*Lindsay's POV*
"So, tell me about your son," I shouted, grabbing both Shannon and I a glass of wine. Sitting on the small sofa beside her, I gave her my full attention.
"Well, biologically he's not my son. He is India's son from a previous relationship, but I'd helped raise him since his early teenage years. His name is Adam and he's nineteen now, away studying at Stanford. Unfortunately, I don't see him much anymore, especially since India's passing, but I try to keep in contact as much as possible. He is like a son to me, and I care for him very much," Shannon smiled, lightly.
"Well, I'm sure Adam is a great guy if he was lucky enough to be raised by an amazing person like you," I complimented, subconsciously running my fingers up and down Shannon's arm.
"Thank you, Lindsay, and thank you for the hospitality. Who knew Alex and Jess would go at it so frequently?" Shannon laughed, and I joined in.
"I know! I'm so grateful I have this guest house, because I don't know what I'd do if I had to listen to them going at it every night," I giggled.
"I think I know what you'd be doing," Shannon teased, and I hit her in the arm.
"No!" I whined, yet couldn't help but laugh.
Talking and laughing with Shannon was one of my favourite things, and I would happily surrender my sleep if it meant it would never end.
"Well, I better get back to the house," Shannon mumbled, walking to the door. I followed closely behind her, opening the door for her.
Smiling, she turned around and gave me a hug.
"Thank you, Lindsay," she pecked me on the cheek, and I had to try very hard to control the blush spreading like a wildfire across my face.
"Goodnight, Shannon," I murmured, closing the door behind her.
My hand went to my face to feel where she had kissed me mere seconds ago. I was never washing my face again.
One thing was for sure, I knew what I was doing tonight.
~~~
"It was just a peck on the cheek, Lindsay!" Alex groaned, "that's what friends do! It's a normal greeting or goodbye."
"I know I'm overreacting, but what if Blake Lively walked up to you and kissed you on the cheek? You'd go nuts! In my eyes, Shannon is my Blake Lively. I am so attracted to her that a simple kiss on the cheek is driving me crazy!" I cried.
"Damn, you've got it bad, girl," Alex laughed, patting me on the back.
"I know," I sighed, "I'm running out of ideas, Alex, and I need your help. I want to do something special for Shannon, do you have any ideas?"
"Hey, she's your girlfriend, not mine," Alex reasoned, "you know her better than I do."
"She's not my girlfriend," I grumbled.
"But you want her to be?"
I sighed, heavily, "that's not the point, Alex."
She laughed, and leaned her head against my shoulder, "well, from what I've gathered so far, she really loves family. Her whole world revolved around India for five years. Maybe you could help her relive the happy times?"
"Alex, you're a genius!" I shouted, jumping up and heading for the door.
"I know!" she shouted after me.
~~~
"Hi, is this Adam? Adam Ekin?" I asked into the phone.
"It is. And you are?" a gruff voice answered.
"I am Lindsay Caldwell, my mother is Jessica Caldwell. She is one of Shannon's closest friends," I started.
"Yes, I know of Jessica. Shannon used to talk about her a lot. What is this about? Is Shannon okay?"
"Well, in terms of the month, it isn't her greatest time of the year, but she is doing okay. First, I want to let you know how sorry I am for your loss, Adam."
"Thank you, Lindsay. Losing Mom was very hard, and then being so far away from Shannon hasn't been easy."
"I actually wanted to speak to you about that. Shannon has been expressing how much she'd love to see you in person again, and I know how tough this time must be for the both of you at the moment. Would you like to come to Pennsylvania for a week to visit her? We've got a spare room you can crash in?"
"You wouldn't mind? Shannon wouldn't mind?" He checked.
"Well, let's just say Shannon doesn't quite know I've invited you yet, but she won't be phased. As for me, if it makes Shannon happy, than I don't have a problem with you staying. We've got the room."
"I'll be there in twenty-four hours," he cheered, and we exchanged phone numbers so that I could pick him up from the airport.
Shannon, I'm gonna blow your mind.
~~~
Twenty four hours seemed to fly by quicker than I thought possible. I made a reservation for five at Shannon's favourite restaurant, informing Mom and Alex of my plan. I slipped a cheeky note into Shannon's office throughout the day, letting her know we were going out for dinner.
I picked up Adam from the airport at about 4pm, driving him back to the main house, where I introduced him to Alex and showed him to his room. After dressing for the night out, I collected Adam and told him we were going to hide out in my guest house until Shannon had left for the restaurant.
"You must be pretty close with Shannon to be doing all of this for her," Adam announced.
"I care about her a lot, and I can see how much she's hurting at the moment," I replied.
Adam stared at me for a second, then uttered, "Just be careful with her. It's only been six months."
Looking at Adam, I understood what he was trying to say, nodding in reply.
Not long later, I received a text from Alex.
Alex: The eagle has left the nest.
I laughed, before shooting her a reply.
Lindsay: You're an idiot.
Adam and I got into my car and made our way to the restaurant. The sun had almost fallen below the horizon, and the moon was shining visibly in the sky. The night was perfect, and I hoped Shannon felt the same way.
I entered the restaurant ahead of Adam, leading him towards the back booth. Walking up to the booth, I met eyes with Shannon.
"I hope you don't mind, but I brought along some company," I mentioned, stepping to the side, exposing Adam.
Shannon rapidly stood, grasping Adam in a tight hug.
"Adam! What are you doing here?" Shannon cried.
"Lindsay invited me to stay with you all for the week. I thought we could catch up, it's been a while," Adam smiled, hugging Shannon tightly again.
We all sat, and Shannon's face radiated happiness as she focussed all of her attention on Adam. They talked for hours, and soon it was almost closing time. Excusing myself to the bathroom, I went to freshen up. Seeing them interact so lovingly had caused some joyful tears to run down my face, messing up my makeup.
Cleaning up my face in the mirror, I saw Shannon enter shortly after me. She cleaned up her face beside me as well, as our eyes met in the mirror.
"Thank you, Lindsay," she spoke, clearly, "you don't know how much this means to me."
"I think I've got a good idea," I smiled.
"I don't think you do." Shannon turned around and wrapped me in a warm hug. Her body fit so well against my own, her hair smelling beautiful as my face tucked in the crevice of her neck.
Pulling back, she looked intensely into my eyes. Her eyes fluttered shut and before I knew it, a soft pair of lips grazed against my own. They were gone almost as quick as they touched, causing my head to spin. She pecked my lips. Just like she'd kissed my cheek the other night.
"Thank you, Lindsay," she whispered, her breath tickling my wanting lips, before she exited the bathroom, leaving me hooked and wanting more.
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- T.J Starc