by Jaymin Eve
“Shit, Candy you missed your calling as one of those fashion makeover people,” Melodee said, as Candice appeared over her shoulder, her gorgeous face grinning.
Melodee couldn’t believe how different she looked. Her hair was shining, and for once curled softly to her shoulders. Her eyes looked huge and so damn blue with the kohl and mascara. Candice had dressed her in a short, tight white dress with black stockings and black boots. The dress was knitted, and looked reasonably modest from the front, but when she turned around, it had almost no back at all. It was cut away all the way down to an inch over her butt. She was as ready for her first date as she would ever be.
Melodee grabbed her coat, bag and cell, before tiptoeing in to check on Jewel. Her princess was sound asleep, one hand gripping her silky comforter, the other over her eyes. Melodee had all the monitors on and Rose held the microphone part so she could hear if the baby woke while they were out.
“Thanks, Candy, you’re a great friend.” She hugged the blonde girl as she was leaving. “I owe you one.”
“Nah, it was my pleasure, but as soon as you’re better I’ll line up a few of those self-defense classes.”
Melodee grinned. “I can’t wait.”
As the door shut behind Candice, Melodee realized she’d made her first female friend. Look at her fitting into society like a normal person. She heard the door open again, and thinking Candice had forgotten something Melodee turned back around. Nathan stood in the doorway. His aqua eyes locked on her and they were filled with heat. He was dressed in an open collar suit, his blond hair damp as if he’d just gotten out of a shower. He held a huge bouquet of flowers. Melodee froze; her heart stopped beating and the ability to breathe suddenly got very difficult.
She was fucking beautiful. Nathan couldn’t tear his eyes from where she stood in the entry hall. All thought and reason flew out of his head, and if she wasn’t injured he’d already have her out of those sexy ass clothes and against the wall, with him finally inside of her. But he could be patient for a little longer. Hurting her was just not an option for him. As she stepped toward him, a brilliant smile crossing her features, Nathan forgot all of his plans for the night. The limo out the front, the restaurant he had booked out completely so they’d have it to themselves, the handpicked dinner and dessert. Instead, he dropped to one knee in the damn hallway of his apartment, no romance, no planning, the bundles of flowers he’d carried simply flowing out onto Melodee’s boots.
“Marry me, Dee.” He pulled the ring box from his pocket. “I can’t live without you. My life is fucking beautiful with you in it and there’s no doubt that you are mine.”
“And you are mine,” Melodee said, and she awkwardly dropped to her knees in front of Nathan. “And despite the fact you said fuck during my wedding proposal, it would be the greatest gift in my life to marry you.”
Nathan flicked open the box and Melodee gasped. Her hands flew to her face as she stared at the ring. It had a flawless, round-cut, three carat center diamond, and then there were two thin bands and they were covered in tiny sapphire stones that went all the way around. It was without doubt the most stunning ring she had ever seen. Nathan reached out and slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly and looked huge on her hand. She was grateful that her right hand was the one in a cast.
And then she was in his arms, his lips descending onto hers, and she drowned in his kiss for endless minutes. His tongue stroked hers, coaxing it, caressing it, stripping her of everything that made her Melodee before building her right back up again. In that endless kiss she was undone, but she knew Nathan would be there to catch her.
“Take me to bed, Nathan Sinclair,” she gasped out when she managed to tear her mouth from his.
It was at that moment that Candice burst through the door with Charles right behind her.
“Sorry, Dee, I forgot…” She trailed off as she took in the sight of them on their knees, flowers everywhere, and the gorgeous ring on Melodee’s finger.
“Oh my God, he proposed,” Candice trilled, clutching her hands together.
“Nice job, man,” Charles said. “Sinclairs work fast when they know what they want.”
“It’s so romantic,” Candice chimed in again. “And Matt’s gonna lose his shit.” She turned to Nathan. “Let me tell him, please. Come on. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Nathan didn’t tear his eyes from Melodee as he spoke.
“I will tell you once, before I throw your asses out the door. Get. Out.”
They both snorted with laughter, before backing out the way they came, the door slamming behind them.
Nathan noticed the fleeting look of unease that crossed Melodee’s features.
“Are they right?” She focused on him. “We’ve known each other for no more than two months. This is crazy.”
Nathan lowered his face until their foreheads rested together. “You’re a fighter, Dee. You have spent your entire life relying on your gut, your instincts. What are they telling you now? Is this the right decision? Listen to your heart. Listen to you.”
He waited patiently, his aqua eyes never shifting from her, his head touching hers lightly.
A brilliant smile crossed her features. “Damn, I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. If this was a fight, I’d know I had it won before I even stepped into the cage.”
“That’s my girl,” Nathan said, as he gently lifted her into his arms.
He couldn’t stop kissing her as he walked toward his bedroom. Nathan had never been afraid of much in his life, but losing Melodee and Jewel literally scared the shit out of him.
“I’m starting to think I like dates,” Melodee sighed, as she pulled back a little.
Nathan laughed. “I planned on flying us to Italy in my private jet, but this feels even better.”
Melodee snorted. “I’d laugh, except I’m sure you are serious and that’s a ridiculous first date.”
“I thought that was pretty tame.” He shut his door behind them, before lowering her to stand next to his bed. “I’ll have to work on my ideas for next time.”
Melodee lost her train of thought as his eyes darkened and locked onto her face.
“Turn around.”
Melodee couldn’t have found her voice to argue, even if she wanted to. Slowly, holding her breath, she turned until her back faced him. She could hear the low growl from Nathan, and desire pooled low in her belly. Her knees buckled a little, but Nathan held her up with one hand. With his other hand he traced a slow, burning path from the top of her spine down to the curve above her ass.
“Fuck, you have no idea what this dress is doing to me,” his voice and breath rasped in her ear and she closed her eyes as delicious anticipation flooded her. “All I can think about is ripping every lace strand from your perfect body. It’s getting difficult to remember that you’re injured.”
She finally found her voice. “Please, Nathan, I need you.”
Nathan lowered his head, and his mouth followed the path his hand had taken down her body. Melodee felt as if she was going to explode from the sensation. She could feel the wetness between her legs already. Nathan was like the ultimate aphrodisiac, he only had to be close and her body reacted to him.
Nathan slid a hand on either side of her thighs and up under the short dress, and then in one movement had it up and over her head. She tried to turn around, but his hands held her in place. Normally, she’d have freaked at a person standing at her exposed and vulnerable back, especially when she had no idea what he was about to do. But she had a level of trust in Nathan that was unprecedented in her world. In deference to her injuries, he continued with his gentle assault. Kissing along her body, touching her, and all the while she could see nothing he was doing. She was pretty much using the bed to keep herself upright. Finally, he lifted her and placed her on the bed and helped her roll over so she could see him. His expression was serious as he stared down at her.
“You have to promise not to get hurt again,” he sai
d, having to clear his throat. “I’m not sure my heart could handle it again. You almost left me a broken man.”
Melodee reached up and placed her hand on the side of his beautiful face. “I’ll fight for us, Nathan, don’t ever doubt it.”
His mouth captured hers, taking and demanding in return, before starting to kiss down her body. Each breast received thorough attention before his mouth reached the place she’d been waiting for. His tongue caressed her, loving every inch, before he moved with more urgency over her clitoris. He went slowly, allowing a gradual buildup. The explosion of her orgasm was as insane as always, but gentle enough not to strain her injuries.
Nathan rose over her body, his strong arms straight on either side of her. “I want to make love to you, but we won’t tonight.”
“Nathan, my injuries are not that bad,” she protested.
“Don’t argue, Dee, you just got out of hospital.” He shifted her so that they lay under the covers, his large body cradling her. “You need rest.” He lifted her left hand and kissed the finger on which his ring sat. With a sigh she sank into the warmth and safety, closing her eyes for the first decent sleep in weeks.
Chapter 15
The judge signed the last pieces of paper before handing them across to Nathan and Melodee. She smiled, her gray hair pulled back tightly, but she had kind eyes. “It’s official, you two are parents. The case worker gave you glowing reviews, but really I can see from twenty minutes with the three of you that you’re already a family. Good luck.”
Nathan and Melodee added their signatures to the adoption and official change of name forms, before they were slid back into the judge’s folder. Jewel gave a happy gurgle then and Melodee laughed as she kissed her cheek. Nathan pulled them both into his arms when they stood.
“Best day of my life,” he told the judge.
“Say hello to Lincoln for me,” she replied as she gathered her things and left the room.
“We really have to thank your father. No way would this have happened so quickly without him.” Melodee picked up the nappy bag, but Nathan took it from her before she could sling it over her shoulder.
“Yeah, especially the way he shoved the whole kidnapping business under the rug. Our case-worker reviews wouldn’t have been so glowing otherwise.” Nathan shook his head. “But Dad’s slowly chipping away at his mean old bastard title. He seems to be happy to have a grandbaby to spoil.” Nathan led them out of the building, holding open the back door of his car so Melodee was able to settle Jewel into her seat. “It helps to be away from Mother’s poisonous personality. Her extended vacation has been refreshing for everyone.”
Nathan’s mother was refusing to speak with any of them, but Lincoln had actually visited a few times, and it was his influence that facilitated their adoption of Jewel. They settled into the car and Nathan cranked the heat. It was still freezing mid-February.
“So my agent rang,” he said casually as they pulled out of the car park. “I’ve got an unofficial offer from the Knicks. I still have to go into the draft pool but I’m hearing it’s looking good.”
A broad smile spread across Melodee’s face. That was the second best news she’d heard all day.
“I’m so proud of you. I never had any doubts you’d achieve your dreams,” she said, leaning over to kiss his cheek. Thankfully, her injuries were almost healed.
Melodee sank back in her seat. “I feel as if luck follows you around. I’ve never had so many good things happen since I met you.”
Nathan laughed. “Dee, you just got out of hospital after almost dying.”
She waved her hand. “You know what I mean.”
He reached out and laced his fingers with hers. “So I have a surprise for you.” His voice tightened, along with the hand which clutched Melodee’s. “But I’m not sure if you’re going to hate it.”
“You sounds a little unsure, Slam Dunk. Where’s the famous Sinclair confidence?”
He lowered his voice. “Do you trust me?”
She didn’t even hesitate before answering. “Completely.”
“Alright, then we have a little detour to take.” He pulled the car off to the side road, before turning around and heading in the opposite direction.
About six hours later, when the plane finally touched down onto an unknown private airport, Melodee spun in her huge leather chair to face Nathan.
“Can you tell me yet where we’re going?”
“You said you trusted me?” he teased.
“Are we even still in America?” Her voice rose. “I don’t have a passport.”
Nathan laughed. “I organized everything, including a passport. Why do you think it took a little extra time at the courthouse today?”
She looked out the window again, trying to determine where they had landed. It looked very natural. Lots of lovely green could be seen beyond the airport grounds. Finally they were free to disembark. Nathan carried Jewel and Melodee followed them off.
A man met them at the bottom of the stairs, which had been extended off the private plane.
“Welcome back to Florence, Mr. Sinclair. Your car is waiting.”
He handed Nathan a few things and pointed toward the black Town Car which was idling on the pavement.
“Did he just say Florence?” Melodee hissed. “As in Florence, Italy?” The weather was very mild here, almost warm after the freeze they’d just left.
Nathan grinned at her again, his features relaxed. “You’re terrible at surprises.”
She sighed, before sliding into the car. Nathan followed after strapping Jewel into the baby seat which had already been in the car.
“I’m taking you to our home in Italy,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite places in the world.”
Melodee was speechless. She’d never been outside of America, and this was beyond a dream. Her eyes were glued to the scenery for the entire drive, which took well over an hour. Nathan pointed out landmarks, and she couldn’t believe how much history was present in the buildings here. Its beauty astounded her.
“Our home is in Livorno,” he finally said, as the beautiful waters came into view. “It’s on a large piece of land overlooking the sea.”
The car turned onto a long winding driveway, taking a path along the cliff and up to the top. When they car came to a halt, Melodee clicked open the door before the driver could get to it. She couldn’t stop herself from approaching the stunning two story cathedral home. It looked like it had stood on this cliff forever. It was brick, but there was spiraling flowered ivy ascending to the balconies.
Nathan wrapped an arm around her, and together with Jewel they stepped up to the front door. It was unlocked, so they moved through into the large, open spaced foyer. Melodee stopped dead at the sight before her. The front room was filled with people: Nathan’s brothers, Candice, and a handful of others she didn’t know. She spun her head to stare as Nathan.
“What’s going on?” she asked, her brow furrowing.
“I was thinking we could have a little wedding,” he said casually, although the heat in his eyes spoke of something stronger. “I don’t want to wait any longer for you to be my wife. But,” he added, “if you want to plan something different for the wedding, this can just be a family holiday.”
Melodee threw herself into his arms. He shifted Jewel at the last minute so he could catch her.
“I'm ready right now, I don’t need anything fancy.”
Candice snorted from behind her. “Better cancel the ten-piece string quartet setting up outside.”
“What?” Melodee spun to face her.
Nathan cleared his throat. “Nothing for you to worry about, Candy’s chosen a few dresses so you can at least have some say in that. And one for Jewel. We’ll set up the rest.”
With one last kiss he placed Jewel in her arms, and Candice led Melodee up the massive double stairs to the second floor.
Melodee faced her friend. “What the hell just happened? A few hours ago we were in Syracuse and now I’m in It
aly about to get married.”
Candice gave her a hug. “This is how the Sinclairs work. Generally, its strap-in and enjoy the ride. But I’m happy to sneak you out if you need a little time to think it through.”
Melodee laughed then, snuggling her daughter close. “Are you kidding me, I was dreading planning a massive, overly ornate wedding to try and please the millions of Sinclair hangers-on. This is my dream come true.”
“I figured.” Candice linked her arm through Melodee’s. “So let’s find you a dress.”
They entered the second door down the massive hallway. It was decorated in bright Tuscan colors, large with a couple of squishy couches. It looked like a sitting room. Melodee could see through the far doorway to the bathroom. Candice led her straight across to a large rack of white, plastic-covered dresses.
“I just asked the local dressmaker to send over a selection,” Candice said. “She’s very sought after for her wedding gowns. Luckily, she is an old friend of Nate’s gran.”
Melodee could see why her dresses were in demand. They were masterpieces of silk, lace and glittery adornments. She set Jewel on the ground. The little girl was happy to play with the bottom of the dress bags while Melodee shifted through the rack. She pushed past the puffy skirts, having no desire to look even shorter. She halted halfway through as a champagne color caught her eye. It had a heart-shaped neck line, the bodice was delicate lace with thousands of stunning beads. The dress was form fitted until it reached the pale lace and tulle skirt. Unlike the puffy mermaid style ones earlier, this dress was perfect.
“That would look gorgeous,” Candice gasped. “And it has a corset bodice, so we should get a perfect fit.”
Melodee pulled it free from the rack and laid it across the closest chair.
“Okay, there is a matching dress for Jewel. So now you need to shower and I’ll call in the hair and makeup people.” Candice started to nudge her. Melodee reached down and picked up the baby from where she was on her back kicking at the dress bottoms.