Until I Kissed You

by Nicole Vidal

  Savannah is securing Emme in her swing. Jacob sits on the armchair, and Finn takes a seat in the corner of the couch. Scarlett sits next to him with a fair amount of space between them. I take a seat across from Jacob. Savannah sits on the arm of the chair beside me. She declines my offer to take the chair.

  “Would you like coffee?” I offer Jacob and Finn after we’re all settle in the living room.

  “No, thank you. Let’s get started. It’s my understanding that Savannah works for you at Morgan Insurance and has for just over a year. Recently, you started dating and learned that you have a daughter.”

  “Yes.”

  “What is the situation with her mother?”

  “Marisol is deceased.”

  Jacob nods curtly. “Are there any other maternal family members that will be near Emerson?”

  “Marisol’s mother, Maria-Luisa, has and will continue to spend time with Emerson. In fact, I hope Maria-Luisa would be willing to care for her when I return to work.”

  “Is the situation with your family the same?”

  “No, my father, siblings, and their significant others, including Caroline Waterman are welcome here to spend time with Emerson. Margaux is not welcome anywhere near me, Emerson, or Savannah. Frankly, I don’t know that she’s aware of Scarlett at this point.”

  “I understand. There are also concerns with the increased press at your home and Savannah’s.”

  “Yes.”

  “As you’re aware, I can’t do anything about the press except assist Savannah, Scarlett, and Emerson safe passage through them.”

  I nod. I’m fully aware of this limitation. The deeper we get into this conversation, the better Maine is looking.

  “Scarlett, you recently moved into a new apartment with two friends. Has the press followed you there?”

  “No, not that I’ve seen. I have seen photographers on the edge of campus though.” Scarlett is fidgeting with the cuff of her sweater.

  Jacob and Finn both nod. I also notice Finn sets his hand on Scarlett’s wrist to calm her down. We spend almost an hour going over our regular schedule and plans, like hiring a nanny, my going back to the office, etc.

  “In the short-term, I would recommend that someone escort Savannah when she leaves the office, home, or here. Overnight security doesn’t seem necessary unless the press escalates. For Scarlett, I recommend the same thing, an escort when she leaves home, campus, or work at the supper club.”

  I notice that Scarlett begins fidgeting more when Jacob mentions her workplace. Something is off there.

  “What is your plan for your daughter?” Jacob asks pointedly.

  “She’ll be with me the rest of this week. I plan to hire someone for mornings at a minimum. Do you recommend security for Emme or me?”

  “It shouldn’t be an issue for a same staff member to cover Savannah and your daughter. Once Savannah is at work, based on her schedule, she doesn’t leave. After our team brings her to the office, he or she would be able to escort your nanny wherever they need to go with your daughter. If it becomes too difficult, we can add someone specifically for Emerson. As far as you, you aren’t the story. Savannah and Emerson are. If you’re at work or out with Savannah or Emerson, one of my team would accompany you as they would be assigned to her. I don’t think you need your own.”

  “I understand. What will you need from us?” I thread my fingers with Savannah’s.

  “I’ll need a list of anyone you’ll be in contact with regularly. Sam, I don’t need you to list your family. I thoroughly check them monthly for Billie and Cash. List any events you plan to attend and any get-togethers that include people other than your siblings, their significant others, or any of the couples in the Maine girl gang. Savannah, I know you’re estranged, but the latest address for your father would be appreciated. Scarlett, I need your roommate’s names, your boyfriend, and your boss. Does anyone have questions?”

  “Is this really necessary?” Scarlett whispers.

  “Scar—”

  Jacob cuts Savannah off. “Based on my assessment, you probably have about a week, maybe ten days before the press finds your new place. Finn will be as discreet as possible and not interfere with your life. He’ll simply escort you where you need to go. It’s paramount that you’re forthcoming with him about your schedule, and no sneaking off.”

  I’m glad Jacob sees that Scarlett is hiding something as well. I’ll talk to Savannah about it later, but at least Jacob is aware.

  “Savannah, you met Christoph over the weekend, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Perfect, he’ll meet you at your apartment to escort you to work in the morning. What time do you need him there?”

  “I leave by seven,” Savannah replies, tightening her grip on my fingers.

  “No problem. Scarlett, what is your schedule for the rest of the day?”

  “I have a class at one and then a shift from five to midnight.” She’s rolling the cuff of her hoodie again.

  “Fine, you’re free to leave. I need that list of information by the end of tomorrow. Please understand having Finn with you is for your safety and your sister’s peace of mind, not a punishment.”

  Scarlett stands along with Savannah. She escorts her sister to the door with Finn still talking with Jacob. I watch them. Scarlett is clearly not happy about the situation, but whatever Savannah says appeases her, at least for now. The only words I can make out are thank you from their conversation near the elevator.

  Once Scarlett leaves, Savannah rejoins us in the living room.

  “She’s hiding something,” Jacob states plainly.

  “I agree, but I don’t know what it is,” Savannah replies.

  “Finn is older than he looks. It’s one of the reasons I chose him. My other available staff members are younger. He’ll be able to handle Scarlett and keep her safe. If she’s in any precarious situations, Finn will alert me and maintain her safety.”

  “Thank you, Jacob.”

  “I appreciate you traveling for this meeting,” I add before his departure.

  “Of course. I understand your need for discretion and privacy. Please let me know if anything changes.”

  “I will.” I shake his hand, and then Jacob shakes Savannah’s. Then she moves to Emme who is squirming and whining in her swing.

  The buzz from the intercom announces I have a guest. “Sir, I’m sorry to interrupt but your brother is here.”

  “Thank you, Jimmy. He can come up.” After a short chat with Auggie, Jacob leaves to meet Norah and her copious shopping bags. My brothers and I all look strikingly similar. However, Auggie is a bit thinner than Cash and me considering his limited time to spend at the gym.

  “Hey, bro. How are you?”

  Auggie agreed to watch Emme for me so I can spend some time with Savannah alone. I sincerely hope she doesn’t hate surprises. We’re going out for the afternoon so that Auggie can prepare dinner for us.

  “I’m well. Where is my niece? I want to get in a little alone time before Caro arrives.”

  I laugh as Savannah returns to the living room with a freshly diapered Emme.

  “Hi, Savannah.”

  “Hi, Auggie. It’s nice to see you again.”

  Auggie reaches out his arms, takes Emme, and cradles her as if she isn’t his first niece.

  “She shouldn’t need to eat for a few hours. There’s a bottle set up on the counter. Diapers are in her room past the office.”

  “Sam, what’s going on?”

  “You haven’t told her?” Auggie asks with a sly grin on his face.

  “Nope, she has no idea.”

  “Smooth, Sam.”

  “Savannah, we’re going on a day date. Auggie and Caro are going to watch Emme for us.”

  “That sounds wonderful, but what about work? My boss is very particular about his timelines for completing new business.”

  “I spoke with him, and he’s going to give you extra time for any work that came in since Monday morning.”
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  “That’s very generous. So, where are we going?”

  “That’s a surprise, sweetheart.” I kiss my daughter, high-five my brother, and offer her my arm before pressing the down button.

  Chapter 28

  Savannah

  Auggie is right. Smooth, Samson. Looping my arm in his, we ride downstairs to a waiting car.

  “What are you up to?”

  “I knew this morning would be difficult for you and Scarlett, so I gave us the afternoon off. Well, you mostly.”

  “Thank you. I truly wish I knew what she’s hiding. Although I don’t know if it would be any different if she still lived with me. She’s clearly been hiding things for a while.”

  “I care about what you’re saying, but I don’t want to talk about Scarlett, Jacob, Finn, Christoph, or anything surrounding this morning until tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” I reply, glancing out the window.

  “That won’t help you figure out where we’re going, cara mia.”

  Shaking my head, I ask, “Will you give me a hint?”

  “Nope, but I’ll kiss you to get your mind off your lack of information.”

  “That might work.”

  Sam unbuckles my seat belt, tugs me into the middle of the seat, and re-buckles me next to him. He worships my mouth long after we’ve come to a stop in front of our destination. I’m not surprised; each time Sam touches me, even if it’s to take my hand, everything around us ceases to exist. The only reason I’m aware is that our driver knocks on the window to alert us we’ve arrived.

  “I guess we need to get out,” he murmurs against my neck.

  All I can do is nod. The last thing I want to do right now is move out of his arms. With a deep inhale, I unbuckle and wait for Sam to exit the car. I slide my fingers into his and step onto the curb. He tucks my arm around his, holding it with his opposite hand.

  “I’ll return at the designated time, sir.”

  “Thank you.” Sam leads me into a nondescript door at the rear of a building.

  “Sam, where are we?”

  A young woman appears from the right after we enter the building. “Good afternoon, Mr. Morgan. Miss Clemons. If you follow me, your tour window will begin soon. Here’s a map in case you need guidance. Your path lays out the most advantageous route to your destination.”

  Unfortunately, her name tag doesn’t offer me any clues. As we round the corner, a wall of windows comes into view. Wherever we are, it’s beautiful.

  “Thank you,” Sam replies without answering my question. Tugging me closer, he pushes open the door.

  We’re surrounded by lush gardens and striking blooms. It smells wonderful too! I haven’t spent much time taking in tourist attractions in this city.

  “This is… wow! Where are we?”

  “We’re at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.”

  I pull back on his arm slightly to make him stop walking. After pressing a chaste kiss to his lips, I smile and start walking again.

  Sam and I spend the next few hours walking through the immense and gorgeous gardens. There’s a Fragrance Garden, which includes a section that allows touching the plants. The Shakespeare Garden features plants mentioned in his works, including daffodils, dwarf irises, squill, and spray asters. Next we stroll through the Water Garden. The area is beautiful.

  “Sam, look.” I point to our right. There’s a small group of butterflies on some asters. We pause to watch them for a few minutes.

  Our last stop is the Osborne Garden. The path we followed seems odd until I notice the small tent set up near the side. Of all the different ones we saw today, this one is my favorite. The pergolas are draped with wisteria, although they aren’t in bloom right now. The foliage of fall decorates the space with crisp reds, deep oranges, and bright yellow hues.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Morgan. Miss Clemons. I’m Lenora. I’ll be here if you need anything else.”

  Sam thanks her as we step into the small tent. Inside there is a small table set for two with a charcuterie board, a bottle of wine, and two glasses. The upper half of the tent and the ceiling are clear so we can see outside but still have some privacy.

  “This is too much, Sam.” I don’t need all of this. He doesn’t need to spend money on me.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t need more than the average boyfriend could make happen.”

  “The average guy could make this happen with a lot more lead time. The only thing my name got me today was a shortened timeframe. Cara mia, I was honest with you when I told you about my wealth. I could never spend it all. Sometimes, like having security and gifts I may purchase, you may feel like it’s overboard. The only thing I can promise is to attempt to reel in the costs after you open this.” He hands me a small navy bag.

  “What’s this for?”

  “I wanted to get you a gift. It was harder than I thought it was going to be. You’re practical, and you haven’t given me any clues as to what you might like.”

  Lifting the crinkly tissue out of the bag, I find a small black box inside. The most beautiful emerald ring nestles in the velvet cushion. A tear falls from my eye. “Did you know?”

  “Cara mia, please don’t cry. Did I know what?” Sam slides the pad of his thumb across the ball of my cheek, wiping my tear away.

  “The only gift I ever received from my mother was an emerald ring right before Scarlett was born.”

  “Why an emerald?”

  “It’s my birthstone.”

  “I didn’t know, but I’m glad I chose it.”

  “Why did you choose it?”

  “Emeralds are said to be the gemstone of the goddess Venus. She’s known as the purveyor of hope and love.” He takes the box from my shaking hands. Lifting my hand, he slides it onto my ring finger.

  How it fits perfectly is beyond me.

  “It’s beautiful, Sam. Thank you.” Without releasing his hand, I round the table and tug him to his feet. Once he’s standing, I kiss him softly, at least that was my intention. Rapidly the tenor of our kiss increases exponentially to the point where I force myself not to unbutton his Oxford, and pull back from his sinful mouth.

  “Are you ready for the next part of our date?”

  “There’s more?”

  “Of course. I couldn’t possibly take my woman on a date without feeding her a meal. Let’s go.”

  “Your woman?”

  “Not a fan of that?”

  “Quite the opposite, I’m absolutely comfortable with that.”

  If I’ve learned anything today, I won’t ask any questions about dates. Sam is a master planner. Everything about our dates have been amazing, especially the ones that were spontaneous like at the Nubble Lighthouse. We walk to the car with our hands linked.

  Chapter 29

  Samson

  Learning about Savannah is becoming one of my favorite things. She clearly has shifted her opinion on personal security, or at least she’s willing to indulge me. I’m grateful she brought Scarlett along to this morning’s meeting as well. Thankfully, I can spoil her if I want to, and I plan to. I need to keep learning so I know what to give her—although I’m certain she truly only wants my time.

  When we arrive at my home, Auggie is plating something in the kitchen. Caro is setting the table while Emme is snug in her swing.

  “Perfect, right on time,” Auggie says as we finish shucking our coats and shoes. Before sitting, I walk over the Emme and kiss her head. Savannah and Caro are hugging and chatting beside the table.

  “How did it go here?”

  “She’s an angel. She ate about an hour ago, but she’s been awake ever since then.” Caro shares the update while filling our wine glasses. Then she leans over the island and grabs two salad plates before setting them at the table.

  Once both Savannah and I are sitting, we dig into the first course. I couldn’t tell you what we’re eating. Caro fills us in as we take our first bite. The salad is parmesan brussels sprouts with pomegranate.

 
“This is amazing! I know you shared that Auggie went to culinary school, but I’ve never tasted anything this yummy!” Savannah savors her second bite.

  “Thank you!” Auggie shouts from the kitchen.

  Both Caro and Savannah laugh. A relaxed and happy Savannah is all I want. I lift her hand to my lips to kiss it.

  Instead of letting go, she tugs me closer. “You’re pretty good at the whole being my man thing.”

  “I’m figuring it out as I go.”

  “I need you to continue communicating with me honestly and we’ll be fine. I may not like having Christoph or someone from Blackthorne with me, but I understand why you and Jacob feel it’s necessary.” Her lips taste like wine when she presses them to mine.

  “I can do that.”

  Caro returns and takes our plates back to the kitchen. I would like Savannah to move in, but I don’t want to have that conversation with Auggie and Caro here. I love my brother and Caro, but I would prefer privacy for that as well as her thoughts on moving to Maine. We haven’t truly discussed that in depth either.

  Emme starts to cry in her swing. Savannah and I both rise from the table, but Auggie swoops in and steals her away. The look on Caro’s face is unmistakable. She has serious feelings for Auggie. I saw that look on Noelle’s face when Cash was fawning over Emme. I make a note to tell Auggie to figure out what he wants because Caro wants him. It may be on the same level he wants her.

  He returns to the kitchen with his now soothed niece as Caro sets the main course before us.

  “Auggie, you have outdone yourself. This looks and smells delicious.” I lean down to fully smell the aroma.

  “Thanks, that’s pan-roasted chicken with a demi-glace paired with twice-roasted squash with parmesan butter and pepitas.”

  Savannah savoring her first bite and the noises coming from her mouth are too much for me to handle.

  “So delicious, Auggie. Thank you.”

  “You’re most welcome. Caro, can you help me with the dessert in the kitchen?” Auggie asks.

  “Sure.” She follows him into the kitchen.