"Mitch Morgan hatched a scheme to get Collins’ lands years ago, because he'd figured out how to drill for oil. My father always thought yours was a thief, though that's not official." His eyes rolled to Clara, who sipped her iced tea, making faces of exuberance every time she tasted her drink. "You deserved better, Victoria Morgan. I'm glad you're free and can experience what family is supposed to be."
She shook her head, but Colt's words seem to find a way to sprint up her spine and left her tingling. "My shop and the money in my account is all I have now from the House of Morgan, officially. I refused to allow Peter to leave me shares."
"I'm sure the money is far more than most people can imagine." Colt reached across the table to stroke her hand, and her shoulders became less tense. "Vicki, you don't know how to trust anyone or how to do anything but run away."
The only honest person she truly knew stared at her. Her eyes met his and she gulped. She needed to change topics fast, as her stomach twisted in knots. "What happened to Belle?"
His cheeks turned red. "I told you. She's gone. I drove her to the airport."
Gone wasn't how a man in love typically talked, was it? "For good? Or is the wedding still on, Colt?"
He stared at the table. Then he gazed at Clara. "I told her I'd cancel the wedding, return the gifts, and pay back any money spent."
Her heart thundered as heat coursed through her. She had to school her face and not smile. He was in pain. Her lips didn't quite close, and all she could say was, "Ohh, wow."
He reached across the table again and took her hand. His sexy eyes stared back at her, and she lost her voice. Her cheeks burned as he told her, "I did it because I am not packing Clara and moving to Washington. Our lives are here."
"I'm glad." With unshed tears in her eyes, Vicki had so many more questions and so much to say, but not in front of Clara. Not yet. They might turn out to be a family, and tomorrow they'd tell her.
The waitress returned with plates of food. "Let's eat," Vicki said.
He massaged his neck. "I don't want to hurt you, Vicki. You're important too."
They had a chance to start something now. She gazed at her plate to not give away her thoughts. "The promise you made about the natural and right moment is soon, Colt. Then we have no walls that might come between us."
"I understand." He nodded.
Clara ate her food in silence mostly, but stared at both the adults.
Vicki's heart kept up its pitter-patter every time she peeked at Colt, so she focused on her chicken sandwich until there was nothing left on her plate.
Done, she glanced at Colt. He had finished too. She bit her lip for a moment and then asked, "Want me to drive Clara, or do you want to take her?"
He shook his head. "I let you have her all day. Meet you at home."
A home sounded great. He walked behind her to her car and then buckled Clara in her car seat. With their daughter staring at them, he kept one hand in his pocket and hugged Vicki goodbye. She pressed her arms around his shoulders and whispered, "See you at home."
He nodded.
Fire burned inside her on the ride back. For once everything was going right in the world, and she couldn't wait.
Chapter 17
Colt beat them home, and waited for them on the porch. Vicki stared at his manly silhouette—his hard muscles, chiseled chin, and cowboy hat—as she drove up. Her heart surged the moment she parked and imagined that he'd come into the light and kiss her. The image left her breathless, and her lips tingled. She swallowed and tried to ignore the visions as she turned off the engine. Clara was fast asleep in her car seat.
"Leave your suitcase for me. I'll get it later."
The sound of his voice was like a warm tropical breeze. His broad shoulders drew closer as she unlocked her door and stepped out of the car. Her body warmed as he came closer, though he headed for the back. She straightened her dress as he picked up Clara. Vicki followed him inside the house with the small bags.
She placed her shopping bags on the counter as Colt carried Clara right into her to bed. A moment later, she kicked off her Jimmy Choos and then went to her daughter's room. Colt already had her on the bed, so she fixed her sweet daughter's hair on the pillow. She'd not miss another day. Tomorrow, no matter what happened, they had to tell Clara.
Clara lightly snored.
Colt stood and took Vicki's hand. His huge hand sent a wave that washed through her as he led her back to the living area. As he led her to the couch, she flipped on the lights as hope surged through her. Her entire body tingled with his nearness. He helped her settle on the couch and then sat beside her.
"Colt, tomorrow we are telling her I'm her mom. This pretense is over."
"Yes." His brown eyes darkened as he stared at her. "Tomorrow, princess. Today was already dramatic, and we have to make sure we paint this picture clearly to Clara. I don't want to build up some dream then dash her hopes, Vicki. You both deserve to be treated with honor."
A spell of some sort was in the air. Everything felt magical. She whispered, "What made you believe it was time to tell her?"
"Do you want to wait?"
"No." Her lips tingled as she stared at his mouth. "But what made you change your mind?"
His hand went on top of hers. "You've been nothing but great with our daughter, and Clara deserves a mother that loves her."
"Thank you. I'm grateful." She pushed her hair behind her ear. "What happened with Belle?"
"I don't want to talk about it. Not yet."
She scooted closer to him, and he whiffed his manly smell. "Colt, I'm here for Clara."
He held still. "Is that all?"
Desire wasn't part of their deal, but she'd not say that. It wasn't fair. She met his gaze. "What else is there?"
Her lips tingled as she opened them and he stared at her mouth. Her skin radiated warmth. Then he shook his head. "Vicki, we are the past. Clara has a future and we're her parents. We have a responsibility…"
No, he'd not break whatever possessed them both right now. She placed her hand on his arm. "You changed the diapers and did the hard work, Colt, but that doesn't make us any less human."
His shoulders dropped. "I don't want you to think there is a 'we' because I ended things with Belle. Vicki, you deserve far better treatment, and I'm not ready."
Guilt didn't belong in their lives. They hadn't done anything to Belle. Vicki's mind went blank. "The only deadline here is telling Clara. No one gets hurt."
He swallowed then placed his hands gently on her hips. She opened her arms and hugged his shoulder. Fireworks went off inside her body. If they went slowly, they might build a future. "I thought you weren't ready?"
His arms went around her more firmly, and her eyes grew wider. "You're the light that beams in the darkness, Vicki."
She closed her eyes. Then he leaned closer, and her body fluttered. "Fireworks" didn't begin to describe how his lips on hers set her off. She stilled until he tugged her hip to bring her closer. She followed, and she could taste the smell of oranges in the air around her.
His delicious lips met hers and he kissed her.
Her arms circled his shoulders, and she tried to close any gap between them. His arms that held her in his embrace sent sweet tremors through her. His lips stopped pressing against her, and he opened his eyes. His gaze seemed tortured, as he grumbled, "Vicki, tell me to stop."
Absolutely not. This was where she belonged. She'd follow wherever he desired, and she'd be happy on this farm. Coming home meant Colt. Without a word, she stood, took his hand, and tugged him to stand up. He looked confused, until she stepped toward his bedroom door. His eyes widened. She pressed her body in his and wrapped her arms around him. "Colt Collins, I want you right now."
For one second, he didn't move.
Her heartbeat grew loud, and she feared he'd say no. Then his large, calloused hands slipped under the top of her dress and pressed against her naked back. He took a hard, deep breath, then kissed her.
Bursts of energy coursed through her as he led her.
Nothing fazed her until she heard the door click open. Her lips pressed against his again as she realized they were in his bedroom. She traced his sexy, muscular backside with her fingers and delighted.
His skin was hot.
With her arms around his waist, she ran her hand under his shirt to touch his firm, rock-hard abdomen and trace his spine.
As a result, he deepened their kiss and groaned when both his arms pulled her closer.
Something firm hit her leg, and she broke the kiss and peeked over her shoulder. She laughed—it was the dresser—then took in her surroundings. The bed was behind him.
Then she tugged on his pants to push him toward the bed. Her clothes became uncomfortable. She unbuckled his belt, then unzipped her dress as she guided his hand to lift it off her.
He didn't need much convincing.
He kept his arms around her and led her toward the bed. As she kissed the orange-soaked skin of his neck, he closed his eyes and smelled her hair.
She almost said something, but then his rough skin brushed against her face. He leaned down to kiss her again and whispered, "Vicki, you drive me crazy. You do know that."
"Don't stop, Colt. I want you." She unbuttoned his shirt and kissed the exposed skin. A fire grew inside of her, and she had to have him. It had been too long. "I'm turned on and excited for you."
His muscular arms surrounded her, and she sighed. His tortured face held so much patience, but she remembered no one had ever made her feel like he had. Once she'd had fun and had reckless abandon.
The taste of him in her mouth brought with it a sense of freedom and hope.
She slid onto his bed, as he kept his arms around her waist.
With a huge smile that she couldn't control, she unbuttoned his jeans. As she stared at a body meant for a movie god, a blaze grew inside her. Yes, she wanted this.
In a flash, he slid his pants and underwear off his body.
She reached and helped him take his shirt off.
Finally, she sat and gazed upon his nakedness. Colt was perfect. He had the build of an ancient gladiator or medieval knight, and his calloused hands sent arousal through her body.
Her heart stirred as she gazed at his eyes. The expressions on his face were still the same boy she remembered. She winked and told him, "Even your manhood has grown."
"It grew when I was with you."
Impossible, but her heart let the compliment shine inside her. He leaned over her and kissed her hard. His skin on her soft skin melted any thoughts. His rough hands ran against her smooth skin as he rolled to her side, and electricity inside her cells awakened every part of her. A moan escaped her, and she wrapped her arms around him to have him on top of her.
This was the time.
His erection grew next to her fiery body, and something primal inside her broke too.
"Colt…" She kissed his neck. He kissed her shoulders, and she urged him, "Hurry."
A wolfish grin flashed on his face, and then he ran his fingers into her center. Her legs opened with their own mind, and she arched to kiss the hollow of his neck.
As he played with her body, a sigh escaped her lips. She kissed his shoulder and became more primal.
His five o'clock shadow tickled her body as he pressed himself against her, and every cell in her body lit up like a firecracker. "I need you now, Colt."
Another grin appeared as he kissed the tender nipple, which sent delightful shock waves through her. All she could do as the sensation rolled through was wrap her arms around him to hold tight.
She was unable to think; her legs curled around his hard body to surround him, and his penis pressed against her nether lips.
He gripped her hips with his hands, and she kissed the nape of his neck.
Finally, he slid inside her.
Everything inside her ached for him, and she urged him with her gyrations until she could no longer do anything but beg him. With a sudden brush of his body, something inside her released and she shattered.
Chapter 18
Colt smelled her strawberry-and-peaches hair first. The few times she'd been in his truck or in those hotel rooms of Paris, her hair smelled similar.
Then rocks formed in his stomach and he couldn't breathe. His mind raced. He hadn't meant for anything to happen last night. The last person he'd hurt was Vicki. First, he had ended things with Belle, dropped her at the airport. Last night, Vicki smelled like strawberries and so deliciously like home.
He ran his hair through his head and sat.
She lay on her side beside him in his bed, and her blonde hair was tossed all over the pillow. This had been a huge mistake. He knew better, and now he seemed as shallow as all the people he'd never respected.
He stared outside his window, and saw the moon that shone through the night sky.
His muscles tensed. The strawberry smell wafted up to his nose, and he turned to stare at Vicki one more time.
She used to be the fantasy. She was sweet and had starred in his dreams since they day he'd met her, but that was long before Belle.
The Marines had been part of his life for years. His face heated, and he swallowed as he turned away from Vicki. He had no idea what to say to her now. He wasn't ready for another relationship, and she deserved respect. They'd planned a life where they shared Clara. He couldn't deny that to her either.
A metal fence with barbed wire grew around his heart.
He shifted in the sheets, and she stirred. He stopped and tried to still himself. The last thing he needed was for her to ask questions.
Moments later, her soft sigh as she settled meant he could breathe. He lowered the sheet and went slowly. Perhaps one day, if he was honest with himself, he hoped she'd belong to him, but not as a rebound. He stared at her and hoped she stayed asleep for a few more minutes.
He shifted his legs to get up, but then her arm brushed against his thigh. He turned and saw her big blue eyes staring at him. His heartbeat grew as he stared at the same eyes that had haunted him for years. He ran his hand through his hair and tried to smile.
"Morning," she whispered, and scooted closer to him. "You getting up to check the farm?"
The farm. Yes, that was a good excuse. Outside meant he could breathe. He nodded. "There is a lot of work to do. Life here will always be chores."
She sat, though kept the covers from revealing her nakedness. "And we've worked as a team since I arrived, haven't we?"
He didn't want to scare her away or offer more promises he couldn't keep. He didn't know what he wanted. He stayed still, and she stretched her arms. "I'll get a morning cup of coffee ready for you."
"You don't have to. I can get it myself."
"I want to help you, Colt."
His skin was electrified. He shook his head. "I told Belle I wasn't in love with her and that marriage was a mistake. Last night with you…it shouldn't have happened, Vicki. I'm not a good fit for anyone."
Her head tilted as she stared at him. "Colt, last night was fun. I'm glad this happened. Don't stress about anything."
Fun wasn't what he wanted with her. They weren't young, and this wasn't cheap. His blood ran cold as tension wrapped around his muscles. "I can't make you more promises, Vicki."
"Stay calm, Colt." She leaned on the headboard of the bed, "We're both consenting adults and we had fun."
The word fun scraped against his skin like razor blades. She should tell him that she cared about him. He shook his head, as that last thought wasn't true either. "Belle told me I was being stupid and listening to my doubts because you were here, and reliving my childhood wouldn't make me happy. Then I dropped her off and came home to you. It's a jerk move, and I'd not want a man to do that to my daughter."
"Our daughter." She reached out and took his hand in hers. Her small hands were soft and like silk. "And don't let whatever happened with Belle poison our family. Today is supposed to be about Clara."
"Why did you say that?" He sc
ratched his head. How did Clara fit into this conversation? His brain screamed that she might want to take her from him.
"We tell her I'm her mother," she reminded him as she crossed her legs.
Yes, he hadn't forgotten, but it wasn't enough. They didn't make sense. He crossed his arms. "Vicki."
"Colt, you're not going anywhere now." She gathered the sheet to cover her nakedness. "You promised. Today is the big day."
At least this big day didn't come with him at the altar declaring his eternal love. Vicki waiting for him to slip the ring on her finger was another fantasy. His cheeks must be red, as he hadn't felt this hot in years. He'd not go anywhere. He was being an idiot. "Let me go and handle my chores first. I'll keep my word."
They stood and he grabbed his pants. She unfolded her bra and slipped it on. "I'll have breakfast ready, including that coffee."
Burned everything would taste fine to him. He closed his eyes, and the heaviness on his shoulders doubled. "I'll be home soon. Don't worry about me."
She threw her dress over her shoulders and tugged it over her body. Then she dropped the sheet on the floor.
His skin itched that he needed to move. In the military, he'd look for something physical so someone would hit him. Here, at least he had work. He had to run. He lowered his gaze and found his t-shirt.
Victoria Morgan was an angel in his life, but she deserved far better than him.
Vicki deserved to have it all, and he wasn't able to be that guy for her.
Vicki showered in the bathroom in her room, and stretched. Visions of how Colt had kissed her replayed over and over. Her lips tingled and her body was warm from last night, but she refused to rush Colt.
The way his gaze flickered and how his shoulders stayed tense were all the evidence she needed. She'd not add more layers right now. She sighed and told herself they were adults, and could be adventurous and carefree. Her stomach growled, and she held together, reminding herself of her promise. She opened the door and found a note from Colt tacked on. She squinted and then tore the paper down to read it in her hand.
[House of Morgan 01.0 - 03.0] Boxed Set Page 33
