Until I Kissed You

by Nicole Vidal

  “Cara, why didn’t you ever share that before?” I love how her skin turns pink when I call her that. Not only did her mother impact her regarding raising Scarlett, but also her appreciation for priceless art. It’s as if I put out the request at the perfect time and Savannah was set in my path.

  “You never asked. I didn’t think it was important for my job.”

  “It isn’t. It’s important because it helps me understand you more fully.” Each day I learn a new layer of the spectacular woman that is Savannah Clemons. A woman I want for the rest of my life.

  “It never came up until now.”

  “I would have invited you on my trip had I known sooner.”

  “It’s fine. It was before.”

  “Before what?” I have no idea where she’s going with this.

  “Before you and I became an us.” Slowly her eyes lift to me.

  Rising to my feet, I draw Savannah against me. It’s as if time slows down whenever she’s in my arms. Softly I press my mouth to hers. The tenor builds quickly so much so Savannah sets her hand on my chest, adding space between us. Her lips are swollen from mine, and her skin is flushed.

  “Do you have any idea how much those words mean to me?” I’m floored by this gorgeous woman even more today than yesterday. She’s overcome so much. Working to care for Scarlett and herself. Sacrificing her own needs for Scarlett how a mother would, not a sister. Unicorn doesn’t even come close to the rarity that is this woman. My woman. My future.

  “I do. They mean as much to me.”

  I bring my mouth near her ear to the sweet spot that makes her melt in my arms. “I want to peel that silky dress from your curves and make love to you. Let’s go home.” As I pull away, I feel her shiver from my breath and my words. Intertwining my fingers with her, I lead her to our waiting car.

  Upon arriving home, we bid Christoph good night and ride to the penthouse. We slip off our shoes once we’re inside. Maria-Luisa is reading in the living room.

  “How was your evening out?” she asks.

  “We had a wonderful time. Thank you for staying.”

  Maria-Luisa nods. I get the feeling she has more to say, but Emme starts to cry from her nursery.

  “I’ll go. Thank you again for staying with her.” Savannah grasps her dress and walks to Emme. I watch her walk away.

  “Samson.”

  I return my gaze to my former nanny and the grandmother of my daughter.

  “Never once did you look at Meghan or Marisol like that. Love like that is hard to find. It’s rare. Henry and Salma provided you with an excellent example of making a marriage work. Use that knowledge and hold onto her. You’ll be happy for many years to come. I can feel it.”

  I’m dumbfounded. At one time I thought she would want Marisol and me to last as a couple. She was never more than my friend. Savannah is everything.

  “I don’t know what to say other than thank you. I’m sure that is hard for you to admit. Plus, she’s here and Marisol isn’t.”

  “You and Marisol were never meant to be anything more than friends. Your friendship gave me a beautiful granddaughter. I’ll miss her when you leave.”

  “You’re welcome to visit as often as you wish. Please do so.”

  “Thank you, Samson. I realize I’m not your mother, but I’m proud of the man you’ve become. Despite your opulent upbringing, your life wasn’t without difficulty.”

  I hug Maria-Luisa tightly. “Good night. I’ll see you on Monday morning.”

  Once the doors close behind her, I pad quietly toward Emme’s room. Savannah is placing her in the crib. When she’s finished, I reach for her hand, threading our fingers together. Resisting the temptation of her exposed back is no longer necessary. I splay my hand onto her skin, enjoying her muscles tightening under my palm. I draw circles on her skin as we enter our bedroom.

  Our bedroom… that should make me shudder. In fact, it’s the opposite. Sharing my home with Savannah seems like it has always been this way. I never want to go back to a day without her. Savannah is gazing at the skyline. Stepping right behind her, I skim my hands over her hips, clasping them around her waist. Her head falls back against my chest. Never did I envision this dress when I asked for it. Kelly outdid herself. Not only is her back almost entirely exposed, but the silk over her curves is so luxurious. Before she has a chance to speak, I brush my lips over her exposed shoulder. Without releasing her, I continue placing a trail of open-mouth kisses across her back. I try to unfasten the neck of her dress with my teeth but fail. Dragging my hands upward over the curve of her breasts, I feel her body react to my touch. Her nipples pebble as I slide my hands higher. I unclasp the collar and let it dip forward.

  “Sam.” Her voice sounds sultry and raspy.

  I nudge her forward, pressing her against the window. Grasping the zipper, I lower it, exposing her perfect heart-shaped ass and the blue lace panties I gave her tonight. I had an image in my head when I ordered them, but that pales in comparison to the real thing.

  “Savannah, turn around.”

  I expect her to turn around with her arm holding her dress up. Instead my sexy siren sets her hands on my chest, allowing the silk to fall to the floor at her feet. Her fingers deftly move down my shirt, shoving it off my arms within moments of stepping out of her dress.

  “You are….”

  My pants and boxer brief join the pile on the floor. Bracketing her hips, I take steps backward toward our bed. I turn us and hook my fingers under the sides of her panties, peeling them down her toned legs, and climb over her. I lower my tongue to her chest, licking up over her chin before kissing her soft lips.

  “I need you,” she whimpers against my mouth.

  “Now?”

  “Right now.”

  I’m sure the ache she feels is equal to mine. I curl my arm under her left knee, opening her to me before burying myself in her core. With sensual strokes, I drive into her. I’ll never tire of the sensation of her wrapped around me. Each time I withdraw, I feel bereft until she surrounds me again. Looking down at her, I realize this time is different. The look in her eyes is pure love for me the man, not the eligible bachelor. Savannah has quietly captured my heart and soul, and I refuse to let her go.

  Her muscles clench and her thighs quake as she nears her release. Pushing herself up on her forearms, she presses her lips to mine.

  “Let go with me.”

  No sooner than the words escape her lips, I watch her fly over the edge of pure ecstasy. She’s exquisite when she’s vulnerable for me. The look of pleasure sends me careening into my release, exploding inside her in hot bursts. I milk this as long as I can, making sure we wring every single ounce of spiraling pleasure from our lovemaking.

  Absolutely spent, I uncurl my arm and lower over her, setting my lips to the hollow of her collarbone. Hours later, I wake with Savannah nestled against me and Emme cooing through the monitor.

  Chapter 45

  Savannah

  We spend our weekend traipsing through the city with Maia in tow. Aside from shopping for gifts, we gaze upon the window displays, including Macy’s and the magnificent tree at Rockefeller Center. Considering the sheer number of bags we’re carrying, Christmas is huge for the Morgan family. Despite the beauty of this city, I won’t miss it.

  Usually, I dress up when I’m in the office. However, the beginning of the week flies by with packing the files and preparing them for transport to the house, so I opt for pants instead of a skirt. Sam joins me in the file room after ten on Thursday.

  “Maria-Luisa called. She’s concerned that Emme’s running a fever. I got an appointment in an hour to have her checked out. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  “No problem. I should be able to finish packing the files today.” I move next to him near the door.

  “I love you. See you later.” Sam leans in, kissing me softly.

  “I love you.”

  I return to the files and wrap up near noon. I plop into Sam’s chair to print th
e new business. The printer is humming when I hear the elevator door open. Peering out of his office, I find two large, menacing men I’ve never seen before.

  “Can I help you?” Hiding the fear in my voice is harder than I anticipate.

  “We need to speak with Savannah Clemons.”

  My mind is spinning. Who are these men? How do they know my name? How did they get past building security downstairs? Panic courses through my veins. My heart is pounding in my chest. There is no point in lying. I’m sure they know who I am. “I’m Savannah. Did we have an appointment today?” I’m trying to keep this as professional as possible. However, clients don’t come to the office.

  “Your father sent us. He needs your assistance.”

  “I haven’t spoken to my father in years and have no interest in helping him.”

  The two men advance. One in front of me and one circles behind me, close enough that I can feel their breath.

  “Miss Clemons, we can do this the easy way where you follow us downstairs to our waiting car or we can go after your boyfriend’s daughter at the doctor’s office instead.”

  The sheer terror that they know where Emerson is shakes me to my core. I don’t see another option except to comply. I would never purposefully put Emerson in harm’s way. If I comply, what are the chances they won’t physically harm me? I have no idea, but it’s keeping me from screaming and attempting to run past them. My mind is zipping through ways I can get out of this. “I need to write a message to cancel my lunch meeting with my friend Maia. I can drop it off at the front desk as we walk out.”

  “Fine, but I want to read it.”

  I retreat into Sam’s office, take a deep breath, and scribble a note to Maia.

  Maia,

  Sorry Our Salads will have to wait another day. workload has Taken me by surprise today.

  Savi

  I seriously hope these two aren’t very bright. If they are, I risked physical harm to myself, Emerson, or both of us. The taller man scans the message and hands it back to me. So far so good. I grab my coat but leave my purse. Fortunately, my phone is in my pocket.

  As we approach the front desk, I hand security the note. Matt has worked here since before I started and is aware of the security issues surrounding me. “Please give this to my friend Maia when she arrives for our lunch.” I stare at him as long and as hard as I can, hoping to convey that something is wrong.

  “Of course, Miss Clemons.”

  If I’m lucky and I sincerely hope I am, he’ll call Sam. Apparently, I wait too long as the shorter guy pushes me forward less than gently. They open the rear door of the town car and shove me inside. Once I settle into my seat, I notice a disheveled man already inside. It isn’t until he uses my childhood nickname that I recognize him as my father. Not only are his clothes a mess but his left eye is swollen shut.

  “Squirt, I’m so sorry. I tried to keep you and your sister out of this.”

  “What have you done?”

  “They assured me they wouldn’t hurt you or Scarlett.”

  “I’m sure they did. Apparently, my daughter isn’t out of bounds. How much do you owe?”

  “A lot,” my father mumbles.

  That’s the only logical explanation; I’ve been kidnapped for my father’s debt. Instead of wallowing in my predicament, I watch out the window, trying to gauge where we’re going.

  Chapter 46

  Samson

  Hurrying home, I meet Maria-Luisa and Maia at the door. My beautiful angel is screaming and clearly uncomfortable despite the dose of ibuprofen she has already had.

  “Sam, I’m sorry to disturb your workday—”

  “Nonsense. Thank you for the call. We should get going.”

  Once we arrive, Emme is taken straight back to an exam room. I can only guess it’s due to her age considering this is our first ever sick visit to the pediatrician.

  The doctor enters the small exam room. She’s petite with dark hair and red-rimmed glasses. After asking some questions, which thankfully Maria-Luisa provided me with answers, she examines Emme. She determines that Emerson has an ear infection and orders some antibiotics for the next two weeks.

  “Have a nice holiday, Mr. Morgan. Emerson will be fine.”

  I thank her and step back into the lobby. Maia’s complexion is ashen.

  “What happened? Is she okay?” Panic and anger course through me. I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to Savannah because of me.

  “We need to get back to the house as soon as possible.” Maia ushers the three of us to the car.

  When my phone rings, I hand Emme to Maria-Luisa.

  “Sam. It’s Jacob.”

  “What is going on?” I’m sure my tone isn’t courteous or professional in any way, but I don’t care. She’s half of my world, and I don’t want to find out what it’s like without her. Maria-Luisa secures Emme in the car, and we pull away from the doctor’s office.

  “Savannah was taken from the office. Two men entered the premises and escorted her from the building. However, she was bold enough to get a message to Matt at the front desk. He called me as soon as she exited the building. Matt indicates that Savannah wasn’t injured in any way when she left. Whatever they said to her shook her enough that they didn’t need force. I’m working with Blaine behind the scenes for information. Lt. Cruz is obtaining the video from the bank across the street.”

  “What do I do now?”

  “Go home and wait for them to call. The only motive I see is money. You should reach out to your carrier and put them on notice. Like your brothers, I assume you have a policy for Savannah, even though she isn’t your wife yet.”

  Yet. I’m begging to make sure that yet becomes a when at this point. The level of fear and anguish is unbearable. This is my fault. “Yes, I got a policy for her when she started working for me and increased the coverage when she….”

  “Sam, you have done everything right. I need you to be as clearheaded as possible. I realize what I’m asking of you. If Norah were taken, I would be like a caged animal. Please keep the phone line open and stay as calm as possible. Christoph went to meet Finn. They will escort Scarlett to your place and remain with her.”

  “I understand.” After ending the call, we exit the car and ride to the lobby.

  “Jimmy, there’s a security issue with Savannah. Please allow only those on the list up, an agent from Sterling Insurance, and anyone with Lt. Cruz.”

  “Yes, Mr. Morgan.”

  Upon arriving at home, I walk directly to my office safe and pull out the insurance documentation. I place a call to my agent. After a brief call, he assures me he’ll arrive as soon as possible.

  “Hey, brother. What’s up?” Cash answers the video call from my laptop immediately. I’m grateful he’s at the office.

  “Savannah.” I can’t even get the words out. The woman I love with my entire heart, more than I’ve ever loved anyone before, has been taken. Cash must think I’ve lost my damn mind.

  “Sam, what happened?”

  “Savannah was taken from the office.” I pace back and forth behind my chair, dragging my hands through my hair. My chest hurts more than ever before. I should have demanded security for her at all times. This is on me.

  “What do you need?”

  I should have made her come with me. The files aren’t important. I didn’t even fight her on it. I’m lost in my head and the blame game.

  “Sam.”

  “Samson.”

  “Samson Warren Morgan, fucking answer me!”

  I don’t even know how many times Cash called my name before swearing at me to get my attention.

  “I’m sorry. I can’t even process all this right now. I’m madly in love with her.”

  “Does she know?”

  “Yes. I think so.” Inhaling deeply and exhaling sharply, I say, “I need to know how much money I can get my hands on in the next four to six hours. Cash, use my money first, not yours or the pooled funds.”

  “You wo
rry about what Jacob and Sterling say. I’ll worry about the money.”

  “Thank you. Text me, and then I’ll call you here. Jacob said to stay off my phone.” I settle myself as much as possible before leaving my office. As I enter the living room, Scarlett, Finn, and Christoph step off the elevator.

  “What’s going on, Sam?” Scarlett asks.

  I glance up at Christoph, and he curtly shakes his head, indicating he hasn’t told Scarlett yet.

  “You should have a seat.”

  Reluctantly, she sits on one of the stools near the island.

  “Savannah was taken from the office about an hour ago.”

  Scarlett jumps off the stool, shoves me, and starts shouting at the top of her lungs. She continues shoving me until I grab her forearms. “This is all your fault! You did this! You, your insane bank account, and status in this city. I can’t, I just can’t. If something happens to her, so help me I’ll—”

  “Scarlett, there is nothing I won’t do to bring your sister home.”

  At those words, Scarlett twists out of my hold and steps back. I can’t read the look on her face. The elevator opens again. Cruz, along with two other officers, join us as Maria-Luisa brings Emerson back into the main living area to prepare her bottle.

  “Cruz, do you have an update?”

  “Nothing much yet. We grabbed the license plate from the security camera at the bank across the street. So far there have been no hits on the identities of the men. But we were able to see that there was another man in the car. We haven’t identified him yet though. The picture was grainy, and he appears to have been beaten.”