by Nicole Vidal
“When she arrived, Savannah ducked into the fitting room.”
I nod and consider my options. Peter is hovering near the door ready to support Billie anyway he can. The moment I hear Emerson cry out. I suck in a sharp breath.
“Is my granddaughter here?” Margaux asks Billie.
I move to the threshold of the doorway. Cash and Peter block my entry into the showroom.
“Even if she was, you aren’t going to meet her,” Billie states empathically. My sister, fierce as always.
“Who is going to stop me?”
“I will.” Savannah steps out of the fitting room wearing a fitted, red satin dress that hugs her body perfectly—presumably one that she was trying on for the wedding. She looks beautiful, which is not something I should notice right now, but there it is.
“You? Hardly. You’re not good enough to be her nanny, let alone be with my son,” Margaux insults Savannah.
Ironic considering she’s the nanny’s granddaughter too.
“Lucky for me, it doesn’t matter what you think.”
Savannah standing up to Margaux is sexy as hell. Emerson cries again. She must be wet, hungry, or both.
“Will Samson be paying for that dress?” Margaux insults Savannah again.
“I don’t need or want Sam’s money. I have my own.”
More confirmation that Savannah genuinely wants me, not my money or status—confirmation I don’t need.
“I find that hard to believe considering your mother is dead, your father is a drunkard who can’t hold down a job, your little sister spends her time at questionable establishments with unsavory people, and you live in a walk-up in The Bronx.”
“None of that matters. You won’t meet her while she’s in my care.”
“Of course it matters, dear. You aren’t good enough for my son.” Margaux takes a step closer to Savannah.
Christoph steps in front of Savannah.
“Ma’am, you need to leave the premises. If you don’t, Mrs. Barnett will contact the local police.”
I step around Cash and set my gaze on Savannah. She shakes her head tightly before returning her eyes to my mother. Given Christoph’s size, Margaux doesn’t see me yet. Hell, I would be scared to come across him alone at night.
“Mother, I suggest you heed his warning.”
Margaux’s eyes dart directly to mine. “Samson, wonderful, you’re here. I would like to meet my granddaughter.”
“Are you out of your mind? Absolutely not! Was I unclear when I visited you? You attempted to keep my daughter’s existence from me. You paid off her mother to protect our family name—a name which, in my opinion, you don’t deserve to carry given all the trouble you have stirred up over my lifetime.” I step between Christoph and Savannah effectively putting another layer between Margaux and Emerson.
Billie hands me the diaper bag, which I give to Savannah.
“I’m stepping back in there to see if I can calm her down. She’s probably wet,” Savannah murmurs near my ear.
I nod at her soft words. Her breath on my skin momentarily shifts my focus to illicit places. Regaining my composure, I stand firm, waiting for Margaux’s next move.
“How dare you? How dare you disrespect me like that?”
“Disrespect you? I’m not having this conversation again. My sentiments match Billie’s. I don’t want you near me, my daughter, Savannah, my home, or my business. Is that clear?”
“Fine. At least I still have August on my side.” Margaux turns for the door.
Noelle skirts behind her into Cash’s arms while I step into the dressing room. Interestingly, Margaux doesn’t address Cash and Noelle at all.
Savannah is sitting with Emerson in her arms on the chair against the wall. My daughter is now content with a dry diaper in Savannah’s embrace. I fall to my knees on the floor and kiss my tiny angel’s head.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else—”
I crush my mouth to hers. At first she’s stunned but opens for me as I tilt her head to meet mine. Never have I felt like I do right now—exhilarated, happy, and relieved. While I trust Savannah, I don’t trust Margaux, not even the slightest bit. After sharing all my feelings in this kiss, I pull back but don’t release my hold on her.
“Watching you stand up to Margaux was the sexiest and fiercest thing I’ve ever seen. Not only did you tell her off unflinchingly, you protected Emerson. I would never ask for anything more than that for my little girl.”
“I would never let her near Emerson.”
“I know, and I’m grateful. I’m sorry you had to handle Margaux.”
A small smile cracks on her face. “I would do anything for both of you.”
It’s in this moment that I know I’ve fallen head over heels for Savannah. No other woman has ever seen me so clearly, handled Margaux, and is willing to accept me and my daughter without hesitation. Now what do I do about it?
“That dress… I don’t have words to adequately describe how sinful you look.”
Her cheeks turn a gorgeous shade of pink. “That’s too bad; I wasn’t planning on selecting this one.”
“Really? I want to see the other one.”
“No chance. I want it to be a surprise.”
I frown. Savannah is unmoved.
“I’m sure you’ll look ravishing in any dress you pick.” I press a kiss to her lips and rise from the carpet. Peeking out, I find everyone chatting in the store, but Margaux is gone.
“I locked the door; she won’t be coming back,” Billie informs me.
I turn back to Savannah. “I’ll take her so you can change.” I scoop Emerson into my arms and offer Savannah my hand. Once she’s standing, I kiss her again before slipping out of the fitting room.
Chapter 24
Savannah
Never did I expect Mrs. Morgan to show up at the shop. My only priority was to keep Emerson safe and away from her. Sam has no intention of allowing his mother to see her, and I don’t blame him one bit. Her actions require a harsh response.
We’re on our way back to Cash and Noelle’s to clean up for dinner. Billie and Peter are hosting a small dinner party.
“Hey, how are you?” I whisper to Sam.
He looks at our intertwined fingers, squeezing tightly. “I wasn’t expecting Margaux to show up here. It threw me. I’m grateful Kelly still has someone from Blackthorne with her at the shop. Thankfully, Jimmy prevented her entering my home, but I’m beginning to wonder if I need more security or if I need to leave the city altogether.”
That statement could have so many implications for me. “Is this something that came up today?” I ask cautiously, wondering if it was always the plan to move out of New York City. Although, there truly isn’t anything keeping me there anymore. Scarlett is an adult. She doesn’t need me to take care of her anymore, hasn’t for the last few years.
“Moving? Yes, for the most part. The thought crossed my mind last night while Cash and I were hanging out. It’s peaceful here. Overall, Billie and Cash don’t have any run-ins with the paparazzi.”
“Oh.”
“I haven’t made up my mind, sweetheart. However, I plan to speak with Jacob of Blackthorne when we get back to New York. I’m not comfortable leaving Emerson with a nanny without security. It isn’t good for her to be trapped inside. I could move to Cash’s place. His terrace would afford some time outdoors with complete security. I’m not a fan of you not having security either, if I’m being honest.”
“I don’t need security, Sam.” No one has bothered me, but if I have Emerson with me, it could become an issue.
“I disagree. I’m suggesting we talk with Jacob and go from there. Does that work for you?”
“Okay. To be clear, I’m not agreeing to anything except that for now.”
Nodding, he lifts my hand and presses a kiss to it. “Thank you, cara mia.”
Every time he calls me that, I fall more. What am I willing to bend on to be with Sam? I’ve worked my ass off to provide for myself
, Scarlett, and pay for her education. There are so many questions, ones we should discuss but probably not now.
After a wonderful dinner at Billie’s, we return to Cash’s and turn in for the night. He’s tucking Emerson into her crib. I grab a blanket from the chair and step outside. Tucking my legs under me, I cover myself with the blanket.
“Can I join you?” Sam asks a few minutes later, standing in the doorway.
Confusion crosses my face. “Why would you think you have to ask?”
“You were distant at dinner. Did I upset you before with my talk about security and possibly moving?”
“No. Yes. Maybe a little.” A deep sigh slips past my lips.
“Please tell me. The atmosphere here is significantly different than in the city. I wholly understand why Cash and Billie love it here. I haven’t made any decisions. I wouldn’t without your input anyway.” He sits on the ottoman, his hands surrounding mine.
Surprise courses through me. “Why?”
“I’m crazy about you. I realize we became a couple recently, but it isn’t as if I need time to make sure you’re not loony. I already know you aren’t. We’ve worked together for a year. I know more about you than most couples who are only this far into their relationship. You’re brilliant, diligent, kind, and sexy. Your shoes and pencil skirts drive me to distraction, but after work Savannah is equally, if not more, attractive.”
“Puh-lease.” There’s no chance that is true.
He grins. “Seriously, workday Savannah is a driven, no-nonsense woman with exacting standards for herself, her work, and even her boss. After work Savannah is real; you asleep, snuggled against my chest is perfection, your lips on mine is heavenly, and the woman who protected my daughter today is more than I could ever hope for—for me and for her.”
“Sam, what are you saying?”
“I want a future with you. I don’t know what it looks like regarding where we live and work, but as long as you’re beside me, we can handle anything.”
“What does your future look like?”
“I want the fairy tale—a partnership with my wife, a bunch more kids, and a welcoming home.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“Where did I lose you? A bunch of kids?”
“Maybe. What does a bunch of kids mean to you?” He could say he wants ten children, and I would consider it.
“Four.”
“I want you too. There are a lot of things to figure out. For now, I’ll talk to Jacob with you, but I’m not sure it’s necessary to spend money for someone to follow me around. Generally, I don’t go anywhere alone.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you hearing him out at least.”
Leaning forward, I cup his face before dragging my tongue along his lips. A low groan seeps from his throat. I circle his lips again before dipping my tongue into his hungry mouth, exploring to my heart’s content.
“Cara mia, let’s go to bed.”
Sam slides his arm around my waist, pulling me to my feet, before lifting me in his arms. Once back inside, he locks the balcony door, adds space between us so the blanket drops to the floor. I lift my fingers to the buttons of his Oxford shirt and unclasp them one by one. When a few inches of his hard chest are visible, I drag my tongue downward until I reach his waist. We dance to the bed, stripping the remainder of our clothes as we go. After Sam lays me on the bed, he jumps off and hurries to the door.
“What are you doing?” I lean up on my elbows to watch him. I could watch him for the rest of my days, even when he’s being silly.
“I’m not taking any chances with that view.” He locks the door and returns to the foot of the bed.
I chuckle softly.
Sam sets his mouth to the top of my foot and worships every inch of my body up to my mouth. It takes restraint not to hurry him up. The sensations running up and down my spine make me shiver.
Pressing my lips to his, I kiss him slowly and deliberately. Reaching for the side table, he opens the drawer.
“Sam, I have an IUD. I want you bare.”
As the words fall from my mouth, he returns his gaze to mine as he lengthens against my hip. The heat in his eyes shifts from straight lust to something deeper. I feel it too, the sense that, after our conversations, this is somehow even bigger than this morning.
“Say something,” I beg, looking at his now closed eyes.
“No one has ever trusted me with so much,” he whispers.
I don’t miss the fact that he was safe with Marisol and Emerson is still here, but that doesn’t concern me. He’s an honorable man.
“I do. I trust you that much.” Lifting, I kiss him softly.
His hand slides around my neck, holding me tighter. I feel his chest expand fully before he exhales excruciatingly slowly. Sam’s grip loosens as he draws back. Claiming my mouth, he kisses away my newfound concerns about his previous relationships. He’s never had unprotected sex with anyone including his fiancée.
I widen my thighs, renewing my invitation. This time, without hesitation, Sam positions the tip of his shaft at my opening. Even that slight graze makes my core tighten with anticipation. Staring into my eyes, he pushes forward languidly, inch by perfect inch until he’s fully seated. My eyes flutter closed for the briefest of moments to revel in the decadence of how I feel. They fly open as he pulls almost completely out before plunging deep into my center again.
“Holy hell, that feels—”
“Savannah.” My name dripping from his lips sounds like a prayer.
With purpose, Sam moves inside me, sending spikes of increasing pleasure spreading over my entire body. The beginning of my release swirls low in my belly, a knot forming in my lower back. I cling to Sam as he pulses in my wetness. Shudders take over as my orgasm causes my muscles to clench and convulse around his length. The rippling of my sex pushes Sam over the edge as he explodes inside me.
Lowering himself on top of me, he rests his head on my shoulder. If I thought I didn’t have words the first time, that pales in comparison to my feelings now.
I close my eyes to regain control of my breathing only to open them with the sun filtering into the room from the balcony door. Sam’s body is draped over me, but we’re covered. I strain to find a clock, hoping to see what time it is. Not only do I fail in that endeavor, but I wake Sam.
Chapter 25
Samson
“Good morning, cara mia.” Pressing a kiss to the elegant slope of her neck, I imagine when I’ll get to enjoy this again. I want to wake up with her every day, but it’s so soon.
“Is it even morning?”
I smirk against her skin. “It should be. I don’t want to wake Emerson.”
“She didn’t get up last night?”
“No, she slept right through until now. I’m sure it’s a fluke and a miracle, but I’ll take it,” I whisper, snuggling closer to Savannah’s lush curves.
“I like waking up with you.”
“Me too.”
Lifting my head, I seal my lips over hers. As if on cue, Emme starts wailing from the crib. Shaking my head, I roll over to sitting. Savannah sits as well, pulling on my shirt from last night. Damn!
“You look hot in my shirt,” I murmur before kissing her quickly.
“Thank you. Be careful, I may raid your closet the next time I’m over.”
“You can take whatever you want.” I grab a diaper while Savannah prepares a double bottle for Emme. It has been six hours since she ate last. Emme’s cries decrease once she’s dry. I tuck her into the crook of my arm and settle against the headboard. Savannah places a cloth on my shoulder and hands me a bottle before taking a seat facing me.
“What time is our flight?”
I suppress a laugh. “Cash is flying us home, so we can leave whenever we want. Why?”
“Yesterday Billie, Kelly, and Noelle gave me a list of things to see before we leave. It includes a lighthouse, a restaurant with taffy in the window, a coffee shop, and a store with floor-to-ceiling candy. Do we have ti
me to check some of them out?”
“We have as much time as you want, beautiful.”
Content with my response, Savannah gathers what she needs for a shower. She leans forward to search for something and bares herself to me.
“Savannah.” I choke out while burping Emme. If I weren’t holding her or she was still asleep, I would be drawing my hands up the backs of her thighs as fast I could get behind her.
“What?” It takes her a moment to realize that she’s naked beneath my shirt. Straightening up, she saunters over and kisses me. “I’ll try to behave.”
Interesting little twist, Savannah is part vixen. I love it. “No need to behave on my account. You can be as naughty as you want.”
After showering and packing for the trip home, we head downstairs for some breakfast. It appears that Cash and Noelle are still sleeping. I leave a note on the table, borrow Cash’s keys, and we set out on an adventure. A quick search and we secure directions to the coffee shop the girls recommended and notice it’s only a short walk to the Goldenrod Restaurant where the taffy is made.
After securing Emme into her stroller, we step into the Perk.
“Good morning, welcome to the Perk. What can I get for you?”
“My sister recommended the cinnamon swirl latte and a scone to my girlfriend last night.”
“Who is your sister?” A look of concern must have crossed my face. “I didn’t mean to overstep. I’m the owner, Kelsey Ramirez,” the curvy brunette says, extending her hand.
“My apologizes. I’m not used to people not having an agenda outside of kindness. I’m Sam Morgan, and this is my girlfriend, Savannah Clemons. Cash and Billie are my siblings.”
“Well, that makes complete sense. You look like Cash, or he looks like you if you’re older.”
“I’m older. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kelsey.” I freeze the moment she looks down at the stroller. I’m ecstatic that Savannah accepts Emerson, but I don’t want to explain my shortcomings each time someone meets her.
“Isn’t she gorgeous. What is her name?”
“Emerson.” I hold my breath, waiting for the next obvious question. When it doesn’t come, Kelsey vaults to the top of my list of good people.
