Claimed for Destiny

by Brenda Jackson

  Sylvester lifted his head. “A what?”

  “An amniocentesis. It’s a test that’s done to the mother, generally during the fourteenth to twenty-fourth week of pregnancy to determine the paternity of an unborn child. We can have the results back in two weeks.”

  “No.”

  Jared lifted a brow. “No?”

  “No. I’ve humiliated her enough. Did you see the tabloids this morning, man? Someone leaked my accusations to the papers and it’s all in the news. Jackie is never going to for give me for not trusting her.”

  Jared knew that was a very strong possibility. That very morning, he had spoken to Jackie Brewster’s attorney, who had in formed him that his client was hurt and up set, but would be more than happy to under go a paternity testing. Once it’s proven that Sylvester was her baby’s father, she planned to sue him for every cent he had for publicly humiliating her.

  Jared met the man’s stare. “I suggest you don’t make decisions about anything today. Take the report home and read it and then let’s meet one day next week to discuss how we’re going to proceed.”

  “I don’t want a divorce, Jared. I want my wife back. I was wrong. I should have trusted her. I love her and I owe her a huge apology.”

  It was on the tip of Jared’s tongue to re mind Sylvester that two weeks ago, when he was certain he was sterile, he’d been singing a totally different tune. “Yes, that might be the case but I doubt a reconciliation is what Mrs. Brewster has on her mind right now. According to her attorney, she doesn’t want to see or talk to you. As your attorney, I suggest you don’t try to con tact her until we’ve determined our next course of action.”

  Thirty minutes later, Jared was standing at the window in his office looking out. Sylvester had gotten himself in a real mess this time. The love he had for his wife had gotten over shad owed with mistrust. Was there any hope of the marriage surviving? For Sylvester’s sake, he hoped so.

  Jared sighed deeply as he switched his thoughts from Sylvester’s problems to his own. He could sum up his troubles with one name.

  Dana.

  There were very few times in his life when he’d been faced with a situation that he couldn’t figure out or adequately handle. And this was one of those times. Frustrated and annoyed, he drew in a deep breath. What had happened between them yesterday had touched him in a way that it shouldn’t have. And what was so extraordinary about it was that they hadn’t made love. Yet he had shared something with her that he hadn’t ever shared with another woman.

  While in that bed kissing her, touching her, he had felt as if she was the only woman he could ever want. The only woman that he wanted in his lifetime. Damn, but this pretended engagement was going to his head, zap ping him of common sense and confusing the hell out of him.

  It hadn’t been easy to leave her last night and before he’d left he had sat on the bed and pulled her into his arms. For the longest time she had sat curled up in his lap with neither of them saying anything. The only sound that had intruded on their moment had been the soft me owing of Tom at the bedroom door. Even now, just thinking about her made his chest tight en with a need he wasn’t used to.

  He glanced down at his watch. He would be picking her up at six for dinner. And the only thing he could think about was seeing her again and kissing her with the desperation he felt. Dana Rollins was definitely getting under his skin.

  “Would you like some more wine?”

  “No, thank you, Jared.” Dana bit down softly on her lip and tried not to stare at him. Every time their gazes met she felt a tiny pull at her heart.

  “Are you read y for your trip this weekend?”

  She met his gaze and forced a smile. “Yes, I’m ready. Since it’s not a long trip, a lot of packing isn’t necessary.”

  “I’d like to go with you.”

  Dana’s eyes widened in surprise. “Why?”

  Jared shrugged as he sank back in his chair. That was a good question since he had just made the decision. “I don’t like the idea of you driving so many hours alone.”

  Dana couldn’t help but appreciate his concerns. “It’s something I do every year, Jared. And when my father’s birthday comes around in September I’ll be doing it again. No big deal.”

  Jared frowned. To him it was a big deal. “You shared my father’s birthday with me and I want to be there to share your mother’s birthday with you.”

  Dana glanced down at her wine glass. How could she not fall in love with him when he said something like that? She slowly lifted her head and met his gaze. “Thanks, Jared, but that’s not necessary.”

  He smiled. “It is to me.” He leaned closer over the table. “Besides, it’s been years since I’ve been to Jekyll Island and I’d like to go there again.”

  Dana in haled deeply. The part of her that was fighting what she was feeling for Jared wanted to tell him to find another time to go, that she needed time alone, time away from him, but she couldn’t say that. She decided to use another approach. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to go out of town together, Jared.”

  “Why? Because of last night?”

  Dana felt a jolt to her body at the memories, something she’d tried to down play all day. She had played Red Light, Green Light, many times as a child but never like that and never with a playmate like Jared. He gave the game a whole new meaning. “That, among other things,” she finally said softly. And please don’t ask me what those other things are, she silently screamed. I don’t want you to know that I’m falling in love with you.

  “I know your thoughts on us sleeping together, Dana. You’ve been pretty clear on that and I think I’ve been straight for ward in saying that I won’t push you into doing anything you’re not read y for. But this isn’t about us sharing a bed.”

  Dana met his gaze. “Then what’s it about, Jared?”

  His eyes held hers. “It’s about me being with you and enjoying your company. I like talking to you.”

  Dana knew he was holding something back. She had been around him enough to know when something was bothering him. She could feel it. “Is there something else? Is everything all right with your mother, Jared?”

  He stared at her for a moment and after taking a deep breath he said, “I spoke with Dad earlier today and he said that Mom got a call from the hospital. There was a cancellation and they were able to schedule her outpatient surgery for next week instead of waiting two weeks.”

  Dana nodded. “That’s good news, isn’t it?”

  Jared heaved a long sigh. “Yes, but…”

  She waited for him to finish. When he hesitated she asked, “But what?”

  He dragged a hand over the back of his neck, seemingly frustrated. “But nothing. I guess I’m just remembering how it was the last time.”

  Dana under stood and reached out, took his hand in hers and held it tight. A part of her was glad she was here with him and that he was sharing his innermost fears with her. “All we can do is hope and pray for the best, Jared. And I know you, your father and your brothers appreciate and love your mother. Your willingness to pretend to be engaged just to make her happy proves how much you care.”

  Dana let go of his hand and sat back, hoping she’d said something to make him feel better. She could tell he was worried but a part of her believed Sarah Westmoreland would come through this just fine.

  “How did your parents meet?” she decided to ask, wanting him to dwell on hap pier memories.

  She watched the corners of his lips turn up into a smile. “My mother and Aunt Evelyn were best friends growing up in Birmingham, Alabama. When they graduated from high school, Aunt Evelyn came to Atlanta to visit her aunt. During her first week here she went on a church outing and met Uncle John. She wrote back to my mom telling her she had fall en in love and asking her to come to Atlanta to be her maid of honor. She’d only known her new groom a little more than a week!”

  Jared gave her a lopsided grin. “My mother, being the level headed person that she is, caught a b
us that same day and arrived in town to talk some sense into Aunt Evelyn. She didn’t think love at first sight was possible.”

  Dana chuckled. She could just imagine his mother doing that. “What happened next?”

  Jared smiled. “She got to town, met John’s twin brother, James, and fell for him just as hard as Aunt Evelyn had fall en for my uncle. My parents got married with in a couple of weeks of my aunt and uncle’s wedding.”

  A smile softened Dana’s lips. “That’s a beautiful love story.”

  Jared shrugged as he took a sip of his drink. “Yes, it is, isn’t it?” It had been a long time since he had thought about how his parents had gotten together. They had met and fall en in love immediately. They hadn’t thought about any of the ups and downs they would face. They had simply loved each other and had wanted to be together. To them that was all that had mattered.

  Sighing deeply, Jared glanced down at his watch. “Are you read y to leave? Tonight is a nice night to walk around the park. Would you like to do that?”

  “I’d love to.” Dana met his gaze, suddenly understanding his need to get away for a few days and making a quick decision. “I’d love your company this weekend if you’re serious about going with me to Brunswick.”

  He smiled warmly. “I am.”

  She returned his smile. “Good.”

  Over an hour later Jared returned to Dana’s home and walked her to the door. She turned and looked at him.

  “I enjoyed being with you tonight, Dana,” he said, taking her hands in his.

  Jared’s words, spoken in a soft husky voice, immediately reclaimed Dana’s attention. And his touch sent all kinds of sensations escalating through her body. “I enjoyed being with you tonight, as well,” she said honestly. “Would you like to come in for something to drink?”

  He shook his head. “No, it’s late and I’d better go.”

  Dana let out the breath she’d been holding. A part of her was glad he had turned down her invitation but then another part was disappointed. She wanted to be alone with him. She wanted him to kiss her again. And more.

  She gazed up at him. “Then I guess we need to say good night.”

  He gently tugged on her hand, pulling her from the shaft of light shining down on them from the porch light to a darkened area of the porch. She saw the kiss coming, wanted it and moaned with pleasure the moment their mouths touched. Intense heat, over whelming pleasure shot through her as his tongue masterfully mated with hers. She could only stand there and grip his solid shoulders for support as he took her to another world, feasting on her lips as if they were a meal he had to savor.

  When he finally released her mouth she had to rest her head on his chest while she caught her breath. Jared Westmoreland could in cite passion with a mere touch, a kiss, a look. And she had felt his solid hard erection pressing against her, through the material of her skirt. He was as aroused and as she was.

  “Go into the house, Dana,” he whispered against her lips after slowly releasing her. He took a step back.

  She swallowed. His voice sounded hoarse, husky, and sexy. “Good night, Jared,” she said and turned to unlock the door.

  “Good night. I’m playing pool with my cousins and Reggie tomorrow night, but I’ll be by early Saturday to pick you up. Is seven o’clock a good time?”

  She turned to him and wished she hadn’t. He had stepped back into the light and stood tall and looked hand some. His coat jacket was slung over his shoulder and held in place by his fingertips. The pose was unforgettably sexy.

  She cleared her throat. “Yes, seven will be fine. I’ll be packed and read y to go.”

  “All right.”

  Giving him one last look, Dana opened the door and slipped in side. She leaned against the closed door when she heard him walk away, and then moments later the sound of his car leaving.

  It was only then that she was able to slow down the beating of her heart and breathe easy again. How would she ever survive a weekend alone with Jared Westmoreland?

  Jared stood next to Dana and watched as she placed the bouquet of fresh flowers on her mother’s grave.

  When he had picked her up bright and early she had been friendly and perk y, the complete opposite of him first thing in the morning. He could be a bear until he downed at least two cups of coffee. But she had opened the door all smiles, packed and read y to go.

  During the drive they had talked about a number of things including early memories of the time she’d spent in Brunswick, backyard cook outs with her parents, going to church together as a family on Sundays and how she would greet her father at the door whenever he’d come home from work.

  They stopped once for lunch, but otherwise they had driven straight to town. Once there they had found a florist shop to purchase the flowers and had then driven to the cemetery.

  He had considered remaining in the car, letting her have her private moments, but a part of him wanted to be with her, to stand be side her and let her know that he was there and that he cared. After a few moments of silence she straightened and automatically, as if it was the most natural thing to do, she leaned up against him and he offered her the support she needed.

  He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her close to him. “You okay?” he asked softly.

  She tried to smile and the effort made Jared’s throat tight en when he saw the tears in her eyes. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s just harder this year more than ever because today would have been their thirtieth wedding anniversary. They got married on my mother’s birthday.”

  Dana gazed up at him through mist y eyes. “Mom al ways reminded Dad that she should get two gifts that day instead of one, and of course he al ways came through. They loved each other very much, Jared. In a way I think if they had to die it was better for them to go together. I can’t imagine my father living a normal life with out my mother or vice versa. They had dated since high school and were so close, so connected. But the beauty of it all was that they never made me feel like I was an outsider. Dad used to say that I was the greatest gift of their love.”

  Jared nodded, knowing she needed to talk, get her feelings and emotions out. He was jarred into the realization that some marriages endured. Her parents’ had. So had his parents’ and his aunt and uncle’s marriage. For a long moment they didn’t say anything, they just stood there, needing the silence. He admired her ability to do this, to come here twice a year and face the pain of her loss with the poise and grace he had come to associate with her. He couldn’t imagine getting a call, saying that both his parents were gone—unexpectedly, just like that. And if that were to happen, at least he had his brothers, the entire Westmoreland family. Dana had no one.

  But today she had him and he wanted her to know that. He reached for her hand, linking their fingers. He was glad he had come, pleased that he was with her in this place, sharing such a personal and private moment. It meant a lot to him that it was his shoulder she was leaning on, his hand she was holding. And for the very first time in his life he felt he was in danger.

  Danger of losing his heart.

  “Thanks, Jared.”

  He tipped his head and looked at her. “You don’t have to thank me, Dana. At the moment, I can’t think of any place I’d rather be than here with you.” And he meant it. “Ready to go?”

  “Yes, I’m read y.”

  Back in the car, Jared headed to ward Jekyll Island. His secretary had made hotel reservations for them. If Jeannie had thought it odd that he’d told her to get two separate rooms she hadn’t said anything.

  He glanced over at Dana. “Are you hungry?”

  She shook her head. “No, in fact I think I’m beat and going to take a nap when we get to the hotel and check in.”

  He smiled. She might feel tired, but she didn’t look it. She looked great dressed in a pair of slacks and top. He spared her another quick glance. There hadn’t been one time he’d seen her that he hadn’t gotten turned on by what she was wearing.

  Jared could see th
em in one bed, in each other’s arms doing a number of things, and taking a nap wasn’t one of them.

  Dana woke up from her dream with a start, her breathing uneven, a wave of heat slowly building and touching her in her most intimate places. She closed her eyes to recapture the moments when she had imagined Jared in bed with her, naked with his arms around her, holding her, and his aroused body pressed intimately against her pelvis, sending her over the edge as he tried to connect with her.

  She had felt the dampness of his skin, the perfection of his muscles as they clenched beneath her palms and the texture of his chest hair rubbing against her breasts, hardening the tips.

  She had experienced all those things. But only in her dream.

  Dana pulled herself up in bed and in haled deeply as she pushed her hair from her face. She’d known she was a goner when he had walked her to her hotel-room door. After saying that he hoped she enjoyed her nap, he had lifted her palm to his lips and placed a kiss at her wrist. And it hadn’t been your typical wrist kissing. His hot, wet tongue had slid over her wrist and then he had gently sucked the area, leaving a mark. His mark.

  She glanced down at her wrist. She still felt the heat. She then looked across the room at the closed door that separated his room from hers—a shield, a barrier, a connecting door. But if it were to open…

  She wondered if he was there. Had he taken a nap, as well? Had he dreamed of her as she had dreamed of him?

  Slipping out of bed she stood and decided it was time to take part in some sort of physical pleasure. The other night Jared had shown her just what her body had been missing. He had given her a taste of what pleasures were out there if she decided to indulge.

  Visiting her parents’ graves had made her realize just how unpredictable life could be. You could be here today and gone tomorrow. Life held no guarantees, there were no promises. There were no forevers.

  There was only the moment. And you had to seize it to get what you wanted, capture it, slow it down and take advantage of it, make every second count.