by Nicole Vidal
Expeditiously, I gather a new set of clothes and diapering items before returning to her in the portable crib. The instant her wet pajamas are off her body, the crying ceases.
“Don’t you worry, angel. Daddy’s got this.”
She can’t speak yet, but I know she understands. Emme looks up at me as if I hold the answers. To her, I do. Once she’s clean and dry, I swaddle her, set her in the middle of the bed surrounded by pillows, strip the crib, and remake it. Gently, I move Emme from the bed back to the crib, hoping not to wake her.
I hear a soft chuckle as I slowly step away from Emme. When I look up, Savannah is standing at the doorway. I put my index finger up to my lips. Reaching for her hand, I lead her back onto the balcony and kiss her thoroughly. She was only gone for a few hours, but honestly, I missed her.
“How was girls’ night?” I guide her into my lap again.
She clasps her hands around my neck. “It was fantastic. Your sister is a riot. Kelly is beautiful and fun. Gen wasn’t fun at all. She was more interested in watching a Gerard Butler movie than talking with anyone. I met another designer named Poppy who works for Kelly and Billie. She’s super cute, tiny, and has a pixie haircut. She seems reserved, though. That could be because she doesn’t know everyone well. Are you going kayaking tomorrow?”
While I’m listening to her talk about her get-together, her perfume is messing with my senses. It has since the day we met. Until recently I would never think to ask for more details.
“I was going to ask if you mind keeping Emme.”
“No, not at all. Billie will be there too for some auntie time.”
“Thank you.”
She closes the space between us, sliding her lips across mine before replying, “Of course.”
“You smell amazing.” I press my mouth to the curve of her neck, nipping lightly, eliciting a soft moan.
“Thank you. I wear Baccarat Rouge 540.”
I add that to the list of things I need to remember. I continue kissing, sucking, and nipping along her shoulder, pushing the fabric of her shirt out of my way. The lacy red strap of her bra plunges all the blood in my body southward. She’s shifting in my lap the longer my mouth touches her skin.
“Sam, let’s go to bed.” Her words are sultry and inviting, which pushes my thoughts into territory that scares me. Don’t mistake my hesitance for a lack of interest. The mere fact that she may be the one makes me consider slowing down a bit. Yet with a mouth as talented as hers, resisting might be futile. Kissing her makes every other woman pale in comparison.
Savannah slides off my lap and takes my hand, leading me back into the guest suite. Once we’re inside, she lifts her shirt over her head, revealing an unlined red lace bra. It leaves nothing to my imagination. Her aroused nipples screaming to be tasted. I tug her close, dip my head, and take her nipple between my teeth.
“Sam,” she rasps, her head falling back and her fingernails digging into my biceps.
Noted, cara mia. Unclasping her bra, I pull it forward, caressing her breasts while moving further into the room. After her bra slides down her arms, she lifts my shirt over my head. She kisses a path across my chest and down my flank. Lowering my hands, I pop the button of her jeans, sliding my hands along her hips to push them off. I bend before her, tugging the jeans over her bright red polished toes. As I rise, I press open-mouth kisses, alternating from one leg to the other before teasing the hem of the matching red thong with my tongue, alongside her breast, before finishing at her lips.
Savannah drags her fingertips up the front of my thighs before cupping my shaft through my jeans. Her nimble fingers open the clasp of my jeans, and she pushes them to the floor. Stepping out, I walk us to the edge of the bed. As I wrap my arm around her slim waist, a soft cry echoes in the room. I press my lips to her forehead. With monumental reluctance, I lay Savannah on the bed and go tend to my daughter.
After feeding and diapering Emerson, I stalk back to the bed to find Savannah barely covered by the satiny sheets and sound asleep. Rounding the bed, I lift the sheet and savor the view of her round ass before climbing into bed. Draping my arm around her middle, I nestle her against me and let sleep claim me.
Chapter 22
Savannah
Thin streams of moonlight filter into the room. Sam’s hard, muscled body creates a warm cocoon for me, and I don’t want to move, but I need to. Slowly, I slide out of his embrace and search for a shirt. Finding Sam’s draped on the chair, I tug it over my head and pad to the en suite bathroom. After a quick search, I locate a condom in the vanity drawer.
As I return to the bedroom, I notice Emerson squirming. Grabbing Sam’s watch, I see it’s near five and time to eat again. She slept for almost five hours. Unfortunately, I fell asleep last night too—a blunder I plan to rectify as soon as I can.
A few soft whines filter into the air as I prepare her bottle and pull out a fresh diaper. Thankfully, I’m able to start feeding her before Sam wakes. After setting Emerson back into the crib, I lift off his shirt and climb back into bed.
This man is more than I ever hoped for. He’s lying on his back with one arm tucked beneath his head. I snuggle close, pressing my mouth to the divot at his hip that makes me crazy. Moving upward, I kiss along his side and up to his pec. I feel the moment he fully wakes. His body tenses before relaxing once he realizes where he is.
“Savannah,” he whispers. “What are you doing?”
“Finishing what we started last night.” I draw a path with my tongue along his chest and up his neck to his jaw while moving to straddle his hips. I twist my hair and set it on my shoulder while gazing down at him. He’s hardening beneath my heated center. The look in his eyes is hard to discern. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No, I’m… never mind.”
“Sam, please tell me.”
“I care about you, and this moment feels different, bigger than it ever has before.”
The implications of his statement aren’t lost on me. I also try not to read into them either regarding his past. “I care about you too, or I wouldn’t be here.”
He hesitates slightly before pulling my lips down to his. Sliding down my body, his hands skim the sides of my breasts, sending bolts of need spiraling through me. Deliberately, I grind against him, savoring the feel of his rock-hard shaft against my sex. Pushing off his chest, I stand on the bed and push my thong downward. At the same time, he shimmies out of his boxer briefs.
Holy hell! I thought he was big when I stroked him yesterday, but seeing him is something else. A sliver of concern slices through me. Even so, my body betrays me with heat and wetness pooling between my thighs. I lower myself back down to the soft sheets as he sits up, wrapping his arms around me.
“Lie back.” Sam murmurs.
As I lie back between his legs, Sam’s fingers tease my center, drawing up from my bottom to my nub and back down again. Aching need builds even more as he plunges two fingers into my wet center. When he moves, the sensations build at the base of my spine and my lower belly tightens. The moment he adds a third finger, I buck against his skilled hand as my release captures me.
Catching my breath, I push up. Hovering over him, I tear open the packet and slide the condom down his length. He aligns the tip, teasing me.
“Savannah, go slow.”
I nod and lower myself, taking an inch of him inside me, even though I want to take him fast and deep. Taking my time, I wait to stretch and accommodate him. Not only has it been an exceedingly long time, but he’s large. Pushing closer, I take more of him, allowing my body to adjust. Lowering the rest of the way, I settle against him, his entire shaft buried inside me. Never have I felt this full.
“Cara mia, you feel….”
Sam circles his hips as I push down. I meet him thrust for thrust. His fingers dig into the flesh of my hips, marking me and controlling my movements. I notice an odd look on his face. Before I can address it, he wraps his arm around my waist and flips us over. With one hand holding my wri
sts above my head and the other holding my thigh up, he pushes into me with steady, sensual strokes.
“Oh my….” As with most people, my first time was awkward and not pleasant. Being with Sam is a wholly different level of pleasure. I tighten my inner muscles around him.
“Do that again.”
I repeat the movement and note he swells more inside me. Again, I clench around him. That’s all it takes; my body shudders and convulses as he explodes in hot bursts. Releasing my thigh and my wrists, he lowers himself on top of me, his face buried in the crook of my neck. Our breathing regulates in its own time.
“That was….” So many words ping around in my head to describe how I feel right now. None seem adequate.
“It was. Did I hurt you?”
The concern in his voice makes my heart squeeze. “No, not at all.”
He pushes up and moves off the bed. “I’ll be right back.” Sam disappears into the bathroom and returns a bit later with a towel in his hand. Gently, he cleans me before setting it on the floor. He pulls me into his arms, and I rest my head on his chest. His heart pounds against my temple.
“Your heart is beating fast. Are you okay?” I tip my head up so I can see his face as he responds.
“I’m beyond okay. Let’s get ready and make some breakfast.”
I join Sam in the luxurious shower. While we explore one another more, we don’t have sex again. I believe Sam’s concerned about me since it has been so long.
Once we’re ready, the three of us join Noelle and Cash in the kitchen for breakfast.
“Morning,” Cash grumbles, staring at the coffee streaming into his cup.
“Morning,” Sam and I reply in unison, waiting to make coffee for ourselves.
Noelle is talking to Emerson in hushed tones. She’s clearly a morning person.
“How did she do last night?” Noelle asks Sam.
“I fed her at midnight, and Savannah fed her near five.”
“That’s fairly good. She’ll probably need to eat again at the shop.”
I nod and hand Sam a cup of coffee. He attempts to give it back, but I insist he take the first one.
Cash starts chuckling. “How long have you two been talking to one another without words?”
I blush and look away as Sam replies, “About six months or so, especially when I need to get off a work call.”
Titan lifts his head and barks at Peter and a man I’ve never met as they crest the front steps. Yet, the man looks vaguely familiar.
“Come in,” Cash calls from the kitchen. “Morning, Peter. Ellis.”
“Hi, Sam. Savannah. Nice to see you again,” Peter says, hugging us both.
“Morning, Ellis. This is my girlfriend, Savannah. Savannah, Ellis. Kelly’s husband.” Sam introduces me to the guest with Peter.
“Pleasure to meet you, Savannah.” Holy crap! Ellis Barnett, Hollywood’s most sought-after actor and director is Kelly’s husband. He’s even better looking in person.
“You as well.” I manage to contain my inner fangirl.
Sam and Cash are shoveling pastries into their mouths from a box labeled The Perk. If I recall correctly, Peter’s adopted sister, Kelsey, owns that coffee shop.
“Are you ready to leave, Sam?” Cash asks.
“Give us a minute and I’ll be ready.” He takes my hand and leads me back to the bedroom.
“Are you sure about this?” Fear, concern, and another emotion I can’t pinpoint dance in his gorgeous eyes. “You haven’t left her yet, have you?”
“No, so please don’t be offended.”
“I’m not. Your overprotective mode is sexy, and to be honest, I thought that before Emerson came into our life.” I said our, hopefully it doesn’t freak him out, especially considering our morning together. “We’re going to the shop. I’ll be there, along with at least one family member. Emme will be fine. Go, have fun with the guys.”
“Thank you, cara mia.”
“What does that mean?” I lift my gaze to his face.
His eyes soften before he replies, “It means ‘my beloved’ in Italian.”
“Sam” escapes my lips in a breathy tone before he seals his mouth over mine.
He kisses me deeply before trotting down the stairs. I pack Emme’s bag and descend the stairs in time to see all the guys walk out the door except Sam. He whispers something to Emerson before kissing her head. After a wink in my direction, he bounds out the door for his kayaking adventure with the guys.
Chapter 23
Samson
She said our. Our life. Truthfully, I never doubted Savannah’s words. She believes me regarding Marisol. I could build a life with her—the life I always pictured but with Emerson too.
“Bro, you good?” Cash asks as I walk past the Rover.
“Yeah.”
“I recall that look. I know the moment it happened too,” Peter says, and Ellis agrees.
“Me too,” Cash interjects.
“What look?” I turn to face my brother, future brother-in-law, and friend.
“The I found her look,” Peter quips.
“What am I supposed to do about it?”
“Don’t screw it up!” Cash shouts, getting into the driver’s seat.
The rest of the guys laugh as they pile into the Rover. I let his words marinate for a bit. My relationship experience is limited. I was engaged to Meghan, but it was young love. I loved Marisol but as my friend; it wasn’t a romantic type of love. Otherwise, there have been no other women in my life other than a few first dates here and there. My brain is telling me to take it slow with Savannah, but my heart is screaming hold tighter.
Entrenched in my thoughts, I don’t notice that Cash has parked and the guys are unloading the kayaks.
“We don’t know each other well, but I knew the moment I met Kelly that she was the one for me. Time together only solidifies your feelings. If it feels right to you, don’t worry about what anyone else thinks,” Ellis shares as he passes my door.
Taking a kayak from Peter, I follow them to the water. I’ll simply remind myself that Savannah is perfectly capable and Emerson will be fine. Never once did I think leaving my daughter would be this difficult, and it has nothing to do with trusting Savannah.
Once we shove off, we paddle in silence. The inlet is placid and serene. On either side there are trees or a short shoreline. Nowhere in the city can I find this much solitude, even with the guys along for the trip. There are no other people, at least that I can see.
From childhood I envisioned how my marriage would be. I knew my parents’ marriage wouldn’t be a shining example. I wonder if they ever even liked one another. Henry and Salma’s marriage is what I’m striving for. Savannah and I could have a marriage like that. They met in a small diner where she was the cook and he applied to be her sous chef. From the moment he was hired, they were inseparable. Henry found the posting for the job for my parents. They hired Salma on the spot, but she had one condition, that Henry was offered a job as well. She was a shrewd negotiator, and even when Margaux pressed her, Salma stood her ground. In one of the rare times in her life, Margaux relented and hired them both.
Salma handled all the food preparation, and together she and Henry handled service. Once we were born, Maria-Luisa was hired as our nanny. All three were around for my entire childhood. Learning Emerson is my daughter has also made me consider how I want to raise my children. I assumed I would have a wife before considering how to raise a child. That isn’t the case anymore. I want Savannah’s input, but I don’t want to burden her either.
Maybe that’s the problem. I’m the problem. Savannah doesn’t see Emerson as an issue. She wants both of us. Temporarily content with my recent decisions, I paddle closer to the shore to watch a few deer in the brush.
“You good?” Cash asks as he glides by.
“For now. I need to make some decisions, which will require talking with Savannah.”
“Fair enough. Does she make you happy?”
“Happier
than I ever thought possible.”
“Good, want to race back?”
“You’re on!” Before we can take off, Ellis and Peter rejoin us. We line up the points of our kayaks and take off back toward the truck. It’s been a long time since I had fun working out. The four of us are paddling furiously to win this race. About three quarters of the way back, Peter falls back into fourth place. Ellis slows next and pulls his phone from his pocket. After glancing at the text, he shouts back to Peter and hustles to catch up to us.
“We need to get to the shop,” he yells as he approaches and passes Cash and me. We load the gear and hurry to the shop.
“What is going on, Ellis?” Fear rises in my chest as we rush to our women and my daughter.
“Kelly texted saying they have an unwanted visitor.”
Given Kelly had a stalker and the paparazzi still seek her out, it could be anyone. Paparazzi near Billie and Emerson is also an issue in my book. Thankfully, Kelly has personal security at work. Blackthorne Security provides a guard for Kelly at the shop, for movie premieres, and the like.
“Did she say who? Who is with Kelly?” I ask.
“No, she didn’t. Christoph is with Kelly.” Ellis informs us.
We park behind the store and enter through the rear door. Kelly leaps into Ellis’s arms, kissing him hard. We can hear the loud voices in the back room.
“Mother, what are you doing here? You’re not welcome.” That’s Billie’s voice. Wonderful, Margaux is here.
“Warren left for a trip of unspecified location and duration. Also, I attempted to visit Sam yesterday. The concierge turned me away. I assumed your wedding was this weekend, so I came. This is the only place I know where to find you.”
“Why do you think that is? I don’t want you here. You’re not invited to my wedding. I don’t ever want to see you again.”
I move closer to Kelly and whisper, “Where are Savannah and Emerson?”
