Maureen Child - Brides & Bargains

Fiona gasped. “He did not!”

“He did. I was completely shocked by his behavior yet admittedly somewhat attracted to his sudden show of machismo. Sebastian is usually so controlled.”

Fiona chuckled. “I know exactly what you mean because Darin is like that, too. But there’s no shame in wanting to jump his bones after he defended your honor, even if he mistakenly thought you were fooling around.”

Nasira had definitely wanted him, yet she had never been the aggressor in the relationship. “For the sake of accuracy, I was not exactly looking to rekindle our love life at that moment. Yet he convinced me to have dinner with him and then he virtually seduced me in the ridiculously large pickup truck he rented.”

“Welcome to Texas, girlfriend. Sex in a pickup truck is practically a sport.”

Nasira couldn’t contain her smile. “That actually came later, in the middle of the night, after Sebastian had two toddies on top of his jet lag.” She sighed. “You must think I am a complete dolt, telling you all the sordid details.”

Fiona folded her arms across her middle. “Hey, I’m a good listener, and it’s sure not stupid to want to make love to your husband.”

Then why did she feel so foolish? “I should not want him after what he has done. Or what he has not done. Not only did he avoid lovemaking, any serious communication between us has been at a complete standstill. He refuses to talk about our loss or how he feels about it.”

“Darin isn’t a great communicator, either,” Fiona said. “But I can’t imagine him completely shutting down and if he does try that, I have ways to make him talk.”

“Sebastian has not only shut down, he acts as if he no longer wants children. Maybe he never has. In fact, I had to stop taking...” She had already revealed too much. Said too much. “Again, I do apologize for burdening you with my problems.”

“Burden away, Nasira. We’re members of the miscarriage club and it’s not a good club to join.”

“No, it is not.”

Fiona’s face took on a serious expression. “If you don’t mind me asking, do you know why your husband suddenly changed his mind about being a father?”

This would be the most difficult part to explain. “Actually, we met and married very quickly and we never actually discussed it at length. I did know that his father and stepmother were adamant that he produce an heir because he is an only child, so I mistakenly assumed we would eventually have children. Yet it took years before we finally conceived.” With some regrettable deception on her part.

“If he doesn’t change his mind, what are you going to do?”

“I have no clue at this point in time.” And she really didn’t.

Fiona patted her cheek. “Stick to your guns, Nasira. It’s one thing if both parties don’t want a baby, but it’s another thing if one does and one doesn’t. Regardless, I hope you both work it out.”

So did Nasira. “That’s why we are here. I initially came to Royal to check up on my brother and gain some space, yet Sebastian insisted on following me. We have both agreed to try to compromise. Hopefully, opening your home to us will aid in that goal.”

“It’s a magical place,” Fiona said with a grin. “But just another bit of friendly advice. If he has sex on his mind, don’t make it easy for him until you know you’re both on the same page when it comes to the future. If he doesn’t want to talk, then give him a little nudge.”

If only she had mastered that tack. “What do you suggest?”

“Be a seductress, but play hard to get to get what you need. Eventually you’ll have him eating out of your hand.”

“Would that not make me a tease?”

“Sometimes we have to resort to desperate measures, Nasira. Playing cat and mouse always drives Darin insane, and I guess that’s why we have so many kids.”

They shared in a laugh and a surprising embrace before Fiona said, “Let’s go see if the men have come in from the stables.”

Nasira felt she should express her gratitude again. “Let’s. And please know how much I appreciate your candor and comradeship. You have bolstered my optimism.”

“No problem, Nasira. We girls have just got to stick together.”

* * *

The sound of feminine laughter filtered into the chef’s kitchen, leading Sebastian to believe the two wives must be getting along famously. He couldn’t exactly say the same when it came to his connection to Darin Shakir. The man spoke in brief sentences and appeared to be incapable of smiling, unless it was directed at his daughter. However, he had been a polite host during their tour of the stables, right down to pointing out where Sebastian should step to prevent ruining his Italian loafers.

As Nasira moved into the room, chatter went on around him but he tuned it out and focused on watching his wife. Even after all the years they’d spent together, Sebastian still found her grace and beauty breathtaking. He liked the way she kept her slender hands in motion when she spoke. He liked the way her dark eyes lit up when she laughed. He truly relished her breasts that were unfortunately concealed by her black hair falling in soft waves, crimped from the braid she’d worn to bed last night. He imagined those silken locks on his chest, along with her soft lips, moving down his belly and lower....

“Can I get you anything, Sebastian?”

He brought his attention to Fiona to find her sporting an odd look. “I could use a glass of water.” Mainly to pour down his shorts to preserve his dignity.

“Would you like one too, Nasira?” she asked.

His wife frowned at him as if she had channeled his dirty thoughts. “No, thank you. I suppose Sebastian and I should take our leave so we can discuss your wonderful offer for us to stay in your home.”

Darin stepped forward, the toddler still on his hip. “We will give you your privacy while we return to our packing. If you decide to stay, we will provide you with the key and the gate code so you may return at your leisure.”

Fiona set a glass of water on the marble island next to Sebastian. “Liana, tell Mr. and Mrs. Edwards goodbye.”

After Darin set the little girl on her feet, she immediately rushed to Sebastian and wrapped her arms around his legs. “Bye, bye, Mr. Man.”

Seeing the grin on the child’s face sent a spear of regret through Sebastian. He ruffled her dark hair and returned her smile. “Goodbye, Princess Liana. I am grateful to have met you and your noble steed, Puddles.”

Her grin widened as she moved to Nasira and took her hand. “Bye, bye, pretty lady.”

Nasira knelt at her level and touched the girl’s face. “Goodbye, little princess. Have a wonderful time on your trip.”

Fiona stepped forward and took Liana’s hand. “Take your time, you two. When you’re ready, just press the button that says family room on the wall by the stove and we’ll come running.”

After the couple disappeared around the corner, Sebastian faced Sira again. “Well, what do you think of the place?”

“I think it is very lovely.”

“Not too shabby, I suppose.”

“I also think your reaction to Liana was lovely as well.”

He should have seen that coming. “She’s a very interesting child though somewhat chatty. She is quite enamored of her pony.”

“She seemed somewhat enamored of you.”

“She is simply friendly.” And he simply needed to divert Nasira’s attention from the topic before she forced him to revisit his decision not to have a child. “By the way, there’s a spa on the deck next to the pool. That alone would persuade me to stay.”

“I cannot recall if Elsa packed my swimsuit.”

“Elsa never forgets a thing. And on the off chance she did, we will swim in the nude.”