Trace and Diana spent the next few days oblivious to the outside world. They explored tiny caves, swam in the blue waters, and made passionate love at night. Even sometimes during the day they would sneak off and succumb to their desire. But most of all, they were getting to know each other again. They laughed together so much that Diana sometimes forgot there was ever a problem between them. Since it was her first time on the island, she was like a kid in a candy store when she saw the pink sand on the beach.
Cassie had prepared a picnic lunch for their excursion. They lay on a private stretch of the beach connected to the villa. Trace’s profile was relaxed. He apparently hadn’t shaved this morning because a five o’clock shadow graced his chiseled jaw, making him appear more handsome and dangerous. She had to look away, feeling a sudden rush of love in her throat. She flipped her sunglasses over her eyes.
“Even though we speak to Nicky two or three times a day,” Trace said, “what do you think about us flying home tomorrow?”
Diana just nodded. They had already been in Bermuda a couple of days longer than planned. She missed her son terribly but was glad for the time she’d spent with Trace. They had become closer during their days on the island. It surprised her that Trace understood the need to be physically present for their child. It showed that he took fatherhood seriously. His love for Nicky was evident in his speech when he talked to their son each night. She had misjudged him, and for that she was sorry.
“Did you hear me, Diana?”
“Yes. I do miss Nicky.”
“We can always go on another honeymoon, but the next time we’ll bring him with us.”
Was this his way of saying he was already tired of her? Stop it, Diana. He had told her they would be away for a week, but he was the one who’d suggested they prolong the trip.
Diana was glad for the sunglasses so Trace couldn’t see the confusion in her eyes. She popped a grape in her mouth and grabbed the cheese and bread, avoiding his gaze.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
He continued to observe her while she chewed. She took another small chunk of bread and nervously tore it into tiny pieces. He watched her every move. Noticing it, she stopped and ran her hands over her shorts.
“I was thinking of gifts to buy for Nicky.”
“When I was in St. George I got him a game, a train, and a couple of books.”
She dampened down the flash of irritation and smiled sweetly. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”
He looked at her in silence for a moment. “You’re obviously upset.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Your voice is too sweet and sugary. That is definitely not you. So what’s upset you?”
“Nothing.”
“Diana…”
“All right. Why did you buy Nicky gifts without consulting me?”
He stared at her, baffled at her question. “Why wouldn’t I buy my son a gift?”
“You did it to gain an upper hand with him,” she said, anger evident in every word.
He gave a short laugh. “You’ve got to be kidding. Diana, I know I have only known about him a short period, but I love him as much as you do. Of course I want him to love me and need me, but I’m not trying to usurp your position in his life. You are his mother, but I’m his father. I’ll always be there for him.”
“By buying him gifts?”
“You’re being ridiculous.”
Diana tensed. She jumped up. With her hands in fists by her side, she spat, “I’m his mother. I love him. I won’t have him hurt when you decide you’re tired of playing father.” She was being emotional and she didn’t care. She didn’t want to admit she was jealous of the bond between Trace and Nicky.
He stood to face her. He pulled her into his arms. She stayed stiff against him. He tipped her chin up with a long finger. “A lot has happened between us, Diana. Some of it I don’t understand. Nevertheless, we decided to start our marriage off with a clean slate. It was uncalled for for you to insinuate I would leave my son. I thought you knew me better than that. You forget. We are married and…”
“We’re married because you threatened to take Nicky away from me,” she snapped.
He continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “So I could be with him every day, not because I want to leave him or forget he exists. I would never hurt Nicky, and I don’t appreciate you thinking otherwise. I’m in this for the long haul. You need to decide what you want out of this relationship, find a comfortable spot, and settle in it.”
“I won’t apologize. Everything has changed. I need time to adjust.”
He sighed. “I understand. You’re a mother and a bit territorial.”
He was offering her a truce, time and space to understand he was in Nicky’s life to stay. She wanted to believe him. She was strong enough to do so.
* * *
They arrived in Asheville in the early afternoon. Trace scooped her up in his arms and carried her over the threshold. She was surprised and secretly delighted he remembered the traditional gesture. Inside the house, he slowly placed her on her feet while giving her a heated look and keeping his arms around her waist. Finally, he dipped his head, his lips searching for hers. The kiss was thorough and heated with promise of more to come.
“Welcome home, my wife,” he said. His hands ran through her hair and held her head in place while he returned to her lips. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, giving him every emotion she was feeling.
“Daddy! Mommy!” Nicky squealed in excitement.
Diana tore her mouth from Trace and saw her son running toward them while Susan brought up the rear. Trace picked up Nicky and placed him comfortably in his arms. Diana leaned into him, giving Nicky a hug and kiss.
Susan said nothing. However, her wide-eyed grin had plenty to say.
“Did you bring me a present?” Nicky asked.
Laughing, Trace gave him a hug and set him on his feet. “Didn’t I promise you we would?”
“You both look well rested,” Susan quipped. She gave Diana a hug. “You seem to have found a way to alleviate tension.”
Diana’s cheeks burned. She spared a glance at Trace and saw his dark hair mussed and eyes still heavy with desire. He caught her expression, raised a wicked eyebrow, and then pulled her against his side with an arm looped tightly around her waist.
“It was nice.” Diana looked at Trace for confirmation. He didn’t say anything.
“Nice?” Susan frowned. “From the look on your faces, I believe it was a little better than nice.”
“Susan.” Diana gave her friend a warning look. Susan had the tendency to dig and be very blunt. She would have made a very good private investigator. The girl just didn’t know when to quit.
Susan held up her hands in surrender. “Okay. All I was saying—”
“Stop it. I know what you were saying.”
“I’m leaving before my foot gets jammed too far down my throat.”
“Good,” Diana said, and Trace laughed.
Susan bent to Nicky’s level. “Goodbye, my love. I had fun. You must come and stay with Auntie Susan again, okay?”
Nicky put his arms around her neck and hugged her. Diana watched Susan close her eyes and absorb the love Nicky bestowed upon her. Diana swallowed a lump in her throat. She hoped one day Susan would find another man to love and give her the children she deserved.
Susan stood and cleared her throat. It was evident she was deeply moved by Nicky hugging her first. Diana put her arms around her friend and hugged her tight. Understanding passed between them. She gave Diana a bright smile, nodded at Trace, and walked out the door.
Nicky had a grip on Trace’s hand. He pulled him quickly through the corridor toward the family room. This was one of the smaller rooms in the mansion. It was homey and very intimate. Diana and Nicky spent a lot of time in there. Although he had a huge playroom in the west wing, she allowed him to keep a few toys and books here. Diana sighed. She wanted to spend time with Nicky but knew how important it was for Trace to have quality time with him without her hovering around them. She decided to take a shower so they could be alone.
She stripped off her clothes, stepped into the shower, and let the water wash away her weariness.
I feel better, she declared silently as she dried off with a large towel. She grabbed another one to wrap around her body. Now that they were back at the mansion, how were they supposed to act? She thought everything was fine with them, but he still hadn’t settled the question about Lisa Davenport. Yes, he did, her mind taunted her. You just don’t want to believe it. All right, so he’d said he never slept with Lisa. For all she knew he’d been bedding the blonde-haired beauty during the five years they were apart. So what? She had been married to John and Trace had been a free man. But after all this time, it was still hard for her believe she was woman enough for him. A part of it was because she didn’t have the social status or money that other women had. Was the other part because she was black? Stop it. She was a strong, confident black woman. She was starting a new life with Trace. Why then did she feel inadequate when it came to being with him? If she didn’t get herself together her marriage didn’t have a chance in hell of surviving.
Disgusted with her thoughts, she put on a pair of cotton slacks, and a short-sleeved top, and brushed her hair into a ponytail. She walked into the family room, where the sight that met her eyes stopped her in her tracks.
Trace and Nicky sat on the floor. He was showing Nicky how to put together the boat puzzle she had been working on with him for months. Nicky listened and watched his father assemble the pieces. He wore a rapt expression she had never seen on her son’s face before. She needed to get used to sharing Nicky’s affections with someone else. Not just someone. His biological father…who loved him as much as she did. It had been different with John. He always treated Nicky well, like an indulgent grandfather, but she’d never worried he would claim all his love.
Tears stung the backs of Diana’s eyelids as she listened to Trace giving him calm but clear instructions, never showing frustration at Nicky’s questions.
Trace looked up and saw her. He smiled and motioned her to come closer. Nicky followed his gaze. “Look, Mommy. Daddy finished the boat.”
“I see that he did. Did you thank Daddy?”
“He doesn’t have to thank me, Diana. I was glad to do it. I like puzzles. It’s a way of relieving stress.” He ruffled Nicky’s hair. He stood and pushed the silent button on the intercom. “Nicky, it’s time for your lunch and a nap. We will start another puzzle later, okay?”
“Okay,” he said, grudgingly. Luca appeared at the door of the family room.
“Remember, eat everything on your plate, don’t complain when it’s time for your nap, and later you’ll get your gift, plus a new puzzle. How does that sound?” Trace asked him as they walked to the door.
“Goody!” Nicky said and Trace laughed. Nicky grabbed Luca’s hand and pulled her out of the room.
Diana shook her head in amazement. “You bribed him.”
“You think so?” He closed the door, pulled her in his arms, and proceeded to place his lips at the pulse in her neck. “I want him to know there are conditions to some things you receive in life. It builds character.” His arms pulled her even closer to his chest. “Your things are in my suite. If it’s not satisfactory, I can move into your suite or we can choose another bedroom, okay?”
She nodded, surprised and pleased he would ask her permission. She had a hard time concentrating on what he was saying. “Yes.”
He took her mouth in a deep kiss, using his tongue to dominate. She lost all coherent thought as she drowned in the passion.