For this edition of First Kiss Friday, I am sharing the first kiss between Shannon Nadjiwon and Séamus Daugherty from His Proposition, an interracial, marriage-of-convenience contemporary romance.
Her biggest dream’s offered on a platter, but the clincher is, she has to marry a perfect stranger.
When her employer offers the no-nonsense Shannon Nadjiwon the position of chauffeuring Séamus Daugherty, she jumps at the chance. To work for one of Toronto’s most powerful families means she can make her biggest dream of owning a fleet of limos come true, something her female relations tooling away at her Ojibway community want badly for her, and she won’t let them down.
His reckless need for speed cost Séamus Daugherty his license. If he doesn’t marry, as demanded by his overbearing father, he will lose not only his lucrative job with the family business—the only positive aspect in Séamus’ gilded cage life—but everything Daugherty.
The unpretentious and gorgeous Shannon will make the perfect bride, and Séamus is ready to strike a deal with her, one that will ensure he keeps everything he holds dear if she puts a wedding ring on her finger. However, they face three big obstacles: His family, her family, and a marriage neither truly wants, leaving both wondering if the sizzling sexual chemistry and cozy rapport they share is enough to create a happily ever after.
Genre(s): Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance, First Nations Romance, Adult
Heat Rating: Level 3
Publication Date: August 12, 2022.
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Séamus draped the garment around shoulders a mannequin would envy. A hint of something floral invaded his nostrils. He inhaled Shannon’s lovely essence. The jacket slipped around her, too big, obviously, but looking oh-so-perfect on her body.
“I’m guessing this isn’t the first time you offered your jacket.” There was a twinkle in her gaze. Her short nails were perfect for her slim fingers clutching the wine glass.
“I was raised a gentleman.” He scooped his glass from the table behind him but remained a breath away. The warmth coming from Shannon was an invitation to stretch out and relax, even lay his head in her lap.
“I’m sorry.” She craned her neck. Their lips were now a breath apart.
“Sorry for what?” His mouth yearned to lean in and taste whether she was as succulent as she looked. Sure, dating would’ve been a great way to slowly work his way into something with her, but thanks to Father, he’d have to get to know Shannon as his wife.
“For your father putting you in the position of having to ask a complete stranger to marry you.” She then stared out at the lake.
The sun disappeared fast in the mountains. All that was left was the azure sky and the lights from the hotel reflecting off the black water that would return to a crisp emerald come morning.
“There’s nothing to be sorry for. I knew this day was coming.”
“Is that why you lost your license?” She turned her head. Again, her lips were a breath away. “Do you intentionally drive fast to upset him?”
“I do what I do because I enjoy it.” He shrugged.
“Skiing? Snowboarding?”
“No to snowboarding. I much prefer to ski, and surf.”
“Do you race on the amateur circuit?”
“No.”
She fiddled with her wine glass. “I used to drive in the stock car races back home.”
“Really?” Curiosity and amusement raced up his spine. “Tell me more.”
“There isn’t much to tell. We have a track up in the north end area. I raced on Saturday nights in the women’s division. My brother got me into it. He was really good.”
“A tomboy?”
Her chuckle was a throaty purr. “No. But I loved being a part of the pit crew. I did want to do more than change tires, though. I begged him to teach me.”
“Are you an expert mechanic then?”
“No.” She blushed. “I can change the oil, the coolant, replace the air filter, the fuses, spark plugs… maintenance everyone should be able to do on their own.”
On their own? He had no clue how to even change a tire. That was what roadside assistance was for. Oil? He took the vehicle into the garage for repair.
“And what would you think of me if I admitted I don’t know how to perform those tasks?” He couldn’t help teasing, but he also held his breath for her answer.
“I’m your driver,” she reminded him. “It’s my job to get out and change the tire if we, God forbid, have a flat. But we’d never have a flat. Not on my watch. Unless we ran over a nail or something.”
“Oh?” He couldn’t help his grin.
“I thoroughly check the vehicle every morning. The cardinal rule is to never ever make a client late.”
“I wouldn’t mind if you made me late.” Her soothing reply of reassurance was creating the most wonderful sensations on his back, as if she was rubbing her palms along his skin.
“I would.” Her grin was cheeky. “It would mean I’m not doing my job properly.”
“I’d never hold it against you. I’m also great at keeping secrets.” He placed his finger over his lips. “It’d be our secret.”
“But I’d know.” She was still smiling, a damned good sign of being relaxed in his company. “And I’d feel as if I’d failed you.”
“I don’t think there’s a thing you could do that would fail me.” He hadn’t meant for his words to come out like silk, since he’d meant to tease her, but they had.
Her smile vanished. Her mouth moved into a straight line, and her mischievous gaze became searching.
He couldn’t help himself and broke the barrier of air separating them. His lips brushed hers that were purer and plusher than the finest Egyptian cotton. Her scent was upon him, a lovely hint of whatever soap and shampoo she’d used.
When she didn’t back away, he deepened the kiss and tasted her sweet lips.
Maggie Blackbird 