One More Second Chance, page 9
“You sure?” Nadine eyed her skeptically.
Phoenix tried not to squirm. “Yes, Mom.” She smiled. “I’m fine.”
“If you say so.” Nadine picked up her glass and finally sipped her mimosa.
“Are you sure, baby girl?” Christopher asked again.
“Yes, Daddy. I’m sure.” Phoenix smiled, hoping it would convince him. She could never tell them about the thoughts she had about Carter. They would think she had lost her mind. They didn’t know what she knew.
Christopher and Nadine looked at each other and then back at the girls.
After breakfast everyone met in one of the hotel’s conference rooms to greet the rest of their family and friends. Phoenix, Savannah, Maya and Ivy went for a spa visit to get their hair and nails freshly done for the wedding. Phoenix’s villa was the designated bridal party’s headquarters. After the spa the girls met there with their dresses and accessories as they got dressed and helped Savannah prepare for her big day. Savannah flopped on the couch and gushed about how excited she was to become Mrs. Blackwell.
“If it were okay with Phoenix, I might try to become a Blackwell, too. That Carter is a catch.”
“Maya!” Savannah chided.
“Well, Phoenix acts like she couldn’t care less about Carter but I’ve seen the way he looks at her. I caught you tossing a few looks his way, too, Phoenix.”
“I wouldn’t get into that if I were you,” Ivy said. “There’s more history there than you know.”
“Well, he already shut me down gently.” Maya scrunched her face. “He’s such a gentleman. I doubt he’ll stay single long.”
“That’s enough, Maya,” Savannah said sternly.
“I’m just kidding, Savannah,” Maya said.
Phoenix smirked. Maya’s comments hadn’t fazed her one bit. She of all people knew what it was like to pass on a man like Carter.
“Be careful what you wish for, Maya.” Phoenix laughed.
“Yep.” Ivy laughed with her. The two slapped a high five. They had made amends years ago, and this trip made Phoenix even more comfortable with Ivy. “You don’t know my brother,” Ivy added and clucked her teeth. “Come on, ladies. Let’s get Savannah ready to marry her sweetheart!”
“‘Meet me at the altar...’” Phoenix sang an old-school R & B song. The girls joined in. “‘In your white dress!’”
Savannah picked up her garter belt and swung it around in the air as they sang.
“We need to play that!” Maya said and pulled out her phone. After a few swipes the song flowed from her phone.
Maya’s playlist continued as they dressed. When they were done, Phoenix, Maya and Ivy looked at Savannah in awe as if they’d collectively created a masterpiece.
“Savannah! You look...” Phoenix covered her mouth. She paused to think of the right word. “Beautiful!” Tears filled her eyes.
“Absolutely stunning,” Ivy said, shaking her head.
“Girl. I didn’t think it was possible for you to look more gorgeous!” Maya said.
Savannah stood and spun around. She glowed in her elegant strapless gown with its sweetheart neckline. The lace dress outlined her curves and flared at the bottom with a small train in the back. Ringlets of curls cascaded down one side of her head and her makeup was flawless. Tears welled up in Savannah’s eyes.
“No! No!” the girls yelled in unison and then scrambled to find tissues.
“You cannot mess up that makeup job!” Maya said.
“Suck it up!” Phoenix said. That made Savannah laugh.
Ivy wiped her tears. “It’s time.” She smiled at Savannah.
There was a knock on the door and Nadine stuck her head in. She gasped.
“My goodness, honey. You look gorgeous.” Nadine held one hand to her heart and blinked away tears. “Oh!” she said after a moment. “I almost forgot. The photographer is here.”
“Yes. Tell her to come on in.” Savannah waved her hand, welcoming the petite woman.
The photographer took pictures of Savannah and staged a few shots of the girls helping her get ready. It was time for the wedding. Ivy, Maya and Nadine surrounded Savannah as they led her to the stunning beachfront area where the ceremony would take place. Phoenix went ahead to make sure everyone else was ready. Jaxon stood under a white trellis adorned with flowers. Carter stood beside him, looking more handsome than Phoenix could stand. The setting sun and mesmerizing sea were the perfect backdrop.
Phoenix gave the nod and the music started playing. Savannah and Jaxon had chosen the song “You Are” by Charlie Wilson. Nadine made her way down the aisle and was seated. Following her were Jaxon’s parents, Benjamin and Sabrina Blackwell. The bridesmaids linked with their groomsmen partners and slowly made their way down the aisle with Phoenix bringing up the rear. The music changed. The attendees stood. Chris linked his arm with Savannah’s and patted her hand as he fought back tears. Everything about the moment was breathtaking.
Phoenix watched her sister, whose eyes were on her husband-to-be. Jaxon looked as if he would be the next to shed tears. He held it together. The love in the air and beauty of the moment softened Phoenix’s heart. She made the mistake of looking at Carter. His eyes were already trained on her, his gaze—penetrating. It weakened her. Phoenix’s breath caught. Carter wouldn’t take his eyes off her. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like if it was their wedding. Suddenly, her heart felt heavy. She fought to keep it together.
Fortunately, the ceremony was delightfully quick. It was time for the bridal party to walk back down the aisle. Air swirled inside Phoenix’s chest as Carter linked her arm in his. His touch triggered a whirlwind of emotions. It also sparked warmth deep on the inside. She longed for his kisses. Phoenix steadied herself and actually counted her steps to focus on walking without falling. She was sure her injured knee would buckle. Jaxon and Savannah eventually stopped to greet their guests. That was when Phoenix realized she’d been holding her breath. She exhaled. A few more steps and she could let go of Carter. She survived. Now she just had to get through the wedding pictures and the reception.
Phoenix had fun at the reception. Their intimate group of family and a few friends got along well despite their past differences. Everyone seemed to be over the situation between her and Carter except the two of them. Phoenix sat at the dais and watched everyone else dance. She wished she could join in but after a full day she was tired and her leg was starting to ache. She’d left her crutch in the room and needed her strength to get back without it.
Phoenix watched Carter and the rest of the bridal party on the dance floor. She was no longer upset with Carter for telling her about why he’d called off the wedding and the pregnancy. Carter was right; she deserved to know. She’d secretly wondered long enough. They were now on their way to true closure. When they got back to the States, she wouldn’t have to deal with it anymore. She had to admit it was comforting to know there was a real reason behind what Carter had done. She’d battled with rejection since then and was just coming to understand that it played a role in why she ran from commitment in other relationships. Maybe that would change now, though there were still loose ends.
“How are you doing?” Carter’s deep voice soothed her. She looked up at him standing by her side. His effect on her was startling.
“I’m fine. It’s been a long day,” she said.
“You must miss being able to dance. I know how much you like it. Wanna try?” Carter held his hand out.
Her heart fluttered. Why did she feel like a girl being asked to the prom? This was Carter, for goodness’ sake. Still she hesitated, thinking of what her parents would think of her dancing in Carter’s arms.
“I don’t think I could manage that right now.” She wished she could. She wanted to have Carter close to her again.
Carter took the seat next to her. “Are you okay about last night? I didn’t mean to be too forward.”
“We’re good, Carter.”
“Okay.” He sat with her for a long while.
Neither of them said much. It was a companionable silence. Phoenix felt comfortable the way she used to with him.
Once the reception was over, the girls went back to Phoenix’s room to gather their stuff. She couldn’t take her mind off Carter, the way he looked, how gently he handled her as they walked, and the way he sat with her while everyone else danced. He’d catered to her every whim so effortlessly. The kiss still lingered on her lips, and desire lingered in her loins. Seeing him today only amplified her renewed longing for him.
She recalled the vision of him standing at the altar beside Jaxon. Carter looked especially handsome against the beautiful backdrop of the sea. Phoenix had discreetly taken him in from his Italian shoes to his gorgeous face. The tan suit, chosen to reflect the sand, fit his taut body ridiculously well. Instead of blazers they wore vests, white shirts and ties the hue of the water. His smooth skin glowed under the brilliant colors of the setting sun. Clean-shaven and good-looking, his eyes sparkled when he looked at Phoenix. His tall stature gave him a godlike presence. She released a sharp breath.
What if she just showed up at his door tonight? What about her mother? She saw the way she looked at Carter at the wedding. Nadine was still upset at how Carter had hurt her. Phoenix could tell. Nadine didn’t mess around with her girls. Despite that, Phoenix wanted Carter. She wanted him even more now. Something had been stirred in her. She wanted to feel him even if it was just one more time. Maybe it was the ceremony that was making her this way. There was something romantic about the air in Fiji. She didn’t understand why the urge was so strong but she couldn’t ignore it.
Phoenix thought about drawing a bath. Just as she was about to head to the bathroom, she heard a knock. She hoped it was Carter. Phoenix opened the door. Carter was leaning against the frame with a bottle of champagne in one hand and two flutes in the other. He looked sexy as hell with his hanging tie and untucked shirt.
“Tired?” he asked, his voice setting her core ablaze.
A sly smile spread across her face. She stepped aside and waved him in. Carter stepped in slowly and paused just beyond the door. Phoenix pushed it closed.
“I just wanted to check on you.” Carter’s voice was seductive.
“With champagne?” She chuckled. “I’m doing just fine.”
The two stood before each other, with minimal space between them. Little fires ignited along the edges of Phoenix’s skin. Moments passed and they said nothing yet stared into each other’s eyes. It was like Carter was waiting for her to make the first move. He seemed to want her approval. Phoenix rose on her toes and kissed his lips. She closed her eyes. It felt like falling into clouds. Still holding the champagne and glasses, Carter wrapped his arms around her and held on as if his life depended on his holding her. Phoenix melted into his arms. It was exactly where she wanted to be and felt better than she imagined.
The kiss ended slowly.
Phoenix said, “How about that dance?”
Carter smiled. He put the bottle and glasses down. Pulled up a playlist on his phone and lifted Phoenix into his arms. “I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.” Carter danced with her in his arms.
When the song finished, he gently placed Phoenix on her feet. She took him by the hand and led him to the bedroom. Once again Carter lifted her up and delicately laid her on the bed.
“I miss being with you. This trip made me realize that,” he whispered.
Phoenix placed her hands behind his neck and pulled him to her. Carter kissed her lips and made a trail of kisses down her neck and across her bare shoulders. He helped her out of her dress.
“Are you okay with this?” he asked as she lay naked before him.
Phoenix put her finger on his lips, quieting him. “What happens in Fiji, stays in Fiji.” Phoenix unbuttoned his shirt, ran a finger down his taut chest and then reached for his belt. Carter dropped his head back. She released the erection straining against his zipper. That was his answer. Carter kicked off his pants and continued tracing her body with steamy kisses. Phoenix hissed and her back arched at his touch.
Carter went to say something else to her and Phoenix put her finger up to his lips. She shook her head. Carter seemed to understand. She didn’t want this to be complicated. She wanted him and he wanted her. In that moment that was all that mattered.
Carter slid Phoenix farther up on the bed and buried his head between her legs. He nibbled at her pearl until she flailed against the bed and grabbed handfuls of linen. Phoenix covered her mouth with a pillow and screamed into it. Her body shuddered hard and she moaned, writhing on the bed until the orgasm finally released her. Carter kissed her with her own juices. Carefully, she rolled over and took his long, hard erection into her mouth. She wanted to give him the same pleasure he’d just given her.
Carter hissed as she took him in with long strokes, pulling out when he couldn’t seem to take any more. Then he hovered over her and entered her warm canal. Phoenix’s breath caught. He filled her up and she snatched the sheets so hard they snapped from the corners of the bed. The sense of delight was euphoric. Phoenix met him stroke for stroke until a guttural groan rumbled through him and out of his mouth. He held Phoenix tight and drove himself deep inside her. She clenched him with her walls until his muscles convulsed. Carter squeezed his eyes shut and refused to stop stroking until Phoenix was sated. Suddenly, she began to grunt, one short grunt after the other until they strung together in one long howl. The climax claimed her ability to control her own body, causing rigid spasms to roll through. Carter entered her faster until both howled together and collapsed, spent from giving their all. Carter wrapped his arms around her. She held him back.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m better than okay. I can’t believe we did this,” Phoenix said.
“I’m glad we did,” Carter said and traced the line of her nose. “The question is where do we go from here?”
Phoenix wasn’t ready to answer that. Instead, she massaged him back to attention for round two.
Fourteen
For the past few nights, Carter had gone to bed just before dawn. He’d spent the past three nights with Phoenix. After sunbathing, hanging with their family and more activities, Phoenix would end up in his room or he would end up in hers. They would always return to their own rooms just before dawn to keep from being detected. They didn’t have any discussions about what they were doing. Instead, they laughed, joked and reminisced like old times. They had always communicated well, stretching conversations all the way from literature and politics to their favorite childhood cartoons. They reclaimed that comfortable, familiar place that used to exist between them.
They enjoyed being discreetly reconnected. Carter didn’t intend to push anything. He couldn’t reasonably expect anything to continue between them beyond their trip. He had his hands full with life anyway. Phoenix might move across the country. Phoenix no longer hated him. That was what mattered. He’d carried the guilt of causing her so much pain for far too long. Now he could finally let that go.
Carter wasn’t sure how well they were covering up their secret. He supposed his brother Lincoln may have suspected something but now that his wife and kids were in Fiji they kept him occupied.
Carter had gotten into the habit of calling Ethan and Zoe to check in on them each morning. It was nighttime for them. He was always glad to hear that Zoe was in good spirits, despite being on strict bed rest. Carter grabbed his phone so he could talk with Ethan as he took a stroll on the beach to catch the sunrise.
After the call Carter continued walking along the shore. His nights with Phoenix were amazing. This would be their last one together. Carter knew it would be special. There was no telling when he would see her again once they made it back home. Despite that, he would always cherish this time with her.
Carter chuckled when he remembered her words. What happens in Fiji, stays in Fiji. This would always be their little secret. Carter could imagine how they would exchange knowing glances on the few occasions they would end up in the same place.
Carter continued walking for a while and eventually came across a secluded area along the shoreline. Large rocks created a small alcove. He decided to bring Phoenix there later. Her leg was much better now and she could handle the walk. Carter headed back and joined his family for breakfast in the main dining room.
“Uncle Carter!” Lincoln’s son and daughter sang as they ran up to him. Carter picked them up and swung them around in the air one by one. He kissed his sister and sister-in-law on the cheek and greeted his father and brother with a handshake. He missed his mother’s presence, but Lydia refused to leave Ethan and Zoe behind alone. She wanted to make sure her grandbaby made it here.
After several days of nonstop activities, Carter and his family decided that their last day in Fiji would be a relaxing one. They spent most of the day poolside enjoying drinks, eating, talking and lying in the sun. Carter was anxious for the day to end so he could spend his last night with Phoenix. He had seen her and her family during breakfast and a few other times during the day. It seemed that they had the same idea of sticking around the resort and chilling out. When Savannah, Jaxon and Phoenix did stop by and chat with them during lunch, he and Phoenix hardly exchanged glances or words. They kept their interactions friendly and general.
At nightfall Carter sat at the bar with Ivy, Maya, Angel and Phoenix, listening to music and watching people with really bad voices sing karaoke. One by one each left, leaving him and his sister behind. Ivy finally left, insisting she needed to pack to get ready for their flight the next day.
Carter headed straight for Phoenix’s room, told her to grab some towels and led her along the shore by the hand.
“Can you believe us?” Phoenix giggled, leaning against his shoulder. “Savannah would die if she knew what we’ve been doing.”
