CHAPTER ONE
Ten Years Ago
LAVENDER HUES SETTLED AROUND THE clouds in the early evening sky. The fading reddish-orange sun lowered behind huge oaks. Earthly scents of nature permeated the humid air of the dense forest. Green leaves scattered the grounds.
“Where are we going, Zeke?” Sixteen-year-old Taylor Spelling wondered as she followed her handsome boyfriend, Zeke Balfour, further into the woods. On the other side of town. More like the luxurious side of town. Or as some would say, Hilton Head Island’s filthy rich side of town.
Branches crunched beneath Zeke’s new white sneakers as he traipsed through the forest, gently holding Taylor’s hand. Leading Taylor around a burly oak, Zeke’s sexy lips pulled into a handsome smile, showing off his straight white teeth. “It’s a surprise, Taylor.” His deep voice echoed throughout the forest, stirred her girly senses.
Traipsing beside Zeke, Taylor’s stomach churned with fear because she had a big secret to tell him. What she had to tell him would change his life forever. Scared to divulge her secret to Zeke, anxiety spurted through Taylor. How do I tell him this? How? Oh God, I hope he doesn’t hate me after I tell him.
Overwhelmed, Taylor ducked beneath a thick branch to avoid it from scraping her right cheek. “A surprise? What kind of a surprise, Zeke?” she asked, nervous tension spreading through her bones.
Zeke chuckled. “If I tell you, it wouldn’t be a surprise. Now stop asking so many questions, and just be patient. We’re almost there, my love.” A senior in high school, at eighteen years old Zeke had big, bulging biceps, a hard, muscular chest, and everything about him looked so incredibly scrumptious. Just delicious.
Darkness descended down on them. Nets flew in the air. A green grasshopper jumped about the slender grass, then over Taylor’s brown, flat sandal.
Clasping Zeke’s big hand with her small one, Taylor admired her boyfriend’s manly sex appeal. Silky dark brown hair, deep brown eyes, and white tanned skin, Zeke had dimples buried in his jaws. A star quarterback football player at Island Bay High School, all the girls on Hilton Head Island loved themselves some Zeke Balfour, especially her. And from what Zeke showed Taylor, he felt the same way about her. According to him, he had eyes for only one girl—her. Hopefully after she shared her secret with him, he’d still feel the same way about her.
Knowing she had to tell him today, fright rushed through Taylor’s veins. Wandering farther away from Zeke’s parents’ mansion, an evening summer breeze sailed over her natural curly hair, blowing unruly strands across her lips.
Kicking at the wooden sticks and leaves along the way, Taylor’s heart beat at the base of her throat. Zeke clench her hand harder. Severely distraught, she lowered her gaze to the dried burnt grass. Her troubled mind drifted. I’m nothing but trouble. My mother is so disappointed in me. I can only pray that Zeke won’t hate me. Momma says I need to tell Zeke tonight. If I don’t, she’s going to speak with his mother. For all I know, Momma may be telling Zeke’s mother about me now. Overwhelmed about her biggest mistake, Taylor felt her eyes water. Ohmygod, how do I tell him I’m—
“We’re here!” Taylor’s gaze snapped up to find a wide lake surrounded by trees in the near distance. To her left, a long rope with a black tire attached at the end dangled from a thick branch.
Smiling his behind off, Zeke pointed upward. “Do you like my surprise?” Taylor’s eyes left the makeshift tire swing and hiked up the big tree. A small tree house sat at the top of the oak. “I built us a tree house so we can have some privacy. This, my love, is just for the two of us.” Proud, he patted his rigid chest. “I built it myself.”
Shocked, Taylor’s mouth parted. Eyes roaming over the wooden treehouse, she covered her heart. “Did you really build this, Zeke?” she asked, transferring her gaze from the nice surprise to him.
Zeke’s dark brown eyes sparkled. He lifted his shirt, revealing a book tucked between his stomach and jeans. He drew the book from between the band of his clothing and extended it to Taylor. Reaching for the book, she read the title. How to Build Treehouses.
Smiling, Zeke folded his arms across his chest. “Yes, I built it all by myself. Other than you and me, no one is allowed in our treehouse.”
Our treehouse. Her insides beamed with appreciation. That was just like her Zeke—always so good with his hands. Those big hands of his were exactly the reason why she was now in all this freaking trouble. His talented hands had moved all over her body. His big hands had touched and fondled her. Had teased her. Pleased and pleasured her.
Taylor’s eyes lowered to Zeke’s big hands, now resting at his sides. Oh my, how she loved his big, powerful looking hands. Her gaze climbed up the length of his body. And she loved his big, powerful looking body, too. And Lord knows she shouldn’t, but she loved his big, powerful manhood between his muscular thighs as well. Thinking about all the big things Zeke had, heat coursed through Taylor’s veins.
“I’m so impressed with your talented skills, Zeke.” Taylor’s eyes once again hiked up the wide tree, stopping when they reached the top. Deep purple hues highlighted the dark sky. A soft glow gleamed from the carved window of the tree house. Zeke built this just for us. Taylor cupped Zeke’s jaw. “Thanks, Zeke. It’s so beautiful.” I’m so sorry I’ve ruined your life. Ohgod. Ohgod. Frightened, Taylor’s eyes burned as she fought to hold back her tears.
Zeke’s eyes roamed over Taylor’s face. Taking the book from her hands, he pecked her lips. “Because my father is in charge of my allowance, the treehouse is all I can afford right now. But one day I’m going to build you a big house. It’s going to be a mansion. Bigger than my parents’ home.”
Filled with utter sorrow, Taylor’s lips curved into a bland smile. “I’d never need a home as big as your parents’ house. All I’ll ever need is you.” And our— she couldn’t even bring herself to say the word inside her head.
Zeke’s lips pulled into a handsome smile. Staring at her like he loved her, he tucked a piece of curly hair behind her ear. “With all the children I plan on having with you, we might need a home bigger than you think. As soon as I graduate from college, I’m going to get you pregnant every year until I’m twenty-six.” It’s too late for that. Zeke continued. “Now come. Let me show you the inside.” Turning away from her, he held on to the handmade wooden ladder tacked to the tree and began climbing upward.
Watching Zeke climb toward the top of the treehouse, Taylor cupped the lower part of her belly. A big wasp flew by her head, buzzed in her ears. Curious as to what the inside of the treehouse looked like, Taylor mounted the ladder behind Zeke. When she reached the top, Zeke extended his hand palm up towards her. She placed her hand in his, and he gently pulled her inside.
With her hands and knees pressed into the blue rug covering the floor’s wooden planks, her eyes combed over the small inside area. Wow. A woodsy pine fragrance sailed up her nose.
Zeke had the inside of the treehouse decorated like a small, cozy cottage. A red checkered blanket, two fluffy white pillows, a few books, and two flashlights were stashed in the right corner. A bright lantern glowed in the left corner beneath the carved out window. On the center of the blue rug lay a handful of white daises with long green stems. Oh, Zeke is so romantic. I can’t believe he built this all by himself. Just for me. Just for us.
Sunny cheerfulness swarming through her soul, Taylor sat on her rear, crossed her legs Indian style. Zeke picked up the white daisies, handed them to her. Nose on the petals, she sniffed the delicate perfumed flower. “You’re so romantic, Zeke.” Fingers holding the long green stems, she lowered the flowers to her lap.
Gazing into her eyes, he reached into his back pocket, pulled out a silver band with diamonds, and held it up in her face. The gorgeous piece of jewelry sparkled. Thinking Zeke was about to propose to her, Taylor gasped. Yes, Zeke. I’ll marry you.
Zeke’s Adam’s apple bobbled up and down in his throat. “Taylor, this ring belonged to my birth mother. As you already know, my bi
rth mother’s name was Bridget. My father gave this ring to my mother on Valentine’s Day of the same year she died. After she passed, my father gave this ring to me. He told me to give it to the woman I fell in love with. Well, that girl is you, Taylor. You’re the girl I’m madly in love with.”
Joy bubbled in Taylor’s heart from Zeke’s heartfelt love admission. Staring at the sparkling diamond band, she covered her heart with her hand, then linked her gaze with his.
Love glittered in his dark coffee eyes. “Oh, Zeke. It’s so beautiful.” Thrilled at how much Zeke truly loved her, Taylor’s words came out soft as a caress. The love of her life took her hand in his and slid the ring up her wedding finger. Swallowing, she blinked sporadically. “So does this mean we’re getting married?”
Zeke chuckled. “Not right away. But we will get married someday. Until we do, I want you to wear the ring as a promise ring. As a symbol of my undying love for you.” Zeke clenched her chin between his index finger and thumb, tilting her head back. “Taylor Spelling…I promise to always be good to you, my love. I promise to love you now. Forever…and ever.” Smooching his lips together, Zeke dropped his lips close to her mouth.
Tell him now, Taylor! Tell Zeke Balfour that you’re pregnant with his child! Ignoring the thoughts screaming inside her head, Taylor clutched Zeke’s broad shoulders, pressed her lips into his, and let his mouth take hers on an exciting journey.
Tongues twining, Zeke’s mouth felt so good on Taylor’s. From his charming ways to his great personality and loving heart, everything about Zeke Balfour seemed perfect. Too good to be true. Seemed so right. One day I’m going to marry Zeke Balfour—my Mr. Right.
As Taylor’s lips meshed with Zeke’s, his hands explored her entire body. His talented hand sneaked beneath her shirt, slid under her bra, and then over her tender breast. Groaning inside her mouth, he tweaked her sensitive nipple with his fingers. A light moan squeezed from her pursed lips into his mouth, and Zeke drank it in.
Plucking her tingling nipple with one hand, Zeke’s other hand fondled the crotch area of her cheap jeans. Moisture formed inside her center. Curling her tongue with his, she winced. Hot in the panties, this is why you’re pregnant now.
Once her mother had learned of her pregnancy, she’d warned her not to have sex with Zeke anymore. But Taylor just couldn’t help herself. She loved Zeke, and he loved her. Just because they were young, didn’t mean their love was fake. No. It was the real thing.
Whenever Zeke and she got together, chemistry ignited. Magic filled the air. Desire and fire exploded.
Zeke released Taylor’s mouth. Left it burning with fire. Breathing raggedly, he huskily suggested, “Let’s go skinny dipping!” Before Taylor could reply, Zeke jumped to his feet, hastened over to the door. Glancing down at the ground, he jumped from the treehouse.
Ecstatic, Taylor quickly crawled over to the door. On her hands and knees, she poked her head from the opening of the tree house and peered down at a smiling Zeke. Her lips smiled. “Zeke Balfour, you must be crazy if you think I’m getting in that cold lake!”
Zeke quickly removed his shirt, then hurried out of his jeans and underwear. Zeke’s white, hard erection pointed straight out. Gliding her tongue over her lips, Taylor’s heart thudded harshly beneath her rib cage. Gosh, his shaft was so big. No wonder she loved him. No wonder she’d been stupid and let him get her pregnant.
Naked as the day he was born, Zeke threw his arms up in the air. “I’m not crazy, Taylor Spelling. I’m madly in love! Miss all the fun if you want!”
Zeke’s bare feet scampered along the slender grass as he ran towards the lake. Picking up his speed, his rod swung like Tarzan. When he reached the edge of the land, he hopped high in the air. Feet kicking, arms flailing, Zeke dove his naked behind straight into the lake. The sound of splashing water resounded through the early evening air.
Unable to contain her excitement, Taylor climbed down from the tree house and ran toward the lake. Standing at the edge of the land, she watched Zeke do backstrokes in the lake. “Take off your clothes. I want to see your pretty brown tits.”
Keeping her eyes attached to his, she quickly rolled her shirt over her head. Anxious to join him, her fingers loosened the button on her jeans. Kicking the jeans from her feet, she removed her bra, flung it to the ground. She yanked her panties down her legs, tossed them to the side as well.
Cool soil pressed into her bare feet. The summer night air clung to her clammy skin. Her hard nipples tingled. A dull ache formed in her center. Wishing she could refute Zeke’s sexual advances, she yearned to join him for a romantic swim.
Floating on his back, her man smiled at her. “You have the prettiest tits I’ve ever seen.”
A tinge of jealously crept up inside Taylor at Zeke’s remark. She fisted her hips and pouted. “Considering you’re only eighteen, how many tits have you seen? I hope not that many.”
Feet treading in the dark water, Zeke chuckled. “I’ve only seen two. Your right one, and your left one.” He got to his feet, held out his hands.
“You better had said that!”
Giggling, Taylor hopped in the air, and then plunged into the depths of the lake. Gravity sucked her to the bottom. Kicking her feet and flinging her arms, she swam back to the top. Immersed in darkness, she popped her head up from the cold water and looked around for Zeke. Staying afloat, she turned to find him behind her.
“This water is cold!”
“I’ll warm you up.”
Zeke swam over to Taylor. Putting his wet, muscular chest to her breasts, he wrapped his strong arms about her shoulders. Teeth clattering, she shivered. Her nipples felt like frozen peas.
“I’m c…c…cold, Zeke.”
Keeping one hand to her shoulder, Zeke reached down between them. “Let’s see if this will warm you up,” he said, gliding his steely tool across her pregnant belly.
Turned on, her heart clenched. “Zeke, there’s something I have to tell you.” Tell him you’re pregnant, Taylor, she thought, chastising herself. Stop being so freaking scared.
Marrying the Millionaire Page 59
