Until I Kissed You

by Nicole Vidal

  “Pleasure to meet you both.” Griffin shakes our hands and leads us inside. The first house is large, too large for the three of us, but would be perfect later. It has five bedrooms with a formal dining room and an office with a private entrance from outside. Although it’s on the water, it’s the farthest away from my siblings.

  Before I even ask, I can tell from her reaction that Savannah doesn’t love it. I inform Griffin that we’re ready to leave, and we return to the car.

  “Cara mia, tell me what you like and don’t like about this one.”

  “There is nothing wrong with it. It doesn’t feel like the one. Does that make sense?”

  “Surprisingly, yes. I feel the same way.” I follow Griffin to the second house for today.

  The second house is closer to what we’re looking for: five bedrooms with two master suites. The overall house is more modern and won’t require a complete remodel before we move in.

  “It’s closer, but it isn’t the one,” Savannah whispers in my ear as we check out the yard. So far, Emme has been content in her stroller with her favorite bunny that Caro gave her.

  “I agree. On to the next.”

  She giggles, kisses my cheek, and loops her free arm through mine.

  Once we start up the driveway of the third house, I know Jacob will nix it. Despite boasting five acres of land, the rectangular property borders two busy roads. Even with that knowledge, we inspect the interior of the house. If Jacob doesn’t cross this one off the list, I will. It would require a complete renovation inside and out. The owners clearly used outdated photos to list this property.

  Back outside, we bid Griffin farewell until early tomorrow morning.

  “Would you like to join us for an early dinner at Cash’s?” I invite Jacob.

  “I would love to. Would you mind if Norah joins us as well?”

  “She’s more than welcome to join us.”

  “Let me make sure she doesn’t have plans.” Jacob steps away to call his wife.

  “How are you doing, sweetheart?” I surround Savannah with my arms.

  “I’m wonderful. Even though Jacob’s here, I don’t feel like he’s acting like security.” I nod as she continues. “It’s more relaxed here. I’m ready to stay here today, but I know that isn’t reasonable. We have so many details to iron out.”

  Leaning in, I kiss her softly. “I agree completely. The next few months will not only be busy with all the decisions we need to make but with the holidays too. We’ve got this.”

  “Yes, we do.”

  Jacob returns after his call. “Norah is at Kelly’s catching up. She’s going to meet me at Cash’s.”

  “Perfect.”

  Later that evening, after a wonderful meal with my siblings and their better halves, Jacob, Norah, Kelly, and Ellis, we crash for the evening in the guest suite at Billie’s. Savannah rocks in a chair while feeding Emme her last bottle of the day. The look on her face shows her deep in thought.

  Savannah joins me on the sofa after settling Emme in the portable crib.

  “What’s going through your gorgeous mind?” Something has been on her mind all day aside from looking for our home.

  “How do you…? Never mind. I’m ready to build our life here. Please don’t mistake my next statement for hesitation, it isn’t. I’m worried about Scarlett. She hasn’t made her decision yet. I feel like I could be abandoning her in the big city.”

  “Of course you feel that way. She’s your sister, but you have been her main caregiver for much of her life. I’m sure Scarlett will make the best choice for herself. You have to trust you gave her all the tools.”

  “How do you always know the right thing to say?”

  I shrug, kiss her pouty lips, and draw her close. Near two in the morning, I scoop Savannah up and lay her in the bed before sliding in behind her.

  Distant ocean sounds waft into the room. The crash of the waves is soothing first thing in the morning. Reaching for my watch on the side table, I note it’s near six. Sliding from beneath the sheets, I glance at Emerson still slumbering peacefully. Turning back to face the bed, my heart tightens in my chest.

  Despite everything surrounding us, from Emerson’s arrival, the paparazzi, her sister’s job, she sticks by me. Her faith in me from the beginning is awe-inspiring. I need to tell her I’ve fallen for her so deeply my heart aches. The trick is going to be convincing her that she deserves everything I have, even though she doesn’t agree.

  Tiptoeing past my daughter, I use the bathroom and then prepare for her to wake. Once I snap closed the container with her formula, soft wails escape from her little mouth. Despite my best efforts, Savannah stirs while I change Emme.

  “Do you want some help?”

  “I’ve got it, gorgeous. Take the shower first. We need to leave in about an hour so we can stop at the Perk for lattes before meeting Griffin.”

  She smiles. Her smile makes everything seem brighter. I don’t resist the urge to pull her in for a kiss as she attempts to shimmy past me. After a thorough good morning kiss, I swat her ass and gently nudge her toward the bathroom.

  Regardless of our progress getting ready in a timely manner, this morning we fail. Thankfully Jacob grabbed our coffee from the Perk before meeting us at the last house for this trip.

  We climb the hill toward the Nubble Lighthouse. Surprisingly, Griffin found a property that meets Savannah’s yard requirement and my water view request. After we accept our coffees from Jacob, Griffin allows us to view the home alone as it’s a new construction. The landscaping requires minimal maintenance. I follow Savannah with Emme in my arms through the carved wooden door.

  The living room is large and has a wall of built-ins, including a window seat with a view of the lighthouse as well as a granite fireplace. The kitchen features a waterfall Carrera tile island and double stove.

  Savannah would fail miserably playing poker. Approval is written all over her face, and she hasn’t left the main floor. She wanders up the wide, inlaid hardwood stairs and peers into each of the four bedrooms. I quietly follow her through the house.

  The last room she enters is the master suite. The master bathroom and master closet cause Savannah’s jaw to hit the floor. The shower puts mine to shame. It has dual showerheads and jets along two walls. The soaking tub with ocean view might have sealed the deal until she walks into the closet. The setup is like mine in New York, except it’s even larger. I was wrong. The clincher isn’t either of those things; it’s the private master balcony.

  “Cara mia, what do you think?”

  When she turns toward my voice, I feel it deep in my bones. This one is perfect. She’ll be happy here and, honestly, that’s all that matters. While I possess exorbitant wealth, life provided me with enough strife to know it isn’t important. Emerson, Savannah, any future children we have, and my loved ones are important.

  “I have no words.”

  “Savannah, will you move into this home with us?” I draw her against me with Emme between us.

  She presses a kiss to Emme’s head, then looks up at me before whispering, “Yes.”

  As I lean down to meet her lips, someone clears their throat behind me.

  “Sir, sorry for the interruption, but we have an issue with Scarlett.” Jacob informs me.

  Every time. Every time I make progress with Savannah, someone puts a wrench in it. “We’ll be right down.”

  “Sam—”

  “No.” The force of my reply is harsh but necessary.

  Shock graces her gorgeous face.

  “You aren’t going to change your mind. I love you. I need you with me, with us. No matter what happens when we hear Jacob out, that isn’t going to change.”

  “You love me too?”

  “Too?”

  “I love both of you, and I’ve been waiting for the right time to say it.”

  I’ve been searching for the right time for a few weeks. I suppose blurting it out with no preparation works too. I cup her face with my free hand and d
raw her lips to mine. All too soon, I pull away knowing we have another issue to deal with. Taking her hand, I lead her downstairs.

  I direct my gaze to Jacob. “Any security issues here?”

  “No.”

  I request that Griffin prepare a full price cash offer for occupancy as soon as possible and thank him for his time. Once he pulls away, Jacob shares the information about Scarlett.

  Chapter 39

  Savannah

  “What has she done now?” My tone is exactly exasperated enough. For the first time in my life, I’m happy. I’ve found an amazing man who fills my heart. He has the cutest little girl who has wiggled her way into my heart as well.

  “Last night there was a raid at the supper club. They brought everyone in for questioning, including Scarlett. Thankfully, Christoph was there instead of Finn, and Cruz had her released before she was booked.”

  “I assume Christoph knows Cruz as well,” Sam inquires.

  Jacob nods.

  “Where is she now?” My grip on Sam’s hand is as tight as a vise, and my blood pressure is through the roof. I want to scream.

  “I had Christoph take her to your penthouse.”

  “What else?” That can’t be it. There has to be more because nothing about this has been simple.

  “Unfortunately, there were headlines. Among them was Sam Morgan and the Prostitute. The good news is it’s untrue. The bad news is they used Savannah’s photo not Scarlett’s.”

  “What can be done? Do I need to contact a lawyer?”

  Sam tightens his grip on my hip, lessening the tapping of my foot, a movement I wasn’t even conscious of.

  “I have Blaine looking for information pertaining to where the photo came from. You likely can request retraction, especially considering it’s Savannah in the photo. You should put out a press release through an attorney.”

  “Thank you for your time, Jacob. We’ll head back to New York as soon as Cash can make it happen. Please tell Christoph, Finn, and Cruz to use our home as necessary. I’ll contact Jimmy and speak with him directly as well.”

  “You’re welcome. Please contact me regarding the alarm system for this property before you move in.”

  After thanking Jacob again, we return to Billie’s and head to the airport to return home much earlier than planned.

  Having a boyfriend whose brother owns an airline is convenient right now. About four hours later, and much to my displeasure, we arrive home in New York.

  “Scarlett?” I call out while toeing off my sneakers.

  Christoph rounds the island to greet me. “She’s in the guest room past Emme’s nursery.”

  “Thank you for your help, Christoph.”

  “Of course, Savannah. Good luck. She’s a tough cookie.”

  “Glad to hear I taught her something.”

  Christoph laughs.

  I smirk and walk down the hall. After a strong knock that she doesn’t answer, I twist the knob and slowly open the door. She’s facing the gorgeous city skyline with a book in her lap and AirPods in her ears. At least she’s studying. I tap her on the shoulder and step back.

  “Hi, Scar. How are you?”

  “This is all your fault!”

  “Excuse me?”

  “If you didn’t shack up with that uber-rich hottie boss of yours, none of this would be happening.”

  “Don’t you dare put this on me. You chose your workplace. You chose to work in the underground club. You lied to my face. You’re lucky Lt. Cruz recognized Christoph or you would be in jail right now!”

  “For what? I didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “You did. You worked as a hostess in an underground gambling parlor and strip club. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t strip or leave with one of the customers, Scar. You work there, and I’m sure they would find something to charge you with.”

  “What are you so angry about? It isn’t as if your life is getting turned upside down.”

  “Seriously, Scar? It’s my photo on the front page of the New York Times under a headline using the word prostitute. Not yours.”

  She opens her mouth to speak twice, but her words fail her. “Your picture?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh.” Scarlett is silent for a few beats before asking, “Now what?”

  “Sam is working on it with an attorney. At the risk of angering you more, I need you to stay here for a bit. Do you need anything from your apartment or mine?”

  “Christoph said he would escort me later if that was acceptable to you and Sam.”

  I make a mental note to thank Christoph for preparing her to stay here for the night at least. “Okay. What is your schedule like in the next few weeks for school?”

  Scarlett sets out her school schedule. Since we’re closing in on Thanksgiving, she only has a week or so of class left, then exams.

  I consider my next statement carefully. “Sam and I are going to Maine for the holiday. I would like you to come with us. You can see the area. Maybe it will help you make a more informed decision about leaving the city.”

  “I will come with you but not to help with my decision. I made it a few hours ago, but I wanted to tell you in person.”

  I brace myself for Scarlett’s next statement. I’m torn between being her sister and her mother figure. Raising Scarlett is one of the most difficult things I have endured to date. Part of me wants her to feel comfortable to stay in the city and live her life. A smaller part wants her to need to be near me at the same time. “What did you decide?”

  “I want to move with you. Comparing where we lived when we were young and the years we’ve spent here, I don’t want to stay here. I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused over the last few weeks. I made so much more money in tips in the underground portion, even though I wasn’t selling my body like Liza. Being carted to the police department was a huge wakeup call. Will you help me find a school in Maine? I might need Sam’s help since I’m sure the deadlines have passed for the spring semester.”

  “Absolutely. Based on where you choose to go to school, we’ll look for an apartment for you. I’m proud of you, Scar.”

  “Thanks. Did you find a house?”

  “We did. I can tell you all about it later. Now I need to talk with Christoph and Sam. Do you want to get your stuff today?”

  Scarlett nods and rises from her chair before hugging me tight. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen sooner, Savi. I know it wasn’t easy being my sister and my mom.”

  “Thanks, Scar. Love you.”

  “Love you too.” She settles back into the chair as I leave the room.

  Approaching the kitchen, I see it’s teeming with people. Sam, Christoph, Finn, and Maia occupy the stools. Caro is feeding Emme in the living room. Sam looks in my direction, even though he’s on the phone. I continue into the bedroom and close myself into the dressing room for a moment of peace. I burrow into the cozy chair in the corner.

  For the first time in my life things are going well. Sam and I are moving to Maine with Emme. Scarlett has come to her senses, at least regarding her employment and remaining in the city. That isn’t fair. If she wanted to stay here, I would have handled it. I’m grateful she doesn’t.

  “Savannah?” Sam calls from somewhere in our bedroom.

  “In here.”

  “Cara mia, please tell me.” The anguish in his voice is almost too much to handle. I’m sure he’s terrified I’ll run from him. He kneels in front of me.

  “I’m taking a few minutes. Scarlett threw me a curveball on top of dealing with my photo in the paper and everything else that is going on.”

  “Was it a good curve or a bad curve?”

  “Good, actually. She decided to transfer after this semester. She may need your help to do it though.”

  Sam slides his hands along my hips, pulling me to the edge of the chair in his arms.

  “I’m not going to run. Being with you is a lot to handle here in the city. In Maine though, it was more than I ever hoped I would find for mysel
f. You and Emme are more than I ever thought possible.”

  Sam crushes his lips to mine. Before we’re able to take it any deeper, Jimmy announces more guests.

  “We’re not done talking.” Sam states.

  I slide my fingers into his and follow him to the main living area. I’m surprised to see who our newest guest is.

  Chapter 40

  Samson

  “Father. This is a nice surprise.”

  He looks different, calmer, and less stressed. Perhaps distancing himself from Margaux is good for his overall health.

  “Sam. Savannah.”

  We both shake his extended hand.

  “I came to offer my support and contacts to assist with the recent headlines. I also wanted to see my granddaughter.”

  Caro brings Emme over to my father.

  “Caroline, it’s nice to see you again so soon.”

  “You too, Mr. Morgan.”

  My father carefully takes Emme into his arms. The pit in my stomach is an odd feeling. The last time he was here, he only touched her tiny hands. Caro didn’t give him much choice this time. In the recent past, my father has been doing and saying the right things. I hope it continues.

  Scarlett joins us from the guest room.

  “Hi, I’m Caroline. A friend of Auggie’s, Sam’s brother.” Caro waves from her position next to my father. I appreciate her staying nearby. It doesn’t look like I don’t trust him.

  “This is my father, Warren Morgan.”

  “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Morgan.”

  “You as well. I can see how the paper messed up. You two look strikingly similar.”

  Scarlett nods and continues into the kitchen. As I turn to whisper to Savannah, I notice that Finn and Cruz watch her intently. Can’t say I blame them. Scarlett is a younger version of Savannah. Part of me wonders if there is something going on between Finn and Scarlett. Although, didn’t Jacob say he is older?

  Pushing those thoughts aside for now, I whisper, “Let’s talk about everything so they can get Scarlett’s stuff and we can handle dinner.”