Another grin escaped, and unfortunately Marnie thought it was for her. She moved in closer to Sierra and ran a finger down her arm; Sierra patted her hand absently, but her concentration was aimed at the scene going on. Despite Mrs. Bridgewater’s pout of disappointment, the woman had then reached into her purse and pulled out a hotel key card. Sierra could hardly blame her for trying, but the only one who would taste that man’s sexual prowess was going to be her.
“I need to go to the woman’s washroom.” Marnie’s low voice cut into Sierra’s plotting. “I will be right back.” Sierra had tilted her head, and she smothered a gleeful grin as a plan materialized.
“I’ll come with you.”
She gestured for Marnie to lead the way, but when Marnie brushed by her as they left the bar, Sierra twisted, pretending to lose her footing from the contact. Being so close to her target, Mrs. Bridgewater, it wasn’t difficult to spill the martini across the woman’s arm and the bodice of her dress. The brunette squeaked in surprise and a strong, warm hand steadied Sierra.
She watched as Marnie paused, a look of guilty horror on her face. “Oh my God, I am so sorry!” Marnie had gasped,no doubt flustered at how a small bump caused such “chaos.” Sierra could barely contain her satisfaction as Marnie took the fall. “Please, ma’am, let me help you clean up.” Though huffing and upset, Mrs. Bridgewater allowed Marnie to escort her to the washroom.
“So sorry, Sierra, I will be back. Order yourself another drink.” Marnie said to her over her shoulder before refocusing her attention on Mrs. Bridgewater.
The sharp sound of slow claps had cut through her satisfaction, and Sierra faced the man who now stared at her sardonically.
Chapter 8
As they neared the shore, the boat began to pitch about harder. Jacob planted his feet on the deck, using the muscles in his calves and legs to keep himself from flying out of the seat.
The different waves of turbulence, as he travelled on the water, reminded him of his marriage to Sierra.
Certain parts it was calm, then the waves and winds would pick up and then the heavy beat of the rain, shrouding everything, making it difficult at times to see. Then the thunder and lightning until everything settled back down to begin all over again.
Sierra was like this tempest, and he should not have been surprised because she loved watching the effects of a good thunder and lightning storm. Kaitlyn in that respect was like her mother—she also enjoyed storms, and he would place a blanket down on their living room floor by the big bay windows for her to watch. Her face always alight with excitement.
He smiled, remembering the last one they watched together. She had thrown herself into his arms and then peered around to continue watching.
“That was a loud one, Daddy.”
Her eyes and mouth opened wide when the lightning danced across the sky.
“Wow daddy, look at that. Lightning in the clouds.” Her little chubby finger pointed out the glass balcony doors.
He’d leaned down and kissed her forehead, and she snuggled against his chest, eventually getting sleepy in his arms as the storm began to pass.
“Do other kids like storms like me, Daddy? Will I meet them in kindergarten?”
She looked up at him sleepily, her lids drooping.
“I don’t know, pumpkin, we will have to wait and see when you go to school. But I am sure there are little ones like you who love a good storm, your mo—” He’d clammed up suddenly and looked down to see if she had noticed him almost mentioning her mother, but she was fast asleep. He sighed, tucking her closer under his chin.
Sometimes during times like this he wondered what their other child would have been like, more like him or Sierra or in-between.
When he had found out that she was pregnant, a part of him wasn’t surprised. Their relationship was hot and steamy; they were unable to keep their hands off each other. He had forgotten on several occasions to wear a condom.
His luck had run out when she showed him the blue stick, following up with her practiced pretty speech.
Jacob, I’m pregnant, I swear I didn’t plan this. I forgot to take my birth control pills that week because I had been sick.” Her fingers clasped tight around the stick.
He just sat there staring at her in silence; she moved closer to him in the office, coming around his desk to almost stand at his side, laying the stick down on his desk so he could continue to see the two lines.
“I don’t want to abort the baby.” He watched as Sierra lifted her chin and firmed her mouth. “I don’t want to be a single mother.” She’d turned solemn dark brown eyes on him. “But I already love this baby and will be a good mother to him or her.” She cupped both hands on her flat stomach and somethingprimal and protective washed over him as he envisioned her belly growing with this child.
“I will take care of the baby on my own and I am releasing you of any obligation. In time, I hope I will meet someone who will love us both and be a father to the baby.”
Anger flooded through him that she thought he would not want to be there for his child. He interrupted abruptly. “Jesus Christ, Sierra, of course I will take responsibility for our child and you.”
Her face had lit up, then she frowned. “What do you mean responsibility for me? Like we co parent and you are responsible for the care of our child? Or marriage?” She’d edged closer and he could smell the perfume she was wearing. It was one he had bought for her because he liked the scent. Just having her close now, his body was reacting; images of her breasts and tummy swollen kept popping into his mind, making it difficult for him to think. And then jealousy raged through him at the thought of another man touching her pregnant belly or her and his child. He was not ready to let her go, and it looked like he never would now.
He didn’t like the hold she had over him.
