Chapter 6

At first, he thought it was the bells going off inside his brain. He was so lost inside her mouth; he felt the buzzing all the way down to his toes.

Dragging his mouth from hers, he attacked her neck, his fingers digging into her back and then her hips.

“Gary.” Her voice was whisper soft.

“Hmm? You smell so damn good. I want to…”

“Your phone.” She was melting from the inside out, her body vibrating.

“What?”

“It’s ringing.”

“Okay.” He continued to press his open mouth on her flesh, his hands wandering restlessly over her back.

“Gary…”

“I am busy.”

“It’s ringing again.”

Cursing silently for the unwanted interruption, he dragged his mouth from her sweet flesh and tried to focus. Without letting go of her, he took his phone out and noticed the name on the caller ID.

“You have lousy timing.” He growled and went still as his uncle spoke tersely.

“When?” He listened again.

“How bad?”

This time the silence was longer. His gray eyes never left her face, and she saw the taut expression that came over it.

“I’ll be right there.” Hanging up, he shoved the phone into his pocket and just stared at her.

“Something’s wrong.”

He nodded tersely. “The old man has taken a turn and has been rushed to the hospital.”

“Oh Gary, I am so sorry.”

“Me too. He always has rotten timing.” He shook his head at the look on her face. “You think I sound cold and unfeeling. I assure you that I have my reasons, but that is neither here nor there.”

“You should go,” she said gently.

“Yeah.” He cupped her face gently. “To be continued.”

“Maybe it was for the best. We only just met…”

“No.” his fingers tightened on her flesh. “Promise me you won’t shut me down and have second thoughts. Please.”

“I promise.’ She whispered huskily. “You should go.”

“Yes.” But he did not move, instead his head descended to capture her lips, his tongue plunging inside her mouth. “You are so sweet.” He whispered around the kiss. “So damn potent. I want you, Sadie. I want you so damn much.”

He deepened the kiss, even knowing it was a mad idea and the timing was lousy. He wanted to erase the doubts he had seen gathering. He would rush to the hospital and do his due diligence and get back to the business of wooing her. Of bedding her.

He would never be satisfied with just kissing. He wanted more. He wanted to be buried deep inside her until he was lost completely. When her arms came around his neck and her slender body pressed against his, he felt the passion raging through his blood stream. He had to have her.

Ending the kiss, he stumbled back, his eyes smoldering, his body shuddering as he tried valiantly to get control of his rampaging passion. He stood still for a moment, taking in the disheveled hair, the lips made swollen and wet from his ardency and the dazed expression in her remarkable dark brown eyes before turning away abruptly.

“I will get your jacket and mine.”

Forcing her feet to move, Sadie trailed after him, her thoughts rioting. She was aching. Her breasts were painfully rubbing against the material of her sweater and the core of her was swollen and feverish.

In silence, he helped her on with her coat, before donning his and grabbing his key fob. Ushering her out the door, he secured the lock and engaged the alarm. They rode the elevator, each standing a few inches from each other, knowing that one touch would ignite the incredible combustion between them.

He accompanied her to her vehicle and waited until she had pressed the alarm and opened the door. As she was about to get in, he spun her around and hauled her into his arms. Crushing his mouth to hers, he plunged his tongue into the addictive sweetness that was not allowing him to just let go.

His long, lean body pressed her back against the vehicle, his arousal digging into her softness. His hands roamed her body freely, as if wanting to memorize every inch of her, before finally settling on her neck.

As soon as the kiss started, it ended. Stepping back, he took a breath and stared at her as if he was trying to figure out what to do next. His body was pulsating, his cock throbbing. A jolt shot through his body as he watched her lift her hand to her lips, fingers pressing against the moistness.

“Jesus!” He whispered raggedly. “Go, now!”

She nodded, understanding why he was asking her to. “Will you let me know?”

“As soon as I can.” He promised.

She fumbled for the door handle.

She closed the door and with a wave, she was gone. He waited until the taillights had disappeared before forcing his feet to move. By this time, his phone was ringing again. With a heavy heart and a feeling of impending doom, he answered.

“I am on my way. Is he…?”

“He is in surgery.”

*****

Pulling into the driveway, Sadie switched off the engine and sat there staring into space. She had spent the entire journey home trying to assimilate the emotions rioting through her body. Her experience with men was not vast. She had had a few flings – had her first real relationship when she was in college.

Ryan had been sweet, but uncomplicated and they had drifted apart when he left to go to Nigeria to do missionary work. After that, she had waited for almost two years before venturing out again, this time with a co-worker which had ended before it started.

She had gone on several dates until she met Shaun and thought this was it. She had been a firsthand witness to true love between her parents and decided that she wanted something like that.

But nothing had prepared her for what was happening now. With a man she just met. A man she hardly knew anything about. A man she had been willing to throw her inhibitions away for. If he had not received the phone call about his dad, she would have willingly gone upstairs with him.

She was ashamed that even now, she resented that phone call and was feeling horrible. Her body was still vibrating, and she could feel the imprint of his body against hers. She wanted to see him naked.

“Oh Lord.” She whispered. Shoving the door open, she got out and took several deep breaths, appreciating the chilly air wafting into her lungs before going to the front door to punch in her code.

Her mother was sitting around the kitchen counter, drinking tea, with a book opened in front of her.

“Honey, I did not expect you back so early. Would you like some tea?”

“No thanks.” She had hung up her jacket on the coat tree in the hallway. “Don’t get up.”

“How was the date?”

Turning away to get a glass of water, she took the time to steady herself. She and her mother had a very close relationship, but some things should remain private.

“Good.” Forcing a smile, she sat next to her. “He really can cook.”

Sharon eyed her daughter quizzically. “What do you think of him?”

Taking a sip of water to wet her parched throat, she took her time answering. “I think…,” she shook her head. “I think I am in trouble.”

“Oh honey.” Her mother reached over to clasp her hand. “That’s wonderful.”

“Is it?” She wondered. “He had to leave.” She told her mother about Gary’s father having cancer and being rushed to the hospital.

“Oh dear.” Both lapsed into silence as the memories of their own loss surfaced.

“I told him to call as soon as he hears anything. I am not expecting to hear from him tonight.”

“He might just surprise you. When do I get to meet him?”

Sadie shrugged. “Mom, we are not there yet. It’s…, things are happening too fast, it’s like it is spinning out of control and I want to slow it down. I think I am going to tell him that we should take it slow.”

“Or let nature take its course.” Sharon gave her a bolstering smile. “Your father and I met in high school, and we knew right from the beginning that we were made for each other.”

“That’s different.”

“Is it? You obviously have strong feelings for this man, and I would be right in assuming that what you feel is something you never felt before.”

“That’s the scary part.” Sadie took another sip of water. “It’s like something is sizzling between us that’s threatening to burst into flames. Oh mom, it’s scaring the life out of me.”

Sharon patted her hand, a benign smile on her lips. “Sounds very much like love, honey.”

*****

He found his uncle pacing the length of the private waiting room.

“Any news?”

“No.” Graham studied his nephew’s face. “Where were you? I was calling for ages.”

“I was busy. Didn’t hear the phone.” He muttered. Walking over to the table, he poured some coffee.

“Who is she?”

“None of your business…”

“She must be special. Someone you knew before you left? Or…”

“Or nothing. We are not discussing this right now. What did the doctor say?”

Gray eyes clashed before his uncle backed down. “He developed an infection. Bad enough to have him go into distress. The nurse called 911 and then called me. The stubborn cuss wanted to see you, refused to go to the hospital. I guess he thought he was dying.”

Taking his coffee over to the lineup of chairs against the wall, he sat. “Isn’t he?”

“The new treatment seemed to be working out, but…,” Graham lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “We’ll just wait and see.”

“Ready to tell me yet?”

“No.” He took a sip of the coffee and grimaced. “I have been doing some serious thinking.”

“This should be interesting.”

Ignoring the sarcasm, Gary plunged on. “It seems I am stuck here. The Moretti family has done decades of damages. If I am going to be instrumental in turning things around, there has to be drastic changes.”

“We have already started on that. The casinos – or the interests in them were dissolved. The clubs are respectable ones and doing very well. We are in fact a legitimate business.”

“Charity?”

Graham nodded. “We are involved in several.”

“I am not talking about simply writing a check. That’s damn easy.”

“You mean, actively involved.”

“Yes. The family who were displaced and affected by the family’s nefarious carrying on. Children who suffered consequences.” He took a sip of the brew.

“I recall Uncle George and the old man talking about the ‘old neighborhood’ and what they did to smoke people out. I am assuming they meant it in the literal sense. The family did not take kindly to being opposed. I am also assuming there were records.”

Graham nodded. “There should be. What are you thinking?”

“We find those records, get the names and set up trusts, try and make amends to the families affected. I want to start with that children’s home in the downtown area that was forced to close because Moretti’s wanted the property to make low-income apartments.”

“It never happened.”

Gary stared at him with a frown. “Why? The last thing I remember was Uncle George heading the committee to get rid of it.”

“He was killed soon after.”

“And the property?”

“Remains as it was.”

Gary simply stared at him. “Jesus!” Putting the cup down, he rubbed his palms over his thighs slowly. “So, all of that was for nothing? What happened to the occupants?”

“Sent to other institutions.”

“Good God. Is it any wonder I don’t want to be a part of this family?” He had to tamp down his anger. “We own the deed?”

“Yes.”

“And it’s just sitting there? Why haven’t you done anything about it?”

“Because I had limited say in the matter and had my hands full.” His uncle’s expression had turned hostile. “I really do not appreciate your tone.”

“Well excuse me for my extreme disgust. Those children were uprooted from the only home they knew because Moretti’s wanted to build apartments and now the bloody building is just there, rotting. God!” He blew out a breath and wondered if he should just pack his bags and leave.

What was he going to tell Sadie? “Oh, by the way, I am Gary Moretti. You have probably heard of the family? Yes, we were into murder and mayhem and cheating people out of their livelihood.” He could just imagine her expression and disgust.

“Do you want me to apologize?”

“For what? Look, I am not blaming you for any of it. I know your hands were tied, but I am pissed and right now I am closer to leaving than anything else. How do I make things right? This family has hurt so many people. How the hell do I even begin to make up for it?”

“By doing it one step at a time. The building is still there, we could make a gesture and restore it – not a children’s home maybe, but a community center with all the amenities to cater to troubled youths. A non-profit organization where children can benefit.

A homework center, a free clinic, arts and crafts center, a basketball court, skills training, and such.” He aimed a glance at his nephew. “You could be in charge of it. You don’t need anyone’s permission to begin. You are the interim CEO of the company and your word along with mine has weight. You want to make amends, start there.”

Gary mulled it over and realized it had weight. A lot of weight and it certainly made sense.

Throughout the journey here, he had been plagued with thoughts of what the future holds for him. Meeting Sadie had derailed his plans to just pack up and leave. Kissing her tonight had dazzled and frightened him. He had not wanted to let her go. That had never happened to him before.

He could always leave after a relationship was over and done with and never look back. He had shied away from lasting attachments because of the stain of his family name, and it had been extremely easy, because in the past, it had been casual, no one had made any dents.

But for the first time, it was different. He knew it. And had known it since he first laid eyes on her. Being with her tonight had cemented that realization. She was the one. The yearning he felt for her was eating away at him. He needed her more than food. Which meant he was stuck here and if he was, he had to do something.

“That is a very good idea. Sorry for lighting into you like that.”

“I don’t take it personally.” Graham assessed his nephew soberly. “My advice? Put away the anger and the resentment and try and work things out.”

*****

“Hi.”

“Hi,” Her voice sounded groggy as if she was waking up from a deep sleep and immediately, he was contrite. “I woke you; I am sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. Are you still at the hospital? What time is it?”

“A little after midnight and yes, I am still here.”

“How is your dad?”

“He had an infection, a bad one, but he is holding his own. I just left to come and give you a call because I promised.”

“You didn’t have to. How are you?”

“Wanting you.” He blew out a breath. “I need to see you, Sadie.”

He waited for her to respond, holding his breath.

“I…, I guess I’ll see you at the coffee shop.”

He laughed at that. “You know damn well that’s not what I meant. Are you having second thoughts about us?”

“I am having confusing thoughts about us,” she admitted with a shaky laugh.

Walking over to sit on a chair, he was happy his uncle had decided to stay with his old man, so, he could have the room to himself.

“Is that good or bad?”

“I don’t know.”

“Need me to clarify things?”

“Can you?”

He laughed again, feeling the tension dissipating. “I can try.”

“You don’t have time…”

“I do have time. What we felt earlier is not something we can simply dismiss.”

“This is crazy.”

“And wonderful. I cannot wait to see you again and this time, I will ensure there are no interruptions. You taste so damn sweet, I am addicted.”

“Gary…” She said his name on a sigh and had desire pouring through his body.

“When you call my name like that, oh sweet Sadie, how can I endure the wait to see you? I wish I was going home to you in my bed.”

“It’s just sex.”

He huffed out a laugh. “You don’t believe that. Look, I am going to visit with my dad for a few minutes and then go home to grab some shut eye. But I promise I will stop by the coffee shop.”

“And then what?”

“We make plans for our next date.”

“Okay.”

He closed his eyes briefly and wondered how the hell he was going to survive tonight without her. “Goodnight sweet Sadie. See you soon.”

He hung up with her voice in his ear and sat there for a few minutes before he pushed himself up out of the chair.

*****

“Your uncle told me of your plan to build a community center.”

“Actually, it was his idea, and I am pretty enthusiastic about it.” Gary was alarmed at the pallor of his skin. The doctors had assured them that the infection would clear up in a matter of days, but the treatment was aggressive.

“Does that mean you are staying?”

“For the time being, yes.”

“I thought this was it for me.” Grant shifted restlessly, displacing the tubes running from his arm. “I wanted to see you to ask if I have your forgiveness.” A weary look settled over his face. “I am still asking.”

“And the best I can do is tell you that I am thinking about it.” He started to lift his hand as if to reach out but decided against it.

It was too soon. He was not angry and bitter as he had been before, but he was still not there yet. Memories of the past were still in his mind. Frustration over what could not change was still uppermost in his mind.

“I guess it’s more than I deserve.” His father muttered. “You came, you are here, and I am grateful.” He closed his eyes briefly and struggled to keep them open. “The blasted drugs are doing a number on me.”

“I should go home and try and get some sleep too. I am bushed.”

“Your project – how soon will you start?”

“As soon as I clear it with the board.”

His father nodded. “It’s a commendable undertaking and is going to be a lot of work. But I have no doubt you will manage to do it justice.”

“I am going to drive out and take a look at the property. If I recall, there is quite a lot of acreage.”

“Yes. It was supposed to be apartments for the working-class people in that area.”

Gary opened his mouth to say something but decided against it. His father looked gray and haggard; it would not do to add to his condition.

“I should let you get some rest.”

“Will you be back tomorrow?” The hopeful note in his voice was not lost on Gary.

“I will do my best.” Rising, he stood there and stared down at the man who had caused so much damage in his life and felt a stirring of pity. “Well, take care.”

“You too, son.”

Grant watched him leave and was staring at the door, even when he was gone. A thin hand clutched the sheets, his expression one of self-pity. He supposed he should be happy that he was staying. The boy, No… He shook his head. He was no longer a boy, but a man. His son was staying, and he felt hope burst inside his thin chest.

He was being given a second chance and he was going to grasp it with both hands. He would work on getting Gary’s approval, if not his love. He was hoping it was not too late for him to make amends.

God knows, he had done some terrible things in his life, things he would rather not remember. After George’s death, he had started thinking and came to the realization that he had taken the wrong path.

Sighing softly, he closed his eyes and allowed sleep to claim him.