by Tina Martin
“Talk to me,” he said. He took a bite of the tuna wrap.
“Us being apart was difficult for me, Harding. I don’t think you understand the amount of stress I was under with trying to please my parents and you at the same time.”
“I get that part, but ultimately, I got the raw end of the deal.”
“You did, and I deeply and truly apologize because I never meant to hurt you.”
He took a sip of water. “When I saw you with Dudley, I thought I was going to lose it. No, I did lose it. I knew you were playing me. I just knew it.”
“But I wasn’t.”
“I know that now. I’m just telling you what was going through my mind at that particular moment. After all, he was the man your parents approved for you. I thought that was the real reason you didn’t want me showing up at your house or in Charleston, period.”
“I can assure you that it’s not. I have no interest in Dudley, and he has none in me. In fact, he’s in a serious relationship.”
Harding nodded. “If you knew your parents were particular about who they wanted you to marry, why didn’t you follow their playbook and marry some rich guy and live happily ever after.”
“My heart isn’t set up that way. My mother married for money. I see how unhappy she and my father is. I didn’t want to end up like them.”
“But you could’ve fallen in love with a man who had money just the same as you fell in love with me.”
“I could have.”
“So, why give it all up for me?”
She smiled warmly at him. “Harding, from the moment we met, there were sparks flying all over the place. Am I right?”
“Yes. You’re right.”
“We clicked, and nothing like that had ever happened to me before. I was drawn to you—like I knew you, needed you and wouldn’t be able to do without you. It’s the same way I need you now. It’s why I was crushed when you mentioned something about a divorce.”
“You know why I said that.”
“You said it because you meant it. You wanted to divorce me.”
He took a sip of water. Staring deeply into her eyes, he said, “I wanted to move on with my life. I didn’t want to be stuck fighting for a woman who didn’t want me…who wasn’t fighting for me.”
“But you knew I wanted you.”
“I did, but your actions weren’t showing me that. You were saying you wanted me, but when it came down to it, you were showing me you wanted your lifestyle. You wanted to stay in Charleston and to make matters worse, you didn’t want me there with you.”
Savannah stewed quietly. He was right but that was the past, and she was trying to put it behind her. “Does it matter to you that I’ve given up everything for us?”
“It bothers me.”
Her face contorted. “Why would it bother you when it’s what you wanted?”
“You shouldn’t have to destroy your life because you chose a man who doesn’t live up to your family’s expectations. The thought that I was taking you away from a life I could never give you was always one of my top concerns when it came to us. That’s why I wanted a divorce. It wasn’t for me. It was for you.”
Savannah pondered his words. If only her parents could see Harding for the man he was and accept him for that. But no, they were too busy pointing out everything he was not to the point that he couldn’t measure up to a single bullet point on their list of standards. She couldn’t blame Harding for feeling the way he felt now that he’d explained himself. Still, it hurt hearing that nasty divorce word come out of his mouth and remembering how cold and distant he was towards her.
“I want to know and have confidence that you’re in my corner, Harding. I need to know that, when times get tough, you’re not going to bail on me. I need to know that no matter how bad things are between us, you’ll be willing to work it out and not even mention or think about a divorce. I need to know I can trust you to be there for me and our baby.”
“You can. I’m sorry, and I promise I will never say anything about a divorce, separation or anything related to splitting up. You’re stuck with me for life, now, Savannah.”
A glow of happiness spread across her face.
“I also need some reassurances,” Harding said.
“I’m listening.”
“I need to know that, if you’re going to commit to me, you won’t keep us hidden. I missed out on the first year of our marriage because I was your secret. I was sneaking around to see you like I was doing something illegal. I won’t tolerate that going forward.”
“I don’t want you to. I’m sorry, Harding. You will never have to do that again. Now, are we okay?”
“Yes. We are. Come here,” he told her.
She stood up and said, “Wait, let me grab something first.” She quickly walked to the bathroom, took his wedding band from her necklace then walked over to him. She straddled him, sitting in his lap, facing him. She took his left hand and slid the band down the length of his finger.
“Don’t ever take it off again,” she told him.
“I won’t. I love you, Savannah Champion.”
“I love you, Harding Champion.”
His hands meandered up her gown and settled right there on her backside as he leaned forward to pull her lips with his, kissing her like he hadn’t gotten his fill a couple of hours ago. Apparently, he hadn’t. He kept on kissing her until he tasted the warmness of her tongue and in a desperate maneuver, she grabbed at his boxers until she could see that impressive manly part of him.
Savannah lifted her body then eased down on top of him feeling him settle deep inside of her soul. And she moved with an equal amount of desperation, knowing they were one again and she didn’t have to worry about losing him. She grabbed the back of his neck and held on as she rocked into him. He had his hands locked securely on her backside, pulling her closer with every forward rock. And then her body exploded as she sang out his name over and over again but he didn’t stop. He held her firmly in place, lifting up from the seat, taking her this way until her name belted from his mouth and liquid fire transferred from his soul into her body, setting her ablaze.
“Savannah!”
He couldn’t stop. He kept going as if on auto-pilot and when more sensations overtook him, he drained himself again, groaning loudly and then locked his arms tight around her.
“Oh, Harding,” Savannah panted, completely spent. “There’s no way I could live without this for the rest of my life.”
He chuckled while holding her securely still on top of him. Breathing roughly, he said, “You don’t have to, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”
Chapter 39
Savannah walked out of orientation looking forward to lunch with Harding. She was feeling better than she’d felt in a long time, besides the occasional bouts of morning sickness – welcomed pain as far as she was concerned. She had her man back. She had a job, a baby on the way – life wasn’t working out as planned, but she had no complaints. The unorganized pieces were slowly settling into place.
Immediately after pushing her office door open, her eyes slammed with Harding’s. She instantly felt her stomach tighten as a tingling sensation pooled at her desire, making her entire body shiver. She adjusted her blazer, pulling it closed and then crossed her arms.
“Hi,” she said.
Harding dropped the pen he was holding and looked her up and down. She had on a black above-the-knee skirt suit today with a white blouse underneath and calf-high black leather boots. “Hi. Are you cold?”
“No. Why?”
“Because you just pulled your jacket together and your arms are crossed.”
“Oh,” she said, dropping her arms to her side. “No. I’m not cold.”
“Nervous, then?”
Her eyes twinkled as she tried to mask a smile. “What makes you think that, Mr. Champion?”
“I know you, remember?”
“Then you should know that I’m hungry,” she said, attempting to change the subject.
> “I’m hungry, too. Just not for food.”
Cheeks turning pinker by the moment, she said, “Harding. Stop it. I need you to focus.”
Unable to rid himself of the dimple in his cheek and the humor in his eyes, he said, “Okay. I’m listening.”
“Are you able to take a break so we can do lunch?”
“I’d rather do you.”
Her cheeks went from pink to red – body went from shivering to burning up. “Harding…”
“What?” He stood up and crossed the room over to her. “Is it wrong for me to want you?”
“No.”
“Then I say we go back to the hotel unless you want to mess up your office, in which case, I’ll happily pay for the damages.”
“Harding Champion…what’s gotten into you?”
“It’s not what’s gotten into me,” he said, nudging her chin up so their eyes connected again. “It’s what I’m about to get into. What I’m about to taste. What I’m about to enjoy. You.” He took her lips with a force that nearly snatched the breath right out of her lungs. With her bottom lip in his mouth, he pulled away from her, stretching her supple lip in the process, and when he was completely disconnected from her, he said, “Tell me, Savannah, are you with it?”
She stared up into his eyes. “Harding, we can’t make love in the middle of the day. I have to come back to work, and you know how sleepy I get after we’ve done the deed.”
“I’ll try my best to not completely drain you.”
“Harding—”
“I need you,” he said before she could offer a full explanation.
“Okay. You’ve talked me into it. C’mon,” she said, grabbing him by the belt buckle. “Let’s go.”
* * *
They opted for her room since they would get there quicker than his. Why waste a few more seconds going to the tenth floor when they’d reach the ninth floor first? When they’d already started making out in the elevator, kissing their way to Room 903?
Wasting no time – not even a second of their lunch break, he sent her skirt to the floor, along with a pair of black lace panties, and took her straight to the bed. Then he loosened his zipper, let his pants fall to the floor before he filled her with the abundant ripeness of his tumescence, listening as she moaned while he inched into heated dampness, filling her desire. And he began moving, pulling back and going forward over and over again. Her calls out to him intensified his need for her.
“Oh, baby,” he said, breathless. “You don’t know how much I needed this. I couldn’t focus this morning for needing this…for wanting you so much.”
Savannah moaned, her body absorbing the shocks of his power, her hands struggling to grip his muscled frame. Her eyelids slammed closed, her face contorted then a scream tore from her lips. “Harding. Harding!” And then he belted out her name as a force as potent as anything he’d ever felt locked his body solidly for a moment, then jerked him free, opening the floodgates of his passion until he let everything loose inside of her.
He cradled his head around her neck and breathed forcefully, struggling for air. While their bodies cooled and breaths calmed down a bit, he glanced up at her and smiled. He snuck a kiss from her lips and began easing his body away from her to disconnect their intimate connection.
“No, no, no, stop,” Savannah said, locking her legs around his thighs so he couldn’t move.
“What are you doing?” he asked, amused.
“I want more,” she admitted shamelessly.
He chuckled a bit. “Anymore, baby, and neither one of us is going back to work today.”
She laughed. “You’re so right, but—”
“No buts,” he said, dipping his head to steal a kiss. “This was just an appetizer. We’ll have the full dinner tonight.”
“Well, at least I’ll have something to look forward to.”
“You will, now can you release me, counselor?” he asked.
“No. I hold you in contempt for being a tease.”
His genuine laughter satisfied her.
She lifted her head from the pillow to meet his lips and after kissing him to her satisfaction, she loosened her legs from around him and said, “I love you.”
“I love you.”
He resumed easing his body away from hers, then stood beside the bed, stepped in his boxers and pulled them up. Next came his pants.
Savannah scooped up her clothes and went into the bathroom to freshen up. About five minutes later, she came out fully dressed and said, “Oh, before I forget, babe, I’m going to a spa with Emily after work. She wants to have a pregnancy pampering day. Her words. We’re getting facials, massages and pedicures.”
“That sounds nice. You deserve to be pampered. In fact—” He took out his wallet and removed two one-hundred-dollar bills. “It’s on me.” He handed the money to her.
“Harding, I don’t need—”
“Take it,” he said. “Enjoy yourself with Emily and get yourself pampered. When you’re done, come straight to my suite.”
Savannah smiled, accepting the money. “Thank you. I will.”
Chapter 40
Harding had just finished up with Savannah’s computer when Zoya called for the third time today. He answered, “Hello.”
“Don’t hello me. Where are you?”
He grinned at his feisty, sister. He knew she was still upset with him. Yet, it didn’t stop her from inquiring about him. “I’m working, Zoe.”
“I had to hear it from Mordecai that you took a job at The Champion Corporation.”
“A two-week contract position. Yes.”
“And mama’s been worried since you hadn’t bothered calling her.”
A light chuckle escaped his lips. “I just got here yesterday.”
“So?”
He laughed again. He knew his mother wasn’t the one who was worried. Zoya was. He could see her lips poked out even though he wasn’t actually looking at her. “I’m fine, Zoe. I’m working and—”
“What about Savannah? Have you had a chance to talk to her?”
Oh yeah. We’ve talked all right…
He smiled. “Yes. We’ve talked.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“Harding…”
He chuckled. “Savannah and I are okay.”
“You’re back together?” Zoya inquired.
“Yes, Zoe. We’re together.”
“Yes! I knew you would work things out with her.”
“We have too much history not to. I love her.”
“I know you do. She’s the only woman you’ve ever introduced to us. Just like you’ll know the man for me when I introduce you to him.”
“You say that like you have someone in mind.”
“I don’t. I’m just giving you advance warning.”
Harding chuckled. “You need to give him advance warning. Poor guy. Me and Mordecai are going to have a field day with him…see what he’s made of.”
Zoya laughed. “Whatever.”
“Laugh now. Cry later.”
She giggled again. “You’re back to your old self. You seem so much happier.”
“I am. Me and Savannah have a long road ahead of us, but at least we’re traveling it together this time.”
“Yep.”
“How’s Amira, by the way?” Harding questioned.
“She’s good. She was over here a lil’ while ago asking me if I heard from you.”
“Then I know who I’m calling next.”
“And call your mother, too, or I’m going to hear about it. You know how she gets when she doesn’t hear from us for a while, and by a while, I mean one day.”
He laughed. “I’ll call her, too.”
“All right, Harding. I’m happy everything is working out for you.”
“Me, too. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay.”
When he was off the phone with Zoya, he called Amira, followed by his mother to let the both of them know he had taken the tempora
ry job in Asheville. And they both seemed satisfied and genuinely happy that he was back together with Savannah.
* * *
“Ah, this feels so good,” Savannah said as she laid face up on the massage table with a sheet covering her body while the massage therapist worked on her feet.
“Girl, I get one of these every week,” Emily said. “If not here, at home. Dante is always eager to oblige.”
Savannah smiled. “I’m sure Harding would, too. We’ve been sorting through our problems. We actually had lunch today.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“It is. I feel so much better about everything since he and I are in a better place, you know.”
“I knew you guys had to be okay when Harding called Dante earlier looking for the name of our pediatrician. I forgot to give you the information the other night, but Harding has it now.”
“Oh. He didn’t tell me.”
“He called today around four-ish according to Dante. Dante was so happy.”
“He was?”
“Girl, yes. Dante is a stickler for family unity. He was beside himself with happiness...said he couldn’t wait to spoil your little one like he does all the children in the family.”
“He loves children, huh?”
“Yes. He’s already talking about having another one and I’m still pregnant.” Emily laughed.
Savannah laughed, too.
“Anyway, let me be quiet so you can enjoy the full benefit of your massage. Just try not to fall asleep.”
“Okay.” Savannah closed her eyes and drifted into a state of euphoria, feeling the massage therapist rub her sore muscles. A smile came to her face when she thought of Harding and their baby and how they were working on their marriage. For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t stressed out. She was truly happy and in love.
Chapter 41
“Hey,” she said when Harding opened the door showing abs and rocking a pair of low-riding boxers. “My room key didn’t work for some reason, so I came up here.”
