Stalemate Read online

  “What can I say, they have refined tastes.”

  The clerk rang up everything the placed a sticker on and the baby clothes. It wasn’t expensive to him, but he saw the look on Isa face when she heard the final price. She nodded and made a note of her half in the memo section of her phone and Bryce could practically see her adding in her head. He had no doubt that her half was two paychecks or more from the Navy, especially now that she was out on medical leave. What she didn’t know was that he spoke to the clerk when she was changing and paid for the entire purchase. When Isa sent the rest, he would take the refunded money and put it in an account. She could use it or save it for the twins, depending on what she wanted to do. He’d tell her later on when he cemented their relationship and she wouldn’t take offense.

  “Let’s go get you fed,” he said. “They’ll deliver later in the week.”

  “Yes, sir, we can have it there on Friday. It’s a big delivery, so you may be the first and only stop before the drivers come back,” the clerk said. “Have a safe and blessed birth, Ms. Croix.”

  “Thank you,” Isa said, and walked past Bryce as he held the door open. She spoke in a low tone to him on the way out. “By the way, that kiss made me entirely wet.”

  Well damn, he thought with a happy grin, and let the door close. That comment alone made the trip worthwhile. On the way home, he held her hand, feeling like they’d finally hit a new plateau in their relationship. Maybe its smooth sailing from here, he thought.

  * * * *

  Isa walked from the kitchen into the hallway with a bowl filled with dessert. She was comfortable in her old ratty bathrobe, two socks that didn’t match, the wide pajama bottoms, and men’s Navy t-shirt she wore. She’d eaten the healthy meal prepared by Marjorie and now she was partaking in strawberry cake topped with something the cook called ambrosia. It was whipped cream and fruit mixed together, but it was delicious. It’s amazing the simple things taste the best, she thought as she went into the family room. Isa sat down on the chair and picked up the remote to the wide screen TV that was on the wall. It had to be custom made. It was one of those new smart TVs with the curved edges, and she estimated it to be at least seventy-two inches.

  She pressed the button and began to run through the channels, stopping on one of the entertainment networks. Isa wished she hadn’t because Bryce was front and center as they showcased the gala. Wearing a black tux with a bowtie, he looked dashing and sexy as hell. He’d left in a casual shirt and slacks so he had to have changed there. Probably because he didn’t want me to feel bad I wasn’t going, she thought. He was rich, after all, so the man probably had tuxes in many a suite he owned at any hotel around the world.

  The lights flashed back and forth. The red carpet was filled with glitz and glamour. But that wasn’t what took away the taste of food she’d taken a bite of and turned it to dust on her tongue. It was the fact that Bryce stood there with his arms around a willowy brunette.

  The woman was wearing a slinky dress that was cut so you could see entirely too much of her cleavage, and she played with his bowtie in a flirty way for the camera. She could call that all for show, and understand that people have to play it up for the camera, but the brunette turned and kissed Bryce and the crowd cheered. The kiss went on and she had enough of watching. Hurt filled her chest. After all he’d said today, all he asked of her especially trust. There he was, kissing someone else on TV for the whole world to see.

  Isa wasn’t going to be fooled twice, not even caring at that point. She went upstairs and grabbed her purse and cell phone. She called a cab and left for the only place she ever felt safe that was actually hers—the apartment. She took the stairs carefully and unlocked the door. Silence greeted her, not Tawny dancing around cooking jambalaya, not the sound of the TV and the smell of the potpourri that they always bought. It was empty, even though their furniture was still there. Probably a good thing we never put it on the market, she thought as she closed and locked the door.

  Isa rubbed her stomach absently as the babies within her kicked as if to show their disapproval of her choice. Jealousy led to hurt, but she wasn’t stupid and she didn’t think she was overreacting. A man like Bryce probably got dressed in a hotel suite he owned because he planned to spend some naked time with the brunette later. Wasn’t that how the rich led their lives? The little woman at home taking care of the children while they were out painting the town red? As long as the money came in wifey shouldn’t complain right? Isa swiped tears that had begun to fall angrily. She hated feeling this way and she sure as shit didn’t need his money. He could play with his fancy friends and she would stay who she always was—Isa Croix, a survivor. Still, the thought made her cry harder. They’d made a cast of her belly and today had felt right. What she thought was a solid foundation for a life with their children meant nothing.

  “What do you expect? You guys barely kiss and he obviously has an appetite for the women,” she muttered.

  Isa lay in her bed and pulled the covers up over her well-worn bathrobe. She pressed her face into her pillow, remembering the first night she was home. Tawny had opened the curtains and woke her up. She’d felt happiness knowing she would be stable on land for the first time since joining the Navy. The babies tossed and kicked within her and she ran her hand over her stomach lovingly. They were her heart, her reason for living now. Isa began to sing a soft lullaby and continued till she fell asleep.

  She woke up to pounding on her door, the sound so loud she sat up with a gasp. At first it took her a moment to realize she wasn’t in the room at Bryce’s mansion, but her own apartment. Isa looked at her phone. It was after two in the morning and there was a list of missed calls from Bryce. There was no doubt who was at the door.

  Isa got up slowly, wondering how he got through the gate. It was either let him in or deal with the cops if someone called because of the noise. Last thing she needed was to deal with a police car in front of her apartment. When she opened the door, Bryce was still wearing the tux she’d seen him in on TV. The bowtie the brunette played with was open and handing down on the crisp white shirt. Isa thought she could even smell a hint of female perfume.

  “Mind telling me why you’re here and I come home to find you gone?” Bryce strode into the apartment.

  “I locked that gate before I came up,” Isa commented.

  “I broke the lock,” Bryce answered. There was no apology in his voice and she doubted she was getting one. “I’ll have it fixed tomorrow, so why the hell aren’t you home?”

  “I figured you’d need your space for the brunette. You certainly don’t want to explain why the pregnant black chick is coming downstairs for breakfast,” Isa snapped. “Besides, that goliath empty structure isn’t my home.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” he asked in exasperation.

  She looked at him, astonished. “You went to a gala, you were on the red carpet. The brunette who had her tongue so far down your throat she could probably lick your tonsils... Really, Bryce, if you were trying to keep it a secret, don’t kiss a woman in front of the cameras.”

  He flushed. “You saw that.”

  “No, I had a vision in my crystal ball. Of course I saw,” Isa said, and felt tears burn her eyes. “The thing is, you kissed me today, said all those things to make me trust you, and then you decide to tongue wrestle with some socialite.”

  “It wasn’t like that,” Bryce said softly. She saw the anger leave his eyes.

  “Sure,” she said bitterly. “Who wants the fat pregnant black girl on your arm when you have a six-two in heels bombshell? Then have to explain how she got pregnant. I get it, I’m not even five-eight in heels.”

  “She kissed me. Did you see me kiss her back?” Bryce asked. “This is press, and everyone is looking to make some kind of trend statement.”

  “I didn’t see you stop her,” Isa shot back.

  “You also didn’t see me avoid her for the rest of the night. Or the disgust on my face because she tasted like old
cigarettes and baseballs. That can be attested to by many people, including the one reporter from the Good Morning Show who actually teased me about it.” Bryce pulled out his phone. “Should I call him now?”

  “How much does he get for backing up your story?” Isa goaded him.

  Bryce narrowed his eyes and his voice was cold. “I don’t nor ever have worked that way and I sure as hell won’t be starting now. We can’t keep doing this, Isa, one step forward two steps back. Dancing around each other in this emotional chess game when it’s always going to be a stalemate. I’m not running and you can’t either, not anymore. You fucking scared the shit out of me. I thought you were back in the hospital. I called Dr. Allary and he hadn’t be paged....”

  His voice broke and he shook his head, turning away from Isa. Her heart broke seeing a man like Bryce get emotional. She didn’t think he would be worried after the initial problem with her pregnancy. Isa kicked herself in the ass because she knew she hadn’t thought at all. She’d worked on adrenaline and straight up jealousy then ran away from the problem. Or maybe I was hoping he’d chased me. Isa frowned at the thought because she wasn’t that insecure and didn’t play those games. Why had she started now? Instead of being upset with Bryce, she started searching her own inner demons, the ones she’d thought were long buried.

  “Bryce, I’m sorry.” Isa stepped closer and put her hand on his arm. “I wasn’t thinking you’d worry and I was pissed off.”

  “Why wouldn’t you think I would worry?” Bryce placed his hands on her shoulders.

  Isa looked up at him and answered honestly. “Because other than Tawny, in my entire life, no one ever really has. I guess deep down I always had this fear that eventually you’d get tired of pretending you cared for me and the twins and go back to your usual life. Then I could hide behind my walls and say I was proven correct.”

  “Isa, you called the mansion a big empty place in no uncertain terms, and it is cold and empty,” Bryce said. “That night when we were in there was the first time I’d been in that family room in months. But it felt warm and alive, like what my parents had when I was growing up. I felt used and betrayed when I found out you used Tawny’s name. But then when you said you were pregnant, a sense of elation bubbled up inside me, even though I was angry and my pride was bruised.”

  “Why?” Isa whispered.

  “Because, now that empty house would be filled with warmth and the sound of laughter and happiness in all corners. It would resound through the halls and there would be toys on the floor and pancakes with chocolate chip faces in the kitchen.” Bryce grinned. “I always wanted siblings, and here you are giving me twins so they won’t ever have to play or feel alone. I pushed for a wedding because I was trying to seal the deal so you couldn’t leave and we wouldn’t live apart. I admit now it was a bullish way to do things, but the sentiment remains the same. I want you, I want a family with you, and that’s the truth.”

  “So she tasted like cigarettes and baseballs?” Isa teased. “Who was she anyway?”

  “And a hint of tuna.” Bryce grimaced. “It took two glasses of champagne and the disgusting taste of caviar to get it gone. She’s the daughter of some real estate tycoon with old money to back him. She sees herself as a starlet, singer and actress when she is none of those things. I think people put up with her for her father’s money.:

  “Wow, a billionaire who doesn’t like expensive raw sea eggs. You are a mystery, Bryce.”

  “I’m also eccentric. I like my socks from Target instead of argyle and I eat McDonalds.” He pulled her close.

  “I’m sorry to tell you, that’s not being eccentric, it’s called everyday life,” she replied with a smile.

  Bryce kissed her nose. “See, I wasn’t letting her lick my tonsils. I was trying not to gag.”

  “I get it, I get it, I’m sorry.” The babies kicked hard and Bryce laughed. “They are telling me to say it again.”

  “Good boys, they are getting strong.” Bryce laughed huskily.

  “They could be girls,” she pointed out with a smile.

  “I think they are also saying that their mother should kiss me,” Bryce said huskily.

  “I think we can do more than that,” Isa said throatily, and took his hand to lead him to the bedroom.

  “Are you sure? Are you cleared medically for—”

  “Ben cleared me about eight weeks ago.”

  Bryce shook his head. “I wish you wouldn’t call him Ben. I feel like he wants to be more familiar with you.”

  “More familiar that seeing my hoo-hah when two babies pop out in a few months?” Isa teased.

  “Not a good picture in my head. I don’t like him,” Bryce practically growled.

  “Honey, there is nothing to worry about. Ben asked me about Tawny a few weeks ago at my last appointment.” Isa laughed.

  “Alright then I’ll resist the urge to break his legs.” Bryce kissed her hungrily.

  Isa gasped as he ran his hands down her body. “Yes, let’s not break the legs of the man who has to deliver or children.”

  Bryce leaned his head down to hers and Isa put her hand on his chest.

  “Before we even go there, tell me you brushed your teeth after the bad-breathed bitch kissed you?”

  “Twice at home and gargled with mouthwash,” Bryce answered.

  “Okay, then you can continue kissing me, and the next time, I’ll be with you to punch any unsavory types coming at my man,” Isa said with a smile.

  “I should’ve taken you in the first place.”

  She pressed her body against him. “I’m glad you see that.”

  “Do you know how hot I’ve been for you?” Bryce cupped her cheek and kissed her hard. “Your body, full with life, our children, your skin so smooth and sexy. I’ve been thinking about you since that first night and I’ve wanted you more each day.”

  Isa stood on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck. “No more doubts or insecurities. If you want me and this is about us, then I’m yours, Bryce.”

  His answer was a kiss that seared her senses and caused gooseflesh along her skin. To Isa, the connection she felt to Bryce was back and stronger than ever. He locked his fingers with hers as they stood in the middle of the room and kissed. Bryce pulled away only long enough to push her bathrobe of her shoulders and undressed her slowly. The moonlight spilled through the slat of the French doors that led to her small balcony. The beams caressed her skin as she stood there, gloriously naked, her stomach full of life and open to Bryce’s hungry gaze. Isa covered her breasts with her hand and Bryce pulled it away.

  “No.” His voice was a husky rasp. “Don’t hide yourself from me. I want a mental picture of you like this to treasure forever.”

  “I’m so big already,” Isa protested.

  “Carrying our children, you’re gloriously sexy to me. Don’t forget that,” Bryce said as he stripped his shirt off. “Any man who can’t look at his woman while she’s pregnant and see nothing but beauty is an asshole.”

  Isa stepped back into his arms willingly. “You say the nicest things.”

  Their lips met again, and soon her breathing was thick with desire. He settled her on the bed gently before he finished undressing, and she watched him with appreciation. His body was lean and his abs pronounced. The man was built for all kinds of sexy fantasies and she wanted to try every one she could think of with him. She thought about all the desires they could fulfill together after the babies were born. Isa bit her lip as he moved towards her. His thick cock was already hard and proud between his legs.

  “Now to please my lady,” Bryce said as he crawled onto the bed.

  He trailed around the dark areola of her nipple and she could feel it harden to an aroused peak in response. He moved his hand lower to her stomach and ran it in wide circles as he lowered his head to her breast and took her nipple into his mouth.

  “That feels so good,” she gasped as he drew it deeper.

  “I think I want to go further down.” He presse
d his mouth to her round belly and the babies kicked in response. “I hope they don’t know what we’re doing.”

  “They’re responding to your voice,” Isa explained. “Don’t stop.”

  “I wasn’t planning on it,” Bryce murmured.

  He came back to her lips and they shared a kiss that, to Isa, sealed the promise of their lives together. Isa moaned under the onslaught of his lips and tongue and reached between them to stroke his engorged cock.

  “It’s always going to be you, Isa,” he murmured.

  “I’m happy with that because it’s only you for me.” Her voice was soft.

  “There’s nothing in this world more beautiful than you right now. All I could think about at that gala was coming home to you.”

  “Make love to me,” Isa pleaded. “Make me feel like that first night.”

  “This will be even better because we know who we truly are and what we want now.”

  Isa caressed his face. “I like that.”

  “You are that very special part of my life, but now is not for talking. I’m going to show you how I feel,” he said.

  “Yes, please.”

  Her words ended on a low moan as he took her nipple in his mouth again. His other hand massaged her other full breast that had become heavier with pregnancy in preparation of feeding the twins. Her lips were swollen from his kisses and she panted in response to touch, shifting restlessly as arousal coursed through her. The deep rumble of his groan came from his chest and he cupped his hand around hers on his shaft and moved it gently, silently begging her to stroke him. Isa took up the rhythm and was rewarded by the feel of his pre cum on her hand. He cupped her mound between her legs and delved his finger between the lips of her sex to rub her clit gently. The action sent pleasure coursing through her core and she lifted her hips in response.

  “Oh, God, yes, I want to feel you inside me now,” Isa moaned.

  “Not yet, darling.” He chuckled. “It’s been so long since we were together. I want to learn your body all over again.”

  He kissed his way down her body and pushed her legs apart almost slowly. “I want to taste you.”