by Arden, Susan
His lips left hers and trailed from her mouth down to her neck. He nipped and sucked at her shoulder, making her moan. The place between her legs swelled with an ache that grew into wanton pulsations.
Warm, commanding lips recaptured hers, searching and demanding. “Baby,” he groaned, “do you know how far you drive me?”
She pulled away and held on to his arms. “I’m right next to you, heading straight over the cliff, but I think we need to stop.” The room was right down the hall from their daughter’s, and if they had been married, there would have been no question, no hesitation.
“I don’t think I could ever stop wanting you.”
The heat from his eyes melted her attempt to deny him. She tiptoed down the hall, holding his hand, and opened the door to her room, almost dragging him inside.
This time, her hunger drove her to pull off his shirt. “You always undress me. How about a little quid pro quo?” She lightly traced her index finger down his collarbone, then swirled it lightly around one of his nipples, causing them both to tighten.
A low, edgy growl fell from his mouth. His stomach muscles tensed under her touch. Cynthia lowered her head, bringing her mouth to his skin, and licked a trail down to his brown nipple. She swirled her tongue around it, nipping the peak, just as he had done to her. The muscles of his torso rippled, and he cupped her head.
She held on to his waist, sucking his nipple into her mouth, and scraped her teeth over the tip. She moved her hands to the button of his jeans, undoing the waist and lowering the zipper. Kneeling in front of him, she tugged his jeans off his narrow hips, down to the floor.
He’d gone commando, and his erection stood out in front of her face. She was no longer unsure what to do with the man who’d taught her that sex, passion, and desire consumed and united them intimately.
“Oh, you’re so wicked,” he moaned.
She eagerly gripped him, running her tongue along the rim of him, exploring his length before taking him into her mouth. She sucked him rapaciously over and over, thrilling at how his whole body responded to her mouth on him.
He reached down, taking hold of her and hauled her up. No foreplay for her. She didn’t need anything but him. Buried deep inside her.
“Here, wrap those incredible legs around me, darling.” Rob moved her body and, in one demanding thrust, plunged his cock into her. With his hands hooked under her legs and her arms encircling his shoulders, he proceeded to lift her up and down, helping her ride his shaft. He rocked his hips in the most glorious way, going farther and deeper. He stroked against her sweet spot, each of his movements driving her closer to the edge.
“Mmm…just like that,” she whispered. She felt the familiar waves of pleasure begin to build as he kept up the rhythm, allowing her to ride him as he powerfully pressed against her G-spot. Her body shuddered, and she cried out his name.
“That’s it. Come for me—just for me. Say my name as you climax all over me.”
“Rob, Rob…I-I’m there, babe,” she whispered.
He took a few steps forward and bent down over the bed, placing her flat on her back. She released him, and he stood, holding her legs. “I’m going to take you hard now.”
The sensation of him exercising control excited her. He flexed his hips, no longer just plunging but slamming into her. Her climax exploded, and she bit the back of her hand to keep herself from screaming his name loud enough to wake her whole neighborhood. He shuddered, driving himself back into her, then tensed, his muscles contracting. He rubbed his body across hers, moving his hands on either side of her shoulders. He lowered his head, claiming her mouth.
Rob lifted up just a few inches, staring into her face, and whispered. “Make no mistake, Cynthia Cainwright. You are all mine.”
* * *
Lying next to her, he pulled her up against him, giving into a fierce urge to have her as close as humanly possible. These urges had grown out-of-bounds each hour they spent together, so strong he doubted he could let her go for even moments.
At first, hearing about her father and an attorney had sent him over the edge in the belief she was attempting to cut him off, but her eyes and mouth and their child were not about to let him turn away without a fight. Instead of fighting, they’d unleashed a passion so great his chest was ready to burst.
He tightened his hold on her, nuzzling her neck. “I want you like this, next to me,” he whispered.
“Me too. It just feels…right.” She pushed back into him, bumping her cheeks against his groin.
He required little from her to become aroused. He rubbed his erection between her legs. A sonorous laugh, the one he cherished, filled the room when he traced a line down her spine.
He lightly plucked her nipples as he thrust across her slick folds. His hands caressed her hips, and he ran his fingers downward. He rubbed her clit while pumping like a wildman into her pussy. Christ, he had to control himself. He pulled out of her, and turned her over so he could see her face.
In just days, she’d gotten under his skin. She had him on the verge of asking her questions that might push too fast.
Her skin glowed, and her dark eyes captivated. “I want to watch you climax,” he said, his voice gone gravelly. He tugged her legs apart, and settled against her, focusing on her pleasure, probing before he slipped his finger into her. Her exhale was all he needed to hear.
“Oh, so sensitive. I’m very certain I know what you desire.”
“You do? Then please show me you’re a master at this type of work.” She wiggled her hips.
“Such a tantalizing vixen…and so beautiful. You’re absolutely stunning.” He seized her by the hips and, in one swift motion, slid into her, deeply seating his cock. The sweet sensation of her wrapped around him, clenching him, made him stall for a moment to collect his self-control. A tingling grew at the base of his spine.
She began to undulate, moving her hips in a rocking motion, back and forth. He cupped her breasts, kneading them while his thumbs stroked across her taut peaks.
“Oh baby, I’m so close.” He needed her to climax. A few more thrusts and he’d jettison inside her. He gritted his teeth, his whole body tensed, and his cock throbbed deep inside her. Sweat began to trickle down his back. She rocked against him faster, held him tighter, and her body became liquid satin.
“Rob!”
He moved his hands down between her legs, stroking her clit. Her pussy was like soft silk encircling his cock. His thighs slapped against her bottom, giving her what she needed. “Cynthia, give it to me. Baby, that’s it. Don’t hold back.”
A bead of sweat formed along his hairline, and he moved with her, pumping furiously into her, a jet of cum released from his head, and then another. Then the force of his climax grew, and the excruciating intensity tore into him. He called out her name, burying his mouth against her shoulder.
He pressed his lips to her skin. He took hold of her, turning her, crushing her body against him. Their mouths met, locked. He kissed her lips, pouring into her mouth, the words he longed to say. They both lay against each other, her heart thudding and his in echo.
She laced her fingers with his, pulling his hands up and over her chest. “All I want is you,” she whispered. “And, yes, you did it again. Sent me over that cliff.”
“Me, too. With you. Always with you.” He collected her closer, if that were possible, tightening his hold to appease a fierce sense of possessiveness that overcame him. “Can we start now?”
She stiffened for a brief second. “But how do you know? This is such an adjustment. Sure, a ready-made family can be a heady experience. But really, how do you know this is what you want to do, day in and day out?”
“Baby, I won’t leave. I explained what happened before. We were different people then, living false lives. I knew what I wanted the moment I saw you again. I won’t resort to attorneys if this doesn’t work out for you. I couldn’t, especially not after this past week.”
“I know what you mean. The legal system
makes people uptight, definitely not their best.”
Just as his agent had warned him, he’d put the idea in her head, and he had to take responsibility for planting fruitful seeds in the woman. To him, it was a sign that things could burst explosively, vacillating between fan-fucking-tastic and conversely, downright apocalyptic.
It was the same for him. Cynthia was a force that exclusively influenced what he felt and what he wanted to achieve. No denying he was captivated by her. Perhaps with the pressure of having to leave the country, he wanted her to know the extent of his feelings. She’d dived straight into his heart, a place he’d been unable share with another woman for years. This yearning required that he do more than make love to her. He wanted to make this situation, their togetherness, permanent.
He wrapped his hand in her hair and whispered against her ear. “Just so you know, I’m right here. Cliff or not, I intend on being here with you and Isabella. I’ve always wanted you. Baby, do you want me to be part of your life?”
She clung to him. “Yes, just like you said. We’re building trust, getting to know one another. I think I’ve a good handle on who we are together.”
“Then, to our new beginning. I’m not leaving you alone ever again.” He kissed her sealing his promise. He slid his hand down the hollows of her back. “What do you want to do?”
She bit her lip and contemplated his question for a beat. She hung back. “I need a favor.”
He ached for her and exhaled. “Anything. Just name it.”
“Can you come with me on Monday to speak with my father?”
“I’ve got a flight out in the evening. Just like I promised, it’ll be my last assignment out of the country.”
“I know. That’s fine.” She gazed up at him. “And I’d like to tell Isabella that you’re her father.”
“I’d like that too. Can we tell her together?”
“Sure. I think that would be best. Even though she young, I think it’s only right that Isabella hear the truth coming from you.”
He kissed her temple. “Whatever you think is best.”
* * *
Rob arrived at Cynthia’s house and found her and his daughter outside waiting for him.
“You’ve changed your ride,” Cynthia said, smiling.
“Yep. I’m serious about us,” he said.
After they’d told Isabella he was her father, he’d decided he wanted the whole enchilada. No reservations and no waiting. Not anymore.
“Daddy!” Isabella squealed.
“I’m serious about us too. And so is your daughter. Your daughter has turned into quite the chatterbox, asking a hundred times when you were coming. Be prepared. She wants to know everything from your favorite song to your favorite juice box flavor. I think you’ve replaced puzzles, paint, and clay.”
His heart thudded loudly at the sight of Cynthia and Isabella. “And who’s your friend?” he asked, squatting down next to Isabella.
“Ferdinand,” she said, holding out a stuffed bull.
“Such a big name for such a little guy,” he said, and pulled his daughter close. He held her head gently and ruffled her hair. “Anyone else coming?”
Isabella glanced back at her mother. “No, only this one.”
Rob gathered Isabella into his arms. “Let’s get going.”
Cynthia picked up Isabella’s child safety seat, but Rob took it from her with his free hand.
“Put this back in your car. Isabella is all set in the SUV.”
Her eyes went wide, and she laughed. “I’m so silly. Of course you got her a car seat.”
“You didn’t know,” he said, and kissed the side of her cheek. “I could use your help to make sure I’ve got this little munchkin safely harnessed.”
“I think you’ve got it covered,” she replied squeezing his arm.
Cynthia’s home was in the center of Coconut Grove and getting downtown was less than a ten minute drive.
“I called my father and explained that we’d all be coming. He sounded pleased. We’re just meeting him, not a room full of people.”
He nodded. It would be something to see Randall Cainwright III again. After all these years. For Cynthia, this would be a huge step. He wished they had more time, but that didn’t matter. He picked Cynthia up early, not for fear of running late, but because he wanted to speak with her at a park he’d gone to whenever he needed to think about life.
“We’ve got a couple minutes. Do you mind if we sit by the water? I need to talk with you.” His chest compressed, leaving little space to breathe.
“Sure. It’s a beautiful day.”
After she agreed, Rob pulled into the parking area. The wind moved the branches of the trees. The sky was filled with puffy, white clouds that sped across the horizon.
Rob took her hand and raised it to his lips. Her pale, opal eyes reached into his chest and tugged his heart. “I love you, Cynthia. From the first moment I saw you walking through the lobby, I knew you were the one. I’ve never stopped loving you.” He held back, wanting to give her a chance to absorb his outpouring.
She whispered, “You do? I think back then I felt the same way, too.”
“Do you still love me? Are you in love with me?”
“All this time, I loved you,” she said, nodding, tears pooling in her eyes. “I’ll always be in love with you.”
“Please, Cynthia Cainwright, consider my words as a token of my love for you. I promise to always stand by you and Isabella. Baby, if you’ll say yes, I’ll be the happiest man on Earth.” He held out a small, black, velvet box in one palm.
She unbuckled her seatbelt and threw her arms around his neck. “Yes, Rob! Absolutely yes!”
They both laughed, and tears overran her incredible eyes, a sight that continued to melt his heart. He kissed her salt-stained lips and wiped away her tears, then opened the box and removed the ring. “I hope you like it.” He slipped the engagement ring on her finger and kissed her again.
Isabella called from the back seat with concern rising in her voice. “Mommy? Are you okay?”
She reached out and stroked their wide-eyed daughter’s face. “Yes, darling. Mommy is very happy. Your daddy just asked me to marry him.”
Isabella clapped. “Me too!”
Rob turned to his daughter. “One day, sweetheart, someone will marry you. I’m going to marry Mommy, and we’ll all live together in the same house.”
“Yay! Mommy and Daddy and me and Ferdi!” Isabella said in her singsong voice, holding up her stuffed red bull.
“I wanted to ask you before we met with your father. I’m asking you because I love you and believe we’re a family. It has nothing to do with him. I hope you know that.”
“Yes, I do, and I couldn’t agree more.”
* * *
Going into her father’s office with Rob next to her, Cynthia realized, was the best of all possible decisions. She’d not expected to feel much beyond nervousness, but a sense of being overwhelmed hit her square.
The offices looked the same, but her father had aged more than she’d expected. Her chest constricted, and the lump in her throat expanded exponentially at the sight of him.
His golf shirt hung loosely on his body. He wasn’t the giant she’d remembered. “Cynthia, Rob, and Isabella,” he said warmly.
Hearing Cynthia roll off his tongue, where she’d always been Sam, sounded foreign. She was suddenly hit by the revelation that she’d never be just one person. Daughter—mother—author—and soon wife. As for names, didn’t Shakespeare bring to light that the scent of a flower has little to do with a label?
“Dad,” she whispered, walking up to him. He patted her arm as she kissed his cheek. “You can still call me Sam if you want.”
A deep rumble rose from her father. “Sam. Yes, I suppose you’ll always be my little girl.”
She smiled, pressing her trembling lips together.
Her father reached for his handkerchief. “I can’t undo the past, dear, but I want to be part of your l
ife if you’ll let me.”
“We’d all like that very much.” She pressed the soft material to the corner of her eye before turning back to Isabella and Rob. “Sweetie pie, come meet your grandpa.”
“Hello, Isabella,” Randall said.
Cynthia looked down at her daughter holding onto Rob’s hand and shyly waving.
Randall welcomed them into his office. “I think something is waiting for you,” he said, smiling down at his granddaughter.
Cynthia shook her head. They’d both be a treat to watch, two complete charmers.
Marcia came in, spry as ever, and greeted them happily.
Inside her father’s office was a huge teddy bear with a white bow on it, and Isabella scurried over to it with a wide smile on her face and made quick work of introducing her bull to his new stuffed friend.
“Come over here and let me look at you,” her dad said, kneeling before Isabella.
Isabella held on to Rob’s hand and walked toward her grandfather.
“My, my, aren’t you just as pretty as a picture?”
Isabella smiled broadly at her grandfather. “Hi,” she said.
Randall peeked over the rim of his glasses at Isabella. “You’ve got your daddy’s coloring.”
“Coloring?” Isabella shook her head. “He likes puzzles, but I color. Do you?”
“Sure I do! Your grandpa used to love to color in school. I drew pictures of beaches and fish. What do you like to color?”
“I like my coloring books. Do you have any crayons and coloring books, Grandpa?”
Her dad chuckled, and he hugged Isabella as if he never wanted to let her go. When he did finally release her, she rubbed his nose. “Not here, but when you visit my house, I’ll color with you. Would you like that, Princess?”
Isabella turned to them with a huge smile. “Grandpa says I’m a princess.”
He patted Isabella’s shoulder and stood, and then moved forward and hugged Cynthia tightly. “You’re a sight for some foolish and sore eyes, Sam. I’m so sorry for being a bad-tempered codger.”
