Kimber let out a yawn and stretched. She reached across her hotel bed and picked up her hairbrush. Closing her eyes in pleasure, she ran the bristles through her long hair.
She had been brushing her hair for a few minutes when she heard a knock at her door. Her eyes instantly opened and she looked towards it in confusion. Who could be at her door at this hour?
She sat the brush down and padded over to the door, asking in curiosity, "Who's there?"
"It's me." Sheamus' deep voice called from the other side.
The tone had been low and deep, almost like a growl or a purr. Kimber immediately felt a shiver run through her body at the sound of it. It was almost intoxicating in a way.
She reached out with shaky hands and opened the door. She was forced to take a step back as his presence filled the doorway.
His eyes slowly traveled down to her nightgown, taking in the way the white silk clung to her curves, and it was then that Kimber realized what she was wearing.
She turned around, meaning to get her robe, her cheeks beginning to redden. She crossed over to the bed and reached for it. She was about to take it when his large hand closed over hers, stopping her.
She slowly faced him and swallowed, heat rushing over her. He was staring down at her, his features filled with need. His gaze scorched every part of her that it touched.
"Sheamus." she whispered his name, apprehension and longing mixed in that single word.
"Don'." he shook his head, his hand traveling up her arm to slide around her waist and draw her closer.
Her hands traveled up his chest, her fists knotting his shirt. She hung in his embrace, the young reporter looking up at him in silent wonder.
"Ah couldn' stay away." he told her, his voice like velvet, "Ah tried to, but Ah couldn' fight it any longer."
"Fight what?" she found herself asking in a hushed murmur.
"What Ah feel." his other hand snaked up to stroke her cheek, his gaze burning into hers, "Ah want you, Kember. Ah've wanted you for so long now."
Kimber felt tears prick her eyes, she could hardly believe it.
"I-"
Whatever she was going to say died on her lips as he suddenly lifted her up into his arms, his mouth closing over hers in a thorough kiss. His masterful tongue stroked her own, eliciting a moan from deep in her throat.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer as her tongue lapped and mated with his own. She shifted restlessly in his arms, wanting him closer; he was never close enough.
Sheamus leaned down, his other arm going under her knees, and he scooped her up against his chest. Never breaking the kiss, he laid her on the bed and came to rest above her. He buried his hand in her hair, tilting her head back so he could have access to her neck.
Kimber practically mewed with delight as his lips rubbed against her flesh. He nibbled along her pulse, his tongue coming out to taste her soft skin.
She turned her head slightly, pressed tender kisses against the side of his head. Her hands roamed over his body, feeling the strong muscles underneath his clothes.
"Sheamus." she whispered his name again, the word like a prayer.
As if to answer her he lifted his head. The look he gave her was filled with so much passion, so much longing, that it caused her to tremble in desire.
She reached out and took hold of the buttons on his shirt, undoing each one. Her eyes stayed locked with his, the young woman unable to look away, as she parted the material and revealed his alabaster skin. He sat up and shrugged out of the shirt, tossing it over his shoulder without a backwards glance.
Kimber rose up on her knees, her hands reaching out to touch his massive chest. She felt the muscles bunch under her hand, his heart pounding against her palm, and she continued her exploration.
He had a beautiful body. She had always thought so.
Her tiny hands traveled along the wide expansion of his shoulders and over his biceps.
"You're beautiful." she murmured as her gaze returned to his face.
She lowered her head and pressed an open mouth kiss against his chest, just above his heart. She heard him groan and felt his hand returned to her hair, the wrestler dragging her back up towards his mouth.
He captured her lips in a heated kiss, drawing another moan from her.
"Ah want to see you." he growled against her mouth.
Kimber pulled back, looking up at him with wide eyes. Slowly she reached down and took hold of the hem of her gown.
She started to lift it over her head when he stopped her. He gently removed her hands, his own taking hold of the silk. His eyes never leaving hers, he slowly eased the material up her body. Kimber let out a gasp, the sensation of the silk sliding across her heated skin working wonders on her nerves.
Soon the gown was gone. Only then did his eyes travel down to her body. Kimber felt herself begin to blush at his frank gaze and she started to cover herself. He took hold of her hands, bringing them out at her sides.
"Don'." he murmured with a slow shake of his head, "Don' cover yerself, Kember. Let me see you."
She swallowed hard and kept her hands down at her sides. She felt her pulse race and her blood begin to heat as his eyes scanned every inch of her body. His face was filled with such abject approval and hunger. It brought a feeling of feminine pride, knowing that she was the cause of it.
He reached out, his hand trembling slightly in need, and his knuckles brushed against the valley between her breasts. Kimber's eyes began to slid closed at the feeling.
"Don'." his soft voice reached her ears, "Keep yer eyes open. Watch."
Her eyes instantly opened and she watched on as his hand turned, palming one of her breasts. She felt her breathing catch as he lifted the mound, gently testing it's weight. His thumb slid across her nipple and she gasped, her eyes going closed then.
They opened, though, when she felt his warm mouth close over one peak. His arms came around her waist and he pulled her closer as he enveloped her breast, laving at it with his tongue.
"Sheamus." Kimber gasped.
Her hands went to his hair, gripping it. Whether to push him away or hold him close she didn't know.
What she did know was that he was driving her wild. She leaned down, planting a kiss on the top of his head as he continued to love her breast.
He turned his head, nuzzling the valley between before giving the other mound the same attention.
Kimber's head fell back, a purr escaping her lips. This man and his amazing mouth. . .
He blazed a wet trail up her neck and returned to her lips, his kiss hungry. She returned the embrace, meeting him frenzied stroke for frenzied stroke.
He laid them down across the bed, one hand locked around her waist while the other stroked at her breast. He couldn't seem to get enough of touching her, caressing her.
His mouth left hers and he began to travel down her chest, reaching her stomach. He planted a few heated kisses there, his tongue reaching out to dip inside her bellybutton.
Kimber went up on her elbows, watching him intently. When he continued on down her body her eyes widened, realizing what he was planning to do.
"Sheamus." she called out to him, a little apprehensive but also undeniably turned on.
He looked up at her, his gaze so hot that Kimber thought she'd burn up from the inside out from it.
"Let me taste you." the words a rough purr.
Trembling, she nodded.
His gaze stayed locked on her face as he made his way off the foot of the bed. He took hold of her hips, gently bringing her down. He ran his strong, warm hands across and under her thighs, the Irishman slowly placing one then the other on his broad shoulders.
He gave her a scorching look and licked his lips before turning and pressed a deep kiss against the inside of one thigh.
Kimber slowly sank back down onto the bed. Hands knotting the bedspread beneath her, she looked up at the ceiling in wonder.
He turned to the other, placing an open mouth kiss against the flesh before lightly nipping at it. When he glanced up at her he noticed she wasn't watching.
"Kember." she could feel his warm breath against her opening.
Wearily she looked down at him, heady with anticipation.
He leaned down and nuzzled at her nub, his tongue slipping out to lap at it. Kimber jerked at the sharp sensation, her center beginning to throb.
He gave her a triumphant look and did it again, earning a gasp from the reporter.
His hands kneaded the flesh at her thighs as he buried his mouth against her center and tasted her. He lapped at her juices as though were a drying man trying to quench his thirst.
Kimber arched back against the bed, withering and moaning in pleasure.
"Sheamus. Sheamus." she chanted his name over and over again.
White lights flashed behind her eyes as her felt her climax begin to crash over her.
Shaking, she slumped back against the bed, her eyes tightly shut. She could feel him crawling back up the bed, his warm body pressed against her own. . .
Kimber gradually opened her eyes with a cattish smile and looked up. Slowly she began to frown. Sheamus was no longer above her.
She eased up on her elbows and looked around in wonder. She wasn't in a hotel room, instead in John's guest bedroom at his house in Florida. Sheamus wasn't there. She was alone.
She sank back against the sheets and stared up at the ceiling with a sad sigh. It had all been a dream. A wonderful, terrible dream.
Wonderful for the feelings it elicited from her, but terrible in that it was just that. A dream.
She ran a hand through her hair and closed her eyes, inhaling. Her body was still trembling in need, still on fire, over the blistering images that had played out in her mind. She felt empty and unsatisfied.
Kimber felt tears prick her eyes as she remembered back on it. She had felt so free, so normal in the dream. Everything she wanted to do, everything she wanted Sheamus to do, had come so easily in her sleep.
Why couldn't it be that easy in reality?
Groaning, she sat up. She looked at the bedside clock and discovered it was almost seven. Time to get up and begin the day.
She rose from the bed and collected her things, all the while wishing she could go back to sleep.
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Kimber watched on in anticipation as John prepared himself. Her eyes landed on the massive weight before her and she held her breath. Surely there was no way he could lift it.
Carefully, but surely, he raised the barbell up to his chest and then, taking deep breaths and steadying himself, over his head.
He dropped it and took a few steps back and Kimber began to applaud. She couldn't help herself, it was an amazing feat.
"Got it." Joel stated as he lowered the camera, "I think we're done here."
"Great." Kimber smiled at the cameraman, "Thank you."
"Sure thing, Kimber." Joel gave her a grin and nodded to Cena, "Thanks, John. See you Monday at Raw."
"Sure." John shook his hand before going over to collect his bottle of water.
Kimber leaned back and watched him, a smile flittering across her lips. She had to admit, it had been a great weekend. John's home was just beautiful and she loved getting to see his extensive car collection and hearing the stories that went along with them.
"Is he showin' off for ya, Kember?"
Kimber started and turned around. She felt a blush warm her cheeks as she watched Sheamus approach. Instantly she was taken back to her dream that morning and it was all she could do not to stare at his body and imagine what it looked like under his workout clothes.
"Hey, man, good to see you." John replied as he shook his fellow wrestler's hand.
"So has this guy been treatin' you all right?" Sheamus asked Kimber with a grin.
"Mmm-hmm." Kimber nodded, all the while trying to scrub the images of her dream from her head.
Sheamus offered her a confused smile, taking note of her flushed face. What was the matter with her?
"You all right?" he asked as he studied her.
"Yeah." Kimber replied quickly, adding with frown, "I. . I, um, was just thinking about how I have to spend all next week with Punk. Not exactly how I'd like to spend my time."
"Ugh, you have my condolences." John sighed, "Having to be stuck on that smelly tour bus."
"Don't remind me." Kimber groaned.
"So it's yer last night in Florida?" Sheamus asked, his mouth turning down.
"Yeah." Kimber confided, "Unfortunately."
"Excuse me, guys." John told them before slipping away.
Kimber followed after him for a second before turning her attention back to Irishman. She found him watching her thoughtfully.
"What?" she asked with a smile.
"Ah was just wonderin'," Sheamus rubbed his chin, pensive, "Would you like to have dinner wit' me tonight? A grand sendoff before you have to go off with Punk."
John returned, having heard the question, "I don't mind if you guys go out."
Kimber looked over at him and smirked, "Getting tired of me already?"
"Yeah, you've been a horrible houseguest." John feinted annoyance, "I just want one night to myself in my own house, woman!"
Kimber giggled and turned back to Sheamus, "I think that would be nice."
The Celtic Warrior grinned, "Class. Ah'll pick you up at John's house around seven."
"Sure." Kimber agreed with a bright smile.
She might have been smiling out the outside but inside she was a bundle of nerves. Was she really going to do this? Would she be able to spend the evening alone with him?
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The second they returned to John's house Kimber excused herself and raced up to the guestroom. John looked after her and grinned, shaking his head.
Kimber hurried into the bedroom and closed the door. She reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone, dialing Cassidy's number.
She let out a sigh of relief when she heard her best friend's voice and she took a seat on the bed.
"Hey, sweetie." Cass greeted her warmly, "How is sunny Florida?"
"Fine." Kimber got right to the point, "We ran into Sheamus today at the gym and he offered to take me out to dinner tonight. A final celebration kind of thing, I guess."
There was a short pause and Kimber suddenly feared the call had somehow been dropped.
"I knew it!" Cassidy squealed, causing Kimber to yank the phone away from her ear, "I knew something was going on with you two! I knew it!"
"Yeah, yeah, you're a regularly Nancy Drew." Kimber muttered as she brought the phone back.
"You don't sound excited to be going out to dinner with a gorgeous Irishman." Cassidy observed, "Why are you not excited to be going out to dinner with a gorgeous Irishman?"
Kimber glanced down at the bedspread and admitted softly, "Because I'm afraid."
"Aww, sweetie." Cassidy sighed in sympathy, "Why? Are you afraid of Sheamus?"
"Yes." Kimber closed her eyes and rethought that, "No. I don't know."
She opened her eyes and rose, walking over to look out the picture window, "I'm attracted to him. Physically. Emotionally. I've been drawn to him for a long time now."
"But?" Cassidy gently prompted.
Kimber leaned her forehead against the warm surface of the glass and closed her eyes, "I'm just frightened. I'm frightened at the idea of being intimate with a man. What if I freeze up, Cass?"
"Calm down, okay." Cassidy replied in a gentle tone, "It's just dinner, after all."
"What if he wants more?" Kimber opened her eyes and frowned.
"Do you want more?"
Kimber paused, thoughtful. Her dream came back to her and she felt her cheeks warm at the memory.
"I'm attracted to him." she murmured.
"You've already said that." Cassidy lightly reminded her.
"I. . ." Kimber turned and leaned back against the window frame, "I had a dream about Sheamus this morning. We were starting to make love but I woke up before it ended."
"That's great. I think that's a great first step." Cassidy told her, "Sweetie, it's okay for you to like him. It's okay for you to feel sexually attracted to him."
Well she definitely was that. In spades.
"Look, if you're really nervous about it, give Lindy a call." her best friend advised her, "But promise me you'll call me after the dinner tonight and tell me everything? I mean, I want all the dirty details."
Kimber found herself laughing at that, "I promise."
"All right." Cassidy replied, "I love you. Have a great night. Try not to worry. And call Lindy."
"I will." Kimber promised and hung up.
She promptly turned around and called her former councilor turned good friend. As soon as the councilor answered Kimber laid out the entire story.
"Sheamus?" Lindy gushed when Kimber was done, "That gorgeous hunk asked you out on a date? I'm so jealous. He is beautiful! Good job!"
Kimber laughed, starting to feel better already. Leave it to Lindy to put things into prospective.
"So let's talk about this." the councilor's teasing died down and she grew serious, "So how do you feel about him?"
"I like him." Kimber replied without hesitation, "A lot. I'm attracted to him."
"That's good." Lindy informed her, "How do you feel when you're around him?"
"I. . ." Kimber sank onto her bed, "Sometimes I get scared. I freeze up and I have to get away."
"Because of him or because of your memories of Andrew?" Lindy got right to the heart of it.
"Sheamus would never hurt me." Kimber told her, "I know that as well as I know anything."
"So where do you think the fear is coming from?"
"I guess I'm afraid of what would happen if we did become intimate." Kimber admitted softly, "I'm afraid. . .I'm just worried that it will hurt. O-or what if we try to make love and I freak out and go back to what happened?"
"Let's take a step back, okay." the councilor told her, "Are you sure you would even get to that place with him? This is your first date, right? There's nothing to say that you two would even get to that point."
Kimber closed her eyes and sighed, "I. . .I had a dream about him this morning. We were making love."
"I see." if Lindy were surprised or pleased over the news her voice didn't show it, "And how did you feel about the dream?"
"I woke up and I felt sad."
"Sad?"
"Well, I woke up before we could. . .before we had finished." Kimber told her, "I felt disappointed. And aroused."
"I think the fact that you were aroused shows you're making progress." the councilor informed her, "I think that's a good first step.
"Let's go back to what you said about freezing up and being scared." Lindy asked her, "Do you feel that way when he touches you?"
"Sometimes." Kimber admitted.
"Sometimes. But not all the time?"
"I think I like it when he touches me." the reporter explained, "We were dancing at a club one night and I liked it at first. But then I got scared and had to get away."
She flopped back onto the bed and groaned, "I don't even know what I'm afraid of really."
"I think you do. I think you're starting to figure it out." Lindy went on, "But what makes you afraid? Him? Or your feelings for him?"
"Both, I think." Kimber shrugged, "I don't know. I'm a mess."
"You're not a mess." Lindy told her with a good-natured chuckle, "The truth is, I think you're making great progress. You're recognizing your fears and are trying to deal with them. The fact that you've decided to go out with Sheamus, even though you still feel a little afraid, is a good step.
"Have you talked to him about this? Does he know the whole story?"
"No." Kimber suddenly sat up, adamant, "I can't talk to him about it. I don't know how he'd react."
"Well if you do want to be intimate with him, I think it would be a good idea to tell him." Lindy told her, "That way he'd be prepared and maybe he could even help you through it, should the time come and you decide to sleep with him. And you might feel better, as well."
"Yeah." but Kimber didn't sound all that convinced.
"There's no law saying you need to rush into anything." Lindy said, "Just take your time. Enjoy the feelings as they come. Everything will work itself out in the end."
"I hope you're right." Kimber sighed.
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Sheamus pulled up in front of John's spacious house later that night. As he cut the engine he leaned back in his seat, his eyes going to the review mirror.
The man staring back at him appeared nervous.
"What's wrong wit' ya, fella." he chastised the man in the mirror, "You act like this is yer first date or somethin'."
Exhaling, Sheamus exited the car and walked up to the front door. He rang the bell and waited, his hand anxiously tapping against the side of his thigh.
The door opened, revealing a grinning John.
"Well don't you look nice this evening." the wrestler couldn't help but tease, "Is that Giorgio Armani?"
"No." the Irishman growled, half joking but also half serious, "It's Kick Yer Arse."
John raised his hands in mock surrender, "Just kidding, fella. Come on in."
He moved aside and allowed the other man to enter.
Sheamus' eyes instantly went to the staircase in the center of the foyer and he anxiously awaited Kimber's appearance.
"So where are you guys headed tonight?" John began to make small talk.
Sheamus reluctantly turned back to him, "Uh, a place called Venice. It's outside the city."
John whistled, impressed. He had heard about that restaurant. Very classy. The old Celtic Warrior was sparing no expense tonight.
He noticed Kimber was making her way down the stairs and he paused, "Whoa."
Just looking at the wonder on John's face and Sheamus instantly knew that Kimber had entered the room.
He slowly rotated but was unprepared for the shock to his system. Just when he thought she couldn't get more beautiful she turned around and proved him wrong.
Kimber made her way down the steps, her waves bouncing freely around her shoulders. She was again dressed in deep green. Silk this time. The dress was strapless and hugged her torso before flowing to just above her knees.
She reached the ground floor and nervously glanced up, a soft smile coming to her lips at the sight of him.
His hair was brushed across his forehead, not in its usual spikes. He was dressed in black dress pants, a grey dress shirt, black vest and black and grey tie which was interestingly tired around his neck and not his open shirt collar. He looked stunning. She couldn't think of a better word to describe him.
"I like your tie." she told him with a grin as she approached.
"Ya look like an angel." he found himself saying.
He cringed, wanting to kick his own arse. Not that he was lying. She honestly did look like an angel to him right there at that moment. But it sounded so stupid coming out of his mouth.
She began to blush, her smiling deepening. She actually seemed touched by the compliment. It caused his heart to swell, the Irishman feeling better about his slip of the tongue.
"Thank you." she murmured, her fingers fidgeting with her skirt, "You look quite handsome, yourself."
"Now," John broke in, face stern as he wagged his finger at Sheamus, "I expect you to drive carefully. I want you to treat her like a lady. And I want her back here no later than midnight. Do I make myself clear, young man?"
"Ah jeez, Da, do ya always have to ruin my fun?" the Celtic Warrior joked.
He offered his arm to Kimber, "Ya ready to go, lass?"
She nodded and shyly took his arm, allowing him to lead her to the front door.
She looked over her shoulder, back to John, and mouthed, "Goodnight."
John bobbed his head, giving her a warm smile as he watched the pair exit out into the night.
Sheamus walked Kimber to her door and opened it for her. He even went so far as to take her hand and help her get in.
She beamed up at him, charmed by his gallant nature.
He climbed in behind the wheel and started the car up, heading off down the road.
"So where are you taking me tonight?" she asked him.
"Uh, a place called Venice." he answered, "Great Italian food there, Ah heard."
"You've never been?"
"Hmm-mm." the wrestler shook his head.
"Do you like Italian?" Kimber asked with a smirk.
"You like Italian." Sheamus answered instead, giving her a wink.
Kimber settled back against the seat, moved that he would seek out her favorite food to try and impress her.
"You don't have to do that." she told him gently, "We can go anywhere. It doesn't matter to me."
"It matters to me." Sheamus stated, "Besides, Ah love a good plate of spaghetti."
They were silent for several moments, each watching the scenery that whizzed by.
"So you have to go stay wit' Punk for a week, huh?" Sheamus began to frown, clearly not pleased with the idea.
"Unfortunately." Kimber sighed, "I don't think it'll be as easy as my week with John."
"If he gives you any problems, let me know." he was serious.
"I will." Kimber assured him, "Honestly, I think it'll be fine. From what I heard he doesn't want me tagging along anymore than I want to tag along. I'm sure I'll just have to get a few sound bites from him and then I can have the rest of the time to myself."
"Good luck to ya there."
They reached the restaurant shortly thereafter and Sheamus took her arm and led her inside.
The moment they entered Kimber found herself in awe. It was exquisite. Beige walls, tasteful oil paintings, beautiful deep burgundy tablecloths, fine china and silverware. Not to mention crystal chandeliers and a quaint fountain in the lobby.
Sheamus took in her reaction and mentally patted himself on the back.
Not bad there, fella, he told himself with a small smile.
They were seated in a private area away from the other diners and were given menus.
As they looked over what they were having Kimber smiled over at him.
"Thank you." she replied softly, "This is all so wonderful."
"We aim to please, angel." he gave a wink and went back to his menu.
He realized what he had called her and paused. He nervously glanced over, worried that she might be offended. But she was simply reading her menu, that sweet smile of hers still on her lips.
It made his heart swell again and an unknown emotion bubble up in his chest.
They gave their waiter their order, received their drinks and waited.
"So have you always wanted to be a wrestler?" Kimber propped her elbows up on the table, hands clasped under her chin, and leaned forward.
Sheamus took a drink of his wine, thoughtful, "Ah've always loved watchin' wrestlin', that's for sure."
He began to grin, "But Ah've had a lot of jobs before Ah got into the business."
"Such as?"
He winked at her and teased, "Is this Kember the reporter talkin' to me?"
"No." Kimber shook her head, poignant, "This is Kimber, your date."
As soon as the words left her mouth she felt herself begin to blush. She looked down at the tablecloth and laughed self-consciously. She hadn't really realized it until that moment but that's exactly what this was. A date. A real, honest-to-goodness date. Something she hadn't been on in years.
She peeked up at him and was pleasantly surprised to see that he was grinning. He seemed to think it was okay that she referred to this as a date.
"Ah, uh, Ah had quite a few jobs before Ah got into wrestlin'." he told her, getting back to the subject at hand, "Ah was a bouncer for a few nightclubs. Worked security for a couple of bands."
"Really?" Kimber's eyes lit up with interest, "Who?"
"U2." Sheamus clarified, adding with a smirk, "Ah was also an IT tech."
"Really?" now the reporter really was curious, smiling, "Beauty, brawn and a brain."
"Ah'm the total package." the Irishman laughed, but Kimber could see that she had embarrassed him a little.
"Well if I ever need my computer fixed, I know who to go to." she teased lightly.
"And even if'n you don'." his expression was at once tender, his tone low.
Kimber swallowed and bowed her head. She felt butterflies flutter in her stomach. It wasn't an altogether bad feeling. In fact, she rather liked it.
The waiter returned with their meals and they began to eat.
"So tell me about yer family." Sheamus inquired before taking a healthy bite of his pasta, "You said you had a da and a brother."
"Derek." Kimber nodded, a subject she clearly loved to talk about, "He's older than me by three years. But, um, yeah. I came from the quintessential nuclear family. Mom, dad, big brother and me. Suburban bliss. What about you?"
"Sisters, sure." Sheamus informed her, "Two of 'em."
"Are you the oldest?"
"Yeah." Sheamus replied and Kimber giggled.
"Oh no." she joked, "Those poor girls. If you were anything like my older brother, I bet they never got a date."
"The lads were too scared to come 'round 'em." Sheamus announced with pride, earning a laughing from his date.
"And I'm sure you felt just awful about it." Kimber chuckled.
"Terrible." Sheamus agreed with feint sadness.
She gazed at him affectionately and murmured, "I bet you were a wonderful big brother."
The Irishman felt himself blushing and he bowed his head, laughing with embarrassment, "Ah was all right, Ah suppose.
"And what about Derek? Was he good to you?" he asked as he turned back to her.
Kimber beamed, "Mom and Dad used to say I was apple of his eye. The second they brought me home from the hospital he was like a little father with me."
"So you've always been close."
"As thick as thieves." Kimber nodded, "So do you get to see your family much?"
"When Ah can." Sheamus replied and Kimber could see a hint of sadness in his eyes, "Of course with all the travelin' we do, that makes it difficult."
She found herself reaching out and taking his hand, giving it a squeeze.
"I'm sorry." she told him, sincere.
He returned the squeeze and grinned, "Thank ya, but it's all right. And besides, we'll be in Europe in a month. Ah'll get a chance to see 'em then."
Their gazes traveled to their joined hands, their smiles fading. Sheamus rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand, enjoying the feel of her small hand in his own. Despite the size difference, just like her body, it fit perfectly with his own.
He glanced up at her. She was still thoughtfully staring down at their hands. There was an almost sense of wonder written across her face.
"Have ya been to Europe, Kember?" he asked.
"Oh." Kimber blinked, coming out of her thoughts, "No, no I haven't."
She started to smile, "But I've always wanted to go."
Sheamus removed his hand and picked up his fork again, taking another bite of his pasta.
"Ah could show you around." he offered, "If yer interested."
She smile grew. She was interested all right. The idea of getting to spend time with him in Europe, maybe even go to Ireland with him, meant so much to her.
"I would love that." she murmured.
"Good." Sheamus nodded, set.
They continued with their meal and it was soon time to leave.
"So where to next?" Sheamus asked as they rose from the table and made their way towards the front doors.
"Anywhere sounds good." Kimber shrugged, "These are your stomping grounds, remember? I'm just a guest."
"How about my place?" the words were out of his mouth before he even thought about it, before he could even stop himself.
He cringed inwardly. If he could have, he would kick his own arse. Again.
Good one, fella, he grumbled silently to himself, Nothin' like makin' her think yer only interested in gettin' her back to yer place so's you can get her into yer bed.
Kimber noticed that as soon as Sheamus suggested they go to his place he had instantly looked like he regretted it. It almost made her want to smile. Who would have thought the Celtic Warrior would have such a gentlemanly streak. Definitely not her, but then again she found he surprised her more and more every day.
"I'd love to see your place." she told gently.
He wasn't sure if he believed her. But she seemed to earnest.
"All right." he nodded and led the way back to the car.
As they drove Kimber leaned back in her seat, her mind racing. She was so curious to see what his home looked like. Her imagination couldn't even begin to form a picture.
Sheamus turned off down a side road and began to head towards the outskirts of the city. The closer they got to his home the more he keep glancing over at her. He smiled inwardly, anxious to see what she thought of his place.
It was another thirty minutes before they reached it. As he pulled into the drive he slowed the car and turned to her. He began to beam in pride.
Kimber looked up at his home, if such a simple word could be used to describe it, in absolute awe.
"Oh. Sheamus." she breathed.
"It's not much, but Ah call it home." he grinned as he cut the engine and got out of the car.
He came around to her side and opened the door for her, extending his hand. She took it, her eyes still locked on the amazing residence before her.
It was spectacular. The color of golden sand and trimmed in a deep rust red. It was primarily two stories, with a third set to the right. There were a small set of steps that lead up to an arched alcove. The majority of the windows, save for a large picture window to the right, were also arched. Above the front door was a beautiful balcony that overlooked the front yard. To the left was a two car garage.
"This way." Sheamus took her hand and led her to the front steps.
Kimber heard her heels clicking on the brick driveway and she found herself beaming up at him.
They climbed the steps and reached the front door, Sheamus releasing her long enough to find his house key and unlock the door.
He pushed it open and stepped inside, crooking a finger at her with a grin.
Kimber stepped into the foyer and paused, her eyes widening in silent wonder. She wandered across the beige colored marble floor to the center of the room where a circular rug in gold, navy and brown resided. Once she reached it she began to slowly turn around.
An amazing wood and iron staircase circled the room. Hanging from the ceiling was an exquisite iron chandelier. To the left was a wood and stone table, adorned with a vase of flowers.
Kimber looked over at him with an arched eyebrow. Sheamus let out a chuckle and rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed.
"My housekeeper, Mrs. Poole." he explained and Kimber began to grin.
The Celtic Warrior extended his hand to her, "Would you like to see the rest of me palace?"
She nodded eagerly and took his hand.
He led her through the foyer and into the dining room. Kimber drew to a stop and looked around in astonishment. The walls were an off white, as were the two leather couches that sat before a while fireplace. The floor was a dark hardwood. The room was decorated in whites, creams and browns.
A dark wood dinning table stood to the left, a matching sideboard against the wall. The table was tastefully decorated, adorned with two large, iron candlestick holders. Another iron light fixer stood above the table.
"Your dining room is lovely." Kimber replied, impressed.
"Ya ain' seen nothing' yet, Kember." the Irishman offered her his arm.
She took it without hesitation and he made his way across the dining room and through a set of patio doors out onto the sun porch.
Sun porch. Such a simple word to describe it. Stone floors and a large stone fireplace. Before it sat two wicker couches, the color of the stone, the cushions a deep red and cream.
He continued on, leading her through a set of double doors and out to the backyard.
Kimber took in the large pool and Jacuzzi that bordered the house. She slowly walked down the cement steps and across the yard, her eyes on the wooden boat dock and the dark ocean that laid beyond.
"Do you have a boat?" she inquired as she rotated around to face him.
Sheamus shook his head, regretful, "No. Not yet Ah don'."
He offered her his arm and they walked back into the house. They eventually came to the living room and he released her, allowing her to look.
Beige marble floor, off white walls. Decorated in browns, beiges and sands.
Kimber smiled. She really liked his house. It was so like him and then again, nothing of what she expected. The juxtaposition of it was phenomenal.
"Your house is amazing." she gushed, "Truly, Sheamus. It's beautiful."
"It's home." he shrugged, still grinning.
Kimber continued to study the room when she noticed the massive entertainment center against a lone wall. How had she missed that?
She wandered over to it and began to look over his vast CD collection.
"Metallica. . .Megadeth. . .ACDC. . .Nirvana. . ." she glanced over her shoulder at him and gasped, "New Kids on the Block?"
"What?" he came forward, his eyes feverishly searching his collection.
There was no New Kids on the Block CD there. He took in her smirking face and began to growl. Kimber giggled and backed away, hands raised in surrender.
"Just kidding." she quipped.
"Ya've done it now, lass." he slowly stood to his full height and began to stalk her.
Kimber's eyes widened and she eased behind his couch. She walked along behind it, never taking her eyes off of him.
They circled the couch twice, Kimber glancing around the room for a way to escape.
Her eyes were to the left and she missed it when he suddenly swooped around. She caught his advancement at the last second and she shrieked, taking off across the room.
He caught her quickly, wrapping his arms around her waist and effortlessly lifting her up. He buried his face in the back of her hair, growling and snarling.
Kimber laughed uproariously, the young reporter struggling to free herself.
"Please!" she wheezed between giggles, "I give! I give!"
"Don' ya know you never joke about a man's music." Sheamus' low voice purred in her ear.
Kimber turned her head slightly, his lips inadvertently finding themselves on her neck. Suddenly her laughter died on her lips and a new sensation bubbled up within her stomach.
Sheamus lifted his head and slowly removed his arms. She slid down the length of his body and he found himself hissing from the friction. All thoughts of joking instantly fled his mind.
Kimber circled around to face him, hesitant but also yearning. Her dream again flashed in her mind and she found herself wanting to know what his lips tasted like for real.
Sheamus licked said lips as he stared down at her. He wanted to kiss her at that moment. More than anything he wanted to kiss her, though he worried she didn't want that.
But with one look in her eyes he could tell she was thinking the same thing. She wanted it, too. He knew it.
His hands came back to her waist and he tugged her towards him. Kimber gasped, her hands gripping his vest to steady herself. She didn't pull away from him. Instead she leaned up on tiptoe, her eyes sliding closed.
Sheamus bowed his head and his lips met hers. That mere touch and it was like someone has sparked a match to kindling. His arms tightened around her and he lifted her to his chest. His lips rubbed hers apart, his tongue surging forward to taste her. At her sweet flavor he found himself groaning deep in his throat.
Kimber whimpered, her hands gripping his neck. She opened her mouth to his sweet assault, her tongue coming out to lap and mate with his own.
One of his hands snaked up to her hair, burying itself deep in the silky locks. He tilted her head back to give himself better access as he kissed along her jaw line and to her neck. There he gentle nipped at her flesh before loving it with his tongue.
Kimber offered a shuddered breath, her eyes opening. She felt herself begin to tremble, though she didn't know if it were from fear or desire.
Panic welled up in her chest and she started to push against him. Sheamus, oblivious to her rising fright, groaned again and continued his ministrations.
"No." Kimber gasped, tears springing to her eyes. She found herself pushing at him again in a need to break away and get some space.
Her terrified voice broke through his haze of lust and he opened his eyes, lifting his head to look at her. Alarm came over him when he saw how just afraid she was.
"No!" Kimber cried out as she pushed away, wiggling out of his arms and standing back on the floor.
She turned her back on him and buried her face in her hands, murmuring, "I can't. I can't. I'm so sorry."
Sheamus looked down at her, both surprised and saddened by her retreat. Looked at her now, shaking and fighting not to cry, broke his heart. He wanted nothing more than to take her back into his arms, kiss her and promise her that he would never let anyone hurt her again.
He reached his large hand out and gently stroked her hair. She stiffened at his touch but thankfully didn't pull away. He took that as a good sign.
"What did he do you, angel?" he asked her softly.
She shook her head, refusing to answer. She couldn't. And she hated herself for it. Why, after five years, was she still fighting this? Would she ever be free of the shadows that haunted her?
"Well can you at least tell me where Ah can find this feckin' arsehole?" Sheamus went on, very much serious, "Ah want to make sure he never puts his hands on another woman again."
Kimber sniffed and looked over at him, two tears trailing down her cheeks. It was funny, but that was probably the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to her.
She didn't answer him, instead just wrapping her arms around his waist and burying herself against his chest. Sheamus looked down at her and inhaled, his arms tightening around her small frame. That unknown emotion he had felt before squeezed around his heart.
He stroked her hair and murmured soothingly, "You can talk to me, ya know. If yer worried Ah might not understand or that Ah wouldn' sympathize-"
"I . ." Kimber promptly looked up at him and shook her head vehemently, "I want to. I do, but I. . ."
"Then talk to me." he tenderly pleaded with her, "You can trust me, Kember."
"I. . ." she could only stare up at him helplessly.
More than anything she wanted to tell him. Get it all out in the open. Who knew? It might actually feel better to tell the whole, ugly story.
But there was still that part of her, hidden deep down inside, that balked at the idea. What would he think of her if she told him? What if he couldn't look at her the same way again? She couldn't bear that.
"I. . ." she eased out his arms, the need to flee rising in her, "I just can't, Sheamus. I'm sorry."
And with that she turned and hurried from the room.
Sheamus watched after her, everything in him screaming for him to go after her. But he didn't. Knew he couldn't. She wasn't ready to let him in yet. At least not to the secret she was keeping.
Given her reactions to his bursts of temper and the way she had pulled away from that passionate kiss, his mind was screaming rape. He prayed to God he was wrong, but he couldn't think of any other explanation.
He slowly sank into a nearby chair and leaned over, scrubbing his hands over his face. He wanted to scream out his rage. He wanted to hit something. He wanted to find the bastard that had done that to her and tear him limb from limb.
He wanted to go to her and do whatever he could to ease her mind. Show her that he wouldn't, couldn't, hurt her.
He rose to his feet and began to pace the room. If it were another man physically standing in his way he'd know what to do. Throw hands with the fella and take care of it.
But how do you fight a memory?
He heard the front door open and close and he instinctually hurried after her.
As he burst outside he saw her making her way up the street, arms wrapped tightly around herself.
"Kember!" he called out, jogging to meet her.
Kimber gradually drew to a stop but kept her eyes on the ground. She felt too ashamed, too embarrassed to look him in eyes.
"Oi." his tone was tender as he approached her and he reached out to stroke her cheek.
She flinched at the touch but slowly looked up to meet his eyes. To her relief he didn't appear disgusted or even disappointed. Just very concerned.
"Ah'll take you back to John's if that's what ya want." he told her, but there was a large part of him that hoped she would choose to stay instead.
"Yes. Please." she murmured, ducking her head away at last.
He sighed, dropping his hand to his side. So that was that. She wasn't ready to talk then.
He turned and led the way back to his house and the car. He walked around to her side and opened her door for her. She slipped past him, careful not to touch him, and slid into the seat.
Sheamus closed the door with a definite snap and walked back around to his side.
He didn't want to, but there was a part of him that felt angry. He wanted her to trust him. He thought he had proven himself enough to her so that she would. But clearly there was some part of her that thought she couldn't open up to him.
It actually hurt.
He climbed in and looked over at her and instantly his anger died. She was leaning back against the seat, head against the window. A single tear was trickling down her cheek.
He reached into his pocket and removed his handkerchief, handing it to her.
"Here." he told her gently, a smile tugging at his lips, "Ah haven' used it yet."
She returned his smile, hers watery, and gratefully took the handkerchief. She wiped at the tear and began to fiddle with the cloth in her lap.
The Irishman started to car and they headed out.
"Are ya cold?" he asked, reaching for the heater, "Ah could turn the heat on."
Kimber shook her head, "No thank you."
She closed her eyes and sighed. He was begin so kind and attentive. It made her feel worse. Here he could be out with a normal woman and instead he was stuck with her.
They were silent for a long while, each alone with their thoughts.
"This is my fault." she murmured at last as she glanced over at him, "I'm sorry."
"It's not yer fault, Kember." Sheamus replied adamantly, misunderstanding her, "Don' ever think that."
"It is." Kimber went on as she looked out the windshield and sighed, "I wore colors that I thought you might like. Perfume. I reached out to you. You could be having a nice, normal night out and instead you're stuck having to deal with me and my drama. I'm sorry."
Sheamus began to smile then, touched by the extent of her attraction to him, "Ah'm flattered you thought enough of me to do all that. The truth is, Ah've wanted to go out wit' ya for a long time now. It feels good to know that you felt the same way."
She blinked, his reaction the last thing she expected. She looked over to find him smiling at her.
His smile faded as he went on, needed to say this, "Ah don' know what it is exactly that's happening between us. But there's somethin' there. Don' tell me you don' feel it, Kember."
"No." Kimber slowly shook her head, murmuring, "No, I feel it, too. I-I have for a long time now."
They pulled into John's driveway and Sheamus cut the engine. He looked over at her, taking in her beautiful but sad features.
"I wish I could be the type of woman you deserve." she replied, heartfelt, "A woman who can show you just how much she cares about you."
Tears collected in her eyes and she knew she had to get away. She turned around and yanked open the door, hurrying out of the car. She closed the door with a slam and ran towards John's front door.
Sheamus watched after her, knuckles tightly gripping the steering wheel to keep him going after her. It was only when she disappeared behind the front door did he release his hold and lean back against the seat.
"And Ah wish you could let me in, lass." he mumbled sadly before starting the car and heading off.
.
.
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For those interested in the basis I used for Sheamus' home you can find a link to it on my profile. :)
Also, I've had quite a few people ask me about the song from the last part (where Sheamus and Kimber danced at the club). It's called Kissing and it's by Bliss. It's an amazing song that I heard in the Sex in the City movie. :) You can find a link to it, also on my profile.