Sweet Summer Days Page 10

  Before she could draw her next breath, he picked her up, carried her into the bedroom and placed her in the center of the bed. She moaned as he kissed his way up her belly, pushing her top up as he went, and finally removing it. He undid the front clasp of her bra and cupped her breasts in his hands, kneading and massaging them. He took one pebbled nipple into his mouth, then the other, while his hand charted a path down her front to the softness between her thighs. Celeste’s hips flew off the bed and she cried out from the exquisite pleasure.

  “Raise up a little, sweetheart.”

  She lifted her hips and he pulled her pants and panties off. Lifting her legs onto his shoulders, Thad skated his tongue up her inner thighs then plunged into her wet heat. Each swipe against the sensitive flesh brought her closer and closer to the edge until an orgasm slammed into her. As she lay gasping for air, he left the bed briefly to undress. His lean, hard body belied his age. Her gaze traveled down his broad chest and flat belly to his full erection sheathed in a condom.

  The mattress dipped as Thad slid in next to her. He lifted her to straddle him and lowered her onto his hard length. “We’re going to take this nice and slow.”

  Celeste shuddered from his words and the feel of him entering her. The leisurely pace he set, along with his deep thrusts drew her further into his sensual web and she lost all sense of time and space. He slowed, then stilled. She whimpered.

  Thad palmed her face and held her gaze. “This isn’t sex, Celeste. This is a man making love to the woman who’s captured his heart.”

  She gasped softly. She was still trying to process his statement when he began moving again. “Thad, I…ohh.” Her words were forgotten as passion took over. No other man had touched her soul this way. Not even her late husband. Celeste leaned down and crushed her mouth to his. A low groan erupted from his throat and he quickened his movements. Abruptly, she broke off the kiss and yelled his name as her body splintered into a million pieces.

  Without missing a beat, Thad switched their positions until she was flat on her back and thrust with long, languid strokes.

  “Thad,” she panted.

  “What, baby? You want more?” He gripped her hips and increased the pace.

  Her cries grew louder and her breathing came in short gasps. The pleasure started low in her belly and spread through her like a wildfire. Celeste came again, seized by sensations so strong she thought she might never be whole again.

  Thad went rigid above her, then threw his head back and let out a guttural groan as he found his own release. “Celeste,” he whispered, his body trembling against hers. He pulled out, collapsed on the bed next to her and held her in his arms.

  Celeste’s heart still raced. He said he wouldn’t stop until she was satisfied, and her only thought: mission accomplished.

  Chapter 11

  Thad glanced over at Celeste bobbing her head to the music Sunday morning and smiled. The past two days had been ones he never thought he would experience. He’d told her he loved her. Not in those exact words, but the sentiment was the same. He could see the same in her eyes whenever she looked at him, sensed it in every touch and kiss. However, she hadn’t reciprocated. For the first time, he started to wonder if he had come on too strong. Thad hadn’t meant to share what lay in his heart so soon, but the words refused to stay buried. He was long past the age of playing games—he never had played them—and he had one goal: make Celeste his…forever.

  “I am loving this music.” Celeste snapped her fingers and gyrated in her seat to the up-tempo piece being played by saxophonist Eric Darius.

  Her movements brought to remembrance the way she had ridden him Friday afternoon. They never did make it out of the room for dinner. He wouldn’t mind a repeat and his groin stirred in agreement. Though she seemed to be enjoying herself, something had changed between last night and this morning. Thad couldn’t put his finger on just what it might be, but he’d seen the brief shadows crossing her face and sensed the tenseness behind the smile. Did she have regrets? Was she feeling as though she had betrayed her late husband? He knew that sometimes happened. Not wanting to speculate further or ruin what had been the best weekend he’d had in years, he stood and pulled Celeste out of her chair to dance along with the other people already on their feet. The smile she gave him went straight to his heart. Yes, he loved her, and he wasn’t going to let her go. Not without a fight. They would work through whatever was bothering her.

  During the next break, they made their way to the exit. He had already checked out of the hotel and the two of them agreed to leave for LA earlier to avoid some of the traffic. They rode the first several miles in companionable silence, the only sounds coming from the music flowing through the speakers. “Did you enjoy yourself?”

  Celeste rolled her head in his direction. “I more than enjoyed myself. This was the best weekend I’ve had in a very long time.”

  “Same here. Is everything okay?” He glanced over at her briefly.

  “Of course. Why?”

  “I don’t know. This morning you seemed a little down.”

  She waved him off. “Sad that the weekend is over, that’s all.”

  She said the words, but they didn’t sound convincing to his ears. Again, he wondered if him revealing his emotions had put her off. He opened his mouth to ask and his cell rang. Thad engaged the Bluetooth.

  “Hey, Unc,” Brandon said when Thad answered.

  “Hey, Brandon. What’s up?”

  “Faith is in labor and we’re on the way to the hospital.”

  “She isn’t due for another two weeks.”

  “I guess your grandchild is a little anxious to get here,” he said with a chuckle.

  Thad’s heart rate increased. He likely wouldn’t get to LA for another couple of hours and he didn’t know if he’d be able to handle not getting there in time. “We’re on our way back from San Diego, so I can’t be there right away.”

  “Don’t worry, Dad. The baby and I will be here whenever you arrive,” Faith said.

  “How are you doing, baby girl?”

  “Can’t say the past two hours have been a picnic, but I’m okay. Just be careful driving back.”

  “I will. I love you, Faith.”

  “Love you, too.” She groaned.

  Brandon came back on the line. “I’ll call you once we get checked in.”

  “Please do.” Thad disconnected, his worry mounting.

  Celeste placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Do you want me to drive? You look like a nervous wreck.”

  “No, I’m fine. Just praying that she and baby will be alright.”

  “I’m sure they will be. Two weeks isn’t too early.” She reached for his hand.

  Thad held on to it for the rest of the nearly three-hour drive. “You don’t mind going to the hospital, do you?”

  “Not at all. I know you’re anxious to be with your daughter. I’ll be fine.”

  “Thank you.” He parked in the lot and they hurried inside. Brandon had called thirty minutes ago to let him know that Faith still had a ways to go, but was hanging in there. He had also told Thad Nolan and DeAnna were in the hospital waiting room. Thad sent a quick text to Nolan.

  A minute later, Nolan rounded the corner. The two men shared a rough hug. Nolan turned to Celeste and kissed her cheek. “It’s good to see you again, Celeste.”

  “Good to see you, too. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks. This will be number four. Do you come from a big family?” he asked as he started walking.

  “Not too big. I have one sister. Why?”

  “I have to warn you. The Grays are big on family. I have five children and all are married. And they’re all here.”

  Thad laughed and placed his arm around Celeste’s shoulders. “They’re a lively bunch and can be a tad bit overwhelming, but the love is genuine.”

  “Dee has already told everyone about you, so be prepared because they are all anxious to meet Uncle Thad’s new lady,” Nolan said with a wink.
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  Celeste’s eyes widened and her steps slowed. “You didn’t tell me I’d have to be interrogated, Thad.”

  He kissed her temple. “It’ll be fine. I promise,” he added at her skeptical look.

  DeAnna rushed over to greet them as soon as they entered the waiting room. She hugged Celeste. “Hey, Celeste. How was the jazz festival?”

  “It was fabulous.” Celeste glanced around the room, then back at Thad.

  Thad smiled. Every eye in the room had turned their way and all their expressions bore a look of curiosity as they called out affectionate greetings. He escorted Celeste over to where they sat. “This is Celeste Williams.” He introduced her to everyone.

  Siobhan, the oldest, rose from her seat and embraced Celeste. “We’re so happy to meet you. Uncle Thad is special and I’m glad he’s found you. We’ll be having a family dinner at my parent’s house two Sundays from now, so Uncle Thad will let you know the time and bring you.”

  “That’s very nice of you to offer, but—” Celeste started.

  “Oh, we’re all family, so of course you have to come. If you need anything, just let Unc know. He has my number. You’ll be there, right?”

  “I—”

  “Great.” Siobhan gave her another quick hug and sat down.

  Thad chuckled at the stunned look on Celeste’s face. “Sorry, babe. Siobhan is the PR director for the company. She’s very good at what she does.” He gestured her to a seat.

  “I’ll say.” Celeste sat. “This is a really big family,” she whispered. “You’re their uncle? I thought you said you and Nolan were friends.”

  “We are. I’ve been part of their lives from the time they were born, so they think of me as family.” In a way, Thad was glad she had been able to meet all of them. If things worked out the way he planned, Celeste would become part of this family, as well.

  She patted his hand. “From the way they all greeted you, I can tell they love you a lot.”

  He glanced around the room at the faces of the children he used to carry on his shoulders and his heart swelled. “I love them, too.” However, nothing compared to the love he had for his daughter. As the minutes and hours passed, Thad found it hard to sit still. He had been out of the country when Faith was born, and the same helplessness he’d experienced then, seemed to magnify now. A touch on his hand drew him out of his thoughts.

  “Babies tend to have their own timetables, and I’m sure Faith is doing just fine.”

  Thad kissed Celeste’s hand. “I know. I just hate being out here and not knowing what’s going on. Having you here with me means the world.” Movement across the room caught his attention. Brandon stood in the doorway with a broad smile. Thad jumped up and rushed over, along with everyone else.

  Brandon held up a hand to quiet all the questions being thrown his way. “We have a healthy baby girl. Mom and baby are doing fine.” He shook his head, a look of amazement on his face.

  “When can we see them?” DeAnna asked.

  “Faith wants to see her dad first. Then we can do a couple at a time.” Brandon clapped Thad on the shoulder. “Unc, she did good. Real good.”

  “Thank God,” was all Thad could manage. He faced Celeste.

  “Go be with your daughter. Congratulations, Grandpa.”

  Grandpa. The word filled him with pride. He nodded and followed Brandon down the hall.

  Brandon stopped at a door and pushed it open. “Go on in. I’ll wait out here.”

  Thad looked up at the young man who used to fit in his arms, but now eclipsed Thad’s height by a good four inches. “I’m proud of you, Brandon, and even prouder to call you my son.”

  “The feeling is mutual, Unc.” He embraced Thad, then gestured him inside.

  Thad had no words for the intense emotions that gripped him the moment he saw Faith cradling his granddaughter in her arms. He crossed the room and bent to kiss Faith’s forehead. “How’s my favorite girl?” He sat on the chair that had been placed next to the bed.

  Faith gave him a tired smile. “Exhausted.” She glanced down at the tiny bundle and stroked a finger down the baby’s cheek. “But she was worth every second of pain. Dad, meet your granddaughter, Zola Sharee Gray.” She carefully transferred the baby to Thad.

  Tears of joy blurred his vision as he stared at the small face that reminded him so much of Faith. “Welcome to the world, Zola.” He placed a gentle kiss on her smooth brown cheek. “She’s absolutely beautiful and looks like you.”

  Faith chuckled. “Make sure you tell Brandon that. He swears she looks like him. She does have her daddy’s eyes.”

  Zola studied Thad curiously, her light brown eyes an exact match to her father’s. Thad couldn’t stop staring at her. “Does your mom know she’s here?”

  “Yes. Brandon called her. They’re going to fly down in a couple of weeks.”

  “I figured Francis would be on the first flight out.”

  She smiled. “She would’ve been if I hadn’t asked her to wait. I told her I wanted Brandon and I to have some bonding time before she camped out at the house.”

  A pang of disappointment hit him at the thought of not being able to see Zola for the next two weeks.

  “I also wanted you to have some extra bonding time before having to share her with everybody.” Faith laid a hand on his arm. “I know it won’t make up for everything you’ve missed, but Brandon and I agree that you can visit as often as you like during these two weeks. We’re restricting the rest of the family,” she added with a wry smile.

  His daughter was going out of her way to make up for something she had no part in. Thad tried to speak around the lump in his throat, but could only nod. He held Zola a moment longer. “I guess I should let Nolan and Dee in before she has my head.”

  “You’re right. My mother-in-law isn’t the most patient person when it comes to things like this, but in a good way. I love you, Daddy.”

  Thad stilled. She had never called him Daddy before, just Dad. Hearing it made his heart swell. “And I love you, Faith. You are my heart.” He stroked a tender hand over her forehead and placed a soft kiss there. “I’ll see you later.” He smiled as he left. His world couldn’t be more perfect than if he had planned it himself.

  Monday, Celeste sat across from Deborah at a café near Deborah’s job.

  “Well? Don’t keep me in suspense. How was it?”

  “Can’t I even order first?”

  “Multitask. We’ve been here several times and you almost always order the same tostada salad and iced tea, so out with it.”

  Celeste lowered the menu. “We had a great time and I had a chance to see many of my favorite music artists all in one place.” The weekend in San Diego played over in her head, particularly some of the more intimate moments and the second visit to the beach Saturday evening. It was then that Thad had told her he loved her. He’d hinted at it during lovemaking the previous day, but hearing him say those three little words while standing on the beach under a star-studded clear sky had melted her heart.

  “I know Thad enjoyed that sexy nightgown we picked out.”

  She pretended to study her menu. The short, revealing scrap of silk had never made it out of the suitcase. She glanced up to see Deborah staring at her with a knowing smile.

  “The fact that you’re silent tells me one of two things. One, you slept in separate beds—which I highly doubt—or two, Thad is the man and you didn’t even think about that gown.” When Celeste didn’t say anything, Deborah laughed. “Just as I thought. Thad is the man.

  Celeste took a hasty glimpse over her shoulder. “Can we not talk about this in public? Somebody might hear you.”

  She waved a hand. “Girl, it’s only sex. People do it all the time, and now so do you.”

  Celeste frowned. “You make it sound like some one-night stand or casual hook-up, and that’s not how it is.” The words left her mouth before they registered in her brain. She didn’t want her sister to know the depths of her emotions. Celeste hadn’t made sense
of them herself and, with her potential diagnosis hanging over her head, they wouldn’t matter.

  “You love him,” Deborah said simply.

  “What? I didn’t say anything about love.” The server came to take their order.

  Deborah waited until the young man walked away. “You don’t have to, sis. I can see it all over your face and hear it in your voice whenever you mention his name. I am so happy for you.”

  Celeste’s cell rang and interrupted her response. She dug it out of her purse, saw Thad’s name on the display and debated whether to let it go to voicemail.

  “Go ahead and answer it.”

  If she chose not to, Deb would want an explanation, one Celeste wasn’t ready to give. She connected. “Hey, Thad.”

  Hey, sweetheart.”

  “How’s Zola?” Celeste had met Faith and her little one briefly at the hospital at Faith’s insistence.

  “She’s good. They’ll be going home this evening or in the morning. I’m going to visit tomorrow and I’d like for you to come with me. Faith and Brandon are completely okay with it.”

  Yes, was poised on the tip of her tongue, but she needed to put some distance between them until she knew for sure what she would be facing. “I have a couple of pre-scheduled appointments tomorrow and Wednesday. Maybe I can go another time. Can I call you back? I’m having lunch with Deborah.”

  “Of course. Tell her I said hello. Honey, is there something bothering you?”

  “No, no. I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? I’m starting to worry about you.”

  “Positive. There’s no need to worry.” He seemed to be able to read her like a book.

  “Okay. Just know that I’m here for anything you need.”

  Celeste closed her eyes briefly as her emotions flared. “I know and I appreciate it.”

  “I love you, baby.”

  “I love you, too,” she said softly and hung up.

  “Usually, when two people are in love, they’re excited about spending time together, appointments or not.”

  “I see the oncologist tomorrow.”