Words From The Heart (Spring-Summer Romance Book 2) (7 page)

“And …?” He smiled at her.

Her hand slid from his and she brushed a strand of hair, blown across her cheeks, back into place. “Are we being completely honest?”

He nodded. “But we’ll make a trade. I’ll say something equally nice.”

She wrinkled her nose, light sparkling in her eyes. “Who says it’s nice?”

His laughter rang out across the rooftop, dying to the hum of traffic far below. “Humor the old man,” he said. “He needs as much build up as he can get.”

She stepped closer, tilting her face toward his. She raised one hand, taking hold of his lapel. “There’s the thing though. You’re not old, and your wife was a lucky woman.”

Heat spread from her grip through his clothing to his skin. Compelled, he cupped her chin in his palm. “Your husband was a fool.”

The ring of her cell phone broke into the moment. Digging it from her pocket, she raised it to her ear. “Mom? Is everything okay?” Worry formed on Audrey’s brow. “We’ll come there. Give us fifteen.”

She disconnected. “June’s fidgety and Mom’s nervous. It’s probably nothing …”

Bennett’s mood changed. He reached for her hand again and headed for the elevator. It probably was, but the children came first. He’d learned that from Beth, too, but Audrey had taught him how to handle it.

“Hey, Dad, is June …?” Audrey looked past her father toward the interior of the house. A line of shoes extended across the foyer, her father’s larger ones mixed in with Jeff’s small sneakers.

“She’s been crying a little,” he said, “but it’s probably just that we’re not you.” He flicked a look at her outfit then Bennett’s, before reversing and motioning them in.

With one glance at Bennett, Audrey passed them both and made her way to the kitchen. Her mom paced around the island, rocking June in her arms. The baby, her eyes squeezed shut, face red, let out a squall.

Her mom released a long breath. “Oh, thank goodness you’re here. I simply don’t have the knack anymore.”

“Here, let me …”

Her mom leaned forward, gingerly transferring June into her grip. Audrey adjusted her hold, tucking the infant face down against her neck, and almost instantly, her crying stopped.

“You mean, that was it?” Her mom’s eyebrows arched.

Audrey smiled and swayed. “She’s particular about everything, what to eat, what to wear … believe it or not … how to sleep. She’s going to grow up and be a diva.”

The rumble of men’s voice came from the foyer, and Audrey turned toward the sound. The conversation sounded serious.

“Audrey.”

Jeff’s small voice drew her gaze.

“Hey, there,” she said.

He hugged her legs, his face twisted upward.

“Your dad’s talking to Dale. I’m sure he’ll be here in a … Wait. Where’s August?” She asked this last question to her mom.

Her mom smiled. “Sound asleep. That boy could sleep through a hurricane.”

Audrey smiled. He could.

“Which reminds me, your father wanted to ask … and maybe he already has. But we were thinking that Jeff and August could stay the night.”

No sooner had her mom introduced the topic, then Bennett entered the room. His expression was hard to judge. Had her father grilled him for some reason? That’d be like him. But she wasn’t a child who needed “dear ol’ dad” to defend her. As if Bennett was some kind of threat.

“Daddy!” Jeff transferred himself to Bennett, who scooped him from the ground.

“What’s this about camping in the living room?” he asked. He sounded upbeat.

“Can I? Please? Me an’ Dale an’ August made us a tent.”

“A tent?” Audrey looked through the doorway into the living room where a tattered quilt had been stretched between the couch and coffee table.

“It’ll be fun,” her dad said.

Audrey stared at him. She’d seen him many ways over the years. He was tough in business, loving to her mom, a stern disciplinarian when she was younger, but a softie with his grandson … and apparently Jeff, as well. She had no doubt he wanted time with the boys. It was any hidden motive that bothered her.

“I told him I didn’t want to intrude,” Bennett said, “but he insists.”

“Then I don’t see why it’s a problem. We’ll pick them up in the morning, and if you have any problems with August …”

Her mom laughed, light. “The only problem with that boy will be hunger, and I have the snacks you sent. He’ll be fine.”

“I know,” Audrey continued. “He’s not much trouble, but
if
he is, call us, no matter what time it is.”

June squirmed, making an angry squeak, and Audrey headed for the door, her breasts tingling.

“We’ll let you know before we come,” she said. She fitted June into her car seat, hefting it in one hand.

The rocking motion of the car, once they got under way, sent the baby off to sleep.

“What did Dad say to you?” Audrey asked when they neared home.

Bennett looked at her in the rearview mirror. “That he remembered what I’d done and still hated it, but he saw the man I’d become when talking to Jeff.”

That was quite a compliment coming from him.

“And his daughter is the ‘apple of his eye’,” Bennett continued, “and you’ve had enough grief without anyone adding to it.” He shrugged. His gaze returned to the road. “It was a warning, and I totally understand it. I replied that I needed you for more than feeding June. I can’t raise these children alone. He then said, when you told them what you were going to do, it was so sudden and unplanned that he admits he exploded. But he knows now he has to trust that the girl he’s raised can make good decisions.”

Bennett’s gaze returned to hers, and she read in it all the things he hadn’t said. He needed her for more than feeding June; he needed her for himself. Had her father known that’s what he meant? Maybe or maybe not. Clearly, Bennett wanted her to hear it though.

That thought worked two ways. She needed him as well. He made her feel worthwhile again, because of the children, but also because she saw not every man was like Cale. How did two people with so much baggage move on from here? She heard the answer in her head, but was unsure of its exact meaning.

By taking a huge leap.

CHAPTER 7

Audrey toted June upstairs, not looking behind her. Taking a seat in the nursery rocker, she unbuttoned her blouse, loosened her bra, and nestled June against her chest. The baby rooted for a moment, then latched on, and the familiar rush of fluid, stung beneath Audrey’s skin.

Moments later, incredibly content, she reclined, one finger in June’s tight grasp.

Her mom had been right on day one. June wasn’t hers, but she wouldn’t trade these moments for anything. To give life meant everything.

“You’re greedy tonight,” she said, cupping the baby’s downy head. “Maybe you’ll sleep past four for once. You think?” Then again, though she longed for uninterrupted rest, she’d miss the quiet time. She was always better for spending those moments alone with June, whereas much of nursing August had been stained by painfully fresh memories of Cale’s behavior.

The baby cooed softly, her body soon warm and pliable. Eyes closing, Audrey became lost in thought.

Taking care of June had become her salvation in many ways. She’d needed to know that motherhood during these first few months could be rich and sweet and fulfilling. With August, always in her head, she’d heard Cale’s negative remarks. Didn’t she know what pregnancy would do to her? She wouldn’t be attractive anymore. No longer his trophy, but his mistake.

As a result, she’d nitpicked at everything, every blemish, the stretchmarks, the sag to her breasts. Her weight wasn’t what it should be, her waistline too thick. Even her face … she’d thought her cheeks too florid, the circles beneath her eyes more pronounced. All of that had to be why he’d rejected her, right?

She’d thought she’d overcome that mentality. Over time, she’d certainly fallen in love with her son. She had no regrets about having him; he was perfect. Perfect. Time with June, however, brought those memories back and healed them in a way she hadn’t expected.

Bennett’s attention helped further it.
Unlike
Cale, he seemed to appreciate where motherhood had taken her, and that was satisfying.

June squirmed, and Audrey turned her to the other side, the cool air on her moist nipple turning the flesh rigid. Peace descended, and June nodded off, eventually, her mouth pulling free. The silence of the house and soft darkness tugged at Audrey’s eyelids.

She realized she’d been sleeping when Bennett’s shape rose overhead. He stooped, sliding June from her arms, and laid his daughter, a warm lump, in the crib. Audrey pushed to her feet, the heel of her hand scrubbing one eye. She realized then, the edges of her blouse fluttering, how exposed she was.

She scrambled for the buttons, clenching them in her palm, but Bennett stretched out one hand and laid it over top. Taking hold, he peeled her fingers away and slipped one hand beneath her blouse. His fingers warm, he leaned in, the weight of her breast cupped in his palm. Desire written in his expression, he lowered his mouth to meet his fingertips. His tongue danced over the arch of her breast and she gasped, aroused by the soft suck of his lips.

“Bennett …” A plea, spoken from desperation to feed the heat flickering in her mind.

He pulled away, the place he’d moistened cooling. “You are … succulent,” he said, his voice deep, “and I was jealous.” He released her breast, one by one, closing the buttons of her shirt.

Jealous? Of June? Or did he mean Cale? He hadn’t known Cale, but if that was the case, might figure she was, similarly, jealous of his wife. She wasn’t.

The last button fastened, he stepped in reverse.

“Don’t be, and don’t … go,” she said.

He halted in the doorway, his need for her clear beneath the fabric of his pants. He made no effort to conceal it, if anything shuffling his feet uncomfortably. In her next breath, he vanished into the hall.

Her pulse stole her breath, and weakened, Audrey sank back into the rocker, one hand rising to cradle the place his mouth had been.

Finding Audrey asleep, her breasts exposed, had spiraled his mind back to the first night when his reaction to June’s cries had been to sprint for the nursery. Except this time, he’d been bold enough to taste what tormented him. Sweet, tantalizing flesh.

His confusion between it being Audrey and not Beth had caused him to retreat. That wasn’t fair to her. She’d asked him to stay. But the last thing he wanted to do was treat Audrey like her only purpose was to relieve his angst.

Their relationship had changed as the days passed, growing closer, and in many ways, he was glad for that. Just the same, desire alone wasn’t enough to sustain it. He could do what his body begged him to, and had no doubt, it would be spectacular. But at some point, sex became just sex and not an expression of love.

He’d had sex with Beth without thinking of that and been lucky to find love after Jeff was conceived. It could have ended differently though, and so could this with Audrey. For one thing, at its most basic level, he had no protection in the house, and three children were enough. For another, though they had the time and space tonight, what happened tomorrow? Desire, once fulfilled, only sparked more of the same.

He wanted Audrey, but because of all he’d had with Beth, because of all he’d
lost
with Beth, wanted Audrey for the right reason, and for it to be lasting and full of potential.

Eye contact was difficult to maintain the next morning, so he didn’t try but secluded himself in his office. Audrey acted normal later, which didn’t surprise him at all. It did, however, make him feel guilty once more.

He carried his guilt over the next few days, and into the next month. Distracted by August’s first birthday, they didn’t talk.

Audrey appeared in the office door late one afternoon. Glancing behind her, she called out. “Jeff, please don’t feed August any more candy.” She faced him again, a curious expression on her brow. “You’ve been spending a lot of time in here,” she said.

Bennett released his pen and leaned back in his chair. “That’s because I have my first client.”

She took a seat, crossing shapely legs, the hem of a tiny pair of shorts creeping upward. “So you’re going to do it? Go into private practice?”

He nodded, staring. Tossing his head, he sought her face. “My first client suggested it.”

Audrey pursed her lips. “Who could possibly be that influential?”

Supple, soft lips, and his gaze moving downward, luxurious cleavage spilling over her tank top. His heart thumped hard.

“Wait … Dad? Dad’s your new client?”

Once more, he tried to focus. He nodded and smiled. “He said he’s tired of keeping up with his investments, so he’s handing the ‘whole kit and kaboodle’ over to me.”

“Who’d have ever thought …?” She didn’t finish speaking, tilting her ear toward the ceiling. “June never sleeps more than an hour in the afternoons now, and that’s a good thing,” she said. “But she’ll lie there sometimes, watching the mobile spin.”

Another noise distracted her, and she was up and in the hallway before he could blink. Her round bottom poked into his view, the edge of her thong panties peeking out over the waistband.

“Jeff? Is August asleep?” she asked. A distant response came from his son, and she exhaled, frustration heavy in the sound. Turning on her heel, she reentered, but pushed the door slightly closed.

Bennett wrinkled his brow. “We need privacy from the children?”

Audrey lifted her chin, brushing her hands down the side of her shorts. “From Jeff. I wanted to talk to you about Kindergarten.”

What peace he’d had evaporated. Thought of sending his son to school bothered him more than he wanted to admit.

“I’m nervous, too,” she said, “but it has to be done. Registration is next week, and I’ve yet to figure out how to speak to him about it. He’s doing so well. I have the feeling not being near you will upset him.”

“It upsets me,” Bennett replied. “But I know you’re right.”

She offered a consoling frown. “Every parent has to get over this hurdle. It’s just ours is harder.”

Ours. Audrey referring to it as “their” problem was meaningful. Bennett’s guilt returned.

“The problem is,” she continued, clearly unaware of it, “I’m not legally in a position to take any steps. You have to do it.”

A lump rose in this throat, one formed
not
by thoughts of Beth, but that here was the most beautiful woman with such a gracious heart and he hadn’t the nerve to speak about what’d happened between them. When the truth was he’d never stopped thinking of it, but, even today, could close his eyes and taste her on the tip of his tongue.

How could he expect anything to happen between them if he kept pretending nothing had happened at all?

“Bennett?” Soft lines formed on Audrey’s forehead, and her delicate lips puckered in concern.

He cleared his throat. “Can you close that?” he asked, jerking his chin toward the door.

She followed his gaze, then, when he motioned, rose and did as he asked. He waved her toward him afterward, when she got within fingers’ grasp, tipping her hand into his palm. Scooting forward, he urged her up onto the desk, then parting her knees, bent his mouth to the inside of her thigh. With a soft suck, his tongue explored upward, and his mind descended into a reddish haze.

She gasped, one hand reaching for his head, which only fueled the craving.

“So savory,” he said, his voice husky. Placing one hand where his mouth had pressed, he slid it higher, beneath the hem of her shorts. The warmth of her skin and subtle fragrance drew him to his feet and his mouth to the base of her throat.

Her breaths rushed out, hot on his cheek. Tilting his gaze upward, he drank them in.

He’d loved Beth, loved making love to Beth. But she’d never given him this. He’d treated her with kid gloves, somehow afraid she’d break. Audrey, on the other hand, made him want to clear the desk and take her right here.

He didn’t, and the moments passing, her mind seemed to clear. “I should … should check on the children.”

“I’ll check on them,” he said. “You can have my chair.”

He slid her into it, and she reclined, her head tossed back, her legs splayed, a curl wrapped around her throat. He stared for a moment, his thoughts speeding past, then turned his back and made his way out.

When he returned, the office was empty, the kitchen and laundry room vacant. June tucked to his neck, as Audrey had shown him to do, he searched the patio next and found her in a vinyl chair staring at the grass.

“Look who’s awake,” he said.

Audrey stretched her hands upward, her face eager. He contemplated that, for a moment, then transferred June into her grip. He slid a deck chair to her side, and his elbows on his knees, leaned into view.

Her cheeks shown red, her eyes bright. Her mouth was curved in a pleased smile.

“I’m not trying to duplicate Beth,” he said. “I loved her. We have two wonderful children together. But this is about me and Audrey, and she makes me want to do things I never thought I would again.”

Audrey’s smile curved further, flirtatious, and her gaze on his, she lifted her shirt. Unfastening her bra, she settled June in place and allowed her to nurse.

Bennett stared, unashamed. “This is what my dreams are made of,” he said.

Quiet laughter fled Audrey’s lips.