Passion, Vows & Babies_Unexpected Bliss Read online

  Our family of five went through a major divorce when I was seventeen. I have to say that I wasn’t surprised since my middle brother told me that he had spied our mother with a professor where they were both attending community college. My parents never seemed right for each other to me, they were always off doing their own thing. My father worked long hours nearly every day of the week while my mother cared for us and did charity work with my grandmother. Things really changed the older we got, when our mother no longer needed to cart us around. She told my father she wanted to get an education when my oldest brother went off to college. My father said he thought that was a great idea and applied for college too. The big difference was that he picked a college on the other side of the country and put in for a job transfer.

  It was only after my brothers and their wives started having families of their own that Ellis Fleming Hayes had decided to reclaim his old position in the family business and with the family. Being the only single son, who better than me to step into his shoes? I didn’t tell him but I wasn’t sure that I wanted all of his obligations. It was my brothers who advised me to go and smooth the transition toward a management team to handle the properties my father was so proud of and considered his babies.

  Realizing that Saffron appeared distressed, I interrupted my father’s words, “Are you okay?” I loved that it allowed me the chance to touch the warm, silky skin on her arm and watch her reaction to my hand on her. If I wasn’t mistaken her breathing changed similar to when I was pleasuring her...

  “I feel a little lightheaded,” she stated, causing me to toss away my naughty thoughts and focus on her not feeling well and paying attention to words she was mumbling under her breath. “I really needed to eat something...first I need to relieve my bladder...”

  I had a feeling that her last words included “and get the hell out of here.” I was pretty sure that once she slipped out to the lobby she was about to skip out completely if given the chance. In an attempt to prevent her from escaping me, I offered to escort her to the bathroom or anywhere she wanted to go. There was no way she was getting away from me that day or ever, if I had my say in the matter.

  “I’m fine. I know my way round the facility very well.” Saffron tried to shake me off but it wasn't going to work. It didn’t matter whether she lived on the property and walked the grounds every day. I was sticking to her side like glue.

  “I agree with Laird. Let him walk you. I don’t want you to fall down. He can catch you if you feel faint.” My father smiled with a hint of laughter. “I, actually, think you two should get to know each other better.”

  Was he attempting to play matchmaker?

  That confused me more about them. If they had a special relationship, surely he would not be trying to set us up...or would he?

  “I’ll attend to our guests and handle lunch. Hurry back...or not.” He definitely had a smirk on his face when he added that last part. “In fact, you better get moving,” he said with a nod of his head.

  Turning my attention in the direction of the double doors leading out to the lobby, I caught the tail-end of Saffron’s attempt to make the great escape. Had my father made her feel uncomfortable with his suggestive words? If they had dated I could understand her not being thrilled about being cast off to his son. There was more between them.

  Please, God, tell me that they did not sleep together.

  I prayed that I was dead wrong and took off after her before she gave me the slip. Thankfully, I was right in time as she walked briskly just out of sight around a corner. Speeding my pace up without knocking hotel guests down, I regained a visual on her and watched her push open a door to the ladies’ restroom.

  Only one way in and out, I just had to patiently wait for her to re-emerge and then she was mine!

  Chapter Fifteen

  Saffron

  Could things get any more uncomfortable or weird? I silently questioned as I listened to two men speaking about me as if I wasn’t standing right there between them. From suggesting that I needed help to get to the bathroom to practically planning a date for me with Laird.

  Caught up in their conversation, I was able to turn away and slip out of the room. Had I not had to relieve my bladder for real, I would’ve made a straight beeline out to the valet parking stand in the front of the hotel and claimed my car. Unfortunately, nature called and had me heading away from the exit to the ladies’ room. Just a slight detour for the moment. I, for sure, was not returning to the conference room. No way. No how. Ellis would not be surprised since I mentioned not feeling well. Laird, on the other hand, may not be thrilled that I didn’t return. I could deal with that at a later time since it was certain that I would run into him while I was on the property.

  In fact, not too far off in the future since I had a few events that I was committed to—an engagement party, a wedding and a bridal fair that I had agreed to be part of. Not that Laird would need to be anywhere near me or those events. Ellis had only seen me when I popped into his office for meetings at first and after we started dating he never interfered with my job. He gave me plenty of space and freedom—only assisting me when I asked for help.

  Something told me that was not to be the case with Laird. Maybe it was the fact that he was waiting for me outside of the restroom. Handsome as ever, Mr. Fantasy smiled as he leaned sexily up against a square support column with his hands in the front pockets of his slacks, posed like a male fashion model. Just gawking at him was reason enough to get lightheaded all over again or maybe that was called swooning.

  I must’ve looked goofy standing there like a lovesick puppy dog when he smiled at me before sauntering over to me. Already feeling weak in the knees, things got even worse or better when he drew up close to me. His warmth caressed my body and instantly sent chills roaming to every inch of my body.

  “You smell like lemons and sunshine.” He was actually breathing me in.

  Sunshine? He said the strangest things. “What does sunshine smell like?”

  “I guess that’s a bit cheesy.” He laughed, presenting a dazzling smile.

  “You’re good at delivering those lines.”

  “You remember?”

  “How could I forget? You were charming.”

  “It worked.”

  My body was ready to explode as I agreed, “It did.” Those two little words came out breathy and I tried to regain some composure to stop myself from moaning.

  “A quiet drink somewhere?”

  “Are you looking for an inappropriate hook up?”

  “I like you inappropriate a lot... I’ve been dying to know if your undergarments match your dress and shoes.”

  “One way to find out.” I didn’t know what the hell I was saying...and I did.

  “Brave even without alcohol. I love it! Let’s get out of here.”

  “The meeting?” Not that I really cared. I was not thinking logically at all.

  “It’s over...just lunch… I think we require a private, one on one meeting.” He was steering me toward the front of the lobby where the valet stand waited outside the grand entrance where designer ducks...swans—whatever they were called—greeted guests arriving at the resort.

  I had no reason to fight him as a fancy Italian sports car stopped in front of me and Laird implored me to get in. I didn’t question where he was taking me, I was along for whatever ride he wanted to give me. Heading in the direction of Palm Springs, my breath escaped in a gasp as he turned up into a hilly neighborhood well-known as the Southridge area.

  “Do you...do you live here? Rent? Lease?” I gawked out the window at great Mid-Century Modern homes as we climbed to a point that surely had to have an amazing view of the valley and mountains in the distance.

  “I bought this.” He stopped before heading up a private crushed-granite driveway and I turned my attention straight ahead as my dream house came into focus.

  “No. You’re joking. This isn’t real. This is so not happening. I’m dreaming.”

  The a
rea was very famous. Many celebrities had owned houses on the hillside going back to the time the house staring at me was built and before. His house I knew well and had been watching its turnover for the last few years on a real estate site. Not that I could afford it...but if I hit the lotto... He was the one that had purchased it recently! Oh my gawd! I had been up to an exclusive open house a few months back—the house was on the market for nearly a year—with a real estate friend of mine since they weren’t opening it up to just anybody.

  And then it hit me! “I told you about this house. This very house...I described it to you—”

  “You didn’t give me the address or city it was in. That could’ve made my search for you a whole lot easier than—”

  It was my turn to cut him off, shocked by his words. “You’ve been looking for me?”

  “Did you not listen to a word that I’ve said over the last twenty minutes? The contest...the computer search...contemplating a plane flight to Africa or wherever the fuck Perry and Makayla are now—”

  “I was more focused on your speeding and how fast you got us here.” I had listened to a few of his words, in all honesty, but I was also running questions through my head about what I was going to tell him about dating his father.

  “Ready to see inside?” I nodded and didn’t bother to tell him that I had been in the house already. Besides, I had seen it unfurnished and completely empty. “I hope I’ve done it justice,” he said as we headed in through one of the double front glass doors.

  I was loving what I could see so far. With mainly floor to ceiling windows and some natural stones instead of closed-in walls it was easy to see right into the house as there were no window coverings. No real privacy but then again there were no houses to the side or in front of his place. I had to shake my head. It was hard to believe that I knew the owner.

  “What do you think? Could you see yourself living here?”

  Was he serious? I wasn’t about to fall into that trap or be made a fool of when I said “hell, yes” and he laughed in my face.

  Pretending not to hear his words worked well as I continued to stroll around the large open space with a redwood ceiling that had exposed beams in the same material. Included in the space was a media room off to the right of the front door and then a living room to the left, followed by a dining area and kitchen toward the back of that section. The most inviting part was the same massive glass walls and doors that looked out to a large concrete deck which housed a row of redwood lounge chairs and a long lap pool that ended into a square Jacuzzi. Also visible through more glass windows was another wing of the house with bedrooms and bathrooms.

  “The tour continues...” Laird’s breath was against my ear as I continued to drink in the grand architectural elements. “Would you like to see my bedroom?” The way he said the last word sounded so naughty...a definite invitation for more. I was sure of that.

  “Lead the way,” was my only reply as he turned me in his arms and captured my mouth.

  Oh my gawd! I had waited hours...days...weeks...months to feel his embrace and lips on mine. It all felt so incredible. His hands skimming down my exposed skin and then around my body to unzip my dress.

  “I knew that you would have matching panties and...a bra... Your tits...breasts look so...perfect.” They were spilling out of my lacy bra, not to mention, bigger than a handful. I was praying that he would just pay attention to them and not the slight swelling of my belly or the expansion of my ass, hips and thighs.

  Caught up in the moment, he didn’t say a word as we left my garments behind and he carried me through the house. Down the long hallway, we made our way to a room that I assumed was his since it happened to be the master bedroom—I was very familiar with the house. Laid out on my back waiting, I felt like we were reliving our first time where he let me see his clothes hit the floor. Unlike the last time, Laird was moving rapidly to join me on the bed equipped with a condom that wasn’t necessary for one reason. No way of getting pregnant when you already were...

  Push that out of your head. Focus on experiencing fabulousness.

  “Oh you feel so good,” he moaned, quickly pushing his way into me.

  There was absolutely no foreplay whatsoever and I was so fine with that. I wanted...needed the connection. Gliding in and out of me, the friction was electrifying—overly exciting. The buildup was swift and “wow...oh so perfect.” I may have said those last four words out loud. How could he bring me to the edge so quickly? It was almost too fast. I didn’t want it to be over. I never wanted it to end but to go on and on. He was, once again, proving me wrong.

  Achieving toe-curling multiple orgasms with Laird was so easy.

  The consolation prize to breaking our connection as one was the cuddling. Oh to be in Laird’s strong arms felt like heaven. Sniffing in his masculine scent sent my brain swirling up into the clouds. I was high on life.

  “You do smell like lemons... Before you smelled like raspberry candy... The first time I was close to you...you smelled like orange blossoms...” I was pretty sure what his next words were going to be and hoped he didn’t find my behavior a bit crazy. “You match your clothes and perfume...” He was partially right, I bought several different body lotions that enhanced my overall look. “So you...so wonderful.”

  Things couldn’t have been more perfect lying there together.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Laird

  “Good to know you approve of my scents,” she giggled, causing her noticeably curvier—in a sexy as fuck way—body to wiggle against mine.

  I wanted to lay my cards out on the table and tell her how much I had missed her. Instead, I opted to show her by holding her tight, stroking her skin, caressing her everywhere I could reach without losing my grip. And kissing her like my life depended on it. It was like finally having all of my fantasies...dreams come true.

  “Do you want to go for a swim? I can barbecue some steaks for dinner...grilled corn... salad...maybe you could help me...” I wasn’t sure why I had even mentioned the need to move from my bed. The thought of domestic life with Saffron by my side daily sounded good. Better than good. Whatever the ultimate word was for the best of the best. The supreme life with the perfect woman.

  “Are you going to hold me hostage? How do you know I don’t have plans? My car is still at the hotel...I have to go home sometime and...” Saffron stopped talking, pulled back, and sat up with her enticing breasts fully on display. Then looking down at me briefly with a huge grin on her beautiful face, she laughed, jumped off my bed, and headed for the glass sliding door.

  Within minutes...seconds, I was strutting out through the open door, right behind her, splashing into the semi-cool water. One playful Saffron, treading water not far out of my reach, pushed a gush of water into my face. I could’ve returned the gesture but instead I went after her, taking her into my arms. It had been too long since my lips had tasted hers or my arms had encircled her.

  I loved her moans against my mouth and responded, “Never letting you go again. No running. Not letting you out of my sight.”

  “Until you get your fill.” Her eyes were locked with mine as one of her hands stroked my stubble. “I love it.”

  I loved her. “Not a chance in hell... I remembered your suggestion and let me tell you it’s not an easy task...” I left it at that, no need to tell her about all of the trauma—hit and misses—I had endured. I was just happy that she was pleased with my appearance and touching me. Doing a thorough appraisal of me with her eyes and fingers, it was like she hadn’t seen all of me before. I understood her interest. She was worth exploring too. I wanted to learn everything there was to know about her.

  “You know...” Saffron’s fingertip was toying with my nipple ring, instantly making me hard and I didn’t expect the words that slipped from her lips. “...food kind of sounds good right now.”

  Just like that, my erection fizzled as she moved under my arms that had been caging her against the side of the pool and swam to the ot
her side and climbed out. It was the first time ever that I was uncertain of how to react to Saffron’s actions and words. Learning time. Follow her lead. I was telling myself to move slowly. Seeing her disappearing through my room into the master bathroom which I hadn’t shown her, my mind was rewinding. What had she said about my house? She spoke as if she knew all about it. Her dream house. Those were her first words as we pulled up to the garage.

  Wait! It was the house...the house she had told me about. It was fucking incredible...unreal.

  “Are you getting out or going to wait until you shrivel up...” she hesitated and bit her lip before she finished, “…like a raisin?” Saffron stood there by the sliding door to my room wrapped up in my white bathrobe.

  A heart stopping sight—she looked picture perfect, so natural like she belonged and that she didn’t plan to run out anytime soon... Admit it. You thought about her when you bought the house so why make a big deal when you see her standing as you always imagined? I was having this whole conversation, debate rolling around in my head as I viewed her. I probably looked like a damn fool just gawking.

  It wasn’t until she walked toward the kitchen that I finally moved. Thinking better of going after her dripping wet and naked, I walked inside, through my bedroom to my bathroom and rinsed off in my shower stall. It allowed me time to compose myself and plan out the things I wanted to say or ask her. I didn’t want to sound accusing blurting out some things that were in the back of my head since earlier in the day.

  What was Saffron’s relationship with my father? Friendly acquaintances. Did they ever date? Did they ever sleep together? Questions were repeating in my head. Would she tell me on her own in time? I didn’t really want to interrogate her nor did I want to hear that they had been anything more than work friends.