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Getting Lucky Ch. 01

By: nerd4music



Author's note: I told myself the Hartley stories were finished. I even started writing other really good stories when my writer's block kicked in. Since so many people requested it, I just had to give my fans what they wanted. Happy Reading everyone. n4m.


*******************

The atmosphere in the police station crackled with celebration. Officers in the hub talked excitedly, anticipating the arrival of the heroes of the hour. When the elevator opened, a chorus of cheers rang through the air. 

Sean Reilly was taken aback by the commotion. He knew that people were happy about the takedown of one of NYC's biggest crime syndicates, but he wasn't expecting the ridiculous fanfare. Still clad in his bullet-proof vest, he was shaken by many of his fellow officers. Even Lieutenant Adams, who was a stodgy old coot, was grinning from ear to ear.

"Congrats on that Morelli sweep my boy," he said to Sean, slapping him soundly on the back. 

"Thank you sir," Sean said, coughing slightly. "But I couldn't have done it without my partner." He turned to grin at Angie Hartley who breezed into the midst of the melee. 

"Detective Hartley," Adams boomed. He grasped her hand. "Good work. I take it the injury wasn't too bad?" 

He indicated the slightly bloodied bandage on her upper right arm. 

Angie shrugged. "No, not too bad sir. Bullet just grazed me. I'll live. You should have seen the other guy. I believe he's having a nice stay in the morgue at the moment."

Lieutenant Adams grinned. "Well, that's what I like to hear. Anyway, good jobs kids. We owe a lot to you and your team. Take the rest of the week off. Recuperate because I want both of you fresh next Monday."

Sean nodded. "Thanks sir. Now how 'bout a raise?"

"Don't push your luck, Reilly." Adams winked and walked away to greet the other members of the team.

Sean turned to Angie. "Well how do you like that, Hartley? We're a couple of regular heroes now."

Angie grinned. "Yeah, funny I don't feel all hero-y." She walked into her office with Sean on her heels. "Help me outta this damn vest will you? My arm's starting to burn."

Sean obliged, undoing the vest and tossing it on the chair facing her desk. "You just told Adams it wasn't that bad."

She shrugged again. "I didn't want him to make a damn deal is all. I'm a big girl, Reilly. I can handle a boo-boo."

Sean laughed. "Whatever, Ange. The real question is how is Connor going to handle it?"

Angie waved the question off. "Like Connor doesn't have risks in his job? He knows what I do." She laughed at the incredulous look on his face. "It's okay, Reilly. I had a good luck charm." She reached under her blue NYPD t-shirt and pulled out a thin sliver chain. At the end was her engagement ring. "Safekeeping," she said, unhooking the chain and sliding the ring on her finger. 

"Besides, Connor would kill you if you lost that," Sean said, taking off his vest.

Angie scoffed. "Whatever. Connor will do no such thing." She eyed the ring. "But just in case, I'd better give him a helluva blowjob tonight to ease his mind about this injury deal."

Sean smirked. "Don't act like it's such a chore for you to give him head."

Angie grinned. "Who said that? I'm just putting a little something extra in there to shut him up. Anyway, what are your plans tonight?

Sean shrugged. "Dunno. Now that I'm a hero and all, the City is mine."

"Okay, stud. How are things with Nina by the way?"

He shook his head. "A gentleman never tells."

Angie punched him lightly on the shoulder. "And you'd better be a gentleman, ass."

"Oh don't worry, she's definitely getting the royal treatment tonight."

"And on that note, I'm out of here." Angie grabbed her black pea coat and gloves. Sean helped her into her jacket. 

"You not sticking around for the celebration," he asked. 

"Nah," she grunted. "I'm going home to fuck the shit out of my guy. Talk to you later." He shook his head at his mouthy partner. 

Sean thought about returning to the party, but a sudden wave of exhaustion overtook him. It was time to call it a night, he thought. All he wanted to do was curl up next to the most beautiful woman in the City. 

Just thinking of Nina got his heart racing. They had only been seeing each for a little over two months or so, and it wasn't exactly official; but Sean couldn't remember a time when he'd felt this happy. 

As if on cue, his cell phone began to vibrate. Without even looking at the screen, he flipped open the phone to answer. "Hey there Pretty," he said, using his special nickname for her.

He smiled at her laughter. "How did you know it was me?" she asked.

"Well, you always call when I'm in a good mood just to make it much better."

"Aww, Sean you're so mushy."

"Don't tell anyone. What's up?"

"Nothing. I was just calling to see how everything went."

"Good, we got him."

"Great," she said. 

Sean heard echoing noises in the back. "What are you doing, Pretty?"

"Oh, I just got out of the shower."

"Mm, are you naked?"

Her shy laugh made him grin. "Sean," she whispered. 

"I'm just wondering, is all."

"Yes, nosy I am naked."

"Good. Stay that way for me."

"Oh, are you coming over?"

"Of course. Give me fifteen minutes."

"Okay."

Sean grinned. This was definitely turning out to be a good night.

**********************

Nina Gill sipped her glass of white wine as she watched the movie. She wasn't really paying attention to the screen. Her mind was on other things. 

Actually, it was focused on only one thing at the moment. Sean. After their first initial meeting at Angie's holiday party, there hadn't been a day they didn't communicate. Even though Nina was busy at the theater PR firm where she worked and Sean was burdened with cases at the precinct, they still managed to make time to see each other.

After going on several low-key dates and dinners it seemed like things were headed in a good direction. Sean was cocky and made her laugh, but he had a rare sweet side that was refreshingly adorable. Nina was at first unnerved at how considerate he was, holding the door open for her and such. In all the years she dated (and she considered herself an experienced dater) she could count on just one hand the number of guys that actually held a door for her. 

It was nice to be with Sean. He didn't treat her like a piece of glass or just another cute face. He actually showed interest in her work and didn't think of it as just some hobby. 

He was no slouch in the looks department either. Close cut red hair that was more of a deep russet color than bright Carrot Top orange. His body was toned. Sean had been playing baseball since birth, and kept his body in shape. He was a lean, sinewy form of 6'4 and made her feel small and safe whenever she was in his arms. A small sprinkle of freckles leftover from boyhood gave him a youthful look. But to Nina, the best part of Sean was his eyes. With one blue and one green, they were both bright and visually arresting. 

There was so much about Sean to adore and appreciate. Nina didn't want to admit it, but she was falling hard. 

A knock at the door drew her from her thoughts. Bounding to the door, she looked through the peephole. "Who is it" she sang out.

A deep chuckle came from the other side. "Your other guy," the voice answered. 

Nina grinned and unlocked the door. "Hey Slugger," she said as Sean's tall frame ambled inside.

Taking off his forest green coat, Sean feigned a look of disappointment. "I thought you were going to be naked."

Nina giggled. "Shut up, stupid." He held out his arms for her. Inhaling his scent, she smiled. He smelled like the sweetest cologne and fresh soap. "You smell nice," she said.

"Thanks. I was wearing this for my other girl." She rapped him lightly on the chest. 

"C'mere and kiss me." 

Sean obliged, dipping his head and allowing her lips to press softly against his. He wrapped his arms tighter around her curvy 5'8 frame, pulling her closer to him. He nipped her bottom lip gently, causing her to moan and open her mouth wider. She used her tongue to explore his mouth, licking his bottom lip and smiling when he ground his hips into her.

"Whoa time out," she said.

"Thumbs down, Gill." He kissed her forehead lightly. 

"Pipe down, you big baby. I just want to hear about your day."

Sean sighed dramatically. "I suppose I can indulge you for a little while." He walked into the open living room. Sitting down on the couch, he patted his lap. Nina straddled his lap, facing him. Her hands immediately went to work, massaging his tense shoulders. He groaned in satisfaction. "Pretty, you know just how to make a guy feel special."

"You're welcome. Now, tell me all about what happened."

"It was touch and go for a minute. We thought the whole operation was going to cave when we assumed Morelli had discovered our informant. Turns out, it was just another sleazy rat in their organization. Our guy couldn't blow his cover, so he had to shoot the rat per Morelli's orders."

"Wow, Sean that is some hardcore stuff."

"Yeah," Sean nodded, absentmindedly stroking her brown thighs. "We decided it was time to close up shop. We had enough to take Morelli down anyway. He didn't go without a fight. Angie got shot."

"What?" Nina exclaimed. She stopped rubbing his shoulders. "Oh my god," she said. "Sean..."

"Don't worry baby," he said, rubbing her back. "She's okay. The bullet just grazed her arm. She's damn lucky."

"Oh man, what is Connor going to say?" 

Sean laughed. "That's what I asked her. She said she's got it under control."

"Which is Angie speak for sex. God, the two of them are so..."

"...kinky?" Sean suggested. 

"Well, I was going to say special, but kinky is good."

Sean looked up at her. Damn, she was so hot. When he met her, her hair was a deep auburn. Now it was jet black—that black that almost looked blue. She had streaks of auburn still in her hair. It usually fell past her shoulder blades, just brushing the tops of her breasts. Her eyes were a medium brown color and if he looked closely he could see the small flecks of honey in them. She thought her lips were too wide, but to Sean they were perfect. Full and sweet, he loved to see her smile. Hell, even her teeth were cute. Her skin was the color of a rich dark butternut, soft and silky to the touch. The product of a Punjabi father and black mother, Nina Rajani Gill was truly beautiful.

Sean didn't realize he was staring until she tapped him on the nose. "What?" he said.

"I asked if I had something on my face. You were staring so hard." There was a hint of amusement in her voice.

"I was thinking to myself how good you look tonight," he replied. She did look nice. Nina, even on her off days was still more fashionable than most girls. She was wearing a mint green cotton t-shirt with matching terry cloth short shorts, the color complimenting her brown skin. "Tell me something, how much did you actually pay to learn Victoria's Secret?"

"Shut up. My other guy doesn't complain," she said. They had a running joke between them that whenever one was dressed up it was because they were meeting their "other" significant other. It was just another example of their twisted humor.

"You wear this kind of stuff for him?" Sean asked. He undid the messy bun atop her head, enjoying the way the silky black strands slid through his fingers. 

"Oh, I wear less than this. He doesn't like to go through a lot of layers to get to his woman." She ground her ass softly into his lap.

Sean groaned. "Well, I might have something in common with this fellow," he said tightly. His hands slid up her thighs to explore underneath her shorts. "No panties," he breathed. 

Nina kissed his neck, sucking softly on the spot under his jaw line where she knew it drove him crazy. "Just how he likes it," she murmured. She moaned when his fingers dipped into her dewy folds.

"Enough about him," Sean growled. He knew it was just a joke, but the thought of anyone else doing to Nina what he was about to do to her always irritated him a little bit. It was irrational, he knew. But he couldn't help it.

He kissed her lips again, his tongue delving into her mouth to claim its territory. With his fingers still curled inside her, Nina began to rock slowly on his lap. "Sean," she moaned. "Take me to bed."

She lifted her shirt above her head, tossing it to the side. Sean gulped at the sight of her breasts, the dark nipples pebbled with arousal. He leaned forward, gently cupping her breast and bringing the delicious mound to his mouth, he began to nip at the darkened bud before taking it fully into his mouth, swirling his tongue around. "Oh Sean," Nina whimpered. She continued to rock on his fingers.

"Nina, babe you taste so sweet," Sean groaned. His mouth moved over to attend to her other nipple. He loved the way her heavy breasts fit into his large palms. She was a perfect handful. 

"Ahh," she cried out, her orgasm overtaking her. Her fingers grasped his shoulders as her muscles squeezed his fingers expertly. She bit her bottom lip, sucking the fleshy part into her mouth as her body continued to tremble slightly. "Sean," she breathed softly. He grinned, enjoying the way his name rolled off her tongue.

"Come on, Pretty. Let's go to bed."

Nina stood up shakily. Sliding her shorts down, she stepped out of them. She walked down the hallway and made a sharp left into her bedroom. Peeking her head out, she smiled at him. "C'mon Slugger," she said, crooking her index finger, beckoning him to her.

Sean rose quickly and divested himself of his clothes. Leaving on his boxer briefs, he padded to her bedroom. 

He wrapped her into his arms, kissing her hard. Nina slid her nimble fingers down his muscular body and into his briefs, gripping his cheeks. Sean grunted and moved his fingers to her breasts, the rough pad of his thumbs grazing over her sensitive buds. 

Nina whimpered and moved her hands so that she was pumping him slowly with her fist while gently cupping his smooth sac. She smiled at his sharp intake of breath. Stepping back, she climbed seductively to the top of the bed. Reaching into the nightstand, she pulled out a tiny foil package and tossed it at him. 

Sean sheathed his arousal, groaning softly. Stroking his cock, he slid between her open legs, kissing her inner thighs. Nina moaned. "Sean, no more teasing," she said, trying to pull him up to face her. "I'm so hot, baby."

He kissed her neck, inhaling her peppermint-scented body wash. God, he couldn't get enough of her. Raising up to his knees, he guided himself slowly into her inviting warmth. He did it more to tease her than anything else.

She let out a long, low moan and clutched at the sheets. "Sean," she gasped, as she started to grind her hips into his torturously measured thrusts. Nina cupped her heavy breasts, pinching the nipples and tugging at them. Sean was turned on by her movements and by the way his pale hardness moved lovingly in and out of her dewy chocolate cove.

He leaned forward, kissing her hard as his thrusts became more desperate. Damn, she was so tight, so wet, and all for him. Her soft cries of pleasure spurred him forward. Sean moved her legs to his shoulders and lifted her up to face him and she breathlessly urged him to go deeper. 

Nina bounced, the new position creating deliciously erotic friction between the two of them. Her body felt on fire as Sean twisted it into ways she never thought she'd bend. She was completely open to him and she never felt sexier. Sean continued to plunge into her body. Her breasts were bouncing, she was sweating, and her orgasm was quickly building. 

Pushing him back, she slowed the pace down considerably. Sean moaned as he stared up at her. Her chest was heaving slightly as she tried to catch her breath. "Nina," he said with a hint of impatience. He thrust powerfully into her, making her shudder.

Looking down at him, she smiled. Her hips moved seductively, dancing on his cock. Sean groaned and cupped her round ass in his hands. Nina bent down to lick his nipples, drawing her tongue over the sensitive pink buds, nipping them gently. She smiled inwardly when she heard the reaction she was waiting for. Sean loved to have his nipples played with. When he really got aroused, he would make a sound that was a cross between a low whimper and the sexiest growl she'd ever heard. 

"God babe, I'm going to..." he moaned as he felt his impending release. When she squeezed him with her muscles, he dug his fingers into her ass and growled his orgasm. Nina came in a flurry, her vision blurring slightly as she leaned forward. Her body was slick with a satisfying sheen of sweat as she kissed his lips and leaned her head on his chest.

"I have a favor to ask," she said, her heartbeat slowly returning to normal. 

Sean looked at her, a glazed expression in his vibrant eyes. "After what you just did, you can have damn near anything you want." 

Nina smiled. "The theatre gave me free tickets to see Phantom of the Opera tomorrow evening. It's the show marking its 20th Anniversary on Broadway. It's a big deal and I have to attend..." she trailed off. She had asked boyfriends in the past to attend theatre events with her, but they always made up lame excuses. 

"No problem," Sean said, grinning. 

"Really?" Nina sat up. She climbed off him and rested her head on the soft silk jade-colored pillows by the headboard. "I will totally understand if you have something better you'd want to do."

"Nina," Sean started. He stood and padded to the adjoining bathroom, disposing of the condom. Re-emerging into her bedroom, he smiled again. She was sitting up, arms hugging her knees, watching him. She looked so sexy, the deep jade of the silk sheets complimenting her brown skin lovingly. "I would love to go with you. In fact, we have the rest of the week and the weekend to spend together."

"Seriously, what happened? Precinct burn down?" Sean laughed and slid into the spot next to her. She immediately laid her head on his chest, enjoying the sensation of having his warm body so close to hers. 

"Nah," he replied, running his hands through her hair. "Lieutenant gave me and Ange the rest of the week off. For being good little police officers."

"Mm, his loss. I get to have you all to myself for five whole days." She reached up to plant a chaste kiss on his lips.

"I can't wait. But I have to get some sleep." He clicked the bedside lamp off. "Goodnight."

*********************

He awoke the next morning to the smell of fresh cappuccino, the tantalizingly sweet aroma of caramel rousing him from his slumber. 

Sean opened his eyes and peered around the room, a hint of confusion marring his handsome face. He grinned when he realized that he was still at Nina's. Her bedroom was like an ode to an Arabian palace. Her large mahogany four-poster bed had saffron and vibrant pink silken drapes woven together to create a sensual sleeping enclosure. She had black and white framed photos all over the deep red walls. There were many pictures of her family and friends. It was all a clash of colors but it worked well for Nina. The room and the rest of her chic apartment fit her so perfectly.

Sean rose from the bed, parting the curtains and putting on his boxers. He shuffled into the kitchen to find Nina naked, save for his NYPD t-shirt, the thing barely skimming the bottom of her ass. She was standing on her tiptoes, her dancer's feet arched perfectly as she tried to reach whatever the hell was in the cabinet. To his disappointment she was wearing panties.

"Well don't just stand there," she said without even turning around. "Go sit down."

He walked past the kitchen into the tiny breakfast corner, sitting down at the dark wooden table. She had set two places, each with a steaming plate of freshly scrambled eggs, toast with mango jam, sausage, and bacon. There was a cup of caramel cappuccino topped with whipped cream. 


Getting Lucky Ch. 01



Sean looked up when she entered the room, bringing a glass carafe of icy orange juice and two cobalt-colored glasses.

"Nina, we could have gone out to eat," he said, still eyeing her delicious spread.

"Nonsense. I love to cook and I want to spoil you after putting it on me so wonderfully last night." She picked up her fork and noticed he hadn't touched a thing yet. "Well, I'm not going to feed you if that's what you think," she joked.

Sean was astounded. He couldn't remember the last time someone, let alone a girlfriend made him a meal. Well, there was always Delia. His shook his head to clear those thoughts but a part of him wondered if it was time to tell Nina about that chapter of his life.

He began to eat, savoring her hard work. "I'm going to have to keep you around," he said, taking a sip of juice.

"Speaking of, I think it's time we talked about that, don't you?" She eyed him as if trying to gauge his reaction.

He glanced up at her. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, we've been seeing each other for almost two months now and we've been SEEING each other a little less than that. I've never really been exclusive with someone before. Not to say that I haven't dated or been with other guys, because trust me I've been with guys. Oh, that makes me sound like a slut. I'm not a slut, but..."

"Pretty get to the point," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. 

"I guess all I'm really trying to say is...this is it. It's only you. I'm not seeing other guys. Are you?"

"Guys? No, there are no other guys."

"Sean," she started. He could be a bit too adorable sometimes.

"Neens, I'm not seeing anyone else. There is no one else."

She exhaled loudly. She knew Sean cared for her, but she wasn't sure exactly what their relationship meant. "I'm so sorry, I don't mean to put you on the spot. It's just I really like you, Sean and I don't want to feel like I'm putting myself on the line because I constantly feel like that in relationships..."

He reached for her hand. "I know, Pretty. I know about all the bullshit that comes with relationships. I can't say that I won't ever hurt you, because I don't want to promise something that may not entirely be in my control. But I will never, ever give you cause to worry."

She rubbed his hand against her cheek. "That's good to know. Because if you ever did, I know some girls who'd be ready to kick your ass." 

They both laughed. 

"So," Nina said happily. "Anything else I need to know about? Closet fetishes, late night booze and hooker rampages, or crazy exes?"

Sean was thoughtful for a moment. It would be so easy to tell her about Delia, but he wasn't sure Nina would understand. Maybe now wasn't the time. "Well there was that one hooker binge in Atlantic City my senior year of college..."

*********************

"Wow," Sean exclaimed. "I have never seen the Phantom of the Opera on stage before. I didn't realize how awesome it really was!"

Nina laughed at his wonderment. It was the same exhilarating feeling she got every time she saw a play. She fell in love with the theatre after watching Les Miserables as a girl. It was her dream to be a Broadway star. But after watching so many of her friends reach for their dreams only to land face first in despair, she vowed she would never become bitter like them. 

She did several off-Broadway shows that were successful. After graduating college with a degree in public relations, Nina decided that becoming the voice of the craft she admired so was the next best thing to actually being on stage. It allowed her to do a little acting on the side as well as promote the major theatre houses and agencies. 

Sean's appreciation for her world was the icing on top of an already fabulous cake. He looked handsome in his black suit and black shirt, his emerald tie matched her emerald satin cocktail dress perfectly. Her hair fell in big loose curls around her face and her feet sparkled in gold open toed Christian Louboutin pumps. Nina drew the gold wrap tighter around her shoulders as she held her gold clutch in her hand.

"I'm glad you had a nice time, Slugger."

Sean grinned at her as they entered the lobby and prepared to make their way back down the red carpet. "Are you kidding? I get front and center seats to the hottest ticket in New York, not including Mets seasons tickets, I get to walk down a red carpet twice and have my picture taken, and..." he said, sliding his arm around her slender waist. "The best part? I've got the best looking girl, who happens to be my girlfriend on my arm."

He kissed her cheek. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome honey." 

They stepped back out onto the red carpet, the cool February air giving Nina goose pimples. The photographers began snapping pictures of the exiting crowd, anxious to spot a celebrity. 

Nina smiled dutifully for the cameras as one of the photogs recognized Sean as the 'Hero Cop' from the papers. Nina knew Sean wasn't used to all the commotion. She placed her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Sean looked down at her and smiled. 

He leaned to whisper in her ear. "Nina, have you ever had limo sex?"

Nina winked. "Not since prom."

Sean grinned as the limousine stopped in front of them. As he opened the door for her, he gave her butt a squeeze. "Babe, you are in for a ride." Nina giggled as they both climbed in, the limo driving away. 

No one seemed to notice the figure watching the couple from across the street. Their posture was casual and unassuming. As they hopped into the non-descript black sedan parked near the curb, they swore softly. Sean Reilly was going to pay.



Getting Lucky Ch. 02



Monday morning came too early for Sean. He had to admit, spending those days with Nina made him indescribably happy. The way she would smile at him sometimes. Damn, it made his heart quicken. Somewhere in his mind he worried if he was falling too hard, that things were going so well and so fast that the other shoe was bound to fall, and hard. 

He tried to push those things from his mind as he focused on the Morelli case. Even though Enzio Morelli was in police custody, many of his goons were not. 

With their boss behind bars, there would be many capos and made guys vying for the spot of the brand new Don. It was only a matter of time before the Morelli crime syndicate completely imploded. 

All the NYPD had to do watch sit back and collect the criminals. 

Sean and his team had collected enough evidence through their informant as well as others who had turned state's evidence about Enzio's shady dealings. Sean and Angie had been working on this case for nearly two years. 

Whenever they found a witness brave enough to step forward and testify against Morelli for drug smuggling, prostitution, whatever he dealt with, said witness would end up dead. When Sean first saw the crime scene photos, he nearly became sick. 

Enzio and his crew wouldn't just shoot someone. No, that was too kind. The bodies looked like they were beaten, and badly. Their throats would be slit, a bullet to the brain, and just for fun, Morelli would have their tongues cut out. 

As a little gift for the NYPD, a dead rat was always left somewhere at the crime scene. The message was clear: a dead rat is a quiet rat. Enzio Morelli was merciless. He used a heavy hand with his crew and an ever heavier hand with his enemies. 

Now that the bastard was off the streets, a feeling of victory ran through the precinct. There was still plenty of work to do to get the rest of the Morelli scumbag crew off the streets, but with the plethora of evidence from phone records, surveillance tapes, and wired conversations of Morelli giving orders to have witnesses and their families extinguished, they had more than enough to make sure the piece of shit stayed behind bars for the rest of his life.

Sean walked into the precinct with renewed fervor. It was back to work, back to the grind. He was accosted by Lieutenant Adams when he was about to head into his office. 

"Reilly," he barked, not even bothering to start with a greeting. "Got someone in interrogation for you."

"Seriously? Who is it Lou?" Sean removed his jacket and straightened his gun holster. 

Adams handed Sean a manila folder. "Jake Morelli."

Sean whistled. Jake 'The Kid' Morelli was the younger brother of Enzio. A pretty boy, he fashioned himself a gangster, using his brother's dirty money to get him into the hottest New York nightclubs and a mention somewhere on Page Six. 

At 21, the kid was a total wannabe. 

Sean guessed he must have watched Goodfellas one too many times. 

"What's that schmuck doing here? You think he's connected with the evidence from his brother?"

Adams shook his head. "Nah, not that fuck-up. Police caught him earlier this morning leaving the 40/40 club in a Navigator that was reported stolen earlier last evening."

Sean grinned. Today was shaping up quite nicely. "Alright, so you want me just to go in there and scare him a little?"

Adams grunted, and Sean took that as approval. He took the file from Adams and walked brusquely to the interrogation room. 

There was a small spattering of officers around, looking in at the blackout window at the moody young man who was trying to look bored, but there was a small trace of fear in his dark features. 

"Hey Reilly," Ken Masters greeted. Sean gave the handsome black officer the thumbs up sign. "Hey yourself Ken." Looking around he pretended to glare at his coworkers. "Don't you assholes have anything better to do?"

"Nope," Ken said, grinning. "We all came to watch the show."

Sean smiled before turning the knob and heading into the small room. The smile was completely gone from his face. Slapping the file folder on the medium-sized metal table, he unbuttoned the cuffs of his navy work shirt, rolling the sleeves up to his elbows. 

He glared at the young man before him, pulling out all the tricks of the angry cop routine.

Jake Morelli looked up at him. "Who the fuck are you supposed to be?" he asked with a little more courage than he felt. 

Sean smiled inwardly. This kid was a punk. "I'm the only thing standing between you walking outta here on your own accord or in handcuffs." He crossed his arms, the thick chords of muscles flexing almost menacingly.

Jake scoffed. "Yeah, whatever yo. I'mma tell you what I told that other pig. I didn't steal shit. I'm fuckin' Jake The Kid, yo. Fuck what ya' heard, I stay gettin' money." 

Sean almost laughed in the kid's face. He obviously was pleased with himself. 

"Cut the 'dope boy' act, Morelli. It says here on your file that you went to one of the most prestigious prep schools on the Upper East Side and you recently graduated with a Bachelor's from Princeton. Yeah," Sean sneered. "You're definitely keeping it gangsta."

The boy blanched, the color drained from his olive skin. Sean surveyed The Kid. He was dressed in designer jeans, a form fitting black t-shirt. An olive green Ed Hardy zip up hoodie that easily cost about 200 dollars was thrown carelessly on the table. 

He had on custom Gucci sneakers and about three grand worth of jewelry. His dark hair was cut in the typical Guido blowout and looked like it could use a break from all the gel and hairspray.

"All right. What do you want me to say? Nah, I didn't steal the Nav. It's one of my boys. I borrowed it and he pretended to call it in as stolen."

Sean stared at him, not sure if he believed him. "Right. So you're saying if we call Mr. Anthony Terry he'll tell us the same story. That you two, for some retarded fucking reason I'm sure, pretended that a car was stolen?"

Jake nodded his head stupidly. "Yeah, man."

"Mr. Morelli are you aware that your older brother is currently sitting in police custody and that you doing something incredibly stupid like this will only garner more attention?"

"Yeah," he said again, a goofy grin plastered on his face. "I gotta keep the newshounds interested in my shit. You wouldn't believe the amount of panties that get tossed my way. Girls be thinkin' I'm straight Scarface and shit."

"Scarface was Cuban and you are clearly dumber than your haircut lets on," Sean scoffed. "Now listen here, you schmuck. I don't want to see you back in my precinct or I swear on the Virgin Mary I will have you booked and in handcuffs before your hair gel is dry. You will go to jail, and you'll be around real guys that keep it gangsta. Only this time, the only thing getting tossed will be your ass from guy to guy. I'm sure they'll love that pretty face."

Sean kept his face serious, and he was sure the guys on the other side of the two-way mirror were chuckling. Jake definitely wasn't. He looked visibly unnerved. 

"Yeah, okay." His voice faltered a little bit. 

"Good," Sean said. "Now sit here. Another officer will be in shortly to release you."

Sean turned to walk out of the room when he heard the boy speak again. 

"You're Sean Reilly, aren't you?"

Sean turned on his heels. "What?"

Jake grinned. "Yeah, I knew I recognized you from the papers. You're the one who arrested my brother."

Sean crossed his arms. This kid seriously was an asshole. "So, what if I am?"

Jake stared at him. "Fuckin' Mick punk," he said menacingly. "You looked like a faggot in your pictures and you look like one now."

"It would be wise to shut your fucking mouth, Morelli. You wouldn't want to end up like big brother. I hear they're going to throw the book at him."

"Got a message for you from Big Enzio," Jake continued, as if he didn't hear Sean. "He said your broad is fine as fuck."

Sean felt as if he was doused with ice water. They had been watching Nina. "The fuck are you talking about, Morelli? I don't have time for your bullshit."

"I've seen the pictures of her," Jake sneered. "How the fuck you score a fine piece like that? Didn't know that was your types. Didn't think you'd be into bitches at all, let alone black ones."

Sean's hands began to ball into tight fists. One more word, he thought. One more fucking word.

Jake laughed softly. "Have you hit that yet? I'm sure your Mick ass can't even keep it up to satisfy her. I bet I could. I'd make them titties bounce and make the pussy feel real good. She'd be screaming my name so loud..."

He didn't get to finish his sentence before Sean had him out of the chair and into the wall. He had the boy pinned up, his arm pressed against his throat. Jake made a sound like a strangled cat and tried to break Sean's grasp, but he was too strong. 

"You stay the fuck away from her," Sean said. He saw absolute red as his anger boiled over. "I will fucking kill you if you touch her, do you understand me?"

"Reilly, put him down!" Ken opened the door and ran inside. It took him and two other officers to pry Sean from Jake. When he let go, the color returned to Jake's face as he gasped for air. 

"Yo, y'all saw that. Fucking pig brutality," he gasped out.

"Shut your mouth, jackass," Ken growled. "Get him out of here," he said to the other officers, who grabbed Jake and escorted him from the room. 

Ken turned to look at Sean, who was pacing back and forth, hands on his hips. 

"Reilly, you okay?" It was stupid, but it was the safest question he could think of.

"They've been fucking spying on my girl," he growled. 

"Sean," Ken started. 

"No, Masters. It's fucking personal this time. I want this guy gone, you hear me?

"Sean, I want that too. But you can't do anything rash, man. We're so close, dude. So fucking close to nailing this prick that I can taste the champagne already. I'm begging you, man. Let the law handle it. This isn't just about you, it's for all of us."

Sean looked into the eyes of his fellow officer and knew he was right. This was more about a personal victory. Putting Morelli and his crew away for life would be an honor for entire precinct. He couldn't be the one responsible for dashing everyone's hopes. 

But just the thought of anyone hurting Nina was too painful to bear. Ken could see the look on his friend's face. "Tell you what," he said. "I'll personally put a couple of guys in charge of watching her and making sure that she's okay. She'll never know we were there."

Sean nodded, a little bit of relief flooding his senses. "Thanks, man."

Ken smiled. "No problem," he said, patting Sean on the back. "Now, can I describe to you how hilarious it was to see you hemming up that pipsqueak?"

*****************

Nina couldn't shake the feeling. She was being watched. At first she tried to pass it off as paranoia, chalking it all up to being a neurotic New Yorker. 

She got the first feeling on Tuesday. She was on lunch, stopping at a little sandwich shop where she bought a lime soda and a grilled chicken bacon ranch on wheat. 

Sipping her soda, she walked quickly, trying to get back to her warm office and her meal. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a man in a suit. He was trying to appear casual as he strolled a couple of paces behind her.

It was then she realized that it was the same man that was in line at the sandwich place. He was right behind her, and as she turned to leave after getting her order, they looked at each other and smiled. She was wearing sunglasses and so was he. 

On Wednesday, she tried a different place to eat, a sushi bar. While she waited for her California chicken and spinach rolls and large bottled water, she leaned against the counter and glanced around the restaurant. 

Her heart skipped as she saw the man again. Same dark suit, same dark tie. This time, the sunglasses were off. He was reading a newspaper and looked up when he felt her stare. She wasn't close enough to see his eyes, but she guess they were blue. His sandy blond hair fell into his face. 

Nina grabbed her food and exited the restaurant quickly. 

Thursday, she didn't go out to lunch, but on Friday she had a business brunch with a potential client. Sitting at the trendy Greenwich eatery, she spotted the man again. She didn't want to make a scene and interrupt her meeting, so she continued on as normal. 

When the meeting was over, Nina decided to take the train back to Manhattan. After descending the steps and swiping her Metro card, she waited on the platform. She tapped her brown, round toe flats impatiently. She was anxious to get home, back to the safety of her apartment. She belted her brown jacket tighter around her waist and dug into her pockets for her brown leather gloves. 

When the train arrived, she stepped into the car, glad to see it wasn't too crowded. She wanted to put on her earphones, but was too nervous. She felt too vulnerable with them on. 

Nina laughed to herself. Come on, girl she thought. Looking up when the doors opened, her heart jumped. It was the same blond guy, but this time he was with two other guys, one black guy and another with balding brown hair. 

She rose quickly and left the train before the doors shut. Nina practically sprinted up the station steps and nearly ran the six blocks to her house. 

She greeted her doorman, feeling lucky as hell to live in a building that offered one and walked quickly to the elevators. She didn't breathe a sigh of relief until she was safely locked inside her apartment. 

When her cell phone rang, she jumped and rifled through her large brown Chloe bag. "Hello," she gasped. 

"Pretty, are you okay?"

Nina sighed with relief. "Sean," she said tearfully. She tried to calm down. She didn't want him to think she was weak.

"Baby, what is it? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just out of breath."

"Are you sure?" she could hear the concern in his voice and didn't want to alarm him. 

"Yeah, I'm fine Slugger. Just a little shaken up."

"Do you want me to come over?"

"Are you busy doing something? I don't want to bother you."

"It's no bother, baby. I want to be with you. Just give me a few minutes to get dressed." She calmed down. Everything was going to be okay. 

Taking off her coat, she smoothed down her brown silk tuxedo shirt and dark jeans with the extra-wide leg.

"What are you wearing, Slugger?" she asked devilishly. 

"What?" Sean couldn't believe his ears. She sounded almost like cheesy porn. Except this was Nina. His shy Nina who blushed at dirty talk.

"I just got out of the shower, so a towel I suppose."

He heard her moan and it sent a jolt down to his toes. "I wish I could have been there with you. Your body looks so amazing in the shower, the water hitting your muscles, the droplets running off you. I can just picture myself on my knees in front of you, taking you into my mouth. My body would be so hot for you. Are you hot for me, Sean?"

"Always, baby." He sat on the edge of his bed. Rubbing his hands down his stomach, he untied the towel and gripped his lengthening shaft. 

Nina pulsed achingly when she heard his low groan. "Sean, are you touching yourself?"

"Yeah," he gasped out. "I'm imagining it's your mouth on me, licking the tip, cupping my balls." He pumped his fist faster at the image of her on her knees, his paleness disappearing into her dark mouth. 

"Oh Sean," she said. Nina unbuttoned her shirt and tossed it to the floor. Sitting on her sofa, she unfastened her pants and pushed them down to her ankles. Reaching into her panties, she found herself dripping with desire. Nina slipped a finger into her wetness and moaned, a sound that had Sean shivering. 

She whispered his name again as she flicked her nub with her thumb. "That's it, Pretty," he groaned, stroking himself faster now. "Work that sweet pussy. I can't wait to be inside you, making you moan my name."

"Sean," she whimpered as she ground her hips into her hand. "I want you so bad."

"Oh baby, I want you too. Always." He felt that familiar tightening. "Here it comes, Nina. It's all for you, baby. Do you feel it?" he moaned as released himself, the white coating his defined abs. 

Nina sighed loudly as she came, breathing his name and shuddering slightly. 

"Wow," she gasped. 

Sean smiled. "My sentiments exactly."

"Get your ass over here, Reilly. That's an order."

"Yes, ma'am."

*****************

Sean looked at the satisfied beauty lying on the bed next to him. He sighed, placing his hands behind the back of his head. 

Nina grinned at him, her body slick from their heated passion session. "I swear you get better every time." She licked his nipple, making his slowly deflating dick jump. "Or kinkier."

She was referring to his use of the silk ties around the bed as restraints for her. She was still shaking from the orgasm. 

"What can I say? You always bring out the animal in me."

Nina sighed. She didn't think being with anyone could make her so...well, happy really was the only way to describe it. 

It had been a long time since happy. Watching her best friend find love and adventure with a charming man made Nina rethink her wild-child days. Her mother and father were childhood sweethearts and as long as Nina could remember, she tried unsuccessfully to establish that type of strong bond with other men. 

She was flighty, preferring to bed men and leave them because she thought that's what all guys wanted. A nice, quick lay and an even quicker goodbye. 

Maybe she was getting older, but she had realized that the playgirl lifestyle was getting old and that maybe the time had come to grow up and stop running away from her love issues. 

"It's time to decide what you want, Rani." Her father's words echoed through her head as she watched Sean. 

Maybe it was the post-sex euphoria talking, but being with him felt so right. It was different with Sean. And maybe it was because she finally hit the two-month mark with a guy, she was beginning to think that things might be looking up for her. 

"What's going on in that head, beautiful?"

She glanced up to see him looking at her curiously. "What?"

"Your brain seems to be working overtime. What's up?"

"Nothing. Just processing things."

"Well, don't work so hard."

She smiled. "Sean, tell me something about your family. You know a lot about my friends and family, and I barely know about yours."

Nina watched his eyes go hazy, as if trying to remember something. "My mother lives in Hell's Kitchen. She used to be nurse, retired a couple of years back. My old man was from Ireland. Straight off the boat, it seems. He met Mam when she was fourteen and he was eighteen. His father, my grandpop, owned a deli. They married and my dad worked for his dad. I was born some years later.

My family are your typical Irish clan. Catholics and drunks. When my old man used to drink, he would smack around my Mam. When I was fourteen, I stood up to him and said if he wanted to hit her, he'd have to go through me. He beat my ass to a fucking pulp. After that, every time he'd drink, he'd go for me. But at least he left her alone."

Nina looked up at him. He was staring at a spot on the wall, a tear threatening to roll down his cheek. Reaching up, she brushed the tear away and stroked his cheek softly. His fingers gripped her, pulling her body tighter to him. 

"I took it, and never cried, at least not in front of him. My Mam, she would clean me up, and tell the schools the truth. They didn't give a shit. One night after he came home from a particularly bad binge, she was ready for him. He came into my room, belt in hand. 

But Mam was behind the door. She pointed a pistol in his face and told him to get the hell out or she'd blast him back to Britannia. That's the last we saw of him for awhile. He came back, the summer I graduated from high school saying he was sorry and that he quit the drink. Mam accepted his apology and told him to go to hell."




Getting Lucky Ch. 02



"Sean, baby I'm so sorry." Nina hugged him to her. "Where's your dad now?"

Sean's jaw clenched. "He lives out on Staten Island. He's remarried and has a daughter."

"Do you ever talk to him?"

"A couple of letters every so often. I get a Christmas card with a picture of my baby sister. She'll be seven in June."

"I'm sorry for making you talk about it."

"Don't be," he replied. "I haven't shared this story with many people. Nina, you have to realize something. You're the first woman I've allowed into my life in a long time. That means more to me than you'll ever know. You get under my skin more than any woman has. I care for you, a lot."

"Same here, Sean." She kissed him softly, wiping away the tears that silently ran down his face. It hurt her to see him in pain. He was strong, he was her warrior. "Don't be afraid to show me your heart, Slugger. I promise I won't break it."

His heart leapt at her words. She was so honest, so sincere. He rolled, shifting his weight so that he was on top of her. Nina kissed him hard, her mouth desperate to feel his pressed against hers. His tongue pushed through her lips, claiming her mouth for his own. 

Sean guided his hardness to her entrance. Slipping two fingers inside, he groaned at how wet she was. He was about to plunge into her warm folds when he huffed in realization. 

"Shit," he muttered. 

"What," she asked breathlessly. Her body screamed for him to continue his assault.

"I'm out of condoms."

Nina sighed in frustration. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I only brought three over. We've used them already."

"Fuck, I don't think I have anymore either. I can run down to the corner store and..."

"No," he said, scrambling off the bed. He slid carefully into his blue jeans and white t-shirt. "I'll be right back," he said, kissing her lips. He pulled on his black hoodie and zipped it up. Stuffing his feet into his sneakers, he turned to look at her again. Her hair was mussed, her lips were swollen from kissing. 

"Hurry back," she said, blowing him a kiss. 

Sean grabbed her keys from the dresser and left the apartment reluctantly. 

Once outside, he shivered in the chilly February air. He greeted Wes, Nina's doorman and walked left in the direction of the small bodega at the end of the block. 

The store was warm inside, the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air. Light salsa music tinkled in the background. Sean waited in the queue in front of the counter, anxious to get back upstairs to Nina. 

After telling her about that part of his life, the part which caused him so much pain, he felt like it was time now to tell him about Delia. Things with Nina were becoming serious, and she definitely needed to know about that part of his life. 

Once up at the counter, he asked the man for the condoms, and paid him, telling him to keep the change. The small Puerto Rican man grinned at him and bade him good night. 

Sean jogged out of the bodega, condoms tucked into his back pocket. He grinned when his cell phone rang. 

"I thought I told you to hurry back."

"I'm coming, Pretty."

"Mm," she moaned. "Me too."

"Did you start without me?" He heard her gasp and moan his name, his cock twitching at her lusty actions.

"I'm sorry, Slugger. I couldn't help it."

"Oh, you are so going to get it, girl."

"Promise? Hurry back, babe or else I'll start round two without you."

Sean grinned. "I'm almost to the building."

He was about to click off the phone when someone jostled into him. "What the fuck," he said loudly.

"Sean, is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, babe. Some asshole just knocked into me."

The person in question turned around. Sean couldn't see his face as it was covered by a dark colored hoodie. 

"What the..."

"This is for Enzio Morelli, you Irish fuck," a voice from the hood growled menacingly.

Sean looked to see the man pull something out from his pocket. Before he had time to react, he heard the loud POP and felt the searing pain. 

He clutched his chest, pulling his hand away to see it covered in bright red. Groaning, he fell to the sidewalk. Everything began to get very blurry. He heard the scream come from the other end of the phone, Nina calling frantically to him, Wes, the doorman, running towards him, cell phone in hand. He heard a car door slam and the engine rev, the car speeding away. 

And then he heard nothing at all.



Getting Lucky Ch. 03



Nina hated hospitals. When she was twelve her tonsils were so swollen she had to get them removed. She remembered staying up the night before her operation, dreading the part when she would have to be put under. Her older brother D.J. reassured her it was not a big deal; she would be allowed to eat all the ice cream she wanted. She smiled, remembering how he wrote down all her favorite ice cream flavors (vanilla, strawberry, and raspberry) and promised her that they'd be waiting upon her return.

Like D.J. said, the operation wasn't bad at all. Her throat was only a little sore afterwards and true to his word, her big brother had three small tubs of her favorite flavors waiting for her when she came home from the hospital the next day. 

But this wasn't the same. 

Sean. 

God, just thinking about it. 

When she heard the gunshot, she immediately knew something bad had happened, and when she screamed his name and there was no answer, it felt as if her heart crashed to the floor. 

Nina threw on clothes, not even caring if they matched. Looking down, she would have chuckled at her appearance if she didn't feel like bawling. She willed herself not to cry again. 

She had raced down the three flights of steps to the lobby. When she got outside, the ambulance was already there. Wes shot her a sorrowful look and Nina began to sob uncontrollably. He held her for the briefest of moments while the EMTs loaded the gurney into the back. She climbed into the back with them. 

They didn't speak to her much, more concentrating on their work. Nina couldn't bear to look at them. Everything just seemed to hurt. 

The drive to the hospital wasn't long. She jumped out and allowed the EMTs to do their jobs. 

That was over an hour ago. Now she was sitting on the edge of her seat, alone in the last place she'd ever thought she'd be. 

Her mind was racing, her heart was praying. God, please let him live. Don't take him away from me. The tears she tried to force back down flowed freely. She swiped at her eyes with her sleeve. The scent on the sweatshirt caught her off guard. It was one of Sean's old college hoodies that he'd left over at her house. She remembered joking around with him about the thing. It was heather grey and incredibly soft and smelled of the clean Calvin Klein scent he always wore. She told him to leave it because she was probably going to steal it eventually. 

Thinking of that memory, she buried her face into the sleeve and wept for her lover. 

"Oh god, Nina honey I am so sorry!" Nina cried harder as she felt a pair of strong muscular arms lift her from the chair and wrap around her shoulders. 

She looked up, teary eyed into the face of Connor Gavin. She tried to speak, but the tears just kept flowing. 

"Shh, it's okay," he soothed, rubbing her back. "You don't have to say anything sweetheart."

Connor looked over the top of her head at his fiancée who was pacing angrily. 

"Nina, have they said anything to you?" Angie's eyes were stormy. 

Nina calmed down enough to stand on her own. "No," she said tearfully. "I've been here for over an hour and no one has said anything to me. I don't know what to do, Ange. I don't know how to get in contact with Sean's mom. I didn't even know his dad was still alive. I just feel so useless."

Connor put his arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry, Neens. We'll take care of all that."

"You're damn right we will," Angie hissed. "I want to see whoever the hell is in charge of this crackpot organization."

"Hellcat, there's no need to get so mad. Let's just see..."

"No!" Angie practically shouted. The nurses at the reception desk glared at her. "Conny this is ridiculous. They've had her sitting here for over a fucking hour and no one has even glanced in her direction! This shit is going to stop."

Angie marched over to the reception area and knocked rapidly on the counter. "Hello. Lisa is it?" she indicated the heavyset woman's nametag. "Lisa I'm wondering if I can get some smidgen of information about a patient that was just admitted. Sean Reilly."

The woman cast a bored glance Angie's way. "Ma'am I can only give information out to family members. Are you a family member?"

Angie sucked her teeth. "You saw when they rushed him past. Do I look like a fucking family member to you?"

Lisa huffed loudly. "Miss, there is no need to use such language. If you can't conduct yourself like a reasonable adult, then I'll be forced to get security involved."

Angie balled her hands into fists. "Call security then. I guarantee I won't go quietly."

"Lisa," Connor said, stepping in between them. "You'll have to excuse my wife. She can get a little hotheaded."

Lisa smiled when she saw Connor's handsome face. "Not a problem Mr..."

"Gavin. Connor Gavin." He flashed a smile.

Sitting up straighter, she flipped her brown hair over her shoulder. "What can I do for you, Connor?"

"Well, a good friend of mine Detective Sean Reilly was rushed into the emergency over an hour ago for a gunshot wound. My wife is his partner and close friend. That lovely lady over there is his girlfriend. We were just wondering if you could tell us any information, anything at all."

Lisa smiled. "I would love to. But like I told your wife, we can't release info of this nature without first informing the family."

"I understand darlin', I do. What if I told you that Sean's mother is en route to the hospital as we chat?"

"Really?"

"Now would I lie to a beautiful and intelligent woman like you?" He flashed another sexy grin. 

The woman actually giggled. "Well, I'm not supposed to. But, since you asked so nicely I suppose I can call the doctor out."

"Fantastic," Connor said. He reached out to finger her necklace. "Wow, that's really pretty. Where did you get it?"

"Well." Lisa was taken aback. "I bought it..."

Angie was too amused to be disgusted. She walked back over to Nina, who was sitting down once more. She was calmer this time, her shoulders rocking gently as she held the hoodie sleeve to her nose. 

"The receptionist is calling the doctor out."

Nina looked up at her. "Thanks Ange."

Angie shrugged. "No thanks to me. It was all part of the Gavin Man Charms. He had that bird creaming for him."

Nina smiled weakly. "You are so wrong."

"Nah," Angie said, sitting down next to her. "I don't mind that he makes a chick like her happy. Just as long as she doesn't try to wrestle him over the desk to have her way with him, everything's fine. Besides, how you doing?" She grabbed the girl's hand covering it with her own.

"It's my fault, Ange. I try to tell myself that I'm wrong. But I told him to go out for condoms. He went and now he's..." She felt her throat seize up at the thought. No, it can't be.

"Nina, don't say that. We don't know what's going on, but we have to have a little hope, you know?"

Nina nodded and tried to smile. She looked up when she heard someone clearing their throat. 

"Excuse me miss, but are you Nina Gill?" The man was dressed in scrubs. 

"Yes, I am."

He extended his hand to her. "I'm Doctor Fox," he said as she grasped his hand. "I believe you arrived with Sean Reilly?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Detective Reilly is my boyfriend."

"I see," Doctor Fox said. His blue eyes were filled with an emotion that Nina couldn't read. "Well Miss Gill, would you care to sit down? We can go over Detective Reilly's issues..."

"No disrespect Doctor, but I have been sitting on my ass for over an hour now and the last thing I want to do is sit back on it for news. If you don't mind, I think I'll stand."

"Very well," Doctor Fox said easily. "Miss Gill, when Detective Reilly first arrived here he was in bad shape. He lost a large amount of blood and was unconscious. We were able to remove the bullet and repair the damage..."

"Damage?" Nina asked. 

"Yes. There was an excessive amount of tissue damage where the bullet hit. The bullet missed his heart by a mere three inches. Detective Reilly is quite lucky."

Nina felt her heart soar. "So, you mean..."

"Yes," Doctor Fox gave her a small smile. "He's a fighter, that one. He's still unconscious, but I believe that he's going to pull through."

Nina felt the satisfaction wash over her as tears of relief and joy streamed down her face. She grabbed the Doctor in a tight hug. Doctor Fox smiled as if this sort of thing happened all the time and patted her shoulder. 

"Can I see him now?" she asked, releasing her death grip on the man. 

"Yes, you may. He's still out, but he most likely will be able to hear you."

Doctor Fox led the three back to the private room where was. The sight nearly broke her heart. Sean was deathly pale. His eyes were closed as if in peaceful slumber. 

Nina gulped. He looked so...un-Sean like. She turned to Angie and Connor. "Do you guys mind if I have a minute with him?"

"Not at all," Angie said. "I should call and let Lou and the boys know the updates. Plus, see where Sean's mom is. Take your time, Neens." She walked out the door, Connor's hand in her own. Poking her head in the doorway she grinned. "And no copping feels, perv."

Nina grinned. Pulling up the rolling chair next to the bed, she sat down. Looking at her lover, she wondered if he could hear her. Her hand reached out to grab his. She half-expected it to be cold, but to her surprise it was warm. 

Bringing it to her lips she planted a soft kiss, rubbing his hand on her face. "Hey Slugger," she whispered. "I hope you can hear me. You have no idea how glad I am you're alive. When I thought I lost you..." her voice started to break a little. 

"When I thought I lost you, it felt like the world snapped in two. I couldn't breathe, babe. I don't what I would do if I didn't have you." She stroked his hair, enjoying the soft feel of his red hair in her hands. "Slugger," she whispered. "There's so much I have to tell you. You are the first guy to ever get into my head like this. When you wake up, I am going to make sure to take care of you. I want us to take care of each other for the rest of our lives. I can't lose you, Sean."

She leaned closer to his ear. "Come back to me." She kissed his lips softly, her tears making salty rivulets stream down his face. Nina rested her head on his lap. Kissing his hand again, she cried harder, tears of sadness and joy until she felt her body break down at last from exhaustion. 

******************

Nina awoke to the sounds of the nurses bustling around in the room. Lifting her head, she felt the stream of sunlight hit her in the face. 

"I'm so sorry for falling asleep," she said. She rose quickly. "Here, I'll just get out of your way."

"Don't worry about it honey," the elderly nurse said. "I know you'd been waiting to see your man for quite some time. You looked so peaceful I didn't want to wake you."

"What time is it?"

"A little after three PM. I let you sleep on account of you looking so sad."

Nina smiled at the woman. "Thank you. Do you know where I can get some coffee?"

The nurse smiled. "Even better. How about I take you down to the cafeteria? It's mashed potato day, damn near the best day in this place. There's also chocolate cheesecake for dessert and honey, you look like you could use a slice or three."

Nina laughed. The old nurse reminded her of her grandma June. "Okay. I just don't want to leave him for long."

"Don't worry honey. I'll bring you back shortly so you can have time with your fella."

Taking Nina's arm, she led her out of the room. "And might I add he's a handsome one at that."

Nina rode the elevator up from the cafeteria fifteen minutes later. She didn't think she'd have an appetite, but one look at the creamy mountain of buttery potatoes and her thoughts of starvation were quickly abandoned. She ate with fervor; it was as if she hadn't eaten in days. 

Cathy, the elderly nurse turned out to be a lovely lunch companion. She definitely reminded Nina of her mother's mother, Grandma June. She had the same walnut brown skin, smooth and soft almost like the finest silk. Her black hair had streaks of dignified gray in them. Her brown eyes sparkled as if she had a private joke she wasn't willing to share. 

She told Nina stories about her childhood in Harlem and about her marriage of 35 years to her husband, Walter who was an electrician. Nina told her about Sean and her family and friends. Cathy noticed the young woman's eyes light up when she talked about her boyfriend.

True to her word, Cathy and Nina both ate three pieces of the delicious chocolate cheesecake. Fully stuffed and sated, she exchanged contacts with the older woman, who promised to give her a real cheesecake recipe. 

Nina felt a lot better when she walked down the corridor to Sean's room. Standing in the doorway, she was taken aback. There was an older woman sitting now in the seat next to Sean's bed. 

She had the look of someone who at one point must have been a great beauty. True, she was older, but she still retained a youthful look in her blue eyes. Her hair was grayer than the reddish brown streaks that must have been the previous color. Nina looked at the woman's face and glanced at Sean's. She is his mom, she thought. 

"Mrs. Reilly?" Nina walked tentatively over to her. The woman watched the pretty brown-skinned girl walk in, wearing a hoodie that was a little too large for her, blue jeans with flecks of red paint on them, and soccer sandals with one blue sock and one orange. "Mrs. Reilly, I'm..."

"You're Nina," she whispered. She rose from the chair to face the young woman. 

"How did you know?"

The woman smiled. "My Boyo couldn't keep anything from me." Nina could hear the faint Irish lilt in her voice. She was surprised when the woman wrapped her arms around her, pulling the girl close to her body. "Call me Maggie, dear. Sean has told me a lot about you."

Nina nearly wept at the kindness of the woman. "It's good to finally meet you, Maggie," she said. 

Maggie smiled. "Regretfully under these conditions."

"Have you spoken with Doctor Fox?"

The woman nodded. "Aye. He told me everything, saying it was only a matter of time before Sean wakes up. All we have to do is wait."

******************

The next five days were repetitive. Nina and Maggie would switch shifts on watching over Sean, who remained in the same state. Cathy was always the resident nurse on the floor. After introducing Maggie to her, the two became a chatty pair. Cathy always came by, bringing the two cheesecake and other goodies from the cafeteria. 

After informing her job of the situation, Nina was free to stay longer at the hospital. She called Mara, her assistant and had her take over a light load of work. 

Sean's room was flooded with visitors and gifts. Several of the guys from the police station had come in with flowers and cards. Angie and Connor stopped by, bringing a massive gift basket. Carrie and Jess came after work a couple of days, bringing Nina a much needed change of clothes. They were happy to stay and chat with Sean's mom, who was a little overwhelmed by all of the love her son seemed to have around him. She smiled at Angie, whom she knew from way back and laughed when Connor flirted with her. They all tried to keep her in high spirits. 

Nina was overjoyed when Roxie called late one night. She apologized about not returning, but with her belly expanding, she was hesitant to travel. Nina reassured her that everything was fine. 

The investigation into Sean's shooting was well underway. There were reporters who tried to come by the hospital for interviews but were met with resistance from Nina and Maggie. Eventually the precinct sent over a pair of officers to stand watch over Sean's corridor. 

For everyone else, things were slowly returning back to normal. But for Nina and Maggie, they were slightly on edge. They anticipated the slightest movement from Sean, hoping that would be the one to bring him back. After a couple of days, the flush returned to his face, giving Nina a glimpse of the man she knew before. 

Friday morning Lieutenant Adams and some of the higher ups came to question Nina about the shooting. She told them as much as she could. When they asked her why Sean left the apartment, she felt her cheeks flush. She tried to explain to them that the errand was of a sexual nature without getting into too much detail. She had glanced over at Maggie, who was trying not to laugh. 

Later that afternoon, Maggie left with Lieutenant Adams to retrieve clothes from Sean's apartment, leaving Nina alone in the hospital room. She realized it was the first time that she had been alone with Sean since the first night. 

The constant buzzing and beeping of the machines had become a sort of monotonous lullaby for her. She looked down at Sean, his eyes still closed. Nina realized she missed looking into them, the blue and green always soothed her. Kissing his cheek, she climbed into the hospital bed beside him, careful not to lie on any tubing. 

She rested her head gingerly on his shoulder as she gazed down at the bandage covering his chest. 

"Do you remember our second date? We planned to see some movie, I don't remember. Anyway it was sold out, and we decided to go back to your place with pizza. I was looking through your DVD collection and noticed you had 'Love Actually'. I teased you and called it a chick flick. You pretended some girl you were seeing left it at your place. I made you put it on anyway." 

Nina smiled. "You didn't know this, but I saw you tearing up at the good parts. And at the end, when that Beach Boys song played, you swiped away a tear and said there was something in your eye. I laughed and I knew then our time together was going to be so much fun. And it has. Thank you Sean, for being amazing." She brushed an errant tear from her brown cheek.

"You underestimate the awesomeness of the Beach Boys."

Nina felt as if she were hearing things. She glanced up at his face, and to her surprise and joy Sean was staring right back at her. 

She was so ecstatic her mouth seemed incapable of speech. "What," she stammered. She sat straight up.

"That song," he rasped. "That song is touching and it is alright to shed a manly tear over it."

He glanced over at her, eyeing her outfit. She was wearing a long sleeved Mets shirt, black running shorts, and blue socks. Her black hair looked like it could use a good brushing, and her brown eyes were tear-stained. Yet to Sean, she never looked better. 

Looking at her open-mouth expression, he tried to laugh but it came out as a loud cough. Nina snapped to attention. She reached for the small paper cup filled with water on the tray next to the bed. Holding the cup carefully to his lips, Sean drank thirstily. She used a napkin to blot the stream of water that had run down the corner of his mouth. 

"It's like I'm a baby," he said awkwardly. 

She smiled at him, her usual sweetness slowly returning. "You're my baby," she said, clasping her hand into his. With her other hand, she stroked his auburn hair. 

"How you feeling?" It was a simple question. 

"Like I got shot," Sean replied with a hint of amusement. "How long was I out?"

"Nearly a week."

"Damn, that's a lot of soaps to catch up with."

"You don't watch soap operas, Sean." 

"True, but I figured I'll have a ton of free time with all this recovering I have to do, so there's plenty of time for cheesy soaps and trashy talk shows. I can't wait."

Nina grinned. He was trying to make her feel better, she knew it. But part of her wasn't over the fact that she nearly lost him. 

Sean glanced around the room at the many balloons and gift of well-wishing. "Whoa check out all the swag," 

"Courtesy of your friends. There are a couple of gift baskets in the hallway too. You're quite the headliner right now."

"All over the news, huh?"




Getting Lucky Ch. 03



Nina nodded. "Yeah. We tried not to watch a lot of it."

"We?"

"Your mom and me."

Sean attempted to sit up straighter. "My mother is here?"

"Yes," Nina replied, helping him by propping up his pillows. 

"Well, get the hell out of my bed before she finds out you've been corrupting her sweet son."

Nina threw her head back and laughed. It had been a long time since she heard her own laugh. "I'm afraid it's too late for that. I had to answer questions for your boss for their investigation. Imagine the shock on her face when she discovered the reason you left the apartment."

Sean laughed. "How delightfully awkward. I'm glad I missed that."

Nina could feel the tears welling in her throat. "Sean," she said shakily. "About that night..."

"Nina, don't."

"No, Sean it's my fault."

"How do you figure?"

"If I had more condoms, you wouldn't have left. If I didn't call you, you wouldn't have been distracted. All of this could have been prevented."

"Nina, that all may be true, but why dwell on it? You know you had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to me. Honestly, I was expecting something like this to go down."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah," Sean nodded. "I knew there was going to be some sort of retaliation deal by Morelli. That's why I had Ken and a couple of guys from the precinct keep tabs on you."

A chord of realization struck deep within her. "There were men following me that week."

"That would be Ken and the other guys."

"Why would you have people follow me?" Nina paused. "Was I in any danger, Sean?"

He looked at her face, a sliver of fear upon it. He didn't want to scare or repulse her by repeating the younger Morelli's words. "No more than usual," he said. "It was just a precaution." He pulled her to him. "I didn't mean to scare you, Pretty. I just wanted to make sure you were safe."

"I understand, Sean." She was careful not to disturb the bandage oh his chest. "Next time someone's trying to kill me, can you at least clue me in?"

"Got it." Sean sighed heavily. His body felt weak, and was screaming for sleep, but he couldn't stop touching her. It felt like eternity since he had her in his arms. His hand began to caress her back lightly, enjoying the soft moans that escaped her lips. 

"Baby, that feels so good." She kissed his cheek. "You have to stop, though."

He folded his lips in a mock pout. "Why?"

"Which reason do you want first? You're still healing, your mother may be back any minute, and I'm still mad at you for almost dying on me."

He laughed as she pretended to look mad, her arms crossing at her chest. "I'm sorry. Next time I get shot, I'll try not to die."

Nina looked at him, her eyes sad. She straddled his legs, careful not to hurt him. "There won't be a next time, Sean." She braced his face with her hands as she leaned forward to kiss him softly. "I don't know what I would have done if I lost you." She kissed his jaw, her tongue lightly tracing his stubble. Nina groaned as she felt his fingers clench her thighs. It had been so long.

She shivered when she heard him whisper her name. She opened her mouth to protest when she felt him lift her from his lap. "Stop being a tease," he said tightly. "You can't seduce me until I'm in full working order, Miss."

Nina sighed, realizing that the frustration she felt probably didn't compare to his. "Okay," she said dramatically. "Truce." She eased off the bed and sat in the chair next to it. "Sean," she started. "What was it like...being like that?"

He studied her. "It was like taking a long nap that you couldn't wake up from. I could hear things going on sometime but it was like listening to something underwater. It was mostly fuzz and darkness." He reached for her hand. "You don't know how amazing it was to finally open my eyes and have you as the first thing I saw." She kissed his hand.

A voice from the doorway startled them. "Oh my goodness!" Nina turned to see Maggie gasp with joy. "Boyo, you're awake!"

Nina let go of Sean's hand as his mother walked quickly to his bedside. She grabbed him in a fierce hug. 

Sean winced with slight pain. "Careful, Mam" he groaned. "There's a hole in my chest."

"Shh," Maggie said, waving the thought away as if it were a fly. "I'm just glad to have my son back" 

******************

Three days after waking up, Doctor Fox officially declared Sean well enough to go home. 

Sean was ecstatic. He was tired of laying around in a hospital while people fussed over him. He was only allowed out for an hour of so every day to get some fresh air. The first day, Nina pushed him along in a wheelchair while he sat somewhat grumpily. He assured her that nothing was wrong with his legs and he was perfectly capable of moving on his own accord, but she wouldn't have any of it. 

The next day, he walked on his own accord. His leg was still a little sore from his fall, but he managed to hold his own. 

He sat on the edge of the bed, looking around the room that had been his home for the past week and a half. He was finally ready to go home, go back to work to catch the sonofabitch that put him there in the first place. The one person who tried to take him away from his family and friends. Away from her. 

Sean looked up when he heard a throat clear. Nina was standing in the doorway, looking amazing as usual. She had left earlier that day to give Sean some time with his mother, and he supposed it was because she was in desperate need of an actual shower. 

He eyed her outfit, dark skinny jeans tucked into knee-high designer boots. Her jade colored tunic sweater was tight, hugging every ample curve and its V-neck cut showed a hint of her golden brown cleavage. Her shiny black hair hung down, slightly curled at the ends, her makeup dark, smoky, and flawless. Sean grinned. He had never been with a woman who was such a fashionista. Then again, she could have been wearing a paper bag, and he would have still found himself wanting her.

"You clean up well, Gill," he said. He stood slowly from the bed, grabbing his coat from the chair. 

"This old thing" she joked. Stepping forward, she tried to help him with his coat, but he waved her away. 

"I got it baby," he said. He shrugged the coat on slowly, taking care not to disturb the bandage on his chest. 

She tsked softly. "You are so fucking stubborn, Reilly." Kissing him on the cheek, she ran her finger across his jaw. "Aww, no more stubble," she said, indicating his fuzz-free face.

Sean rubbed his jaw and smiled. "Yeah. It was getting a little Grizzly Adams. It had to go."

"Too bad, I liked it."

"Well, maybe I'll grow it back."

Nina smiled. "Where's Maggie?"

"She had to go back. She's got her Ladies Bingo Night. She's already missed three activities already, and I told her I'd be in excellent hands."

"Sean, you didn't have to send her away."

"I did if I ever wanted a chance to get some lovin'. Besides, she'll be back sometime on the weekend." He grinned, pulling her closer to him. Her scent was signature Nina, peppermint with a hint of lavender. He moaned softly, "Baby, I miss holding you." His arms went around her waist as he held her close to him. He couldn't help but feel panicky. Nothing was going to happen, he knew. But he couldn't shake the uneasiness.

Nina wrapped her arms around his neck. Looking up into his eyes, the blue and green she missed so much, she could tell he was struggling with something. "Come on, sweetheart. Let me take you home."

******************

Nina opened the door to Sean's apartment as he walked in, slightly drowsy. He had fallen asleep in the car and had looked so adorable; she didn't want to wake him. 

Glancing at her watch, she noticed it was only 11 AM. "Honey, if you want to nap, I'll have some food waiting for you when you wake up."

He tossed his coat on his battered green sofa. "Not tired anymore." He turned to look at her, his darkened gaze sending hightailing shivers down her spine. 

"Sean," she said, backing up slowly. "Doctor Fox said you have to take it easy."

"Nina, I have been cooped up in a damn hospital longer than I really wanted to be. I feel perfectly fine." He strode over to her, easily catching her in his arms. 

Nina sighed. She couldn't fight him. But she didn't want to hurt him either. She knew how rough he could be. "Alright," she said, feigning a look of exasperation. "But we're going to do this my way."

Taking his hand, she led him into the bedroom. She sat him down on the bed. Kneeling down, she removed his shoes and socks. "Baby," he started. 

She looked up at him. "I said my way, Sean." She undid his jeans, sliding them down, tossing them to the floor. Nina unbuttoned the midnight blue button-up carefully sliding the material over his bandage. He was naked now, save for his boxers. 

Nina kissed his lips softly, enjoying the gasp that escaped his lips as her slender fingers cupped his growing erection. "Pretty," he pleaded. 

"Shh, honey. I'm going to make every thing better."

Moving down, she kissed his chest, licking his nipples and making him groan. Sean's torso fell back on the bed as she nearly ripped his boxer briefs from his hips. 

Before he could protest, she took his entire length into her waiting mouth. She moaned at his familiar taste, her body convulsing slightly, her every nerve ending missing him. Sean hissed as his hips bucked slightly. "God, Nina please. I don't think I can take anymore." He was propped on his elbows, watching his thick shaft disappear between her dusky lips.

Nina stood up, her body burning with lust. Quickly, she slipped out of her boots and jeans, revealing her panty-less womanhood already glistening with her proof of desire. Chucking off her sweater, she unhooked her bra as she stood naked before her lover. 

Sean almost came at the sight of her smooth butternut curves. When she commanded him to lie back, he complied immediately, her assertive behavior turning him on. She straddled his member, her pussy inches away. Thrusting upward, he plunged into her soft folds, making both of them gasp. 

Nina moaned at the contact she had missed over the past days. Her hips began to move in automatic slow circles. Pinching her nipples, her eyes connected with Sean's. He was breathing sharply, small whimpers escaping between his lips. Leaning forward, she kissed him hard. "You okay, honey?" Her hand went to cup his balls.

Sean moaned. "God, baby I'm going to cum." His fingers went to stroke her clit. Nina gasped at the contact, making her hips rock faster. She could feel his release as she hit the overwhelming crescendo. Her muscles clenched him tightly inside her as she cried out his name. Slowing her pace, she rolled over to rest beside him. Sean was shaking softly, his breathing still slightly erratic. "Feel better, babe?" she asked. She threw a slender brown leg possessively around his waist. 

Sean sighed. "Much better," he said. His heartbeat was slowly returning to normal. "I've been out of practice for too long."

Nina smiled. "No worries honey. We'll get you caught up."

******************

When Nina opened her eyes to glance at the bedside clock, it was 4 PM. 

Sitting up, she realized she was still at Sean's place. She could hear the shower running. She rose quickly from the bed. "Sean," she said, knocking on the door. "Do you need some help?"

"I'm good babe," he called out. "I'm just about to finish up."

She turned back to the room to begin her hunt for her clothes. Nina dressed quickly, a goofy smile plastered on her face. Things were finally starting to feel normal again. 

Padding down the hallway, she entered the kitchen with the intent of making food. After searching through Sean's cabinets, she made them both turkey and provolone sandwiches, making a mental note to take him grocery shopping sometime soon. 

She just set the two plates on the coffee table when Sean emerged from the bedroom. He was wearing old jeans and his blue NYPD t-shirt, a white thermal underneath. His deep red hair was still wet from his shower. Nina inhaled the clean scent of his Calvin Klein body wash. She couldn't get enough of that smell. 

He planted a quick kiss on her lips. "Thanks, Pretty."

"For the sandwiches?"

"For everything, baby." He grinned at her. "Put a movie on. I can't think of anything better than relaxing at home with you." He turned to walk into the kitchen.

"Where are you going?" she asked after him. 

"Getting us some beers."

"Are you trying to liquor me up?" Nina smiled. He knew she was never good at holding her alcohol.

"Maybe. Figure I can take advantage of you. Or maybe you'll dominate me again." She giggled. "You are so bad, Reilly."

Walking over to his DVD shelf, she perused the choices. She opted for Grindhouse. It was enough action to keep both of them entertained. 

She had barely put the DVD in the player when there was a knock at the door.

"Get that for me, Pretty" he called from the kitchen.

Walking over to the door, Nina peeked through the peephole. Whoever it was, they were standing at an old angle and she couldn't make out their face. A nervous shiver ran down her spine. It couldn't have been Morelli's men. Could it?

Nina unlocked the door slowly, her heart beating. She let out a breath of relief as she door opened to reveal a woman. 

She was fairly pretty. She was taller than Nina, with pin-straight brunette hair that fell softly on her shoulder blades and fringe bangs that gave her a sophisticated look. Her eyes were a deep ocean blue, her nose small and pert and offset her cupid's bow mouth. 

She was staring at Nina with a quizzical look. "Can I help you?" Nina asked. 

"Yes," the woman said her voice high and clear. "I'm looking for Sean Reilly. Does he still live here?" She craned her elegant neck to see inside the apartment. 

Nina raised a dark eyebrow. "Yes, and who might you be?"

The woman smiled. "I'm sorry, how rude of me. My name is..."

"Delia."

Nina turned around. Sean had entered the room, beers in hand. He was watching the scene with the same enthusiasm as one might view a horrendous car crash. 

Delia smiled shyly. "Hey Seanny."

Nina caught on to the nickname. "Seanny?" She turned to look at Sean, who was still watching them with an odd look on his face. If Nina didn't know any better, she thought he was about to throw up.

"What's going on, Sean?" she wasn't sure, but she could tell there was history between the two of them. 

Sean blushed visibly. "Nina, I'm so sorry. I wanted to tell you this earlier but..."

"Tell me what? What is going on?" "Um," he started. He was making her nervous. 

"Maybe I should go," Delia said. She started to turn around. 

"No," Nina said firmly. "You stay right there." She returned her gaze to her lover. "Sean, what the hell is wrong with you? Who is this girl?"

Sighing, he looked into her confused brown eyes. "This is Delia," he said. "She's my wife." 



Getting Lucky Ch. 04



"Your what?" The room suddenly felt three sizes too small. Nina could her blood pulsing hotly through her veins. This couldn't be happening.

"Nina." Sean reached out to grab her arm, but she wrenched away from his grasp. "I can explain everything."

"I have to leave." She fetched her coat from the hall closet and shrugged it on. She needed to go. The world had snapped in two and it was getting harder to breathe by the second. Buttoning up her coat, she headed for the door. Sean edged his way in front of her, blocking her exit. 

"Nina, please don't go like this. We need to talk." He cupped her chin in his hand, forcing her to look at him. When he looked into her eyes, he saw nothing. Her eyes were empty and blank. 

"Take your hands off me," she said softly. "Or I'll put your ass back in a hospital bed." Her voice was monotone, but he could hear the dangerous flicker. Wisely, he did as she requested and she moved toward the door. Delia stepped out of her way.

Sean looked at her retreating back. "Pretty," he whispered. "Don't walk away like this."

Nina paused for a minute. Her heart was urging her to turn around, run to him, and hear what he had to say. But that stubborn streak took over; she was Nina Gill, dammit. She didn't get hung up on boys. 

Wordlessly, she stalked out the apartment and into the cold February chill. 

*****************

Sean paced around his apartment. "I have to go find her." He started to shrug on his jacket when Delia stopped him. 

"Are you crazy? She'll kick your ass."

"Delia, what am I supposed to do? I can't just let her leave like that!"

"Yeah, you can. You have to give her some time Sean. You just basically kept a big secret from someone you supposedly love. You can't just fix that with pretty words."

"How do you know that?"

Delia smiled. "Because I've known you since you were four years old. I can tell these things about you. I know how much you care for her Sean, but if you try to fix everything right away she'll resent you. Give her some time, okay?"

Sean sighed. He knew Delia was right. He just didn't want to hurt Nina. "God, I am so fucking stupid!" He plopped down on the sofa.

Delia patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Yeah, you are. Why would you call me your wife, jackass? We've officially been divorced for nearly a month."

"Force of habit, I suppose. I really screwed up, huh Deals?"

"Yeah, but I have faith in you to fix things."

Sean nodded. "What are you doing here, anyway?"

"Your mother called me. She said it would have been a good idea to come by."

"It would have been nice if you had called first."

"Would you have answered?"

He eyed her. "What kind of question is that?"

"A legitimate one. I haven't seen you in a long time."

"I've been super busy, Delia. That doesn't mean I don't want to be around you. I've been working an important case."

"I know. Your mother told me what happened. You know, how you ended up in the hospital. I was just really worried. I would have come sooner, but I just got back from a business trip two days ago."

Sean held her hand. "It's okay, Deals. We're both busy. I just...I just don't know how I'm going to make things up with her."

"I know you'll figure something out."

*****************

It had been nearly three days and he hadn't heard from her. Sean was beginning to get worried. He tried to reach her by cell and her house phone but she must have been screening her calls. He had decided that if it was more than a week before he heard from her, he would go over to her house and demand that she listen to him. 

Things at work were beginning to return to normal. Everyone was happy to have him back, especially Angie. The Morelli case had become even more important now, especially since one of their own had almost been killed. 

It wasn't easy, but they were able to track down Sean's shooter. He was a lower guy on the Mafia ladder, just a punk trying to get made. Once in police custody, the guy started singing like a canary. Though there was nothing the police could do about his attempted murder charge, they did attempt to cop a plea with his attorney for a lesser sentence. 

When Sean discovered their intentions, he was outraged. He barged into Adams office demanding for them to call the deal off. "I could have been killed, Lou and the DA doesn't seem to give a shit!"

"I know this. But you know how those assholes are. They want Morelli and his crew taken out. This guy, this Jonny Mancini may be the ticket. It's bigger than you, Reilly."

"Fuck this, Lou. I'm out, you hear me? If this guy gets a lesser sentence, then I'm fucking done with this precinct." 

He had stalked out of the office and went home early to a bottle of gin and a shot glass. In the midst of his drinking binge, he realized Adams was right. It didn't make shit better. To think, he almost lost his life and Nina for a case, for people that in the end didn't really give a shit about him.

The epiphany hit home. He needed Nina, now more than ever. He was so stupid to let her walk out, to end things the way he did. Is it really over? Sean couldn't accept that answer.

He dialed her number once more. This time it went straight to voicemail. Just hearing her voice, its usual breathy sweetness made him ache for her. 

"Neens," he began. He cursed himself for the slur in his words. He shouldn't have drunk so much. "Babe, please pick up the phone. I miss you. You have to let me explain things.

See, that thing with Delia is ancient history. I should have told you about it, yes. But I don't know, I didn't think things would go this far. How was I supposed to know, Nina? But you, you can't just walk away from all this. Don't just shut me out because you might not like what I have to say. Maybe I'm out of line considering the circumstance, but you're not being fair." 

He paused. "Maybe I shouldn't say that. Dammit, Nina just answer me. I lo..." the beep signaled the message had reached capacity. Sean sighed. Maybe it was for the best.

*****************

Nina accepted the drink from the smiling bartender. It was a Thursday night and she was a single(ish) girl in the most fabulous city in the world. And she felt pretty good. Almost. 

She tried to cheer up; after all it was her idea to come out that night. Sighing, she sipped her drink and attempted to make her way back to Carrie and Jess, who were sitting at a high table talking to some very hot stock brokers. 

Nina took her place next to Carrie, as the quartet broke into laughter. "What's so funny?" she asked, trying to keep her voice light as possible. 

"Eric here was just telling us about the last time he went snowboarding. He face-planted in a ditch," Jess said. 

Nina smiled. She could tell that Jess was feeling Eric. She couldn't blame her. He was tall, tousled honey colored hair and green eyes. He navy suit and matching dress suit was well-tailored and fit his muscular body like a glove.

Carrie, on the other hand, was looking positively bored. Eric's friend was talking about hedge funds and other business deals. Nina was pretty sure his name was Sam, or something, but Carrie kept calling him Ben. Nina tried to suppress a giggle as Carrie attempted to stifle a yawn. 

"So Neens, what kind of drink is that?" She looked at Nina with pleading eyes. 

"Uh, I told the bartender to make whatever he wanted. It's called a Screaming Orgasm." 

"Yeah, we all know that you could use one of those right about now." Carrie winked emphatically. 

Nina nudged her. "Shut up, before I slide Mr. Hedge Fund your number," she whispered. 

Carrie's eyes went wide. "You wouldn't dare."

Nina's eyes glinted with amusement. "I so would, and you know it."

Carrie cracked a smile. "See now, I miss my old Nina. You were turning into a moony-eyed housewife. It's so good to have my bad girl back."

"She's been here all along."

"Nah," Carrie remarked. She took a generous swig of her gin and tonic. "She was gone. She was in love. But you have to remember something Neens. Love ain't for girls like you and me. We are too fabulous for one man to handle. We look too fly for only one guy, especially tonight!" 

Nina had to smile at that. She did look especially hot tonight. Her smoky makeup was flawless, as usual. There was a hint of green in her makeup to match the emerald silk halter dress she poured herself into. With her silver and emerald accessories and matching designer pumps, she looked like a million bucks. If only her looks translated into how she actually felt. 

Sighing, she downed the rest of her drink and checked her cell phone. It had been days since she ignored his call, but she kept replaying the message. He sounded so sad, and a little drunk. 

She knew she was being childish, but she couldn't face him. Not after Delia.

Carrie looked over at her friend. "Dammit, girl leave that phone alone!" She tried to snatch the tiny black cell from her hands. "How many times are you going to do this to yourself?"

"Maybe I should just call him."

"Or maybe you can listen to your dignity and say fuck that shit." Carrie flipped her hot pink and blonde hair over her shoulder. "The guy lied to you, Nina. You were too good for him. This shit should have been over since Christmas. You should have gotten the holiday booty and bolted."

Nina normally appreciated Carrie's blunt honesty. But tonight it was hitting too close to home. "Carrie," she started. 

"I know, I know; I'll back off. I'm just saying. I just wish you'd realize that if Sean was really the guy for you, he wouldn't have been dicking around with your emotions." She patted her friend's hand. "You're too special, and worth so much more than the crap he pulled."

Nina could feel the tears pricking her eyelids. She knew Carrie was right. "I don't know if that's the alcohol talking, but that's the nicest thing you've said all night."

Carrie smirked. "Don't get too excited. Those compliments only show up once in a while. Enjoy it while you can." Standing up, she smoothed down her black cocktail dress. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find my warm body for the night." She walked away from them, leaving Sam/Ben to glare at her as she stalked away during the middle of another ridiculously dull story.

An overwhelming wave of exhaustion overtook her. After bidding Jess and the boys goodnight, she left the club, its pulsating lights and smoky interior behind. While in the taxi, she listened to Sean's voicemail once more before deciding that she would call him in the morning. The least she could do was hear his side of the story. 

She scrambled from the taxi, allowing Wes to take her hand and lead into the building. Since Sean's shooting he had been nicer to her than usual. Nina was grateful to him. Riding the elevator, she yawned loudly. It had been a long day. At her office, she had to deal with a bratty Broadway star who was jealous of another actress and threatened to reveal dirty secrets. After much cajoling, Nina managed to calm the girl down. She sighed tiredly. Some days it seemed like she was a baby-sitter for self-absorbed fools. 

Nina unlocked her door and tossed her purse and keys onto the tiny table by the door. When she turned on the living room lamp, she nearly screamed. 

"What the hell are you doing here," she hissed angrily. 

Sean awoke from the spot he was sleeping on. "What?" he asked groggily. 

"How the hell did you get in?" her heart was still beating rapidly from the scare.

"Wes let me in. What's with all the screaming?" He sat up and threw an arm over his eyes. 

"I wasn't screaming. Forgive me for disturbing you. I didn't realize I had to be considerate to jackasses that break into my home." She placed her hands on her hips and stared at him. Part of her was completely thrilled to see him, while the other half wanted to chuck the television remote at his head. 

Sean gazed up at her. She looked positively gorgeous, if not extremely irritated. Her black hair was swept into a ponytail that fell between her shoulder blades; her inky black bangs were delicately swooped over one eye. Her body simply smoldered in her that silky dress, the soft material clinging to every imaginable curve, gently cupping her large breasts, sliding sweetly over her dainty hips and round ass, to skim her legs nicely. Her feet were encased in the sexiest silver pumps. He felt his stomach lurch in spite of the overwhelming pleasure the rest of him saw while drinking her in. 

She was wearing that for someone else.

"Were you with someone tonight?" As soon as he said it, he wanted to bite his damn tongue off. Bad move, Reilly.

Nina looked at him incredulously. "Are you seriously going to ask me that question?"

He rose from the couch. Even with her heels, he still towered over her. "Nina, I didn't mean..."

"What damn right do you have to ask me anything, Sean?"

He sighed. "None, I suppose."

He thought about it for a moment. She was wrong. He had every right in the world. "Wait, yes I do. I have every fucking right. I am your boyfriend, dammit! Just because you won't talk to me at the moment doesn't change that fact. Things aren't over between us."

"I didn't want it to be, until you lied to me" Nina stated. 

"That's my mistake. But I can't continue to apologize for something that you won't even let me explain. Give me two minutes and then I'll leave. Okay?"

Nina thought about what he offered. She was still pissed at him. Her head was telling her to kick his ass out, but she couldn't hear over her heart which ached for him to be near. Sighing, she sat down on the sofa. Crossing her legs, she looked up at him. "Two minutes, Sean."

He sat down on the edge of the coffee table. 

"Delia Donnelly and I grew up together. We lived in the same building. When shit used to go down with my dad, I would climb down the fire escape to Delia's room and spend the night. We were best friends, doing nearly everything together, even going to the same college. She's a buyer for some major department store, so she traveled a lot. We still got together as often as we could to hang out. A year ago, Delia comes to me, clearly upset. Her mom was sick, really sick. Cancer. She wasn't going to last long. Mrs. Donnelly was like a second mother to me, so I felt for her."

Nina's heart reached out for him as she saw the tear threatening to slide down his cheek. His eyes one blue, one green, were red-rimmed. Sean coughed quietly before continuing. 

"Delia decided that she was going back home to take care of her mother during her last days. Only trouble was, she was two months pregnant."

She felt the anger surge in her once more. "Sean, do you have a kid?"

"No," Sean said quickly. "Delia and I never did anything like that. The kid wasn't mine. Some guy she had been dating for a while, total fucking deadbeat. She didn't want to go back home pregnant and single. It wasn't the image she wanted her mom to have in her last days. So, I stepped in."

"You married her."

Sean nodded. "Yeah. It was only a temporary thing. Her mom thought she was happily married to her best friend with a baby on the way. She died that June, with the reassurance that her daughter was taken care of."

Nina felt blown. There was just so much to take in. "So, you and Delia never slept together?"

"Not in the biblical sense. The closest I ever got to touching her was copping a feel in junior high, after which I was promptly punched in the face."

"Nina, when I told you earlier that you were the first woman I've let into my life for a while, I was serious. Delia and I, we were friends, but being together like that nearly killed our friendship. We both realized that we needed something more out of a relationship than just relying on something convenient."

"I just don't get it, Sean. Why stay married?"

He was quiet for a time. "Honestly, I didn't realize how bad the situation was for me until you came along."

"So, Delia has a kid?"

At that, a tear did fall down his cheek. He looked so sorrowful that Nina almost regretted asking the question. "She had a miscarriage that August. You asked why I stayed around? Delia needed stability, especially after her mother's passing. I couldn't abandon my best friend when she needed someone the most. I just couldn't do that. She was the one person besides my mother who loved me more than anything in the world. I would have done anything for her. So I stuck by her side and helped pull her through."

Nina felt her heart break at his words. His dedication showed the type of man he was, the kind of man she wanted in her life. But she just couldn't bring herself to say the words. 

"Sean, I know this must have been hard for you to go through. But, you lied to me."

"Nina..."

"No," she said. She angrily brushed a tear from her eyes. She hated when she got upset and the tears would fall unnecessarily. It made her feel weak. "I told you all the shit I went through, the one-night stands and shitty guys. I thought you were different."

"Are you honestly going to sit there and put me in the same category as those other assholes you've been with?"

"Do you have another suggestion?"

"Yeah, you could try giving me the benefit of the doubt and realize I could never treat you that way."

"But you did, Sean." She rose from the couch, her hands on her hips. "You lied to me. I asked you to trust me with your past, your secrets, and you didn't. You knew how vulnerable I was. I asked you not to hurt me and you did."

She stalked down the hallway to her bedroom, angrily kicking off her heels. Sean followed behind her, his face a mask of irritation. 

"You can't really expect someone to make a promise like that, can you? It's not fair to me or you."

"I can do whatever I want." She knew her response was childish, but it didn't stop the spoiled comment from tumbling from her lips.

"So you're saying you've never hurt anyone before?"

"I'm not saying that..."

"No, because clearly I didn't realize you were so perfect and blameless that you're above making mistakes." 

"Sean." She walked into her large closet and slipped out of her dress. "You're being ridiculous." She quickly changed into tiny black shorts and a form-fitting tank top.

"Nina, I didn't come here to fight with you. I came for you to hear my story. If you want to act like a spoiled fucking child, I can't help that." He plopped down into the leather easy chair in the corner of her room. 

"I'm not a spoiled child. I'm fucking hurt, you asshole!" She felt her anger rising, but she no longer tried to control it.

"That's it, Gill. Show me that temper. Show me something else other than that Ice Queen persona."

"Fuck you, Reilly! I gave you everything. I gave more of myself to you than any other ever has: my body, my mind, my awesome cooking skills, and my heart." Her voice broke on the last word. "My fucking heart. And you just brushed me to the side."

"Don't you think you hurt me? Or does walking out of my life at the time when I needed you the most seem like a fair deal for the guy that just brushed you aside?" He jumped from the chair and stalked over to her. Nina tensed at the dark look in his eyes as he stepped closer. She found herself backing up until she was pressed against the wall. "This shit, is ridiculous, you know? Why can't we just admit that we both hurt each other in the process of things and move on from there?"

"Because it's not that easy, Sean. You can't just fix everything with pretty words. I know you're sorry, but it just doesn't help."

He cupped her chin in his hands. "Isn't enough that you almost lost me before?"

She gazed up tearfully at him. "That wasn't up to me. This time you've brought this all on yourself."

"So, it's going to be like that huh?"

Nina nodded slowly. "Guess so."

"Are you really that childish, Nina? Are you so stubborn you'll deny yourself happiness because of your fucking pride?"




Getting Lucky Ch. 04



"Don't put this all on me, Sean." She felt herself become angry once more. Pushing him away, she went into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. 

"No, it is all on you Nina!" he shouted through the door. "Why are you being so difficult? This shouldn't even be an argument. I explained the situation to you, I apologized. What more do you want from me?"

Nina felt her body shake as she braced herself against the cool porcelain of the countertop. He was completely right. She loved him, quite deeply. Yet the stubborn streak in her urged to push further, to not give in. He's just like all the others, it whispered. "Sean, I'm sorry" she said softly. 

"For?"

"I can't break down the wall right away, especially with you looking at me like that."

"Just tell me what you need to say, baby."

She sat on the floor, the cold tile giving her goose bumps. "I was so angry at you for not telling me about Delia. I was so embarrassed, looking as clueless as I did. So I did the only thing I could think of: I left. Those days away from you, they were completely miserable. I'm sorry I put you through that shit, even sorry I went through it myself. But can't you see how I felt through the ordeal?

Sean nodded, even though she couldn't see him. He understood. Her pride and heart took a beating. He made a fool out of her, he realized that now. "I am so sorry for hurting you, Nina. I love you. So much."

She sobbed quietly, the tears flowing freely. "We're pathetic, huh?"

"Pretty much." Sean chuckled softly. 

"Where do we go from here?"

He sighed. "Dunno. Are you going to come out of the bathroom any time soon?" He stepped away as the door opened and she emerged meekly into the room. Her eyes were tired and red, the eyeliner smudged at the corners. 

Opening her arms, she beckoned him closer. He practically ran to her, collapsing into her embrace and wrapping his arms around her waist. She let out a sob as she hugged him tighter to her. "We are so fucking stupid."

"I know," he replied. "Best nothing fight I've had in a long time."

She laughed weakly. "Where do we go from here?"

"I don't know," he said. He was so caught up in the feeling of having her in his arms. She was so soft, and the world started to feel just right. 

Nina glanced at the clock. It was nearly 4AM. "Whoa, time flies when there's drama."

"Man, is it really that late?"

"Got somewhere you need to be?"

"Actually, yeah. It's called work." Sean was hesitant to leave her side. "See you tomorrow?"

"No." Grabbing his arm, she pulled him to her once more. "You're staying here tonight. I don't want you going out this late."

Sean gazed into her eyes. They still held a glimpse of fear and uncertainty. He nodded. "Okay. But I have to be in before noon, or else Lou will kick my ass."

Nina grinned shyly. "Good." She walked over to the bed and climbed in. Patting the spot next to her, she smiled. "C'mere."

Sean walked over to the bed. Stepping out of his shoes, he slid in next to her. 

"No funny stuff tonight," she said.

"I wouldn't dream of it" he said, pulling her close to him. Sean sighed. For a minute, everything seemed like it was going to hell in a hand basket. But now, things just might turn out well for them. It wasn't long before he started to drift off to sleep, the worries and troubles from the past days slowly ebbing into his background thoughts. 

Nina was still awake, listening to the sounds of his soft snores. Lying next to him should have felt so right. But she just couldn't shake the feeling. She needed closure with the situation. 

Hearing Sean's side of the story wasn't enough. There were so many questions, so much she wanted to know that she knew asking Sean would open up an unnecessary can of worms and she was too emotionally exhausted to go down that road again. No, what she needed to do was talk to someone else, someone within the situation other than her lover.

She needed to talk to Delia.



Getting Lucky Ch. 05



When she woke later that morning, Sean had already left. The clock flashed nine o'clock. The aroma of coffee wafted through her apartment. She rose from her bed and padded to the kitchen. There was a plate of cranberry orange muffins next to the coffee machine. Nina picked up the note next to the plate. 

A peace offering. Dinner tonight?

Nina was startled when the phone rang. 

"Hello?" 

"Rani, you never call anymore!" 

Nina smiled. "Hey Mom."

Anita Gill chuckled, her raspy laugh washing over Nina like warm sunshine. "Hello, baby. How have you been? Your father and I were worried about you."

"I'm fine, Mommy. You and Daddy don't need to worry."

"It's our job, Rani. How's Sean doing?"

"He's fine, completely recovered from his injuries." Nina remembered her mother didn't know about the Delia situation. She figured she would leave it out. 

"That's good. Daddy and I were worried."

"How is Daddy anyway?"

"Oh you know him, work as usual. The other day he had a set of triplets in the office. Apparently they had fallen off their trampoline. All three, eight stitches apiece. Imagine that." 

Nina laughed. Kartar Gill was a pediatrician in a small town right outside the City. "Sounds like a rough time. Where is he right now?"

"Golfing with Mr. Greenbaum. He should be back within the hour. The reason I was calling, I want you and Sean to come home for dinner this weekend."

"Oh," Nina started. She wasn't sure the outcome of their talk and didn't want to jump to conclusion. "Mom, I don't know if..."

"Rani," her mother began, using her childhood nickname. "I know things are shaky, but I think it will do you good to come home."

"How did you know?" She could almost hear the smile in her mother's voice. "I just know my daughter well. Come home, Rani. Daddy and I would love to see you."

Nina sighed. "Okay, Mom. Tell Dad I'll be there. I just have to take care of some things, alright?"

"No problem. You know the place. Seven o'clock, Nina. I have to go. My herbs need watering. I love you."

"Love you too, Mom."

She heaved a sigh as she hung up the phone. It was now more important than ever she talk with Delia. It was the only way to clear her conscience and fully let the bullshit go. 

****************

Four hours later, Nina was sitting nervously in a café downtown. Her yellow stiletto heel tapped out a statacco beat on the floor. She smoothed down her outfit and wondered if she was wearing the right thing. She had had a presentation to give at work, and had taken her lunch hour a little later than usual to accommodate meeting Delia. 

She wondered if she was a little overdressed. Her tailored dark charcoal pants were starched and sleek. She wore a short sleeved silk tuxedo shirt of the deepest blue. Nina shrugged her matching blazer off and settled it on the chair next to her. 

She tried to sip the ice water she ordered, but the cold liquid settled in her stomach like a block of ice. Get a hold of yourself girl, she thought. Nina was about to shred the napkin in front of her when she heard someone clear their throat. 

"Nina?" She looked up to see Delia looking tentatively at her. 

Nina started to rise, when Delia stopped her. "There's no need," she said. Delia sat down in the chair opposite her. 

"I'm glad you could make it," she said, her voice nearly going into a whisper. She took a sip of water to clear her throat. 

"Yeah, I was a little surprised when Maggie called and told me you wanted to meet up." Delia glanced around the café. "Do you mind if I order a drink? It's been the week from hell and I need to celebrate the weekend."

Nina shook her head. "No, by all means."

The waiter returned to their table and Delia ordered cranberry and vodka, easy on the cranberry. She smiled at Nina, who returned it. Maybe this won't be so bad, she thought. 

Nina waited politely as the waiter returned with Delia's drink. After she had taken a couple of sips, she spoke finally.

"Did Maggie tell you why we needed to talk?" she asked.

"No, she just said it was important. But I figured you'd be in touch at some point."

"Really?"

"Yes. I know if the shoe was on the other foot, I'd want to meet the best friend my guy never told me about."

Nina could feel her uneasiness ebb away. "He talked about me?"

Delia nodded. "He'd mentioned you a couple of times when we talked. Said you were something special."

Nina noticed that she was very beautiful. Her skin was smooth and pale; her blue eyes were vibrant and sparkled. Her hair was still pin-straight, the bangs giving her a youthful look. She barely had makeup on, just a touch of mascara and colored lip gloss. She was wearing black dress pants and turquoise ballet flats that matched her turquoise sweater and fitted black blazer. Nina wondered how Sean was able to resist temptation growing up with such a gorgeous girl for a best friend.

"He didn't tell me about you."

"No, I don't suppose he did. He probably had his reasons, Nina. I don't think he was trying to intentionally hide anything from you. It's just...Sean has some issues when it comes to trust. His guard is always up."

"Was he always like that?"

"No, not always," Delia said, taking another healthy sip of her drink. "I think it stemmed from the stuff with his father. He told you about that?"

"Yeah. It must have been tough."

"It was; for everyone involved. His father, he was always so stressed. He took his frustrations out on Sean. He's not a bad guy, just really messed up."

"Does Sean ever talk to him?"

"I'm not sure. The last time must have been nearly three years ago. I know his dad has been trying to reconnect with him. That's definitely going to take some time."

Nina was quiet. There was so much about Sean's life she didn't know. It made her feel like she was losing her grip.

"I feel like I know so little about someone I love."

Delia looked at her. "You can only know what people choose to give away. Forcing someone to reveal themselves to you never works. It just makes them resent you for trying so hard."

Nina nodded. "That seems fair. I guess it never bothered me before because I didn't think things would ever go this far. It's been awhile since..."

"Since love?" Delia finished. "Join the club, girl."

Nina smiled. The verdict was still out, but there was a tiny part of her that liked the sharp-witted brunette. "Delia forgive me for being too forward, but why did you marry him?"

"Well, my mother..."

"I know about all that," she interrupted. "I meant why, really?"

Delia was thoughtful. "I was scared. I had been dating a guy who was more concerned about the size of his muscles and his modeling career than working on our issues. When I told him I was pregnant, I thought he'd be happy but apparently that joke was on me. I was hurt; my mother was dying, there wasn't a thing I could do about it, and here I was pregnant and alone. So I turned to Sean. He was supportive and understanding. He knew the situation with my mother and stepped up without question. 

Do you know how hard it is to ask someone to do something like that for you? Even if you are best friends, marrying someone shouldn't be taken lightly. See, that's the thing about Sean. I didn't even have to ask. He just did it. That's the kind of guy he is."

Nina knew what she was talking about. Sean was truly a stand-up guy. She could understand why the girl married him. "So, why did you guys divorce? If you loved him, why not stay married?"

"Sean and I loved each other very much. But it wasn't that kind of love. It was friendship love. The stuff we went through growing up bonded us deeper than sex or anything like that. It wasn't fair to him, denying his happiness for convenience. I loved and respected him far too much. Losing my baby caused imaginable pain, but I knew staying married to Sean when we didn't love each other was going to end badly. I couldn't lose the last family member I had left. So we divorced. It was completely finalized last month."

"Wow. I apologize if this situation has brought up old feelings."

Delia reached out and patted her hand across the table. "Nina, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for."

"But, if I had just stayed and listened..."

"You would have been a fool. I'm lucky you didn't sock me in the jaw."

They both laughed. "I can see why he loves you so much," Nina said. 

"I was just thinking the same thing."

****************

There was a swing in her step as she bounded out of the elevator to her apartment. Letting herself in, she tossed the keys and her briefcase happily on the sofa. 

Sighing, she eased herself into the plush charcoal-colored sofa, the soft suede cupping her body in comfort. 

Things with Delia had gone well. After the initial tension, talking things out eventually became easier. Nina let her guard down and discovered the woman was the real deal. Apparently another reason for their hasty divorce was that Delia had met another man. He was a rival buyer from another company who tried to steal Delia's client. Delia later explained it as "Love at first 'fuck you'". The girl was a real firecracker and a real friend to Sean. 

Nina jumped slightly at the knock on the door. "Who is it?" she called out. 

"The police. Open up."

She laughed at the familiar baritone of Sean's voice. 

Getting up, she walked to the door. She smiled. He was still dressed in his work clothes, the French blue of his dress shirt playing nicely against his auburn hair. He wore a silk tie a shade or two darker than the shirt and black slacks with shiny black shoes. His familiar Calvin Klein scent wrapping her in comfort. He was leaning against the doorjamb, a sexy grin tugging at his lips.

"Well aren't you dressed up?"

Sean smiled. "Yeah. Thought we could have some dinner."

"You're in a good mood."

"I am. The guy that shot me? Well, he won't be walking anytime soon. The DA charged him with attempted manslaughter. Funny thing is, the guy still agreed to testify. Apparently there is such a thing as an honest mobster."

Nina grinned. "Sean, that's awesome. I know you'll be glad when this is all over."

He nodded. "Most definitely. Now, let's celebrate."

"Okay, I'll go get my coat..."

"No need. We're hanging out here tonight." He moved to step into the apartment. Nina realized he had a large paper bag hidden behind him. 

"Sean, what's that?"

"This?" he indicated innocently to the bag. "Oh this. It's just a little something-something. I figured I'd cook for you."

"Really? What are you making?"

"It's a surprise, girl." He walked towards the kitchen. "Now come in here and keep me company while I fix us something spectacular."

Sean rested the bag on the dark granite countertop. Reaching in, he began to remove assorted items. 

"What exactly do you have up your sleeve?"

"What do you not understand by surprise?" his eyes twinkled. 

"Okay," she said. "I'll back off. So, anything else interesting happened at work?"

"Not really," Sean replied. He unbuttoned his shirt and placed it gently on the stool next to her. Nina admired his lean muscular form. He had on a white undershirt that showed off his toned arms. He was so ridiculously fine. She could feel her heart pounding. It had been so long since she felt his touch.

She was listening to him but not really. As she watched his mouth move, his sensuous lips curving over every syllable, she imagined those same lips wrapped around her nipples, bringing her immense pleasure. Nina felt that familiar heated sensation sweep over her body. 

"Babe, you okay?" she looked up to see Sean grinning slyly at her. 

"Uh, I'm fine. You were saying?"

"Never mind, it wasn't that important. So, how was your day? Anything interesting happen?" 

Nina watched as he made quick work of chicken breasts, slicing them vertically before putting a healthy amount of various seasonings on them and tossing them into a sizzling pan with a hint of olive oil. 

"Uh, you could say that. I spoke to Delia." She noticed his finger nearly slipped while chopping up the multi-colored peppers. He was silent as he finished chopping. When he threw the vegetables into the pan, he turned around. 

"Should I be afraid you're going to hit me?"

Nina grinned. "Not likely. We just talked. She's nice."

Sean looked relieved. "Yeah she is. I'm guessing my mother had something to do with this?"

"She's kind of amazing like that."

"So I hear." He filled a pot with water before setting it on the burner next to the pan. 

"You're the king of multi-tasking," Nina remarked. He was opening a jar of Alfredo sauce with one hand while stirring the chicken and vegetables with the other. 

"Yeah, I'm kind of amazing like that," he said. "So, what did you gals talk about?"

"You, of course."

"Talking shit about me now, Gill?"

"You know it, baby." She watched as he drained the chicken and vegetables before adding the Alfredo to the mix. As the water in the pot began to boil, he opened the bag of fresh green penne pasta. 

Sean laughed at the astonished look on her face. "You know how much I like my colors," he said, a wicked grin on his face. "Speaking of, I nearly forgot to freeze the dessert." He reached into the bag once more and pulled out a quart of something. "Fresh chocolate gelato," he said as he put the tub in the freezer. 

"You just think of everything, don't you?"

"I aim to please, love. He drained the pasta quickly and moved the pan of Alfredo from the burner. Nina couldn't help but watch him; the way he moved, he was so sure of his steps. She felt her breath quicken and her body heat once again. Watching him cook was turning her on in the worst way. "Sean," she whispered, her voice hoarse.

"Babe?" he replied. He was busy getting plates from the cabinet. The way he reached up, his arms outstretched, the chords of muscles flexed slightly made her head dizzy. Calm down girl, she thought to herself. She was acting like a high-school girl with a crush. 

Sean was watching her from the corner of his eye. She was giving him an almost primal look. He felt compelled to up the ante. Picking up a stray pepper, he dipped it into the sauce. "Open up for me Pretty," he said. He watched her take the vibrant slice into her mouth and nearly moan from the taste. 

"God, that's so good." She didn't know whether she was talking about the sauce or Sean's fingers stroking her lips. 

"Do you like it?" He asked.

She nodded. "Yeah."

"You want more?" He noticed there was a spot of sauce on her lower lip. Before she could wipe it off, he leaned across the counter and gently ran his tongue on her lips. She pulled him closer to her, allowing her lips to part and give his tongue access. 

"Sean please," she whimpered. Her entire being was ignited. She craved his hands, wanting them everywhere on her body. 

"You want more?" he whispered again. 

"You know I do." Grabbing his hands, she walked him down to the bedroom. 

"The food?" 

Nina smiled as she unbuttoned her shirt and tossed it to the floor. "Are you really going to ask about that?"

Sean grinned. "I'm just saying." He undid his pants and stepped out from the pool at his feet. "Come here," he said. Pulling her close, he kissed her shoulder blade softly, inhaling the scent he'd grown to adore. "God, you feel so good," he murmured. His fingers nimbly unbuttoned her pants and slid the material down her slim hips. 

Kneeling down, he kissed her thighs. Sean lifted a slender brown leg over his shoulder and nuzzled his face into her panty-clad crotch, making her moan. When he pushed her lacy black briefs to one side and pushed a finger into her warmth, she cried out. Her hands rested on his shoulders to regain her balance. 

Sean kissed the inside of her thighs, running his tongue lightly over her soft skin. His finger moved lazily in and out of her. Nina's breathing turned from breathy moans into sharp gasps when his tongue brushed her clit.

"Sean," she moaned. She wasn't sure what she wanted him to do, but she knew stopping was not an option. Her essence coated his face as his tongue continued to suck on her clit. Sean wrapped an arm around her waist for support and her hips began to dance wildly. 

His eyes went upward to admire the sight before him. Her eyes closed, her mouth open with the softest whisper of his name escaping every so often. One hand was weaving its way through her hair, while the other unhooked her bra to free her chocolate globes. 

Sean didn't think there was any sight more beautiful. Rising to his feet, he kissed her softly, kneading her ass cheeks in his hands. When he lifted her up, she wrapped her legs around his trim waist as he walked them to the bed. 

Nina bit his earlobe softly as her back rested against the mattress. "Take me Sean," she whispered. 

Rising to his knees, he removed his shirt and tossed it to the side. Looking down at the beauty beneath him, Sean felt a pang in his heart that was almost too much to bear. He leaned forward to kiss her softly as he slowly slid into her moist core, making them both cry out. 

Nina arched her back, her dark nipples peaked stiffly upward. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she pulled him deeper into her. Sean kissed her hard once more, rolling her nipples between his fingers. "How does it feel, Pretty?" he whispered in her ear. He pulled out slowly, waiting a beat before ramming his length back into her. Nina moaned and lifted up to grab his face in a kiss. 

"Like heaven," she breathed. She grinded her hips, the friction from the new position caused her body to shiver slightly. Nina wrapped her arms around his neck and concentrated on his face. Sean's eyes were closed as his cock continued to move in and out of her. 

She kissed his eyelids. "Look at me Sean," she whispered. Her heart rate sped up when he opened his beautiful eyes, the green and blue, and focused on her. "I love you," she said, as her hips picked up their pace, rocking harder onto his throbbing member. 

Sean stared back into her eyes, bright and shining with a hint of tears. "I love you," he said hoarsely. With his hand, he pulled her lips to his as they both exploded into orbit. Her scream of pleasure mixed with his as their bodies went over the edge. Nina felt her legs shake and shudder. She held onto Sean as they continued to ride out their orgasm.

He fell back on the bed, taking her with him. His cock was deflating, yet he didn't want to leave the warmth of her pussy. "Wow," he breathed. 

"Yeah," she said quietly. "My sentiments exactly."

****************

"You sure I look okay?" He had been asking her that same question for the past twenty minutes and each time she responded accordingly. 

"You look great."

Sean tugged at the collar of his navy and celery striped button down. He was never a guy insecure about his clothes, but he knew this meeting with Nina parents was important. It was the first time he'd be meeting them and wanted to make a good impression. Sean opted for the casual yet devilishly handsome look: nice shirt and clean jeans with a pair of black boots. 

"Thanks, Neens. You look good too." He checked out her simple snow white tunic sweater similar to that green one he liked so much. Her light jeans and designer sneakers made her look like a million bucks. 

Nina smiled. "Don't be so nervous. My parents are going to love you." She pulled the car into the driveway of her parents' three-story brick house. 

"Yeah, well at least when you met my mother I was unconscious. I don't have that luxury again."

"You're ridiculous," she said, cracking a smile. "Come on, they're probably watching us from the window."

As they walked up the cobblestone path, Sean took in the house and its surroundings. It was in a relatively quiet neighborhood, full of tree-lined sidewalks and well-manicured lawns. The Gill house was no exception. The house itself was beautifully kept. The front door was flanked by verdant shrubbery on each side. There were flowers everywhere: marigolds, daisies, and winter roses. 




Getting Lucky Ch. 05



"Wow," Sean remarked. "Your mother certainly has a green thumb."

"She does," Nina replied. "Cheesy as it sounds, she always said it was love that made everything bloom so well." They climbed the steps. "Alright," she said, ringing the doorbell. "Here goes."

The door immediately swung open to reveal a mirror image of Nina. Sean nearly did a double-take at the resemblance. Her skin was the color of a rich hazelnut, the same color of her thoughtful eyes. Her hair was black and cut into a fashionable bob. She had to be in her mid-fifties, but Anita Gill didn't look a day over thirty.

"I was wondering when you two would show up," Anita said, a toothy smile on her beautiful face. 

Nina grabbed her mother in a hug. "Ma, you and I both know you were watching from the window."

"Guilty." The older woman laughed. "How's my baby been?"

"Good." Pulling away from her mother, Nina grabbed Sean's hand. "Mom, this is Sean. Sean, this is my Mommy."

Sean smiled and extended his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Gill."

Anita pulled him close to her. "None of this 'Mrs. Gill' crap. Call me Anita. Let me get a good look at you." She moved him to arms length. "Honey, you know how to pick 'em. He's an absolute hottie."

"Mom!" Nina exclaimed as Sean blushed slightly. 

"What?" asked Anita innocently. "I'm just saying."

"Thank you Anita," Sean said, tossing her a grin. "It never hurts to receive a compliment from such a beautiful woman. I don't hear them often."

"I see Nina hasn't been taking care of her guy as she should," Anita teased. 

"See, I knew this was going to happen. I bring home a guy and you team up with him. Where's Daddy? He was always on my side," Nina joked.

"In his office; he's on a call."

"Actually, I am right here." 

Nina looked past her mother and saw her father emerge from his office, reading glasses in hand. "Daddy!" she exclaimed. She fell into his arms. "I miss you," she whispered.

Kartar Gill smiled. "I've missed you too, Rani. How is work?"

"Work is fine, everything's going smoothly."

"I'm glad to hear," Kartar said. He focused his gaze on Sean. "You must be my daughter's new boyfriend," he said, extending his hand. 

"Yes sir, Sean Reilly." Sean grasped the older gentleman's hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." "Likewise," Kartar replied. He turned back to his daughter. "Well Rani, your mother has definitely whipped up a treat for your arrival. Let's sojourn to the dining room, shall we?"

Dinner was excellent. Sean could see where Nina got her cooking skills from. Nina's mother, like Roxie and Angie's was from Trinidad as well. She served them curry chicken with chickpeas and vegetables. Sean wasn't normally used to spicy foods, but it was delicious nonetheless. 

He was quiet during dinner, preferring to watch the Gills interact. He could tell they were a close-knit family unit, headed by an unshakable patriarch. Kartar Gill was a reserved man, but his presence was commanding. He was a good two inches shorter than Sean, but he was in excellent shape. His dark skin was the color of sandalwood, and contrasted nicely with his raven hair and dark thoughtful eyes. 

When he spoke to Sean, it wasn't in a harsh or condescending manner. He seemed genuinely interested in hearing about his job and family life. Anita fawned over him, giving him extra helpings of whatever and refilling his wineglass. 

"Mom, stop it. You're going to spoil him," Nina protested after her mother heaped another generous portion of curry onto his plate. 

"Shh, girl. He's a growing boy. He must be starving."

Nina smiled. "Welcome to West Indian culture, Sean; where everything can be solved with a plate of good food and too much is never enough."

"Hey, we Irish believe in the same thing. Of course by food, you mean a pint."

Everyone laughed. 

Nina turned to her mother. "Have you heard from D.J. lately?" she asked.

Anita nodded. "Yes, he's opening a new club in Houston so he's down there finishing the final touches." Nina's older brother Dino worked as a nightclub promoter. 

"That's nice."

"Yes, but we wish he would settle down. Traveling all the time like that," Anita tsked. 

"Now, now beta," Kartar said, patting his wife's hand. "Dino is a smart boy. He's worked hard and now he wants to enjoy life by himself for a little while. There is nothing wrong with that."

"I know, honey. I just worry about him being by himself in a different city almost every night. I don't want those skanks making moves on my little boy."

"Mom!" Nina exclaimed as Kartar and Sean burst out laughing. 

"Sorry guys," Anita remarked, a huge grin on her face. "I sometimes forget where I am."

"I think on that note, it's time to clean up." Nina rose to clear the plates and Sean stood up as well to help her. 

"Leave those alone dear," Anita said to Nina. "Sean and I will get those."

Sean took that as a sign she wanted to talk with him. Gathering the plates and cutlery, he followed Anita into the kitchen. Rinsing off the plates, he stacked them into the stainless-steel dishwasher as Anita stored the remaining food in containers. Anita was first to break the silence. 

"You love her, don't you?" she asked. 

"I do," he replied. He closed the dishwasher and rinsed his hands in the sink. 

"I was very worried about you when Nina told us what happened with the shooting."

"I am so sorry, Anita. I just want you to know that Nina will never be in any danger like that ever again. I'd kill anyone that would try to hurt her."

"Mmm-hmm," Anita mused. "Listen Sean. I know you're a stand-up guy. I could see it as soon as you stepped into the house. All I ask is that you take good care of my baby. She's never had the best of luck when it came to men. I'm sure she told you that. My daughter used to be the type of girl to casually talk to a guy because investing time meant the possibility of rejection. I say 'used to' because I've noticed the change in her since she met you. I know something happened and you two went through a rough patch. But it's not my business and I don't want to know. I just want to thank you for showing my daughter that there are good guys still left in the world. I don't want her thinking that I snagged the last one," she added. 

Sean embraced the older woman warmly. "Thank you so much Anita. For the food, and for Nina."

"Mostly for the food?"

"Oh, you bet."

Anita laughed. "We'll just keep that between us."

**************** When Sean returned to the dining room, Nina and her father were engaged in conversation about his job. 

"Neens, your mom said there's an unscrubbed pot with your name on it in the kitchen."

Nina smiled. "Duty calls. You boys have fun." She gave Sean's hand a reassuring squeeze before leaving the room. 

Kartar rose from his chair. "Sean, join me for a smoke." Sean followed him as he walked through the well-decorated living room through French doors leading out to a large fenced-in backyard. The night air was relatively warm, a welcome March change after the dreary cold of February. 

The older man pulled out a tobacco pipe from his pocket and a small packet of tobacco. After filling his pipe, he lit it and inhaled deeply from the other end. 

Sean smiled as they sat down on the patio furniture in a covered part of the backyard. The man looked one tweed blazer and plushy armchair away from Masterpiece Theatre.

The two men were silent, the nighttime sounds dominating the conversation. They could hear Nina and her mother laughing at something in the kitchen, their melodic voices soothing the men's spirits. 

Sean wasn't sure what the man was going to say to him. He figured he needed to say something, anything to break the silence. "Nice night." Anything but that. 

Kartar nodded, the smoke billowing from his pipe. Sean wasn't a huge fan of smoking, but the heady smell of the tobacco was oddly welcoming to his senses. 

"My daughter is very special to me," Kartar stated. Sean knew he wasn't finished, so he kept quiet. 

"When my son was born, I was overjoyed. He was handsome and bright. All the nurses fawned over him. I told my wife we couldn't do any better than him. Then my Rani was born. She was so beautiful it almost hurt my heart to look at her; I loved my children from the instant they arrived. 

Dino is like his mother. He is strong, determined, good heart and a damned good sense of humor. My son is off doing what I've always wanted my children to do: to live their lives in complete happiness, whatever it entailed."

Kartar smiled. "Nina, she is like her papa. We are more reserved, yet we wear our hearts on our sleeves. My daughter searches for happiness instead of letting it find her naturally. She is successful at her job because she is resourceful and compassionate. She is a determined young woman. At times I wished the confidence she showed in her work, she would also show in other aspects of her life. My daughter is special, yet she chose men who were unworthy of her; not because she was better than them, but because she deserved better than how they treated her. My wife and I have a hands off policy when it comes to our children and their relationships. It is better to make mistakes in life because that is how we learn."

He was silent once more as he puffed on his pipe, allowing his words to sink in. 

"Do you know why I call Nina 'Rani'?" he asked. 

Sean shook his head. "No, sir."

"My wife, she is my light, my heart. She is the reason I live. I would do absolutely anything for her. My children are my world. I would go to the ends of the Earth if it meant happiness for them. My wife is my goddess, and Nina is my Rani, my queen.

It is hard for a father to stand by and watch people mistreat his children. I believe that is why Nina has never brought home a boy to meet us since high school. That is how I knew you had to be something special. Take care of her, Sean. Love her like no one else and your days will be worthwhile."

Sean nodded. "I understand sir."

"Call me Kartar. Let's go inside, shall we? This night air isn't good for an old chap like me."

****************

The drive back from the Gill's to the city was relatively short. Nina noticed that Sean was somewhat quiet in the car. She sang along with the radio and tried to make conversation, but he held his thoughtful gaze. 

She thought everything had gone well. Her parents respected Sean and seemed to like him. Her mother gave him dinner extras to take home. Nina wasn't sure, but she could sense it was the talk with her father that had him out of sorts. She was anticipating her dad speaking to him all night. When they came back in from the patio, Sean said he was a little tired and wondered if she was ready to head back. 

Nina agreed and bid her parents goodnight. Sean was still polite, thanking them for everything. And now he was in the car quiet as ever. 

When she pulled up to his apartment building, she was all ready to speed off after he got out when he turned around to face her. 

"Park the car and come inside," was all he said. 

She did as he requested while he stood there and waited for her. They walked silently into the building. They rode the elevator up to the fifth floor in silence. Sean unlocked his door and flicked the switch on, illuminating the living room with light. 

Nina walked over to sit down on the couch when he stopped her. "Come here," he whispered. He pulled her close. 

"Sean, what is going on? Why are you acting so odd?"

Sean's response was a deep kiss. Nina moaned and parted her lips to give his tongue access. She gasped when he pushed her softly against the wall. "Sean, what..."

"Shh," he said softly. He kissed her eyelids, her cheeks, and ran his tongue gently over her lips. Nina removed her coat, flinging it to one side. She unbuttoned Sean's shirt, peeling it from his shoulders and let it drop to the floor along with his jeans. When she tried to reach for his underwear, he stopped her. 

"What's wrong?" her face was a mask of confusion. She reached up to ruffle her hands through his russet-colored hair. It was getting long again. 

Wordlessly, he removed her sweater to reveal her emerald-colored bra. "You're beautiful," he said quietly. His lips traced the swell of her breasts, leaving a trail of feather-soft kisses in their wake. "So beautiful," he whispered. 

"Sean," she breathed. "What..." her questions turned into moans as his hand worked its way into her pants, pushing aside her hipster underwear and giving her slit long and slow strokes. 

Sean gazed into her eyes. She opened her mouth to protest when his finger left her warmth. Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her deeply. When he pulled away, Nina noticed the moisture welling in his eyes. "Slugger, what wrong?" She pulled him close to her, stroking his hair. 

"I love you, Nina. I love you so much."

"I know you do, honey. I love you too."

"I've put you through so much shit this past month. You didn't deserve that. Don't leave me, please."

Nina planted the sweetest of kisses on his forehead. "Sean, I'm not going anywhere."

He gazed into her eyes, the brown pools filled with so much love for him. "How did I get so lucky?" He unzipped her pants, leaving them a denim pile at her feet. Sean lifted a leg and plunged his hardness into her. 

Nina cried out, clutching his back for support. Sean stared into her eyes, his gaze never leaving hers as his cock moved in and out of her dewy cove. They quickly erupted in a wave of overwhelming pleasures. Cradling her in his arms, he kissed her softly, whispering his love and finally feeling as if his luck was definitely looking up. 

**************** 5 Months Later...

"God, leave it to Angie to get married on the hottest damn day of the year!" Sean grumbled. He adjusted the collar on his black polo shirt and sighed. 

The sun was nearly beginning to set, the sky turning a brilliant rainbow of oranges, yellows, and reds. The air was still slightly humid, but the cool breeze coming off the Pacific Ocean offered a bit of relief.

Nina laughed. "It's okay, baby. The ceremony was only 20 minutes and now it's air condition time." 

Sean pulled her closer to him. "I think it's absolutely criminal that you've nearly upstaged the bride on her wedding day. You look amazing, Pretty." She was wearing a black cocktail-length strapless dress. A layer of tulle on the bottom gave the dress a slight pouf. Her hair was down and flowed freely around her in big loose curls. 

"Thanks, baby. Although I'm nearly baking." Ruffling her hand through his auburn hair, she smirked. "It's almost time for you to get it cut again," she remarked. His hair was now nearly touching the tops of his ears. 

"Nah, I think I might let it grow out."

"God, no. It makes me feel like I'm having sex with a high-school skate punk."

Sean kissed her, loving the way she fit so perfectly in his arms. "Ooh, role-play. I like it, Mrs. Robinson."

She laughed loudly. "Mrs. Robinson? Whatever, you're two years older than me, Gramps."

"Ouch, Gill. You're going to pay for that." His hand trailed from the small of her back to cup her round cheeks. 

"Oh God, get a damn room you two!" They turned to see an amused Carrie grinning at them. 

"I have a room, woman" Sean said. "And if we could get this damn reception moving, I could get back to it!"

"Reilly quit yapping and get over here to take a picture!" Angie shouted at him, shaking her fist dramatically. Sean found it hysterical because she still had the bouquet of yellow roses and sunflowers in her hand.

The wedding was a small affair located on the private beach of movie star Dex Ryan. Sean looked around at all the families present: the elder Hartleys, Dex's parents, Connor's parents and extremely Irish Flanagan extended family, The Gills, and even his own mother. There was so much joy in the atmosphere, so many examples of love and its unbreakable bond. 

Sean linked fingers with the woman beside him and smiled. 

"Getting misty-eyed there Seanny?" He looked up to see Delia walking toward him in a black and white polka dot party dress. 

"Of course not."

"Hard not to, with all the mushiness abound." They smiled at each other. 

Delia turned to grin at Nina. "Been keeping him in line, I hope?"

Nina hugged her tightly. "Oh definitely. How's the fella?"

"Declan's good. He's over there talking to Dex's brother, something about a new video game. I think I may have some competition."

The trio laughed. 

"What do you make of all this," Delia mused. "A beach wedding at the home of a movie star?"

Nina nodded. "Yeah, it's all very posh. Only Angie would have a black and white dress code for a summer wedding." 

Delia smiled. "I think she might have had an ulterior motive for that," she said, indicating the simple black dress with an empire waist and white trim that the bride was currently sporting. "How far along is she?"

Nina looked at the slight swelling of Angie stomach as Connor rubbed it intimately. "I think she said about three months."

"Nice," said Delia. "So when are you guys having rugrats of your own?"

Sean sputtered on the champagne he was about to sip. "Uh, Deals no kid planning right now."

"Yeah, Deals. Sean tends to go temporarily deaf whenever someone mentions the 'b' word."

"Aww, Sean man up!"

"Don't tease him, Deals" Nina said, wrapping her arm around his waist. "He's just used to being my only baby. He's not ready to share yet."

Sean laughed. "True."

"Reilly, didn't I just call you for a picture?" Angie slapped him playfully on the arm. "Will you pry your fingers from under Nina's skirts for a minute? I promise she won't go anywhere."

He grabbed the girl into a hug, twirling her into the air. "Put me down, jackass! I'm with child!" 

"Like that'd ever stop you. I bet you won't take leave until your water breaks."

Angie huffed. "Nah, Connor will have a fit. Why are you Irishmen so damn bossy?"

"Because you girls love it," Sean replied. He handed the digital camera to Delia, who snapped a picture of the partners. Sean looked at her. She was positively glowing. Pregnancy agreed with her. Her beauty was softened and her already curvy body was dangerously more so. She looked gorgeous in her simple dress and black ballet flats. 

"Angie, you look smashing," he remarked. 

"Reilly, back off my girl. You've already got one of your own." Connor eased his arm around his wife's waist and grinned. 

"Dude, if you're ever up to switching, let me know" Sean joked. 

Connor shook his head, his blue eyes twinkling. "Man, you would be sending her back in like five minutes. All the nagging plus the physical abuse. It takes a tough man to control a Hartley woman."

"Don't I know it," Dex said, walking up to the group. "Just the other day Roxie chucked a shoe at me. No bloody reason at all. Damn lucky the paparazzi weren't there to capture it. Would have made a lovely headline." His green eyes were filled with mirth. 

"That's because you were being too loud after I got the baby to sleep, you git," Roxie chimed in. "You know how hard it is for Bella to nap during the day. I finally get her to sleep and this ass starts playing XBOX and shouting. I nearly beat him to death." She looked pretty in her black sundress, her raven tresses blowing softly around her. 

"Sorry love," Dex said, kissing the top of her forehead. "You know how I get with FIFA." He looked down at his smiling daughter in his wife's arms. She was a light cappuccino color, with soft curly hair just as inky black as her daddy's with her mother's bright brown eyes. "Daddy's sorry, little one." He grinned at her, and she giggled happily.

"What the hell are you all doing down here?" Carrie asked. "The old people are all up at the tent getting goofy on the champagne and wondering when the hell that wedding planner will let us eat." She put her hands on her hips and shook out her blonde and hot pink hair. 




Getting Lucky Ch. 05



"Carrie, you have got to calm down," Angie said. 

"Or at least get drunk a bit more," Jess said. She walked up hand in hand with Eric, the hot stock broker she had met that night out at the club.

"God, I do hope we get plastered" Carrie said.

"Speak for yourself," Angie grumbled.

"Hey now, no one told you to be all pregnant on your wedding day," Nina said, laughing. 

"Actually, I blame him." She jabbed her elbow into Connor's side. "All those nights of dirty talk about having his baby. I thought he was joking."

"I totally wasn't, baby." Connor kissed his new bride softly. 

"Oh, eww. No PDA's please," Derek Ryan yelled. He walked over, wearing a black button shirt, black pants, and a stark white tie. "Is it bad enough you've got my dream woman, Gavin? Now you got to rub it in my face?"

The group laughed. "Don't worry Derek," Angie said. "Whenever he's getting on my nerves, you and I will sneak away for some adulterated lovin'." She clapped her hands. "Now, before we get too smashed to remember, let's take some pictures." She shouted over the chorus of groans. "Shut up! It's my day. Now, the boys first!"

She herded the men into a section near the beach, the ocean waves and the orange sky providing a perfect backdrop to a stellar evening. 

The men lined up to take their picture. "Anyone else feel like 3rd grade all over again," Sean joked. 

"Pipe down, Reilly and look cute" Nina called out. They really did look handsome, the group of them: Connor in the middle, surrounded by Dex, Derek, Sean, Eric, and Declan. All equally fine. 

"Wow," Roxie said. "We've got some hot ass men."

The women laughed. "I was just thinking that myself," Delia stated.

Angie snapped the picture. "Okay, girls now!" They gathered into a group. 

"Hey," Roxie exclaimed. "This is Bella's first picture with all of her aunties." She pointed to Angie's stomach. "And her cousin."

"Cousins," Connor said. "I'm going for double!"

"Yeah," Angie said. "Well I hope you'll be the one pushing them out your uterus. Now take the damn picture because I love you so much."

Sean laughed at he looked at his friends. The girls looked gorgeous, each smiling. But there was one in particular he couldn't keep his eyes off. One look at her smile and he was reminded all over just how much he loved her. 

"Okay guys, one final one with everybody!" Angie called. "Who's going to take it?"

"I will take it just as long as you promise me you all will sojourn to the tent afterwards so the reception can begin!" A tall, thin woman wearing lavender glared at them. 

"Sure thing, Miss Price," Angie said. "Okay everyone, you heard the wedding lady. One big one, then we're done!" She handed the stern-looking woman the digital camera.

Everyone bunched together, drawing their partners close. Carrie laughed as Derek threw an arm around her waist and kissed her cheekily. 

Sean pulled Nina to him. 

"One, two, three!" There was a flash and a large sigh of relief. 

"Fantastic," Angie said. "Now, let's eat!"

The group started to make their way to the tent when Sean pulled Nina to him. 

"What's up Slugger," she asked. "We've got all night in the hotel room."

"Not that," he said. "But thanks for reminding me." 

He pulled out a black square box. "This is for you."

"Oh Sean," she said. Nina opened the box to reveal a simple white gold band. On the inside read 'My Lucky Charm."

He lifted her chin to see her eyes filled with tears. "It's beautiful, Sean." She slipped the ring on her finger. 

"You're beautiful," he said, kissing her lips. "It's not an engagement ring. I don't want to freak you out. I just wanted you to know how much I love you. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met and I am so blessed to have you in my life."

She wrapped her arms tightly around him, her heart feeling full to bursting. "I love you, Sean. So much." Nina wiped an errant tear. "It's been a crazy bunch of months, hasn't it?"

Sean laughed. "Yeah. I can't wait to see what else Lady Luck has up her sleeve." Taking her hand, he smiled. "We better get up there before they get too drunk without us."

The two lovers smiled as they walked up the beach, the light from the large tent washing the night in a warm glow. And as the sun finally set into the evening sky, the waves lapping gently at the ocean, and the woman he loved in his arms, Sean Reilly finally felt the peace his heart had desperately searched for.

****************

Thank you to all the fans who've read my Hartley series. Is this really the last of them or is there another story in there? Only time will tell! Look for a brand new (non-Hartley) story out in a bit! ~n4m.