Only You

by Francis Ray

  The elevator door opened. She stepped on. “Thanks. Maybe Daniel’s jet can take me from there.”

  “Not necessary,” Rio said, holding the door open with his hand. “There’s a jet fueled and waiting at the airport to take you to San Francisco. There’s enough room for your family, since I don’t think they want to be away from you at the moment. Two limos are waiting at the airport.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Her voice trembled with emotion.

  “You have what it takes to heal or destroy him,” Shane said seriously. “It’s about time one of us found happiness with a woman.”

  “Speak for yourself,” Rio said, and let the door close.

  Shirtless, barefoot, his pant legs rolled up, his feet gritty, Blade walked along the beach at the back of his house in San Francisco. He had been away from Sierra a little over eight hours, and he ached. How was he to face day after day without her?

  Stopping, he stared up at the star-filled sky. The stars looked close enough to touch. Sierra had wished on a star on this very beach.

  “Trying to forget me again?”

  Blade whirled, thinking his imagination had conjured her up. Then she touched him and he knew she was real. He wanted so desperately to hold her, love her. His silly heart leaped before he could order it not to.

  “You can’t run from love,” she said.

  He almost laughed, but it would have torn at his very soul. That much he knew. But he could try. “I don’t recall saying I love you.” As soon as the words left his mouth he wanted to recall them. There had always been honesty between him and Sierra.

  Her arm slid around his neck, her tempting body pressed closer to his. “You have a poor memory.” She nipped his bottom lip, nuzzled his neck, then bit. He shuddered. “Is it coming back to you?”

  “Sierr—” Her name ended on a groan as her breasts brushed against his naked chest. Her nipples hardened and so did he.

  She leaned away from him and he almost jerked her back. “It was more than sex between us, Blade. We shared more than just our bodies. We shared our hearts, our hopes, dreams, fears. Falling in love is the scariest thing I’ve ever done, and the easiest. Don’t let what those men did take you away from me.”

  He touched her, with just his fingertips, the pain in her voice too much to deny. “I can’t keep you safe.”

  “Could another man? Is that what you want?”

  He jerked her to within inches of his face. No man would ever touch her, know her sweet cries of passion, feel her come apart in his arms, have her wake up … His thoughts stumbled to a halt. That was exactly what would happen, had to happen, to keep her safe. A misery, sharp and painful, hit him.

  He released her and stepped back. His face closed.

  “Blade?”

  “Go home, Sierra.”

  “I am home. Wherever you are is my home,” she said. “I’m not letting those two jerks ruin my life or yours. Despite what you think now, we were happy. I’m not giving you up.”

  He stared as she paced on the beach, her beautiful hair flying in the night breeze, determination in every line of her incredible body. “You’re not?”

  She stopped and faced him. “I told you I always get what I want, and I’ve never wanted anyone or anything as much as I want you, Blade Navarone.” She put her hands on her slim hips. “You only have to decide two things.”

  “Only two?”

  “Yes, the first is if you want a big traditional wedding or one on the beach where we first kissed and began falling in love. The other is how we’re going to spend at least part of each year in Santa Fe with my family.”

  “You think you can dictate to me?”

  “You got it.” She got in his face. “I already have a house in Santa Fe. I can take it off the market. More like a castle really, with enough room for Jenkins, Martin, Shane, and Rio.”

  “You have it wrong.”

  Her heart cried out. No. She couldn’t lose him. She wouldn’t.

  His hands settled on her narrow waist. “I began falling in love with you when I first saw you. I wanted you then. I still do.”

  “And?” Please, you’re almost there, she thought.

  He smiled down at her; then his face grew serious. With Sierra he’d never be lonely or dread the night again. This time the Master of Breath and God had heard and answered his prayer. He was grabbing the precious gift they’d given him and holding on with an iron grip.

  “I love you completely. Only you.” He brushed his lips softly against hers. “How about marriage and a reception at Navarone Riviera Maya? Jacques can decorate your house in Santa Fe for us. Now all you have to decide is how soon you want to be my wife, my life, my everything.”

  “Blade! Blade!” she cried happily, and went into his arms again, knowing their love would last a lifetime. She had accomplished what she had feared impossible, gained Blade’s love.

  On the cliff high above them, Luke curved his arms around the shoulders of his wife and his mother. His brothers and their wives stood nearby. “Looks like Sierra is the only one who chose her own mate.”

  Ruth simply smiled.

  EPILOGUE

  Ruth Grayson couldn’t stop crying.

  She’d tried all afternoon, but on occasion the tears welled up in her eyes. She’d gone through the handkerchief her sister-in-law Felicia had given her, and was now working her way through those of her brother, John Henry, and her sons. But who could blame a mother when her daughter had just married the man of her heart, the one man who matched Sierra’s fire and her spirit, Blade Navarone? The beautiful wedding had taken place under a newly constructed archway covered with orchids on the beach at Blade’s home at Navarone Riviera Maya.

  Watching Sierra and Blade dance barefoot on the beach for the first time as man and wife swelled Ruth’s heart with love and gratefulness to God and the Master of Breath that they were both safe and so much in love. She refused to think of the horrific time when Sierra was being held by kidnappers, just as she had refused to believe that this day might not happen. She’d been right in selecting Blade; the tricky part had been getting them in the same place at the same time. But a mother has ways.

  “They still think Sierra’s the only one to select her mate?” Felicia asked from beside Ruth.

  Ruth’s smile wobbled as Blade kissed Sierra’s cheek and brushed his hand tenderly over the orchid in her hair. Not for the first time that day Ruth thought of Sierra’s father. He would have been so proud of her, of all their children. “All that matters is that they’re happy.”

  “And they’ll stay that way,” Felicia said. “Any man who can plan a wedding this elaborate in five weeks and call in favors to get two-hundred-plus people here on private yachts to keep the wedding a secret has my vote.”

  Ruth nodded, then smiled. “After Daniel and Madelyn’s marriage, our family is familiar with secrecy. It helped that the reception wasn’t a problem with all the chefs at his disposal, and that Sabra knew a designer who could be trusted to make Sierra’s gown. Blade and Sierra will have their time alone if Blade, Shane, or Rio have anything to say about it.” Ruth’s gaze went to the two muscular men who were never far from Blade or Sierra, their gazes watchful, their bodies alert. “They’re dangerous men, and I thank God and the Master of Breath for them.”

  Felicia shook her head. “Doesn’t seem to stop some of the women in the family from trying to flirt with them.”

  “I think for each of them there is one special woman waiting,” Ruth mused. “For helping our family, I’d like to see them know what it is to be truly loved.”

  Felicia cut her eyes at Ruth. “You aren’t think—”

  “Blade and Sierra are coming this way,” Ruth said.

  Blade, in white shirt, black pants legs rolled up, tuxedo jacket and tie gone, and with his arm curved proudly around his wife, stopped in front of his mother-in-law. “Thank you again for Sierra. I’d be honored if you’d dance with me.”

  “The honor is mine.” Ruth put he
r hand in Blade’s calloused one.

  Sierra, dressed in a creamy white replica of the chocolate gown worn the night she and Blade first kissed, gazed after her husband and mother, her eyes shining with love. On the third finger of her left hand was an exquisitely designed wedding ring with a four-karat red diamond center stone surrounded by flawless white diamonds. Blade had wanted a ring that matched Sierra’s uniqueness and fire. “I wish everyone could be as happy as we are.”

  Felicia hugged her niece to her. “So does your mother.”

  “But I picked Blade all by myself,” Sierra said proudly.

  Felicia remained silent, her thoughts on Ruth’s earlier statement. Could it be that Ruth wasn’t finished matchmaking? Felicia pushed the thought to the back of her mind as Luke came to claim Sierra for a dance, then Felicia’s beloved John Henry was there for her. She’d loved him from the moment she’d first seen him. When they had separated, it had almost killed her. Real love was priceless.

  “I guess you and Ruth’s matchmaking days are over now that Sierra is married,” John Henry said, smiling down at her.

  “I guess,” Felicia said, then laid her head on her husband’s broad shoulder. Secretly, she wondered. Whatever decision Ruth made, she’d have Felicia’s full backing. She knew what it was like to be estranged from the one you loved, to lie awake at night wishing, hoping, yearning.

  John Henry lifted his head. “Are you all right? You’re shivering.”

  Being away from him those years had been hell on earth. “As long as I’m in your arms, I’ll always be all right.”

  His eyes darkened, narrowed. “Let’s leave the reception early and go back to the yacht.”

  She laughed and snuggled against the man she’d love for a lifetime. “You’re shameless. You know we can’t.”

  “Wanna bet?”

  Felicia smiled. Love was everything and she was blessed to be loved by a wonderful man. If she and Ruth could help others find happiness, it would be heartless not to. Time would tell if Ruth was serious, but at the moment Felicia’s couldn’t concentrate because her husband was nibbling on her ear. Looks like they’d be leaving the reception early after all.

  ALSO BY FRANCIS RAY

  Dreaming of You

  Irresistible You

  Any Rich Man Will Do

  Like the First Time

  Someone to Love Me

  Somebody’s Knocking at My Door

  I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

  Trouble Don’t Last Always

  You and No Other

  ANTHOLOGIES

  Rosie’s Curl and Weave

  Della’s House of Style

  Going to the Chapel

  Welcome to Leo’s

  Gettin’ Merry

  Rave Reviews for FRANCIS RAY

  YOU AND NO OTHER

  “The warmth and sincerity of the Graysons bring another book to life … delightfully realistic.”

  —Romantic Times

  “Astonishing sequel … the best romance of the new year … the Graysons are sure to leave a smile on your face and a longing in your heart for their next story.”

  —ARomanceReview.com

  “There are three more [Grayson] children with great love stories in the future.”

  —Booklist

  SOMEONE TO LOVE ME

  “Another great romance novel.”

  —Booklist

  “The plot moves quickly, and the characters are interesting.”

  —Romantic Times

  “The characters give as good as they get, and their romance is very believable.”

  —All About Romance

  READ ON for an excerpt from Francis Ray’s upcoming novel

  NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED

  Coming soon in trade paperback from St. Martin’s Griffin

  No matter how Maureen wanted to convince herself that the meeting she had called was to help her neighborhood and the Sisterhood better protect themselves against burglaries, as she watched Simon stride up the sidewalk, her racing heart told her she’d lied to herself.

  Her breath fluttered over her slightly parted lips. My, my. What a man.

  Today he was dressed casually in a lightweight wheat-colored sports jacket, white shirt with an open collar, and creased jeans that caressed his muscular thighs. His jet-black hair gleamed in the afternoon sun. His skin was the color of rich chocolate. She couldn’t see a spare ounce of fat on his muscular frame, and she was looking hard.

  Her hand fluttered to her stomach. She was in good shape herself. For a woman her age. Reality hit her just as the doorbell rang. She jumped away from the curtained window. Yesterday the spa had been invigorating, but she remained fifty-nine.

  The chime came again. Stop being silly, she admonished herself and started for the door. He’s just a man. No big deal. She opened the door.

  Simon, who had been looking around, turned and smiled at her, causing her body to throb, her throat to dry. He might be just a man, but what a man.

  “Good evening, Mrs. Gilmore.”

  She felt old. “Lieutenant Dunlap, please come in. And please call me Maureen.”

  He entered and waited until she closed the door. “I guess Ashley is out.”

  She flushed, then smiled because he was. “Thank you for not mentioning we’d met before Sunday night.”

  His smile faded. “How have you been? Did you sleep all right?”

  “I did. Ryan and I took your suggestion,” she told him.

  “I’m glad.”

  She caught herself smiling and gazing at him, the same way he was smiling and gazing at her. Perhaps Traci was right. Perhaps he would ask her out again. “This way to the terrace.” She started through the foyer and great room.

  “You have a beautiful home,” he said.

  “Thank you. My late husband and I moved in when Ryan was nine months old,” she told him, a subtle reminder to both of them.

  “Then this house must hold a lot of fond memories for you,” he said, stepping ahead of her to open the French doors leading to the terrace.

  Pleased that he understood and hadn’t choked at the mention of her late husband, she stopped. “It does. Ryan and I made more after we changed the bedding. We looked at family films and pictures. Played cards. He let me win.”

  “Your smile is as beautiful as you are,” Simon said, still holding the latch. “To have stolen that would have been a travesty.”

  Pleasure went through her before she could stop the reaction. She simply stared at him.

  “Simon, right on time.” Ryan strode toward his frat brother, extending his hand.

  Simon turned to shake hands with Ryan when what he really wished was that he could send everyone away and be alone with Maureen. Soon, he promised himself. “I didn’t expect you here.”

  “Mother might not want to follow through on your suggestions.” Ryan looked at his mother. “I plan to make sure she does.”

  “I’m quite capable of taking care of myself and following through with Lieutenant Dunlap’s recommendations, Ryan.”

  Her son kissed her on the cheek. “Never said you weren’t.”

  “Would you like something to drink or do you want me to introduce you to everyone and get started?” she asked Simon.

  “Why don’t you introduce me?” Simon suggested, wondering if Ryan had caught his mother’s brief annoyance. Women hated being made to feel as if they were incompetent or stupid, and he couldn’t blame them. They were as smart as men. Sometimes smarter. “I can talk to them and see how I need to gear the discussion. What women living alone need will be different than what a couple needs.”

  “That sounds good. This way,” Maureen said.

  He was watching her. Again.

  Every time Traci looked at Ryan, he was looking at her … which meant she was watching him as much as he was watching her. Annoyed with both of them, she went to the kitchen for another tray of food. With the attentive way Maureen was listening to Simon, it wasn’t likely she was going to get it. Tra
ci supposed she couldn’t blame her. If she hadn’t known of their history, she might not have paid any attention to all the time Simon looked at Maureen. Since she was sitting with the Sisterhood, he could have been looking at any of them.

  Tracy knew better.

  Simon hadn’t been boring. In fact, he was a hit. The Sisterhood liked him even before he volunteered to inspect each of their homes to improve safety. Simon was proving to be a nice guy.

  In the kitchen, Traci opened the side-by-side refrigerator and bent to take out the covered meat-and-cheese tray. Picking up the tray, she bumped the door closed with her hip and turned, almost dropping the tray on seeing Ryan. It ran through her mind that he had seen her use her wide hips, bringing more attention to them. Her temper spiked.

  “Why are you sneaking up on me?”

  “Sorry.” Ryan glanced over his shoulder. “I wanted to get you alone.”

  Her pulse sped up. Her hands clenched on the tray.

  “I need your help to plan Mother’s birthday party,” he whispered, coming closer.

  Traci blinked. “What?”

  “Let me have that.” Ryan took the tray out of her hands and set it on the island. “I’m not sure if she wants a large to-do at the country club or a girl’s night out with you and the Sisterhood. Maybe a private pampering spa thing.”

  Traci was having trouble taking it in. “You want help planning her party?”

  “It’s more involved than that,” Ryan folded his arms and leaned back against the island. “I could hire a party planner, but I want it to be special. After the break-in Sunday night, a special night is even more important.”