by Tiana Cole
In response, the little girl clasped her necklace and tried to put it in her mouth.
Thirteen minutes later they entered the pool area and met David’s handsome scowling face. “No. Go change, both of you.”
“Excuse me?” She looked at him. “Your daddy is acting crazy, make him calm.” She held the kicking baby out to her father.
“Come here, sweet pea. This bathing suit of yours is too revealing,” he told her, eyeballing her pink ruffled bikini with white polka dots. Her ruffled butt looked adorable.
“It shows her arms, legs and her baby belly. It’s fine, she looks beautiful.”
His gaze was fierce. “She always looks beautiful, but can we wait to show off her midriff at least until high school?”
“Afraid not. California girls show off their toned tummies.” Her own tummy was still slightly rounded from pregnancy but for the most part Ebony thought she rebounded nicely.
He gave her a heated gaze that raked up and down every inch of her body before doing it again. She felt her nipples pebble under own her white bikini with hot pink polka dots. “They look good enough to eat while they do.” He winked and lowered his body into the water, Kim still in his arms.
Ignore him. He doesn’t mean anything other than he likes looking at you. Taking her time, she walked to the shallow end and down the stairs, floating over to Kim and David. “Hold her still so I can slide these inflatable arm bands on.” They were pink and white just like her suit.
“How did you know to get these?”
“Online research,” she told him absently, doing her best to ignore his sexy male scent. Even the stench of chlorine couldn’t dampen it. It was pure fucking torture so she dunked her head under the cool water, resurfacing with a long exhale. Her body was a few degrees cooler but she was still tense and frustrated. “So.”
He looked at her, a knowing smile spread across his handsome face. “So.”
“What now?” All of a sudden she felt nervous, shaky. Unsure.
“Now we try to have some fun. Together.”
That was easier said than done but Ebony spent the next hour watching David come into his own as a parent. He kept a steadying hand on Kim the entire time she kicked and laughed in the water. Unlike some of the other kids, she had no fear of the water, confident in her dad’s ability to keep her safe. Ebony’s heart squeezed at the way Kim smiled up at him so effortlessly. Her daughter might not recognize words like father or dad, but she knew this man was special. Ebony slithered out of the pool and grabbed her phone from the diaper bag, snapping a few shots of father and daughter together. Sending the photos to him, she stood. “Adorable,” she said under her breath, and tucked the phone away.
David stared at her for a long time, trying to make sense of her she guessed. He didn’t need to, only he didn’t know that. “I can snap a few if you want.”
She shook her head and sat on the edge of the pool, legs dangling in the cool water, watching them together. Both happy and smiling, simply happy just to be with one another. It was nice to see her daughter getting the family she deserved. Ebony was so lost in thought she hadn’t realized class had ended until she heard water dripping from David’s board shorts right next to her. “Oh. Hey.”
His sharp features went soft. “Penny for your thoughts?”
Shrugging, Ebony stood. “They’re not worth that much.” Wishing for things she couldn’t have and wasn’t even sure she wanted was pointless. Less than pointless. She made a point to only focus on goals and dreams that were possible.
“Somehow I doubt that.” David held a hand out to her, but she didn’t need it. “Ebony, we have to get along.” His voice was pleading but she willed herself to be unmoved.
“I think we’re getting along great considering we didn’t have a relationship prior to this.”
“You know what I mean.”
She did, but she also couldn’t let herself give him what he wanted. Her. All soft and pliable, stupid over him so he could run roughshod over her. No, thanks. “What do you mean, David? You see her whenever you want and we’re cordial. I’d say that’s pretty damn good.”
“Did I hurt you that badly? That you can’t forgive me?”
She shrugged and took her wet, squirming baby. “There’s nothing to forgive.” Ebony hated herself for taking the deal that helped improve her life. It made her hate herself more everyday, seeing the nice little home she’d made with his money, the degree she would soon have thanks to his money. She couldn’t regret it, for so many reasons, but she wished to hell she could.
David nodded but his eyes told her he wasn’t pleased with her answer. “Can I buy you ladies an ice cream?”
Ebony gave a soft smile. “Sure.”
~
“Okay, so maybe the circus wasn’t my best idea. I really thought she would love it.” David looked chagrined at his daughter’s distraught tears streaming down her face, eyes exactly like his watery and pleading.
“It was just too much stimulation for her, that’s all. The good thing about babies is they’re excellent at telling you when they’re unhappy.” She fastened Kim into the high end car seat David bought and hopped into the passenger seat before he could help.
His only reaction was a smile before he rounded the car and got behind the wheel. “So, how about we go to my housein Malibu? We can grill some steaks, build sandcastles and have a nice day at my private beach?” Eyes on the road, David said nothing while he waited for Ebony to circle through excuses to say no, and then on to reasons why it wouldn’t be a good idea. Finally, she shifted and her body sank, not in relief, but in resignation.
“Fine.”
And that was it. That pretty much summed up his relationship with Ebony since he’d gotten those DNA results. He fought for more time with both of them and she reluctantly agreed for the sake of their daughter. “Great. Thank you, Ebony.”
“No thanks necessary. Kim is your daughter too.”
She didn’t look at him when she spoke, her gaze stood unmoving on the passing scenery. “I know, but I was an asshole and you could have made this all difficult, but you didn’t. I appreciate it.”
“I did it for her.”
He nodded and turned onto the PCH. “I still appreciate it.” Neither of them said another word for the rest of the ride. Silence was their only companion as he parked and they unloaded Kim and all of her stuff. “Who knew babies needed so much?”
That got him a small smile. “Yeah, when I found out I was pregnant, I figured I’d start buying things little by little. That didn’t work out so well once I started. I was shocked. Luckily, my mama was there to help.”
Because he should’ve been, dammit. David gritted his teeth. He grabbed the bags, leaving Ebony to grab Kim. “I guess it’s a comfort to know women grow out of needing this much stuff.”
Ebony laughed. “The only thing I carry with me is my phone, wallet and lip balm, and that easily fits into her diaper bag.”
He gave a small, absent smile because her words told him something she probably didn’t want him to know. She rarely did anything without Kim. If she did, she would have a bag of her own. “Do you have a nanny?”
“No, my mama babysits when I’m at school or work. Otherwise, I have her.”
Damn. Nothing could have made him feel more like shit. “If you need more help, I’m happy to provide a nanny for you.”
“No, thanks. I’m going to spend as much time with her as possible until I get a real job.”
“You don’t need to, you know.”
“Yes. I do.”
Okay, so she didn’t want his money. Anymore. “Okay, well, if you do, I’m here.”
“Thanks,” she spoke softly, and turned her attention to Kim while he went to deal with the grill.
David moved back and forth between the patio he never used and the kitchen his housekeeper used only on the rare occasions he stayed overnight. “The grill is heating up, can I get…” The words died on his tongue, which instantly moisten
ed at the sight of Kim suckling at her mother’s breast. Her bare breast, which he should have felt like a pervert staring at, but he only felt hot. Hard.
“David?” Her voice held amusement and a question.
He shook away his dirty thoughts. “Sorry. I’ve never seen a woman breastfeeding before.” The sight was beautiful. Erotic. Soothing. “I can’t seem to look away.”
She switched breasts, wincing slightly as Kim latched on. “I don’t mind, just try to keep those hungry looks to yourself.”
He chuckled. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Iced tea would be great. I can’t have too much caffeine while I’m breastfeeding or I’ll be up all night.”
Again something he never would have thought about. “You’ve done a wonderful job with her, Ebony. Thank you.” He felt a strange squeeze of his heart at her wistful expression at their daughter and the way she ran a finger down the side of her face as she ate.
“She’s more than worth it, aren’t you, hungry girl?” Kim’s response was to kick her feet while she ate.
David turned and sought refuge in the kitchen. What was it about this woman that had him so torn? She wasn’t any more beautiful than any other woman he’d taken to bed, yet there was something about her that drew him in. He wanted her badly, but he had no idea what he wanted to do with her.
“Hey, need some help?”
“Where’s Kim?”
Ebony’s smile was like a burst of sunshine after a heavy rain. “She’s in the bassinet in your living room. I’ll bet if I snooped around, I’d find an entire nursery packed to the brim of baby stuff.”
He set out salad fixings and Ebony made quick work of it, tossing it into a large wooden bowl. “Maybe. Would you be upset if I said yes?”
Ebony washed her hands and turned to face him. “No. She’s your daughter, David, and she always will be. When she’s done breastfeeding you’ll be able to keep her overnight.”
He released a breath he hadn’t even realized he’d been holding. Probably since he’d gotten confirmation that Kim was his. “You mean that?”
She nodded and looked around his kitchen, avoiding his gaze. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“Because I’ve been an ass.”
“Maybe, but you’re still her father, and she adores you.”
He smiled again. “She’s amazing. So smart and curious.”
Her smile brightened and it was genuine this time. “That’s why she needs you. You love her.”
“Of course I do.” He loved her more than he thought he would ever love anyone, and it was so instant. The moment their gazes connected, he felt an overwhelming sense of love grip him and it hadn’t let go since. “She’s my little girl.”
Chapter Thirteen
“That was a fantastic steak,” Ebony told David as she patted her full belly. For some reason watching him flip those steaks on the grill, his strong bronze forearms flexing with every move, turned her on. Big time. “Now that you’ve made your billions, are you going to pursue a second career as a chef?”
His laugh was deep and full throated, shooting a dagger of heat straight to her core. “I don’t think so. My culinary skills start and end with the grill.”
“Typical man,” she scoffed, but even she could hear the affection in her voice. “Well, you did a good job, but Kim’s too young for steak so maybe learn how to make a grilled cheese or something.” She needed to leave his house right this minute but she couldn’t. Kim was still asleep and she didn’t want to disturb her. At least that was what she was telling herself. It had nothing to do with his masculine scent wrapping itself around her body and hugging her close. It had nothing to do with that tan triangle of flesh tempting her to take at taste.
“Look away, Ebony.” His voice was deep, guttural.
His velvety voice pulled her from her erotic thoughts. “What?”
“You’re looking at me like you want to lick me from head to toe.”
That’s because I do. “Sorry,” she told him. “You’re the only man I’ve been with in years so it’s hard for my mind not to go there. Don’t worry, David, I have no designs on you or your money.”
He laughed again, green eyes sparkling gold in amusement. “I think your designs are more basic. Primal.”
Damn straight. “Maybe, but they’re just thoughts. Nothing more.”
David hovered over his chair and slid it over until his thighs brushed against hers. “It could be more, you know.”
Her breath hitched at his nearness, the way his strong hot hands landed high on her thighs and the way his breath fanned against her neck. “It c-could, but it wouldn’t be w-wise,” she rasped out when he placed an open mouth kiss behind her ear. Damn him.
“Things that feel as good as you and me together are rarely all that wise.” He nipped the muscle between her shoulder and neck, soothing it with his tongue immediately after.
Ebony shuddered and gripped his biceps, tilting her head back to give him better access. “David,” she panted. She wanted him, so badly she could already feel her body preparing to take him. But it would be a monumental mistake.
“Yes, Ebony. Tell me you want me and let’s do this.”
Yes, god, yes! Too bad she didn’t say that. Instead she grabbed his face in her hands and kissed him like he was the last drop of water and she was dying of thirst. Her mouth was hot, hard and insistent against his. Her tongue delved inside his mouth and tasted his tongue, sucking the sweetness until he groaned. “I want this, David. I don’t think it’s a good idea but tonight I want you.” She decided to push aside her reservations because she craved what he did to her body, how he made her feel.
He smiled that kind of smile that would get a girl to do all manner of dirty things in the bedroom for another glimpse, and Ebony knew she’d do whatever he asked. “Good, because I’ve been dying to fuck you again. I’ve dreamt about it, Ebony.”
She shivered and pushed herself onto his lap, grinding against the erection pressing against her core. “Oh yeah? Like what?” She bit his ear before sucking it into her mouth and rolling her tongue over the lobe. “Tell me,” she whispered.
David gripped her ass and stood. “How about I show you?” He released another groan when she licked his neck. She kept up her assault on his neck as he walked over to the double chaise with the wrought iron frame and plush cushions and laid her down.
Ebony arched into him while his mouth tortured her neck and chest while his fingers made quick work of the tiny buttons down the front of her dress. She cried out when he sucked her nipple through her bra, pushing more of herself into his hands. His mouth. “David,” she groaned as her fingers gripped his hair.
His mouth moved further down her body, kissing and licking under her breasts once the bra was tossed aside, down her ribcage and lower belly before she heard the telltale rip of fabric. “I’ll replace them, but I need you. Now,” he told her.
Before Ebony could respond, his mouth was on her sex, licking and laving until she squirmed and pushed up against his mouth. “Oh god, Dave!” She cried out when he pulled her clit into his mouth and thrust three fingers deep inside her. She felt the orgasm building at her feet, rushing up her legs and gathering steam deep in her core before breaking free on a loud, long moan.
“Fuck me but you are gorgeous when you come.” He smiled down at her, mouth shiny with her juices, and she smiled.
Ebony was by no means done with him. Reaching between her legs she unfastened his pants and stuck her hand in his underwear. He was hot and hard, ready to fuck her. “You should see how I look when I come around your cock.”
David stood and groaned, shoving his pants and underwear to the ground and fisting his cock as he gazed hungrily down at her. “How do you want me to fuck you, Ebony?”
She arched her back and spread her legs, giving him a glimpse of her shiny wet pussy, dripping for him. “Good and hard.” Her nipples hardened and her pussy flooded with moisture at his dark look. Soon he was between her legs and
running his dick through her moisture while she groaned. “Dave,” she moaned when he slid into her in one long thrust.
“Ebony,” he growled, and held himself still, giving her time to adjust. “You’re so fucking tight, babe. I’m not going to last long.”
Good. “I’m halfway to number two, so what are you waiting for?”
And then he was moving, fast and hard and furious inside her body. All she could do was hold onto him and let him give her the pleasure she’d been deprived of for too long. All coherent thought left her mind and all she could focus on was the feel of his long, hard dick moving deep inside her body, his mouth swallowing her cries of pleasure and ecstasy. Her eyes were glued to the handsome picture he made, his body glistening with sweat as he thrust in and out of her body. Her core tightened around him as her orgasm began and his growl pushed her over the edge. Screaming and convulsing, she shattered around him until stars burst behind her eyes. “Oh holy fuck!”
His smile twisted into a grimace and she felt his cock grow and harden inside her. His strokes were faster and harder and then he was completely still as deep growl erupted with his orgasm. “Damn,” he panted as he collapsed on top of her.
Ebony savored the feel of him on top of her, inside of her. His body was big and warm and strong. A small smile curved her mouth and she was glad David couldn’t see it. He might think she was getting ideas. “As good as I remember.”
He kissed her mouth and then her neck. “Better than I remember.” She clenched around him and he groaned. “We should make this a regular thing.”
She went still at his words. “That’s not a good idea. We have to think about Kim. I have to set a good example for her.”
David pulled back and gave her a dark look. “What the hell does that mean? Being with me would set a bad example?” He didn’t separate their bodies but his hard look didn’t change.
“Yes, David. You don’t like me very much, or respect me. Would you want Kim to be with a man like that?” She winced when he pulled his body from hers.