First, he peeped in on Kylie. In the room was a dim light cast by the softly glowing nightlight by Kylie’s bed. Quietly he padded over to look down at the sleeping child. She was resting peacefully as she clutched her teddy bear, her blonde hair curling softly around her face which was slightly pink from sleep.
He left the room and returned to the hallway then glanced at the door to Celine’s room. He thought of checking in on her too but quickly dashed the idea. What was he, a Peeping Tom? He couldn’t invade her privacy like that. No, he’d have to be patient and wait till morning to see her again.
He was just about to turn away when he noticed that the door was ajar. Had she done that deliberately, probably so she could hear if Kylie cried out in the night? Or was she still up? He could see a dim light through the thin slice between the door and the jamb. She might be up reading.
For a moment he paused then his curiosity got the better of him and he approached the door. He gave a soft tap. Hearing no response he slowly pushed the door just wide enough for his head to go around.
The bedside lamp was on but Celine’s bed was empty. The covers were neatly spread and the bed looked like it hadn’t been slept in.
Pierce frowned. Where in the blazes was she? His eyes swung over to the bathroom door but it stood open and the bathroom was in total darkness. Now he was really concerned. Celine wouldn’t have left Kylie in the house all by herself, would she? No. He was certain she would never do such a thing.
He backed out of the room then took the few steps to the other door down the hallway. Before he even pushed it open he could tell this was where he’d find Celine. As he stood at the door the fragrance of her perfume wafted toward him. He followed the flowery scent, stepping into the sitting room Celine shared with Kylie, and walked over to the loveseat by the window.
And there she lay, curled up in the seat like a little cat, a book of fairy tales resting on her hip. She must have come into the sitting room after putting Kylie to bed and had fallen asleep with the book still in her lap.
Pierce contemplated getting a blanket and covering her where she lay. She was wearing a nightdress of white silk and the coolness of the night would certainly give her a chill. But then he realized that wouldn’t be enough. The love seat hadn’t been made to accommodate a sleeper and the steep arm had her neck positioned at what looked like an extremely uncomfortable angle. She’d be sure to have a strain by morning.
He had no choice but to wake her.
“Celine,” Pierce whispered softly, not wanting to startle her out of sleep.
She didn’t budge. Her breathing remained deep and peaceful.
“Celine,” he said again and this time he touched her arm. It was smooth and cool to the touch. He frowned. The girl needed to be in her bed under a warm blanket. At Pierce’s second try her eyes fluttered but she did not wake.
He sat on the loveseat, his hip touching the curve of her waist, and leaned over her. “Celine, wake up,” he whispered. “You need to go to bed.” He put his hand on her shoulder and gave her a slight shake.
Her eyelids fluttered again and this time they opened. She looked up at him sleepily. “Pierce,” she whispered, her brown eyes cloudy with confusion, “what is it?” Then her eyes widened and she struggled to sit up. “Kylie. Is something wrong with her?”
“Kylie’s fine,” he soothed, putting out an arm to steady her. “You need to get to bed.”
“Oh,” she sighed and relaxed against his arm. “You scared me. I thought something happened.”
“Nothing at all,” Pierce said but this time his voice was strained and he was finding it difficult to breathe. Celine had slumped against him and he could now feel the weight of one of her delicious br**sts. He immediately hardened in response. Christ, what was this woman doing to him?
The soft silk of Celine’s nightgown slid over the hairs on his arm, sending shockwaves rocketing through his body. His mouth went dry with want. He wanted so badly to kiss her, to taste those lips, to consume her. He wanted to kiss the tops of those beautiful br**sts. He gazed into her eyes then he dipped his head, the intensity of his desire making him groan, and pressed his lips to hers.
Celine gasped and then to his great relief she was responding, tentatively at first then with a passion which almost matched his own. Stirred by her ardor he teased and explored then he took possession of her mouth, kissing her till she was breathless in his arms.
“Celine, where are you? I’m thirsty.” The tiny voice cut through the sizzling tension.
Pierce froze. Then he jerked back and jumped up off the loveseat.
“Can I get some water?” The door creaked open and Kylie stood there sleepily rubbing her eyes. Then the little girl’s eyes widened as she stared up at Pierce. “Uncle Pierce, you’re home.” She ran into his arms and he picked her up in a huge bear hug.
“Yes, little one, I’m home. I got in late but I made it. Did you miss me?”
Kylie nodded, her eyes huge and earnest. “Uh huh. I wanted you to come home before my bedtime.”
“I’m sorry I got in late, sweetie,” he said softly, “but I’m here now. Do you forgive me for being late?”
She nodded again. “Uh huh.”
“Thank you.” Pierce smiled and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. “Now let’s go get you some water.”
As Kylie rested her head on his shoulder Pierce turned around to glance back at Celine. She sat on the loveseat staring up at them, or more accurately up at him, as if in shock.
“Go to bed.” Pierce mouthed the words soundlessly then before Kylie could start asking questions he took her out of the room and down the hall.
After Pierce had settled Kylie back in her bed and returned to his room he lay back in the pillows for a long time reliving every second he’d spent with Celine. He ached, thinking of what could have been. He knew without a doubt that if Kylie hadn’t walked in when she did they’d have found ecstasy in each other’s arms. But it was not meant to be. Not this night, anyway.