before pulling the covers over us. “That was amazing, Pixie.”
“It was,” I agreed with a yawn. I’d thought that when Shannon and I had finally gotten a chance to have sex it would be awkward, stilted even. Yet this had felt natural.
“Get some sleep, angel. Then we’ll have breakfast.” She adjusted the blankets around us, tucking me in completely.
“I want cereal,” I muttered.
Her laughter shook me slightly, even as my eyes dropped closed and I burrowed into her chest. “You can have whatever you want.” She pressed a kiss to my hair.
“Stay with me?” I wasn’t sure if I asked the question or if I just thought it. Shannon had become such an integral part of my life, I wasn’t sure who I would be without her. It was more than her being a lover. That had been a welcome surprise. While I’d thought I’d had friends before coming here, it’d taken all of these changes in my life to learn what real friends were. And Shannon? She was the definition of a true friend. I knew deep inside that no matter what happened in our lives, Shannon would be right there through it all. I just hoped she knew I’d be there supporting her as well.
“Forever, love.”
Chapter Five
Pixie
The beep of my phone drew me from my slumber, and I pulled myself from Shannon’s arms with a sigh of regret. I wasn’t sure how long I had slept, but I felt more rested than I had in days. I’d slept deeply without a single nightmare to plague me. I was surprised none of the guys had busted in to drag me from my bed. That worry had me scrambling to check the message—what if they needed us for something?
Ice ran through my veins as I processed the words through a brain still fogged with sleep.
Ignore my calls again, and you won’t like what happens. I will get what I’m owed. You’ve had enough time. Saturday. Ten p.m. Picnic structure at Wolf Creek Winery. Bring the jewelry and whatever other cash you have on hand. Don’t try to lie to me, you won’t like what happens.
Fuck. I looked over at Shannon, who was still peacefully asleep, and groaned. I guessed another round—or more sleep—was out of the question.
Ignoring Lyle’s message, I fired off one of my own. We need to talk. Meet in the study in ten. I hadn’t been asleep that long, I realized, noting the time. It was only a bit after noon. My stomach ached so fiercely I thought I would pass out from the gnawing hunger, so I quickly slipped into my uniform before leaning over and kissing Shannon.
“Baby, I need to grab some food, and I’ve got to talk to everyone,” I whispered to her as she stirred.
“You’re looking better,” she murmured, stroking the fragile skin under my eyes.
I smirked. “I guess we need to play every day then, don’t we?”
She tugged my mouth down to hers, her tongue darting into my mouth to taste me before she groaned and pulled away. “Love, I wouldn’t object to that.” I blushed at the new endearment, ducking my head as she pushed to her feet and pulled on her wrinkled clothing.
“I’m sorry about your clothes, I should have made sure to hang them up.”
“I’m just down the hall. It’s fine,” she assured me, not even bothering with her bra as she buttoned her blouse. I swallowed hard, forcing my eyes away from the outline of her nipples under the thin cotton of her shirt.
“Uh…” I couldn’t force my brain to function as she gathered her panties in her hand as well. She laughed, sliding her glasses onto her nose and ruffling her hair. “Goddess, you’re all sexy and rumpled,” I blurted.
“I think I like you all flustered this way. I wonder if this will happen every time we have sex or when you know I’m not wearing underwear.” She giggled lightly, pressing a light kiss to my lips before pulling away. “Go get food, love. I know how hungry you are. I told the guys to have food waiting for you in our study. I’m just going to shower and change, and I’ll be over in a few minutes.” She hesitated, searching my eyes for a second. “You’ll be okay?”
“I’ll be fine,” I told her. “Though I can’t guarantee they will be.” Though I muttered the second part, she clearly heard me since she laughed again.
“That’s my girl. Give them hell.” With an approving nod, she headed for