Free Sean's Sweetheart by Allie Kincheloe

money that he wanted to kiss her. His smoldering gaze would heat her, body and soul, until she prayed he would kiss her. Other days, he refused even the briefest of hugs.
    Sean could flash a crooked grin at her and she'd melt. When he smiled, she found it hard to ignore the attraction between them, and oh dear God, was she attracted to him. She found herself daydreaming about kissing him again or often, doing more than kissing. More than once she referred to Sean as her boyfriend and had to backtrack. Their relationship was like dating without the physical aspect.
    It was nice, in a way, to be able to really get to know him without pressure or expectations. Not that Sean would pressure her. He was Caleb's polar opposite. Where Caleb pushed, Sean stood back and encouraged her. Where Caleb had nothing but criticisms, Sean focused on the positive. Talia hadn't realized how much Caleb had trampled her self-esteem or how much she had retreated into herself, thanks to his treatment. Sean was slowly bringing her out of her shell.
    Lost in a little daydream about Sean and his lips on hers at the waterfall, she felt a hand tap her shoulder. She jumped two feet in the air. Her heart leapt even higher and raced its way back down. Turning, she saw Zane doubled over, laughing at her reaction. Thank God, it wasn't Caleb.
    "Do I want to know what you were thinking about that had you turning that charming shade of pink before you jumped clear outta your skin, little sister?"
    "Shut up, Zane." She kicked at him. The blaze scorching her face burned hotter at his smirk.
    "Okay, now I'm sure I don't want to know. Is it about him?" He nodded toward Sean. "Some things a guy just doesn't want to know about his sister," he teased her and his hearty laugh fueled her embarrassment. "You working on Saturday?"
    "I'm opening, so I have to work until one, why?"
    "I'm moving to my own place, remember? No more roommates! Could use some help, if you don't mind," he pleaded desperately, telling her his friends had to work. She agreed to come and Zane gave her a bone-crushing hug before dancing away.
    Her giggles over her brother's antics had yet to subside when Sean strolled over. "Was that your brother?"
    "Yeah, he was suckering me in to helping him move on Saturday. You know, we could use a big, strong guy to help carry stuff. Zane said his new place was on the third floor. And you want to help carry furniture up three flights of stairs, all for the privilege of spending a few hours with me, right?"
    Sean agreed to help, but acted put out about it. She looked forward to seeing him again, if only for a few hours, while they acted as pack mules for her brother. They made plans for Sean to pick her up at work; she would then ride with him to her brother's new place—or his old one, depending on where in the moving process Zane was at that time.
     
    At work that Saturday, the clock seemed to be moving in slow motion. No matter how many times she checked it, no more than a couple minutes had passed. Her job kept her busy and she wasn't normally the type of employee who watched the clock, but she looked forward to getting out of there and spending time with Sean. She'd even brought a change of clothes with her so she could go straight from work to Zane's.
    The clock struck one and she clocked out quickly. Hurrying out of the store, she rushed into Sean's waiting car. For the first time since she'd met him, Sean didn't open the car door for her. The "No Parking" sign beside his front fender lent him a legitimate excuse, so she wasn't upset even though she gave him a hard time about it. After a brief call to Zane, she directed Sean to her brother's new place.

 
     
     
    Chapter Eighteen
     
     
     
    Sean let Talia clasp his hand in her small soft one as she led him across the parking lot. He shouldn't encourage her like this, but he couldn't bear to dim her eyes with disappointment whenever he pulled away. Her brother and father stood looking over the loaded