Chapter 14

They were breathless, both of them trying to slow their breathing down. She was sprawled on his chest, not minding the thin sheen of sweat coating his supple skin. They had both been rough, and there were marks on their skins to testify to that.

His eager fingers loosened her hair, which had been in a loose braid and trailed over his chest. His arms ran up and down her back in slow, hypnotic movements, and he felt utterly sane and content.

"I have to tell you something." She murmured.

"Hmm."

She hesitated about ending the special moment between them. Because of the circumstances surrounding them, the lovemaking had been intensely passionate and needy. She was willing to wait and stay in the background as long as she got to be with him at night.

"Darling?"

She was thrilled at the endearment that now seems to come naturally to him.

"Jacques is here," she felt when he stiffened, and she lifted her head to look at him. His face was carefully bland, and his green eyes were inscrutable.

"Why?"

"He was hoping to pick up where we left off."

"Have you seen him?"

She nodded. "He invited me to lunch, and I accepted."

"I see."

"No, you don't. I set him straight. I told him no way would ever happen."

He stared at her for so long that she began to feel uncomfortable.

"Will I have to find this guy and beat the life out of him?"

She shuddered with relief, and she felt a thrill at the note of jealousy in his deep voice.

"That's not necessary," she told him softly. "I used him, darling, and I feel bad about doing that. I never loved him. I was just trying to move on without you, and it did not work."

His hand gently cupped her cheek. "I think we both tried doing that," his expression became sober. "What I have to do is not going to be easy."

"I am willing to wait." She told him softly.

"I am not," he said a little curtly. "I am not doing well without you."

Her heart soared, and she felt the tremors start. "I will be here every night. We must keep this out of the press, and I understand."

"What if she does not wake up for months?"

She shook her head. "I am not willing to wait months."

"Neither am I," he assured her. "I am praying that this ends soon."

"Why is that?" She whispered, already feeling the obvious evidence of his desire against her thighs.

"Because I want to start our lives together. I am sick and tired of waiting.."

"Me too." Her hands cupped his face. "I want to go on dates and-"

"I want to marry you," he told her roughly and had her heart sopping as she stared at him. "Cat got your tongue, darling?" He teased.

She had to swallow the lump in her throat and could feel the tears burning the backs of her eyes. The double assault on her senses was too much for her to bear. She had not expected him to ever propose to her again, which had hit her like a lightning bolt. And he seemed to be at ease with the endearments.

"You want to marry me."

His thick eyebrows lifted. "You were thinking that we were going to shack up?"

"Something like that," she said huskily. After what —after what—after what happened,' she shook her head, dreading to say the rest of it.

"You mean after what happened to us in the past?" he smiled slightly. "I got rid of the letter last night."

She blinked. "You did?"

"Yes." He told her soberly. "I realized I did not need a reminder of that painful time in our lives. We have to start fresh, and I want nothing between us." His fingers stroke her soft cheek gently.

"And you were right. I was clinging to the past because it felt comfortable there. We are together, and I would be a fool not to take advantage of what is between us." Tilting her chin up, he brushed his lips against hers. "I love you, darling. I never stopped loving you."

She burst into tears, her body shaking from the enormity of what he just said.

"Hush, baby." Cradling her head against his chest, he threaded his fingers through her thick curls. "Darling, you are going to make yourself sick." he chided.

Trying to stop the tears, she lifted her head and stared at him. "I never thought I would hear those words again." She whispered hoarsely.

Lifting a hand, he used his thumb to wipe away the tears. "You must have realized I was still in love with you."

"I never dared to hope. I treated you so awful back then that I never expected to have a second chance. I almost gave up."

"You?" He asked, giving her a lopsided smile. "You are the most determined and obstinate woman I have ever known. Remember when the entire athletic team was climbing that wall of stones?"

She nodded.

"You wanted to beat the record of the kid who had it for five years."

She sniffed and gave him a watery smile. "I almost fell twice."

"More like three times," he recalled with a smile. "I almost had a heart attack when you insisted on completing even though you were bruised and had ended up spraining your ankle."

"I had to prove a point. The jocks kept taunting that I was a girl and it could not be done."

He shook his head. "I was so pissed with you that -"

"You did not talk to me for two days."

His hands smoothed back her hair. "Then you called and said you were in pain, and I came running." he gave her an ironic smile. "You could always accomplish that."

"Oh, Rylan," She whispered. "I love you so much."

"We spent twelve years apart, and I cannot bear for us to waste any more time," he told her gruffly. "As soon as Madeline wakes up, I will tell her."

"Do you think that's a good idea?" She asked worriedly. Now that she was assured of his love and his desire to marry her, everything else was superfluous. She could wait.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't want anything to impede her recovery."

He smiled at her, and she felt his approval. "I would check with the doctors first, of course."

"Okay." She trailed a finger over his hair and roughened cheek. "I need something."

"Ask, and it's yours," he told her solemnly.

"Just like that?"

"Just like that."

"I need to feel you inside me. I want us to try and make a baby," she told him huskily. He felt the jolt straight through his heart.

"We could wait." He whispered hoarsely, but he was already feeling his erection pulsing with life.

"No." Her hands cupped his face. "I want your baby inside me."

"There is still time-" he groaned as she rotated her hips against him. "Sweetheart-" The endearment sent a surge of liquid fire burning inside her.

"Oh, my love." With eyes smoldering with passion, he acceded. Plucking her up, he planted her on top of him, lowering her slender body an inch at a time until she was sheathing him completely. His hands clamped around her narrow waist, his body already vibrating with desire.

"Love me, darling."

"I already do."

*****

"The doctors told me you have been a regular visitor," Madeline said groggily, attempting a smile.

"I am happy to see you awake and lucid." Pulling up the chair, Rylan took her hand in his. He had been in the middle of a meeting with the board when the hospital called to tell him that she was awake.

"I am happy to be alive."

"And fortunate considering. How are you?"

"The doctors said I am going to make a full recovery. I sent Daddy home."

"Good idea. He was here yesterday when I left."

"I was on my way to see you.""Mother told me. You could have waited."

Her fingers moved restlessly in his hand. "I had something to tell you that could not wait."

"We could discuss it when you are well enough."

"I am well enough, and it cannot wait," she insisted. "Could you get me a glass of water, please? My throat is dry."

"Of course." letting go of her hand, he went to the table where there were flowers, get-well cards, a pitcher of water, and a glass. Pouring water almost to the brim, he brought it back to her and waited until she had taken several sips before taking it from her.

"We have not been close for the last several months." She began.

"I am afraid that's my fault."

She shook her head slowly, her eyes meeting his. "Not entirely."

"What do you mean?"

She plucked at the sheets restlessly. "We have not been close, and I could sense that you were more distant than ever."

"I apologize-"

"No. I knew going in that I did not have your heart, that it belonged to someone else. I told myself I could live with that, but-" She heaved a breath. "I met someone."

His eyes flared as he stared at her in shock. Here he was, worried and trying to find a way to tell her it was over, and now this. "When?"

"A month or so ago." She gave him a pleading look. "I wasn't looking. I swear I wasn't.

But he approached me while I was at the Hannigan's dinner party. Remember when you had to work late that Wednesday six weeks ago, and you told me to go without you?"

He nodded slowly.

"I met him then, and we started talking and realized we had much in common."

"Who is he?"

She looked away for a few seconds before returning to his face. "Luke Temple."

Rylan's eyebrows lifted. "Temple Architecture."

"Yes."

"Isn't he the second brother?"

"He is. Mark is married, and there is a younger one." She gave him a pleading look. "You don't love me-"

"You are right. And I am the last person to condemn you. I was about to tell you that it's not working."

She nodded. "I think I suspected. I saw how you looked at Celeste Campbell, and even when you shunned her, you were so filled with rage. Even then, you could not stop watching her. It made me feel less guilty about being with Luke."

Lifting her hand, he kissed the back of it. "Are you happy?"

Her smile blazed. "Very. I told him to stay away until I gave you the news."

"He should be the one here with you."

"I am going to call him as soon as you leave."

"Take care of yourself, Madeline." He told her softly.

"And you as well. See you around, Rylan."

*****

"I heard the news. Are you at the hospital?"

"In the parking lot and about to leave."

"How is she?"

"Awake and doing well." He took a breath. "I have news."

"You told her."

"I did not get a chance to. She had news of her own."

"Oh?"

He told her what Madeline told him.

"She is seeing someone. What does that mean?" She asked breathlessly, making him grin.

"It means I am taking you out to dinner tonight, and you are moving in with me."

"Isn't it too soon?"

"Not. We are twelve years too late. Where would you like to go?"

"Somewhere lowkey. I know just the place."

He frowned at that. "Why lowkey?"

"I want to concentrate on you, darling, and you were just with Madeline. Let's give the press a chance to get used to us being together. After all we have been through, I just want to celebrate the news with just us."

He nodded and, belatedly realizing she could not see him, verbalized his approval. "That makes sense. I will pick you up from your place."

"What time?"

"How does eight sound?"

"Perfect. But you will have to pick me up from Romano's."

His brows lifted as he touched the start button. "I thought you said you wanted no press right now?"

"A little press is okay," she told him with a laugh. I am going to be here all day and into the late afternoon. We are doing several shots and trying to wrap things up. There are going to be billboards all over the place."

"Looking forward to seeing them. Later, darling."

"I love you." She whispered.

He felt the heat invading his body as he navigated traffic. "The feeling is mutual, completely."

Hanging up from her, he felt the smile curving his lips.

*****

"You look happy." Bob eyed her as she walked back into the makeshift studio. "Must have been quite a call."

"It was." She looked up to see Monique coming towards them.

"Hi. Something wrong?"

"No." She shook her head. "I am just anxious to see the result." Moving to the mobile closet, she started going through the wispy lingerie.

"We were going with the silk robe-" Bob began.

"No," Monique shook her head. For the cover, I think we should go with this." Plucking out a shimmering aqua green lace with a dip in the front, she held it in front of her. "What do you think?" she asked Celeste.

"It's going to make a statement."

"And your hair should be tumbling around your face and shoulders. Makeup should be as natural as possible-" She frowned slightly before turning to look at Bob. "She has the kind of skin that does not need any makeup.

I am thinking of having the caption: ‘Natural beauty' or something like that. We want to appeal to ordinary women as well. Rumpled and sexy come to mind. You are just rising out of bed and have that sleepy look in your eyes. Do you know what I mean?"

"Absolutely." Celeste's eyes glowed. "I can see it now."

"We also have a bonus."

"What bonus?"

They turned as both Leesa and Kelly came walking in.

"They have agreed under extreme duress to share the cover with you," Monique said with a wide smile. "I hope you don't mind." She turned to give Celeste an anxious look.

"Are you kidding!" With a flurry of silk robes, she rushed to greet her friends.

"Half the magazine"s sales will go to the women in crisis in several third-world countries," Kelly told her, returning the hug with a smile. Hence, the decision to come on board. And I had to persuade my husband that I would be halfway decent."

"My darling Brad is the exact opposite," Leesa told them with a grin. "He is excited to see his almost middle-aged wife posing in sexy sleepwear." Looking over at Bob, who had a dazed look on his homey face, she flashed him a smile. "Work your magic, darling."

"No magic needed." Lifting his camera, he peered into the lens, shaking his head at the reflections of all four women, and an idea dawned on him.

"Ms. Monique, I suggest blowing this thing out of the water."

"What is it?"

"You should be included in the shoot."

Her eyes popped open. "That's not a good idea."

"Oh my goodness!" Celeste turned to look at her. "He is right. All four of us on the cover will blow up the campaign."

"Girls, I am not a model." she protested.

"You have worked with models for years, and you are beautiful and classy, like a young Grace Kelly," Leesa said firmly, her eyes dancing with pleasure. "You can do this."

"I agree. It would make for a very interesting cover. Besides, it's mostly for charity."

Monique looked at them helplessly. "I am going to have to call Leonardo."

"Go ahead, darling, while we get into our outfits." Celeste urged. "And I have some fabulous news."

*****

"I have always told you that you could grace the covers of several magazines." Her very handsome Italian husband told her softly when she got him on the video call. His dark eyes twinkled as he stared at her. "You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman in the world."

"You are biased, and I happen to be the mother of your children. Speaking of which, my body is not the same as before." A frown touched her brow as another thought hit her. "What about the children? They are going to see the magazine, and I - I will be half naked."

Her husband chuckled in delight. "Even after so many years and being a mother, you are still wonderfully innocent and still a prude."

"Leonardo Romano, please take that back." She demanded, a smile touching her lips.

"Monique Romano, the love of my life, you know I am right. I am sorry I am not there to see it, but I will look forward to photos."

"You are a perv."

"Only where my darling wife is concerned."

"When are you coming back?"

"In a few days. Save whatever lingerie you use for the shoot. I think I will need a reenactment of the entire thing."

Shaking her head, she blew him a kiss. "I love you, darling."

"I love you more, Amore Mio."

Monique had to admit that she had fun. She had often seen herself as the person in charge of the women's wear, something she was always amazed at. She had been a simple English Literature teacher in high school before meeting her husband on a well-anticipated trip to Italy, never realizing that her life would be irrevocably changed.

It had taken a lot for her to shed the fear and intimidation of her husband, his family, and the fabulously extravagant world they were a part of to make her way.

"The rose petal," Kelly said decisively. "Trust me on this."

"Oh, I do." Monique had changed twice already—the first skimpy sleepwear was a delicate, wispy peach lace, and she had been tempted several times to request a robe to cover herself up. But the robes were as transparent as glass and would not have helped anyway.

"I have no idea how you guys just parade around looking like this."

"My good God!" Leesa, wearing a ruby red chemise, which left most of her shapely legs bare, burst out laughing. "You are such a prude. Don't tell me with a man like Leonardo; you go to bed with clothes on."

"Of course not!" she retorted, settling herself on the loveseat. He would not have it. The man would walk around naked if it was not a crime."

"And he can. They all can." Kelly draped herself over the arm of the chair and crossed her excellent legs. She wore black, which looked amazing against her skin and honey-blonde hair. "Our men are perfect examples of well-toned and well-endowed." she grinned as Bob lowered his camera to gape at her.

"Shoot the damn photo, Bob."

He grinned at her and aimed, shaking his head as he had the distinct pleasure of staring at beauty in its rarest form. He was determined that this would be his best work, and he did not even have to work hard at it.

The four women were naturals. Kelly was draped over the arm of the chair, one slender hand at the back of it. Leesa was draped over the other arm, her hand making the lightest contact with Kelly's fingers.

Celeste was lying on her side, one hand propping up her head, curls streaming over one shoulder, and a soft, knowing smile on her sultry lips.

Monique was on the floor, with her legs drawn, her chin touching her knees, and a wholesome look on her lovely face.

The four women could have been at a sleepover—a rather sexy and provocative sleepover, Bob thought dazedly. And he was the only man allowed. Issuing instructions, he snapped several pictures and grinned in satisfaction as he stared at the results.

"Okay, ladies, get something to refresh yourselves before we do the final shoot. Well done."

*****

Celeste curled her legs under her as she scooped up chips. She was happy.

"I am amazed at the way things worked out. We are free to go out in public."

"We are so happy for you, darling," Kelly enthusiastically told her. "So when is the wedding?"

"Soon," Celeste said with a laugh. We wasted twelve years already, so it is going to be soon."