I danced with all my boys, each of them trying to outdo the other. Maddox was his usual suave, graceful self on the dance floor. Aiden spun me around to a fast number, gyrating his hips and making me laugh as Cami shook her head at his antics. Van and Halton were both solicitous partners. Reid made my heart ache with his awkward, sweet, fumbling attempt at a waltz. He kept apologizing, and he seemed grateful when Bentley stepped in, tapping him on the shoulder firmly.
“My turn—before you injure her.”
I smiled as we moved, Bentley’s footwork perfect, his leading confident. He was an excellent dancer. He peered down at me. “You’re happy.”
It was a statement, not a question.
“Very.”
“Jordan can’t keep his eyes off of you.”
I glanced over his shoulder, looking at Jordan. He sat with the family I had created, at ease and smiling. He was talking to Reid, leaning forward, his arms resting on his thighs. He was nodding and listening to whatever Reid was saying, but his gaze was focused on me. Intent and dark with longing. His lips curled into a smile when he saw me watching him, and he threw me a subtle wink.
I felt my blush creep up my neck, and I cursed under my breath. “Damn that man, he does this to me all the time.”
Bentley grinned, swinging me around. “It’s good to see.”
I met his blue gaze. He was relaxed and happy—a changed man from the one I had worried would never allow himself to feel for another person.
“I’ve fallen in love with him, Bentley,” I confessed.
He cocked his head. “I can see that.”
“How do you feel about that?” I asked.
He twirled me again. “I think the question is, how do you feel about it?”
“I feel good.”
“It shows.” His grip on my waist tightened. “That’s all I—we—want for you, Sandy. For you to be happy.”
“I spoke to Aaron this week. He called me.”
“And he said…?” Bentley let the question trail away, watching me closely. He knew I was close with Max’s son. Our friendship had been strong all through my relationship with his father.
I smiled, recalling Aaron’s words.
“Colin tells me you’re seeing someone.”
“Oh, ah, yes, I am,” I replied, the worry evident in my voice.
“Why did I hear it from him, Sandy?”
“I wasn’t sure how to tell you. How you would react,” I confessed.
He chuckled. “You dating again? I’m thrilled. You should be living and enjoying, Sandy.” His voice became teasing. “Is he younger? Finally got your boy toy?”
“No, my age.” I swallowed. “It’s Jordan Hayes from the office.”
“Ah, great guy. Dad liked him.”
“Yes. I—I like him as well.”
“I figured.” Then he paused dramatically. “Jeez—I’m not gonna have to call him Dad, am I? It was hard enough to explain a stepmom my age, never mind if I have to face that too,” he teased.
I laughed with him. “I think Jordan will do.”
“Whew. I’m coming down in a few weeks to meet him. Give him the gears.”
“I’ll warn him.”
“You do that.”
“He was fine. He’s coming to meet Jordan. ‘Give him the gears,’ I think he said.”
“Jordan’s up to the task. I have no worries.” Bentley smirked, leading me in a twirl.
“I think so too. Jordan looks forward to meeting him.”
Bentley winked. “Then things are progressing well. I’m pleased.”
A hand appeared, tapping Bentley on the shoulder. “Sorry to cut in, Bentley, but all you boys have stolen my woman long enough,” Jordan stated.
Bentley chuckled, good-natured. “I supposed we have had her long enough. We have to share.”
The meaning behind his words was obvious. Jordan smiled. “Yeah, you have. I’ve got it from here.”
Bentley leaned down and kissed my cheek. He placed my hand in Jordan’s and clapped him on the shoulder. “Yes, I think you do.”
* * *
The hotel room was spacious and comfortable. We barely made it in the door before Jordan had me in his arms, heading for the bed. I laughed as I clung to his shoulders. He made me feel special—safe and protected.
He set me beside the bed, turning me around and unzipping my dress. He followed the path of the zipper with his lips, kissing down my spine.
“Jesus, you’re naked under here,” he groaned and spun me around, hooking the thin straps down my arms. “Shimmy for me one more time tonight, Sandy.”
I did as he requested, the sparkling dress glittering at my feet.
My grin matched his. “Lose the suit.”
In seconds, he was naked, his well-tailored clothes tossed behind him.
“I want to have you with those shoes on, my darling,” he breathed out.
“You can have me any way you want me.”
He groaned and sank to his knees. He tugged off one shoe, then the other, both of them added to the pile behind him, carelessly discarded. “Later,” he promised, kissing his way up my leg.
I shivered as he stroked his hands up, smoothing them over the backs of my thighs, pulling me flush to his mouth, kissing my center. “Right now, I need you. All of you.”
He cupped my ass, stroking and kneading. “I hope you don’t expect to get much sleep tonight.”
Peering down, I smiled. “No.”
He stood, tossing me on the bed as if I weighed nothing. He crawled up the mattress, hovering over me. “Good.”
I pulled him down to my mouth. “Yes, it is.”
With a low groan, he kissed me.
And I was lost.
* * *
I sighed in contentment, curled up against Jordan’s shoulder. He brushed his hand up and down my arm in long, gentle passes. I felt his breath stir my hair, the warmth of his skin under my cheek, and the strength of his muscles under my fingers.
“All right, my darling?”
I peeked up at him. “More than all right.”
“You were wonderful.”
I chuckled, running my fingers over his chest. “You were rather spectacular yourself.”
I felt his smile against my head. “We’re spectacular together.”
I hummed in agreement. The room was quiet for a few moments, both of us basking in the warmth of the moment.
“Your feet still sore?”
I wiggled my toes. “A little. I danced a lot, and those heels were high.”
“Those heels were sexy. So was that damn dress. They were made for you to dance in.” He chuckled low in his chest. “And for me to look at you while you did.”
“I’m glad you liked them.”
He pulled me closer. “I like how you feel in my arms, Sandy. We should go dancing more. There are a couple of clubs with special dance nights for waltzing and the like. Would you like to go?”
The thought of dancing with Jordan thrilled me. He was an excellent dancer—as confident as Bentley, but with more experience. He had proved to be an excellent partner tonight, surprising me with his moves.
“Yes.”
“Excellent. I’ll look into it.”
“Van looked very happy.”
“I think he is. Liv suits him—and he adores her and Mouse.”
“I agree.”
Quiet stretched again for a moment. “Do you see that for us one day, Sandy?”
I wasn’t surprised by the question. I had seen it lurking in his eyes all day.
“I would like to think so. One day.”
“In the not too distant future.”
I patted his chest. “How about we see how it goes when I meet Gina and Warren tomorrow and the next little while settles for us? You might change your mind.”
I gasped as he rolled, hovering over me. “Not a chance. I see the next phase of my life, Sandy. A new place. More traveling. Dancing. Time on the boat. All with you.”
I traced my f
inger down his cheek.
“My kids will like you. Given time, I think they will love you. They want me happy, and you do that for me. I have no worries about their acceptance of us.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I am. Tomorrow is going to be fine, and the next chapter in my life is going to be great. As long as you’re with me, it will be.” He pressed a kiss to my mouth. “So, are you? Are you with me, Sandy?”
I met his warm green gaze. I could see it all. The next years unfolding, our lives entwining. It wouldn’t always be easy, but I knew with Jordan, it would be worth it. He was right. Everyone was right. I deserved to be happy.
“I’m with you. I love you,” I whispered.
A smile broke out on his face and he kissed me. It was a kiss of new beginnings, promises made, and a future that was bright. “Thank you.” He kissed me again. “I love you, my darling.”
His words filled my chest with happiness. “Then let’s start living, Jordan.”
He touched his forehead to mine.
“I’m with you.”
* * *
The next day, I waited at the house, nervous. I had been unsure about meeting Jordan’s children in the home he shared with his wife, but in the end, we agreed it was best to meet them where they would be comfortable. Jordan had gone to pick them up, and I stayed behind to prepare a light lunch. He had texted to say they would arrive soon.
I laid out the sandwiches and switched on the coffee. It felt a little odd to be in his kitchen, but not uncomfortable. It looked very different with so many things gone. I didn’t feel as if I was intruding in Anna’s space, especially since Jordan had told me that he had used the kitchen more than she did. He enjoyed cooking more than Anna had.
I heard the sound of the car arriving, the doors opening, and footsteps coming up the steps. I wiped my hands on my slacks and touched my hair, making sure it was in place. I wanted, at least, to make a good first impression.
Jordan walked in, followed by Gina and Warren. Jordan smiled at me, setting down the suitcases and shrugging off his coat. He kissed my cheek, murmuring in my ear. “It’s fine, my darling. Relax.”
Then he turned and made the introductions. “Gina and Warren, this is Sandy. Sandy, these are my children.”
I smiled and held out my hand, hoping it wasn’t shaking. Gina looked like Anna, slender with light brown hair and brown eyes. Her expression was warm and open, and she ignored my hand and gave me a hug.
“Lovely to meet you,” she said.
Warren was cooler, his handshake firm as he nodded and stepped back. “Sandy.”
I smiled, not surprised. Jordan had warned me Warren might be more reticent.
“He took Anna’s death hard,” he explained to me. “He isn’t upset about me moving on, he’s just not…” His voice trailed off.
“Thrilled,” I finished for him.
He lifted one shoulder. “My son has trouble forming attachments. He was especially close to Anna. Give him a little time—he’ll warm up.”
Warren stood beside Jordan, a younger version, with the same build and eye color. He wasn’t unfriendly, but I could sense his apprehension. There was nothing I could do to help him, except allow him to get to know me and come to terms with the relationship Jordan and I had. I had no plans on letting Jordan go. I only hoped Warren would warm to me.
“I have a late lunch ready,” I offered. “You must be tired.”
Gina wrapped her arm around mine as we walked to the kitchen. “Dad is going to take us and show us the condo later.”
“It’s lovely. I think your father will be happy there.”
She squeezed my arm, her voice low. “I think he’s happy now.”
I laughed, liking her very much. There was a warmth to her that reminded me of Jordan. An openness in her expression and manner. I recalled Anna being more reserved, which meant Warren probably took after her. She was always kind and friendly, but she held herself back, unlike Jordan who seemed to encompass everyone around him with his friendliness. I would let Warren warm up in his own time.
“I’m glad you think so,” I responded.
“Warren will come around.”
I side-eyed her, trying not to laugh at her wink.
“My brother is a bit slower, but he’ll get there. I think you’re good for my dad. He’ll see that.”
I reached for the coffee. “I hope so.”
Lunch helped. Warren relaxed and asked me a lot of questions. He was fascinated with BAM and the work they did.
“Dad always talks about them. They treat him very well.”
“They treat everyone well.”
“They’re huge in the land market. Real estate development. Their company is associated with excellence even out in Alberta.”
I nodded. They had various dealings in other provinces, although Bentley preferred to stay close to home. “I am very proud to work for them.”
“As am I,” Jordan offered.
“And you look after all of them?” Warren asked.
I laughed. “In a manner of speaking, yes.”
Jordan spoke up. “Bentley often says Sandy is the glue that holds the place together.” He smiled at me indulgently. “I would have to agree.” He lowered his voice. “She looks after me very well.”
Warren studied us wordlessly, then smiled, looking very much like Jordan. His voice was surprisingly light and teasing when he spoke.
“Spoken like a man in love, Dad.”
Jordan smiled so widely, his eyes crinkled. He reached over and squeezed my hand. “I suppose I am.”
Warren laughed, taking a sip of his coffee. Gina winked at me, as if to say, “Told you so.”
I was so flustered, I blushed. Jordan laughed and kissed my hand.
I stood. “I should go and let you get at it.”
I was surprised and shocked when both Warren and Gina shook their heads. “Stay,” Gina urged.
“Many hands, light work, Dad always says,” Warren stated. “Besides, we want to get to know you.”
And right then, I knew it would be okay.
“I would love to.”
Jordan smiled, his gaze taking us all in.
“Perfect.”
The following June
Sandy
The sun glinted, catching the light on the water outside the window. The day was lovely, warm, and perfect. I shut my eyes again and focused on the soothing sound of Chopin playing through the speakers. In the background, I heard the murmurings of happiness from my girls as they waited for me to finish. My stomach was full of butterflies—both nervous and excited.
“Almost done,” Cami assured me.
I laughed. “It’s fine. We have plenty of time.”
Becca placed another glass of champagne on the table beside me. “We have another bottle, too.”
I smiled. “It’s delicious.”
Emmy laughed from her spot on the sofa. “Bentley sent it. Only the best for his Sandy.”
Cami came around in front of me, tucking in a strand of my hair, patting another part.
She spun my chair, so I faced the mirror. “I think we’re done.”
I gasped as I took in the elaborate style she had made with my hair. A beautiful French braid, intricately laced with deep green ribbons to match my sash, with glittering beads and glossy pearls tucked into the braid. Tiny speckles of glitter shone under the lights, highlighting the white of my hair. Perfectly placed tendrils touched my neck.
I clasped her hand. “Cami, it’s perfect.”
She beamed at me, suiting the pet name Aiden had given her of “his Sunshine.” When she smiled, it was as if the sunshine had emerged from behind a cloud, brightening everything around her.
“I’m glad you like it.”
All my girls gathered around me. I looked at their youthful beauty reflected in the mirror. Emmy’s unique bohemian looks, Cami’s striking coloring, Dee’s sedate prettiness—all different and all lovely. Becca was the girl next door, appe
aling and sweet. Liv was curvy and warm with her golden hair and lovely eyes. Katy had become another one of my girls, and she was a classic beauty with her dark hair and vivid blue eyes.
And the best part, they were all equally as beautiful inside.
Cami lifted her phone. “Group selfie!”
We pressed close, and she snapped several pictures of us all.
I lifted my glass. “To my girls. Thank you for being with me today.”
They all lifted their glasses, sipped, and moved to the various sofas placed in the room. Standing, I reached into my bag and began handing them each a small box.
“My gift to you. I know you are all sitting for the ceremony, but I consider you all my attendants.”
I laughed at their eagerness to open their gifts. Each girl wore a shade of green—they ranged from a soft mint to a rich, warm forest—each suiting the wearer. Cami had designed all their dresses, and mine, and their husbands all wore ties to match. They would be in all the family photos, because the bottom line was—they were my family.
Their squeals of delight made me smile. I’d given them each a necklace, designed for them, by the same woman who had designed my ring. The necklace was an infinity symbol and contained a diamond and an emerald to represent today and engraved with the date. The boys were each getting a set of cuff links from Jordan in the same design. It was our gift to them.
There were hugs, some tears, and lots of laughs as I helped fasten the necklaces around their necks.
“You are all so beautiful,” I said, holding my hands in front of me. “All my girls.”
That prompted another round of hugs.
Wiping her eyes, Cami clapped her hands. “Time to get you into your dress!”
I slipped behind the screen, and Cami helped me step into the dress, fastening the hidden zipper, fluffing the skirt, and ensuring the sash was perfect.
I stood and looked in the mirror, eyeing myself critically. Cami had done a wonderful job. My dress was a soft silver-gray lace, straight at the neck and ending at the knee. It was cinched in at the waist with a deep green sash that matched my pretty shoes. The back was a deep cowl, the lace shimmering as it gathered low off my shoulders, showing off my neck and the line of my spine. It was daring, sexy, and I felt like a million bucks in it. Jordan would love it. He told me often enough how much he loved my long legs. He also enjoyed kissing his way down my spine. The dress might drive him to distraction.
Vested Interest Box Set Books 4-7 Page 88
