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  Bree didn’t want to keep her babysitter up too late as it was a weeknight and she usually went to bed early. She rose to her feet. “Tonight was amazing,” she said. “Thank you for everything.”

  He moved closer, challenging Bree to deliberately shut out any awareness of him.

  “I have another confession to make.”

  Looking up at him, she asked, “What is it?”

  Bree was lifted in the cradle of Austin’s arms. “There’s something I’ve wanted to do all evening,” he said, his voice just above a husky whisper.

  Her body tingled when he touched her.

  His lips were warm and soft, and she let go of any misgivings and kissed him back, her heart leaping. Austin was gentle and devastating as his mouth slid from hers and dropped fleeting kisses on her cheeks and her eyes.

  When they parted, Bree’s lips still burned from the delicious sensation of his kiss.

  He walked her down to her car.

  “Call or text me when you get home,” Austin told her. “I want to know that you made it home safely.”

  “I will.”

  He planted another kiss on her lips.

  Bree sang along with the radio all the way home.

  When she arrived, a full-figured woman wearing a T-shirt and jeans came down the stairs.

  “I can tell you had a good time. You practically floating right now.”

  Bree smiled despite herself. “Miss Sara, what are you talking about?”

  “What’s that in your hand?”

  “He surprised me with a banana chocolate chip cake for dessert,” Bree announced. “He gave me half to bring home.”

  “High Cotton for dinner and then your favorite cake...now that’s my kinda man. I’m liking this boy already.”

  Bree held up her phone. “I need to text him to let him know I’m home safe.”

  “I made some tea,” Sara announced. “Want a cup?”

  She handed her neighbor the cake. “Sure. Feel free to have some cake. It’s from Ashley Bakery.”

  “Girl, you talking my language. I’ma have a tiny slice of that cake with my tea and then I’ma go home and get in the bed.”

  Bree sent a quick text to Austin, then sat and talked with her neighbor while they drank tea.

  When Sara left for her place, she made sure all the doors were locked, turned on the security alarm and checked on Emery. He was sound asleep, clutching a Spider-Man toy. He always took a superhero to bed with him.

  She ran her fingers softly through his curls, then kissed him on the cheek.

  Bree stifled a yawn as she navigated to her bedroom, where she turned on the TV and prepared a bath.

  Stepping out of the bubbles fifteen minutes later, she wrapped a thick blue towel around herself and stared in the mirror. Austin’s kiss still lingered on her lips. Bree closed her eyes, reliving the way he smelled and the feel of his muscles. His touch was imprinted in the places he’d touched her. It amazed her that a good-night kiss could awaken her in areas that had lain dormant since Caleb’s death.

  She’d gone on dates in the past, but none lasted more than a couple of months at best. Bree’s focus stayed on her son and building her client base. She wanted to remarry, and had no doubt that she would when the right man came along. After an entertaining evening with Austin, she felt that he had a lot of potential in terms of a relationship.

  The sound of the television in the bedroom infiltrated her musings. One of those reality shows was on. Give me a good book any day, she thought.

  Stifling a yawn, she slipped on a nightgown, then padded into a bedroom decorated with a soothing color scheme of purple and silver-gray with black accents.

  Bree was more than ready to dive into the four-poster bed. Her day had been a long one, but so worth it, she decided.

  Her summer was off to a great start.

  Chapter 5

  He tossed an ink pen on his desk before leaning back in his chair. For the umpteenth time that day Austin was reminded of the kiss he’d shared with Bree the previous night. A kiss he had taken before she’d been aware he was about to do so. He sucked in a sharp breath as more memories swept through his mind. Never had a woman’s mouth tasted so delectable, so irresistibly sweet. He’d also learned more about his little boy. Unshed tears pricked Austin’s eyes when Bree had shown him the photographs of Emery.

  His arms held the memory of how she felt in them. She was warm, comforting and solid. This was the type of woman he wanted in his life. Someone he could lean on and not fall. And there would come a time when he would need her strength—Austin couldn’t explain how, but he knew it to be true.

  The more Austin pondered the thought, he realized that it most likely came from a conversation with his mother. Irene used to always tell him that he needed a life partner who would stand strong when he couldn’t. One who would not see it as weakness.

  Jasmine had called him weak once. She didn’t think he could stand up to his mother. Austin could never get her to understand that he alone made the decision to break up with her—it had nothing to do with Irene. Truth was that he never would’ve been with Jasmine had he listened to his mother.

  Austin knew that Irene would approve of Bree. She was the type of woman his mother always said he deserved.

  He felt a thread of guilt snake down his spine. Irene didn’t know she was a grandmother. For that matter, Etienne knew nothing about Emery, either. Everyone was in the dark and this secret was beginning to weigh heavily on him.

  An hour later Austin had finished an important document his cousin Ryker needed. He had one more file to read, which wouldn’t take long. Then, before leaving for the day, he would call Bree to check in. She would be spending the evening with Jordin, Jadin and Garland—it was their girls’ night out.

  * * *

  Bree plopped down on the sofa in her living room after a long day at work. She needed to take some downtime before heading over to Jordin’s house. She was really looking forward to a night of food, drinks and merriment.

  She had already stopped in at Sara’s house to check on Emery. He was too busy with his new picture book to pay much attention to her.

  An hour later Bree changed into a pair of jeans and a tank top. She grabbed her keys and drove to Jordin’s house. She pulled in behind Garland’s car and parked.

  “Where’s Ethan?” Bree asked. “You didn’t kick him out of the house for us, did you?”

  “He’s spending time with his mother,” Jordin responded. “They went to dinner and then they’re going to see a movie. They do this twice a month.”

  Bree smiled. “That’s really sweet. He’s come a long way.”

  “I have you to thank for your part in this. Talking to you helped Ethan tremendously.” Jordin gestured for Bree to join her. “Here...try this. It’s a new recipe.”

  “This chocolate sauce is delicious,” she said. “Are you going to put this on top of the bread pudding?”

  “Yes, that was the idea. What do you think?”

  “I think it’s yummy as Emery would say.”

  Jordin chuckled.

  “Where’s Jadin?” Bree asked as she poured three glasses of wine. “I thought she was coming by.” She handed one to Garland and one to Jordin.

  “Michael’s in town. He surprised her earlier today at the office.”

  Shaking her head, Garland uttered, “I don’t know why she won’t marry that man. It’s obvious that she loves him.”

  Jordin sipped her wine. “She’s sold on our grandfather’s legacy of lawyers. Michael’s uncle holds a chain of luxury hotels and he was thrilled for the opportunity to be the general manager for the newest one.”

  Bree sat her glass down on the counter. “Are you talking about the Alexander-DePaul hotels?”

  “Yes.” Jordin peeked into the oven to check on the bread pudding
. “Malcolm Alexander is his uncle.”

  Arms folded across her chest, Bree leaned back against the granite countertop. “I read the story of how Robert DePaul left everything to the son nobody knew he had. I assumed he was the only child.”

  “Malcolm’s stepbrother is Michael’s father.”

  “How do you think he feels about the long-distance relationship?” Garland questioned.

  “Jadin’s the one struggling with it,” Jordin stated. “She’s tried to end it a couple of times, but Michael’s not going to give up on them.”

  “She’d better hold on to that man,” Bree said. “Trust me, being single is not always fun.”

  “I agree,” Jordin responded. “I’m really loving marriage.”

  “I want someone to knock me off my feet like Caleb did. I’m so ready to be married, pampered and placed on a pedestal by a man who adores me.”

  “Are you saying that Austin hasn’t done that for you?”

  She met Jordin’s smile with one of her own. “He and I have a good time together. He’s a lot more settled, which works for me as the older I become. But I have to admit that I’m kind of falling for him.”

  Bree stirred the chocolate sauce while Jordin took the bread pudding out of the oven and set it on top of a cooling rack.

  “I’m pretty sure my brother feels the same way about you, too.”

  “I haven’t introduced him to Emery yet,” Bree announced.

  “What are you waiting on?”

  “I just feel that it’s still a bit too soon,” she explained. “I want to wait a bit more to see where the relationship is heading before I bring my son into it.”

  Bree stirred the sauce once more. “Girl, just smelling this chocolate, I can already feel myself putting on pounds. You know that’s the last thing I need right now.”

  Garland nodded in agreement. “It does smell good.”

  “Bree, you look great,” Jordin told her. “The last thing you need to worry about is weight gain.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy with the way I look,” she quickly explained. “I just don’t want to have to buy new clothes.”

  Jordin chuckled. “Girl, all I need is an excuse to shop.”

  “I know. I used to hate going to the mall with you—we’d be there all day long.”

  “That’s why I always treat you to a power breakfast so that we could build up your strength.”

  Laughing, Bree shook her head. “Since we’re on the topic of shopping, what did you buy yesterday? You were leaving some store when I called you.”

  “That’s right,” Jordin murmured. “Let’s go to my bedroom and get them.”

  She returned moments later with a shopping bag.

  “Aren’t these adorable?” Jordin asked, holding up two pink and lavender dresses with matching hats.

  “Precious...” Bree murmured.

  “Did you get those for the girls?” Garland asked, referring to her young daughters.

  Jordin nodded. “When I saw them, I just couldn’t resist.”

  “Kai and Amya are going to love them.” Garland fingered one of the dresses. “They’re gorgeous.”

  “And I got this for little R.J. I bought this outfit because the cap looks like the one Ryker wears.”

  Garland grinned. “He’s going to look just like his daddy.”

  Jordin pulled another outfit out of the bag. “I didn’t forget my sweet Emery.”

  Bree took the gray linen suit from her. “This is so cute. It’s adorable.” She looked at her friend. “You’re spoiling these kids.”

  “Yes, you are,” Garland said. “The girls already know that they can get whatever they want from you.”

  “They’re worth it,” Jordin responded. “They’re my babies.”

  She pulled a plate of sandwiches out of the refrigerator, placing them on the counter.

  “Ethan and I are planning a cruise,” Jordin announced, lounging against the door frame. “Do y’all think you’d be interested in coming with us?”

  “I’ve never been on one,” Bree said. “I don’t know...”

  “Please come on the cruise so that I’ll have somebody to hang out with when Ethan’s playing basketball or golf or whatever guy stuff he can get into.”

  “What about Austin? Have you invited him?” Bree asked. “I don’t want to be a third wheel if I decide to come.”

  “I plan on asking him, but wanted to ask you first before I said anything to him.”

  “I have to think about this for a moment,” Bree said.

  “Is this going to be a couple’s vacation or a family one?” Garland inquired, wedging herself into the seat next to her.

  “It’s up to you all,” Jordin responded. “It’ll work either way for me and Ethan.”

  “Give me all the information and I’ll let you know for sure.”

  Jordin opened the refrigerator and pulled out a couple of steaks. “We’re planning for next summer, so we have some time.”

  Garland munched on some chips. “What are you doing?”

  “Taking the steaks out for dinner tomorrow.”

  Bree broke into a grin. “Aren’t you quite the homemaker.”

  Jordin nodded. “Hey, I need to feed my husband or some other woman will be more than happy to do it for me.”

  She nodded in agreement. “I love seeing you so happy.”

  Jordin met her gaze. “I’m over the moon, Bree. I love being married and I can’t wait to be a mother. I’m so ready for a family.”

  “You’re going to be a great mother.”

  Jordin’s expression grew somber. “How have you been feeling lately?”

  “Some months are much better than others,” Bree said.

  Garland inquired, “Are the treatments helping?”

  “Not as much as I’d like. The pain can be overbearing at times.”

  “Bree, I’m so sorry you have to suffer like that,” Jordin stated. “Endometriosis is nothing to play with.”

  “It’s a horrible disease,” she responded. “But I’ve learned to live with it.”

  Bree sampled the white chocolate bread pudding. “You did that...”

  Jordin beamed with pride. “You really think so?”

  “Yes. This is soo good.”

  Garland agreed.

  Bree rose in one fluid motion. “I’m just going to have a tiny bit more.”

  “Girl, dig in,” Jordin told her. “You’re in the gym three days a week. You can afford to treat yourself.”

  “Chocolate is a girl’s best friend,” Garland interjected. “Bree, how do you like dating a DuGrandpre?”

  “It’s not something I ever thought I’d be doing,” she said. “But that’s because Ryker was the only male I knew and he was married.”

  “Did you ever meet Angela?” Garland asked, referring to Ryker’s first wife, who died in childbirth.

  “I did,” Bree replied. “Shortly after she and Ryker got married. She was really nice to me.”

  “Sometimes I wonder if he’s thinking of her when he looks at Amya,” Garland confessed. “She looks more and more like Angela the older she gets. It’s fine if he does... I just want Ryker to feel comfortable talking about her. I won’t feel threatened in any way. Besides, Amya will have questions one day.”

  “Maybe you should bring her up,” Bree suggested. “This will open up an opportunity for Ryker to talk about Angela. Let him know that it doesn’t bother you if he wants to talk about their life together.”

  Jordin agreed. “I love a good love story. The one you’re writing with Ryker is inspiring.”

  “Yes, it is,” Bree murmured. “The two of you give me hope.”

  Garland took a sip of her wine. “From where I’m sitting, it looks like you’re writing your own love story with Austin.”

/>   She broke into a grin. “Well, I have to admit that we have a lot of sexual tension but we haven’t gotten to the chapter where we fall into bed and make wild, passionate love.”

  “Do you think it’s heading in that direction?” Jordin asked. “It’s still pretty early in your relationship.”

  “I don’t know, but it’s not something I’m dwelling on. You know me...my focus is on being a mother to Emery. I’m not thirsty for a man. It’s just nice to have someone like Austin to spend time with. He is sexy, though.”

  Jordin screwed up her face. “Okay, don’t need to hear that...”

  They laughed.

  “Seriously, though, take your time with Austin,” Jordin said. “I don’t want to see either of you hurt.”

  Bree eyed her friend and wondered why Jordin seemed worried about her relationship with Austin. Especially since she initially seemed to be pushing her toward him. Bree had no doubt that Jordin’s dinner party had been engineered to introduce them.

  After Garland left, she stayed behind to talk to Jordin.

  “Hey, something’s bothering me,” Bree said. “Do you think I’m making a mistake by spending time with your brother?”

  “No, of course not. Why would you ask me that?”

  Bree shrugged. “I don’t know...it was something in your eyes, and then you suggested that we take things slow.”

  “I only meant that you’ve both gone through a lot. I want you two to be together, Bree. I think you’re perfect for each other.”

  Bree picked up her purse. “I just wanted to be sure because I really like him.” Breaking into a smile, she added, “The truth is that I’m crazy about Austin.”

  * * *

  The weekend had come and gone. She’d gone to the movies Saturday night with Austin and they’d had a great time together. She really enjoyed his company.

  Bree had ended her call with a colleague and was about to head to the kitchen to make blackened salmon for dinner when her cell phone rang again. Her heartbeat quickened when she saw it was Austin.

  What was that shivering about? she wondered. Why was she reacting this way to his phone call?

  She clicked on her phone. “Hello?”