Sara blinked rapidly to hold back her tears. She felt numb all over and didn’t know what to do.
“We’ll fly back with Adam and Rodney day after tomorrow. You can sign the power of attorney when we get home and I’ll get the paperwork ready for the sale.” He glanced away. “I told them there’s no hurry. We’ll finalize everything after the wedding in a few weeks.”
Sara wasn’t a legal genius, but even she knew the reason for the delay. He wanted to make sure the money came to them and not just to her. “I want to offer my mother the chance to take anything she wants from the house.”
Bart frowned and looked around. “There are some pretty nice antiques here. I think you and I should pick what we want first and then if there’s anything left she can have it.”
Sara gritted her teeth and nodded. It was going to be a long couple of days.
She had to squish down the top of her suitcase to get the zipper closed. They were leaving to return home in the morning and Bart had already told her he wanted her bags packed and ready to go before they went to bed tonight. Not that he’ll know if it’s ready or not. He’d moved his suitcase into the guestroom the first night he returned, reminding her they were saving themselves for their wedding night. Sara snorted and gave the zipper a vicious tug.
Sara set the suitcase beside the door and then walked over to look out the window. The moonlight glistened across the tranquil ocean waves. She looked down at the sandy cove. The memories of her dream lover hopelessly entwined with her thoughts of Mel. Sometimes I feel as if they’re the same man, but they don’t look alike. Both of them make me feel alive in ways I never thought possible.
She closed the blinds and walked over to the dresser. Her reflection in the mirror seemed alien. How can I marry Bart knowing I’ll never have children? Can I live my life never having a family of my own? Sara closed her eyes tightly. “I can’t do it,” she whispered. Her eyelids flew open and she took a shaky breath. “I won’t do it.” Swallowing hard, she nodded at her reflection and then switched off the light before climbing into the bed. How the hell am I going to tell Bart I’ve changed my mind? Sara punched her pillow twice and let herself relax.
Sara looked out toward the ocean and frowned. “How did I get out here?” She was standing on the balcony outside her bedroom. A movement on the beach caught her eye and she groaned. “I’m dreaming.” She studied the figure walking toward the house. “If he’s here, it has to be a dream.”
Meloir walked steadily up the steps to the porch, his eyes never straying from her gaze. Without a word, he pulled Sara into his arms and buried his face in her hair. Without warning, he bent and lifted her in his hard arms, carrying her straight back to her bedroom. Desire burned hot in his eyes as he let her slide down his body. He drew her chin up and captured her lips with his, delicately licking around the outer edges of her mouth before slanting his mouth over hers.
Meloir pulled her fingers away from his arms and kissed the tip of each one before he sat down on the bed and pulled her gently between his legs, sliding his hands around to cup her buttocks. He leaned close and flicked his tongue against hers right before sweeping through her mouth, taking her lips in a probing kiss. Their tongues twined together in an erotic duel.
“Meloir,” she whispered, “why can’t you be real?”
“Shh,” he crooned. “I am real, my Heart Mate.” Meloir moved to her neck with his lips and nibbled at her throat. He sucked lightly at first, then harder, leaving his mark. His hand ran over her almost reverently from her shoulder to her hip and then up again, cupping one breast. Sara moaned and arched her back when he fingered her hypersensitive nipple.
Sara wanted to feel his touch on her bare skin. “Please, touch me.”
Meloir’s fingers sneaked beneath her gown, his thumbs lightly running over her hardening nubs. He pinched and kneaded her nipple, causing her to moan louder. His hands grabbed the bottom of her gown and yanked it over her head.
“You’re so beautiful, Sarafina.”
She caressed his cheek with a trembling hand. “You make me feel beautiful, Meloir.” In a bold move, she took his head between her hands and guided it to her aching breast.
Meloir licked her nipple, driving her higher as his hands roamed her rounded body. He lifted her breast in his hand and circled her nipple with his tongue just before he sucked it deep inside his mouth, making maddeningly slow circles around the peak.
His hands smoothed down her sides to her panties where his fingertips toyed lazily with her vaginal lips through the damp cotton. Meloir hooked his fingers under the waistband and pulled, slipping them past her hips. He grabbed her hands when she tried to cover herself.
“No, love, never hide yourself.” He reached between her legs and ran his finger through her feminine curls. “You’re so wet and glistening.”
“Oh, God,” Sara groaned. She could feel the heat of embarrassment in her face.
Meloir stood and scooped Sara into his arms and then laid her gently on the mattress. He stripped his clothes off and crawled onto the bed, settling between her spread thighs. He nudged her legs farther apart and used his fingers to spread the lips of her sex. He brushed the hood of her throbbing clit and then probed her opening, parting the petals of flesh and sliding one large finger along her cleft.
“You’re so hot, and so creamy,” he groaned. He teased her clit, pinching it sensuously between his thumb and forefinger and then leaned in and ran his tongue up the slit of her pussy. He laved her most intimate place with his moist tongue, stroking down her slit and back up. She arched her back, straining toward the coming release.
Meloir took her clit between his lips, swirling his tongue around the sensitive flesh before biting down softly with his teeth. Sara exploded, crying out his name as waves of pleasure washed over her. Meloir lapped and sucked until the last wave of pleasure receded.
“You’re so beautiful when you come.” He moved beside her on the bed.
Sara gasped at the feel of his warm length against her soft body. She could feel the hard length of his cock pressed against the inside of her thigh. Sara brushed her lips against Meloir’s chest and dragged her tongue through the sparse hair. She nipped lightly at his nipple and trailed her hand down his taut abdomen. Her fingers gripped around his hard shaft.
“Yes,” he cried, making a groaning sound deep in his throat. “Yes, touch me Sarafina.” He closed his eyes and made a harsh sound as her hand stroked firmly up and down his cock. “I love feeling your hands on my skin.”
Sara grinned. “I love being able to make that sound come out of you.” She flicked her tongue out and dragged it slowly over the tip, tasting the pre-cum gathering there. His hips began to thrust, moving his shaft in and out of her mouth. Gathering her courage, she took him deep, feeling him hit the back of her throat, and swallowed.
Meloir jerked, ramming his cock even further and then quickly pulled away. He flipped her onto her back and forced her thighs apart with his hips. “I can’t wait any longer, Sarafina. I need you now.” He suddenly mounted her and thrust deep. “You’re so damn tight,” he growled. He flexed his hips, sheathing himself to the hilt in one stroke.
Sara’s eyes closed and she locked her legs around his waist. He withdrew and thrust deeply inside her again and again, holding onto her thighs as he pumped between her legs.
“Meloir,” she cried, her inner walls clutching at his cock when she came. He leaned down and moaned into her mouth as he released his seed deep inside her. Sara held on tight, afraid to let him go.
Meloir pressed his head to Sara’s breast and closed his eyes. “We have to say goodbye now, Sarafina.”
Sara pushed him back and stared into his eyes. She could see her own anguish reflected in the blue pools. “Why?” she asked fearfully.
He fell onto the mattress and pulled her body close to his. “You’re going home and I can’t follow you.” He looked at her yearningly. “If you could find the magic, we could stay together, Sarafina. No one woul
d ever be able to part us again.”
Sara closed her eyes to shut out her pain. “There isn’t any magic, Meloir. There never was.”
Meloir caressed her cheek and placed a light kiss against her lips. “I’m sorry, my Heart Mate. The magic’s there, but you have to be able to find it on your own.” He raised her fingers to his lips and kissed each one. “I’ll miss you, Sarafina. You’ll always be in my heart. If you ever find the magic, call for me and I’ll be there.”
“No,” Sara screamed as she wakened. Her hand brushed the tears from her cheek. She twisted sharply toward the window when she heard an echoing voice.
“Don’t make the same mistakes I did, Sarafina. Find the magic and follow your heart. Make your true love’s wishes come true.”
“Grandmother,” Sara sobbed. “Tell me how to find the magic.”
Chapter 8
Sara found Bart in the kitchen, talking on the phone. She’d been unable to go back to sleep after waking from her erotic dream. It had taken most of the night, but she’d finally realized she wasn’t willing to give up her dream of having a family of her own. Now she just had to break the news to Bart.
“Okay, we’ll be ready when you get here.” Bart hung up the phone and smiled at Sara. “Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?”
Sara’s mouth dropped open. She’d never heard that level of concern in his voice before. “Uh, no, actually I didn’t.”
“I’m sorry, Sara.” He pulled out a chair. “Come and take a seat and I’ll get you a cup of coffee.”
Frowning, Sara walked over and let him hold the chair while she sat. Determinedly, she set her jaw. “I’d rather have a Pepsi.”
Bart squared his shoulders, stiffening visibly, and after a moment’s hesitation, got a Pepsi from the fridge. He popped the top and handed it to her, chuckling. “This isn’t really good for you, but here you go.”
Sara let out the breath she’d been holding. “Thanks.” She took a quick swallow and looked up at her fiancé. “Who was on the phone?”
“Elias wanted to make sure we’d be ready to leave pretty soon. He said the weather shows clear sailing today so we can leave whenever we’re ready.”
Sara nodded toward the empty chair. “Could you sit down for a minute? I need to talk to you about something important.”
Bart grabbed his cup and settled into the chair with exaggerated casualness. “Yes, I need to talk to you, too, Sara.”
She took a deep breath. “Bart, I can’t—”
He waved his hand in dismissal. “I’ve changed my mind,” he announced.
Her brows drew together, her eyes narrowing. “Changed your mind about what?”
Bart leaned back, relaxed, at ease and in control of the moment. “I’ve decided we should have a baby.”
Sara felt her eyes water as she stared at him incredulously. “You, you want a baby? With me?” she asked haltingly.
He crossed his arms across his chest. “Yes, I do.” He picked up his coffee and blew on the brew. “I thought about what you said last night.” He took a small sip. “I think it would be good for you to focus your energies on a baby.” He narrowed his eyes. “As long as you understand I’m going to ensure that my practice will go to Michael someday.”
“Your practice?” Sara said in confusion.
He waved his hand in the air. “I’m confident I’ll have my own law practice within the next five years. It’ll be my legacy to leave it to Michael.”
Sara watched as Bart sipped at his morning caffeine. He’s offering to give me what I want. I was ready to walk away and now I can have it all. Sara frowned. “I’d never allow you to treat any child of ours any differently.”
His eyes narrowed. “Give me a little credit, Sara. I’d never treat one of my children better than the other. I’ll love them equally. I just want my professional legacy to go to my firstborn. Is that too much to ask?”
Sara dropped her chin, her hands tightening around the soft drink can. “I’m sorry, Bart. I know you’d love any child we created together.” She raised her eyes to his and studied his face. I’m not getting any younger. If I don’t take him up on his offer, I might never get another chance. She let out a shaky breath. “I just want a baby to love, Bart. It doesn’t matter to me who gets what when we’re gone.”
He reached across the table and took her hand. “Then let’s go home and get married, Sara. We can start on that baby right away.”
Sara stared at his hand and wondered how much the fear of losing her new fortune had prompted Bart’s offer. Tiredly, she placed her hand in his. She didn’t really care what his motives were. She was going to have a child that would love her, unconditionally. She gave him a tentative smile. “I’d like that a lot.”
“Got any coffee in the house?” Elias’s voice called out.
Sara jerked her hand back and wiped at the moisture in her eyes. “In the kitchen, Elias,” she called out. She glanced away from the self-satisfied smirk on Bart’s face.
“Good morning, all. It’s a beautiful day for sailing today.” Elias’s cheer was infectious as he came strolling into the kitchen.
Bart stood and nodded toward the counter. “Help yourself to the coffee, Elias. I’m going to finish getting ready and bring the bags down.” He glanced at Sara. “Have you finished packing?”
She nodded. “My suitcase’s by the door. I don’t have anything left upstairs.”
“Excellent,” he beamed. “I won’t be long.” He stopped to set his cup in the sink before leaving the kitchen.
Elias poured himself a cup of coffee and took Bart’s chair. He peered at her over the rim of his cup. “You okay, Sara?”
She nodded, afraid her voice wouldn’t be steady if she answered him.
He reached over and laid his hand on her arm. “It’s not too late, little girl. You say the word and I’ll take him back to the mainland and send him on his way.”
Sara smiled and laid her hand over his. “Thank you, Elias. It feels good to know someone cares so much about my happiness.” She gave his hand one last squeeze and then stood up. “I’m going back and marrying Bart.” She swallowed around the lump that formed in her throat. “I’m selling the island and we’re going to have a family.”
Elias stood and gave her a hug. “If it’s what you want, then I’m happy for you, Sara, and I know your grandmother would be, too.”
She grinned and hugged him back. “Thanks for all your help, Elias. I couldn’t have gotten through all this without you.” She leaned back and looked into his eyes. “I wish you could come to my wedding.”
He gave her a little wink, his green eyes twinkling. “You never know, little girl. I just might surprise you and show up.”
Sara hugged him with a desperation she didn’t understand. “I’m gonna send you an invitation and that’s a promise.” She closed her eyes. “Would you thank Mel for me, for giving up his time to show me around?”
Elias kissed her cheek. “Follow your heart to find your happiness, Sara.”
“Okay, we’re ready to go.” Bart walked over and took Sara by the arm. “Elias, will you look after the place until the new owners take over?”
Elias stepped away and turned toward the door. “Don’t you worry about nothing, Sara. I’m gonna take care of everything.” He called to them over his shoulder, “Let’s get moving. Daylight’s wasting.”
At the airport, Sara blinked back the tears from her eyes as she hugged Elias one final time. Getting on the private plane, she couldn’t help but feel like she’d left something important behind.
“Why don’t you ever look happy anymore?”
The voice of five-year-old Cindy Barlow brought Sara out of her daydream. She squatted down and looked into the scowling face of her student. “What are you talking about, Cindy. I’m happy.”
The child shook her head vigorously. “You never smile and you don’t play with us anymore.” She put her small hand against Sara’s cheek. “Did somebody hurt your feelings? My brother hurts
my feelings a lot and it always makes me sad.”
Sara sighed and pulled the child into a hug. “I’m sorry if I’ve been a grouch,” she whispered, pleased to hear the little girl giggle. She pulled back and gave her a big smile. “I promise to do better. Do you remember that I told the class I’m getting married?”
Cindy nodded solemnly. “I remember.”
Sara tweaked her nose and grinned. “Weddings are a lot of work to plan and they can make you pretty grouchy. You’ll understand when you’re older.”
Satisfied, the dainty child gave her a typical toothless smile. “Can I go outside now?”
Sara lightly swatted her bottom and stood. “Better get moving, young lady. You only have about twenty minutes of recess left.” She watched as Cindy scurried off.
“You’re not going to try and feed me that bullshit are you?”
Sara cringed and turned to face her colleague and childhood friend, Rachel Martin. “Is there any way I can avoid this conversation?” she asked ruefully.
“I’m your maid of honor and resistance is futile!” She grinned and motioned toward the teacher’s lounge. “Come on, spill.”
Sara followed her into the lounge and relaxed when she saw it was empty. Groaning, she took the chair Rachel held and closed her eyes. She felt her friend’s hand cover her own.
“Honey, what is it?” Rachel asked.
Resigned, Sara opened her eyes and told her everything about her inheritance, her dream lover and Bart’s sudden desire to have a child with her. For reasons she didn’t understand, she didn’t mention her grandmother’s unearthly visits or the very real time she’d spent with Mel. Feeling some of the pressure lift, she leaned back in her chair and waited for her best friend’s reaction.
The Magic in her Gift Page 10