stop him from leaving. She spun to face him, her heart hammering hard. “Shaun?”

Would she go so far as to beg? She didn’t know, and didn’t want to think about it. Thankfully she didn’t have to because he dropped his bag and flashed a smile her way before storming right up to her. He took her in his arms—his strong, thick arms—and planted the most incredible kiss on her lips. A kind of kiss that made her nearly melt on the spot. She shivered all over, legs like jelly, and not a flinch of regret. She knew she was in trouble, to feel so alive at a man’s touch, and struggled to find the bitter woman who’d find reason to reject such pleasure.

He pulled back and pecked her on her cheek with a tenderness she’d never experienced.

“Will you stay?”

“Of course, I’d like that. And thank ya.” He stepped back and cupped her face in his hands.

“For what?”

“For being honest. Helps build trust. Ya know, I’m nervous about tonight, too.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

“I’m out of practice, but I'm not nervous.” Why are you so defensive, Rachel? Give the guy a break, already. He’s just a one-nighter. Some dude who’s going to break down those walls so you can work toward picket fences and daisies. She edged out of his hold, afraid her blushing cheeks and snappy remarks would tip him off as to how out of practice she really was.

She sucked in the smoggy, London air. “Let go and enjoy yourself, girl.”

“Come again?” He had followed her out. She pivoted to face him, and he wasted no time in pinning her against the glass wall of the balcony.

“My, you do like to dominate.” She wanted to fight his Irish charm and masculinity, but she couldn’t resist the way he took what he wanted.

He whispered, “Not really, but ya bring it out in me. Ya seem like ya need someone to take control. At least for tonight.”

“How very perceptive of you. Now, why would an Irish hottie, erm, I mean a handsome man like you, need to use a matchmaking service?” Rachel, fancy asking a question like that? In avoidance, she craned her neck to cob a view of Knightsbridge and the people scurrying about below. He wasn’t having any of it, so it seemed, and guided her to face him directly. Instead of giving her usual sass, she set her sight on the floor and a pile of soil in the corner next to a plant pot distracted her.

What had happened for such a high class hotel to have left that in such a mess?

“I spend far too much time working, and ya self? I can’t imagine why someone as sexy as ya would be single.” He planted a soft kiss on her neck, his touch sending tiny sparks of excitement down to the pit of her stomach and to the depths of her soul.

Internet is the bomb!

“Oh, I brought you a present.” She peeled his arms away, squeezed past him, and scurried back inside the room with an almost childlike giddiness. Her heart pounded with excitement at the idea of sleeping with her sexy stranger. This had to have been the craziest thing she’d ever done. Ever. Somehow, in the blur of desire, she got out her present for Shaun. She stood for a moment and savored the anticipation running through her veins. “Your profile said you liked a single malt.” She smiled and tossed the bottle of amber liquid on the king-sized bed. It landed with a soft thump.

“Ay, I do. Thank ya.”

“But I guess it was a stupid gift since you work in a bar.”

“Own.”

“Come again?”

“I own a bar.”

She smirked. “You don’t need to prove anything to me. I’m not interested in how much you make or anything.”

“Sorry, I know, I can’t help myself. It’s all I’ve got to talk about. Me bar. Bell’s Irish Pub in Soho, ya ever been?” She had, actually, but she’d never seen him there.

“I’m really enjoying learning all about your bar, and all, but....” Rachel stopped mid-sentence when the motto “actions speak louder than words” ran through her mind. She slunk over to him, wrapped her arms around his muscular neck, and planted her lips on his. He slid his hands around to her ass and pulled her close to him. His hardness, painfully obvious, poked into her belly and made her squirm in delight. She moved in, closer still, and concentrated on smoldering him with her best kiss ever. She wanted to please him, and wanted him to beg her for more. This was uncharted territory for her. Sex had been simply a necessity during the few times she'd tried her hand at relationships. This guy, though, was different. He made her feel like a woman. His immediate response trickled heat down into the juncture of her thighs. Already swollen and throbbing with need, she creamed the tiny G-string hiding in the crevice of her sex and ass cheeks.

No more wasting time. She’d had it with gentle. “I want you inside me, Shaun.”

“Condoms are in me overnight bag.”

“Too far away. I want you in me now.” She grabbed at him, clutching onto his shirt in fear she might combust if he didn’t quench her thirst that instant.

“Sounds good but...”

“But nothing. That’s what we’re both here for, right?” She slipped her hands up his crisp, cotton shirt and explored his ripped torso. Smooth and so very tempting. She wanted to lick every ripple, and every dip. Later. No time for that now. Consumed by thoughts of feeling him deep inside her, hunger led the way. She unbuckled his belt, yanked at the leather strap, and snaked it away. In a flash, she unzipped him. His pants fell to the ground and exposed a delicious delight—he was commando, his hardness jutting toward her. She wrapped her hand around his width without hesitation. The sluttiness of it made her smirk. Even more so when she could barely reach around his fullness. What a treat. He thought so, too, Rachel decided, licking the glistening drop of pre-cum off the tip of his cock. She swiped her thumb over his sensitive end, and she could have sworn she heard him purr. The guttural sound turned her on so much.

“Go get that condom.” Her words were barely a whisper, but he must have heard because he kicked off his shoes and removed his pants while stumbling back into the room. Seconds later he returned with a little square packet in his mouth, and naked from the waist down. He tore it open with his teeth. The instant he rolled it on, she slammed her lips on his, hoisted herself up on the bar table, and rammed him inside her. No gentle nudges or teasing inserts. It had been too long since a man had filled her, and never this much before. She buried her head in his chest, his manly scent mingling with the smell of sex driving her even closer to coming, and screamed out her ecstasy.

She planted her hands on his ass, slid away from his cock, and nudged herself back down on it.

“Don’t. I’m close.”

She pressed her pussy further down his throbbing hard on.

“Fuck me, Shaun. I want to feel your cock spasm in joy when it’s still tucked tight inside me.” She pumped him hard and felt his hips moving in rhythm with her. His shaft widened, warning of his imminent release, and she clenched her tunnel around his girth.

He tilted her head up. “I want to see ya face when ya come,”

She smiled and obeyed. She obeyed? “I can do that for you. Fill me up and grunt your pleasure when you explode. I want to hear and feel you come. Fuck me, Shaun.”

His movement slowed and became more driven until his sexual release detonated. Pleasure ripped through her and she tingled from her stomach down to her toes. Her orgasm exploded and every muscle in her body shuddered. She threw her head back and whimpered through the contractions.

“Shush,” he whispered, slipping out of her sex and cupping her mound with one hand, holding her close with the other. “I’ve got ya.”

Chapter Five

“I can’t believe we did that, and in public view.”

“Yeah, with my ass cheeks exposed to half of London.” She pointed toward the glass wall protecting them from falling off the balcony.

“So, you didn’t really explain before. Why a one-night stand?” She stood and straightened herself.

“For someone who booked one herself and hasn’t shared a single drop of information about herself yet, that’s pretty personal.”

“Sorry, prying is a bad habit of mine.”

“If ya must know, it’s because I make a terrible bachelor and I thought this might break me of me shy ways. Ya know? And give me some confidence to find a woman I could love forever.”

“You seem like you have plenty of confidence. And pft. Forever?”

“Well, until one of us dies.” Shaun shrugged.

“That’s not what I mean. Fuck, I guess it’s share time. Might as well tell you or you’re going to think I’m a bitter, twisted woman. My parents, well, they’re divorced. It wasn’t pretty, either.”

She wiped a stray tear away. Not wanting to stab a huge hole in her privacy, which she obviously hadn't meant to breach, he decided to not draw attention to her emotional state. “Why does it matter what I think?”

“My father fucked my mother over and cheated on her many times. Even had an affair with her best friend. My mum used to invite her out for day trips with us, ’cuz she felt sorry for her being a single parent and all. Bitch was shagging my dad the whole time.”

“Ya know, not all men are like that.” He rubbed her arm, unsure how to play out the situation.

“I know, but trust is easier said than done after seeing the damage he did.”

“Is that why ya here tonight?”

“Uh-huh.”

“To trust?”

“Yup.”

“Do ya want to trust me?”

“Yes.”

Hell. This means I have to take the lead. I guess this is what I wanted. Could the site have got it any better? She’s perfect for me. Kismet.

“Then take your clothes off. All of them.” He stood and forced back his shoulders like a soldier in line.

“But I’m starving. Can we order dinner?”

“Later. Now, I want you to strip for me.” No Mr. Tough Guy, Shaun struggled to keep up the power masquerade.

“No. I want dinner now.”

“Thought ya trusted me?”

“No. I said I wanted to trust you. Two very different things.” She poked him in the chest, her expression teasing and wanton.

“Crap, I don’t do this whole ‘take charge thing’ very well, do I? Please, let me show ya how trusting a man is worth its weight in gold.”

She didn’t say a word. Instead, she dropped her dress and stood before him in a sexy, pinched in corset. “You don’t mind, do you? I can take it off if you don’t like it.”

“I don’t normally like the color. On ya, though, it’s stunning. I’d still like ya to take it off, and ya panties. I want ya naked, so I do.”

She stripped with slow and teasing movements. He gazed at her beautiful, flawless body as she unclasped the corset. When she released the last hook, her breasts spilled out and rosy pink nipples pointed right at him. He wanted to kiss her from head to toe, and to lavish her in all that he could give.

“Your turn.” She giggled. He loved her laugh; cute, yet far from innocent.

“Who’s in control here?”

“You are.” She giggled. “Do you want me to call you Master, too?”

“Let’s not go that far. But ya can do as ya told and climb onto the bed.”

She did as ordered and positioned herself on all fours, her full ass staring at him, begging him to hurry so he could spank her peachy roundness. He rummaged through the overnight bag he foolishly let Devlin pack for him. He’d taken a quick glance, hadn’t had time for anything else, and had seen a box marked candles. And he had spotted the condoms. So he figured it couldn’t be that bad. How wrong he had been. One by one, he pulled out each of Devlin’s surprises.

Kama Sutra Massage candle? Erotic Mood Music? Flavored condoms? And what’s this?

“What you got there, big boy?” She purred.

“Erm, a blindfold, vibrator, and anal beads.” Way to sound like a sex fiend, Shaun.

“A regular at Ann Summers, are we?” If only she knew. Shaun had never stepped foot in any kind of sex toy shop. Ever. Hence, sending Devlin in for him. Best pretend ya know what ya doing, mister.

“Not exactly. A friend helped me out.” Can't help ya self, can ya? Way to keep up the expert facade.

“Some friend. You'll have to thank him for me. It is a him?”

“Devlin is a cheeky one, to put it politely, and I'm sure he'll be delighted when he hears his party surprises were a big hit. Oh, and it looks like there's flavored condoms as well as the regular kind from earlier.” Crap, boyo, why’d ya say that out loud? Ya gonna scare the wee lass off.

“Oh, flavored condoms? Never did get the point of those, I mean, isn’t the whole point of a BJ so you can taste your man?”

“Come again?”

“I will, if you get to work. It ain’t gonna happen all by itself.”

“That does it.” Shaun moved in behind her and brought his palm down to her ass, careful not to hit too hard. She squealed.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt ya.”

“You didn’t. I liked it. Do it again.”

“So ya trust me?” He spanked her again, this time a touch harder, and she bucked and purred when he made contact with her fleshy ass.

“I trust you, for now. But hurry up and put that cock somewhere naughty.”

“That there is fighting talk, so it is.”

He stripped down in two seconds flat and didn’t waste time lighting the candle or ramming the CD in the hotel issue player. While both would do a great job at setting the scene, it now felt like they were starring in their very own porn movie. He made a note to thank Devlin for the extras.

“Put this blindfold on,” He ordered, “if ya want a surprise.” He wanted to put it on her himself. But knowing she had trust issues, it didn’t feel right to do so. Instead, he went to the bathroom to clean the toys with warm, soapy water as the packet had said for him to do. He hoped she would be sightless and under his demand when he got back.

He wasn’t disappointed. Still on all fours, she had done as requested. He smeared lube over the beads and eased them into her. As an anal newbie, he had no idea how much it would turn him on and drive him insane. He wanted to rip them out and shove his cock inside her tight little hole instead. His hard on throbbed with need already, and it had only been minutes since he’d come. Sure he would be able to perform again, and probably too soon if he didn’t grab hold of himself, he grinned.

When the fifth and biggest bead was inside her, he whipped on a condom, slipped inside her pussy entrance from behind, and plunged his cock all the way into her slick warmth . The bumpity-bump of the latex numbs rubbing against him through her thick layer massaged his length as he moved, and he couldn’t contain the growl that emerged from deep in his gut.

“Oh. My. God.” She gripped the sheets and wiggled under him. He grabbed her hips and pulled her back in his control; slow and deep, taking it easy so he wouldn’t hurt her.

“Faster, Shaun, faster.”

“I’m ready to shoot a load. Trying. To. Slow. Down.”

“Then come here. I want to try out those flavored condoms of yours.”

“Not yet.”

He pulled out the beads, one by one, enjoying the thrill of her moans with the release of each one. When they were clear of her ass he rolled a fresh condom on and teased her forbidden entrance with his swollen end.

“I’ve never done that, ever. Not sure I....” She protested, her tone more a plea for him to continue than a request to stop.

“Tell me when it’s too much and I'll quit. Okay?” She nodded. “Can I? I mean, do ya want me to try this?”

“Uh-huh.” Her tight asshole gripped his cock and squeezed down on it. Still, he slid further in.

“I should stop. It feels too damned good, Rachel.” He slowly withdrew from her, his teeth gritted and his muscles pulled taught. It was all he could do to try hold onto his body’s need to scream out in bliss.

“Baby, I’m not going to last long either. What are you doing to me?” She wiggled her booty at him. “Can I take the blindfold off yet? I’m missing seeing your fit body.”

“Take it off if ya want.” He hated how easily she turned him on, and loved it all at the same time. She only had to speak and his cock would twitch in response.

He moved to her side and helped her out of blindness, kissing her on her neck before shifting back behind her to find new ways to please her and torture himself. First he kissed her left ass cheek, and then her right. Further up her back he went, gentle kiss by kiss. She tasted like honey and vanilla. He’d only have to throw in some whiskey and she would be medicinal. But there was no cure for what he had. Except her soft lips.

“Hmm, I want to feel you come up my ass. Where’s that vibrator? Ram it inside me, Shaun, I want to find out if you can feel the buzzing delight, too.”

“Got no boundaries, do ya?”

“I have huge boundaries, but you make me feel safe. I want to be bold with you, and to try things without judgment. Maybe that’s because I know it’s just for one night?”

This ain’t no one-night deal. Fate brought us together for a reason. He climbed up on the bed and knelt behind her before grabbing her long, red hair and pulling so she turned to face him. He leaned over and kissed her good and hard. He wasn’t going to fuck this woman. He was going to make love to her.

He slid his hard shaft into her Never Land again. The tight space dragged on his cock and brought him closer to orgasm. Deeper and deeper he went until finally she’d taken him all in. The suction was fucking marvelous and made him groan over and over. Shaun had to please her fast or he’d be spilling cum in her ass before she’d found release. He reached between their bodies and under her legs to enter her pussy with the slim, flexible vibrator. A flick of a switch and a buzz emanated from between her thighs and up into her sex where it penetrated to his cock. She grabbed the source of vibration from Shaun and began rubbing it up and down. The pulsations went straight to his sensitive, hard cock and made him lose control. In and out. Fast and hard. He forgot everything else and focused on his need to explode inside her. She came first, wailing and bucking beneath him. Her little sex sounds of pure bliss made him lose it and he let it rip, blasting his cum inside the condom.

She collapsed on the bed in a perfect spooning position. Exhausted and totally smitten, he curled around her.

Someone knocked at the door. “Room service.”

“Shit, I forgot. I ordered drinks and some dinner. I wanted to surprise you.”

“I guess you surprised yourself, too, then.”

“Uh-huh.” He whipped off the condom and slid into a pair of pants before racing to the door. “You covered?”

She snuggled under the crisp white sheets. “Yes.”

He opened the door to a uniformed waiter and a dinner trolley decked out with silverware galore. He had never seen such extravagance. His dinner usually consisted of a pint of Beamish and a packet of crisps.

“Sweet Irish Kisses and salmon en croûte, as ordered. Will that be all, sir?”

“Yes, that’s all.” Shaun rammed ten quid at the waiter who seemed particularly interested in Rachel in bed. He took the decadence filled trolley and shoved the perv out of the room.

“Sweet Irish Kiss, eh?” She propped herself against the headboard.

“It’s a cocktail. You like Baileys?” She smiled. “Then you’ll love this.”

He passed her a tall glass artfully monogrammed with Castillo and filled with his favorite cocktail. She took a sip, then a gulp.

“Yum. What’s in it?”

Shaun smiled, watching her enjoy the drink like a cat that got the cream, and imagined Devlin patting him on the back for a job well done. “Baileys and Kahlua over ice, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. And the posh places will always top with a sprig of mint. I prefer to use a splash of mint liquor instead, though. You’ll have to come on over to me bar sometime. I make a mean Irish Kiss.”

“This is yummy. So, what’s for dinner? I’m starved. Salmon, was it?” She smiled, a film of creamy froth coating her delicious lips.

“Coming right up, me lady.” He fussed over her, plumping pillows for her to lean against and placing a tray on her knee so she wouldn’t have to get out of bed. He even stretched to spoon feeding her when she allowed it. He spoiled her rotten. And every time she asked for something extra, he raced to fetch it. Salt, no problem. A little mayo? Easy! She didn’t have to lift a finger, except to hold her knife and fork from time to time, and he was thrilled to think she enjoyed it.

Chapter Six

Rachel stirred from her deep slumber and opened her eyes. Dark unfamiliarity surrounded her. She tried to sit and get her bearings, but she couldn’t move. Panic flooded her until she heard a soft moan from behind her. Then she remembered. She’d fallen asleep in Shaun’s arms. Her one-night stand still spooned her and held her tight like they were long time lovers.

She craned her neck to admire his perfection. He wore a peaceful smile and nothing else. He moaned. God, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this safe in a man’s arms. Usually, this would be the time doubt settled in. She sighed and snuggled back into comfort. He stirred, wrapping around her tighter still, and kissed her neck.

“Hmm I could get used to this.”

“What?”

“Waking up next to a beautiful woman.”

He leaned forward and put his soft lips to hers. Gentle, loving. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear she’d fallen in love with the guy. But that couldn't be. She knew nothing about him, and he could break her heart by leaving her for another. Uncertainty swirled in her mind, and she allowed herself to indulge in his loving embrace for only seconds longer before leaping out of bed.

“Breakfast, I’m starving.”

“Order whatever ya want on room service...oh, and get some coffee.”

Rachel dialed down to the kitchen and ordered the continental breakfast for two with coffee. Now what? She didn’t want to snuggle anymore. In fact, she wanted to go home and forget that she’d hooked up with a complete stranger and had silly romantic feelings toward him. She wasn’t ready for this and had no idea what on earth had made her think otherwise. She glanced toward the bed; he’d fallen back to sleep. Thank God for that. I can grab a shower and get the heck out of here.

Refreshed after a quick rinse down, she sneaked back into the room. But the rumpled bed sat empty. That put the stop to her quick and non-awkward escape. She clutched the damp towel hugging her body and scanned the room for Shaun. He sat at the table pouring milk into a cup of steaming brew.

“Coffee, beautiful?”

“Thanks. Milk, two sugars.” She got dressed in a flash—a simple boob tube, jeans, and flip flops—and collected her clothes that were scattered throughout the room before ramming them into her bag.

“Here ya go.” Shaun smiled and passed her a cup. Uh-oh. She knew that smile. He wanted her to stay. Worse part was, she also wanted that.

She took a couple of mouthfuls of coffee then set it down. “Gotta go. But thanks for a fantastic night, Shaun.” She kissed him on the head like a pet poodle before grabbing a croissant and her bag.

“Drop by Bell’s for an Irish Kiss anytime. The best in England.”

She didn’t register his words until she’d left him and the elevator began shifting downward. Floor by floor, the shaft took her toward the lobby. She had one thing on her mind, and one thing only. Should she run back up to Shaun, break the one-night rule she'd set for herself, and go for a second night? He obviously wanted to see her again, he’d made that pretty clear. But each time she gave herself the same answer. She wasn’t ready to give her heart over to some sexy Irishman who could be her soul mate, or not. She didn’t want to have to go through the crap and hurt her mother had. She didn’t have that kind of strength.

Chapter Seven

“It’s been a week, Shaun, snap out of it would ya?” Devlin punched him in the arm, a friendly, though hurtful gesture. He meant well. But Shaun didn’t want to give up on Rachel. Not yet. He would find her, he knew it, felt it in his gut.

“I could email the agency again?”

“For God sakes, man, they can’t give ya her personal information. They’ve told ya that five times already, so they have.” Devlin threw his arms in the air in defeat and sauntered around the packed pub to collect empties.

“Ay, I should move on.” Shaun mixed up a Black Russian and gave it to a punter before taking his money. He vaguely heard him say thank you. That’s what it had been like since his night with Rachel. He should have seen it coming. She seemed as if she had a lot of shit to get over. Like he didn’t? And now he had her to get over, too.

He’d constantly walked in Daydream Land since Rachel, life passing him by, until he heard Devlin’s voice chat up a lass—he would know that distinctive cockney sass anywhere.

“Rachel?” She stood in the open doorway of his pub, smiling sheepishly at him and wearing a bright green shirt decorated with some four leaf clover symbol and Irish style writing.

“I’m here for an Irish Kiss. Is Shaun serving tonight? I hear he makes a wicked sweet one.” She spoke to Devlin, but her sight was locked on him.

“Ay, lass, let me buy that for ya.”

“You must be Devlin. He said you were a cheeky one.” She strode toward the bar, leaving his friend with a bar towel over his shoulder and a confused expression on his face. He shrugged. Shaun laughed a little then held his breath, clutching the bar for support. She headed straight for him. Nothing stopping her. Not the drunks or the tables. Until she slipped on a spilled drink and almost went tits over ass. Thankfully, the Black Russian drinker nearby caught her in time. She giggled and shrugged. She really needed someone to take care of her. Shaun hoped it would be him.

“Rachel?” He beamed. “What’s with the shirt?” Smooth, Shaun, smooth.

“Thought I’d coordinate with your pub. You like?” She stretched it out so he could read the words, but he already knew what it said.Kiss Me, I’m Irish. Only she’d crossed out the I’m and had written You’re in its place.

“Who do ya want to kiss ya? Devlin? I’m sure he’ll oblige.” The bartender scurried over upon mention of his name and nodded like a crazed loony tune.

“You, Shaun, silly. Now, about that Sweet Irish Kiss?”

“Did ya come here for a drink? Or a date?”

“A date is a good start. So long as it finishes with a kiss, and perhaps a flavored condom further down the line? I never did get to try them.”

“Ya kinda left me with the impression that ya weren’t ready for a relationship.”

“Hell, if you’re turning her down, I’ll take ya place.” Devlin jumped beside Rachel.

“Stand down, Dev. I mean...fuck,” he ushered her to join him behind the bar, “I can’t believe ya here. I’ve been thinking of ya ever since.”

“I’m not ready for just anyone. But I am ready for you.... Promise me something?”

“What’s that?”

“Don’t ever cheat on me. If you’ve had enough, say so, and we can call it quits. Okay?”

“Rachel, that’ll never happen.”

“You never know.”

“I know I’d never do that. Me ex-wife fooled around on me, and it’s not a nice feeling. Not at all.”

“Aww, poor baby.” Rachel entwined her fingers in his. “Can we take it slow?”

“I like the sound of that, so I do.” Shaun smiled, tightened his grip around her hand, and gave her that Sweet Irish Kiss she’d come looking for. But this one didn’t involve a bottle of Irish Cream. It would later, though. Shaun grinned, imagining sliding ice coated in Baileys over Rachel’s curves and watching them melt with her sensational body heat.

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

JoAnne Kenrick, an ex-Ghost Tour Guide and Holistic Therapist, is a Welsh lass who has lived in various countries around the world. She now calls North Carolina her home, where she lives with her husband, two children and a lazy cat. When they aren’t demanding her attention, she can most likely be found watching a vampire movie, reading or baking up a British feast in her N.C. kitchen. That is, when she isn’t writing or chatting up a storm on social networking sites.www.joannekenrick.com

Table of Contents

- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- ~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~