by Nicole Vidal
“What’s the deal with Auggie and Caroline? She’s beautiful. Does he know she has feelings for him?” Savannah inquires, watching them slyly.
“Yes, she is. I’m sure he isn’t aware of her feelings. He has been in love with her since boarding school.”
“Might be time for him to consider asking her on a proper date,” Savannah suggests, watching them in the kitchen.
I nod and continue inhaling my dinner.
“Sam, what’s on your mind?” She sounds concerned.
Hiding my feelings from Savannah is not an option anymore. “It’s not something I want to talk about now.”
“I understand.”
“Sweetheart, it’s not bad. I would prefer complete privacy.”
She nods and finishes her dinner. Lifting her glass to her lips, she savors the wine Auggie paired with our food.
“What is the one thing you can’t live without? Thing, so I can’t be the answer.” I have no clue what she’ll say.
Her cheeks turn bright pink. “Would I be your answer if I asked about a person?”
“It would be a tie.”
“I don’t collect anything like your albums, which I would love to listen to by the way. There really isn’t anything. I love fabulous coffee and wine, but I could live without both if I had to.”
She has always put other people ahead of herself. We’re similar in that way.
“What about you? Do you collect things other than the albums?”
“No. The albums started when I was in boarding school. Meghan gave me the first one; I have been searching for original vinyl by jazz legends ever since.”
Glancing past Savannah, I notice that Emme has fallen asleep. Caro breaks my line of sight, gathering the plates from dinner.
“Are you ready for dessert now?” Caro asks.
“No, thank you. I’m stuffed,” Savannah answers.
“I could use some time too. Auggie, if you want to give us instructions so you can head out, that’s fine.”
“Sure, no problem. Savannah, step into my lair and I’ll teach you how to plate it.” Savannah enters the kitchen, and Caro takes her place at the table.
“She’s amazing, Sam.”
“More than I deserve.” I turn to see Savannah intently listening to Auggie about our dessert. She does everything diligently.
“I don’t know about that. You’ve taken a few hits lately, but you’re triumphing.”
“That’s kind of you. What about you? When are you going to tell Auggie how you feel?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” a now flustered Caro replies.
“Caro, I’ve known you for years. The last time I saw you look at Auggie like that was after the gala. If you have feelings beyond friendship for my brother, you should tell him.”
“He doesn’t want me. He’s made that abundantly clear. I’m concretely in the friend zone.”
“You might be surprised if you talk to him.”
“Do you know something I don’t?” she asks, hoping for more than I should share about Auggie’s feelings.
“After seeing Cash fall head over heels for Noelle and how I feel about Savannah, I’ve seen that look both you and Auggie try to hide. Talk to him. You could be a conversation away from your happily ever after.”
“Thanks, Sam. I’ll think about it.”
Auggie and Savannah join us near the table.
“Ready to go, Caro?” Auggie inquires.
“Sure. It was a pleasure seeing you both again and spending time with Emme.”
“You too,” Savannah and I reply in unison. We walk Auggie and Caro to the elevator and hug them both.
“Thank you for the amazing dinner.”
“Anytime. Hopefully we can get together again soon,” Auggie says before the door closes.
“As grateful as I am, I thought they would never leave.” I pull Savannah into my arms and kiss her with urgency. Stepping backward, we glide toward the master bedroom. With each step, articles of clothing litter the floor. As much as I want to savor her, I need her tightening around me now.
“Savannah, I can’t take this slowly tonight. Being with you all day and not being able to kiss you with abandon has been driving me mad.”
“Good, neither can I.”
Surprised but elated, I cup her from behind and find her wet and ready for me.
“What were you thinking about?” I want details, all the details. She has never been this wet before.
“You and how many different ways we could be together. Sam, I need you to fill me, now!”
“How adventurous are you?”
“Whatever you’re thinking, you would be my first.”
“I want to take you from behind. It has been on my mind since you settled Emme on your bed surrounded by pillows.”
“I admire your self-restraint.”
“Is that a yes?”
“That’s a hell yes!”
Savannah’s inner vixen is ready tonight. Without further prodding, I widen her stance and bury my shaft into her hot center. She’s so tight. Her inner muscles clench around me as I stroke inside her. Reaching around her slim waist, I set my thumb against her clit, rubbing circles.
“Sam, don’t stop!” Her words drop as her mounting release steals her focus.
With precision, I thrust harder to chase my own orgasm with her. Her legs shudder and quake. We fall over the edge into pure ecstasy at the same time. As we catch our breath, sweet whines echo through the monitor.
Chapter 30
Savannah
It’s been a few weeks since our meeting with Jacob. The press coverage hasn’t decreased. There’s even a ticker along the top of Page Six called The Morgan Marriage Meter. Christoph or Connor have been with me daily. Now, they run with me to allow me to bypass the growing swarm of reporters each morning. Their numbers have been growing the longer Sam and I have been a couple despite a lack of confirmation from either of us. There are more staking out at Sam’s as well. So far, they haven’t bothered me. They simply hurl questions in my direction—some are offensive regarding the size of Sam’s manhood, others innocuous about why he chose me—but generally they allow my security and me to pass through. I’ve learned to ignore the questions. Finn has been handling Scarlett well. I’m surprised at how well she has adapted to him. Grateful too.
Maria-Luisa has been caring for Emme in the mornings while Sam is at the office. Each afternoon, Sam works from home. For the most part, I join him, but some days like today, that isn’t possible, especially considering I have to wrap up these files before spending the weekend at Sam’s.
Near six, I call Connor, who is with me for the next two weeks while Christoph works with another client who requested him personally. All of Jacob’s staff are highly trained, so it doesn’t matter who escorts me where I need to go.
“Ready, Miss Cl—”
I interrupt him with the side-eye. It’s professional to call me Miss Clemons, but that isn’t me.
“Ready, Savannah?” Connor asks after stepping further into the office.
“Yes, thanks.” I grab my tote, empty coffee mug, and overnight bag from the floor. Connor dutifully takes it from me before pressing the down button on the elevator. Generally, there is less press here at the office entrance as compared to my home and Sam’s. The numbers are higher this evening.
“Going to your other job?” one reporter asks.
“Does your boyfriend know about your moonlighting?”
What the hell does that mean?
“Does insurance not pay well enough?”
The last one gets to me. I turn to face the petite, blonde reporter whose words affected me.
Gruffly Connor whispers, “Don’t,” in my ear and all but shoves me into the car. The moment the car doors slam, Connor is on his phone.
“Jake, we might have a problem brewing here.” He finishes that call and dials again.
“Finn, call me with a status update at your earliest convenience.”
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“What makes you think there’s a problem?”
“Their questions were different today. Generally they ask about you and Sam or something about your unconfirmed relationship. These were different—more personal, about you alone.”
I consider his observations. “Fair enough. I don’t have a second job anymore.”
“Don’t worry, Blaine will find it out.”
“Who’s Blaine?”
“Blaine works for Jacob. He’s a white hat hacker and purveyor of information. He’ll figure out what the press is talking about. The best thing for you to do is ignore them.”
“That isn’t as simple as you think.”
“I know it isn’t. If I’ve learned anything in this job, the women who aren’t gold diggers, like Kelly, Noelle, and you, have a harder time dealing with the press and personal security.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“As you should. Eventually, you won’t be the story anymore. Once the Barnetts and the Morgans confirmed their relationships, the press coverage decreased significantly overnight. Even more so after they moved, at least for Noelle.”
Due to the increased presence at the office, Connor has the driver pull into the underground garage. He escorts me to the elevator and straight to Sam’s penthouse. As the doors open, Sam is nowhere to be found.
“I assume you want to talk to Sam.”
Connor nods curtly.
“I’ll find him. Would you like a drink?”
“No, thank you. I’m fine.”
I leave Connor in search of Sam and Emme. After checking his office and the nursery, I walk past Connor toward the master bedroom. Emme is strapped into her chair on the floor of the bathroom wearing a cute pajama set with llamas on it. I smell fresh soap, Sam’s soap. It’s crisp, soothing, and completely him. He’s stepping out of the shower. Odd for this time of day, but I’m thankful for the early glimpse of his expertly toned chest. My eyes follow the droplets of water down his chest as he tucks the towel around his waist.
“Everything okay?” I ask, hoping to focus on something other than my boyfriend’s insane body.
“She threw up all over herself and me. Changing my clothes wasn’t going to cut it. Is everything okay with you?”
“I’m fine, but Connor wants to talk to you.”
“Okay, let me put on some clothes.”
I purse my lips and look up at him.
“Don’t pout. You can take them off later.”
“Deal.” I step into his waiting embrace. With great reluctance, I pull back from his hard chest and kiss him chastely. We certainly don’t want to make Connor wait longer than necessary. I unbuckle Emme and scoop her into my arms. Returning to the kitchen, I find Connor leaning against the island.
“He’ll be right out.”
Surprisingly, Connor reaches out for Emme and touches her hand. Connor is a large, fit guy, but seeing his huge hand gently touch Emme’s is heartening. I don’t know much about him, but he wants to be a father someday.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Connor. My little angel decided her dinner was best served on me.”
“No problem. When we left the office, there were a few odd questions from the reporters today, different questions than usual. I reached out to Jacob to let him know. Blaine is likely already working on it.”
“Great, thank you.”
“Will you be going out tonight or tomorrow?”
“Tonight, no. For tomorrow, we have no plans now.”
“Please contact me if you want to go out.”
“Have a good night, Connor.”
After the doors close, Sam draws both of us into his arms. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I tune out the actual questions at this point. Connor pointed out they were different.”
“Do you remember them?”
I share the questions I recall with Sam and start cooking dinner. Since I have been spending weekends here, we typically stay in on Fridays. Near eleven, Emme falls asleep with Sam on the couch. I settle Emme into her crib, prod Sam to bed, and curl into him to sleep.
Chapter 31
Samson
In my head, I know it’s soon, even though it’s been a few weeks since our dinner when I first mentioned needing to discuss some things. My heart says otherwise. After feeding Emme, I make a huge breakfast for Savannah. Blueberry pancakes are my specialty, at least after Auggie’s coaching. The fact it’s what Maine is known for makes this breakfast even sweeter.
After setting our breakfast on the tray, I move Emme back into the bedroom in her chair and retrieve the tray.
“Wake up, gorgeous. We made you breakfast in bed.”
Savannah is beautiful all the time, but freshly waking is my favorite. With crazy hair and a makeup-free face, she’s real. I can see myself waking with her for the rest of my life.
“Morning,” she mumbles, scooting up against the headboard. Once she’s settled, I hand her a cup of coffee. “Thank you. You don’t have to go to all this trouble for me.”
“It’s no trouble at all. Plus, I want to talk with you, and it seems that mornings are the least hectic time around here. I guess we have about three more hours before it gets truly crazy.”
“Are you expecting someone today?”
“No, not at all.” I hand her a fork before grabbing one for myself and digging into my plate of pancakes and sausage.
“These are delicious! Did you really make these or is Auggie hiding in the kitchen?”
“I’m offended.” A grin graces my face. “I admit to asking for help, but I did in fact make this breakfast from scratch by myself.” I take a deep breath before speaking again.
Her hand slides over mine. “What are you nervous about?”
I look into her eyes. All I see is concern. That isn’t my intention. “So many things.” Typically, I know how a conversation will play out or at least have a fairly accurate idea. The pros and cons have filtered through my mind at least ten times before I speak. “Thank you for standing up to Margaux and protecting Emerson. I could never apologize to you enough for her behavior.”
“You don’t have to. Her choices are hers, not yours. I’m glad I wasn’t alone with Emerson. What else?”
I settle my mind once more. There’s no reason for me to think that Savannah isn’t ready to move in. She has been honest with me from the beginning, especially about Emme.
“Two things. Well, one thing with two parts, I guess.”
Again she reaches for my hand. This time she gently pulls me closer, setting her lips on mine. “Breathe, Samson.”
I take a few deep breaths. My nerves are off the charts today with this. “I’ve never had to make decisions this way before. Until you, I weighed each choice and decided. It’s foreign to me, so bear with me.” I collect my words before speaking. “Aside from Emme, waking up and falling asleep with you and having you here has been a highlight of my days. Will you move in with me, with us?”
“That’s what you’re nervous to ask me?”
“Only the first question for today.”
“What’s the second, Sam?”
“Will you answer the first one? They kind of build off one another.” I would give almost anything to be able to hear her thoughts right now. Her facial expressions aren’t giving me anything to work with. I wouldn’t say I’m an expert at reading Savannah, but I’m close.
“Yes, I will.”
Our plates clink together as I launch over the tray to kiss her. Shaking my head, I slide off the bed to set the tray on the floor. After determining that Emme is sleeping peacefully, I climb onto the bed, lowering her beneath me. Then I kiss Savannah breathless.
A few rounds of knee-weakening kisses later, she asks against my mouth, “You said there were two questions.”
I draw back slightly. “I did, didn’t I?”
“You did.”
“With everything that has changed in my life over the last few months, I’m seriously considering moving the he
adquarters of Morgan Insurance out of the city. While I loosely considered having a family, I didn’t think it would be this soon or under these circumstances. I don’t want Emme to grow up in New York City.”
“Oh, where out of the city?”
“To Maine.”
If she’s shocked by the location, she doesn’t show it. “When?” I see the wheels turning in her beautiful brain. Unfortunately, I don’t know if it’s good or bad for me.
“I want to be ready to stay in Maine by Billie’s wedding.” That gives us plenty of time to find a home, daycare for Emme, an office, and file all the necessary paperwork to transfer Morgan Insurance to a new state or create a subsidiary.
“Okay.” Her words are so innocuous that I can’t tell if there is any hint of concern or if she will turn me down flat.
“Savannah, will you move to Maine with us?”
The same look from before is in her eyes. Her brain is processing all the implications of her moving out of the city with me. The time she’s taking to consider her answer causes me to panic. Did I misread her? Does she not want something long-term with a new single dad?
“Cara mia, please say something? I’m sure you have run down your list at least four times by now.”
“It’s scary how well you know me already. I have gone over the list at least that many times. I want nothing more than to put myself first. However, I’m concerned about Scarlett.”
“What about her specifically?” She’s her mother figure. It shouldn’t surprise me that my perfect-for-me girlfriend is putting her sister before herself. She does that for everyone. My siblings would say I do the same thing.
“She’ll be alone here in the city. I mean, she does have two roommates. I’m sure every parent feels this way at some point. It’s as if Scarlett is going to college in another state, except it’s me leaving. Please don’t mistake me taking a few minutes to process this as disinterest. I want nothing more than to be with you as much as possible.”
Her words infuse some air back into my lungs. I was concerned. I lower my mouth to hers to gather my words. “She has Finn with her as well. That won’t change when we move.”
“I’ll set up a time to meet her for coffee or something to talk to her. Are the two offers mutually exclusive?”
