“My job...” She couldn’t get the words past the lump in her throat.
“I know how important your career is to you,” Fletcher acknowledged. “You’ve worked very hard and sacrificed a lot to get where you are, and it’s not like you asked for any of this.”
“And neither did Alyia. I love my daughter and she has to be the priority.”
Fletcher smiled. “Why didn’t you let Farrah look into this for you? It’s right up her alley.”
Felicia laughed. “Really, do you even need to ask?”
“Good point,” he said, scratching his head. “Farrah would most definitely attack Griffin with guns, arrows and knives blazing...literally.”
“Exactly.”
“Excuse me, Dr. Blake, but you asked that I come find you when the next set of genetic samples are ready for your review,” a male nurse said, his eyes darting between Felicia and Fletcher, lingering a little longer on her guest than mere curiosity warranted.
“Thanks, Luther, I’ll be right up.”
The nurse nodded and rushed away, but not before a final look at Fletcher.
“Looks like you’re making yourself at home here at Grady Memorial.”
Felicia stood and Fletcher followed suit. “This is only a temporary stop,” she said. “I’ll be back in Texas before you know it.”
“I hope to change her mind about that,” a familiar voice said, coming to stand next to Felicia. “Dr. Griffin Kaile,” he said to Fletcher, offering his hand.
“Fletcher Scott. Pleased to meet you.” Fletcher accepted his hand, giving it a firm shake, though Griffin appeared to be sizing the other man up.
“Fletcher is an old family friend,” Felicia supplied reluctantly. She didn’t want to show her hand too much should she find herself in some kind of custody fight.
“Well, I really need to get going.” Fletcher hugged Felicia. “Take care of yourself and reach out if you need anything.” He looked over his shoulder and said, “Dr. Kaile.”
Griffin answered with a stoic, “Fletcher Scott.”
Griffin and Felicia watched Fletcher thread his way through the crowd, ignoring the inquisitive looks from the women he passed as he made it to the glass doors and left.
“You got a second?” Griffin asked.
Felicia checked her watch. “Actually, I don’t,” she said through a fake smile. She didn’t want to bring on any more attention from the curious patrons having breakfast.
“Please, Felicia,” he pleaded, reaching for her hand. “I heard you pacing most of the night. I didn’t get much sleep, either, and you left so early this morning. I don’t want another night like last night.”
Felicia sighed deeply. “Neither do I,” she admitted, holding his gaze.
“Please sit, it’ll only take a moment,” Griffin reassured her.
“Okay.”
“I want to apologize for coming across so strong last night,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to hurt you. I just...”
Felicia bit her bottom lip. “I understand.” She knew Griffin was just as scared of losing Alyia as she was.
“Do you? Do you really?” Griffin challenged.
“Yes, and I think we can figure this thing out,” she said, nodding slowly. “Just as long as we both remember to put Alyia’s needs ahead of our own. And you were right, she needs us both.”
“All right, then. How about we both agree not to make any major decisions about anything until after this weekend? Let’s just get through the ball and your case, and then we can sit down and go over all of our options.”
Felicia gave him a half smile. “Sounds like a plan.” Then her gaze narrowed on him. “Now, how did you know I was close to wrapping up my case?”
“I saw Dr. Gray a little bit ago and she mentioned it to me.”
“Did she, now?” she asked, frowning.
“I am a department head. She was briefing us on the latest turn of events. She seems very impressed with you...and especially your work.”
“Speaking of which, I guess I should get to it.” Felicia stood.
“Me, too.” Griffin rose and planted a not-so-quick kiss on Felicia’s lips. “Damn, I needed that. By the way, who was that Fletcher guy?”
Felicia threw her head back, brought her hand to her heart and laughed. Something she hadn’t thought she’d be able to do anytime soon twenty-four hours ago. “You just can’t help yourself. Fletcher really is an old family friend that works for my family from time to time. His visit was strictly business. That’s it.”
A big smile crawled across his face. “I’ll see you later, baby.”
“Baby?” she whispered after him. A man who could apologize and compromise was a man worth keeping around.
* * *
Griffin sighed before cutting the engine to his Porsche. After spending the night thinking he’d done irreparable damage to his relationship with Felicia, hurting the woman he loved...the mother of his child, Griffin was determined to find a way to make things right. He was going to do what was best for both Felicia and Alyia, no matter what it cost him personally. But first he had to tell his parents about them both.
“Here goes nothing,” he said as he exited the vehicle. Walking up to the door of his childhood home always brought back fond memories. He hoped that the news he was about to share with his parents would be the beginning of many more memories for his family. Griffin lifted his knuckled fist to wrap it against the mahogany carved door but the left side of the grand double entrance opened.
“Good evening, Master Griffin,” their longtime butler greeted him, wearing his customary uniform: black suit, white shirt and black tie.
“Good evening, Jasper. I thought we talked about that ‘master’ stuff.”
“You talked, I ignored,” he quipped, stepping aside so Griffin could enter the Colonial mansion where he grew up.
Griffin laughed. “My parents around?”
“Of course,” he replied, frowning at Griffin as though he’d just asked the most ridiculous question. “It’s tea time.”
Griffin smirked at the disappointed expression on Jasper’s face. “Of course, what was I thinking?”
The Kaile mansion was a magnificent display of opulence and wealth. The mixture of traditional Asian and American furnishings spoke to Griffin’s blended lineage perfectly. Marble floors and a row of tall vases led the way to the sitting area. The doors opened onto a beautifully decorated room with Oriental rugs, cathedral windows and a leather sofa and chairs.
Griffin walked into the sitting room to find his parents across from each other in matching green leather wing-backed chairs, a small glass table between them holding a cherry-blossom Chinese teapot and two matching handle-less cups. The poetic motif of pastel blue flowers matched the framed tapestry that hung over the stone fireplace.
“Griffin, darling, what a nice surprise,” his mother said, placing her cup down on the table. She opened her arms and, as expected, Griffin bent to hug his mother.
“This is a nice surprise, son,” his father said, holding out his hand, which Griffin quickly accepted and shook. “Care to join us?”
“Shall I bring in another cup?” Jasper asked from his spot at the threshold.
“When have you ever seen me join my parents for tea, Jasper?”
“One can always hope,” Jasper said with a note of sarcasm before turning to leave.
Griffin faced his parents, whose expectant faces said they were concerned. “I hate to disturb you, but I need to speak to you both about something very important.”
Lin Kaile’s eyes narrowed slightly as she picked up her cup again. “I’m not going to like this, am I?” she declared, sipping her tea.
“Let the boy speak, dear.”
Griffin shoved his hands into the pockets of the leather jacket
he wore as he gave his parents the CliffsNotes version of how he’d suddenly found himself with a daughter and Felicia as her mother. The silence was expected, but he was shocked when it was his father who recovered first.
“So, you decided to store your sperm so you would have a legacy in the event something ever happened to you,” his father asked, the words both direct and unemotional, coming from a man he respected more than anyone.
Griffin wasn’t sure if his father was asking him a question, but he figured he’d better not take any chances so he said, “Yes, sir.”
“And you donated sperm to further stem cell research?”
“Yes, sir,” Griffin replied.
“Hmm...”
“Hmm? Is that all you have to say to your idiotic son?” Lin snapped, her brows knitting together. “Grif...say something!”
His mother meant business whenever that private nickname for her husband was used, and definitely if her voice had reached that raised tone.
“I’m proud of you, son,” he finally said.
“What?” she said, getting to her feet so fast she nearly spilled her tea.
“You wanted me to speak, so let me speak, my love,” his father said in Mandarin, removing the shaking cup and saucer from her hand and placing it on the table. He rarely spoke in his wife’s native language, but when he did it always touched her heart.
Lin sighed and replied in English, “Yes, love.”
They shared a smile before returning their attention to their son. “Sit down,” his father said.
Griffin pulled up a chair and took the empty space on the left side of the table near his father. “I’m very proud of you because your heart was in the right place. However, if you wanted to do something so drastic, you should have talked to us. We could have helped you ensure your privacy as well as your security.”
“Yes, sir,” Griffin said, duly chastised.
“Now, tell us about our granddaughter.”
A smile spread across Griffin face. “She’s perfect...beautiful. Here’s her picture.” Griffin took out his phone and pulled up several images for them to view.
Lin sat forward and her husband got up and went to stand next to her chair so they could view the pictures together.
“Oh, my,” Lin said, offering the most genuine smile he’d seen since before he’d refused to propose to Jia. “She has your eyes, Griffin.”
“I know,” he replied proudly.
“And your cheekbones,” Griffin’s father said, sliding the back of his hand down his wife’s face.
Lin giggled and Griffin smiled.
The exchange was like so many he’d witnessed over the years. He’d never thought passionate love could be maintained over the years, but to see them now from a different perspective, thanks to Felicia, Griffin had to rethink that position.
Lin smiled. “So Felicia is Alyia’s guardian,” she confirmed.
Griffin pushed his shoulders back and sat straight. “Felicia is Alyia’s mother,” he clarified. “And I’m going to do everything in my power to make us a family. It’s the right thing and it’s what’s best for Alyia.”
“I can see that,” his father said.
Lin lifted an eyebrow. “I believe you think it’s best for you, too.”
Griffin stood and walked away from his parents, over to the fireplace. He exhaled. “I do. She makes me...”
“Weak,” his parents said in unison.
Griffin smiled.
“Well, that’s that,” Griffin’s father said to his wife, taking her hand in his. “Let’s go, honey. Time to meet our granddaughter.”
Chapter 26
Felicia stood in front of the long mirror and smirked. For the first time in a long while, she actually enjoyed the sight before her. Felicia still wasn’t used to having her shoulders and the tops of her breasts so prominently displayed, but had to admit that the black, strapless, silhouette Valentino gown with cascading side panels screamed sexy, understated elegance. The black Christian Louboutin shoes, diamond choker and matching earrings and bracelet were the perfect complement.
“My...my, you look gorgeous. I love that half-up, half-down hairstyle thing you did, too,” Ms. Ellen complimented her from the threshold of Felicia’s bedroom.
“Thank you,” she said to Ms. Ellen’s reflection.
“Griffin won’t know what to do with himself when he sees you.” She offered a teasing smile.
“That’s the idea,” she whispered, turning to face Ms. Ellen. Felicia couldn’t help but shiver at the thought that Griffin just might have a few ideas. Especially since that intimate exchange a few days ago had ended so abruptly.
“Tonight’s pretty important to Griffin, his family and that fancy foundation of theirs, but you remember something, young lady,” Ms. Ellen said, pointing her index finger at Felicia.
“What’s that?”
“You and that baby sleeping down the hall are pretty important to him, too.”
Felicia beamed. “I know.”
“Well, you better go.” She swatted playfully after her. “He’s downstairs waiting for you.”
“Don’t hesitate to call if you need us.” Felicia scooped her clutch from off the bed.
“I won’t need to, nor will I call,” she said with a reassuring pat on her shoulder. “Just go enjoy each other. I have everything covered here. As always.”
Felicia gave Ms. Ellen a hug and walked out of the room. She stopped at the top of the stairs and stared down at the Greek god–like figure wearing a perfectly cut Italian tuxedo. Griffin was facing the door, putting something in his pocket, and only turned at the sound of Felicia’s stiletto-covered feet hitting the first marble step.
* * *
Griffin felt as though his heart had actually stopped for a moment. “My God, you’re magnificent,” he said, his mouth slightly open.
Felicia descended the steps slowly, keeping her eyes on Griffin and her hand on the rail. When she hit the final ones, Griffin reached for her hand and helped her the rest of the way down. “Thank you. You look pretty terrific yourself.”
“Thanks,” he said, bringing her hand to his lips for a kiss. “Ready?” Griffin offered his arm.
“As I’m ever going to be.” Felicia wrapped her arm around his. “After the prep necessary to look like this, I hope I can stay awake,” she replied, offering up a small smile.
Griffin stopped and turned to face her. “I’m incredibly proud of you. To figure out that all the Legionnaires’ cases came from the same bacterial source generated in the pharmaceutical lab that was trying to get a key ingredient for a specific cocktail of meds expedited was brilliant.”
“I got to work with a wonderful group of people at the CDC, and my CIA team is always on point. They’re very good at their jobs. They followed the money and I followed the science. Finding the white-collar bad guys was easy. Chasing down the local bad guys is a little more challenging.”
“I’m sure they’ll gather them all up. Enough of that. Let’s go enjoy our evening. I promise it will be a night we both remember.” Griffin intended to give Felicia a sweet and gentle kiss, only his desire for her got the best of him for a moment. He took her mouth as if this was the last chance he’d ever have to kiss her so he needed to make the most of it. When Griffin finally let Felicia up for air, he whispered, “That should hold me until later.”
Griffin stared at Felicia, enjoying the rise and fall of her breast. “I can’t wait,” Felicia whispered.
After a relatively short limo ride, Griffin was escorting a smiling Felicia into the grand ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The space was immaculately decorated in a winter wonderland theme. From the white-and-silver wall coverings, the whitewashed wooden dance floor and the gorgeous crystal chandeliers, to each table set with a silver-and-white mi
ni Christmas tree centerpiece with Hershey’s candy kisses dropping from its leaves.
“Oh, my...”
“Yes, Mother tends to go all out for this every year.”
“Everything is beautiful...so elegantly placed, right down to the white-and-silver place settings and crystal glasses.”
“That’s Mother,” he confirmed. “Everything must be perfect.”
“She certainly doesn’t think I’m perfect,” she teased. “Not for you, anyway.”
Griffin gave Felicia’s hand a gentle squeeze. “You’d be surprised. Anyway, I think you’re perfect for me and that’s all that matters.”
“If you say so,” she replied.
Griffin could see he still had some convincing to do and he intended to do just that. Well, as soon as they’d spent an appropriate amount of time at the event.
“Darling, there you are,” Lin called out as she approached. The black-and-white, tea-length gown she wore shimmered with every move.
Griffin kissed her on both cheeks. “Mother.”
“Mrs. Kaile, you look beautiful, and these decorations are gorgeous,” Felicia said by way of compliments.
“Thank you. We do have a particular image we want to uphold,” she said, glancing around the room as though trying to take everything in from a newcomer’s point of view. “You look quite lovely yourself.” Lin gifted her with a big smile.
“Thank you,” she finally said.
Lin turned her back to Felicia. “Griffin, both the mayor and the lieutenant governor are here and asking for you.”
“I see them,” he replied, spotting the area where the two men were holding court with his father and several of the hospital board members, who were probably hitting them up for additional donations. “Shall we?” He reached for Felicia’s hand.
Tempting the Heiress Page 17