He wiped his feet outside on the rug again, and then proceeded inside. He mussed Clara's hair, but his gaze never left Vicki. She prayed she hadn't blushed all over her body, but it was possible. She finished with everything on the table.
Colt brushed past her, and she tingled from their momentary contact. Then she sat and told him, "We're going to have to talk after lunch. Don't run off."
Colt sniffed the food and she waited for his comment. He said nothing and served the food. "My mom will be here soon to take Clara for the rest of the day. It will be just the two of us, so we can talk."
He must know that she intended to end their time together. Her neck tightened. Clara might not understand yet. Perhaps their talk was better one on one. She'd return tomorrow and see Clara every day. Vicki nodded and served food to her daughter and Colt. His big, sexy eyes stared at her. The air conditioner had to have broken, because she was hot. "Let's eat, unless you think it's poisoned."
"I'm impressed, Vicki. I didn't know you had it in you."
She shook her head and waited for him to take a bite. He smiled at her, and then she ate.
#
After cleanup, Vicki told them, "I'll go change now."
"No, Mom." Her grandmother's car roared into the driveway as Clara said, "You're pretty as you are. Let's go greet Grandma."
Colt’s mother might think her one of the Miami weather girls on television who were ready to hit the club after saying that today was hot and sunny. Vicki shrugged as the door opened and Clara ran to get her. "Okay, then."
Colt stood in the driveway as she walked out. Then Clara pushed her forward. "Let Dad see more of your back, Mom. He's stared at you a few times now, and I think he likes you."
Colt's eyes flashed. He heard every word as he glanced at her.
"Thanks for letting me know." Vicki winked at her daughter and then turned so Colt might see what their daughter had dressed her in. "Clara picked this out for me. What do you think?"
Colt winked. "I'd say this dress is magical."
"Magical?" she said. "You spending too much time watching cartoons with Clara?"
"Not as often as you think." He shrugged as his mother approached.
Vicki kept her hands up to cover her chest. "Mrs. Collins..."
"I told you already, Vicki. Call me Ellie." His mother hugged her and asked, "Are you two going to a party?"
"Clara wanted to play dress-up, and chose this for me." Vicki crossed her legs and hoped if she hid one of her legs, Ellie would not notice how short the dress was.
Ellie shrugged. "Got it. No worries. Clara, sweetheart, let's get in the car."
"Okay, Grandma," Clara said as she opened the backseat to get into her car seat.
Ellie stared at her son without blinking. "Clara will be fine with us."
Vicki waved goodbye. She'd go change in a minute. "Thank you."
Ellie opened the driver's door. Colt went over to her and hugged his mother. Then Ellie told Vicki, "Don't worry about anything. We're all family. Thanks aren't necessary."
This definition of family that the Collins had was nice. The House of Morgan was fractured and broken—not that it had ever functioned as anything remotely like a family. Colt came beside her and took her hand. "Let's go inside to talk, Vicki."
Vicki waved at the car as it drove off. Clara waved back. In this one moment, she had her family and she'd never lose Clara again. Now she had to somehow steel her spine against her own heart when it came to Colt. She needed to be loved.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
"Today is humid. It's suffocating." Vicki crossed her arms the second the doors closed.
Colt reached behind his back to check that the ring was in his pocket. Now he needed to get her to the swing again. He needed to somehow stop his body heat from rising. "I'll need water and then we can go outside."
Her eyes narrowed, like she was gearing up to tell him goodbye. He held his breath and waited, though she simply said, "Why?"
The dress she wore showed off her ample breasts. He closed his eyes and reminded himself he had a question. This was his last shot at keeping his family. He couldn't lose focus. "As you said, it's hot outside."
Colt went to the kitchen, grabbed a water bottle from the refrigerator, and swallowed the entire container.
"I should go change first. I'll be ready to talk in a minute."
The cold water hadn't quenched the fire inside him. He opened his mouth and stared at her. "Vicki. It's not just talking I want."
She didn't move. He came closer, and he could smell the sweet scent of strawberry. She batted her eyes as he placed his hands on her hips. His mouth begged for a taste of her. She whispered, "Aren't you going to kiss me, Colt? Isn't that what this is?"
"Kiss you?" His voice cracked. He gazed up at her pink lips, pert nose, high cheekbones, and blue eyes. If he kissed her, he'd not want to stop. He hovered close to her. What held him was how important the question and his plan was. "I want far more than a simple kiss."
She froze in his arms. She didn't pull away or open her eyes, but her entire body became tense in his arms.
The smell of strawberry shampoo wafted in his nose, and he lost his argument. He leaned forward, and she uncurled like a butterfly leaving its cocoon. The softness of her lips brushed against his mouth, and he opened his lips a little more. She pressed further and the tingles down his spine grew. He released a groan then wrapped his arms around her tightly. He then truly kissed her.
Victoria Morgan tasted sweeter than any ice cream he'd ever had, and he'd always claimed ice cream was his favorite. Kissing Vicki blew that out of the water, and he craved more.
Her hands traced his neck, and his temperature climbed.
He'd never be able to kiss anyone else for the rest of his life. He choked out, "I had a plan..."
She squared her shoulders and stepped out of his arms. "I'm leaving, Colt."
His heartbeat quickened. "You can't."
She balled her hands into fists at her side. "I can't stay here. I have to honor myself, and I deserve more."
No, he'd messed up this proposal already. He ran his hands through his hair. "You deserve better than me, that's for sure."
Her lips puckered. Then her eyes were as a wide as saucers. "Colt, I don't have you."
He offered to hold her hand. She had to understand. She couldn't leave. "You do have me, Vicki. When the sun rises, it's your smile I see on the horizon. When the sun sets, you're the vision I see that makes me come home. All my life, it's always been you that starred in my dreams. I can't live without you anymore."
Tears ran down her cheeks. Had he ruined everything? He had no way to fix this now.
Then she reached out and took his hands. "Do you love me, Colt?"
The trembles in his heart grew, but he dare not hope. He stared into her eyes. "Is that your question?"
She ran his hands up his chest and cupped his cheek. The water in her eyes unmanned him as she whispered, "I can't stay without knowing."
His lips parted. How did she not know? Adrenaline fueled his dreams that she jumpstarted.
"I love you. You're in my every heartbeat, Victoria Morgan. It's always been you."
She choked on her tears. His entire body thrashed as he wrapped his arms around her. He'd not lose her now. Then she snuggled into his arms and hugged him. "Colt, why didn't you tell me?"
The smell of strawberries undid him. He held her close and rocked her gently. "I felt guilty."
She took her head out of his neck and met his gaze. "And now?"
Every second seemed like a moment he had to remember forever as he reached into his pocket. Then he opened the box. "I'll be lost if you don't marry me."
She peeked at his hand and then her hand left his side to cover her lips. She dropped her hand and softly picked up her ring. "Marry you?"
His hands itched to slip it on her finger. He nodded and waited for permission. "Yes, Vicki. I need you."
A huge smile grew on her lips, and s
he jumped in his arms. "Colt, yes."
His own heart contracted. This was the moment. He took the ring from her. "Yes what?"
She held out her hand to let him place the ring on her. "Yes, I'll marry you. I love you. You're my hero."
He pressed it onto her finger and his lips met hers again.
He'd never lose her again. Vicki Morgan was his.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Peter Morgan drove his Aston Martin onto the rocky driveway. Alice and John followed in their Jeep. Vicki left Colt's side on the porch and waved at her brothers. Today she told them she was staying with Colt forever.
The House of Morgan didn't need her.
Peter pursed his lips as he stepped out of his car, but he said nothing.
John ran around his Jeep and helped Alice get down. He held her with both hands.
Vicki called out, "Over here."
Clara was playing a card game with her father on the swing.
Vicki paced and heard footsteps on the wood patio. Her brothers came toward her. She clicked her heels and waited. The moment they drew close, she threw her arms around Peter and then John and finally Alice. Alice ran her hands down Vicki's spine and hugged her closest as she asked, "What is going on? Why are we here?"
Vicki tugged out of the hug. Then she took her brothers' hands. "I didn't want this to be a phone call."
John's eyes narrowed. "What?"
She met the gazes of both of her brothers as she heard Colt stand behind her. "Peter, John...I told Colt I'd marry him."
Alice squeezed John's side. "I knew it! Oh my God, congratulations. We're going to be sisters again."
Vicki wiped her eyes. She'd not cry. "Alice, thank you."
Then Alice tugged her fiancé's arm. "John, tell Vicki congrats."
Peter scratched his chin and then stared at Colt and not at her. "Are you sure, Vicki? The Collins siblings are slightly dramatic."
Colt placed his hands on Vicki's shoulder. Peter stood taller.
Vicki stood straighter. "Colt is the sweetest man I ever met."
Peter shrugged. "That's all that matters. I just want my sister to be happy."
Colt sat down with Clara, and John and Alice went over to join them.
Vicki kept her voice lower as she told her brother, "Speaking of drama, I'm happy you and Jennifer are no longer together. She's nice, but Peter, you deserve someone you can give your heart to."
Peter's shoulders tightened, and he leaned forward. "Jennifer broke up with me. I'm happy as it is. Either way, congrats, sis."
His arms went around her, and she hugged her brother. Unlike their father, Peter had a heart and much to give. She tugged away and then cupped her brother's face. "Peter."
"Yes?"
She stared at Peter. He controlled billions of dollars and ran every company in the House of Morgan portfolio. So many women must vie for his attention, much like their father always had hangers-on. With a family, he'd be on a different path than their father. She prayed Peter found a better path. She let go of his chin as she turned to face Colt and Clara. She then pointed to how full her life was. "One day soon, you'll find someone to fall in love with and build a family."
Peter crossed his arms. "I don't want a family or children, Vicki. I don't want to create the dynasty our father demanded."
Her heart constricted for him. Their father had done his worst to Peter. "Don't deny yourself love because of spite."
Peter placed his hand on her back to escort her into the circle that was her family as he whispered to her, "It's not that. I remember our mother and the day she left us. I don't know if I can trust anyone."
He was the oldest. She clutched her locket. Perhaps it was better that she never knew her mother. Peter's voice clearly betrayed his anger. He had to find love now. She had to believe that all of them had survived Mitch Morgan. "Peter Morgan, one day you'll change your mind."
He held out a seat for her in the circle. "I doubt it, but as a wedding gift, is it okay that I give ten million to Clara's trust fund? She'll need to go to college."
Colt's eyes widened as Vicki inhaled. "That's too much."
Peter took the seat beside her. "It's nothing, Vicki. You deserve far more than that."
None of the intrigues of Mitch Morgan mattered to her. She had Colt. She had Clara. Her life was complete, here on this farm. "The House of Morgan does not need me. One day, I hope you, John, and I are simply a family that loves each other. Colt and Clara taught me the true meaning of family."
The End
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For some, joining the FBI is a long-term goal. For billionaire John Morgan, joining the Bureau is a stepping stone to proving his father is culpable for his sister’s death. After his estranged father dies, John is forced to return home and face the ghosts of his past. That proves to be more difficult than he could have ever imagined.
Alice Collins lives a peaceful life. As a farmer’s daughter, she knows what it’s like to work hard for what you want. After losing her best friend under inexplicable circumstances, her world viewpoint shifted until her small town sensibilities convinced her to attend Mr. Morgan’s funeral.
Soon, the past and the present collide and Alice is caught in the crosshairs. John comes to her aid, complicating matters for both of them.
Can a handsome billionaire on a vendetta truly fall for a small town girl or does he have something else in mind? Can a small town girl, if she gives her heart to him, ever fit of the House of Morgan?
Drama seems to follow Victoria Morgan everywhere, but she’s determined to mend her past and reclaim what was so cruelly taken from her.
Colt Collins moved on after the affair that left him heartbroken. After finding the child he bore with his ex, and serving in the US Marines, he builds a new life with his daughter on the family farm. Now, set to marry a woman he knows he can trust, he comes face-to-face with the love that abandoned him and their daughter many years ago.
When Victoria returns to town to attend her father’s funeral, the truth about what happened to her daughter is revealed, leaving Victoria willing to do anything to be in her child’s life again, even if that brings her face-to-face with the man she hurt so long ago.
Is there forgiveness after all the lies, pain, and betrayal? Can the love Colt and Victoria once shared be rekindled? Will this family torn apart by a cruel act be reunited?
Heir to a billion-dollar fortune, Peter Morgan yields a power few can deny, but behind the strong, confidant façade lies a broken man. For years he’s grappled with feelings of abandonment and pain. He’s always believed his dead father was to blame for his mother’s abandonment and now struggles to trust women. But, despite his mistrust, his ego is still large enough to bet against them. When he hatches a bet with his brother, the last thing he expects is for that bet to change his life and his heart.
Jilted at the altar, Belle Jordan wants to move past the hurt and forgive the man she lost. She believes attending his wedding will be the first step in healing, but unbeknownst to her, a handsome heir to a billion-dollar fortune has targeted her in order to win a secret bet.
Will what was supposed to be a friendly wager turn into something more? Can broken hearts be mended or will this bet lead to more long-lasting trust issues for Peter and Belle?
Dr. Luke Morgan lives the privileged life of a trust fund baby, but with little memory of his mother and a strained relationship with his father, it’s difficult for him to reconcile between who he is and who he wants to be. That self-doubt is heightened when he learns that the man who gave him all money could buy as a banker was actually his father. As more painful secrets come to light, Luke is disgusted by his fabricated past and is led to believe his “family” name is the reason his sister’s child was kidnapped.
After months spent rejecting Luke’s advances, one kiss chan
ged everything for Caro Soliz. Now, her world is about to change again. Just like her mother before her, she’s accepted a position as the Morgan family maid. This time, her reunion with Luke leads to a whirlwind romance that throws both for a loop.
Can true love flourish in the face of so many unanswered questions? Will Luke’s family secrets lead them on a path to doom? Will Caro risk inviting Luke home to meet her family?
Kindle Scout Winner
Erica Mira, a Florida native, decides to drive up to Maine in the middle of winter to meet an investor, and ends up crashing into a tree in the middle of the blizzard. After climbing up the mountain to the chateau seeking shelter, she meets Gabriel.
Gabriel's not leaving this chateau without clearing his name of his dead wife's murder or the crimes she set him up for. He's not had company in years, let alone the company of a woman.
Erica storms in and her passion for life changes everything.
Kimberly Mira spends every day of her adult life fighting to forgive herself for mistakes in her past. When an invitation to her sister’s wedding arrives, Kimberly believes returning home may be the key to healing, but getting there won’t be easy. With limited funds, she sneaks aboard a plane with the intention of returning home to beg for forgiveness. When disaster strikes, she soon finds herself in a strange place with a handsome man, whom refuses to speak to her.
A medieval castle on an island off the coast of Maine sounds like the ideal location, but for Raphael it’s more than a place to call home; it’s the perfect location to execute his plans and gather intelligence for the NSA. When a beautiful woman washes up on the shore, his plans go awry.
Assassins have marked Kimberly as their target and are bent on leading an assault on the castle to find and murder her. Doing so means they’ll have to go through Raphael first, but he may not be the only in the mysterious castle they’ll have to contend with.
Can Raphael keep Kimberly safe from harm? Will the mysterious happenings in the castle push her away or help to bring them together? Can the assassins be stopped before it’s too late?
Everyone deserves to find love on Valentine’s Day.
Secret Baby (The House of Morgan, #2) Page 19