Until I Kissed You

by Nicole Vidal

  Savannah nods her head in agreement, and we join the others in the kitchen. We spend the next hour plus hashing out the details of our plan and the necessary changes, at least in the short-term. Late afternoon, the team from Blackthorne and Lt. Cruz leave for the evening, only after assurances that the four of us remain home tonight. Finn agreed to escort Scarlett tomorrow to her apartment to pack her clothes and other personal items.

  “Would you like to join us for dinner?” I turn toward my father soon after everyone leaves. If he’s taken aback by the invitation, it doesn’t show on his face.

  “No, thank you. I have plans already. Please let me know if there is any further assistance I can offer.”

  I nod sharply. Lately my father continues to surprise me, not only with divorcing Margaux but trying to rebuild his relationship with my siblings and my daughter. “You’re welcome. Thank you for coming.”

  Savannah places an order for an obscene amount of Chinese food before changing her clothes. We settle around the ottoman and gorge once it arrives. After talking through the timeline again in a bit more detail, Scarlett turns in for the night. She’s decided to move back into Savannah’s apartment until the end of the semester after collecting her things from Liza and El’s tomorrow. Finn or Christoph will continue to escort her when she leaves the apartment. In turn, Savannah agreed to let her stay there rent free. It doesn’t make sense for Scarlett to get another job in the city at this point. Financially, it doesn’t matter; Savannah was already footing the rent anyway.

  I tuck Emme into her crib and join Savannah in our bedroom.

  “Ready to finish our conversation from earlier?” I sit across from her on the opposite end of the couch, beckoning her into my arms.

  Crawling on the tufted cushions, she settles against me. “What else do we need to talk about?”

  “The office, our house, moving, Scarlett, and I think that’s all.”

  She laughs. “No big deal. Only a few huge things to discuss.”

  “For the office, we need to start a subsidiary in Maine and finalize any licenses we need. Griffin emailed earlier and said we can take title in the next few weeks. How do you feel about only working out of the house?”

  “I don’t have an issue with it, except what are your plans for Emme?”

  “How well do you know Noelle?”

  “Not well other than to say her and Cash are perfect for one another.”

  I laugh. “Noelle is mostly responsible for my brother’s transformation to relaxed and happy. She owns a daycare and runs a consulting business for children with developmental disabilities. She has a spot available in her infant room for Emme.”

  “Wow! That’s amazing. Noelle is a boss babe and has a space for Emme. Then I suppose we need two desks or a large workspace for both of us in the office. I can handle the formation and other licensing issues at the office on Monday.”

  “That leads to the house. Is there any furniture from your apartment or here that you want to move there?”

  “No, there’s nothing I want from my apartment. Are you keeping this place?”

  “Cash and I are discussing which property to keep and which to sell. While I love it here, Cash’s terrace beats my tiny balcony hands down. We were considering selling one and putting both names on the one we keep.”

  “That makes sense. As much as I love it here, the idea of holding onto it for the memories is silly. Cash’s terrace is spectacular. That’s really the only difference.”

  “You and Noelle are going to be besties in no time. Her response to keeping Cash’s place was similar. It’s the only reason he hasn’t sold it already.”

  “I like her even more now. We need to shop for furniture for the entire house, except for Emme, right?”

  “We do.”

  “I can create a list and we can search for what we want?”

  “Okay. One more topic—Scarlett.”

  Savannah takes a deep breath and crawls deeper into my arms. I’m sure, if it were possible, she would burrow beneath my skin.

  “Cara mia, everything will be fine. I’m grateful that Cruz stepped in. The photo and a retraction are set to print in the Sunday morning edition. There’s nothing that she can do to change how I feel about you. As I said before, she truly has only made one iffy choice. She no longer works there, and she’s agreed to leave the city. Overall, that’s the best you could hope for.”

  “I appreciate you handling the photo and the newspaper. I’m ready to leave and start our life in Maine. After your trip, we’ll be together for the foreseeable future, and I’m looking forward to that.”

  “I’m not going to view the Regent’s acquisitions.”

  Savannah pushes off my chest with both hands to look me square in the eyes. Her hands remain flat against me. “What? When did you decide to cancel the trip? Why?”

  “I canceled the trip last week. I don’t need to fly around the world to successfully insure these pieces of priceless art. While it was over-the-top amazing to see Le Givre up close and in person, I don’t need to do it. The reputation I’ve built over the last decade speaks for itself. I’m choosing my family over my business, and I don’t feel even the slightest twinge in my chest about it.” Her gorgeous face exudes shock. I’ve rendered her speechless. “I love you, Savannah. I’m not taking any chances with you or Emerson.”

  She fists my shirt, pulling me up to her. “I love you.” Her mouth crashes against mine. After the initial contact, she loosens her grip on my shirt and the intensity of her kiss shifts from hard to sensual.

  “Savannah—the door—need—lock—” I push out between presses of her soft lips on mine. Realizing she isn’t fully hearing me, I band my hands around her waist and set her feet on the floor. Rising, I press my mouth to hers, dance her over to the door, turn the lock, and slowly strip the clothes from her lush body.

  Chapter 41

  Savannah

  Waking naked with Sam will never get old. Even though it’s dreary outside, I know it’s morning. I hear Sam talking to Emme through the monitor while feeding her. He says the sweetest things, and the lullaby that Maria-Luisa sang to him as a child he is passing down to Emme.

  After pulling on some clothes and Sam’s robe, I scrounge for some coffee. With two cups in hand, I lean against the doorframe of Emme’s nursery.

  “Morning, Savi.” Scarlett shuffles behind me.

  “Morning, Scar. I can help you with the coffee maker in a minute.”

  “Okay.” She closes the door to the bathroom.

  Stepping into the nursey, I kiss Sam on the forehead and set the coffee on the dressing table. “Morning. Are we going anywhere today?”

  “Morning. I have nothing planned. What are you thinking?”

  “I like having no plans with you. Scar is going with Finn at eleven. Then it’ll only be the three of us.”

  “We should get a head start on the furniture shopping. Griffin’s latest email indicates we could close early next month.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll get started on some breakfast.” Reentering the kitchen, I assist Scarlett with her first cup of coffee.

  “I think I need one of these coffee makers. Savi, this is amazing!”

  “It is. I’m ruined for coffee at this point. I ordered that machine for the office too.”

  “I would say you’re ruined for more than coffee. When did you get that ring? It’s gorgeous. I’ve never seen you like this before, Savi.”

  “Thanks. Sam gave it to me a few weeks ago. I’ve never felt this way before. I spent most of my younger dating time going to school and caring for you. That’s simply a fact. The dates I did go on before Sam were dull and boring. My first date with Sam wasn’t over the top either, and yet he stood out. True, the security is something I’m used to now, but the rest not even a little bit. We both have lived without extras our entire lives. I’m working on handling the difference between what extras means to me and what it means to Sam. That doesn’t even account for the fact that you could
buy a pair of high heels for upward of three thousand dollars. We have always checked the price, saved, and budgeted for things. It’s crazy that Sam has never done that in his entire life.”

  “Does he have a single brother?”

  I laugh. “Arguably, Auggie is single, but I believe he already gave his heart away.”

  “That’s unfortunate. Finn will be here at eleven, so what can I do to help with breakfast?” We make a huge breakfast complete with omelets, sausage, and toast. Over our meal, we discuss the details for the holiday in Maine in a few days. We plan to leave early on Wednesday morning. Once we clear the dishes, Scarlett heads to her room to pack and get ready to leave.

  With profuse thanks and promises to stay on the right path, Scarlett leaves with Finn. A deep cleansing breath later, I strip off my clothes and step into the already steamy enclosure.

  “I love it when you’re naked and waiting for me.” I slide my hands up the front of Sam’s thighs to see him jump.

  “Who says I was waiting for you?” A grin plays across his gorgeous face.

  “If you weren’t, then out. I need the hot water.” Giggling, I playfully shove Sam out from under the scalding spray.

  “No chance, cara mia. I was here first.” He pushes me against the cool wall before turning on every jet in the luxurious shower. With elegant precision, he worships every inch of me from head to toe, driving me to the edge of bliss but refusing to allow me to fall over.

  “Sam,” I rasp out between purposeful swipes of his talented tongue. “I need you to fill me now.”

  He ignores my pleas and pushes his fingers inside my center, releasing the coil that tightened at the base of my spine. I dig my fingers into Sam’s shoulders, shuddering against his mouth. Sam makes me wait even longer, kissing his way along my side, teasing the underside of my breasts before licking his way to my lips.

  “Savannah.”

  I want us for the rest of my life. Never before has my name sounded so decadent, so full of promises for a future.

  Bracing one arm on the wall and one around my waist, Sam hoists me into his arms. Setting my hands on his shoulders, I take him deep in one downward thrust. We plunge into the depths of orgasmic bliss all too soon. After regaining our breath, we clean up and step out into the bathroom.

  Our afternoon fills with image after image of furniture and a lively discussion about color palettes and design choices. Thankfully we successfully chose the living room, master bedroom, and office furniture. The guest bedrooms and dining room can wait for another day. At some point during the first half of Sunday Night Football, I fall asleep on the couch.

  The next morning, the office printer spits out page after page of paperwork for the new subsidiary of Morgan Insurance. Maria-Luisa arrived early this morning to spend time with Emme. Sam and I took the extra time to scurry to the office. I’ll be here late today and tomorrow to pull off these filings before the holiday.

  “Savannah, do you have anything for me to sign before I relieve Maria-Luisa?”

  “I’ll be right there.” After gathering the files, I join Sam in his office. We fly through him signing the documents while I stand near his desk. “Are you going to tell Maria-Luisa about the move today?”

  “Yes. I’m not looking forward to it though. It’s best for Emerson to leave the city. She will understand. I will be very clear that she’s welcome to visit anytime.”

  “That is how it should be. Emerson deserves to know everyone who loves her. I’ll get these filed and be home as soon as I can with the new inquiries from this afternoon for signature.”

  The afternoon and the next day pass in a flurry of work and activity for the holiday, including packing. I’m excited to see Sam’s family but more so to take in the calm of my soon-to-be new hometown.

  Chapter 42

  Samson

  Our first stop upon landing is the Perk. We left early this morning. So early that Scarlett didn’t eat breakfast. When we step into the bakery, the space is crawling with police officers. My quick count nets six: four in uniform and two in business casual dress. The two out of uniform are behind the counter talking with Kelsey.

  “Oh. I’m so sorry.” I hear a deep voice from behind me. A uniformed officer frozen in his spot having spilled coffee on Scarlett’s arm and down her thigh to the top of her boots. So embarrassed, he fails to share his name with her. On the other hand, he could simply be mesmerized by her.

  “It’s fine. I’m fine. It’s a little coffee.”

  Turning, I find one of the other officers handing Scarlett some napkins. Surprisingly, Scarlett handles the spill well, very well. A well-dressed, dark-haired man who also has a badge moves to assist Scarlett as well.

  “Hi. Please accept my apologies for Officer Smithson. He doesn’t function well before his morning coffee. I’m William. My wife owns this bakery.”

  “Scarlett. Thank you. Truly, I’m fine. Have a nice day.”

  When we finally reach the counter, a perky girl whose name tag reads Becca takes our order. While we wait, Kelsey, her husband William, and the second casually dressed officer join us.

  Kelsey speaks first. “I’m so sorry about your clothes. Will is right. Smithson doesn’t function well without his morning latte. Please excuse my manners. Grant, this is Billie’s older brother Sam, Savannah, Emerson, and—"

  “Scarlett. Based on your features, I’m guessing you two are sisters,” William adds.

  “Hi. Grant Washington. Peter is my brother-in-law. Pleasure to meet you.” We’re interrupted by a call over the radios from the uniformed officers who are nearby.

  “Hopefully I’ll see you at dinner tomorrow,” Grant adds before rushing out the door.

  William kisses Kelsey, and they exchange a few words without speaking. He hurries out the door. “Always,” she says as the bell over the door chimes.

  Becca appears with our order. Scarlett cheerily accepts it despite the fact she smells like cinnamon.

  “Will you be there tomorrow?” I ask Kelsey.

  “We plan to stop by near the end of the day. We’re having brunch with his mom, sister, and her wife first. If by chance we don’t see you, I’m sure Savannah and Scarlett will join us for a girls’ night in at some point after the big move. Have a wonderful holiday.” Kelsey walks back behind the counter and waves.

  “Wow! Savi, you weren’t kidding. Everyone is friendly around here,” Scarlett blurts out as we leave the bakery, turning toward the shoreline.

  “No, I wasn’t. It’s quite refreshing.”

  We take a seat on one of the benches and discuss the rest of our day despite the windy conditions.

  “Is there anything specific you want to see, Scarlett?”

  “I’m not in any rush. I already chose to move here. So far everything indicates I made the right choice for me, like you two.”

  I can only imagine that her detainment from the supper club had something to do with her need to leave the city.

  “What about you, cara?” I interrupt her gazing at the ocean, the calm literally washing over her.

  “I was thinking we should walk the Marginal Way and then head to Cash’s and get settled.”

  “That sounds like a great plan. Scarlett?”

  “Huh? Sure. That works.” I notice that her gaze is far past me toward the playground. It isn’t until I see the officers from earlier that I realize what grabs her attention.

  The Marginal Way is a short walk along the ocean. The views are spectacular, and there are plenty of benches to take it all in. I’m pleasantly surprised by Scarlett’s reaction. Maybe she’ll love it here. We meander through Perkins Cove before driving to Cash’s.

  Like our last visit, Noelle is waiting for us on the porch with Titan. Cash must be working at Pemberton. That dog is amazing. I probably should consider getting one for Savannah and Emerson.

  “It’s so great to see you so soon! You must be Scarlett.”

  “Hi,” Scarlett replies guardedly.

  Picking up on her u
nease, she says, “Sorry, I’m Noelle, Sam’s sister-in-law.”

  “Pleasure to meet you.”

  We follow Noelle into the house. She shows us to our rooms and lets us settle in.

  “Scar, you good?” Savannah pauses by our suite.

  “Yeah.”

  I can tell from the expression on Savannah’s face, something is up. With a practiced ease, I assemble Emme’s portable crib. I change her and set her in her crib. She’s due to eat in a little while. But first I draw Savannah into my arms.

  “Cara, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong. I’m a tad worried about Scarlett, but she isn’t ready to talk yet. When’s she’s ready, she’ll tell me.”

  After sliding my thumb across the bow of her lips, I kiss away all her angst. I feel the moment she gives in. Her completely relaxed in my arms is where she belongs. The closer we get to leaving the city, the less tense I become as well. There’s no amount I won’t pay for Blackthorne to protect my family, but I would prefer not to need them at all. Once we’re here for good, that will be the case.

  Pulling back, Savannah looks up at me, her blue eyes soft and bright. “What’s on tap for tonight?”

  “They’re having a small get-together at Kelly and Ellis’s, but we don’t have to go. Tomorrow we’re eating at Billie’s at one. Then we have almost three whole days to relax.”

  She smiles. I know that sly smile. She wants something.

  “What are you adding to our to-do list, sweetheart?”

  “How do you do that?”

  “I pay attention. Plus, you have a tell.”

  “I do not!”

  “You do. Your secret is safe with me.” I kiss her softly.

  “Fine, I want to make sure we get to Yummies this time.”

  “I can make that happen.” When my lips press against hers, I relax too and decide to enjoy this holiday with my family.

  The girls decide to stay in tonight, and Scarlett turns in early, saying she has some schoolwork to do. Savannah doesn’t question her, so neither do I. We curl up on the balcony under a blanket before dancing our way to the bed, tangling up the sheets as quietly as possible. There’s no place I would rather be.