“We love you, Serene,” Ava called out and everyone laughed as Serene blew her friend a kiss.
“I want to thank my sister, Misha, and her husband, Cameron, for planning this party and preparing a special dinner for me tonight. You two make a helluva team. Let’s eat!”
Oliver clapped with the crowd as Serene gave the mic back to Misha. He ignored the urge to push everyone out of his way to get to Serene first as she began making her way around each table to greet her guests. The melodic jazz music filling the space did nothing to soothe Oliver’s growing impatience to talk to Serene. He leaned over toward Shannon so she’d hear him above the excited chatter and laughter around them as they were being served. “You were right about me being here.”
“I know.” Shannon winked at him. “I think you owe me one dance for being the catalyst for bringing you back to your true love.”
Oliver chuckled. “Fair enough.”
“These twice baked potatoes are positively sinful.” Shannon moaned. “I’m going to get Misha and Cameron to cater my next big shindig.”
“They’d love to, I’m sure.” Oliver finished his potatoes as his father approached their table.
Can a man just finish his meal in peace?
“Oliver, a word?”
Apparently not. “Just one? Dad, this is Shannon Erby. Shannon, Stephen Banner.”
Stephen shook Shannon’s hand. “A pleasure. May I borrow your date?”
“Oh, he’s not my date.” Shannon’s eyes danced with merriment. “So sure.”
“Thank you.” Stephen stepped back as Oliver got up from his chair. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
Oliver sought out Serene laughing with Josie and Ava before he walked with his dad over to the bar. “Okay, what’s up?”
“We’ve been at odds lately.”
Oliver raised an eyebrow but remained quiet. They both knew that was putting it mildly.
“You need to know that I trust your business acumen one hundred percent. If I put you in charge of a project in the future, I will not interfere and I will trust you to see it through to the end just like you did with Vegas. I’m amazed at how you handled yourself out there.”
Oliver stared at his father in surprise. His dad’s speech was the closest he’d ever gotten to an ‘I’m proud of you, son’.” “Thanks, Dad.”
Stephen nodded. “You’re welcome.”
“I’ve been wanting to say something to you for a while and now is as good a time as ever.”
“Okay, Oliver. What is it?”
Oliver glanced at his brother chatting with Misha. “Cameron needs to hear the same thing. He didn’t choose the family business, but he is kicking ass with his own. You haven’t said a single thing to him about his accomplishments or even been to his restaurants, Dad. That’s just wrong.”
Oliver held his father’s gaze, feeling a weight being lifted off him from having finally spoken his mind. Seconds of uncomfortable silence ensued before his father shocked him again and nodded.
“You’re right. I’ll fix it.”
Oliver peered closer at his father. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” Stephen chuckled when Oliver gave him a skeptical look. “Am I really that much of a hard ass?” He chortled when Oliver fake-coughed instead of answering. “Look, you and Cameron have made me damn proud. You both should know it.”
Whoa.
His father’s words touched him and Oliver didn’t know how to respond.
Stephen clapped him on the shoulder. “Now as far as your personal life—”
“That’s my business.”
“It is. I’ll do my best to stay out of it.”
Oliver ignored the sardonic glint in his father’s gaze, deciding to take him at his word. “Good. I think Mom is looking for you.” Oliver tilted his head over to where his mom sat and was waving to get his dad’s attention.
“I’ll see what she wants and then I’m going to talk to your brother.”
Oliver watched his dad walk off and grinned.
There just might be a warm heart beneath that hard ass exterior.
His mom had always said there was. She had to have fallen in love with the part he liked to keep hidden from him and Cameron. It was nice to see it for himself.
Oliver took out his phone, checking for new messages, and frowned when he saw he’d missed one. He pushed the button to listen and the joy that spread through him was indescribable as Serene’s husky voice filled his ear.
“I miss you. I’m sorry.”
Damn. He’d have wished to hear three other words, but he’d take those five. He searched the room for Serene and found her taking pictures with her Tempting Beauty staff. Was she purposely avoiding talking to him since he hadn’t returned her call? He observed more of Serene’s friends, who’d finished eating, step up to talk to her.
To hell with this.
Patience had never been one of his strong suits. If she wouldn’t come to him, he’d go to her.
Serene hugged her former college roommate, nodded at something she had said, and promised to keep in touch as she met Oliver’s steady gaze from across the room. It had taken all her self-control to finish her speech and not rush to him when she’d first laid eyes on him. She hadn’t expected him to come, especially when she hadn’t been able to reach him on the phone.
Serene’s heart dipped when Oliver stepped toward her, so handsome in his black suit. She moved forward, wishing she could read his expression as he approached. Serene broke eye contact with Oliver when she was greeted by her favorite aunt, who insisted on introducing her to two of her friends that had come along. After what seemed like an eternity, she finally pulled away from them, seeking Oliver once more. Her breath hitched when she saw him with his eyes on her, standing in the center of the floor where some had already begun dancing. She kept her eyes on his face as she walked over to him, butterflies tickling her stomach when she stopped in front of him.
“Hello, birthday girl.”
Serene smiled. “Hello, Oliver. Thank you so much for coming.” Did you get my voice message?
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Tears filled Serene’s eyes. She wanted to touch him. She wanted him to kiss her.
“You’re welcome.” Oliver shifted his attention to Shannon who joined him at his side. “This lady is the reason I’m here.”
Shards of pain lanced Serene’s heart as she forced a bright smile. “Hi, Shannon.”
“Hey!” The flawless redhead beamed as she embraced her. “Happy birthday. I love your dress. I hope I look this damn good at forty.”
“Thank you.” Serene cast a quick glance at Oliver. “I’m glad you were able to come.”
Liar.
Shannon touched her arm. “It was the perfect opportunity to see Misha’s restaurant. This place is fabulous. Where is your sister, by the way?”
“She’s by the bar.” Serene pointed to where Misha stood laughing with Cameron and her gorgeous bartender, Reed.
“I’m going to go say hi.” Shannon placed her hand on Oliver’s forearm with a warm smile that grated on Serene’s nerves. “Remember what I said.” Shannon looked at Serene, her gaze warm. “I hope all your birthday wishes come true.”
Serene exhaled as the British television host pivoted and left. She looked up at Oliver, thinking one wish had already been granted. He was here. Although this was not how she’d envisioned the moment she’d speak to him. “Is Shannon your date tonight?” Asking the question was as difficult as waiting for Oliver to answer.
“No. I’m here tonight to be with you. May I have this dance?” Oliver held out his hand with exaggerated flourish.
Relief and happiness flooded Serene as she nodded. “Yes.” She placed her hand in his and he pulled her close, gliding her around the dance floor. Serene relaxed in his arms, giving herself over to his fluid movements and the music playing. How could she have ever doubted that this was where she belonged?
Oliver pulled
back as the song came to an end. “I know there were to be no gifts, but I have one for you.” He reached into his suit jacket and produced a small box. “Do you want to open it now or later?”
“Now.” She grinned and Oliver did the same as he handed her the little gift. Serene opened it carefully and gasped when she saw the delicate gold chain and the plumeria pendant hanging from it, with an aquamarine solitaire in the center of the flower. “It’s beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Serene’s eyes widened as Oliver took out an envelope from his suit jacket.
“There’s one more thing.” He handed it to her. “Here.”
Serene took the envelope from him, tore through the seal and stared at a half dozen first class airplane tickets to Tahiti. “Oh, my God, Oliver. What is this?” Overcome with emotion, Serene lifted her face to his, uncaring of the tears falling down her cheeks or the people moving around them. She trembled as Oliver took hold of her face in his hands.
“If Tahiti is the only place you’ll be with me freely… It’s the only place I want to be. I got these gifts before I listened to your message tonight. You miss me? I miss you. You’re sorry? I’m sorry too.” He put his arms around her, swaying her to the beat of the love song playing as she cried on his chest. “Shh. I didn’t want to upset you. I just want to be with you and I’m willing to do it on your terms because the alternative is pure hell. I love you, Serene, and I’ll get you to trust in that love no matter how long it takes me.”
Serene moved back to look at him. “Oliver, I do trust in it, in you, and I’m sorry for holding back. I love you so much and I don’t care who knows.” To prove her point, Serene wrapped her arms around his neck, raised up on her tiptoes and kissed him. She moved back with a happy smile, delighted by joy sparkling in Oliver’s eyes.
“Kiss me again then.”
Serene lifted her face to do so and Oliver squeezed her, taking possession of her mouth in the same ruthless manner he’d invaded her heart. She melted against him as cheers, claps and whistles erupted around them. “Oh, wow,” she breathed when they ended the kiss and saw everyone watching them. “I guess we’ve put on a show.”
Oliver chuckled. “Should we give them more? Your birthday spanking, perhaps?” He laughed at the horrified look on Serene’s face. “Okay, we’ll save that for later.”
Serene giggled as Oliver claimed her lips again. She drew in a breath when he pulled away and gazed into his hazel eyes. “I love you, Oliver Banner. Knowing you, being with you has been the best gift of my life.”
“Serene, you tempted my soul from the very first moment I laid eyes on you.” Oliver twirled her in an effortless spin as she laughed then he yanked her back by his side. “You’re my Tiaré and I will see that you bloom.”
Epilogue
Serene ended her call with Misha with an excited squeal as Oliver approached with two drinks and a small bucket in hand. “Oliver, you’re not going to believe this!”
“Try me.” Oliver placed the drinks on the tray by their blankets.
“I just got off the phone with my sister… Guess who’s pregnant?”
Oliver blinked then shook his head. “Holy hell. You’re right. I don’t believe it.”
“I know, right?” Serene squeaked again. “Misha’s so excited!”
“And Cam?”
Serene giggled. “Misha said he’s over the moon. They’re both just surprised by the news, since they weren’t trying.”
Oliver whistled. “Wow. They will both be awesome parents.”
“Yes, they will.” Serene settled next to Oliver when he joined her on the oversized beach towel. “You know, you’ve truly spoiled me with this.” Serene gestured around the private beach with the luxurious bungalow behind them and the sparkling ocean in front.
“No such thing.” Oliver kissed her. “Tired?”
“I was just about to drift off before Misha called. What is it about this island sun that makes me so lazy?”
“Lazy doesn’t apply here. Tahitian nights are best spent like this.” Oliver brought her closer to his body. “You know the island sun has a different effect on me.”
Serene giggled as Oliver trailed his finger over the top of her bikini. “Oh?”
Oliver cupped her breast. “Mmm…hmm. It makes me extremely horny.”
Serene shivered as he unclasped the front of her bikini, baring her breasts. She gasped as he bent his head, took one nipple into his mouth and teased the tip with his tongue.
“Do you have any idea how sexy you look lying out here on this white sand?”
“No.” Serene moaned as Oliver dragged his fingers down her belly, slipped his hand into her bikini bottom and teased her clit.
“That’s a shame.” Oliver blotted out the sun as he kissed her again. He untied the sides of her bikini bottoms and Serene lifted her hips to help him remove them before he covered his body with hers.
Serene parted her legs, digging her fingers into his hair as he took her. She rejoiced in the feel of him, unsheathed, so deep inside her, the warmth of the sun on her skin and his love. She mewled as he rocked her fast then slow, drawing out their pleasure as she gazed up into his face, overwhelmed by her love for him, the adoration in his eyes as he moved within her. Oliver shifted his body, rolling them until she was on top and Serene gasped when he smacked her ass, urging her to ride harder.
Serene placed her hands on his chest and gazed into Oliver’s passion-filled eyes, feeling whole, sexy and vibrantly alive. She picked up speed as all the erotic sensations surging through her converged into one singular feeling of bliss, losing control as her climax broke. Oliver helped her bounce until her last shudder was over, fluidly reversing their positions again. She called out his name as he slammed into her with the brutal speed and depth she craved. Her wild cries sharpened, joining with the song of the ocean nearby, mixing and blending with the exotic music of the island as Oliver came.
When they’d caught their breath, he chased her out to the sea and they skinny dipped until their never-ending passion brought them back ashore. This time, Oliver made love to her. He kissed her tears as they came together for the first time. Serene wrapped her arms around him as tight as she could and he held her close and stayed within her long after their heartbeats slowed.
Later, sated and sleepy, Serene roused her head from Oliver’s chest. “What’s in that bucket?”
“Oh, yes.” Oliver raised up on his forearm, grabbed the bucket and placed it between them. “I know you’ve been gathering shells to take back home. I found a few I think you’d like on my run this morning.”
“How thoughtful.” Serene sat up and peered into the pail. “These are beautiful.” One shell stood out, a pale pink against its lighter counterparts. Serene picked it up. “So pretty. Thank you, Oliver.” Serene kissed him. “I’m going to add them all to my collection.”
“Aren’t you going to listen for the song of the ocean in it like you always do?”
“Of course.” Serene flipped the shell over, proceeded to lift it to her ear and gasped when the engagement ring inside the lip caught the sunlight and sparkled. She inhaled sharply, her eyes widening as she looked at Oliver. He never ceased to surprise her. “Oh, my goodness!”
“Serene Ryan, will you marry me?”
Serene screamed and pounced on him, laughing and crying all at the same time as Oliver pinned her beneath him.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes!”
Also available from Totally Bound Publishing:
Lovin’ Leela
Nichelle Gregory
Excerpt
Chapter One
Leela Monroe pulled her feather pillow over her ears with a groan. What the hell time was it? She turned on her side, peeking from under the pillow to read the digital clock. Two o’ clock in the morning! Another loud moan accompanied the resounding thud against her bedroom wall and Leela cursed. How many orgasms could a woman have in one night? The hot tamale next door had to
be faking.
“Oh, why did you have to move to Florida, Ms. Oliver?” Leela whispered in the dark. She missed her former elderly neighbor’s early bedtime and the delicious homemade banana bread Ms. Oliver loved to bring over and share. Now, she was living next to an insatiable, possibly sex-addicted, neighbor. She knew he was male after checking out the title on his mailbox, but she had no idea what he looked like.
The muted thuds up against her bedroom wall went double time, and Leela removed the pillow from her head, giving up on trying to block the sounds of her new neighbor getting busy for the second time in one night. It wasn’t even the weekend! What kind of job did this guy have where sleep was seemingly of no concern?
Leela unconsciously pressed her thighs together as the unknown female next door began to whimper and pant with obviously delirious pleasure. The soft thuds accompanied with protesting bed springs became harder, faster, and Leela held her breath as Ms. Hot Tamale let loose a long scream which abruptly caught off with what had to be a kiss.
“Damn you,” Leela said, pulling the covers down wishing she at least knew his first name to issue a proper curse.
She would have politely complained if she had seen him in the hall and knew what he actually looked like. He had moved in almost two weeks ago and was apparently a night owl. She had been subjected to saxophone playing late in the evenings on weekdays and for the last two consecutive days all night sex-a-thons. The sax she didn’t mind, he was actually talented… the sex was getting on her nerves and conjuring up dormant physical needs forgotten since breaking up with her ex over six months ago.
Leela hardly noticed the tempting scents of late night pizza wafting through her open window with the sound of wailing police sirens in the distance. Food was not what she craved. Flipping on to her back, Leela stared up at the ceiling fan swirling above her queen size bed. She loved her loft styled condo, spending almost a year getting everything just like she wanted. She had chosen the place because of the amount of space, the neighborhood and the location to the L train, but she hadn’t bargained on poor insulation between each condo.
Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined) Page 19
