Merry Christmas, Paige (9 page)

Chapter Nine

“Home?” An uneasy feeling slithered up Paige’s back. Nathan pulled the Hummer before a majestic wrought-iron gate. He pushed a button on his dashboard, and the portal moaned as it slid open.

A smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. “I want you in my bed tonight.” He squeezed her leg before he placed his hand back on the steering wheel and drove through the entrance on a cobblestone driveway. “I’ve dreamed about bringing you here for the past five years. I think you’ll like it. I designed it myself.”

Electric torches and tall palm trees lined the driveway leading to the large two-story estate that took Paige’s breath away.

Instead of parking in the four-car garage, he pulled alongside the front of the house and switched off the engine. Paige didn’t stir as he opened his door and moved quickly around the car to let her out.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

She gazed up at him. “This is your home?”

He extended his hand to her. “Our home.”

Wide-eyed, she scanned what had to be at least ten acres of neatly groomed grounds with palm trees and a host of others, including lush tropical plants. “It’s so beautiful and big.”

Paige had never expected such extravagance.

He nestled his hand in the small of her back and guided her toward the door. “I love it here. I would have lost the house in the divorce if it hadn’t been a part of my parents’ estate. They had foreseen the disastrous outcome of our marriage long before I had admitted it.”

“Who lives over there?” Paige pointed to a host of lights off to the west.

“That’s the servants’ cottage.”

“Servants?” she repeated. Nathan had servants?

Paige had always been a little uncomfortable with his family’s wealth. Hell. She came from simple roots, a single-income home. She would never be used to this type of extravagance.

“Housekeeper, landscaper and chef.”

“Oh my.” She released a heavy sigh, unable to wrap her mind around the grandeur of the place.

“Courtesy of the resort. You’ll have whatever you want at your fingertips.”

An awkward silence lingered between them.

He dipped a finger beneath her chin and raised her gaze to meet his. “You okay?”

“It’s just a little overwhelming.” She licked her lips. “I’m a simple woman. It’s not exactly what we had planned.” She felt wretched the moment the words left her mouth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

“Don’t be sorry.” He pressed a soft kiss upon her nose. “Our dreams were smaller in scale. Things are different now.”

That was an understatement.

Before he opened the door he turned to her. “Truth is I built this home with you in mind. Yes, it got a little grander with Sylvia’s demands and needs.”

Paige’s body went rigid with the mention of his ex’s name. She didn’t want to think of this home as another woman’s.

“Dammit. I’m sorry. We could move if you prefer, but I would like to stay here. This has been Cami’s home since she was born.”

“Of course.” Paige inhaled deeply. “I just never expected such lavish accommodations.”

“That’s why I love you so much.” Excitement glowed in his eyes. He grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Let me show you around.”

On each side of the double oak doors stood a huge bird of paradise, which looked like sentries guarding the entrance. Over two dozen orange and blue flowers protruded from green spathes, each resembling a bird in flight.

Keys jiggled as he extracted them and opened the door. She stepped inside and her breath caught. It wasn’t that she had never been in such a beautiful home, it’s that it would be hers someday and the thought overwhelmed her.

“The main residence is comprised of koa and swamp mahogany wood milled right from the property. Come here, I want to show you something.” He led her toward the large stone fireplace and the beautiful mantelpiece above it. As they approached, he turned on another light so that it flooded the room. “You have to bend low, but it’s legible.”

She leaned down, looking beneath the shelf where he pointed, and saw their initials carved in the wood. Tears touched her eyes. “You cut the tree down?” She reflected back to the large koa tree in front of the cottage that she’d noticed was gone when she arrived. “I can’t believe you did this.” Her finger traced the heart that embraced their display of love that summer and the month that followed before their engagement. “You did love me.”

“Do, baby.” He took her into his arms. “You can add
always will
to that.”

“I missed you so much,” she choked back.

“I’m sorry, Paige. I did what I felt was right.”

“I know, but knowing that didn’t make it hurt any less.”

“I did it for Cami. She means the world to me.”

“I know and that’s what makes me love you and honestly scares me.”

He loosened his hold on her. “Scares you?”

The muscles in her throat tightened. “Will I be tossed aside again if Cami doesn’t accept me?”

“Look at the way she interacted with you at the hospital. It’s only a matter of time before she adores you. It might not be easy in the beginning, but she’ll come around.”

“But what if she doesn’t?”

“Trust me, Paige.” He sounded so confident.

If only she felt the same.

Nathan laid his warm cheek beneath her palm as they stood before the mantel he had etched their love into. A symbol that he had cherished what they had so long ago. The show of affection didn’t erase her insecurities, didn’t stop the frantic beating of her heart at the thought of her waking up one morning to find all the promises he’d made her over the last couple days had disappeared.

She wasn’t ready to let him go, but she heard herself say, “We haven’t really considered Cami’s needs. The experts recommend a year before you start to date or introduce a new individual within a child’s life after a divorce.”

“No.” He pulled Paige so close she could feel his heated breath across her face. His intense glare made her pause. “I’m not letting you go. Don’t ask that of me. I want you here with us, now.”

The voice of reason rang in her ears. “Nathan, divorce is a stressful time for everyone involved, particularly for the children.” How many times had she seen this scenario in the troubled children who had come to her office? “Children lose their sense of home, family and belonging. They can act up and become physically ill. It’s like mourning the death of a loved one.”

Something she said must have struck a nerve because he became nonplused. The intensity in his features changed to one of concern. It nearly killed her to continue.

“Not to mention, children always manage to convince themselves that they contributed to divorce. It’s their fault Mommy and Daddy aren’t together anymore.” To make things worse, when either of the parents finally decided to move on and start dating, they often did so with less regard for the children. Nathan loved Paige, but maybe he wasn’t thinking clearly about the situation. “Dating after divorce should be put off until the child has had time enough to heal.” Each word cut through her heart like a knife. This was exactly what her mother had been warning her against. If only Paige had used her head and not her heart.

He blew out a silent breath. His Adam’s apple slid up and down like he had something caught in his throat. “It’s not like that with you and me,” he said softly. “I never loved Sylvia like I do you. There is no bond—no chemistry like there is with us.”

“But—”

His hands buried in her hair as he covered her mouth with his. The kiss lacked any semblance of tenderness. His hands were hard, dominant, making sure she didn’t move. He devoured her as if he hungered for something that wasn’t his. The harsh sounds that tore from his throat were heartbreaking.

When the caress ended she tried to catch her breath, but her raging emotions made it hard to inhale. It didn’t help when Nathan pressed his cheek to hers, his voice steady and low. “You’re mine, Paige. You always have been. You always will be.” He released her. “Now if we’re through with this conversation, there’s more for you to see.”

Paige had never seen this dominant side of Nathan. His heavy steps screamed his determination. She caught up with him as he reached the kitchen. “You can’t just ignore that a problem exists.”

He hesitated, before inhaling deeply. “I’m not a fool, Paige.” His voice was eerily low. “Is it going to be easy? There’s only one question all this hinges on.”

Question?

“Do you love me?” His tone softened and she melted inside.

She blinked back tears, nodding. “With all my heart.”

“Then everything else will work out.” He cupped her cheeks. “Okay?”

“Okay,” she muttered. Emotion thickened in her belly.

“Now, are you hungry?”

“Hungry?” Bewildered, she cast her gaze around the room. They stood in the dining room, soft candlelight flickering, the long mahogany table set for two. “No. Show me the rest of the house first.”

They moved from one room to the next. One thing was consistent—the highest quality furniture, fixtures and accessories decorated each room. As well as pictures, lots of photographs of Sylvia, Nathan and Cami adorned the walls and the knickknack shelves, including the large mantel with their initials.

“You can change anything you like. I’m not opposed to modifying anything except this room.” He pushed the double doors wide and revealed a bedroom worth dying for.

The large mahogany bed had bedposts that were at least eight feet tall. From their peaks black wrought iron arched and curved to meet in the middle. The head- and footboards were massive. The décor was definitely a male’s choice with the exception of the intricate roses and leaves carved into the rich wood. There were two matching dressers with mirrors, an ornate armoire, and a wall unit that housed a large television set. One wall of the room was nothing but glass.

Nathan strolled to the window and something clicked. With a push he slid the panels along the tracks that ran across the floor. The salty ocean breeze and the sweet scent of flowers filled the room. He stepped out on the veranda and looked into the darkened sky where a handful of stars shone through. The promise of rain hung heavy.

It should have been the most romantic setting Paige had ever been in. Instead, all she could think about was Sylvia and Nathan making love in that big four-poster bed. Her stomach churned with jealousy as she clutched her purse to her breasts. She knew it was childish, but she didn’t want to sleep in the same bed that his ex had occupied.

He must have recognized her uneasiness, because he said, “Come here.” When she was near enough to touch, he snaked his arms around her waist and drew her close. “Sylvia never slept in this bed. I had the room redesigned when she moved out.”

The breath she hadn’t known she’d held rushed out of her lungs in relief.

He held her against him and for a moment they let the world revolve around them. No one existed but the two of them. No lingering issues hung around their necks like a noose.

The warmth of his hand smoothed downward and stopped in the small of her back. “Let me show you the master bathroom.” They moved back into the bedroom, and he slid the glass shut. She set her purse on the big, inviting bed before following him through a large arched entry.

She gasped in awe. “I’ve never seen anything so luxurious.” White marble with reddish-brown veins throughout covered the floor, walls, countertops, shower and sunken tub. Chocolate brown sheers held back by velveteen ties framed the window. Like the bedroom, the panels were on tracks which opened up to a deck containing two lounge chairs, a small table and a Jacuzzi. Foamy bubbles extended an invitation to test the waters.

“There’s a wall of foliage around this area, providing privacy. You can sunbathe nude or relax in the Jacuzzi without fear of voyeurs.” He paused before adding, “Of course, that’s never stopped us before.” His playful grin made her chuckle. “Should we try it out?” He opened the glass, stepped out into the night and turned to extend a hand to her. “Join me.”

Why did she fight the rollercoaster of emotions she felt every time he looked at her with those penetrating eyes? All her common sense seemed to take flight. She walked into his arms.

He held her for a moment. “I want you.” His avowal hummed in her ear. When he released her, he stepped behind her so she faced the foliage. The building breeze tugged at her clothing and tossed her hair about as it rustled the leaves and plucked at the flowers adorning them.

Deft fingers unfastened the halter top that hung around her neck and crisscrossed in the front. The material parted into two pieces and drifted between her bare breasts, but not before rasping softly against her sensitive nipples. Add the cool wind and a shudder assailed her. Anticipation of his touch made the peaks draw into tight buds. “Nathan.”

“Shush, baby. Close your eyes.” His words released a flood of moisture between her thighs. He brushed aside her hair and kissed her bare shoulder, sending chills across her arms.

A gentle pull at her skirt and her eyelids fell. Her waistband loosened, followed by the achingly slow whisper of the garment’s zipper. Heat raced across her body as her arousal climbed. She couldn’t wait for him to strip her bare, bend her over the Jacuzzi, spread her wide and take her hard and fast, or maybe slow and tender. The image of his hands all over her body, the feel of his mouth against hers and his cock thrusting inside her, made the throb between her legs thicken.

“Do you know how beautiful you are?” His voice slid across her skin, the sensation as sensual as the silky skirt caressing her legs on its descent.

In seconds she was naked with nothing on but her black, three-inch heels. Even though Nathan and Paige were hidden by all eyes, just the thought of being unclothed outside with him standing behind her sent her senses reeling.

“Are your eyes closed?” His breath was warm against her neck.

She swallowed hard. “Yes.”

“Good.” He rested his palms on her hips. “I want to touch you until you scream for me to take you.” To make his point he pressed his engorged erection firmly against her ass.

Thunder bellowed, a powerful, reverberating sound that came one after another to raise her anxiety. Every once in awhile a flash of light penetrated her eyelids.