Return to Me

by Jacquelin Thomas

  “Hey, how was your day?”

  Bree wished that he didn’t sound as good as he looked. Or that when he had arrived to pick her up for dinner last night, he’d not been dressed as though he’d jumped off the page of a men’s fashion magazine. Austin always showed impeccable manners by escorting her to his car and opening the door for her. However, it wasn’t his manners she appreciated the most.

  It was those sexy eyes and handsome face that had taken her breath away. Bree sighed softly now as the memory rushed through her mind. Only then did she recall the question he had just asked her. “It was fine.” Bree nibbled on her bottom lip. “How was yours?”

  “My day was good,” he responded. “I’m glad it’s over, though. Right now, I just want to relax.”

  “You sound tired. We can cancel tonight if you want.”

  “No, I want to see you,” Austin said. “But if you don’t mind, I’d like to just stay in. You can come over here or I’ll come to your place—it’s up to you. It won’t be a late night.”

  “Just come over here,” she responded. “Emery is with Miss Sara. Would you like me to cook something?”

  “No, I’ll pick up dinner for us.”

  “Great... I guess I’ll see you later, then.”

  Two hours later Bree opened the door to let Austin inside.

  They stood staring at one another with longing. There was no denying that they shared an intense physical awareness of each other.

  Without warning, he swung her into the circle of his arms, holding her snugly. He kissed her, sending her stomach into a wild swirl.

  Austin’s kiss was surprisingly gentle, yet it sent a brief shiver rippling through Bree. She buried her face against the corded muscles of his chest. She had no desire to back out of his embrace.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  He gazed down at her with tenderness. “I will be here for as long as you need me.”

  Parting her lips, Bree raised herself on tiptoe, touching her lips to his.

  His lips pressed against hers, then gently covered her mouth. The kiss sent the pit of Bree’s stomach into a wild swirl.

  Austin showered her with kisses around her lips and along her jaw. As he roused her passion, his own grew stronger.

  This time it was Bree who slowly pulled away. She took him by the hand and led him over to the sofa. She settled back, enjoying the feel of his arms around her.

  They sat like this for a while before Bree rose to her feet, saying, “We’d better eat before the food gets cold.”

  Austin stood up and followed her to the dining room table.

  She pulled the containers out of a plastic bag.

  They made small talk while they ate.

  “Watching Jordin get married—it reminded me of how much I miss being a wife.”

  Austin wiped at a fleck of food on her cheek. “Do you ever think about getting married again?”

  “You want the truth?” she asked.

  Austin nodded.

  “I definitely want to get married again. To be honest...since I met you, I’ve been thinking about how long it’s been since I’ve been this close to a man. How long it’s been since I’ve kissed a man or made love.” She raised her eyes to meet his. “It’s been a while.”

  “Same here,” Austin murmured.

  “Just so you know... I’m not trying to seduce you,” Bree interjected quickly. “I’m just being honest.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  She chuckled. “You look a little disappointed.” Deep down, Bree had to fight her own overwhelming need to be close to him.

  “Just a little,” Austin murmured.

  They found a movie on television to distract them from what they were feeling.

  Bree made popcorn during a commercial break.

  She didn’t miss the way his gaze was riveted on her face, then moved over her body slowly. It was a definite turn-on.

  Bree handed him the bowl, then reclaimed her seat beside him.

  His arms encircled her, one hand in the small of her back. She relaxed, sinking into his cushioning embrace.

  When the movie ended, Austin checked his watch and rose to his feet. “I’d better get going. It’s getting late. I want you to know that I heard what you said and I respect that.”

  He brushed a gentle kiss across her forehead. “Good night, sweetheart.”

  She felt a certain sadness that their day was ending.

  When he left, Bree jumped into the shower, hoping the stream of water would cool down the desire she felt deep within.

  It was to no avail.

  The fire Austin ignited in her refused to be extinguished.

  Chapter 6

  “I’m taking Emery to see the Fourth of July fireworks tonight,” Bree announced over the phone. “I would invite you to join us, but...”

  “I understand, sweetheart,” Austin said. Deep down he felt a wave of disappointment. This was going to be his son’s first time seeing the fireworks display and Austin wouldn’t be there to share it with him.

  “So, what are you doing today?”

  “Uncle Jacques is hosting a cookout. I’m going to go there for a bit.”

  “I’m going to miss seeing you.”

  “Same here,” he responded. “But we’re still on for Saturday, right?”

  “Actually, I promised Emery that we’d have pizza and go see a movie. I’m sorry.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for,” Austin said. “A friend of mine is getting married at the end of the month. I’d like for you to be my plus one. The wedding’s in Phoenix, Arizona, though. I know you have Emery... Are you able to get away?”

  The thought of going away with him was tantalizing, the anticipation almost unbearable. “I’d love to go.”

  “Great. I’ll book a two-bedroom suite for us.”

  “I’d appreciate that.” Bree tried to ignore the smoldering flame burning through her. Austin was a temptation that she found hard to resist, but she wasn’t about to turn down a chance to spend the weekend with him.

  * * *

  The following week, Austin worked until late in the evening, preparing for a case. He missed spending time with Bree, but spoke with her almost daily.

  Her schedule was also hectic, but he loved that she made sure to leave her office early enough to have dinner with her son most nights. He knew she had an evening group therapy session once a week.

  Austin stared at the stack of documents on his desk and sighed. He was in for another late night at the office.

  “Knock knock...”

  He glanced up at the entrance and smiled. “What are you doing here?”

  “I thought I’d bring you something to eat,” Bree responded.

  He rose to his feet and crossed the floor in quick strides. Austin kissed her. “Thank you.”

  “I also wanted to see you, if only for a few minutes. I need to get home to Emery.”

  Austin smiled. “I’m glad you came by.”

  “I wish I could stay longer, but I really have to go.”

  He nodded in understanding, while hiding his disappointment.

  Bree planted a kiss on his cheek. “Call me later.”

  “I won’t be leaving here until after eleven or so. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  She glanced over at his desk. “Have fun.”

  “Yeah,” Austin muttered.

  * * *

  Austin and Bree checked into the Alexander-DePaul Hotel in Phoenix. He was relieved when the plane finally landed in Arizona.

  Austin sat down in one of the overstuffed chairs. “This is a nice suite.”

  Staring out a window, Bree agreed. “I just saw the shower in my bathroom and it can fit at least three people in it.”

  “What are you suggesting, sweetheart?�
�� Austin asked. His gaze was riveted on her face, then moved over her body slowly.

  “Mr. DuGrandpre, get your mind out of the gutter.” Bree found herself extremely conscious of his virile appeal.

  Rising to his feet, Austin chuckled. “You were the one who painted this picture in my head.” Joining her at the window, he swung her into the circle of his arms. “Not to mention, I’m in this luxury suite with a very beautiful and sexy woman.”

  He kissed Bree, sending the pit of her stomach into a wild swirl. His lips seared a path down her neck, her shoulders, with tantalizing persuasion.

  There was a knock on the door.

  She glanced over at him. “Are you expecting someone?”

  Nodding, Austin got up and crossed the room in quick strides. “I ordered some lunch for us.”

  He opened the door to allow the waiter to enter, pushing a cart.

  She rose to her feet, moving to stand beside him.

  Bree smiled. “Wow. You are full of surprises.”

  “I heard your stomach growling when we got off the plane,” Austin teased.

  She elbowed him in the arm as they silently observed the waiter as he placed their dinner on the table.

  “So, what are we having?” Bree whispered.

  “For starters, we’re having seared scallops with bacon, Mediterranean salad and garlic brick chicken.”

  She rubbed her hands together. “Sounds delicious.”

  He loved that she was so easy to please.

  Austin signed the check and gave the waiter a twenty-dollar tip.

  They sat down at the dining table to eat.

  He quickly blessed the food before they dived in.

  Bree could feel him watching her. “Shouldn’t you be concentrating on your food?” she asked.

  “I can’t believe we’re here like this,” he confessed. Austin’s eyes traveled over her face and then slid downward. “I’m glad we are, though.”

  “I’m glad, too.” Bree wiped her mouth with the edge of her napkin. “It’s nice to get away every now and then. I had a crazy week, so this is perfect timing for me.”

  He stuck a forkful of food into his mouth and chewed slowly. Austin swallowed, then said, “I agree. I enjoy mini vacations.”

  She took a sip of her ice water. “Another thing we have in common.”

  “I guess there’s nothing left for us to do except get married.”

  Bree laughed. “Definitely.”

  The air around them suddenly seemed electrified.

  After they finished eating, she pushed away from the table and stood up. “Lunch was amazing,” she murmured. “Now I’m going to have to spend the rest of the afternoon in the gym.”

  “Why don’t you get a massage instead?” Austin suggested. “I’ve scheduled one for you later this afternoon.”

  “You’re too good to me,” she murmured.

  * * *

  “This view is incredible,” Bree told Austin as they sat out on the balcony, watching the moon and stars. “I could sit here for hours just looking at the stars in the sky and at the city below.”

  He took a sip of his hot tea. “I could sit here all night watching you.”

  She stretched and yawned.

  “Uh-huh...”

  She glanced over at Austin. “Uh-huh what?”

  “It’s past midnight,” he announced. “We should probably go to bed.” Although he wasn’t ready for the evening to end, Austin could tell that Bree was tired.

  “But we’re having such a good time together.” She yawned a second time.

  “And you can barely keep your eyes open. Let me walk you to your room.” A shiver of wanting ran down Austin’s spine. He moved toward her, impelled involuntarily by his own passion.

  Bree shook her head. “I can make it across the hall by myself,” she told him. “If you walk me over there—I know that I won’t be strong enough to let you come back to your own room. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  When she left, Austin headed to the bathroom. He was in desperate need of a cold shower.

  * * *

  Bree took an instant dislike to everything she had packed for the trip and now wished that she had gone shopping earlier.

  After her shower, Bree changed into an emerald-green Tadashi dress.

  “This is so not me,” she mumbled as she stared at her reflection in the floor-length mirror.

  Next, she slipped on another dress that she’d snagged on sale at a boutique the day before they left Charleston.

  “Not bad,” she whispered.

  Bree changed again, this time into a Vera Wang silk halter dress in a vivid purple color. She slipped on a pair of silver-and-amethyst jeweled sandals with straps that wrapped around her ankles. Bree added an amethyst ring, white gold and amethyst bangles with matching earrings to complete her look.

  She placed makeup on her face with a light touch.

  Bree smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror, satisfied with what she saw.

  She glanced at her watch.

  She had twenty minutes, and the last thing she had to do was her hair. She undid her twists and fingered through her hair, combing through the waves.

  Bree could hear Austin moving about in the living room and wondered how he would respond when she stepped outside the bedroom.

  His gaze gave her body a timeless sweep and she felt her heartbeat quicken.

  “You look stunning,” he said.

  “Thanks. You look nice yourself.”

  They were soon on their way to the wedding location.

  He backed out of the driveway. “I have to warn you that Will and Jade are a unique couple.”

  “I don’t think I’m going to be too surprised. In my line of work, I’ve come to meet some different people,” she said, noticing the smooth sound of the SUV’s engine as he drove down the street.

  Austin brought the car to a stop at a traffic light.

  “How long have you known Will?” Bree questioned.

  “Since high school. I’ve known Jade since law school. I introduced them when he came for my graduation.”

  They pulled up for valet parking.

  Bree noted the immaculate building with a backdrop of mountains that housed the hotel. The architecture probably dated back to the eighteen hundreds, she decided. “Nice.”

  “It’s an old hotel. The owners renovated it a few years ago—Will was one of the interior designers.”

  Austin offered her his arm, which she took. He had brought her here with him tonight and she intended to enjoy herself.

  * * *

  Austin escorted Bree into the hotel. As they neared the ballroom, she slowed her steps, surveying poster-size drawings of the bride and groom.

  “Will drew them,” he said.

  “He did a great job.”

  Two tall statues of women stood on either side of the door.

  “Oh, my goodness,” she whispered. “Austin, they’re real people. She blinked.”

  At the sound of a harpist playing, he said, “We’d better take our seats.”

  They were seated three rows from the front.

  Bree glanced down at the wedding program and chuckled. The front read: So, You’re Going to Sit Through a Wedding: A Practical Guide to Not Falling Asleep.

  “I have to warn you that Will and Jade are very unconventional,” Austin whispered. “So, expect just about anything with this wedding.”

  “Okay,” she said.

  Bree glanced around, noting that several people seated on the end of the row had flowers in hand. It was not something she was used to seeing at weddings. This is going to be interesting.

  The bridesmaids, dressed in a vivid rainbow of colors, made their entrance.

  Jade made her grand entrance on the arm of her father. She stoppe
d to collect the flowers, building her bouquet along the way to the altar.

  When it was time for the bride and groom to say their vows, they played rock, paper and scissors to determine who would go first in saying their vows.

  Bree chuckled.

  “I told you,” Austin whispered. “You never know what to expect with these two.”

  Jade won and spoke first. “Long ago you were just a dream for me. Thank you for being what you are to me. I love, honor and protect you. Will, I give you my heart for eternity, my friend and my love.”

  Bree’s eyes grew wet. She blinked rapidly to keep her tears from falling.

  It was Will’s turn to speak. “Jade, I love you, baby. Through all the uncertainties and trials of the present and future, I promise to be faithful to you and love you as long as we both shall live.”

  Austin reached over and took her hand in his.

  The bride and groom exchanged rings and before the pastor could get the words out of his mouth, Will captured Jade’s lips with his own.

  Laughter and applause erupted around the room.

  “I present to you all, Mr. and Mrs. William Manning.”

  More applause followed.

  Wedding guests were led to another room across the hall for the reception. The soft glow of the candles highlighted the hues of purple, teal, orange and traces of gold in the tablecloths. Each table featured edible centerpieces on marble slabs of cascading cheese, cracker and fruit. Marinated olives were placed in stoneware on each table for guests to savor.

  “The ceremony was unique but beautiful,” Bree said.

  Austin wrapped an arm around her. “I like the idea of the human statues.”

  She flashed him a grin. “It was definitely a nice touch. People can’t stop talking about them.”

  He pulled a chair out for her at their designated table.

  Bree sat down.

  Austin sat down next to her. “Thanks for coming with me.”

  “It’s been a nice little getaway.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “I needed a break.”

  “I know you miss Emery.”

  She nodded. “I do. I called to check on him earlier and he hurt my feelings a little. He was watching The LEGO Movie and didn’t have time to talk to me.”

  “I’m sure when you call back, he will be more than ready to have a conversation with you.”