"You're amazing." She relaxed and lost any tension. The imperative in how he'd said that sentence told her plenty. Everything would be fine. Vicki's mind questioned if Colt intended to end things with Belle on his own. She exhaled and let the thought go. It wasn't right. She was determined she'd start on the right foot with Belle. She sipped her wine. "I'm excited to stay here."
A knock sounded at the door. No one moved until Colt stood to go get the pizza. Clara leaned over and told Vicki, "I wish we could be a real family, and all live here without Belle. You're fun, Vicki."
She was more than fun. She was her mom. Vicki pressed her lips together to stop the words she wanted to say. "It's a sweet idea, but unlikely. Your daddy is getting married to her."
"He's being stupid. I don't like Belle," Clara whined loud enough for Colt to hear.
With the box in his hand, he headed back to the table. "None of that. You'll meet her tomorrow and you will be on your best behavior."
Clara shook her head, but kept silent. The frozen face on Clara was how Colt also showed his stubborn streak. His upturned chin and lips that thinned out meant he had a very different opinion, and their daughter had that expression. Vicki brushed her hair behind her ear, and smiled to smooth over the situation. "Mmm. I love pizza."
Colt opened the box and placed a slice on Clara's plate. The moment their daughter moved, he reminded her, "You're going to be nice."
Clara nodded and looked away. Then she took the plate with her pizza and returned to her seat.
Vicki added a slice to Colt's plate then one on her own.
The moment she was done eating, Clara stood and announced, "I'm going to my room and going to bed now. Night."
Vicki stood to follow her, but Colt placed his hand on her shoulder. She tilted her head toward him. He had his finger on his lip to signal silence. Her brow wrinkled as she returned to sit beside him. A minute later the bedroom door closed, and Vicki wiggled in her seat and whispered. "What's going on?"
"Clara never goes to her room without demanding a story." Colt stared into the empty hall that led to their daughter's bedroom. "She's up to something."
"Why would you—" Her gaze trailed where her daughter had just walked, but then music wafted in the air. She nodded. "Never mind."
"She wants you here, and hoped you'll take over for Belle."
Vicki wouldn't mind, but her face heated. She blinked, bit her lip for a second, and then asked, "So why didn't you argue with her?"
"What's the point? She'll start a fight, then I'll put her to bed with tears in her eyes because she's frustrated and didn't win." He took a deep breath. "It's better to let her think she's won with her music. I get the quiet of the evening, and a chance to talk to you."
Vicki's skin electrified with hope that Colt wanted something between them too, though she'd never admit her feelings. "Smart. You giving in is new."
"Pick your battles. It's a parental trick." Then he offered her glass of wine. "We get a peaceful night."
She took the glass from his hands, but then he stood fast, like a spider just bit him. She stared at him, and his face turned red. Then he ran his hand though his hair. "You done with the pizza?"
"Yeah." She followed and helped clean. Together they worked fast, and all that was left was the wine glasses.
Colt opened the refrigerator. "I'll pour you another glass of wine, Vicki. Come sit with me in the living room."
"Your place is nice." She stared at the walls as she made her way toward the couch. "You changed it since we were children and there were flowers everywhere."
"Mom has the pictures at the condo," he called a few steps behind her. "I'm surprised you remembered that."
She sat as he handed her the glass. She took a sip of her wine. This time he stayed still. She smiled as he eased into his chair. Then she said, "You threw the best pre-graduation party when your dad was in D.C."
"I was in so much trouble when he came home." Colt sat more comfortably on the couch as they reminisced. "You came with Alice that night. I don't remember you causing much trouble."
"I fixed the beers, and felt like such a rebel." She stared at the ceiling to cover the smile that grew on her face. "I always preferred hanging out with your sister than doing half the things my father demanded of me. With Alice, I almost had a childhood."
"I teased my baby sister a lot about how she acted near you. It's why I didn't tell her about us or Clara." He pressed his lips together like he'd said too much, and changed the topic. "Guess we can't change the past, though."
"Alice would have told me to be with you and not listen to my father. That was why I didn't tell my friend I had a huge crush on you."
He leaned closer, and she tilted her head and mirrored his actions. She puckered her lips like he was going to kiss her, and then closed her eyes. She whispered, "I'm glad we're not fighting over Clara and you're staying in Florida."
His face was so close to hers. The delicious scent of oranges and oak invaded every cell in her body. "You staying too?"
"Yes."
He scooted closer. Her breasts ached for his touch as he said, "Vicki, I don't want to fight with you."
"I don't want to fight with you," she repeated, and closed her eyes again. His breath came so close to her, and her lips parted to kiss him.
Tingles raced through her as his lips brushed against hers.
Her entire body heated. She sighed and wrapped her arms around him. His lips were tender yet hard. He tasted better than wine.
Outside on the patio, the clip-clop of a high-heeled footstep echoed.
Colt sat straight and sucked in his breath.
Vicki licked her lips that tingled from such a short kiss.
A knock followed with a thump that echoed in the air. Then a woman called out, "Honey, I'm here."
Colt stood fast and covered his mouth with his hand.
Vicki grabbed her glass of wine off the table next to her and swallowed a sip to somehow get the taste of him off her lips.
Colt tensed. Vicki turned around and saw the brown-haired, blue-eyed bombshell from the photograph. The woman's eyes narrowed as Vicki gazed immediately at her. Vicki held her breath and prayed she hadn't seen them moments ago.
With her hand on her hip, the woman batted her eyelashes. "Who's this, Collins?"
"Clara's birth mom." Colt stepped away. "Victoria is staying the night and helped watch Clara during the storm. Tomorrow, she moves in."
"I move in tomorrow." Belle crossed her arms, and her eyes blazed at Vicki.
This was not the way to make friends. What was Colt thinking? Vicki said nothing.
"I read about the hurricane." Belle stepped closer, and her heels echoed on the floor. "I came to make sure you and Clara were safe."
Colt nodded. "We're all fine here, but you should have called."
"I was worried about you and my job. It's why I came; leaving the senators to the oil and gas folks is only temporary, since we're teaming up." Belle's stare turned toward Colt's profile, but then she walked right in front of Vicki. "I'm Belle Jordan. Collins' fiancée. I'm glad you're here now, but aren't you years too late?"
Vicki crossed her arms, and her cheeks heated. "I didn't know Colt had our daughter."
Belle clicked one of her heels. "Funny. Clara's mother abandoned her child the day she was born, and now you're here. Mighty strange."
"I thought my baby died," Vicki said. "I was lied to."
"Strange." Belle shook her head, and Vicki wondered if she'd even heard her. "Collins will be so busy the next few days. The timing is perfect, I suppose. You can watch Clara, and Collins can be free to do things for our upcoming wedding."
Vicki flinched as ice dripped down her spine.
Colt's voice became firm and commanding. "Belle, Clara deserves her parents, and Victoria will be here from now on. I need you to understand, I'm not moving to D.C. and I'm not working for your lobbyists."
"We are having this conversation now?" Belle asked as she crossed
her arms. "In front of your guest?"
"I'll go." There was trouble in this rose garden. Vicki swallowed and turned to leave.
Colt's hand pressed against her shoulder. "Wait. Belle, you knew I had a daughter when we first met."
Belle cocked her finger to call Colt toward her. He nodded, let go of Vicki's arm, and followed Belle.
They walked toward the dining room for a more private conversation. She stared at the pair of them, and her cheeks felt hot. She should go.
Belle directed Colt to kiss her, but he just brushed his lips on her cheek. Vicki turned to leave. Her stomach felt like she'd be sick, so she said, "I'll check on Clara and then go to my room."
Family was what mattered. Colt's big, sexy gaze followed her for a moment, and her body heated despite the fact he had another woman in the room. She trudged down the hall.
As she left the tension-filled living area, she opened her daughter's bedroom and saw Clara as she brushed her teeth. Vicki dropped her hands to her sides and winked at Clara.
Clara put her toothbrush down and wiped her lips. Her eyes blared like Colt's when surprised. "Why are you here?"
"I came to read to you."
"What about Dad?"
"Belle's here. He's talking to her."
Clara's chin trembled. Then she ran to her bed. "This is a bad day."
"No. Tomorrow is just you and me." Vicki fixed the blankets as her daughter climbed into the bed. "It's going to be great."
Clara grabbed her hands. "Vicki, don't leave me. I love you."
Her heart beat so loud, and a smile grew on her face. "Let's read that book of yours, princess."
#
As the moon rose higher in the sky, Clara snored lightly, and Vicki placed the book back on the shelf. After she cleaned the room, she turned off all the lights. Then Vicki tiptoed outside and stuck to the wall. With luck, Colt and Belle were done. Vicki held her breath and headed straight to her bedroom. As she neared her bedroom door, she heard Belle say from the patio area, "You cannot believe the mother's sob story. This is all to stop you. Don't let that happen. We'll be fine in D.C. or anywhere."
Vicki opened her door. Her face was hot. Had she heard herself referred to as "the mother"? She had a name. She turned around and locked her door.
There was nothing she could do. She'd never break up another's relationship. She'd never want anyone to do that to her, so she had no say in what he did with Belle. Colt's voice wafted through the walls: "I don't think we should get married, Belle. Our lives are too different, and I’m not moving to Washington. Clara deserves to grow up here, on the farm, where I was raised."
Vicki's heart caught in her throat. She had no right to hope, but her pulse ached for Colt to be with her again too.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Colt massaged his neck as he gazed at Belle while they were still in the living room, and wished he could end this conversation. His brief almost-kiss with Vicki the moment Belle walked in on them still shook his memory. He stared at Belle, with her brown hair, blue eyes, and demanding personality. If he married her, then he'd never feel as he did right now.
Belle told him, "The wedding is being planned by the best people I could hire."
He had agreed to the marriage because Belle asked often, and agreed they'd figure out a middle ground. His gut had never liked his decision, and he had no more arguments with himself. Belle deserved someone who could love her unconditionally.
Belle continued, "It's going to be a beautiful affair, attended by senators."
Colt set his jaw. Belle was always good to have at his side, but Vicki made his heart stir in ways he hadn't thought possible. He'd walked around half dead for years, and now he felt complete. This was his home.
"Everyone gets cold feet." Belle shrugged. "It's not a big deal. Don't worry about this."
"Can we go on the patio?" He placed his hands in his pockets. He'd prefer no one overheard this conversation. Belle deserved someone who thought of her as his home and belonged in his world. She stared at him without a word. Heat rose in his face. He'd do the right thing.
"Sure." Belle smiled like she'd won their argument and assumed he'd make it up to her. His shoulders slumped, as he had to tell her the truth now.
She followed him to the door, and said, "We should go to bed, honey, and we'll discuss it tomorrow."
He turned to meet her eyes and then shook his head. Marriage was supposed to be the start of a family, and the petite blonde had brought laughter back into his life. Neither he nor Belle were prepared to compromise on the life they wanted once the military ended. She had to know that.
As he held the door for her, Belle squeezed his arm as she passed and then took a seat. Then she told him, "You're moody tonight. In Washington, I brokered a major deal with two competing weapons manufacturers to produce a prototype at no upfront cost, with specs desired from the army corps of engineers."
"That's great." Colt couldn't sit, so he paced in front as he stared hard at her. His heart raced as he prayed he didn't hurt Belle too much. "I'm happy your life in D.C. is on the move. You want that."
"We want that." She leaned forward like she wanted to take his hands and ask him to sit. He leaned away and tugged his fingers free. Her eyebrow arched, and she shrugged. "Come sit with me."
He glanced at the seat. Perhaps they should both sit. He had no idea how Belle would react to what he had to say. Finally he slid into the seat across from her and folded his hands. "I don't think we should get married, Belle. Our lives are too different."
Belle's face went white. "Collins, doubts are normal before a wedding. Let's calm down. I won't make you put on a suit and tie, if that's the big worry."
She referred to him with his last name, like they were in the military still. It was another glaring difference between Belle and Vicki. It felt like steam rose through him. He brushed his hands on his face and covered his mouth for a moment. Belle had prepared herself for a battle. He'd seen her do this before. She was a great friend to him. In another life, he'd have agreed, but he'd spend his life as he'd spent the last few years, half dead. "Belle, our marriage would never have worked. When we were planning a mission, we always had an exit strategy in place. We discussed how to survive, but I don't want my life to be about survival and getting to the top. Clara deserves to grow up happy, secure, and loved."
"Plenty of families are happy in the D.C. area, Colt. Why won't you consider her education a benefit for moving?"
His entire body stilled. Clara deserved the life he could provide her, where the earth and the oranges gave her a sense of belonging. He stared out into the orange groves. "This place is my home. It's where I belong."
Belle's voice softened. "Is this about Victoria?"
Vicki Morgan was always the dream girl, but he wasn't making this decision based on a fantasy. Then his mind transformed as he stared at Belle, and for a second, he saw Vicki's soft lips waiting for his kiss. His entire gut tightened as his vision cleared. "Belle, I'm not leaving my farm, and I'm intending to add more land. My life is here in Florida, and I've diversified into other agricultural investments throughout the South. Collins are farmers, and it's my duty to be here."
"You were a soldier too, Collins."
Now he preferred to be simply Colt and not his last name. "My daughter deserves a full-time father, and life here is stable. Belle, we're not good for each other. You need to be in Washington, fighting for a cause, or running a boardroom in your own company. You're a born leader."
Belle's eyes flickered and seemed glassy. His entire body froze as he prepared himself for her to cry. Instead she tightened her shoulders and then stared hard at him. "It's late. You're tired, and that medication your doctor prescribed sometimes gives you bad dreams. Don't let post-traumatic stress of the war ruin our future, Collins. Let's sleep on it and in the morning talk like rational people."
How he'd returned from the Marines was another reason he needed the comfort of home and his family. Most of the men who saw wha
t he did didn't have half of what he had. He crossed his arms. Her lack of accusation didn't sit right in his stomach. "We can talk again tomorrow, but the wedding is off, Belle."
"It's the middle of the night, Collins," Belle argued as she stood.
She'd always been a fighter. Colt stood as well. "Fine. In the morning, we'll talk, and then I'll drive you to the airport or you can call a taxi. Flights leave early."
"You love me," Belle whispered, and her words carried on the wind. "And I love you. We'll figure it out as a team. We're the best team, and you know it."
No, they weren't. He would screw up his life. If he married Belle, he'd make everything worse. They both deserved a life where people loved them and were willing to compromise on major issues. They had worked best when they were on the same team, but that wasn't now. He turned on his heels and walked to another part of the house to open a door. "There is an extra bedroom next to mine."
As he held open the door for her, Belle said, "Collins, we're not done."
Yes, they were. He locked the doors behind them and stared into his quiet house. Vicki and Clara were both sleeping here too, and he'd have to keep them safe. He waited for Belle to go into her room, and then he turned off all the lights and went to his room in the dark.
As he neared his bed, he made decisions. He'd not marry Belle. He'd not marry Vicki either. He was better off alone as he rebuilt the farm the hurricane damaged. Then he'd have to find a way to live with himself on how he settled things with the women in his life.
CHAPTER TWELVE
In the middle of the night, Vicki woke up to a yell. She ran her hand through her knotted hair and realized it was Colt again. She swallowed and heard the plea in his voice, again, as he said, "Vicki."
Last time, that hadn't happened. She blinked and then stood up. She found a pair of Colt's boxer shorts for decency, and ran out of her room.
As she ran against the cold wood into the hall, she heard the other bedroom door click open. She slowed down her race, and her gaze met Belle's.
At least Belle hadn't slept with Colt tonight. Vicki's heart stammered as she stumbled to a stop.
Secret Baby (The House of Morgan, #2) Page 10