She trembled and he felt like a damn king. She sighed and it was like music. Night after night, they came together, and it was always good. Always right. Always better than the time before. He couldn’t get enough of her and didn’t think he ever would.
Five long years without her had taught him that no other woman could compare to her. And he wasn’t ready to lose her again just yet.
Her hands slid from his shoulders down his arms, and Wes felt every stroke like a line of fire dissolving into his bones. Sliding his hands along her body, he laid claim to her in the most intimate, ancient way. Every line and curve of her body became his as he tasted, touched, caressed.
Moonlight speared through the windows, bathing the room in a pale, silvery light. Her eyes caught that light, reflected it and shone like beacons, drawing Wes in closer, deeper. He felt himself falling and couldn’t seem to stop it. Didn’t know if he wanted to stop it.
At this moment, all he knew was that he needed to lose himself in the woman with him. She brought him confusion, laughter, warmth and the near constant need to be inside her. Wes ached for her night and day. The longer he was with her, the more that need intensified. That alone should have worried him, he knew. But the simple fact was, he didn’t care what, if anything, it meant. All he could think about was her.
She arched into him, and Wes smiled against her skin. She moved against him, shifting her hips, letting him know that the ache inside was building. He loved that she felt what he did, that she wanted as desperately as he did. Loved. He blanked his mind at that wayward thought and gave himself up to the moment.
Wes skimmed one hand down to her core and cupped the heat nestled there. Instantly, she lifted her hips, rocking helplessly beneath his touch.
“Wes,” she said on a sigh, “don’t tease me...”
“Teasing’s half the fun,” he murmured and took first one nipple then the other into his mouth, tugging, suckling, relishing the tiny gasps and groans she made. He dipped one finger into her center, then another. He stroked her inside and out, while his thumb traced lazy, relentless circles over that most sensitive bud at the heart of her. She twisted in his grasp, moving her hips, arching her back, as her breath came faster, faster. He suckled at her breast, felt her tremble and knew it wasn’t enough. He wanted her mindless, defenseless.
Sliding down the length of her body, he knelt between her thighs, scooped his hands beneath her bottom and raised her high off the mattress.
“Wes—” Her eyes were burning. Her hands fisted in the sheet beneath her as her legs dangled off the bed.
Keeping his gaze locked with hers, he bent his head to her center and covered her with his mouth. Instantly, her head tipped back into the bank of pillows behind her and her grip on the sheets tightened until her knuckles went white.
He smiled to himself as he used his lips, tongue and teeth to drive her to the brink, only to keep her from going over. He held her on the edge deliberately, feeling her shake and shiver, knowing what her body wanted, knowing how she craved it, because he did, too.
Again and again, his tongue laid claim to her and Wes knew he’d never hear anything more beautiful than the whimpering sighs sliding from her throat.
“Wes, please. Please.”
He laid her down and reached for the bedside drawer. Grabbing a condom, he sheathed himself, then leaned over her to sheathe himself again...inside her. He entered her on a whisper, and she sighed at the sense of completion when he filled her. Wes closed his eyes and stayed perfectly still for a long moment, savoring the sensation of being held inside her body. The heat, the slick feel of her surrounding him. Then he opened his eyes, looked down into hers and murmured, “Enough.”
“Now, Wes,” she said, gripping his hips even as she lifted her legs to wrap them around him. “Now.”
“Yes,” he murmured and lowered his head to kiss her. His body rocked into hers, and he fell into a frantic rhythm, his hips pounding against hers, pushing them both faster, higher until release hung just within reach in the darkness. They lunged for it together and together they shattered, holding onto each other as they took the fall.
And with her wrapped in his arms, Wes closed his eyes and held her tight.
Nine
The following night, they left Caroline in Bobbi’s care and went to dinner at the Texas Cattleman’s Club. Isabelle had always loved the place, for its history, its meaning to the town of Royal. It had never bothered her that it had traditionally been an all-male private club. Heck, she figured women liked time to themselves, too. But now that women were welcome as members, she loved the changes that had only been started the last time she was in Royal.
There was a different feeling to the place. Not exactly feminine, but at least a few of the rough edges seemed to have been smoothed over.
“It’s been a while since you’ve been here,” Wes said, tucking her hand through the crook of his arm.
“Five years,” she said, glancing up at him. He looked gorgeous, of course, but then Wes Jackson would have to work at looking anything less than amazing. His black suit was elegantly tailored, and the deep red tie against the white dress shirt looked great. His hair was ruffled—she didn’t suppose it would ever look anything but. And she liked it that way.
She was wearing a long-sleeved navy blue dress with a full skirt and a scooped neckline that just hinted at the cleavage beneath. Her black heels added three inches to her height, and she still had to look up to meet Wes’s gaze. But she saw approval and desire in his eyes, so it was worth it. “Do you still come here for lunch every week?”
“Usually.” He nodded to the waiter and headed for his favorite table. Wes seated Isabelle then sat down opposite her. “It’s a good spot to get together and talk business.”
Wine was served after a moment or two, and Isabelle’s eyebrows arched. “Ordered ahead of time, did you? Think you know me that well?”
“Yes, I do.” He leaned across the table and smiled. “Your favorite here is the chicken marsala and a side salad, blue cheese dressing.”
“I don’t know whether to be flattered that you remembered or appalled that I’m so predictable.”
“Be flattered,” he said. “You’ve never been predictable, Belle. You always did keep me guessing. Still do.”
“I’m glad to know that,” she said and took a sip of her wine. Setting the glass back down again, she looked at him, sitting there with all the quiet confidence of a king. He was in his element here, and she was on his turf. She’d have done well to remember that, but sadly, it was too late now. Isabelle had tumbled right back into love with the man, and there didn’t seem to be a way out that didn’t include a lot of pain.
“Thank you,” he said, throwing her off balance again.
“For what?”
“For agreeing to stay into next week. To talk to the specialist with Caro.”
They hadn’t spoken about that since the night before, but then really, what was there to say? He’d caught her in a weak moment, Isabelle told herself. Naked and wrapped up in his arms, she might have agreed to anything. So she could hardly be blamed for putting off leaving for a few more days. Besides, Caroline loved it here.
Her little girl spent hours in the stable with the head groom, Davey. He was teaching her about horses and had already taught her how to brush her pony, Sid, named after her favorite character in the Ice Age movies, and feed him. Caroline was thriving, with both of her parents at her side, with Bobbi and Tony. Not to mention Robin and everyone at the Houston office.
She was a sweet girl and people responded to that, making Caroline feel like a princess wherever she went. In fact, Caro hadn’t once asked about going home. Which should, Isabelle thought, worry her. When they did eventually leave, it would be a hard thing for Caroline. It was going to be nearly impossible for Isabelle.
“You’r
e welcome,” she said, shoving those dark thoughts down into a corner of her mind. “I’m interested in what the specialist has to say, too.”
“Good.” He lifted his glass, looked past her and sighed. “Damn it.”
“What is it?” She made to turn around, but he stopped her.
“Don’t look. It’s Cecelia Morgan, and it looks like she’s coming over here.”
Wes’s ex-girlfriend. When she was in Royal before, Isabelle and Cecelia had been friendly, but never friends. The last time she’d spoken to Cecelia, the woman had happened upon her while Isabelle was indulging in a good cry. After hearing her out, Cecelia had urged Isabelle to leave Royal, insisting that Wes would never be interested in a child or commitment or any of the other things that Isabelle had wanted so badly.
“Hi, Wes,” the woman said with a cautious smile as she stopped at their table. “Isabelle.”
“Hello, Cecelia,” Isabelle said, wondering why the woman looked so uncomfortable. “It’s nice to see you again.”
The other woman smiled wryly, clearly not believing the platitude.
Cecelia was beautiful, with her blond hair, long legs and a figure that would make most women incredibly jealous. But right now her green eyes were filled with regret that had Isabelle curious.
“Look,” Cecelia said softly, giving a quick look around the room to make sure she wasn’t being overheard. “I don’t mean to interrupt, so I won’t be long. I just had to stop and say something to both of you.”
“What is it, Cecelia?” Wes asked, his deep, curt voice anything but welcoming.
The other woman heard the ice in his voice and stiffened in response. “I just wanted to apologize to you. Both of you. I should have told you about your daughter, Wes. And Isabelle, I never should have said that Wes wouldn’t want his child. I feel terrible for my part in all of this and I just wanted to say I’m really sorry.”
“Cecelia—I don’t blame you for that.” Isabelle reached out to her, but the other woman shook her head and held up one hand for quiet.
“It’s okay. I just saw you both here and I wanted to say that I’ve got some regrets over things I did in the past. That’s all.” She took a step back. “So, just...enjoy your dinner.” And she was gone.
“That was weird,” Wes said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so thoughtful.”
“It was unexpected,” Isabelle agreed. She wouldn’t have believed that Cecelia would ever apologize like that. The woman had never been concerned with anyone beyond herself and her two best friends. But maybe, Isabelle thought, as her gaze settled on Wes, people really could change.
* * *
The next morning, Wes was at the Houston office for a few hours before heading home to take Belle and Caroline to a park. He laughed to himself at the thought. Hell, even with the upcoming launch, he’d taken more time off lately than he had in years. And though he’d never been one to delegate important duties, he’d been doing just that more and more lately—and feeling his priorities shift as if they’d taken on a life of their own. Business had always been his joy. His passion. Growing his companies had been the focus of his life—until he’d discovered he was a father. One little girl—and her mother—had changed everything for Wes.
He leaned back in his desk chair and stared out the window at the steel-gray winter sky. January in Texas didn’t mean snow like Colorado, but the weather could change on a dime and usually did. The park might not be the best destination for today.
“Boss?”
He turned his head to Robin in the open doorway. “What is it?”
“You’re not going to believe this,” she said, worrying her bottom lip, “but Teddy Bradford is on video call for you.”
Frowning, Wes straightened up. Teddy hadn’t taken Wes’s calls since all of this started. Granted, Wes had been focused more on damage control than in trying to reach out to Teddy—especially after the press conference the man had held. Still, the CEO of PlayCo had been silent up until now, so what had changed?
“Put him through.” Wes turned to the monitor on his desk and waited. Teddy’s face appeared on the screen moments later.
The older man was in his sixties, with salt-and-pepper hair and shrewd green eyes. He was in good shape and in person was an imposing figure. But Wes wasn’t so easily intimidated.
“Bradford,” he said, with a nod of greeting.
“Jackson.” Teddy gave him a benevolent smile and folded his hands together, laying the tips of his index fingers against his chin. “I thought it was time we talked.”
“Why now?” Best to play his cards close to the vest. Wes had learned early on when people were caught up in casual conversation, they made slips. So he watched what he said and tried to make the other man give away his secrets instead.
Teddy leaned back in his oversize maroon leather chair. “I’ve seen the pictures of you with your daughter and her mother. You’re making quite the splash, publicity-wise.”
Understanding dawned. Hell, this was just what Wes had originally hoped for. He’d known that photographers would be following him around hoping to get more dirt to feed the scandal that had erupted almost two weeks ago. Instead, the pictures were of him, Belle and Caro together. Happy. Enjoying each other. And he had known that people would assume they were the family they appeared to be.
The plan had worked great. Except that Wes no longer felt as if he were pretending. Things had changed for him, he realized. It wasn’t a subterfuge anymore. The situation felt real to him, and he couldn’t imagine living without Belle and Caro. That was an unsettling thought for a man who’d spent his entire life avoiding commitment, love and any semblance of family.
Putting all of that aside for the moment, he asked, “Why exactly are you calling, Teddy?”
The older man’s face creased in an avuncular smile that instantly rubbed Wes the wrong way.
“That takeover could be back on the table for you,” Teddy said, dropping his hands to rest on his desktop. “As a family man myself, I can appreciate when a man makes a mistake and sets it right. You getting things straight with the mother of your child has made me look at you in a new light.”
Pompous old bastard. What Wes really wanted to do was hang up. Teddy Bradford as the arbiter of family values was annoying enough. Knowing that he had somehow gotten the old goat’s approval really stuck in his craw.
“You should know, though,” Teddy continued, in that oh-so-confidential tone, “that we’ve had another offer for the company. I wanted to give you a heads-up before I make any decisions. Maybe we can still work something out on the merger.”
Wes’s expression didn’t give away what he was thinking. Mainly because he wasn’t sure how he felt about any of this. Taking over PlayCo, blending it into his own company had been his purpose for a couple of years now. A part of him was eager at the chance to seal the very deal that had been shattered so completely by the mysterious Maverick. Yet there was another part of Wes that was standing back, wary of this sudden magnanimous burst from the other man.
“Shame about that little gal of yours,” Teddy was saying with a sad shake of his head. “Saw she’s got a set of hearing aids. Looks like she’ll have some challenges ahead.”
Wes gritted his teeth. Caroline was the most amazing kid he’d ever met. Hearing or not, she was way better than this man’s version of challenged.
“I appreciate the phone call,” Wes said, somehow managing to hide the guilt nearly choking him. “But like you said in that press conference, I’ve got a lot of thinking to do.”
“Is that right?”
“Teddy,” Wes said, “there’s a lot going on right now, so I’ll have to get back to you on this.”
“See that you do,” Teddy said, then stabbed a finger at the disconnect button and the screen went dark.
For a second or two,
Wes just sat at his desk as fury ebbed and flowed inside him. At Bradford. At the situation he’d found himself in. At himself for dragging Belle and Caro into this mess. The merger with PlayCo was huge. He was being offered the very merger he’d been working toward for two years. But taking it, he might have to swallow more than he was willing to. And Wes didn’t know if he could do it. Or even if he was interested in trying.
Still, there was more to think about here than just himself. Expanding the company meant hiring more people, and that was good for everyone. And hadn’t this been exactly what he’d been aiming for all along? So what was he waiting for? Why was he easing back from the very thing he’d been counting on?
He scrubbed both hands over his face. “Robin!”
Seconds later, his assistant appeared in the doorway.
“Gather the heads of every department,” he said. “I want them here in an hour, discussing that call from Bradford.”
“Yes, boss.”
When she left, Wes was alone with his thoughts again. And he didn’t much like them.
* * *
Isabelle stopped by the Royal Diner to pick up the lunch she’d ordered. Amanda Battle, the diner’s owner, was at the counter, waiting with Isabelle’s takeout bag. Inside that bag were Wes’s favorites—grilled ham-and-cheese sandwiches and fresh onion rings. Not the healthiest lunch in the world, Isabelle thought, but a spontaneous office picnic required more than raw veggies and a salad.
Wes was supposed to come home early and take her and Caro out for the afternoon. But Isabelle had received such great news from home, she hadn’t wanted to wait to see him. So an office picnic sounded like fun. Besides, Wes had been devoting so much time to her and Caro, Isabelle knew he had a lot of work to catch up on. The new toy launch was still a few weeks away, but he had to be on-site to handle any problems that might crop up.
She couldn’t wait to tell him that the toys she’d selected from Wes’s company had already arrived in Swan Hollow. And they’d sent so much more than she’d expected, Isabelle was sure she could supply two or three children’s wards with those toys alone.
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