Baby of Fortune Read online

  Other family members had also stopped by, and Heather was introduced to each of them. She wondered if she’d ever keep their names straight. Justin stayed by her side and they went to visit Ryan, who was sitting in a massive chair in the great room. His wife, Lily, stood by his side, her expression deeply worried. Justin’s half brother, Kane, and his wife Allison, were also there.

  Kane was talking quietly to Lily, who was listening intently. Ryan, though glad to see everyone, was clearly uncomfortable with the fuss being made over him. From the amount of attention his mysterious illness was causing, Heather surmised that he was the driving force behind the Fortune family.

  Justin took her hand, and they went to talk with Kane and Ryan for a few minutes. She mostly listened as she stood by Justin’s side. Ryan was quick to point out that the family was overreacting to what was clearly a lingering stomach flu, but Kane adamantly disagreed, insisting that Ryan had shown little sign of improving since he’d taken ill.

  As they talked, Heather was pleased by the way the Fortunes embraced Justin as one of their own, including him in the conversation and listening intently to his opinion. His eagerness to offer his support warmed her heart. It was a side of her husband she’d been unaware of until now. While they were married, he’d always held a part of himself back. She’d never pushed him, had accepted he wouldn’t allow anyone, even her, to get too close emotionally.

  Until now. His acceptance of his new family showed her how much he was changing—how, little by little, he was opening up. His actions reinforced the hope she felt for the success of their reconciliation.

  No doubt, they would soon be at a point in their relationship where they would be able to put past hurts away, and she would be able to tell him about his son. She prayed Justin would understand why she hadn’t told him earlier.

  “Who is that dancing with your mother?”

  Justin tugged Heather closer to him as they moved in rhythm to a slow tune on the dimly lit dance floor. “Who cares?” he whispered, enjoying holding his wife in his arms. “My mind’s on you.” He nibbled at her neck, then kissed her chin.

  “Justin!” Heather pulled slightly away, but only as far as his arms allowed. Her face reddened. “People are going to stare.”

  “I don’t care,” he insisted, shrugging indifferently, amusement flashing in his eyes.

  “Behave!” She stretched farther away and gave him a stern look. “Now, who is that with your mother?” she repeated, touching his cheek with her hand and turning his head.

  Justin’s gaze swept the room of the banquet hall in the upscale hotel and settled on Miranda. He furrowed his brow as he noticed his mother in the arms of a tall, well-built man. “I don’t know. I noticed her talking to him earlier.”

  The song ended, and Justin reluctantly let Heather go, holding her hand as they strolled back to their table. His mother arrived at the same time, escorted by her dance partner.

  Justin studied the man as he stood close to Miranda, seeming reluctant to leave. His perceptive blue gaze met the man’s piercing black eyes, and Justin felt a peculiar sensation in his chest.

  “This is Daniel Smythe,” Miranda said, introducing him. “Daniel, this is my son, Justin, and his wife, Heather.

  As Justin shook Daniel’s hand, the strange sensation he’d felt intensified. He studied the man as Miranda talked quietly to him, noticing that he seemed more to her than a new acquaintance. Justin was anxious to ask Miranda more about him. He got his chance after Smythe excused himself and left.

  He was gone only a second before Justin asked, almost demanded, to know what Miranda knew about him.

  Looking a bit startled, she replied, “I know he’s a successful businessman in the oil industry.”

  He frowned at his mother. “Did you just meet him here tonight?” he asked, casting her a curious glance, suddenly aware of his protective feelings for her. To him, the two of them seemed awfully friendly to have just met.

  “Um, no,” Miranda admitted, and she chewed at her bottom lip.

  “Then, how do you know him?” Justin stared at her. Miranda was being evasive. Who was this Daniel Smythe? he wondered, looking across the room and spotting the man again. Was there something she wasn’t saying? Again, an odd feeling made his heart beat just a little harder.

  “He’s an old friend,” she hedged, avoiding eye contact with her son.

  “He’s very handsome,” Heather offered, glancing over at him again.

  Miranda gave them a self-conscious smile. “Yes, I think so,” she admitted, her expression wistful.

  “How old a friend?” Justin pressed, still curious about the man.

  “I knew him before you were born,” Miranda reluctantly divulged. “We haven’t seen each other in a very long time. He, uh, asked me out, and we’re going on a date next week.” A rosy flush covered her cheeks.

  “A date?” Justin repeated, his voice deepening. He regarded his mother carefully. Without Kane nearby, he figured it was his duty to look after her. “Should I go over and find out his intentions?”

  Both Heather and Miranda chuckled, drawing a scowl from him. “Don’t you dare,” Miranda pleaded, and for a moment reminded him of a schoolgirl with her first crush.

  He decided there was definitely something Miranda was concealing. And it had to do with the stranger across the room. She’d admitted that she’d known him a long time ago. Justin stilled as a wild thought occurred to him.

  Could Daniel Smythe be my father?

  Noticing that Justin was staring intently at the man, Heather touched his arm to get his attention. “What?” she said.

  Absently, he shook his head. “Nothing.”

  Miranda looked nervous, as if she thought he was going to embarrass her. “Heather, talk to him, please.”

  “I don’t really have any control over him,” Heather replied.

  Justin gave her a purely male look. “You have more than you think,” he whispered, forgetting about Miranda and Daniel Smythe as he ran an intimate gaze over his wife’s body.

  Their conversation was interrupted when Leeza Carter sauntered toward them. Miranda seemed to put on her socially cordial mask and turned to face her ex-husband’s wife.

  “Well, Miranda. Hello.” She slid an curious gaze over Justin and Heather.

  “Leeza.” Miranda regarded the woman with obvious reserve. “How have you been doing since Lloyd’s death?” She took a step closer to Justin.

  “It’s been difficult,” Leeza replied, her expression a little too obviously sorrowful.

  Justin had noticed the woman earlier in the evening when her shrill laugh drew his attention. She was dressed provocatively, her voluptuous, slightly plump figure poured into a red-sequined gown, which made him question her bereaved countenance. Not comfortable with the tension mounting between the two women, Justin put his arm around his mother.

  Miranda, obligated by simple courtesy, introduced the bleached-blond woman to them. “Leeza was married to Kane’s father,” she explained for Heather’s benefit.

  Neither Justin nor Heather encouraged conversation. For lack of more to say, Leeza moved on.

  Letting out a breath of relief, Miranda murmured, “I wonder why she continues to stay in San Antonio since Lloyd passed away?”

  Justin continued to stare at Leeza as she walked away, then turned toward his mother. “Who knows?”

  “Are you all right?” Heather asked with concern, as they took their seats.

  Her features relaxing into a genuine smile, Miranda patted Heather’s hand. “Yes, thank you.”

  Justin watched as she turned and looked at the crowd, her gaze coming to rest on Daniel Smythe. His curiosity about the man intensified.

  “It’s a nice turnout, isn’t it?” Miranda offered.

  Heather assured her it was. “I’m very impressed with the charity you’re involved with,” she said, wanting Miranda to know that she understood why the woman supported such a worthy cause.

  Miranda tilted her
head as her gaze met Justin’s. “I made a terrible choice all those years ago. If I had to do it again, I would face my father’s disappointment, and I would have kept you and Emma.”

  He placed his hand over hers without saying anything. It was his way of giving her comfort without using words. Another bit of peace filled a corner of his heart as silence settled between them.

  Miranda glanced across the room again, and her brows lifted. “Is that Michelle dancing with Storm?”

  Justin followed her gaze. “Michelle who?” he asked, spotting Storm Pierce across the room. In his arms was an attractive raven-haired woman.

  “My friend, Michelle Guillaire. She’s a wedding planner.” She turned toward Heather. “I’m sorry. Has Justin told you about Storm?”

  Heather searched her memory, trying to recall what connection Storm Pierce had with the family. “I think so.”

  “Justin’s uncle, Cameron, who’s deceased now, had three illegitimate children that we also recently found out about. Along with Justin and Emma, they are also heirs of the Fortune family,” she explained.

  “Oh, yes, he did mention them,” Heather answered, remembering the conversation she’d had with Justin about Cameron’s children.

  Miranda nodded, then smiled happily at them both. “I’m so glad you could come.”

  “We’ve enjoyed spending the evening with you, but I have to confess, I’m very tired.” Heather sighed, then looked at Justin. It had been a long day. “I’m ready to call it a night. How about you?” she asked.

  He nodded in agreement and stood, then helped her to her feet. “Thank you for inviting us, Miranda,” he said.

  His mother stood along with them. “Thank you for coming.”

  Justin leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  Heather eyed the hot tub, as she and Justin entered the suite. As yet, she hadn’t indulged in using it, though he had several times since she’d been there. She felt all mixed up inside and needed to relax. The idea of soaking for a few minutes was awfully tantalizing.

  Justin noticed the direction of her gaze. “Why don’t you get ready for bed?” he suggested.

  “I think I will.” She gave the hot tub another long look, then headed to the bedroom.

  While Heather was changing, Justin turned on the jets to the hot tub, hoping to romance his wife and tempt her to join him. He made a quick call to room service for some wine, promising a large tip if they delivered it immediately. He found some candles in one of the drawers and lit them, setting them strategically near the mirrored walls. They gave the room a soft glow as he dimmed the lights.

  Moments later, there was a soft tap at the door, and Justin accepted the wine and glasses, then gave the man from room service a hundred dollar bill.

  After he poured them each a glass and placed them by the hot tub, Justin tapped on the bedroom door. Heather didn’t answer, so he figured she was in the bathroom. He quickly changed his clothes. He was tempted to slip into the hot tub naked, but he didn’t intend to seduce his wife tonight. When she was ready, she would come willingly to him. However, he wasn’t beyond using every means at his disposal to charm her.

  He was in the water when Heather walked back into the room wearing her lavender robe. Her auburn hair glowed in the flickering light of the candles, setting off its vibrant color. She looked at him with a mixture of envy and trepidation.

  Justin lifted his wineglass and sipped from it. “Care to join me?”

  Heather studied him. He looked so relaxed. She was tempted beyond words, but she wasn’t sure about allowing herself to become vulnerable to him. Saying no to him last night had been difficult. She wasn’t sure she could do it again.

  The steam rising from the water beckoned to her, and she couldn’t resist sharing the intimacy with him. “I’m not getting in there naked,” she declared, in case he was expecting her to.

  “I promise I’m not naked, sweetheart,” Justin replied, though he wanted to be. He wanted them both naked. He grinned and his dimple winked at her. “Come on in.”

  Nine

  Heather stared at him, and her control and willpower slipped another notch. She wavered for a few moments between need and sanity, and need finally won. “All right. I’ll be right back,” she said, giving in to the desire to soak in the hot sudsy water. She left the room and quickly changed into her bathing suit, then returned to join him, thankful he’d turned the lights down. She didn’t want him to see the few tiny stretch marks on her body, a telling sign of her recent pregnancy.

  Sighing appreciatively, she sank into the tub, then leaned back to relax. “Oh, my.”

  Justin studied her. “See what you’ve been missing?” he said, teasing her as his gaze slid over her shoulders, then lower where the water covered her bikini. She looked naked even though she wasn’t. An ache began beneath his belly.

  Heather stared at her husband, and the thought hit her that she’d been missing a lot. Her heart gave a jump as his seductive eyes captured hers.

  “Mmm…you’re right.” She reached for the glass of wine he’d poured her and noticed the rose beside it. “Oh, Justin.” His gesture sent a thrill through her heart.

  “Remember when we first met? You always smelled like roses. I loved being near you.”

  Heather cocked her head at him. “That’s what you remember the most about when we first met?”

  He grinned mischievously. “That and wanting to get you into bed.” He could see the blush rise to her face through the steam.

  “You certainly didn’t waste any time trying,” she reminded him, her smile crooked.

  “I knew you were mine. You just didn’t know it.”

  He touched her leg with his toe, then slowly slid it up her calf. Heather’s heart hammered in her chest from the sudden contact. “Yes, well, you certainly made me aware of it. I didn’t stand a chance, did I?” she asked, not really expecting an answer.

  “You’re all I’ve ever wanted,” Justin murmured, his voice deep. “Come here,” he commanded softly.

  “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” Heather knew she was in trouble. A fire had started deep in the core of her. Justin slid his foot up to her thigh. She felt the fire escalate, sending shafts of need through her.

  He moved a little closer. “I won’t do anything you’re not ready for. I promise.”

  There was that word again, Heather thought speculatively. He’d been making a lot of promises since he’d walked back into her life, and to his credit, he’d kept every one of them. The trouble was, she wasn’t sure she could keep the promise she’d made to herself—not to become physically involved with him too soon.

  Despite her reservations, she found herself moving closer. He slid his hands around her waist and lifted her to him, settling her on her knees, straddling him. Resting her rear on his muscle-hard thighs, she silently stared at him.

  “It feels so good to hold you,” he whispered, then he leaned forward and slowly touched his lips to hers. “To kiss you.”

  Heather slid her arms around his neck as his mouth took hers in a lingering, wet, seductive kiss. Her breasts tightened, her nipples hardening as they met the solid wall of his chest. Without even hesitating, she opened her mouth, and his tongue invaded it, sliding past her teeth and touching hers erotically.

  Sighing with pleasure, she scooted closer to him. As he continued to kiss her, his hands slid down her back and beneath the water to cup her bottom. His finger slid beneath her bathing suit, so achingly close to the most feminine part of her that she moaned under her breath, wanting him to touch her there. Instead, in an instant his hands were on her back.

  She drew away, her face only inches from his, their mouths nearly touching, their breaths intertwined. “Did you plan this?”

  Justin’s gaze never wavered. “What?”

  “The hot tub, the candles, the wine.” She hesitated, then asked, “Did you plan on sleeping with me?”

  “I was hoping,” he admitted, giving her the truth. He wanted her,
and since she was sitting on his lap, she knew it. There was no way he could deny it. He ran his hands along her shoulders and down her arms. She felt like silk, smooth and delicate. “I want you back as my wife, Heather, and that means making love with you. But I’m not going to seduce you if that’s what you’re expecting.”

  Heather tried to swallow but couldn’t. What did that mean? Before she could give it any more thought, he took her mouth in another searing kiss. When he lifted his lips, he whispered, “But you can seduce me. I’m perfectly willing.”

  His provocative suggestion gave her a visual picture of the two of them naked in each other’s arms. There had been many times in the past when she’d done exactly that—seduced him. Practically naked in a thong and sexy bra, she’d met him at the door, once when he’d come home late from work. They’d made love in the hallway, unable to wait until they reached the bedroom.

  Her throat closed tight, restricting her breathing, as she debated the wisdom of giving him her body when she didn’t have the promise of his heart. Seeing her hesitation, he touched her skin with his tongue, sliding it between her breasts and kissing that sensitive area. And Heather wanted more, so much more. She loved him. She knew that now. And she wanted him.

  Eager to relieve the frenzy of emotions controlling her body, she peeled her top off, and her breasts floated freely in the water.

  Justin tested their weight in his hands, then he lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “Are you sure about this?” he asked, not wanting her to be sorry later. He wanted to make love to her with a desperate need he couldn’t even understand, but not at the risk of losing her.

  “I’m sure,” she whispered. “I’ve missed being with you.”

  Justin lifted one of her breasts to his mouth. “Have you missed this?” As he gently sucked on her nipple, he shifted his gaze to her face. Her eyelids drifted shut. Just giving her pleasure made him harder.

  “Yes.” Heather threw her head back, a moan of gratification escaping her mouth as he flicked her nipple with his tongue.