by Liv Morris
“I love you with all my heart, Kirsten Parker.” He kissed me again. “You are the love of my life.”
My breaths were short and labored as he spoke between his kisses. His words. Oh, his sweet, sweet words. I could have survived on them like manna. They nourished me. Made me feel whole for the first time in years.
“Colin, you’re the love of my life, too.” His lips finally found mine. We had kissed a few times over the last few weeks, but nothing like this. The passion was intense. I wanted to crawl onto his lap and get lost in him. I didn’t even care that we were sitting on a crowded plane. After a minute, or a few seconds—who knows—I pulled away for air. His kisses left me lightheaded and dizzy.
“I love you.” I tried to catch my breath. “No one but you.”
“We can make this work.” He used a spare cocktail napkin to wipe new tears from my face. “I want to make this work. For better, for worse. No matter what we face today. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”
I stared into his eyes in disbelief. Did he mean marriage? I wasn’t even officially divorced. It should have been wrong to even think about us married, but the sweet idea of us together forever . . . well, I couldn’t think of anything I wanted more in the whole wide world.
“I think I do,” I replied. “The thought of not having you in my life to love and be with makes me feel ill. I need you, Colin.”
“You’re mine, Kirsten. Mine.” A shiver went down my spine as desire swept over his face. I needed this man like no other. I wanted to be his and make him mine.
“I’m yours.” My words were quietly spoken. Nothing more needed to be said. He placed his hand behind my neck, weaving his fingers into my hair, and drew me to him for another kiss. His lips pressed hard and passionately to mine once again, and heat flashed through me. My body ached for his touch. Every cell of my being was on fire. In all the years I’d been married to Joe, nothing came close. Nothing.
“Yes, mine,” he said between hungry kisses. We were shamelessly making out like teenagers, our hands wandering everywhere they could without touching too intimately. I placed my fingers on the skin of his back beneath his shirt, going for broke, letting my fingernails rake over him, and this time, he was the one with shivers.
I wanted this man. Needed this man. I moaned quietly, and the sound of my own voice startled me back to reality. We were on a plane. In public. What was I thinking?
God, we needed to stop. If no one had been around, our clothes would’ve been off in seconds, but the poor flight attendant was likely getting the full show.
That thought made me release his lips, rise up in my chair, and glance around the cabin. No one was watching us thankfully. I smoothed down my top and looked into his eyes. He moved closer to me, if that was even possible.
“I want you so much, Kirsten.” He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down. “I’ve never wanted anyone like this. I got a bit carried away. I’m sorry.”
“I feel the same. And, yes, we were a little out of control. But to be honest, I loved it.” I giggled like a schoolgirl. That’s how I felt. Young and discovering love all over again. A heady and happy rush.
“Tonight,” Colin said in a deep voice, earning my undivided attention. “We have two adjoining rooms at the hotel. I don’t want you stepping a foot into yours. You’ll be sleeping with me.”
My heart skipped a beat. We had purposefully chosen to stay chaste as our relationship crossed beyond friends. For some reason, I thought it was best to wait until I was divorced. Add the baby to the mix and things got confusing fast.
I wasn’t sure how to handle being pregnant with one man’s baby while making love to another. It was hard to wrap my head around. Seemed a bit warped, but my whole life was a big mess. The only positives were Colin and the precious baby growing inside me.
But his kiss. His hands all over me. I was done with the worry. I was done for him. I wanted him in all ways. No holding back. We had years to make up for, and nothing was going to stop me.
“I like the sound of that,” I purred, reaching up to caress his cheek. “What do you have in mind?”
“My lips everywhere on that sweet body of yours. My fingers following them.” I shifted in my seat as the heat of his words set me back on fire.
“You’re killing me,” I whispered. “I’m about to go crazy.”
“Oh, believe me, you will later. I promise. I can’t wait to get my hands on you.”
“I don’t feel too sexy right now, though.” I glanced down at my stomach, pointing at my belly, although I was sure he knew what I meant.
“You’re sexy as hell to me. Don’t forget it.” I cuddled into his side.
Colin has been so supportive of the baby and me. He’s even gone with me to my last two doctor’s appointments and laughed when they called him the baby’s father. Never once had he corrected the nurse or doctor.
There was so much to think about today, though. Joe and his reaction to our meeting stayed at the forefront of my mind, overshadowing everything. Joe had become our future’s biggest obstacle. My mood became graver, as if a dark cloud had moved over us.
“What if Joe stalls? Doesn’t agree to my attorney’s offer?” Fear rose up inside me again. I couldn’t help being afraid of Joe’s reaction. I knew him. I’d seen him cut his adversaries down to nothing. He used his power as a deputy district attorney to crush people and leave them a whimpering mess. Hardened criminals feared him. A wayward pregnant wife was no match against his brutality.
“Please don’t get upset,” Colin said, trying to soothe me. “I can see it in your eyes. You’re going there again. Remember we have the best lawyers in Dallas, paired with the best in Atlanta.”
“You’re right . . . I think.” I knitted my brows as his words sank in. “I want to believe you, Colin. You have no idea how much I do, but I lived with that man. I know what he’s capable of. Me leaving wounded his pride. Embarrassed him. Joe doesn’t do embarrassed.”
“We have some arrows to shoot at him, Kirsten,” Colin said reassuringly, reminding me of the plan. “Ones that would be even more embarrassing to him. It’s his political future now that’s his main concern.”
As I was getting ready to respond, the flight attendant’s voice came over the intercom. “The captain has just turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. Electronic devices must be turned off and stowed at this time. Seats and tray tables must be returned to their upright and locked positions as we prepare for landing.”
“Hey, Kirsten.” Colin’s hand wrapped around mine. “Trust me when I tell you it will all be all right. We’ll walk out of that office with papers signed. Okay?”
“Okay.” I sat up taller, my shoulders pushed back, trying to convince myself Colin was right.
After landing uneventfully and getting off the plane, we gathered our bags at the luggage carousel. My attorney from Dallas flew on our plane too, even staying at the same hotel so he joined us as we waited at baggage claim.
My doctor told me I’d be okay to fly, just to drink more than my normal amount of water, which led me to the next question for my escorts.
“I need to stop at the ladies’ room before we get in the car to the hotel.”
“Sure.” Colin scanned for the nearest restrooms. “I think they’re down this way.”
He motioned to our right and reached for my hand. “We’ll be right back, Jensen. Would you mind staying here with our bags?”
“No problem,” Jensen answered. “I’ll make a quick call and let our Atlanta office know we’ve landed on time.”
We arrived back to find Jensen turned away from us, engaged in a deep, heated conversation. My heart started to pound when I heard him say Joe’s name laced with disgust. I felt nauseated. I knew it was a bad idea coming here. I wanted to back away from them. Run. To where, I’m not sure. Colin wrapped his arms around my trembling body and whispered in my ear.
“It’ll be okay. Please don’t worry. Trust me.”
All I could do was
nod. Jensen slowly turned around and froze when he saw us, the phone still stuck to his ear. He looked away and continued his conversation.
“Listen, Greg. I need to let you go. Thanks for giving me the heads up. I’ll discuss this with my client.” Jensen listened intently. “I agree. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. I wish we could throw more at him too, but it will just delay things, so let’s stick to the plan we agreed on.”
What were they talking about? Was Joe’s attorney’s pulling out something fancy to use against me? My head started to swim and I became faint. Colin’s strong arms circled tighter around me, holding me up.
Jensen ended the call and muttered under his breath.
“Let’s head to our car. It’s waiting for us outside.” Jensen grabbed the handle of his luggage and pivoted toward the exit. Colin and I did the same and followed dutifully behind.
The walk to the outside pickup area seemed to take forever. I couldn’t wait to know what Jensen had learned. I glanced at Colin, who was dragging both of our suitcases. He appeared as tense as I was. It was the unknown eating at us.
Jensen flagged a car holding up his name. The driver pulled the car in front of us and jumped out to handle our bags. Silently, we climbed into the car. Nothing was said until all the doors were shut.
“Here’s the deal,” Jensen started. “Joe has decided to play hardball. We figured he would, but his attorney’s claiming he has an old prenuptial agreement you signed, Kirsten. Do you remember signing one?”
“What?” I felt like someone had slapped me in the face. A prenup? He had to be lying. “I don’t remember signing anything like that.”
“Do you remember signing anything before the wedding?” Jensen asked.
“I signed some papers related to his family’s company. He told me they would protect me if anything happened to him. I’d be fine financially.”
My mind raced. I tried desperately to envision those papers again. It’d been a crazy time, and I’d been right in the middle of last minute wedding plans. I think he’d even brought them to me at the country club when I was going over the seating chart.
“I’m worried you signed something he can use against us. Our office here is emailing me a copy. They’re just waiting for Joe’s attorney to fax it over.”
“Jensen, what does this mean?” Colin questioned. “In layman’s terms. Will this affect what you’re planning on presenting today?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’ll know more when I get my hands on a copy of that document. I still think we have the upper hand. Joe and his team have no idea Kirsten is coming today. They believe I’m here representing her.
“It’s best we stick to the plan no matter what happens. When you walk in seven months pregnant, the game totally changes.”
“Thanks, Jensen. It’s hard to believe Joe has kept his lawyers in the dark about the baby. It’s a game changer for sure.” Colin was pleased with what he heard.
I was still struggling, on the other hand. Maybe it was all those years living with a tyrant. Those kinds of memories faded slowly, if at all. I knew what this man was capable of. I hadn’t followed his orders to get rid of the baby. And when I’d left him, even though he didn’t want me back, he had a point to prove. No one left Joe. He was the one who decided who left him. He would be out for revenge, and it was likely to get ugly.
Finally, the car pulled up to the hotel in the downtown area. I scooted out of the backseat, and Jensen helped me out of the car. Once on my feet, Colin was right behind me. He grabbed my hand and our fingers once again intertwined. His touch gave me support.
“I’ll have the bellhop take the bags to our rooms. We need to discuss what’s going to happen again over a quick lunch. You all go ahead. Get Kirsten out of the sun. They have a nice restaurant and it’s usually quiet. I stay here when I’m visiting our Atlanta firm.”
“Sounds good, but make sure they place Kirsten’s bags in my room. She’ll be staying with me. That’s protected information. File it under attorney client privilege, okay?” Colin smirked.
“Got it.” Jensen winked back at us.
Oh, great. Nothing like broadcasting we’re going to be sleeping together later. But I really couldn’t think about that now. I needed to focus on the matter at hand.
Colin led me into the hotel. It had a beautiful lobby with shining marble and sparkling crystal light fixtures everywhere. There was a restaurant off to the side and we made our way toward it, walking side-by-side. It felt like we were one and the same. I found him gazing at me lovingly. His affection was really all I needed when it came down to it.
There was definitely something about this moment when our eyes met. A calm feeling washed over me and made me realize what was important.
Colin, my future, and the baby. Until now, I’d lived my life on what ifs. Paralyzed by fear. I was sick of being weak, so it was time to change—starting now. Somewhere, I had the strength to fight this cruel man, and I wasn’t alone this time. I had the love of the man standing beside me, and he was beautiful, inside and out.
“You know what, Colin? I can do this—we can. No matter what happens, at the end of the day, I have you. I can’t ask for anything more.”
Suddenly, I found myself pulled into a corner next to some big tropical plant with his lips all over mine. He kissed my face, behind my ear, and up and down my neck.
Oh good God, his lips on my neck. I hadn’t felt them there in years. It was so intense. He had just a touch of scruff that tickled my skin. I was getting so worked up and felt hot all over. My knees wobbled as he made his way back up to my mouth. His arms were the only things supporting me. I couldn’t believe the way just a few kisses made me go mad. I’d probably combust later in his room.
His lips left mine, and I moaned in protest. He cupped my face, holding me tenderly, preciously. We gazed at one another. Words of love didn’t need to be spoken. They were felt somewhere deep down inside. God, how I loved this man.
“I’m tempted to tell Jensen we’re skipping lunch. Damn it, having you in my arms, kissing you, it’s maddening.” Colin’s hands left my face and moved to my waist—what little waist I had at seven months pregnant.
“I know, but we have so much riding on today. We need to keep our heads on straight and not get swept away. It’s like we’re teenagers again.” I giggled and leaned into him, laying my head on his chest.
“You’re right, but it’s tempting knowing we have a bed somewhere upstairs just waiting for us to ruffle it up.”
Colin hugged me, then led me into the restaurant. We entered just as Jensen arrived. His eyebrows rose when he saw us. I was flushed, and probably looked a bit dazed. He was a smart man, so I was sure he figured out what we’d just been doing.
“You two need to get a room.” Jensen grinned and shook his head at us. Who knew he had such a sense of humor? He’d been Mr. Play Hardball for weeks.
“Got one for later, thanks,” Colin quipped.
All I could do was roll my eyes as we followed the hostess to our table. Jensen went over the plan again, detail by detail. Nothing had changed. His office said the prenuptial contained a clause about what I’d receive in a divorce if I committed adultery. I choked on those words. So did Colin, especially knowing Joe was the one who’d admitted to being a cheater.
Either way, Jensen said the settlement he’d put together would blow away anything Joe’s attorneys would offer. Jensen had played this game before, and I had to have faith in him. He’d done Colin right, and I had to believe he would do the same for me.
7
Colin’s Turn
It was just before two—our scheduled showdown with Kirsten’s hopefully soon-to-be ex-husband. He was a royal ass for playing the prenup card at the last minute, which I guessed wasn’t all that surprising considering whom we were dealing with.
I’m sure he’d tricked her into signing all kinds of crazy shit before they were married. Fucking jerk. I didn’t use that word often. My father taught me it was best used wh
en doing two things: moving furniture and the actual act. Joe would be the exception to that rule, and I was sure my father would have agreed if he were still alive.
Jensen, Kirsten, and I rode up the elevator to Joe’s attorney’s office. We were quiet as we mentally prepared for what was ahead. Kirsten had my hand in a death grip. However, I was more worried about her poor bottom lip from her constant chewing on it.
“Hey, sweetie. Your lip,” I whispered, leaning toward her. “It needs a break.” Her eyes went wide and she smiled. I bent over and kissed her freed captive. Her lips were soft like silk. I pulled away quickly and eyed Jensen. He just rolled his eyes. I thought we were paying him for his legal expertise, not his relationship opinions.
Once off the elevator, Jensen directed us to the attorney’s office and opened the door. The place felt like a library with its dark wood paneled walls. It reeked of wealth and made it rather obvious Joe had invested in the best. Even though he was a paid public servant as a deputy district attorney, his family had deep pockets—deep old south money from what Jensen said.
We checked in at the reception desk where a young woman was seated. She informed us we were joining the other parties in a conference room. We followed her down a long hallway with wooden floors, the clicks of our collective heels echoing off the surrounding walls. The sound was eerie as it broke the silence among us.
I exchanged a glance with Kirsten, trying to encourage her. Holding her hand was out of the question, Jensen warned us. No public displays of affection. Not even a simple touch. That one might have proved to be hard, especially if Kirsten was floundering and needed my support.
After stopping in front of an expansive set of paneled doors, the receptionist tapped on them. From inside the room, a man called, “Please, come in.” She opened both doors for us. They swung open wide, practically hitting the wall behind.
