He winked as he led her to the first row of cars and a black Honda truck. "I saw you on your way in."

  He held open the door for her, and she hopped onto the passenger side of the long bench seat. "People are snapping our picture."

  "Ignore them. We'll be gone in a minute." He closed her door. She reached over and opened his door for him.

  He scooted behind the wheel. "No one's ever opened my door for me."

  "Strange. It's polite. You held the door for me. It’s not hard to reach over and get yours." She fixed her seatbelt and told her heart not to get involved. Tonight would be just for fun-an adventure. Kiwi always told her to live a little, so for once, she would. Tomorrow she'd just be the simple, hard-working, no fun, normal her again. She inched closer to him and rested her chin on her fist. "So, you drive a truck. What do you do these days? Run an illegal gambling casino?"

  His lips curved into a smile and he glanced at her. "Why would that be your guess?"

  Notorious bad boy who had no conscious was how she remembered Damien. She sighed and shook the thought away, though her hand opened and cupped her cheek. After dinner, her father and Damien had spent hours playing poker. "My father said you were the best card player he'd ever met."

  He pulled her next to him, thigh to thigh. "Your father liked to drink when he played, which gave me an advantage."

  True. Alcohol was his weakness and from the tapes she heard at court, her father had sounded two sheets to the wind drunk. Serenity didn't want to let any more memories in her head that might stop her from enjoying tonight. She traced a finger down Damien's shoulder to his waist. "My father didn't need cards to enjoy his whiskey."

  The taste of his neck from her kiss made her long for more.

  He groaned and she knew he wanted her. His fingertip caressed from her knee to the edge of her thigh-high dress. Her skin felt electrified from his touch. "So, what's your address Serenity?"

  His low voice was a shock to her system and the jolt made her remember they were just leaving the port. She pointed to the South lane highway entrance and scooted away so she could think. "I live in the Grove on the bay."

  He reached out for her and gently tugged her close. "You can put your hands all over me, now; there are no more photographers."

  Her heart beat faster. True. She was taking him home for the night. A bubble of energy coursed through her as she ran her hand up and down his leg. "You want me this close?"

  “Closer.” He drove to the end of 95 and onto Biscayne. Her body temperature heated as she thought about getting him naked. He was all hard muscle under his clothes, and without them, he was probably hotter than any man she'd ever seen. His arm around her shoulder brought his hand to her breast. He shifted uncomfortably but kept his eyes on the road. "I want to see you naked, my Angel, and I've not wanted a woman this bad since college."

  "Lucky me then." She glanced down at his manhood, though she knew that was a stupid way of thinking about the male anatomy, but then she never thought about sex beyond something in a relationship. She shook the thought off and nibbled on his ear and throat.

  He turned toward the Grove and the bay. She felt his hand on her hip, when he said, "You will be. Which complex?"

  Her heart leapt to her throat, leaving her slightly breathless. She pointed toward the water and her condo complex. "The Grove at Grand Bay, just over there."

  "Good. Let's park." His finger went higher, brushing against her underwear.

  Yes, she needed to get him in bed. Now. She directed with her free hand. "Go into the lot. I get a spot and I don't use it."

  She waved at the valet who clicked her in. Damien's voice held a bit of a shock. "You don't have a car?"

  "No. My spot is 2316." Owning a car meant more headache—she’d have to transport it or drive when she could fly. She shrugged. "I walk on nice days or hail a car on my phone. I've had to move four times last year to open spas all over the country."

  He made it to her level and she motioned toward her spot. He turned off the car and his hand went between her thighs. "I'm glad you’re here now."

  "Me too." She ached for far more than his fingers. His kiss must be what drugs were like because she was already addicted. The hardness of his lips was hypnotizing and gave her a hint of what he'd be in bed. All she could do was sigh until he stopped and hopped out of the truck.

  She took his hand and guided him through the maze of the parking garage to the building inside. She pointed to her penthouse and found her extra key hidden under the mat. She saw the wide-eyed look of surprise from the key location, but she ignored it—not in any real danger. The building had security guards. Instead she flipped on her lights and brought him inside. "I live here."

  He strolled in and looked around her living area. Everything was clean and tidy with no mess anywhere, just as she preferred. He turned toward her and pointed toward the corner near the window. "Your place is all white. Is that a water fountain?"

  She loved the sound of trickling water. "Yeah..."

  Yes, it was all white. Simplicity was her motto, and she saw no need to add pops of color or to liven anything up inside her home. She looked around the room until Damien returned to her and immediately unzipped the back of her dress. The hum in her blood was back as she responded, "Ohh."

  "Do you want me to stop?" He reached for the top of her dress to push it down.

  "No."

  A second later, the dress was in a pool at her feet. She stepped out of it and listened to her fast heartbeat. Tonight was all she'd ever have with Damien. She reached for her bra strap and unsnapped it. His eyes widened with approval when she dropped it to the ground. "My bedroom is that way."

  He unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it in the hall across from the living area, but he held the door for her as he unbuckled his belt and pants. He shucked them off and she closed the door behind them. He motioned toward the ceiling with his chin. "Is that blue uplighting?"

  Right. The light glow on her ceiling. Her face felt hot. She'd forgotten about that. She swallowed. "Yeah. I was testing out what works for my spa. I've not taken it down, but they turn off automatically in twenty minutes."

  He kicked aside his clothes and she stared at him. His muscles were hard and sculpted, and his manhood was huge. He gently stroked her and guided her onto her white bed with white sheets in the center of the room. She followed his direction, though he said, "I get to see all of you, with the lights on."

  He leaned on top of her and she felt a rush go through her. At last. She could hardly breathe but she had to tell him. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Damien, be gentle with me. It's been a long time since I-"

  He claimed her lips in a kiss that made her body steam. She was more than ready for him, though he propped up on his elbows slightly. "I won't do anything you don't want me to."

  His hand ran up to her underwear and tugged on it. It was the only material between them now. His hard muscles were one thing, but his erection was definitely bigger than her last boyfriend. He pressed against her and he wasn't even trying as his fingers did all the work of pushing her buttons. She let her head fall back on the pillow. "Keep doing that."

  "You like?" He pushed himself into her.

  A fullness she never felt before overwhelmed her the second he was all the way inside. She felt her muscles stretch to accommodate all of him. She couldn't speak, but moaned, "Mmhmm."

  "You're incredible, Serenity." He pushed inside in a tight rhythm.

  Hot. Wow. Her eyes rolled backwards and she rode on the wave of passion. She felt lost but she somehow heard herself when she said, "Ohh. Yes."

  Damien took control and she let him. Wow. She became part of him and she lost all thoughts other than she was his.

  * * *

  Sunlight streamed on her face and she knew it was morning. She heard a thump of a light step and opened her eyes. Damien already had his pants on.

  She stared at him through half-open eyes. He’d been better than she'd ever imagined. She swallowed and tightened her lids, but he must have seen her peeking. He came next to her on the bed and kissed her forehead. "Serenity, it's okay. Go back to sleep."

  This was how these things must end. She sat up in bed, determined not to make a fuss. Soon, she'd go to work, and this would be a memory. She reached for his hand. "You sneaking out on me?"

  He rose and laced his belt through the loops on his pants. "I didn't want to wake you when I left."

  She took the sheet with her as she stood and walked to her closet. Choosing a soft blue silk robe, she slipped her arms in and tied the rope at her waist. "Damien Morgan, I knew you were a bad boy when I brought you home. I don’t have time for more than one night."

  He crossed his arms and stared at her. She wasn't sure what he saw. There was a hum in her chest as she waited quietly until he said, "I didn’t expect for you to be so understanding about this."

  It wasn't like she could bring him to meet her family, ever. No one needed to know about this. Her life continued on course the second he left her apartment. "I don’t do one night stands, but after you saved me-"

  "No." He interrupted her and shook his head like she’d offended him somehow. "I did what anyone would have done."

  Interesting. He didn't want to be a hero. The thought struck her, but she told herself to let it go. She walked to the bedroom door, opened it and knelt down to pick up his shirt. "Either way, it let me throw my inhibitions to the wind even knowing how you and my father-"

  He took his shirt from her and waited until she straightened. His brown eyes softened from the darkness he usually showed. "I told you—I’m sorry I was involved with any of that."

  Regrets and recriminations wouldn't help her now. She pressed her lips together, but she genuinely forgave him. Damien wasn't the one who had prosecuted her father and he hadn’t created the offshore accounts in her name that the FBI had questioned her for months over. She pasted a smile on her face. "I'll walk you to the door, Damien. I had a great time last night."

  He buttoned his shirt and stood next to her. "You're sweet, Serenity. I wish I was a better man."

  She held out her hand to shake his, but he gently pulled on her waist. Her eyes fluttered. "You are who you are. I am who I am. Don't say goodbye. Say good morning instead."

  "Good morning." He repeated and then took her lips in his for one last kiss. She held him close and smelled the testosterone on his body. She'd never done this and never would again, but Damien was tastier than any sweet that ever passed through her lips.

  Once he was gone, she refused to dwell on their magical evening. It was time to start her day. She locked the door and went to get ready. The sweet memory of last night was only ever going to be that.

  6

  Serenity stared at her spa door from outside on the sidewalk. She could hear the water fountain and see the light spray with the uplighting through the glass door. She clutched her stomach and squared her shoulders.

  There was Kiwi, with her short hair and warm smile, greeting the other staff, all in unisex black uniforms. Her friend and coworker was the only other person in the world who knew.

  Serenity had no idea how she'd tell her mother or sister. Her mother was still recuperating in rehab, but hopefully out soon. Guilt weighed her down. Her mother had to get better. She lifted her chin as she headed inside her spa and walked directly to her office.

  Kiwi immediately followed with that huge warm smile on her face that showed all of her perfectly white teeth. "What did the test say?"

  "You were right, Kiwi. I'm pregnant." Serenity fell into her seat by her white desk. This morning she’d woken up and done the pregnancy test she’d bought last night. The box had said best results were first thing in the morning, so Serenity spent half the night making a list of why she’d be a good mother now and another on why now was a bad idea. On her way out the door, Serenity had thrown the paper in the trash.

  Kiwi poured them both glasses of lemon water from the pitcher she’d prepped on the counter and sat across from her, sliding one over. "From the bags under your eyes, I guessed. Now, what do you plan to do about the father?"

  Nothing. She had no contact information anyhow. She probably could search and find him, but what was the point? Damien had made it clear they were only ever one night. This was her mistake and her gift. She shook her head. "I've not talked to him since then. This was my responsibility and I'll deal with it."

  Camera lights flashed outside the window. They both stood and Serenity fixed her pale blue pencil skirt as Kiwi leaned closer to the window. Serenity glanced at her watch. It was probably Jennifer Gonzales and Matthew Morgan as they had appointments. Kiwi turned around and grinned at her. "Well, we have customers and they look rich."

  Serenity followed Kiwi to the window and inhaled swiftly. "There are our movie stars, leading the group."

  The two women left her office and walked to the lobby. Kiwi relieved the new girl from check-in and sent her to warm the towels as she took her place. Serenity waited by the front door and shook hands with the movie stars as they came inside.

  "Welcome.” Tonight was the premiere of their movie. “We'll have you feeling fabulous for your red carpet walk down the aisle."

  Matthew Morgan, the more clean-cut and photo friendly version of Damien, flashed his million dollar smile at her and nudged one of the other women forward. "Can you give Eva here the star treatment? She recently had a baby and tonight the world is about to discover how great of a talent she is, which means more work."

  The woman turned bright red and shook her head. "Matthew, you don't have to fawn because I’m married to the producer. He already signed you on to his next project."

  "New mothers get special treatment anyhow. Congrats." Serenity shook her hand and then spoke to the group of five. Eva Bishop’s blue eyes and dark brown hair made her seem like she’d play the perfect Wonder Woman on screen. "Welcome to all of you."

  Jennifer enjoyed Calm Serenity and if she spoke about the spa to the press, the Miami branch might turn into her most successful venture.

  Kiwi then said, "We have the masseuse's ready for you, though I have to ask you Mr. Morgan, why in the world would your family reproduce-"

  Serenity’s heart raced. Kiwi was about to announce the pregnancy. She swallowed and stood in front of her, like she might block her.

  "Kiwi, stop," Serenity interrupted and felt heat burning her cheeks. She turned and stared at her friend and hoped her message came across the three feet of space between them. Now wasn’t a good time to announce the pregnancy. She hadn’t even processed what she’d do. "That's enough."

  Kiwi shrugged it off, but then said, "Right. It's not my place. You need to stay far away from all Morgans so it's better I handle this."

  Eva smiled and said, “I was pale and nauseous in my first trimester too. I hope yours isn’t so bad.”

  Oh goodness. Her pregnancy was obvious or was it just to other mothers?

  Matthew Morgan’s expression blanked. Serenity prayed he didn't ask questions. She quickly said, "Kiwi's a great assistant and she knows I'm under the weather today. She was slightly rude though and I apologize for her trying to protect me."

  With those clear brown eyes of his, Matthew stared at her and asked, "Are you pregnant, Serenity?"

  The burning sensation wasn't just in her face anymore. Her entire body grew hot and she averted her gaze. "You're here for a massage, not my life."

  He crossed his hands and for one second his brown eyes were just like Damien's. "I'm taking that as a yes."

  Great. She wasn't ready for Damien or his family. She shifted her position but kept her head down, praying that he somehow disappeared and this wasn’t happening. "Please don't tell anyone."

  "I can't promise anything that involves my family."

  She'd have also defended her sister. Instead she motioned for him to join his coworkers. "The massage is through those doors to the left."

  Matthew's black shoes disappeared down the hall. She listened for footsteps but when she heard none, she glanced at her friend. "Kiwi, why did you say that?"

  “Because I’m your friend.” Kiwi left the register and came toward her. "That family has more money than the 1% discussed in the news. You need to get yours."

  Her sister and mother would have said the same thing to her. Actually, her sister would be using a Morgan baby as a negotiating tool for their father's release. Serenity rested her hand on her stomach. She wanted this baby to know love and not be used as a pawn. She swallowed as tears formed in her eyes. "I lost everything once to the Morgans. I won't lose ground now. This was my choice. My mistake and I'm going to have this baby all by myself."

  Kiwi hugged her and Serenity let a few tears fall while Kiwi said, "And I support you. If Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome returns to you though, be prepared on how you'll explain that choice. He has money to help make this baby's life a lot easier."

  Serenity stepped back. If Damien showed up, she'd tell him to leave. Her baby was her choice. "He isn’t a factor in my decision. He's not here and hasn't been."

  Kiwi motioned for the cashier to return to her station and walked with Serenity to the office. "Let's get you a drink of water."

  Matthew Morgan had probably already texted or called his brother in the next room. Her heart thundered. She'd have to convince him to hold his tongue if she could and she hoped she wasn't too late. She shook her head and stopped by the guest doors. "Don't go all protective on me now, Kiwi. I have to go check on our guests."

  "You mean you want to talk to Matthew Morgan, and convince him to keep quiet," Kiwi said as Serenity turned to go.

  She nodded and pivoted to see Kiwi head to her office. "He's the one that would tell Damien and I can't let him."