“What’s the matter, sweetheart?” Savannah asked.
“I can’t sleep,” Chloe whined. “Can I stay in here with you and Daddy?”
“Of course you can, baby.” Edward said it, but wished his daughter’s timing hadn’t been so wrong.
He gathered himself, got his hormones under control. He hoped that once Chloe had fallen asleep, he could pick up where he left off with Savannah. He wanted to kiss her lips so badly. He tried not to let his desires overshadow his daughter’s need to be near them. He tuned the television to the Disney Channel and gave Savannah a smile.
Soon Chloe’s head rested against his chest, her eyes tightly shut.
“I think she’s asleep,” he whispered to a sleeping Savannah.
He carefully carried Chloe to her bedroom, tucked her into bed. When he returned to the den, he gently touched Savannah’s shoulder. “Savannah,” he whispered.
Her eyes opened slowly. “Yes.”
“Why don’t you go on to bed?”
She gave him a smile and then headed for the guest bedroom. Edward turned off the music, the television and the lights and headed to his bedroom. He took a quick shower and tried to rid himself of thoughts of his ex-wife and what he’d wanted to do with her before he was interrupted. He slipped into a pair of pajama pants, climbed into bed. He lay there in the darkness wondering what would have been had he kissed Savannah. The time he’d spent with her had been pleasurable, and he was grateful for it but didn’t know where it was leading, if anywhere. She was leaving the country soon. However, he couldn’t help thinking that he’d never stopped loving her. A wave of familiar emotions suddenly flooded in, and he wondered if she’d ever stopped loving him.
* * *
Sunday morning, and Savannah had obviously forgotten all about church because she was still there, and still wearing those sexy silky pajamas. He tried not to stare, but couldn’t help wondering what it would feel like if he slipped his fingertips beneath those silky shorts. Thoughts like that had plagued him all night, and he hadn’t been able to shake them.
By the afternoon, the trio had found themselves strolling along Jupiter Beach. Edward lifted Chloe onto his shoulders. Savannah carried a picnic basket filled with California rolls, a fresh garden salad, a bottle of chilled wine, and a small bottle of fruit juice for Chloe. After finding the perfect spot, they stretched their oversize beach towels out onto the sand. Edward opened the bottle of wine with a corkscrew and poured it into wineglasses. Then he opened the bottle of fruit juice and handed it to Chloe. It was these times that he missed with Savannah—simple Sunday afternoons on the beach, away from the static of the world. The beach was where he and Savannah had planned their lives together—their next steps, their wedding.
After stopping by Savannah’s for a change of clothing and picking up Edward’s car from his office, they ended up at his home again. He didn’t know how he did it, but he’d managed to convince her to spend yet another night. Chloe rushed into her bedroom, and Savannah took her business suit and overnight bag to the guest bedroom. Edward headed for the shower to wash the sand from his legs and feet.
The weekend had been enlightening. It felt good to have his family underneath one roof, even if it was short-lived. He began to toss the what-ifs around in his head. What if he could convince Savannah to stay in the country? What if he could have her back in his life, his home, his bed? What if he had never lost her in the first place? He washed his hair and his chest before stepping out of the shower.
As Savannah stood in the kitchen cutting into the flesh of a watermelon that they’d picked up at the market, Edward crept up from behind, wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. He planted a trail of kisses onto her neck. He hoped he hadn’t overstepped his bounds, but he needed to feel her in his arms. She turned to face him, wrapped her arms around his neck. His lips touched hers, and he kissed her shamelessly. Finally and deeply.
“I’ve wanted to do that all weekend,” he whispered.
“And I’ve wanted you to.”
Edward’s emotions and hormones ran rampant. There were so many things he wanted to say, but didn’t know how to put them into sentences. Instead he just held her close. Besides, it was too soon for her to know all the things he’d been thinking—it was best to keep his thoughts to himself. She didn’t need to know that he had thought of her every single day since she’d left, and had actually contemplated ways of winning her back. She didn’t need to know that he had beat himself up about losing her, and that he hadn’t found anyone who made him feel the way she had. He had managed to find something wrong with every single beautiful woman who had crossed his path, and he hadn’t understood why until now. His hand moved from the center of her back and caressed the roundness of her behind.
She pulled away from his embrace.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Too much, too soon.” She wiped his kisses from the corners of her mouth in a slow downward motion.
“I’m sorry. I just thought...”
“I’m going to check on Chloe,” she said and then left the kitchen without another word.
Edward exhaled, leaned his back against the granite island. He’d blown it with her—been too hasty. He’d been thinking with the wrong head.
Chapter 8
“What the hell do you mean, you spent the weekend with Edward?”
“Shhh.” Savannah pressed a finger against her lips, a wide grin on her face. She walked around her desk and shut the door. “I don’t want everyone in the entire office to know.”
When Maia first met Savannah in art school, she was going through the divorce with Edward. Maia had been the one to observe her during the most vulnerable time of her life.
“What was that about?”
“Chloe was sick, and we were caring for her...together.”
“What else were you doing together?”
“Nothing!” Savannah couldn’t help blushing.
“You’re lying,” said Maia. “Girl, you are blushing.”
“No seriously. Nothing happened.”
“Not even a kiss?” Maia asked.
Savannah smiled. Averted her eyes from her friend’s.
“You kissed him!” Maia laughed. “Savannah, what is going on? Just last week you were taking his ass to court because he was giving you a hard time about leaving the country with Chloe.”
“I know,” said Savannah.
“Now you’re playing house with him?” Maia asked.
“It was unexpected. Chloe got sick. Edward showed up at the hospital. He needed a ride home. Things just sort of happened.”
“You still love him, don’t you?”
“I’ll be the first to admit that I have unresolved feelings for Edward. I need closure if I’m ever going to move to London.”
“Well, you won’t get closure by spending the weekend at his house. You’re setting yourself up. He had his chance with you, sweetie, and he blew it. I say chalk it up as a loss and move on.”
Savannah paced the floor. “I’ve been thinking. Maybe I can pull back the petition...just for a little while.”
“Oh no,” Maia groaned.
“Just temporarily...”
“Haven’t you already filed it?”
“Yes, but if I call the courthouse, maybe I can intercept it before Edward is served today.”
“Savannah!”
“I’m not saying that I won’t file the petition. I just want to hold off until...”
“Until what, honey? Until he breaks your heart again?”
“You’re being so cynical.”
“I’m a realist. I’m that friend who tells you the truth when others won’t.” Maia stood, walked toward the door and opened it. She quickly switched the conversation. “So are we doing Chinese for lunch or what?”<
br />
“Chinese is fine.” Savannah searched the internet for the phone number of the Palm Beach County Courthouse.
“Fine,” Maia said. “And Savannah...”
Savannah was busy jotting the phone number on a sticky note.
“Savannah Carrington!”
“Yes, Maia.”
“Just be careful, honey.” Maia held both hands over her chest.
“I will.” Savannah gave Maia a gentle smile, one that let her friend know that she need not worry.
As soon as the door was pulled shut, Savannah picked up the phone and dialed the phone number. She attempted to work her way through the teleprompts to get to a live person, and quickly grew frustrated and impatient. Didn’t they know she’d had a change of heart? The weekend with Edward had been unexpected, and caused her to rethink things. He’d kissed her with those soft, delectable lips that she remembered all too well. He’d wrapped those strong arms around her so tightly, and his tongue had explored the inside of her mouth causing a tingle between her thighs. She’d wanted him, but her good sense told her to run away.
After being placed on hold for the third time, she hung up the phone. Holding the receiver against her chin, she flipped through the internet again.
After a light tap on the door, Jarrod walked in without invitation. “Are you free for lunch?”
“Plans with Maia.”
“Cancel them. We’re celebrating.”
“Celebrating what?”
“Are you serious right now?” he asked.
She was serious. And distracted. She didn’t have time for Jarrod’s riddles. And he was becoming increasingly annoying.
“I’m serious, Jarrod. And I’m really busy right now,” she said. “So if you don’t mind...”
He moved closer, came around to her side of the desk. He grabbed the telephone receiver from her hand and hung it up.
“It’s my birthday,” he said softly.
“Oh, Jarrod. I completely forgot.” She smiled. “Happy birthday.”
He grabbed her and pretended to dance to imaginary music.
“Let’s go dancing after work.” His lips brushed against her earlobe.
She didn’t even see Edward as he appeared in her doorway. By the time she saw him, he was standing on the opposite side of her desk. He threw a yellow envelope onto her desk.
“I was served with your petition today. At my office of all places,” he said. “I guess you’re still going through with this...this ridiculous idea of moving to London and taking Chloe with you.”
“Edward... I...” She pulled away from Jarrod’s embrace.
“I hope you’re happy!” He said, “It sure looks like you are.”
“This is not what it looks like, Edward.”
“I don’t really care. I just care about my daughter. If you want a fight, I’ll give you one. I’ll see you in court!”
She plopped down and sank into her leather chair. She was speechless. She’d had a change of heart, at least for the moment—only Edward didn’t know it. Their weekend together had somehow penetrated her soul, had her reconsidering her idea of moving away. She’d spent the entire night thinking about Edward and wondering if there was any hope of reconciliation. But now...
“Jarrod, I know it’s your birthday, but I’m sorry, I can’t have lunch with you today. Or go dancing with you this evening.”
“Are you seeing him again?”
“No.”
“Because I know how much he hurt you before.” Jarrod moved to the other side of her desk and went toward the door. “I wouldn’t want him hurting you again.”
“You don’t have to worry.”
“Good. I’ll take a rain check on lunch and dancing.” He pointed a finger at her. “This time.”
She exhaled when he finally left and pulled the door shut behind him. She covered her face with both hands.
* * *
Zumba was a challenge, particularly since exercising was the last thing that Savannah wanted to do. But she was committed to the class. She danced to the sounds of Pitbull as she attempted to keep up with her energetic instructor. She and Maia had splurged on fried chicken instead of Chinese food for lunch, and she needed to burn the extra calories.
Maia grinned at Savannah and wiggled her behind to the music.
“Snap out of it, chica!” Maia yelled over the music.
“I can’t. I’m torn.”
“You said it yourself. Your mother needs you, and it’s time you did something for yourself anyway. Isn’t that what you said?”
“I know it’s what I said, Maia, but it’s not that simple now.”
“It is that simple. Edward had his chance to have his family around, and he threw it all away for a campaign that didn’t even pan out.”
“He could’ve won,” Savannah defended him. “In fact he only lost by a small margin.”
“Defensive, aren’t we?” Maia giggled. “Had he kept his focus on the campaign and not on that beautiful little campaign manager, things might’ve turned out different.”
Savannah ignored Maia’s comments and continued to sway her hips to the music. She’d thought the same thing in the past—that Edward and Quinn had been much too close for her comfort, but she would never admit it to Maia.
Savannah tossed her gym bag over her shoulder as she bid Maia a good-night. “I’ll see you tomorrow, girl.”
“Take care, Savannah.” Maia, with a pink baseball cap backward on her head, waved and headed toward her two-door coupe.
Savannah sat in the driver’s seat of her Toyota, checked her cell phone for missed calls. Edward had called and then texted—I’m sorry about barging into your office today. I was out of line.
“Apology accepted.” She didn’t hesitate to call back and tell him that. “Edward, I’m sorry. I tried calling the courthouse to at least delay the petition.”
“Have you had a change of heart?”
“I don’t know what my heart is feeling right now, but until I’m sure, I want to delay it.”
“Listen. This weekend I’m headed to the islands. It’s my parents’ wedding anniversary, and they’re having this big celebration at the Grove. My parents would love to see Chloe...and you, of course. You know they still love you very much...” he said. “Anyway, you don’t have to give me an answer now. Sleep on it, and let me know sometime this week.”
Savannah was silent. Didn’t know what to say. He’d caught her off guard.
“Okay.”
“I think it would be a great opportunity for Chloe to see my parents before the two of you head off to London...if that’s what you decide to do.”
“Edward, I...”
“Just think about it and let me know.”
She didn’t need to think about it. She’d already made her decision, but she told him, “I love your parents. I’ll let you know.”
“Great. Sooner is better so that I can purchase tickets.”
“I’ll sleep on it. Call you in the morning.”
She would make him sweat, at least for the night. And tomorrow she’d go shopping for a party dress for her former in-laws’ anniversary party.
Chapter 9
As the jet soared above the clouds, Chloe closed her eyes and held on tightly to Edward’s hand.
“We’re almost there, baby.”
He glanced over at Savannah. Her head was leaned against the back of the seat, and her eyes were closed tightly also. He suddenly remembered her fear of flying as well. He reached over Chloe and touched Savannah’s shoulder. She opened her eyes and gave him a warm smile. He massaged her neck and shoulder and tried to help her relax. He held on to both of them until the wheels of the jet finally hit the pavement.
The Bahamas was a beautiful eighty-six d
egrees, and Edward breathed in the fresh smell of the ocean. He loved his home and visited frequently. The three of them sat in the backseat of a taxicab as the driver took them to his family’s B and B. As the car pulled up in front of the Grove, Edward pulled twenty-five dollars in Bahamian currency from his pocket and handed it to the driver. He usually held on to his Bahamian dollars for his frequent visits to the islands.
“Thank you, sir,” he told the driver before ushering Savannah and Chloe out of the vehicle. “Keep the change.”
“Thank you,” said the Bahamian driver as he popped the trunk and assisted with their luggage.
Savannah admired the architecture of the historical homes that had been transformed into a B and B. There were three of them, lined along the ocean right there together. She thought they were beautiful and elegant, and she couldn’t wait to see the inside. Edward struggled with their bags.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Edward Talbot,” said Jasmine as they approached the lobby. “Oh my God, Savannah, is that you?”
“Jazzy!” Savannah gave Edward’s sister a strong hug.
“You look so gorgeous, as always.” Jasmine smiled genuinely. “And who’s this little lady? This can’t be little Chloe!”
Edward hugged his sister. “This is Chloe. Chloe, say hello to our Aunt Jasmine.”
“Call me Aunt Jazzy.”
“Hi, Aunt Jazzy,” Chloe said softly.
Jasmine, with her long natural hair and perfectly sized body; it was no wonder she’d snagged a few modeling gigs while living in L.A. She grabbed Chloe in her arms and kissed her cheek. “You’re so pretty. I don’t think I’ve seen you since you were in diapers.”
Savannah remembered the time that Edward’s mother and sisters had come for a visit, just a few days after she’d given birth to Chloe. They’d been helpful—preparing meals, cleaning house and changing soiled diapers. They’d kept a watchful eye on Chloe while Savannah slept. It was during that visit that she’d fallen in love with them.
Although Edward traveled back and forth between the islands on business, he hadn’t had a chance to take Chloe along. He’d had intentions of it, but the time never seemed right. He regretted not allowing her to connect with his family, but now was as good a time as any.
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