Return to Me

by Jacquelin Thomas

  Bree placed her hand in his. “Thank you for saying that.”

  “Would you like to dance?” Austin asked her.

  “I love dancing. I just haven’t done it in a long time,” she said, taking him by the hand.

  Bree walked slowly, her body swaying to the music. “I love this song.”

  Austin escorted her to the middle of the dance floor and began dancing to the music.

  One song ended and another began while they were still on the dance floor.

  They left the reception right after the bride and groom departed.

  Back at the hotel, Bree made a cup of green tea with coconut and enjoyed the beautiful view of downtown Phoenix out the hotel window. She took a deep breath, then sipped her tea, hoping it would stop her heart from hammering.

  The erratic pounding in her chest had started when Austin had removed his shirt as he strolled across the carpet to the other bedroom. It was as if knowing they were under the same roof and breathing the same air was getting to her.

  Separating the two bedrooms was a spacious living room, workspace and dining area, but being in the same suite with such a handsome man... Bree took another deep breath and exhaled slowly.

  Trying to put thoughts of Austin out of her mind, she turned back to the view.

  There’s a full moon tonight. It’s so beautiful... I could stand here all night looking at it.

  The hotel was in the thick of downtown and the surrounding buildings were massive and numerous, but she still had a beautiful view of the mountains.

  “Bree?”

  She gasped at the sound of her name and turned from the window.

  Austin stood naked except for his pajama pants, which rode low on his hips, looking sexier than he had earlier that night.

  “Yes?”

  “Why aren’t you in bed?”

  His masculine scent reached out to Bree, sending her entire body into a heated tailspin.

  “I thought you were sleeping,” she said, trying to stay in control.

  A slow smile touched his lips and her body tingled in response.

  The erratic pounding in her chest returned.

  Had it truly ever left?

  “I couldn’t sleep.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “You should probably try to get some rest. We have an early flight in the morning.”

  Bree glanced down at her empty cup and came up with the perfect excuse to leave the living room. “I’ve finished my tea. Maybe sleep will come now.”

  When she walked past him, Austin reached out, taking the cup from her hand and placing it on the end table before wrapping a strong arm around her waist and pulling her to him.

  His head lowered to hers.

  Soon she was kissing him as hungrily as he was kissing her. Bree molded her body to his as if it was the most natural thing, and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. Desire felt like talons sinking into her skin, spreading through her body in a heated rush, making her moan deep in her throat.

  Bree reluctantly broke off the kiss and unwrapped her arms from his neck before taking in a deep breath. “Self-control, girl,” she whispered.

  “What did you say, sweetheart?” he asked, dipping his head low to hers.

  She stared up into his penetrating, chestnut-brown eyes and wondered if Austin had any idea that they were an aphrodisiac. Just staring into their depths caused crazy things to happen to her.

  “Bree?” he prompted.

  She recalled he had asked her a question and decided to be honest. “I’m trying to talk myself out of taking something that I want.”

  He lifted a brow. “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Keep talking. Maybe you can convince us both.”

  Bree kissed him on the cheek. “Good night, Austin.”

  His lips curved into a smile. “I’ll see you in the morning, sweetheart.”

  Chapter 7

  The August weather was nice and warm, perfect for a day on the golf course. Austin spent the morning with his father at the country club in Charleston trying to learn the game.

  He was a novice and found the game was not as easy as he first imagined. “I hope I’m not embarrassing you too much,” he said.

  Etienne laughed. “You need to learn how to hold the golf club the proper way. That’s part of the problem. Keep your grip light.”

  Austin did as his father instructed, but his heart wasn’t in it. He wanted to shout for joy when the lesson came to an end.

  On the way to the car, Etienne said, “I want you to know that I’m very proud of the man you’ve become, Austin.”

  “You’re not just saying that because I became a lawyer, are you?”

  He chuckled. “You’ve heard the whole DuGrandpre legacy story.”

  Austin nodded. “From Grandfather when he came to visit. He sent me brochures from the top law schools.”

  “My father had a grand vision of building a family of lawyers. He never seemed to understand that not everyone in the family shared that vision.”

  “Was there something else you wanted to do?”

  “When I was younger, I wanted to be in law enforcement. I pictured myself an FBI man, but my father—he was against the very idea. I didn’t want to disappoint him, so I studied law. It wasn’t until I started law school that I developed a passion for it. I think my father knew all along that this is where I belonged.”

  Etienne looked at Austin. “How about you?”

  “I wanted to be a forensic psychologist or a profiler.” He chuckled. “I guess I thought of myself as an FBI man, as well.”

  “Like father like son...”

  Austin nodded. “I guess so.”

  “How’s your love life?”

  “It’s funny you bring this up,” Austin responded. “I’ve met someone I really like.”

  “Good. When do we get to meet her?”

  “You already have, Dad. It’s Jordin’s friend Bree.”

  “Ah...the beautiful Dr. Collins. She has a little boy, you know? You have to want the whole package if you expect to have a relationship with her.”

  Austin nodded. “I’m looking forward to meeting her son.”

  “How long have you two been dating?”

  “A couple of months now, which is why I haven’t met Emery, but I really like her.”

  “Are you ready to settle down?”

  “I am,” Austin responded. “If I wait too much longer, I’ll be too old to teach my children how to play anything other than golf.”

  Etienne laughed. “I guess that’ll fall on me.”

  “Dad, I hate this game.”

  “Tell me this. How do you feel about bowling?”

  “Now you’re speaking my language,” Austin said. “I know how to bowl and I’m pretty good at it.”

  “Let’s get out of here,” Etienne suggested. “They have a fantastic buffet at the country club.”

  Minutes later they were seated at a table dining on garlic lime chicken, grilled asparagus with lime dressing, four-cheese mashed potatoes with wild mushrooms and onion bread.

  “The chef outdid herself,” Etienne whispered to him.

  Austin agreed. He sliced off a piece of the tender chicken and stuck it into his mouth, savoring the flavor. “Everything is delicious.”

  After lunch, he drove home to shower and change. He was meeting up with Bree in a couple of hours. Although he was trying to be patient, Austin wanted to meet Emery. He appreciated the information from Jordin and the tidbits shared by Bree, but he desired to meet the little boy.

  Austin hummed softly as he pulled into the parking garage connected to the building where he lived.

  Inside the condo, Austin walked straight to the bathroom. He showered, slipped into a robe and settled down in the
sitting room to watch television. He had enough time to relax before his date.

  He lay back with his eyes closed, dreaming of the day when he and Emery could hang out as father and son.

  * * *

  Bree spent the day with Emery, painting in the park.

  “Lookit, Mommy. Look at my picture.”

  “Honey, it’s beautiful. Is that the house over there?”

  He nodded. “I made it for you.”

  Her cell phone rang.

  “Hey, girl,” Jordin greeted. “Emery’s still staying with us tonight, right?”

  “Yes. Thanks for this. I’m not ready for him to meet Austin yet. I need to see where this relationship is going.”

  There was a slight pause, then Jordin responded, “Not a problem. Ethan and I love having him with us. We’re practicing for our own child.”

  “Really? You guys are trying to get pregnant?”

  “Yeah. I’m looking forward to starting a family.”

  “I think it’s wonderful, Jordin.”

  “You’re cooking a romantic dinner tonight at your house...hmmm... Are you planning for this to turn into a sleepover?”

  Bree chuckled. “It’s just dinner. We’re not at the point for sleepovers.”

  They talked a few minutes more before ending the call.

  She and Emery stayed another half hour at the park.

  “We need to pack your bag,” Bree said when they arrived home. “Auntie Jordin is coming to pick you up soon.”

  “Yeah...”

  “Which pajamas do you want to sleep in? Batman or Spider-Man?”

  “Ninja Tuttles,” he uttered.

  Emery put his hands to his face and cracked up with laughter.

  “You’re so silly.” Her heart was so full of love for the little boy crawling around on the floor. “My silly little man.”

  “Mommy, I love you.”

  “I love you more, baby.”

  Once his bag was packed, Bree gave him a bath.

  He was dressed and impatient by the time Jordin arrived.

  “Girl, he thought you weren’t coming,” Bree said. “He asked me at least twenty times when you were going to get here.”

  “Oh, honey, Auntie’s sorry for running late. My dad came over and we were talking. I’m sorry.”

  “I okay now.” Emery reached for her hand. “Can we go?”

  “You’re ready to leave Mommy?”

  He nodded. “I be back.”

  Bree kissed him. “Have fun with Auntie Jordin and Uncle Ethan.”

  Jordin glanced over at her. “You have fun tonight.”

  Austin knocked on Bree’s front door shortly after eight. He had stopped to pick up Thai food for them.

  “You look beautiful,” he whispered, making Bree’s heart swell.

  “How did your golf lesson go?” She walked into the kitchen and took a couple of plates from the cabinet.

  “We’re going to go bowling next time. I had to break down and tell my dad that I have no interest whatsoever in golf. It’s just not for me.”

  “How did he take it?”

  “Very well,” Austin stated. “I got the impression that he isn’t that crazy about the sport, either.”

  They dined on a spicy shrimp soup, red chicken curry and fried rice.

  “You look beautiful,” Austin murmured in her ear. “In case I haven’t told you already.”

  “You mentioned it.”

  Their feet moved to the slow rhythm of “If I Was Your Man,” while Austin pulled her firmly against him. The heat of his skin radiated through his white shirt, warming her in the evening cool. Her eyes closed as his fingers tightened around hers, and Bree rested her head against his shoulder.

  The song ended and they pulled apart.

  As if going with instinct, Austin refused to relinquish her hand as she started to step away. Instead he gave it a gentle tug, pulling her back into his arms. He smiled, his teeth flashing in the candlelight.

  He kissed her.

  They smiled at each other a long time, until Austin quietly commented, “This feels nice...being here with you like this.”

  “I agree,” she murmured.

  “I want more nights like this.”

  Bree’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’m not quite sure what you mean by that.”

  “I’m not one for partying and hanging at the club. I like what we did tonight—a quiet dinner and dancing.” Austin looked at her. “I hope it didn’t just get weird between us.”

  “It didn’t.” She picked another chocolate-covered strawberry off the platter. “I asked because I don’t like to assume.”

  Austin poured white wine into the glasses, then handed one to her.

  “Thank you.” Bree took a sip. “I was never much into clubbing. I know it sounds strange since Caleb was a musician. The only time I ever went to a club was when he performed.”

  He was staring at one of the photos of Emery, prompting a smile on her lips. “I would introduce you, but I don’t want to rush it. I hope you understand. Maybe I’m overprotective, but I want his life to have the consistency that mine didn’t. Having him get attached to someone and then lose him...”

  “You’re doing the right thing. He doesn’t need to meet every man you date.”

  “I’m glad we’re on the same page, Austin.”

  “I will meet him one day,” he responded. “I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

  “I must admit that I like the sound of that, because I’m not looking for a casual relationship. I’m more of the marrying type.”

  “Once again, we’re on the same page.”

  * * *

  Instead of going home, Austin drove to the neighborhood where Jordin and Ethan lived.

  He wanted a glimpse of his son.

  “Austin, is something wrong?”

  “I’m sorry for coming by so late, but I wanted to see Emery. I know he’s sleeping and I promise I won’t wake him. I just need to see him for myself.”

  He followed her upstairs to the room where Emery lay sleeping.

  His heart filled and overflowed with love as his gaze soaked up the sight of his son for the first time. Austin wanted a closer look, but dared not take the chance of disturbing him. He remained in the doorway for a few minutes before returning downstairs.

  He found Jordin in the kitchen, making a cup of tea.

  “It’s hard to believe that my little boy is in there sleeping. I still can’t tell who he resembles most.”

  “He’s a cutie.” Jordin gestured toward the Keurig. “Would you like some tea or coffee?”

  “I’m fine.”

  They heard the garage door going up.

  “Ethan’s home,” Jordan announced. “I know you don’t want too many people knowing, but I think it’s time we told him about Emery. I don’t like keeping secrets from him. You don’t have to worry. He’s very discreet.”

  “That’s fine.”

  Ethan entered the house through the garage. “Hey... Austin, I didn’t know you were here. I thought you were seeing Bree tonight.”

  Jordin planted a quick kiss on Ethan’s lips. “We need to tell you something, honey.”

  He looked from his wife to Austin. “What’s going on?”

  “Emery’s my biological son.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “My ex-girlfriend never told me about the baby. She left town when we broke up, then had the baby and gave him up for adoption. After a long search, I’ve learned that Bree was the adopter.”

  Ethan’s shock was written all over his face. “Does Bree know?”

  “Not yet.” Austin glanced over at his sister, then said, “I plan to tell her.”

  “You should’ve told her before you two got involved.”

  “I tol
d him to wait,” Jordin confessed. “I know Bree and this is not something she’s going to handle well. It’s better that she gets to know Austin first.”

  “Okay, I get that,” Ethan said, “but your brother’s dating her. If you prolong this, I don’t think it’s going to end well.”

  “I intend to tell Bree when the time is right.”

  “Honey, no one else knows about this,” Jordin interjected. “Just the three of us.”

  “I won’t say a word, but I think you both need to talk to Bree before she finds out another way.”

  When Ethan went upstairs, Austin glanced at his sister. “Your husband’s not happy about this.”

  “He doesn’t like secrets,” Jordin stated.

  “I don’t, either. I hate keeping Bree in the dark like this, but I need to gain her trust. I need her as an advocate and not an enemy when I go back to court. Although Emery is my son, the courts can decide not to reverse the adoption.”

  “Would that be so bad?”

  “Jordin, if that happens, I won’t have any say in my son’s life. If things with Bree go sour—I could lose him and I’m not going to let that happen. I intend to make sure no one will be able to just take Emery from me again.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, Austin.” Jordin paused a moment before asking, “I need to know something. Do you really care for Bree?”

  “Of course I do.”

  “She doesn’t deserve to be played.”

  “My feelings for her are genuine, Jordin. You don’t have anything to worry about, sis.” Austin rose to his feet. “Thanks for the coffee and for letting me see Emery. I’m going to leave so you and your hubby can talk.”

  “You and Bree are good for each other. I want this to work out for all of you.”

  “So do I,” he muttered.

  Jordin walked him to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Back at his condo, Austin paced the living room floor. He wasn’t so sure that he’d handled this situation with Bree the right way. Maybe it was better to put some distance between them.

  He put his hands to his face. Did I handle this all wrong?

  Maybe it would be better to end things with her now, Austin thought sadly. He had fallen in love with her and the idea of walking away pained him.