by Pamela Yaye
Burying his hands in her hair, he grabbed a fistful and brought her right up to his chest, as close as he could get her. Moving at a frantic pace, Collin gave Brianna everything he had and more. And just when he thought she’d had enough, she clamped her legs around his waist and thrust her hips forward, drawing him still deeper inside her.
Moans burst out of her mouth. Brianna was coming apart at the seams, losing it, so weak she feared she’d collapse from exhaustion. She’d had enough, couldn’t take another stroke, but when Brianna parted her lips to speak, to beg Collin to stop, nothing came out. Her mouth was dry, her mind was completely and utterly blank, and a moan was trapped inside her throat.
God, I love this man. And everything he says and does in the bedroom.
Feeling weightless and dizzy, Brianna tried to focus her thoughts, to right herself. She couldn’t remember where she was, or even what time of day it was, but for as long as Brianna lived she’d never forget how desirable Collin made her feel.
Their lovemaking was frenzied, and each thrust plunged her deeper into the throes of passion. It was hard to believe but their lovemaking was even better than it had been in Paris. The realization blew Brianna’s mind. In Paris, they’d been two strangers looking for nothing more than a good time, but now they knew each other intimately and shared a deep, close bond.
One that feels a lot like love, Brianna thought, closing her eyes.
As they moved together as one, whispering heartfelt words and promises, a startling truth struck her. It had never, ever been like this for her. She’d never felt this connected to anyone, never felt whole in a lover’s arms. As an orgasm claimed her quivering, trembling body, her tears broke free. They splashed onto her skin, drenching them both.
Collapsing on the bed beside her, Collin gathered her into his arms and tenderly kissed her forehead. “I feel like such an ass. Making love was a bad idea—”
“I don’t regret making love to you. It was amazing. It always is.”
“Then why are you crying?”
“Because being with you makes me regret all those years I wasted,” she confessed, overcome by her emotions. She didn’t want Collin to see her cry, not again, but she couldn’t stop the tears. “You do thoughtful, caring things to make me feel special, things my ex-husband never, ever did. He put everyone before me, but it wasn’t until I...I...I...”
Shaking her head to ward off the memories of that painful, heartbreaking night, she broke off and swallowed a bitter sob.
“Tell me, Brianna. Open up to me.” Collin gently stroked her hair and neck. “I want to know what your ex-husband did that made you give up on love.”
“I had a miscarriage when I was eight weeks pregnant, and my ex blamed me.”
Collin held her tighter, closer, as if she was his most prized possession. “I am so sorry for your loss,” he whispered against her ear. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. That must have been devastating.”
“What hurt more than anything was that my husband, the man who’d vowed to love and support me, wasn’t there when I needed him. I felt so alone, and depressed. The night I miscarried he went out for dinner with the partners at his law firm.”
“If you were my wife, I never would have left your side,” Collin said, his words as soft as his tender caress. “Your ex was a coward, Brianna, and you’re better off without him.”
Smiling through her tears, she said, “Everything happens for a reason, right?”
“Yes, but knowing that doesn’t make life any easier.” Cupping her chin in his hand, he forced her to meet his gaze. “You know the miscarriage wasn’t your fault, right?”
“My doctor told me as much, but it did little to ease my pain. Rick completely shut me out, and every time I tried to talk to him he blew up at me.”
“He sounds like a real piece of work.” The muscles in Collin’s jaw tightened, taut as barbed wire. “No offense, Brianna, but what did you ever see in him?”
“I was twenty-eight, feeling the pressure to get married, and Rick was a decent, hard-working guy who I thought I could grow to love.”
“Did you?”
Brianna shook her head. “No. Despite his worldly upbringing, Rick had a very traditional view of marriage and thought I was put on this earth to cater to his every whim and fancy. Over time I resented how old-fashioned and overbearing he was.”
“I’m not surprised. You strike me as a savvy career woman, not a domestic goddess.”
“That’s just it. I love taking care of people, and I adore my friends and family, but Rick...” Brianna paused to gather her thoughts. She had planned to keep this pain bottled up inside, but as Collin stroked her hair, the truth came tumbling out of her mouth. For the first time ever, she spoke openly about her loneliness, her guilt and her feelings of inadequacy. “My ex-husband always made me feel like a failure as a wife, like I didn’t measure up, and sometimes when I get down I can still hear his voice in my head.”
“Is that the reason why you don’t want to have children? Because of the insensitive way your ex-husband treated you?” Collin watched Brianna, studied her closely, and when she bit down nervously on her bottom lip he knew he’d hit the nail square on the head. “I’m nothing like your ex, Brianna, and I’d never, ever treat you the way he did. You have to believe me.”
“I do,” she said quietly, wearing a shy smile.
“And for the record I think you’d make a great mother.”
Her eyes brightened. “I’d like to have children and have even looked into adoption, but for now that’s on the back burner. My family needs me right now, and that’s all that matters.”
“You’re the most generous, compassionate woman I have ever met.”
“I’m a work in progress,” she confessed, deeply touched by his words. “Some days I feel great, like my old self, and other days I feel so sad and hopeless I can’t get out of bed. I used to break down every time I saw a pregnant woman or a mother nursing her child, but thankfully those days are few and far between now.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Collin kissed her cheek. “Do me a favor, okay? Don’t be so hard on yourself. You experienced a devastating loss, and it’s going to take time for you to heal.”
“There you go again.” Rolling her eyes, she playfully swatted his forearm. “You’re not happy unless you’re telling me what to do. What’s up with that?”
“I thought you liked when I called the shots. In Paris, you said it was a turn on.” Collin drew a finger down her shoulder to her stomach, then circled and swirled it around her navel. “I don’t know about you, baby, but I’m ready for some more St. Thomas lovin’.”
Brianna laughed, but when he palmed and licked her breasts, her body flushed with heat. Feeling her nipples harden inside his mouth made her heartbeat spike.
“Can I get a drink before round two starts?” she asked, her question a breathy whisper. “Something cold from the minibar would be great.”
“Do you want a wine cooler, or would you prefer something stronger?”
Emboldened by his touch, Brianna reached for Collin’s hard, stiff erection. “Surprise me. You’re very good at doing that.”
Collin couldn’t stop himself from crushing his lips against her mouth. Everything about Brianna was appealing, enticing. Her deep, luminous eyes; her luscious curves; how her voice deepened when she was aroused. He was hungry for her again, turned on by her words, her touch and the warmth of her silky smooth flesh. As they rolled around the bed, he imagined himself bending Brianna over the love seat and doing her from behind. Thinking about kissing and stroking her beautiful, shapely ass made his erection swell. And once Collin got Brianna something cold to drink from the minibar, he was going to love her like she’d never been loved before.
Chapter 17
The Coral World Ocean Park in Ch
arlotte Amalie was everything Collin said it would be and more. At the outdoor pools, Brianna and Bailey fed stingrays, touched starfish and swam with sea lions, but what Brianna loved most about being on the picturesque Caribbean island was spending quality time with her kid sister.
After hours of wandering the park and fighting through the enormous crowds streaming in and out of the various exhibits, the exhausted trio returned to the resort for dinner. Seated on the restaurant terrace under an orange umbrella, they enjoyed their tasty entrées.
“I think I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Brianna gushed, pointing her fork at her plate. “This is the best meal I’ve ever had.”
“I told you the curried shrimp was delicious.” Smiling proudly, as if he’d been the one to prepare her meal, Collin picked up his bottle of ginger beer and leaned back in his chair. “I love the food here, and I’m not just saying that because I own the resort. I’ve tried every dish on the menu, and I’ve never, ever been disappointed.”
“What would you recommend for dessert?” Brianna asked, glancing at the menu card propped up against the flower vase. “I’m in the mood for something sweet.”
“What I have in mind isn’t on the menu.”
For a moment, Brianna forgot that Bailey was sitting at the table, listening in. She couldn’t take her eyes off Collin, couldn’t stop reliving the passionate, sensuous encounter they’d had last night in bed. But when Bailey gave a cough, Brianna snapped out of her haze. It was bad enough Collin occupied her thoughts day and night and that his smile gave her goose bumps; she wasn’t going to add panting and swooning in public to the equation.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. Childs, but the King of Jordan is requesting your presence in the grand ballroom.” The hotel manager clasped his hands behind his back and bowed his head as if in prayer. “It’s his son’s birthday, and he’d like you to join the family for a toast.”
“King Abdullah is a good friend of mine, and I’d love for you ladies to accompany me to the grand ballroom.” Collin wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood. “I know for a fact that he is a huge fan of RHD, and I think he’d get a kick out of meeting you both.”
Bailey shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m really not in a partying mood.”
“You go ahead. We’ll wait here.” Wearing an apologetic smile, Brianna reached out and squeezed his forearm. “Give the king and queen my warmest regards.”
“I will. I won’t be long. Five, ten minutes tops.”
“Take as long as you need,” she said. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Is that a promise?”
“Absolutely.”
Collin lowered his head and gave her a peck on the cheek. “I’ll be back in a few.”
Watching him leave, Brianna noted how youthful he looked in his white crew-neck shirt, dark slacks and leather sandals. As she glanced around the restaurant, she noticed everyone on the terrace ogling Collin’s lean, muscled physique. Brianna didn’t blame them, but she damn sure didn’t like other women undressing him with their eyes.
At the entrance, a voluptuous brunette in a midriff-baring outfit and red do-me pumps practically threw herself into Collin’s arms. Jealousy churned inside her, pumping fast and furious though her veins, and her feelings were so strong they threatened to consume her.
“I like Collin.”
Blinking, Brianna regarded her sister with keen curiosity. In a floppy straw hat, gigantic sunglasses and a sleeveless black sundress Bailey was almost unrecognizable, but her low-key look couldn’t hide her striking beauty. All day, men had been slipping her their phone numbers and inviting her for dinner, but she’d turned every last one down, even the reality TV star with the six-pack abs.
“You like Collin?” Brianna repeated, unable to believe what she was hearing. “Seriously?”
“What’s not to like? He’s a perfect gentleman and smokin’ hot!” For effect, she fanned a hand to her face. “I don’t know a lot of guys who’d drop everything to spend the weekend with their girlfriend and her sister, and I think it’s adorable how Collin dotes on you.”
Brianna gave her sister a quizzical look, as if she didn’t know what she was talking about, but it meant the world to her that Bailey liked Collin. He’d been spoiling her, and last night in bed when Collin cradled her to his chest and tenderly stroked her hair, Brianna knew.
She knew that she loved him.
He was such a good man. Brianna didn’t know where their relationship was headed, or if Collin was ready to settle down, but she would never, ever forget the time they spent together in St. Thomas.
“Do you love him?” Bailey asked, leaning forward in her chair.
Brianna’s fork fell from her hand and clattered against her dinner plate. “I—I don’t know.” It was a lie, but the truth wasn’t an option yet. Being with Collin felt so right, comfortable, but she couldn’t help thinking he was too good to be true. Daniel’s words came back to her, so loud and clear he could’ve been sitting beside her.
He’s playing you, and if you don’t wise up quick he’ll make you look like a fool.
“I think Collin’s perfect for you.”
Brianna felt her eyes bug out of her head. “You do?”
“Most definitely. He treats you like a queen, he’ll do anything to make you happy and it’s obvious he’s head over heels for you.”
“Head over heels?” Brianna scoffed. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
“Trust me. I know what I’m talking about. That man loves you, and he loves you bad.”
Her sister’s emphatic declaration blew Brianna’s mind. Her lips parted, but she couldn’t speak. Deep in her heart, she knew Collin was the one—had known since the first time he’d kissed her—but after weeks of dating Brianna still wasn’t brave enough to confess how she was feeling inside.
Shrieks of laughter drew Brianna’s attention to Coki Beach. Swimmers splashed in the ocean, surfers battled giant waves and children built towering sand castles. A boy with honey-brown skin and dark hair caught Brianna’s eye. I’d love to have children with Collin, she thought. He’d make an amazing dad....
“Do Mom and Dad like Collin?”
“They haven’t met him yet.”
“What are you waiting for? Your engagement party?”
Brianna shrugged. “We haven’t known each other that long.”
“And?” Bailey prompted, her brow furrowed.
“And I don’t want to read too much into things.”
“Collin loves and adores you. Why is that so hard for you to believe?”
Hearing her cell phone buzz, Brianna searched the table for her BlackBerry. As she scooped it up, she realized it was Collin’s phone buzzing, not hers. Glancing down at his cell, she was surprised to see Evangeline’s name and picture pop up on the screen. His cell phone stopped buzzing but started up again seconds later. It was the French pop star from hell—again.
Is she the one who’s been blowing up Collin’s phone all weekend? Was he talking to her this morning when he thought I was asleep?
Brianna told herself to knock it off, to quit thinking the worst, but for the second time in minutes jealousy reared her ugly head. Collin doesn’t want her. He wants you, her inner voice said loud and clear. That’s why he’s spent the past month wining and dining you and why he brought you to St. Thomas to see your kid sister. Don’t overthink things. Just live in the moment.
“Give Collin a chance, Brianna. He’s not Rick. He isn’t going to hurt you.”
“How can you be so sure? You hardly know him.”
“I’ve been watching him closely for the past few days, and I really like what I’ve seen so far.” Bailey reached across the table and clasped Brianna’s hand. “His face lights up every time you enter a room, he talks about you nonstop and he’s always doing special things for you.
If that’s not love, I don’t know what is!”
“He’s a pretty amazing guy, isn’t he?”
“Gurrrl, you better hurry up and take that man off the market before someone else beats you to it,” Bailey said, in a no-nonsense tone. “Good black men aren’t just hard to find, they’re an endangered species, so go ahead and stake your claim!”
A giggle burst out of Brianna’s mouth, and when Bailey snorted a laugh, Brianna cracked up. It was the first time she’d seen her sister cut loose in a long time, and the sight did her heart good.
“What’s so funny?”
Brianna glanced to her left, saw the boyish grin on Collin’s face and wished they were back in his hotel suite alone. His smile enticed and aroused, and if Brianna didn’t know better she’d think he was trying to seduce her with his dreamy brown eyes.
“That’s my cue to leave.” Standing, Bailey slung her tote bag over her shoulder and scooped up her cell phone off the table. “I’ll see you guys in the morning at brekkie. Have fun!”
Brianna pointed at her sister’s dinner plate. “But you haven’t touched your food.”
“Yes, I did. I ate my salad.”
“If you keep eating like a bird, you’re going to waste away to nothing.”
“Good night, Mom,” Bailey quipped, rolling her eyes. “See you tomorrow.”
A smile and a wave, and Bailey was gone, striding through the restaurant with such poise and inherent grace everyone on the restaurant terrace stopped and stared.
“It’s a beautiful night,” Collin said, inclining his head toward her and offering his hand. “How about a stroll along the beach?”
Several times this vacation Brianna and Collin had ambled along the beach holding hands and sharing kisses and telling stories, but tonight they walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Mesmerized by the sight of the burnt-orange sunset, Brianna admired the postcard-perfect scene in front of her, wishing she could stay in St. Thomas with Collin forever.
