Chapter 13

Her words had snapped his rigid control, and all the time he had stood there in that living room listening to her, there had been more than he could bear. His anger warred with the yearning she had always brought out in him.

His arms came around her, crushing her to him as his mouth moved over hers with an unleashed hunger that threatened to overwhelm them.

He tried to ease back and slow things down, but she wrapped her hand around his neck, fusing her slender curves to his shuddering frame. He hardened instantly, his blood running hot through his veins. Dragging his lips from hers, he had to gulp in the air, his heart pounding inside his chest.

"Wait, sweetheart- "He groaned as she rotated her hips, bringing her closer to his throbbing arousal. "We can't. Your daughter- "

"Is sound asleep?" She whispered against his mouth. "I need this, Antwan; I have been dying to be with you. I cannot wait any longer."

"We can't- "

"We have to," she said, Dropping her hand. She tugged at the buttons, easing them open. He had removed his jacket and tie and was wearing a baby blue cotton shirt. He let her open the shirt and closed his eyes as she worked her hands beneath his white T-shirt to touch his bare skin.

"Sweetheart – "a husky laugh was wrung from him when her fingers found his tiny nipples.

"Let's do it in the back seat." She suggested with a wicked smile. "I have never done anything like that before."

"Something tells me you just want to experiment."

"That might be true." She gave him a pleading look that made him weak.

"Stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like I am about to be lost in your big brown eyes." Moving away from the door, he closed it and opened the back, climbing in with him. His heart slammed into his chest when she shrugged out of the robe to reveal that she was completely naked.

Sucking in a harsh breath, he cupped her breasts, his head lifting to look at her. "I missed you so damned much."

"I missed you too, and I was such a fool. Love me, Antwan, please. Let me feel you deep inside me again."

The groan was torn from his chest, and he swelled even more. Ducking his head, he took a nipple into his mouth, drawing it between his teeth. April's back arched, her finger digging into his hair as the intense pleasure streaked through her body.

Lifting her, he fought to unhook his belt and slide down his zipper. When that was accomplished, he let out a sigh as she sank, taking all of him deep inside her. Clamping his hands around her narrow waist, he bent his head to take her lips in a slow kiss that wrapped her around him.

She came instantly, her body increasing in speed as the climax shook through with the usual tremendous force.

He was right behind her. Clamping his hands on her hips, he drove into her, spilling his seed and filling her up until he was empty.

His hands roamed restlessly up and down her back as he continued to kiss her, his tongue driving into her mouth, sending the heat trembling through her body. She came again, her already weakened body sagging against his, her fingers digging into his back.

Finally lifting his mouth from hers, he cradled her against his thudding heart, mentally shaking his head at the tremendous power she had over him.

"Am I forgiven?" Her husky voice stirred him from his reverie and had him chuckling.

"Isn't it too soon to ask? Was that the reason for this backseat adventure?"

"Possibly. Did it work?"

"I'll let you know."

"Antwan?"

"Hmm?" He was well-sated, and for the first time in a week, he could feel contentment slipping over him.

"I am sorry."

"I know, sweetheart, and you don't have to keep apologizing."

Lifting her head, she gazed at him, admiring the cerulean blue of his eyes, the lock of ink-black hair that had fallen over his forehead, his determined chin, and those sensuous lips that had the power to wreak havoc on her body.

"Found what you are looking for?" His eyebrows quirked in amusement as he met her gaze.

"I am just wondering why me."

"Why you, what?"

"You have been with countless women and- "

"You are exaggerating."

"You are a Collins, and I am quoting one of those society rags that said: ‘The three Collins' men – handsome cultured and damn good lawyers. Antwan Collins is the latest addition to the family of lawyers. It will undoubtedly follow in his brothers' footsteps by upholding the letter of the law and breaking hearts all around.' End quote."

He gave her an amazed look. "You memorized all that?"

"I did."

"When?"

Her fingers trailed over his hair and roughened jaw. "When we- when I didn't call you back." Her eyes lifted to his face. "I wanted justification why it was not a good idea for us to be together. Confirmation that there was no way someone like you could be committed to someone like me."

His thick brows lifted. "Might I ask, what's wrong with you?"

She gave him an incredulous look. "I am a single parent."

"My sister-in-law Chandra was." He pointed out gently.

"Yes, well- "She shook her head. "I was insecure and scared."

"I had shown my hand the first night we were together."

"How can you love me?"

"How can I not love you?" He countered gently. "I see you for who you are, and nothing in your past or future could ever stop me from loving you. What's his name?"

The question startled her for a moment because it was so unexpected.

"Marcus Livingstone."

She watched as his eyes darkened and his mouth tightened. "You went to him, and he refused to help."

"You know him."

"Not personally, no. I believe he is running his law firm into the ground. You had lousy taste in men, darling."

She laughed, the tension easing away. "I did. My taste has improved drastically."

"It has. You should go in now."

"I don't want to leave you."

"I will be back tomorrow." His hands brushed the hairs from her face. "I was thinking you could come over tomorrow evening for dinner and let the family get to know you and Chloe."

Her heart gave a funny little bump. "Are you sure? Your family- "

"Knows I am in love with you and that you have been the source of my misery over the past week."

"Your mother hated me."

"True," a smile curved his lips. "She wanted to find you and do some damage for what you were doing to her baby. Her words, not mine."

"That's not making me feel any better." She told him darkly.

Cupping her face between his palms, he brushed his lips over hers. "They also want the best for you and know that it is you. They will embrace that little girl of yours."

"Will you?" She asked anxiously.

"You know I already do. Now kiss me goodnight."

She did more than that. Wrapping her hands around his neck, she poured everything into the kiss: her love for him and the passion she had never experienced before. His fingers dug into her back, and he felt himself helplessly hardening again. With a tortured groan, he started to move inside her again.

*****

"Mother," He sighed resignedly as she descended the stairs. "Is this going to become a habit?"

"You missed supper." Her eyes scanned his face for any sign that he was still suffering, and what she saw there had her sighing in relief.

"I had something to take care of."

"How is the child?" Tucking her hand through his arm, she led them into the living room, where a Tiffany lamp was still glowing.

"April said she has recovered or is on the brink of doing so." He led her to an armchair and waited until she was seated before taking the opposite. "I need to ask you something,"

"I like her, darling."

His brows lifted, and he felt the relief surging through his body. Hers was the approval he needed, and if she was in his corner, he knew the rest of the family would follow suit. "Are you still upset?"

She spread her hands wide. "She explained her circumstances to me, and I empathized. You will, of course, invite them over to meet the family." Her smile came. "It appears I am going to be gifted another granddaughter."

"Do you think she will like me?" His voice was a little anxious.

"She is going to love you. Marissa adores you because you are a wonderful human being who treats her like a person. Have you discussed a wedding date?"

His laughter echoed around the room. "Next, you will ask me if I am on my way to being a father."

Her tapered eyebrows lifted. "Are you?"

"That remains to be seen." He told her with a chuckle. "I have invited them over tomorrow night and will tell the rest of the family over breakfast."

"Wonderful!" She clapped her hands. "I will inform Armand that we will have two extra people at the dinner table." She rose, and he did the same. Walking over to her, he enfolded her in his arms and kissed her on the forehead. "I love you."

"I know, darling, and I love you too. It's so good to see you happy."

"It's a change from feeling like my world had fallen apart." He agreed as he escorted her upstairs.

*****

"Everything as it should be?" Anthony put away the contract he had been perusing as soon as she removed her robe and climbed into bed.

"Everything is wonderful. He invited the young lady and Chloe over for supper tomorrow night."

Putting his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her closer, inhaling her delicate scent, his heart swelling with love. "We are getting another granddaughter."

She laughed softly, turning her head to look at the one and only man she had ever been with. Their youngest was twenty-eight, and over the years, she had never regretted the decision to marry him. She had also never looked at another man. "I said the same thing."

"Did you ask him when the wedding will be?" he quirked a brow at her.

Her laughter echoed around their bedchamber. "You know me so well." She toyed with the buttons on his silk pajama top. "I was thinking October is a lovely month for a ceremony. Not too hot and not too cold. Just right."

He chuckled at that. "You do realize we are now in September, right?"

"And a wedding can be planned with the right people in a week."

Bending his head, he kissed her on the lips gently. "Have you decided on the venue?"

"Here, of course. In the gardens where the roses are blooming so wonderfully. A vivid backdrop for the ceremony."

"At least allows the future bride to get a little accustomed to us before you start picking out cake samples."

"Naturally. Now, enough about our youngest and his future bride. I need my husband."

"What do you have in mind?" He whispered hoarsely.

And she showed him.

*****

He stood in the living room, exchanging stares with the adorable child wearing pink shorts and a purple and pink denim jacket. He knew why April had left them alone, claiming to be going back upstairs to fetch a wrap.

"Mommy said you were going to pay the money to those bad people who took me away."

"I was." He nodded solemnly.

"She also said you are her boyfriend."

He blinked at that, his lips curving slightly. "Did she say that?"

Chloe nodded. "She also showed me pictures of your house, which looks like a castle."

"We don't exactly have moats, but it is big."

"Will I live there?"

Hunkering down to her height, he asked her soberly. "Do you want to?"

"Are you going to marry my mom?"

"I am planning to. Is that all right?"

She nodded. "I am not supposed to hug strangers."

"Then it's a good thing I am not one."

She nodded again and, without another word, walked into his arms. Closing his eyes, Antwan wrapped her small frame against his chest and inhaled the scent of baby powder and some sort of summery-smelling lotion. His head lifted to see April standing there, tears in her eyes.

"I think we are okay."

"More than." She told him huskily. Moving into the room, she knelt and wrapped her arms around them.

*****

She plied him with questions as they made their way towards his home, and April felt a lump settle inside her throat at how patient he was with her daughter. He treated her like a person, taking his time to respond to her questions and teasing her when she told him about a little boy at her school.

Now, they were sweeping through the huge electronic gates leading to the property, and Antwan noticed that both had gone silent.

"It is a castle!" Chloe exclaimed.

"Minus the moat," April murmured as she stared at the incredible landscape, the splash of colors from the various flowers and the house, all red brick and glass, rising majestically towards the clear blue sky.

"Ready?" Bringing the car to a halt, he turned to look at Chloe, who nodded.

"Then let's do this." Opening his door, he hopped out and climbed into the back seat to unsnap her booster seat. Picking her into his arms, he smiled as she snuggled against him. He was already in love with her.

April was already out and staring around. "Is that a stream?"

"Yes. There is a gazebo a few feet away. We will do the tour a little later. Ah, here comes my brother Alex and his family. They live in the pool house."

April's hand tightened in his as they waited for the couple. All three brothers had such an uncanny resemblance to each other that it was startling. But Alex's hair was almost shoulder length and flowing wildly around his face.

He was smiling, with blue eyes welcoming as he approached. "There is no need for introductions." He handed his son to his wife and held out his arms to Chloe. "I am the cool uncle." He grinned at the little girl, charming her immediately. She went into his arms and stared at him in fascination. "Antwan is going to be my daddy."

"I have a feeling of déjà vu." He grinned at April. "Marissa said the same thing about Andre, and I am going to make an offer I made to her." Glancing at his wife, he smiled widely. "We could adopt her, darling. I am almost certain the baby you are carrying is another boy."

"Don't make me hurt you," Antwan told him mildly.

"We will leave them to their bickering; you will get used to it. Hi, I am Andrea, and this little cutie is Alec."

"Nice to meet you both," April told her, feeling right at home.

*****

And that feeling continued throughout the evening. She was from a tiny family and was not accustomed to seeing many family members gather in one space. His parents greeted her with hugs and immediately took Chloe in their arms.

Both Andre and Chandra embraced her as well, and very soon, the beautiful little girl she had heard so much about was making Chloe comfortable and telling her that she would show her around as soon as they ate.

Dinner was noisy with laughter around the twenty-chair oak dining table, with maids flitting in and out to serve the different courses. Chloe seemed not to be fazed by the sheer luxury of the place, but April was, and Chandra, sitting to her right, noticed.

Leaning over, she whispered. "I felt the same way."

"Have you gotten used to it?"

"Not yet." She admitted with a soft laugh. "But they are the most genuine people I have ever encountered." She looked over at her husband, who was feeding their son. "And their capacity to love is astounding."

"I am beginning to realize that."

"I have an announcement to make." The conversation ceased as they turned towards Angeline.

"Mother- "

She shook her head laughingly as she glanced at her youngest. "This is an emotional time, and I will have my say. Andre and Alex were blessed with two charming young women, ones I consider to be my daughters, and they have filled this house with children." Her eyes were bright as she looked over at April.

"Now, two more additions to an already rapidly growing family exist. My dear, I want to welcome you personally to the family. Like I told my son earlier, an October wedding would be a joy. You would not need to be involved in the planning if you are too busy- "

"Mother has a way of taking charge and stealing the spotlight." Antwan interrupted firmly. "I intended to do this while we were in private, but I think now is the right time." He flashed Andre a grin.

"And I believe I am following in my brother's footsteps by doing this- "Pushing his chair out, he rose and came towards April, who watched in wide-eyed surprise as he sank to his feet and held out a black velvet box.

"What are you doing?" She whispered.

"April Simone Johnson, would you do me the honor of marrying me?"

Before she could respond, her daughter burst out. "Mommy, please say yes!"

The room erupted into laughter and died abruptly as they waited for the answer.

"Well, darling?" he prompted.

"Yes." She whispered huskily, holding out her left hand,

Snapping the tiny clasp open, he took out the most exquisite princess-cut diamond she had ever seen. Taking her hand, he slid it on, lifting her hand to kiss her palm and sending heat shooting through her body.

The room erupted again, this time in wild cheer, as everyone deserted their space at the table to come around to hug her.

*****

"Are you certain she won't want to come in here?" April whispered as he removed the robe Chandra had loaned her.

"She is sleeping with Marissa, and the threat of fire will not even make her budge. Relax." He was already naked, his body already primed and ready for her. He had persuaded her to spend the night and had expected an argument, but none had been forthcoming. She was as eager as he was to be together.'

"And your family do not mind?" She asked worriedly, already sinking into the sensuous pleasure he was evoking with his touch.

"They don't." His fingers wandered over her silky skin until they were toying with her rigid nipple. "Now, are you going to allow me to make love to you or not?"

"Oh, I am." She breathed in his expensive cologne and felt the tears stinging the back of her eyes. "You proposed to me in front of your family."

"I did." He was busy kissing the hollow of her throat. "It seems an appropriate thing to do."

His teeth sank into her skin, wringing a moan from her.

Her fingers clutched at his shoulders, loving the feel of his muscles bunching and flexing beneath her fingers.

"Antwan- "her fingers dug into his shoulders as he pulled the nipple into his mouth and suckled hungrily. Words failed her as the pleasure raced through her body. She could not believe they were together and would marry this remarkable man.

"I promise to make you happy." She whispered shakily.

Lifting his head from her breast, he stared at her through darkened eyes. "That's supposed to be my line,"

"It's also mine." Cupping his face between her palms, she bent her head to his and took a deep breath. "You overwhelm me. I never dreamed I would be this happy or that my life would turn around like this.

For years, I have been so unhappy, just going through the motions and telling myself that at least I have Chloe, and then you came along. I don't know what to say to you- "

"Say you love me." He whispered hoarsely. "And that you will be happy with me."

"I already am." The tears were streaming down her cheeks unchecked. "I love you so much."

"Then that's enough." Bending his face to hers, he kissed the moisture from her face before seizing her lips in a kiss that had her clinging to him.