Seduction's Dance (McKingley Series) (3 page)

James served dinner and he enjoyed it, conversing with James while taking pleasure in each brief word Shannon spoke. After dinner he stayed and found himself taking part in their movie night, where they watched the three Transformers movies. Finally he rose to leave, seeing James push Shannon up and his way—he made a mental note to thank James later. Though she seemed reluctant, Shannon followed him. Dimitri opened the front door, stepping outside on the porch before facing her. She was framed in the low-lit entryway, and he couldn’t take his eyes from her when Shannon cocked her head to the side, studying him, then moved. She kissed him, her tongue stroking against his lips. Dimitri opened, letting her in.

He slid his hands around her waist, pulling her into his body. She rested against him, fitting him perfectly. Shannon worked her tongue inside his mouth, setting off a sensation of need. Shannon released him as abruptly as she’d kissed him. She stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning against the doorjamb.

“I thought it best to get the first kiss out of the way. Now we won’t have that to worry about. My next day off is Saturday. Come by about three, that way you can help me cook.” She wasn’t asking.

Dimitri nodded and made his way to his vehicle. Inside, he looked out of the windshield, noticing Shannon was still in doorway watching him leave. He started the engine then tooted his horn. She lifted a hand and Dimitri backed out then headed home. He was already anticipating their first date.

* * * *

Impatiently, Dimitri glared at the calendar. The days to their date were ticking away slowly. He pushed back in his chair, reading the report he had written. The case he had met Shannon at had wrapped up. The sad part was that it had been some fool teenager thinking it was fun to light rags and pitch them into trees. He’d done it in front of the Livingstons’ house, which had led to the death of the whole family. The teenager was crying about how sorry he was, but it was too late for that—he was going to jail and would be there for a long time. Dimitri finished his report and emailed it.

“Heard you solved the case,” Shannon spoke behind him.

Dimitri turned then stood, pleased to see her. She was in her uniform and held her hat in her hands.

“Yes, I did.”

“Good”—Shannon studied him with her somber brown eyes as she spoke—“I usually bring my lunch and have it in the park near here. I packed extra since I decided to ask you to join me today. Would you like to?” She waited for his response, her movement minimal, just a thrum of fingers along her hat.

“Sure.” Dimitri moved toward her.

Shannon stepped back and strode toward the exit. Dimitri followed her outside to her cruiser, noticing the other fire fighters watching them curiously on the way. She didn’t pause to look at any of them but from her posture, Dimitri would bet she didn’t miss anything. Shannon retrieved a medium-sized cooler bag from her car then they continued to the park. As they strolled, they passed various residents who waved at Dimitri and he returned their gesture. They didn’t approach him to chat as would have happened to any of his siblings. People knew him and unless he stopped to visit, they wouldn’t.

The bright New Mexico sun made the area seem surreal, like he was standing directly in a painting. He loved living in McKingley. A hand slid into his and Dimitri smiled, holding Shannon’s hand as they strode through the park. She led him to a spot off the main path and sat at a bench, putting the bag next to her. Dimitri sat next to the bag as Shannon opened it and handed him a sandwich. He was surprised to find it was pastrami with Swiss cheese and condiments, as he liked it. He glanced at her in question.

“I asked around about you too.”

He took a bite of his sandwich and they enjoyed their meal in the serenity of the park. Dimitri nibbled on white seedless grapes and drank his cranberry juice. Shannon had indeed found out about him—he figured she’d gotten her information from Leo. Shannon closed the lunch sack after handing him a bag. He opened it and saw it was filled with Snickerdoodles—his favorite cookie. Dimitri removed one then bit into it—it tasted better than any he’d ever eaten.

“What brand is this? It’s delicious.”

“I made it. Will make more for dessert for our date.” Shannon smiled.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to romance me.” Dimitri pushed his shoulder against hers playfully.

“I am.” Shannon turned her head, her dark brown eyes serious, then she winked.

Dimitri chuckled and finished the cookie—keeping the bag to save the rest for later. Shannon rose and he followed her, taking her hand in his as they retraced their steps back to her vehicle.

“I enjoyed lunch. Do you want to meet again tomorrow?”

He didn’t even hesitate. “Yes. Same time.” Dimitri kissed her gently.

Shannon pressed against him then moved away.

“Tomorrow.” She got in her vehicle before honking her horn and driving away.

Dimitri stood on the curb and watched her leave. At least now Saturday didn’t seem so far away.

* * * *

Over the following days, Shannon came by at the same time and met him for lunch each day. Each time she had something he enjoyed to eat and a dessert he loved. Dimitri felt himself being drawn even more to the enigmatic woman.

By the time Saturday arrived, he was awaiting their date even though he had seen her every day leading up to it. Dimitri drove toward the ranch with a sense of anticipation. He pulled into the driveway and exited his vehicle. Dimitri took the steps quickly and eagerly pressed the bell. The door opened after a few moments, but Shannon blocked the doorway

“Before you come in, I wanted to get it straight that we’re not having sex. It’s too soon. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”

Dimitri’s smile faded and he stared at her then demanded, “Is that all you think I want when I’m with you?”

“I don’t know. Most men do. I’m just stating my position before there’s a misunderstanding,” Shannon replied in a cool tone.

“You know, Shannon, sometime you’ll let go of that rigid control of yours and just feel.”

“If you’re waiting for me to get all gushy and moon over you, you’re with the wrong woman.”

“I don’t want either of those things. What I want is Shannon, that passionate woman I know is in there, to let me in.”

“I’m no—”

“Outside in the rest of the world you can keep yourself as rigid as you want to. But behind closed doors whenever it’s just us, I expect you to be as blunt and honest in showing your reaction to me as you are when you speak.” Dimitri crowded her into the doorjamb.

Shannon raised her head, staring him down then she nodded once. Having got to know her these last few days, Dimitri knew that was as much as he would get. He stepped back. Shannon gripped his shirt, pulling him to her.

“I didn’t say anything about kissing.” She kissed him hungrily.

Dimitri pressed against her, pushing her to the doorjamb and returning her kiss. Shannon opened up licking inside his mouth.

Shannon opened wide, sucking in Dimitri’s tongue. She was already getting addicted to his taste. Since the first time she’d kissed him, she’d gotten more than she bargained for. Dimitri was one man she knew she would not be able to put in a neat compartment and keep him where she wanted him in her life. The thought both frightened her and made her want him even more. She’d gone back to have lunch with him every day because she hadn’t been able to stay away from him. Each time and kiss had her longing to be with him. Dimitri had demanded she show her honest reaction to him—he didn’t have any clue her coming to meet him for lunch was exactly what he demanded. She had asked about him—Deyon had teased her mercilessly, but she’d given her the information she’d sought. Shannon had found out the basics about him, the rest she would learn as she got to know him. Over the last week she’d gotten to know a few things about the man. Shannon gentled her kiss slowly before pulling away from him.

Dimitri’s groan breezed along her lips and he seemed reluctant to release her from their kiss. Shannon thought of kissing him again but resisted. She viewed his face and spoke bluntly, as he liked to hear from her.

“Lunch together each day is my way of letting you know I’m also intrigued by you, Dimitri.”

“That’s the first time you said my name.” Dimitri’s arms tightened where they rested on her waist.

Shannon thought about his statement, realizing he was correct. In her head, she’d called him by his name often, though never verbally.

“Come in.” She took one of his hands off her waist, holding it as she waved him inside.

The sound of the door closing came behind her. Shannon led him to the living room and sat. Dimitri settled next to her, extending his legs and putting his hand behind her on the couch.

“We can wait a bit before starting dinner. Do you want to watch some movies or TV?” she offered.

“TV, we can find something that is on. I think there might be a
Criminal Intent
marathon.” Dimitri shifted, picking up the remote.

“I enjoy that show.”

He resettled against the couch, turning on the TV and flipping channels until he found the show he was referring to. Dimitri pulled her along his side, relaxing. Shannon moved closer, resting her head on his shoulder and putting her hand on his thigh. He tensed under her hand briefly, and they watched the show in companionable silence. The day was fun. They made dinner together, exchanging conversation about their jobs and other things they enjoyed then ate, continuing the easy-going atmosphere. After they’d eaten, they returned to the living room and watched movies late into the night.

Shannon blinked, looking at the screen without seeing it. Being around Dimitri was comfortable and she could get used to him hanging around.

* * * *

Shannon opened her lids, startled at the sensation of a body under her. She glanced down at Dimitri who she was lying on. In slumber, Dimitri’s hard look softened, but she still got the feel of leashed strength from him. Shannon glanced at the clock on the mantle and grinned. Returning her attention to Dimitri, she shook him awake. His hand came up and held hers against his shoulder as he opened his eyes. A warm smile curled his lips as he watched her. Unable to resist, she kissed him gently then pulled away.

“We fell asleep.”

“You did first then woke a little and seemed to think I was a bed. You pushed me over and lay on top of me. I was held hostage,” Dimitri teased.

Shannon distantly remembered what he’d stated happening and snorted. “I’m sure you enjoyed being my mattress.”

“I’ll be your bed anytime you want one.” Dimitri’s gaze was filled with desire.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Now come on, we don’t want to miss the show.” Shannon moved off him and stood, holding out her hand.

Dimitri stood, looking curious. He glanced at the time then a grin spread across his face. Shannon knew he understood and they walked to the front door, getting their shoes before heading outside and across the yard toward the main house. Once there, Shannon took a seat on the porch rail. Dimitri leaned next to her. A sound started, making them chuckle.

“Cock-a-doodle-doo,” Sigmund crowed loudly.

He repeated it over and over, getting louder as time passed. Shannon waited then heard it.

“Mother fucking bird.” Then the clomp of steps came from inside the house.

The door opened and the screen door slapped hard and a body flew out, barely touching the porch as he jumped off and ran across the yard. The sound of gunshots echoed the curses that came from James as he shot.

“He really is naked.” Dimitri laughed, leaning against her.

Shannon joined him.

“Take that, you damn singing fucker.” James shot a few times.

Then it was silent. James stopped, turning to them a wide grin on his face.

“I got him.” He started to dance, his naked body moving in the moonlight.

Shannon averted her gaze, covering her mouth and pressing her face into Dimitri’s shoulder. His shook with his mirth. James rushed toward them. Shannon raised her head and met James’ gaze.

“He’s spending the night already.” James jerked his thumb toward Dimitri.

“Mind your business.”

James studied them before addressing Dimitri. “You’re making breakfast. I want blueberry pancakes.”

“What if I can’t cook?” Dimitri asked.

“Then you’d better learn quick. We share the cooking duties. We’ll add you to the rotation.” James wasn’t even asking.

Shannon opened her mouth.

Dimitri spoke, stilling her words. “Fine, but you’d better come to the table with clothes on. I don’t need to see your cock hanging out.”

“You just wish you were as well-endowed as I am,” James retorted, moving to the front door and opening the screen.

“Cock-a-doodle-doo!” Sigmund started again.

Shannon could swear she heard the glee in his voice. The sound of pounding made her glance at James.

He lifted his head and pounded it against the door, muttering, “Too damn mean to die. Damn singing fucker.”

James straightened and returned to them. He held out the gun, butt first. Shannon took it, already knowing what was coming.

“No more Mr Nice Guy.” James pivoted and went down the steps.

She watched him as he went into the yard. Sigmund was still happily crowing away. James pulled off his boots then took off into the inky darkness.

“Did you see that? He can move,” Dimitri said.

Shannon had seen James do it before. She focused back on Dimitri and leaned closer, kissing him. Dimitri shifted his frame so they were pressed together. Shannon moaned and Dimitri groaned moving nearer to her. He stepped between her legs, kissing her, his hands on her ass.

Chapter Three

“Got him.” James spoke by her hip.

Shannon wrenched her lips from Dimitri and looked down. She stared at James, who was covered from head to toe in mud. Under one arm he held Sigmund and the other hand clamped over his head, holding his beak closed. She was shocked he had actually caught the rooster.

“Did you roll around in mud?” Dimitri sounded shocked.

Shannon, knowing her cousin, didn’t even have to ask.