* * *
Vann looked blank. Stunned. But not dismayed, which was heartening.
“Whoa,” he whispered at last. “No way. For real?”
“Absolutely for real,” she said. “I didn’t even know myself until right before Mom died. She always put me off when I asked about my father. It was the one thing we ever fought about. But when she got her terminal diagnosis, she changed her mind.”
“So, it’s a sure thing? You know this for a fact?”
Sophie nodded. “Mom had an affair with Malcolm thirty years ago, in New York. It happened while he was working on the Phelps Pavilion. My mother was on the team working on the interiors. They had a wild affair, for just a couple of weeks. She fell madly in love with him.”
“And she never told him about you?”
“She tried,” Sophie said. “She went to his house in Seattle. His wife, Helen, met her at the door. She was mortified. She left, and she never came back.”
Vann stared at her, fascinated. “Yeah. I can see the family resemblance, now that I’m looking for it. To Ava, to Drew, to Malcolm. It’s in the shape of the eyes, the eyebrows. It’s so obvious. I can’t believe I didn’t notice it before.”
“So you believe me? You don’t think I’m some grifter trying to con them?”
He looked shocked. “Hell, no. Why would you lie about a thing like this?”
She laughed at him. “Oh, come on, Vann. Malcolm is rich and famous in his field, and he was known to get around in his wild youth. He probably has paternity suit insurance, for God’s sake. Not that it’s in any way relevant. I’m not after his money, or any sort of notoriety. On the contrary.”
“It would never occur to me that you were after Malcolm’s money,” Vann said. “If you wanted money, you’d go make it yourself. You have the skills.”
“Well, thank you,” Sophie said. “That’s a lovely compliment. To tell you another secret, I actually inherited quite a considerable sum of money from my grandparents. ItalMarble made my grandfather a very rich man. So I would never need to bother Malcolm at all if money was all that I cared about.”
“What do you care about?”
“It’s hard to put my finger on,” she said. “It was important to Mom. Fulfilling my promise made me feel closer to her. My grandparents died several years ago, and my mother was an only child, like me. And there’s no one else in my family. So she was worried. Poor little Sophie, all alone in the world. She thought maybe Malcolm could at least offer me fellowship and family.”
“So you’re sure that it’s him? There’s no doubt in your mind?”
“I don’t think Mom would have led me astray about something like that on her deathbed,” Sophie said. “But I still tested Ava’s DNA. I swiped a champagne glass at the reception announcing their engagement. She’s definitely my cousin. This trip to San Francisco was my first chance to get close enough to Malcolm to get a sample from him.”
“And did you?”
She gave him a sheepish smile. “I did, actually. The other night, when you found me in his office? I was in the bathroom, stealing his water glass. I’d already swiped his dessert fork. They’re wrapped up in bubble wrap, packed in my suitcase. So if it looked like I was sneaking around in there, I guess I was. Stealing flatware and glassware.”
“Wow,” he murmured.
“I needed hard objective proof,” she explained. “I didn’t want to have to defend my mom’s truthfulness, of my own. So I’m covering all my bases. But truthfully? I don’t know if I can stand to wait any longer. It took almost four weeks to get results that last time, for Ava’s DNA.”
“No, don’t wait any longer,” Vann said. “Just do it.”
“I’ve been taking my time, just watching them,” Sophie said. “Some families are poisonous. But from the looks of this wedding, the Maddoxes aren’t.”
“No, they are not,” Vann said. “They’re solid. Not perfect, but solid.”
Sophie crossed her arms over her chest. She felt vulnerable...but hopeful. “You know these people well. So you don’t think they’d ride me out of town on a rail if I come forward with this?”
“By no means,” he said. “I think you’d be a great addition to their family. You’d fit right in. You’re smart, tough, talented, accomplished, gorgeous. You’d just be another jewel in their crown.”
“Oh, please,” she scoffed.
“It’s the objective truth,” Vann said. “As far as looks are concerned, they’ve got great genes going for them, and you are no exception to that rule.”
Sophie walked out of the bathroom, sat down on the bed and unbuckled the ankle strap on her sandal. “I know that Malcolm raised Ava and Drew after their parents were killed,” she said. “I was afraid that if I came out of nowhere and claimed to be Malcolm’s daughter, they might get jealous and possessive. Protective, even. He’s like their dad, in every way that counts. I’d understand if they did.”
Vann shrugged. “Who can say how they’ll feel? People are complicated. But they’ll get over it because they’re not stupid or spiteful. And they’ll do the right thing because that’s who they are. In the end, they’ll be glad they did.”
Sophie was so relieved at Vann’s reaction her eyes were fogging again. She wiped away the tears, laughing. “Wow. That’s an extremely positive spin on this whole situation.”
“That’s how I see it,” he said. “Drew’s my best friend. I trust him. I respect Malcolm. I don’t know Ava as well, but I like her, and Drew worships his baby sister. I know you. You’re amazing. What’s not to be positive about? It’s a win/win for everyone.”
“That’s sweet, Vann, but it would be silly to think there’s no downside.”
“I don’t see it,” he said. “Having you in their lives is like finding buried treasure.”
“Aww! Don’t go overboard,” she warned him. “I’m already overwhelmed from the party. Thinking about how it might have been if Mom had been a part of the Maddox family. And me, for that matter. I could have been one of them. It just got to me somehow. All the lost chances. Brothers or sisters I might have had. It’s silly, I know.”
“It’s not silly at all.” Vann sat down on the bed and clasped her hand.
“I know that the past is gone,” she said. “The mistakes are over and done with. There’s no point in thinking about them.”
“Except to learn from them,” he said. “To not repeat them.”
She gave him a wry look. “I’m not having an affair with a married man, Vann. Nor will I find myself with a surprise pregnancy.”
“Actually, I was thinking about my own father,” he said. “He never let down his guard. Not with my mom and not with me. It was probably his PTSD, but it marked him forever. Maybe it was that way for your mom, too. And Malcolm.”
Sophie nodded. “Mom never let down her guard, either,” she said quietly. “She had the occasional date now and again, but she couldn’t let herself care that much about anyone again. Except for me.”
“That won’t be us.” Vann pressed his lips to her hand.
Sophie let out a shaky laugh. “It’s so strange,” she said. “But I just can’t keep up my guard with you. No matter how I try.”
Vann shook his head, gazing into her eyes. “So don’t try.”
The moment was so fragile. Delicate. A rainbow-tinted bubble, made of longing and possibility. With feelings so powerful she could barely stand their charge.
They made her shake with fear. And hope.
She stroked Vann’s face, memorizing every tiny detail. He moved her, excited her. So beautiful, with those serious dark eyes.
He reached out slowly to unfasten her dress, working loose the hook she’d sewn under the fabric rose. He opened it and pushed the light, sheer wrap off.
Sophie tossed her hair back, but couldn’t help a self-conscious glance down at the frilly neck
line of the under-dress, dipping low to show the entire length of the scar on her chest. Her hand drifted up to cover it.
Vann’s hand covered it first. Her heart felt like it was thudding against her ribs.
“Beautiful,” he whispered.
“What?” she asked.
“Your heart,” he said. “It’s been through so much, but it’s so strong.”
She smiled at him. “It’s galloping like a racehorse.” She tugged the soft fabric of her bodice, peeling it down over her breasts, freeing her arms.
“Mine, too,” he said hoarsely. He slid his hands down from her shoulders to cup her breasts.
Her hunger was too urgent to put up with teasing games. She reached back and unhooked the bra, tossing it aside.
He got up and stripped off his tux, tossing item after item in the general direction of the chair. Some hit, some missed. He didn’t seem to care. Sophie pushed the covers down and then took off her dress and panties. Soon he was pressing her into the sheets.
Oh, yes. The heat of his big body was a shock to her system. He tasted so good. Like whiskey and coffee. Hot and wet. She gasped with pleasure as he situated himself over her. The length of his hot, stiff shaft rested against her most sensitive folds without entering her. Just slowly caressing her. Sliding and teasing. Driving her mad as he ravaged her mouth with those frantic kisses.
Sophie moved against him, sensually at first, but it soon turned to moaning desperation, fighting to get him where she needed him—deep inside her.
“Take it easy,” he murmured. “The longer you wait, the better it will be.”
She laughed with what breath she could. “Please don’t tease.”
“Not tonight.” Vann shifted his weight, nudging himself inside her.
They sighed in agonized delight as he slowly pushed inside. Every moment of it was an exquisite, shuddering bliss. Every part of her so sensitive, alive to sensation. As if she were being painted with light, and every stroke made her glow brighter.
Every deep, surging stroke made her crazy for the next one. A frenzy of need. An explosion of bliss. She lost herself in it.
As she came back to earth, she was afraid to open her eyes. That it would be like the night before. She’d be floating on air, and he would have those grim shadows in his eyes.
But he didn’t. He was smiling.
“Hey,” he said. “There you are at last. I was about to send out a search party.”
She felt almost weak with relief. “I was destroyed. Beautifully destroyed.”
“Same.” He stroked his hand slowly over her hip. “Incredible.”
“So, ah...what’s different tonight?”
His hands stopped. “Meaning?”
“For you,” she specified. “Yesterday the sex was amazing, but you weren’t happy. What changed for you?”
His grin dug gorgeous, sexy grooves into his cheeks. “Maybe I’m letting my guard down, too.”
“You seem relieved,” she said.
A puzzled line formed between his brows. “In what way?”
“I think I scared you, asking you to keep my deep dark secret,” she said. “What on earth where you afraid I was going to say?”
“In my experience, long-kept secrets usually aren’t happy things,” Vann said. “Otherwise, why would they be secret?”
“Like our hot affair?” She batted her eyes at him teasingly.
“I can’t keep that a secret anymore,” he said. “I’m sorry, but I just can’t.”
She gave him a stern look. “You will not add to my burden right now.”
“But I want to stay here all night,” he said. “I want to walk out with you in the morning and go to breakfast. Brazenly. Holding hands.”
“In your tux?” she teased. “You naughty boy.”
He laughed. “Fine, so I’ll get a change of clothes. But that’s not the point. I want to sit with you at the breakfast table. Pour your champagne. Peel your grapes.”
She laughed at him. “Whoa! Serious stuff!”
“Remember what you said on the beach? When I asked what it would take to be able to hold your hand?”
“I remember,” she said.
“I’m ready,” he said. “I want to do the work. Whatever needs to be done so I have the right to hold your hand on the beach, or hover over you at the breakfast buffet, or be stuck to you, any damn place we want.”
“Slow down,” she said gently.
“Why?” he demanded. “Why waste time? I want to show you off. You’re a prize. I want to flaunt you to the world. I can’t play it cool. I want to court you.”
“I like being courted,” she said, her hand trailing down over his belly until it reached his erection. “I suggest that you start by demonstrating exactly what I stand to gain from your offer.”
“You got it,” he said as he covered her mouth with his.
Sixteen
“Noon would be fine,” Vann told the employee at the car rental employee. He finished his business, closed the call and pushed the bathroom door open.
Sophie was awake and smiling at him. Morning sunlight spilled through the lofted skylight. The light showed the deep red highlights in her glossy brown hair. She stretched luxuriously, and the movement made the sheet twist and tighten around her gorgeous body. “Who are you talking to?” she asked.
“Sorry I woke you,” he said.
She saw the clock and jerked up with a gasp. “Oh, God. The limo! We’re so late!”
“No, we’re not,” Vann said.
“It’s supposed to leave in fifteen minutes, and I’m not even packed!”
“You don’t have to take the limo,” he told her. “I just rented a car. A convertible. I got online this morning, while you were still asleep. They’re driving it over for me. I figured, no one expects us at work today, and the weather’s holding, so maybe we could spend the day exploring the coast together. We can make our way back to Seattle this evening.” He paused, and added delicately, “Or not. If you’re in a hurry to get back.”
A belated smile broke out all over her face. “That sounds like a blast.”
“Great,” he said. “They’re dropping it off at noon. That gives us time for breakfast.”
“Time for the walk of shame, eh?” she teased. “Back to change the tux?”
“I’ll live,” he said, but flushed as memories of last night’s erotic play flashed through his mind.
“Well, then.” She stretched, letting the sheet drop to her waist. “Why don’t you go get dressed and get your suitcase ready, and I’ll do the same. Then come on back, and we’ll go in to breakfast together.”
He grinned as he buttoned his shirt. “Do I get to hold your hand as we go in?”
She tilted her head to the side, considering her answer carefully. “If you like,” she conceded. “But you’re not peeling my grapes. A girl’s got to draw the line somewhere.”
“No grapes,” he agreed swiftly.
She got up, sauntered over to him naked and kissed him.
“You’re making it hard for me to leave,” he murmured, his voice thick.
“Your problem,” she whispered. “Not mine.”
He seized her. “Aw, hell. The walk of shame can wait.”
* * *
The breakfast crowd had thinned out by the time they finally got to the dining room. Many of the wedding guests had left already but there were more than enough people still there to notice the grand entrance. Holding hands, at Vann’s insistence. It made her face hot, but it was a symbolic thing. A milestone.
Drew and Jenna noticed immediately. Drew grinned, Jenna looked delighted and Ava fluttered her fingers and winked. Even Bev, sitting with Hendrick in the corner, blew Sophie a benevolent kiss.
Tim Bryce was there, with Rich. Both men gave her a cold stare. She wasn’t too surprised.
She’d been curt with Rich the day before. She didn’t regret it.
“It looks like Malcolm’s gone back,” she said. “He must have caught the limo. I was going to ask if I could schedule a meeting for tomorrow. I’m going to take your advice, and meet with him now. The testing can wait. If he needs proof.”
“There’s Sylvia, having breakfast,” Vann said. “Have her set up a meeting. He would have told you to talk to her, anyway. Let’s ask her right now.”
Wow, this was all getting very real, very fast. She felt rushed, but there was no reason she could think of to put it off, so they walked over to Sylvia’s table.
Sylvia’s eyes had a speculative twinkle over the rim of her coffee cup as they approached.
“Good morning, Vann,” she said. “Looks like you’ve been busy.”
“Always am, Syl. Sophie needs to schedule a meeting with Malcolm as soon as possible,” Vann said. “Will he be in the office tomorrow?”
Sylvia pulled a tablet out of her bag, opened a scheduling app and flicked through it. “You’re in luck,” she said. “Usually he doesn’t come in on Tuesdays, but he’s playing catch-up after the wedding and San Francisco. I could put you in for ten thirty.”
“That’s great,” Sophie said faintly.
“Done.” Sylvia tapped the keypad with a stylus. “See you tomorrow.”
They seated themselves near the window. Vann studied Sophie’s face as they waited for the waiter to bring coffee. “You look nervous,” he observed. “Don’t be.”
“It just hit me,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting things to move this fast. The documentation phase was easier. Guess I’m more chicken than I knew. I almost regret not waiting for another test.”
“Do you want me to be there tomorrow?” he offered.
Sophie smiled at him. “Thanks, but this should be just between me and him.”
“In any case, let’s meet for lunch after,” Vann said. “That way you can debrief me.”
Sophie gladly agreed to that. Their eggs Benedict arrived, and they took their time with their breakfast before getting on their way.
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