Until I Kissed You

by Nicole Vidal

  The bond I share with my siblings has only gotten stronger the older we get and the viler Margaux’s actions are. We arrive at Cash’s after eleven to help prepare our meal. The aromas filling his home are glorious. Turkey with all the trimmings line the granite island. A long table along the wall in the dining room holds more desserts and pastries than we could possibly consume, but I’m sure my family is up to the challenge.

  Savannah is animatedly talking to Maggie and Kelly near the French doors with Scarlett listening in. Her mood has lightened a bit since yesterday. Scarlett is coming around. She may have made her choice without visiting here first, but the area and the people are winning her over handily.

  While none of us are overly religious, we have a moment of silence before our meal to consider what we’re most grateful for. There is nothing to consider for me: Emerson and Savannah. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure they are blissfully happy. The sooner we’re here for good, the better.

  After a wonderful meal filled with laughter and a few childhood mischief stories, we clean the dishes before lounging for some football. Like Savannah, Scarlett loves football and she’s challenging Cash on his view about the Detroit Lions and their ability to win today’s game. It’s amusing to listen to. However, my focus is on my gorgeous woman cradling my daughter in her arms while she sleeps. There’s no other woman on this planet who would accept both of us without reservation. Just Savannah. I’m grateful her resume graced my desk and I didn’t take the cowardly way out and not hire her.

  During halftime of the first game, the party truly gets underway. William, Kelsey, and their son Benjamin join the group, along with more delicious confections from the Perk. Kelly’s newest designer, Poppy, and her contractor, Scott, join us as well. If I recall, Scott is somehow related to Maggie’s nephew James, but I’m not quite sure how. Poppy is a petite woman with a pixie haircut. She seems reserved and has been hanging with Scott on the edges of the group since they arrived.

  Slowly the party guests start to dwindle in number, and Emerson is almost ready for bed. She has been a trooper through all the football cheering, joyous laughter, and sibling ribbing happening today, not to mention the passing around of her like she was a football herself.

  Rising from my seat, I scoop Emerson from Noelle’s arms and climb the stairs. I hear Savannah talking with her sister in the next room.

  Chapter 43

  Savannah

  Every time I visit here, I love it more. I can only hope that Scarlett feels the same. When I notice she isn’t with the guests any longer, I track her down in the guest suite.

  “What’s on your mind, Scar?”

  “Your friends are amazing. This holiday is one of the best I’ve ever had.”

  “But?”

  “It’s a small but. Your friends are… well… old.”

  I feign anger and then start laughing.

  “Scar, I’m sure there are people your age here, especially once classes start in the spring. You’ll meet plenty of people your age. This trip was for you to see if you could be happy living here. Plus, I think Kelsey’s staff are college students, Becca and a guy, but I don’t remember his name. I can ask her for you.”

  “Thanks. I’m not going to change my mind. Being hauled in for questioning, and probable arrest without Sam’s intervention if you will, was enough for me to want out of New York. I’ll adjust here like I did there.”

  “I love you, Scar.”

  “Love you too.”

  As I start to leave, Scarlett asks, “Do you have earplugs?”

  “No, why?”

  “The AirPods didn’t drown out you two last night.”

  I’m sure my face is beet red.

  Laughter bursts out of Scarlett’s mouth. “You should see your face, Savi. That look is priceless. Seriously, I was messing with you.”

  I chuck a throw pillow at her and leave amidst her laughter. As I step into our suite, Sam holds his finger to his lips. Emme went down easily tonight. I’m sure it’s tough being the center of everyone’s baby attention since Benjamin slept through their visit tonight. Soon Noelle and Cash’s twins will join our growing family. Reaching for my hand, he leads me back outside despite the colder temperature tonight. I settle into his lap as he throws the soft, thick blanket around both of us.

  “Everything good with Scarlett?”

  “It will be eventually. She’s concerned because all the people she’s met so far are our age. I’m going to talk with Kelsey tomorrow about her staff. I’m fairly sure they’re Scar’s age. She assured me she’s moving. I believe her. We’ll solidify her opinion before we leave on Sunday.”

  “Have I told you how much I love you today?”

  “Maybe, but I would be willing to hear it again and again, especially if it includes your hands gliding along my bare skin.”

  “I can arrange that.” Sam presses his lips to my neck.

  “One teeny tiny request.”

  “What might that be?”

  “Let’s go inside.”

  A chuckle escapes his mouth as he stands from the chair with me in his arms. Leaning forward, I open the door and close it behind us. Sam lowers me to the soft duvet and starts removing his clothes while I strip down to my maroon, lace panties.

  “Is that new?”

  “No.”

  “Good.” Sam literally tears the lace from my body before taking me to even higher heights of pleasure than he ever has before.

  The next few days in Maine are relaxed and laid back. I imagine that once we move and are working here, the pace would remain the same. Not only does Sam fulfill his promise to take us to Yummies, but we also share the Nubble, York Village, and a local breakfast spot called Rick’s with Scarlett. I can see her coming around.

  All too soon, we land in New York. Finn meets us at the airport to escort Scarlett to my apartment—her apartment I guess. The only good news is that, within weeks, we’ll be Maine residents.

  We have handled most requirements to leave the city. We have a home that’s almost ours, furniture is ordered, a daycare for Emme, and necessary office equipment ready for delivery. We’re simply waiting on the business license approval. There shouldn’t be any issues; we simply need to wait the prescribed time.

  Back at the office over the next two weeks, I busy myself boxing and preparing the office for the move. Most of our policies are stored electronically, however the office administrative documents from when Sam first started his business are paper. He made the shift to paperless about four years ago.

  “Savannah, could you come here?” Sam calls through the intercom.

  “Yes. Give me a few minutes to finish this box.” I stack the files and slide them into the box before hoisting it up on the table. When I turn the corner, I’m floored. The office lights are dim. There is a huge bouquet of flowers in Sam’s arms, along with two small, wrapped boxes, and something smells delicious. He rearranged his office to make room for a small table with covered plates.

  “Sam, what have you done?”

  “Emerson is spending the rest of the day with Maria-Luisa. We’re having a date.”

  Since I was in the file room, I hadn’t noticed the time or that Sam should have gone home about an hour ago.

  “We don’t have time for that, Sam.”

  “There’s always time, cara mia.”

  I know better than to argue with him. I take the flowers from his outstretched hand. They are spectacular. The bouquet contains colorful blooms of purple roses, ranunculus, seasonal mums, thistle, safari sunset, and salal.

  “There is always time to put a smile like that one on your gorgeous face. Plus, you agreed to be more accepting. The flowers are only the beginning for today.”

  “I’m trying. I didn’t make a big deal about the price of the house or the furniture. Trust me, I wanted too, but I don’t need—”

  He silences me with a toe-curling, knee-buckling kiss to top every other one he’s ever given me. Attempting to resist him is fut
ile. I melt into his embrace until he draws back, leaving me breathless and wanting more.

  “Gifts aren’t something you need. It’s something the giver—me, in case if you weren’t sure—wants to give. I have significantly decreased the number of gifts I would normally give based on what you’ve told me. You have been warned about Christmas, so please prepare yourself. I won’t hold back then for you or Emerson.”

  “Sam. There’s no chance I can convince you that the house is enough for Christmas?” My tone is breathy and resigned.

  “No, no chance at all.”

  “Did Auggie cook?”

  “No, but Mama and Papa Romano are a close second.”

  I sit in the chair Sam has pulled out for me and lean back as he lays a napkin in my lap. He fills our glasses with red wine, and we feast on the delicious food. Never once have Sam and I run out of things to talk about during our dates. We may not have made it a rule, but we avoid talking about work when we aren’t in the office or working at home during the day. In the evening, all work talk ceases. I’m glad because initially I was concerned.

  “What else do you have up your sleeve, Mr. Morgan?”

  “For the next portion of our date, we need to change. I already took care of your clothes for our date. It’s in the bathroom.”

  With a small smile, I lean forward and brush my lips across his. “I’ll be back in a bit.” When I step into the bathroom, there is a garment bag with a So Elegant label, a wrapped box on the floor that looks like shoes, and another box on the vanity. My chest tightens. Never have I ever thought a man like him would want someone like me. I’m not putting myself down. I worked very hard to earn my education and raise Scarlett the best I could. Truly I’m not who I thought Sam would be interested in.

  Slowly, I unzip the bag with tears pricking my eyes. Inside is a deep aubergine, silk dress that no doubt will slide over my curves. The collared neck allows for the back to plunge exceptionally low, not to mention the slit that is dangerously high. Pulling out my phone, I text Kelly and Billie at the same time.

  Me: Which one of you is responsible for this gorgeous dress?

  Billie: I was in on the planning, but it’s Kelly’s design.

  Kelly: The design was all me. Well, I designed it to meet Sam’s requests.

  Me: Which were?

  Kelly: Body hugging silk like the blue dress from the gala and as much exposed back as possible.

  Me: It’s gorgeous. Thank you.

  Billie: Have a great time!

  Kelly: Have fun tonight.

  I shouldn’t be shocked, but that’s only the beginning. The box on the floor contains a pair of nude Louboutins with sparkles called Follies Strauss. I can only imagine how much these cost. Was Sam done? No, not even close. The final box contains a complete set of lingerie from La Perla. I have no other way to describe it but a trousseau including a robe, panties, bra, chemise, and silk pajamas. I have no words. Knowing I’m likely short on time, I pull on the silkiest lace panties I’ve ever felt, shimmy into the dress, and slip on the shoes. After fixing my hair, I pull open the door to find Sam waiting for me.

  He changed too. Now he’s dressed in a custom suit, and his signature scent surrounds me.

  “Cara mia, you look—”

  I press my finger to his lips, effectively cutting him off. “I could say the same for you.” Despite my warring feelings, I slide my fingers into his waiting hand. I didn’t miss the other packages sitting on his desk. “Sam—”

  “Please don’t say it’s too much. I want to pamper you and give you gifts. Trust me when I say I reined myself in.”

  “This is reined in?” I inhale deeply and exhale very slowly. He’s in an entirely different stratosphere than me. I’m not used to it. Would all of this be acceptable if it were from different retailers? Would I be okay with it then? I probably would. “Fine.”

  Shock registers across his features. “That’s it. You aren’t going to put up a fight?”

  “No. I’m honoring my word by accepting what you want to do for me. Truthfully, all of this is very thoughtful and took some serious legwork and planning. Even though Billie can design something quickly, it still needed to be made. I appreciate it. I need to deal with the fact that you spending ten times as much on a pair of shoes isn’t extravagant. Plus, they are spectacular.”

  “Thank you because there’s one more gift and where we’re actually going.”

  Wrapping our still clasped hands around my back while setting the other over his heart, I reply, “You’re welcome. I’ve never been here before. Setting aside your wealth, I’ve never been at this point. No man has ever taken the time to learn about me, to spend time with me. You’re everything I never knew I needed. I love you.”

  “I’m grateful every single day for every man who was foolish enough not to see how amazing you are. After Meghan, I stopped looking for a partner. I wasn’t ready. Then you rocked me to the core at the gala and continue to do it daily. I’m grateful you fought for us after learning about Emerson. A lesser woman would have run away. I love you, Savannah.” He seals his words with a kiss, sending heat over my entire body with his mouth.

  The sincerity and passion behind his kiss makes me want to forgo whatever he has planned and take him on his desk. However, I’m sure his date was carefully orchestrated.

  “Where are we going?” I whisper.

  “Shall we find out?”

  “Don’t you already know?”

  He laughs a deep, hearty laugh that makes me fall even harder.

  “Yes. I planned this date myself.”

  “You’re very good at date planning.”

  “Why, thank you.” Grabbing my coat, he helps me pull it on.

  “Are we going to be outside?”

  “I’m not sharing any details; plus I don’t want to share how ravishing you look in that dress.”

  “Had to get that compliment out, huh?”

  “Hell yes! A tiny part of me wants to forgo our date and strip that dress off your gorgeous curves right now.”

  I feel my skin heat from his words.

  “Savannah, please share what dirty thoughts are in your head right now.”

  “I thought the same thing after our kiss but decided you took the time to plan our date, we should go on it.”

  “Thank you, sweetheart. Here’s the last gift for tonight. While I picked it, I did ask Billie to confirm it was the right choice for long-term use based on your concerns.”

  Color me intrigued. I appreciate the extra effort. Nestled inside the small box is a pair of diamond earrings. It looks like a pair of studs with a removable jacket with a pear-shaped diamond at the bottom.

  “Oh, Sam. These are stunning.” My hands are shaking holding them. He’s smart enough to insure all these pieces, right? Of course he is. Regaining my composure, my hands shake less as I insert the earrings.

  After gathering my flowers, the packages, and our clothes from the workday, we ride downstairs. Christoph is waiting in the lobby as we exit the elevator.

  Chapter 44

  Samson

  “Good evening, sir. Miss Clemons.” Christoph takes the bags from my hands.

  “Good evening,” we reply in unison before sliding into the waiting car. The ride to our destination isn’t exceptionally long. The traffic however adds at least thirty minutes to our ride.

  As we come to a stop outside the building, Christoph steps out of the car before me. After buttoning my jacket, I reach for Savannah’s hand. I’m rethinking having Billie make that slit higher than she wanted to. The sheer amount of exposed skin of Savannah’s toned thighs dirties my thoughts even more.

  “Did Scarlett help you?” Savannah asks once she recognizes where we are.

  “No. I did this research all on my own.”

  A small smile breaks on Christoph’s face.

  “How? I never told you I’ve never been here.”

  “I may have snooped in your pile of books while you were otherwise busy. I noticed tha
t you have a list of priceless art you want to see in person, or at least works by specific artists. Two of those artists can be viewed here at MoMA.” I’ve stunned Savannah speechless. It’s one thing to do it with my lips. It’s something else to do it with actions. “Shall we check out Boy in the Red Vest by Paul Cézanne and Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh?”

  “Absolutely.”

  We’re greeted at the entrance by a docent named J.J. who happens to be Jimmy’s son, but his name isn’t James. Jimmy was very excited to be included in planning this date even the slightest bit. I’ll be sure to give him an update when I see him next.

  Hand in hand we wander through the galleries. I’m not in any rush; neither is Savannah. It was a wise choice to eat first. Now we can stay here as long as she pleases. Savannah gazes up at the Van Gogh for quite some time before walking through the remainder of the gallery. I’m not sure why, but she studied the Cézanne even longer. For every work she has a comment or tidbit of knowledge that she shares. For the Boy in the Red Vest, she’s utterly mesmerized.

  There’s one more small portion of tonight’s date left—dessert. After viewing much of the museum, J.J. leads us into a room near a window overlooking the city. With Auggie’s help, James set up a dessert tasting for Savannah and me.

  “There’s no way for me to thank you for tonight,” she whispers near the shell of my ear while I pull out her chair.

  “None are necessary.” I reveal two decadent-looking chocolate creations in front of us. We each take a few satisfying bites of Auggie’s dessert. After savoring most of the chocolate goodness, I take her hand in mine. “Why are you interested in priceless works of art?”

  “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would make it out of our tiny, little cape let alone to the Big Apple. When my mom died, I knew I had to do whatever was necessary for Scarlett. I selected business as a major because I felt like it has the most opportunities for me to support us. My love of art came from her. Well, that’s mostly true. She had a poster of L’Etoile by Edgar Degas on the back of her bedroom door. I dreamed of seeing that painting in real life but knew I could never make it happen. I didn’t know what it was called until I went to college. Professor Amelia Dorsey featured Degas in her class. Not only was the poster featured but so many other amazing impressionists works from Cézanne, Monet, Matisse, and Van Gogh. I decided that day to make art history my minor.”