A seduction worth waiting for...

Back in med school, Felicia Blake couldn’t help being impressed by Griffin Kaile’s physique, as well as his intellect. The youngest of the accomplished Blake triplets, Felicia has put aside dating to focus on her career as a research scientist. She may have fantasized about Griffin—now a renowned cardiovascular surgeon. But that didn’t include discovering that he’s the biological father of the baby girl she’s been asked to raise.

Even in scrubs, Felicia is the most stunning woman Griffin has ever known. Now that the daughter he never knew about has brought them together, he’s eager to explore their romantic potential. But ambitious Felicia is reluctant to jump from passion to instant family. Which leaves Griffin only one choice—to somehow show her that this kind of breathtaking chemistry occurs only once in a lifetime...

Felicia slowly opened her eyes to find Griffin staring at her, specifically her mouth.

“Sorry. I’ve got a thing for good food,” she explained as she took another bite.

“I think I have a thing for watching you enjoy it.” His voice had taken on a husky tone.

Their eyes collided. Griffin put down his fork, pushed back his chair and stood. Felicia’s gaze followed his every movement. He came to stand next to her. “Put your fork down,” he ordered. Felicia complied, trembling slightly with anticipation.

Griffin pulled back her chair, took Felicia’s hand and drew her in his arms. The sudden movement made her grip his broad shoulders as she raised her head slightly to maintain eye contact.

“You are simply breathtaking, and I can’t wait a second longer to do this.”

Griffin leaned forward slowly, keeping his eyes on Felicia’s as he ran his tongue across her lips before capturing them in a passionate kiss.

The kiss whipped Felicia’s body into a raging, out-of-control inferno, an overwhelmingly unique experience for her.

Dear Reader,

I can hardly believe we’ve come to the end of this exciting voyage. When I started The Blake Sisters series, I wanted to introduce the world to three dynamic women. I’m so very pleased that the first two sisters have been so well received. You’ve seen glimpses of the third sister, and now it’s time to bring you her full story.

In Tempting the Heiress, old medical-school friends Felicia and Griffin struggle to determine the best way to raise the child that has suddenly been placed in their care, all while fighting their long-buried desire for each other. Watching these friends struggle to become parents and lovers is exhilarating.

I love interacting with readers, so please let me know how you enjoyed Felicia and Griffin’s story. You can contact me on Facebook or Twitter. I hope to bring you more exciting and very sexy stories in the near future.

Until then,

Martha

MARTHA KENNERSON’S love of reading and writing is a significant part of who she is, and she uses both to create the kinds of stories that touch your heart. Martha lives with her family in League City, Texas, and believes her current blessings are only matched by the struggle it took to achieve such happiness. To find out more about Martha and her journey, check out her website at marthakennerson.com.

Tempting the Heiress

Martha Kennerson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

This book is dedicated to all the readers who have traveled this journey with me and love the Blake sisters as much as I do. You’re all amazing, and I really appreciate your unyielding support.

Acknowledgments

I’d like to thank my husband for his willingness to share me with so many crazy characters. Love you, honey.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

About the Author

Title Page

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Epilogue

Copyright

Chapter 1

After a long day of traveling, an exhausted Dr. Felicia Blake, wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt, her long, curly hair up in a messy bun, made her way through the busy Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. As the third-born of the beautiful, highly accomplished Blake triplets and heir to her family’s billion-dollar international security firm, Felicia was one of the brilliant physicians working for the CIA as a medical research scientist specializing in biochemistry.

Felicia often found herself traveling the world, chasing down many different types of deadly diseases to learn their origin. While Felicia loved the time she spent working in South Korea, she was happy to be back in the United States.

Felicia had just cleared customs and was waiting to collect her bag when she overheard two young women talking. The taller of the two said, “Girl, I’m telling you he’s got to be.”

“How do you know he’s a celebrity?” her friend replied, giving her the side-eye.

“Celebrities love coming to the ATL,” she said, snapping her fingers twice in the air. “Look at the way he’s dressed. Anyway, he’s too fine not to be famous.”

Both women laughed.

Felicia’s natural curiosity got the best of the good doctor. She raised her head and scanned the area where the two women were staring. Felicia’s eyes collided with a uniquely stunning but very familiar set of gray eyes. “Griffin,” she murmured. Felicia stood staring at the only man that had ever touched her heart but never knew it. He’d challenged Felicia to go beyond her own perceived limits, while making the shy young woman feel safe enough to open up and let others get to know her. Griffin had taught Felicia how to manage different types of relationships, and that growth had helped her become a better doctor. Felicia hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed their friendship until now. Felicia’s mind flashed back to the first moment they’d met...

* * *

Thinking she was running late to her first medical school lecture, Felicia ran down the hall and into the room only to find the most handsome, bronze-skinned man she’d ever seen. He was sitting in the front row, slouched in a theater-style chair, long legs stretched out before him, his eyes closed. His finely trimmed beard, short hair and perfect physique reminded her of someone that belonged in the pages of GQ magazine instead of a classroom for those who aspired to become doctors.

“Excuse me, I don’t mean to disturb you, but is this Dr. Jacobson’s microbiology class?”

“Yes,” he responded without moving or opening his eyes.

“Then where is everyone?” Felicia asked, scanning the empty room, wondering if she’d missed something.

The gorgeous man sighed deeply, tilted his head toward her and slowly opened his eyes. Felicia offered what she hoped was a friendly smile.

The man sat up slowly as his gaze roamed her body while still not bothering to answer the question.

“This is Dr. Jacobson’s Tuesday microbiology class, right?” Felicia asked again, checking the schedule she held. His open stare caused her to look down at her outfit to ensure she hadn’t worn the wrong color scrubs or wonder if her messy, high ponytail might have been too much so.

He nodded and Felicia shifted her weight from one leg to the other and bit her bottom lip, a habit she was trying to break. “The class got pushed back by forty-five minutes. Didn’t you get the text?”

Felicia rummaged in her backpack, came up empty, shook her head. “I left my phone in my room.”

“I’m Griffin Kaile, by the way,” he said, standing and walking slowly toward her. “Third year.”

Felicia’s breath caught and her heart skipped several beats with each step he took. “I—I’m...I’m Felicia Blake, first year,” she replied, offering her hand and staring up into a beautiful set of gray eyes. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Trust me, the pleasure is all mine,” he said, holding her gaze as he took her hand and gave it a small shake.

The moment he touched her, a charge went through Felicia’s body unlike anything she’d ever felt before...

* * *

The women’s laughter brought Felicia back to the present, where she stood and stared at the gorgeous figure from her past. A dazzlingly handsome blend of his African-American and Chinese-American heritages, he was the only man who would have been capable of making Felicia reconsider where she would be starting her career after medical school.

* * *

Dr. Griffin Kaile Jr., a tall, athletically built, outstandingly gifted cardiovascular surgeon and sole heir to his family’s billion-dollar multimedia conglomerates, stood with his arms folded across his chest in front of the baggage carousel, wearing a black suit that was cut perfectly for his frame, when his cell phone rang. He reached into his jacket pocket, retrieved the phone and read the screen.

“Kaile,” Griffin answered.

“Kaile, it’s Mel. You back in town?”

“Just. What’s up?” Griffin asked.

“You headed home?” Mel inquired.

“After I stop by the hospital.”

“Cool, I just have a few test results I need you to take a look at,” Mel said.

“Anything urgent?” Griffin asked.

“Really? Don’t you trust that your brilliant physician’s assistant would hit you up if there were something critical for you to handle?”

“Of course I do. Otherwise you wouldn’t be my brilliant physician’s assistant,” Griffin replied, his tone flat.

No matter how necessary it may have been or how talented his team members were, Griffin struggled with delegating anything he believed was ultimately his responsibility. As an only child, Griffin had never mastered the art of sharing.

“How did it go? Did you get to meet with everyone?” Mel’s voice escalated slightly.

“Yes, and they all seem extremely capable,” Griffin confirmed.

“Capable? Those are some of the best fellows in the country and they’re all chomping at the bit to come work for you, and you call them capable,” he said, laughing. “Have you decided which two you’re going to pick?”

“Not yet. I’ll decide by the end of the week. See you in a while.”

Griffin was putting away his phone when he felt a pair of eyes on him. The child of successful public figures who were also media moguls, he was used to often-unwanted attention; only this time something felt different. Griffin’s eyes snapped up and lased in on his target. His heart raced as his eyes were held captive by the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. “Can’t be,” Griffin whispered to himself.

Griffin stood staring at the only woman he’d ever really wanted but could never have. The woman he often thought about—still fantasized about...and compared others to—was standing mere feet away. As if he’d been polarized by a magnet, Griffin felt himself being drawn forward. She was a physically fit, olive-skinned beauty with high cheekbones, luxuriously long jet-black hair and a heart-shaped face bestowed on her by her parents—an Italian mother and African-American and Hispanic father.

* * *

“Felicia... Felicia Blake,” she heard a baritone voice call, her heart skipping several beats. Felicia bit her bottom lip and nodded slowly. Still not sure she wasn’t imagining that her long-lost love was coming toward her, Felicia looked to the two women standing next to her for confirmation. Their wide and flirtatious smiles were all the affirmation she needed.

First, Felicia was summoned to Atlanta to receive some mysterious bequest from her late best friend from medical school, and now she came face-to-face with her favorite lab partner and secret crush.

“Dr. Griffin Kaile,” Felicia said, pulling herself together. “It’s been a while... Six years.”

“Yes, it has, and you haven’t changed a bit. You look amazing,” he said, smiling.

Felicia looked down at her outfit and frowned. “Not really, but thanks. You look...professional.”

Griffin smirked. “Thanks.”

Professional. Really, Felicia? “How have you been?” she asked, breaking eye contact when she spied the gift from her sisters—red Valextra Avietta luggage—making its way down the carousel’s runway. Felicia reached for the large wheeled trolley.

“I got it,” Griffin said, placing his hand over hers.

Griffin’s touch sent a charge through her body that she’d only felt one other time before, delivered by the same man. Felicia quickly pulled her hand from his and took a step back. “I’m doing well.” Griffin picked up the large bag and placed it next to Felicia before reaching for his own leather suitcase.

“What a gentleman,” Felicia heard the two women say.

“Thanks,” Felicia said, smiling up at Griffin.

“Last I heard, you were working somewhere overseas,” Griffin said.

Felicia nodded. “I’ve spent the last year working in Asia.”

“Wow, I bet that was an adventure. Are you in town long? We should get together...catch up,” Griffin suggested, the corners of his mouth rising slowly.

“I...I’d really like that, but I’m only in town for the day. Unexpected and urgent business I have to tend to.”

“I can’t convince you to extend your trip?” Griffin asked, offering her a wide smile.

“You can convince me of anything,” the shorter of the two women offered, not bothering to hide her eavesdropping.

Felicia smirked at the unsolicited commentary. “I wish I could, but my family is sending the plane for me right after my meeting. If I’m not on it, there will be hell to pay. I haven’t seen them in a while.”

“I understand. Do you have a card?” Griffin asked, reaching into his pocket and pulling out one of his own. “Here is mine. It has my home number on it, too.”

“Sorry, I haven’t had much use for cards in the last year,” she said, accepting his.

“Well—”

“Excuse me, sir,” a tall man dressed in hospital scrubs interrupted. “The car is here.”

“Thanks, Doug. I’ll be right there,” Griffin replied before turning his attention back to Felicia. “When you get settled, give me a call. I’d really like to hear what you’ve been up to,” he reiterated.

“Sure.”

“It really was great seeing you again.” Griffin smiled, picked up his bag and headed toward the exit.

“‘Sure’? Could you be a bigger geek?” Felicia chastised herself.

“Nope,” the two women said, laughing as they left with their bags in hand.

Felicia’s shoulders dropped. Even after all these years and her many accomplishments, Griffin could still turn Felicia’s brain to mush and make her weak in the knees. Griffin was one of the few people Felicia had been closest to during her tenure at medical school. While Felicia had been the youngest in their group of friends, a twenty-year-old first-year student, he’d never treated her as though she was lesser in any way, and she would always be grateful for that.

Running into Griffin today of all days was such a real, serendipitous moment that Felicia couldn’t help but wonder if it might mean something. She extended the handle on her travel trolley and made her way toward the exit. Felicia spotted a driver holding a sign with her name on it. “Excuse me, I’m Dr. Felicia Blake.”

The driver removed his hat and offered up a quick nod. “I’m Jeff from Atlanta Limousine Express,” he said, introducing himself before reaching for her bag. “Follow me. We’re right outside.”

Jeff led Felicia through a set of double glass doors and she was immediately hit by the bright sunlight. She reached into her purse and removed another must-have gift from her sisters—a pair of Chanel sunglasses. “Do you know where we’re going?” Felicia asked, placing the glasses over her squinted eyes.

“Yes, ma’am. The downtown law offices of McCormick and Associates,” he recited.

Felicia stopped at the sight of the large black vehicle. “What in the world...”

“The person requesting the car asked for the Sprinter Limo Coach,” he explained.

Felicia’s forehead creased. “The what?”

“A limousine-style van. I was told you’d need privacy and room to change.” Jeff’s eyes scanned her attire.

“Farrah.” Felicia looked down at herself again. “I guess I should freshen up a bit.”

“Yes, ma’am. We’ll be there in about thirty minutes,” he explained, helping her into the van.

Chapter 2

“Welcome back,” Mel greeted, entering the executive doctor’s lounge holding an electronic tablet, where he found Griffin standing in the kitchenette, staring down into his coffee cup, obviously lost in his thoughts.

I can’t believe she was standing right in front of me and I actually let her get away...again. But it’s not like I had much of a choice. Why couldn’t she give me one day? She’s not married. Maybe she’s seeing someone. Get a grip. Why are you tripping over someone you haven’t seen in years who’s still not interested?

“Hello...” Mel waved his hand in front of Griffin’s face.

“What’s up?” Griffin frowned at Mel.

“What’s up...what’s up with you?”

“Nothing. I assume those—” he gestured at the tablet with his coffee cup “—are the charts and test results you want me to review.”

“Yes, and please tell me that’s not the last cup of English breakfast tea you’re having.”

Griffin’s eyebrows came to attention. “When have you ever seen me drink tea?” Griffin replied, tossing the empty K-cup in the trash. “What happened to the old coffeepot?”

“It’s been retired.” Mel handed Griffin the tablet and went in search of the tea K-cups.

Griffin accepted the tablet, took his coffee and avoided the leather sofa and chairs in favor of a seat at the conference table, where he started flipping through the charts.

“So...” Mel said, taking a seat across from Griffin at the conference table.

“So...what?” Griffin replied, not bothering to raise his head as he continued to read through the charts.

“Who was the woman at the airport?” he asked before taking a sip of his tea.

Griffin raised his head and frowned. “How did you...? Doug. Damn, gossip sure travels fast around this place.”

“Of course. The women at this hospital, and all the surrounding hospitals, for that matter, love chasing after you. They want to know if you’re off the market. Hell, the men around here do, too. Maybe if you are, some of these women will give the rest of us a shot,” he explained, laughing.

Griffin’s phone beeped, indicating he’d received a text. “Man, please. You get just as much attention as I do,” he reminded his friend as he checked the incoming message.

“True, but who was she?” Mel pressed.

A wide smile crawled across Griffin’s face. “Just an old friend.”

“Just. By that stupid look on your face, she’s not just anything.”

True. She could have been the one. We were perfect for each other; the best of friends. Becoming lovers was the next natural step. Too bad she couldn’t see it.

Griffin sat back in his chair and took a drink of his coffee. He knew his friend and colleague was right; Felicia wasn’t just anyone. “She’s this brilliant doctor that’s—”

“Beautiful, from what I hear.”

Griffin nodded slowly. “That she is, but she’s so much more.” He took another sip of his coffee.

Mel slid his empty cup away from him. “She coming...or going?”

“I thought Doug told you. I saw her collecting her baggage, so she was obviously coming into town.”

“That’s not what I mean.” Mel scratched his head.

“Well, what do you mean?” Griffin asked, turning his attention back to the tablet.

“Is she coming or going from your life?” Mel clarified.

Griffin met his friend’s eyes, his face void of expression. “I don’t see Mrs. Cartwright’s CT scan results here.”

Mel smirked. “Okay, I get it. It’s none of my business. Her results weren’t ready,” he said, standing. “I’ll go check again.”

“That would be great.” Once the door closed behind Mel, Griffin stood and stared out the window. He thought again about what Mel had asked and said, “That’s a damn good question.”

* * *

Felicia sat with her legs crossed at her ankles, taking in her surroundings and feeling very grateful that her sister had made arrangements so she could change into her gray pencil skirt and gray-and-white blouse, something much more appropriate for her meeting. The Andy Warhol painting and Persian rugs in the immaculately decorated lobby of the law offices of McCormick and Associates screamed sophisticated wealth.

“Dr. Blake? John McCormick.” A sandy-haired man, medium-built, introduced himself, offering his hand. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long.”

“No, not at all, and it’s Felicia,” she said, accepting his hand.

“All right, Felicia, and I am John. Please come in.”

Felicia followed John into his office. The large mahogany desk that was placed in the center of the room sat in front of a large window and was surrounded by wall-to-wall law books, several of which she recognized from Farrah’s office. A long leather sofa sat to the right of the desk, a wooden, glass-topped bar by its side. Felicia took a seat in one of the high-backed leather chairs that faced his desk. John took a seat behind his desk and pulled out a thick file folder from his desk drawer.

“Are you sure I can’t get you anything to drink? Coffee...water?”

“No, thank you,” she replied, tamping down her impatience. “I’d just really like to know what this is all about. I don’t understand why Valerie would give me anything, let alone make me the sole beneficiary to her estate.” Her brows knit together. “We haven’t seen each other in years. Our careers went in different directions, and mine taking me halfway across the world made the Sunday brunch catch-up sessions we talked about having after graduation impossible. I haven’t even spoken to her since she and Harry got married.”

John’s face was tense. “I understand you have questions and I’ll do my best to explain as much as I can.” John exhaled. “About a year ago, Valerie came to me for help.”

Felicia leaned forward in her chair. “What kind of help?” she asked, a tad of curiosity coursing through her. “Sorry, I’ll let you finish.”

John’s mouth twisted up. “She wanted me to redraft her will. Something she’d been planning ever since she’d received that settlement from Harry after their divorce. Well, as part of that process, she told me a rather interesting story.”

“Like what?”

“You were aware of her several bouts with ovarian cancer, bouts that she overcame, right?” he asked, his oval-shaped face void of expression.

“Yes, of course.”

“And you were part of the group of friends that helped her through her first recovery?”

“That’s true,” she said.

“I understand you all organized blood drives, donated hair for wigs. and some even participated in a couple more dramatic actions, like the guys making sperm donations.”

Felicia offered a small smile as bittersweet memories came to mind. She wondered what the efforts of several of their friends had to do with the present. “We were young medical students...impulsive, I guess. But that was such a long time ago. What does any of that have to do with whatever this is about?”

“Everything, actually. You see, someone’s act of kindness was taken advantage of, and I’m here to make things right,” he confessed. “As right as I can, anyway.”

Felicia’s frown deepened. “How so?”

“By making sure my client’s wishes are adhered to without anyone getting hurt, especially you.”

“Me? What are you talking about?” Felicia said as an uneasy feeling besieged her, much like when she had to deliver bad news to world leaders.

“I’m going to make sure that what Valerie wants you to have remains yours. Her bequest is rightfully yours on every level.”

Felicia questioned, “Rightfully mine?”

“I’d better start from the beginning. After the divorce and that large sum of money landed in her account, Valerie was ready to start a new life. She finally had the financial freedom to do it, too.”

Felicia offered a knowing nod. “She always wanted that, to have the ability to afford to do and go wherever she wanted.”

“Growing up in the foster care system is hard on anyone, but for Valerie it just seems like it was especially rough on her, although she rarely talked about it with me,” John said, pushing the folder to the side.

“With me, either. She always said what happened, happened, and it’s best to let skeletons stay buried.” Felicia felt an overwhelming sense of sorrow for her friend, who’d died two months ago. While that was not unusual, she hated that the cancer Valerie had once beaten had taken her old friend. Felicia sat in silence while John continued.

“In spite of the divorce, Valerie wanted to become a mother. She wanted to have a child to share her new life with,” he said with a hint of sadness in his voice. “Her career was going well. She had her health, so she just knew this was the next logical step for herself, even if she had to do it alone.”

“She was always fearless like that,” Felicia offered.

“Do you remember when Valerie went to that reproductive clinic and had her eggs harvested and stored?”

“It was just before her first chemo and radiation treatments started.” Felicia’s remorse was mounting. “She wanted to make sure she could have her own children. Valerie spent every dime she’d earned that summer before, as well as the money she’d made from the two jobs she’d held, just to pay for the procedure. She refused any help I offered.”

John scratched his head. “Unfortunately, when Valerie went back to the clinic to have her eggs fertilized and implanted, she found out that only four were viable, which meant she only had two shots at having her own child.”

“Oh, no, I bet she was devastated. Valerie had been adamant about having a biological child. But transferring two good embryos into her uterus at her age would give a forty to fifty percent chance that at least one embryo would result in a live birth.” Felicia released a pained sigh. “She wanted a baby that looked like her, a connection that she herself never had.”

“That’s putting it mildly. The clinic went through a lot of changes after Dr. Dan Ambrose took over.”

“Dan Ambrose?” she asked, swiping at a piece of hair that had fallen into her eyes. “I don’t recognize the name, but I’ve been working out of the country these past couple of years.”

“He’s a fertility specialist that became the clinic’s administrator about four years ago. When Valerie found out she only had a couple of chances at making her dreams come true, she took matters into her own hands to ensure she had her perfect donor.”

“A perfect sperm donor?” she asked, her face tense.

John raised his right hand to halt any further query on her part. “Her words, not mine. Valerie asked...well, paid Ambrose a million dollars to help her make that happen. She had the money and that quack Ambrose was more than happy to take a lot of it off her hands.”

“I don’t understand what any of this has to do with me,” she said, more confused than ever.

John rose and went over to the bar and poured himself a drink. Felicia saw a slight tremor of John’s right hand as he poured the gold liquid into not one but two glasses. That certainly was an ominous sign. He returned to his desk, placed both in front of him and zeroed in on Felicia’s face.

“The donor sperm she used was that of a man she’d been secretly in love with since she was a medical student. The same man her best friend had been in love with—the man who had rejected her in favor of that best friend,” he said, never taking his eyes off Felicia.

Felicia felt as though someone had reached a hand into her chest and was squeezing her heart like it was a stress ball. She didn’t dare open her mouth to ask any questions. The mere idea that someone...that Valerie, could hurt her in such a way. Felicia still regretted that she’d never allowed her close friendship with Griffin to move beyond the friend zone. That she let fear stop her from pursuing something that she really wanted. Fear of both rejection and acceptance. Felicia knew either reaction would have changed the course she had set for her life. Yet, the idea that the one person who knew what she was prepared to do with and for a love she had yet to experience would betray her in such a way was hard to comprehend, so she remained silent and waited to hear the words.

“The same man, the medical school heartthrob with whom Valerie sabotaged any chance that her friend may have had, was her only option. She couldn’t let her friend have something else she couldn’t. Valerie made sure that if she couldn’t have him, her friend wouldn’t have him, either.”

Felicia slowly shook her head as a single tear began to fall.

“You were that friend. And I’m so sorry,” he said, swallowing hard before adding, “Griffin Kaile...was the donor.”

Felicia’s mouth fell open and closed just as quickly. The thought that Valerie had sabotaged any potential relationship she could’ve had with Griffin took root in her mind. She brushed away her tears and reached for the drink John was slowly sliding in her direction. Felicia picked up the glass and tossed the entire contents back in one swallow. She had never been much of a drinker but figured an exception was warranted. Felicia only hoped that the strong, smooth liquid would calm the storm that was building inside her head. She held the empty glass against her lip, feeling the liquor burn its way down her throat.

“Care for another one?” John asked.

“No. Thank you.” Felicia placed the glass on the desk. “What I would care for is an explanation.”

“You and Valerie may have been friends in medical school, but she was also very jealous of you,” he explained with a hurt look on his face.

“Wh-what?” Felicia stammered.

“Valerie thought everything came easy for you. She told me that you didn’t have to work for anything—friends, grades...a man’s interest. Valerie said your family’s money made you special. That you were only nice to her because you were roommates and you had to be.”

Felicia gasped but quickly pressed her lips together, shaking her head like a bobblehead. She was trying to keep the scream she wanted to release from escaping.

“I’m sure your feelings for Valerie were genuine and I have to believe she knew that, as well, at least before she got sick and started making such decisions.”

“Such as?” Felicia managed to spit out.

“Valerie paid Ambrose to steal Griffin’s sperm, fertilize her eggs and implant them in her uterus,” he said.

Anger and disbelief rose to the surface as she gripped the arm of her chair. “How could she do something so vile? To Griffin? To me?” she yelled.

“I’m sorry—”

Felicia held up her right hand, preventing yet another apology from coming forward, which was definitely too little too late and from the wrong person. “While all of this is so ugly, it’s also ancient history,” she snapped, rising to her feet. “I still don’t understand what any of it has to do with me.”

John came from around his desk and stood next to her. “Please calm down and let me finish. There’s so much more you need to know.”

Felicia’s hands flew up in surrender as she stepped two feet away from him, moving closer to the door. “I’m sure you do—and this is calm, so cut to the chase. Why am I here?”

“Valerie stole Griffin’s sperm and fertilized her egg—”

“Old news. Your point?” Felicia folded her arms, realizing she was channeling her sister Farrah’s sharp tongue and being terribly rude, but at this point she didn’t care.

“Last January—January fifteenth to be exact—Valerie had a beautiful six-pound baby girl. Griffin’s biological daughter. That she wants you to raise as your own.”

Chapter 3

Felicia’s knees gave way but John caught her before she could hit the floor. He led her back to her seat. Her eyelashes fluttered and taking a breath was not as easy as it should be. Her heart pounded a river of blood through her veins. John reached for his desk phone and hit the call button for his assistant. “Mrs. Ray, get in here quick.”

Within seconds the door flew open. An older woman with sienna skin entered immediately and noticed Felicia sliding down in her chair. “Sir, what happened?”

“Help me move her over to the sofa.” They each placed an arm under each of her shoulders and walked her over to the sofa. They laid her down and Mrs. Ray placed a pillow under her head.

“Get the first aid kit. There should be some smelling salts in it.”

“I don’t need that.” Felicia waved off the offer as she tried to rise.

“Take your time, my dear,” Mrs. Ray warned, handing Felicia a glass of water she’d retrieved for her.

Felicia took several sips as her eyes scanned the two worried faces looking down at her. “My apologies. I think that drink, along with everything else, knocked me off my feet, so to speak.” The corners of her lips rose slightly.

“I’m sure it did,” John said, returning to the bar and pouring himself another drink.

“Can I get you anything else...should I call someone for you?” Mrs. Ray asked, her wrinkled brow deepening.

“Thank you, but I’ll be fine.”

“You sure? Because I really don’t think you should be driving,” she said, her concern clear.

Felicia beamed at the woman’s concern. “I have a car service.”

“Then, if you need me, I’ll be right outside,” she said before walking out the door.

“Sorry about all this. I guess whiskey wasn’t the best idea, after all,” Felicia offered as a form of explanation.

“You sure you’re okay?” John asked, leaning against the side of his desk.

“If you’re worried I’ll faint, I won’t. But as far as being okay? Let’s see.” Felicia tilted her head. “You’ve just informed me that Valerie, the only woman I’ve ever been close to other than my sisters, was never really my friend. She had a biological child with the man that she knew I had deep, valley-like feelings for, and now she wants me to raise that child as my own.” She squished her face and shook her head. “No, I’m far from okay.”

John held Felicia’s gaze. “You have to understand. After the divorce and finding out that she might not be able to conceive with her own eggs—that her chances were extremely limited—Valerie lost her way a little,” John said, tapping the side of his temple with his index finger.

“A little?”

“Okay, a lot,” he corrected. “Valerie became obsessed with having a perfect and healthy child by the perfect guy. Again, her words.”

“So she decided to steal one, so to speak—Griffin’s. Then just give it to me...like it’s some type of gift. And why me, especially if she didn’t like me as much as you say?” Felicia shook her head in disbelief.

“I think she felt guilty for what she did,” he said, breaking eye contact for a brief moment.

“How could she even get away with such a thing?”

“Money...the power it gives. You of all people should know that,” he said, and she wasn’t sure if that was censure she heard in his tone. “Money can move mountains.”

Felicia got to her feet fisting her hands at her sides before slowly pacing around the room. “I think everyone involved in this mess should be arrested and I want that place shut down.” Felicia recognized her righteous indignation toward the situation and that her reaction to what Valerie had done was laced with a bit of envy. It wasn’t right, but Valerie knew what she wanted and wouldn’t let anything or anyone stop her from having it. That was something Felicia only did when it came to her career. She’d never had the courage to go after Griffin and a possible future together when she had the opportunity, and now Valerie had done something she never would; she’d borne Griffin’s child.

A lengthy pause ensued, as though he was weighing his response carefully.

“I understand you want some type of retribution and that you’re angry—”

“Angry doesn’t even come close,” she snapped. “And I hope you don’t think this is about money. It most certainly won’t be once Griffin finds out about all this.”

John’s eyes grew wide as golf balls. “You’re going to tell him?”

“Of course,” she said, glaring at John. “He has more rights to Valerie’s child than I do.”

“He relinquished his rights when he donated his sperm, and notifying Griffin isn’t exactly what she wanted. Legally, she’s yours,” John said, scratching his temple.

Felicia stopped in her tracks. “I don’t give a damn what she wanted and I’m not sure any of this is legal,” she said with a heated glare and hands on her hips. “Valerie brought me into this mess and I’ll handle things the best way I see fit.”

“Of course, but think about the publicity this will bring if what happened gets out,” he replied smoothly. “Publicity for everyone involved, including the baby...your daughter.”

Felicia’s legs almost failed to hold her upon hearing those last two words again; only this time she reached for her chair and sat back down. “My daughter...”

“Yes, your daughter...she needs you.” John reached for the folder on his desk, removed a small photograph and handed it to her. “Valerie named her Alyia Blake Kaile Washington.”

Felicia accepted the picture without looking.

She took a deep breath and then lowered her gaze. The round face, a light brown color, complete with gray eyes and topped by a head full of black curls, offered a toothless grin that tugged at Felicia’s heart. She stared at the beautiful image staring back at her through the photo, a miniature version of her father. The eyes were very familiar. This was Griffin’s child.

“Why me?” Felicia asked, keeping her eyes on the photo. “I mean, Valerie had already ruined any opportunity I might have had with Griffin years ago. I still can’t believe I let her convince me to stay away from him.” And it didn’t take much to convince your scared behind, either. “Why bring me into this mess now?”

“She felt like she owed you something.” John took a seat behind his desk.

“What?” Felicia’s eyes widened.

“Let me explain,” he said, sounding anxious. “About three months into the pregnancy, Valerie started feeling tired. Actually, too tired. A doctor confirmed that the cancer had returned and this time it had spread.”

Felicia’s right hand flew to her chest. “Oh, how horrible. She got such news at a time when she should have been celebrating.” No matter how angry she might have been at Valerie’s betrayal, she knew what she had gone through before, coming to grips and fighting the cancer, and Felicia couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

An injured look spread across John’s face. Obviously he’d cared deeply for Valerie. He stood and turned to stare out the window. “Everyone told her that her best option was to terminate the pregnancy. She needed to start fighting for her own life.”

“Everyone?”

“Yes. Her doctors...me,” he whispered. “But she wouldn’t hear of it.” The emotion in his voice was almost visible. “All she cared about was having that baby.” Each word was laced in sadness.

Felicia tilted her head slightly, peering at him through narrowed eyes. “John, just how close were you and Valerie?”

He remained silent so long that she thought he wasn’t going to answer. John’s back stayed to Felicia as he stood cracking his knuckles for several moments before his shoulders dropped and he turned to face her. “I loved her, but Valerie never knew it. Our relationship was friendly at best.”

“So you never told her how you felt?”

“No. After the divorce, Valerie was determined to start over...on her own. I figured she just needed time, but before I knew it she was pregnant and dying,” John explained, and it was clear that he was still grieving his loss.

Felicia’s heart sank and her feelings must’ve showed in her expression because John asked, “Are you okay? Do you need some water or anything?”

“No, I’m fine. Really.”

John took his seat behind the extra-wide desk. “Valerie decided she’d have the baby and fight the cancer after giving birth. She figured she’d beaten it before and she could do it again,” he said, shaking his head. “Unfortunately that wouldn’t be the case.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.” Felicia’s emotions were taking her on a crazy roller-coaster ride between disbelief, anger and sadness.

John offered a quick nod and continued. “After she gave birth to Alyia, she was told she had less than a year, so Valerie set out to do what she thought was right at the time.”

“Which was what exactly?” Felicia frowned and sat straighter in the chair.

John opened his file again, pulled out several documents and handed them to Felicia. She scanned the papers, then she speared John with a look that had him raising his hands in surrender.

“I knew nothing about that until later...much later,” he confessed. “I would’ve tried to convince her to go in another direction, the right direction, much earlier than she did.”

Felicia glanced at the paperwork again. “She actually tried to have Griffin’s baby adopted. Why?”

“Valerie thought about telling both you and Griffin, so she had you both checked out. But she thought your careers would always come first, that neither of you would ever want the responsibility of a child. She certainly didn’t want Alyia to end up alone and in the foster care system...without a family of her own.”

The image of the pretty little girl and the possibility of what could happen to her if she ended up in the system sent a chill down Felicia’s spin.

“So she figured that while she could, she’d do everything in her power to find her the perfect home.”

Felicia stood; she almost went for the whiskey bottle again, an uncharacteristic move for her since she clearly wasn’t much of a drinker. Instead she started pacing the room again. “How dare she make such an assumption? I’d never let Alyia end up in foster care. She did all these crazy things just to have Griffin’s child and now she was prepared to do yet another crazy thing.”

John made his way around his desk and reached out to stop Felicia’s progress. “You have to understand what Valerie was going through. She wasn’t thinking straight. Her emotions were all over the place.”

“No, I don’t. I don’t have to understand any of this.” Felicia could feel her own mixed emotions beginning to boil over to the point she trembled with unspoken rage.

John pulled her into a comforting hug before walking her back to the sofa. “Please sit down. You sure you don’t want anything?”

“No,” she murmured, wiping away tears with her index finger. “Where is she? Where is Alyia right now?”

“She’s being well taken care of, don’t worry,” John reassured her.

“Don’t worry? Are you serious? This child that’s suddenly mine...I’m not supposed to worry about?” she asked. “Who’s taking care of her?”

“Her nanny, Ellen Lewis. She’s been there since the day she was born,” he replied. “Alyia’s in excellent hands.”

“Pardon me if I don’t trust Valerie’s judgment in selecting caregivers. I assume you have information on this Ellen Lewis. I want to see it,” she demanded.

“Yes, of course,” he said, returning to his desk and the documents spread across the top. Felicia followed suit and reclaimed her seat. She accepted the documents he handed her and quickly read through them all.

“Looks like she is well qualified,” Felicia said, perusing the résumé. “Does she know the truth about all this?”

“She does now. In fact, she insisted that we find you right away.”

“Well, that says something,” Felicia said, not intending to sound sarcastic, but with the information overload there was no other way to feel.

“That says a lot,” he countered. “Ms. Ellen had nothing to do with any of this. She was the wonderful nurse that took care of Alyia when she was at the hospital and Valerie hired her to work in a private capacity. The only reason she accepted was because she thought Valerie was a sick new mother that needed her help.”

“Valerie fooled her, too,” she snarled, looking up from the documents.

John offered her a tight smile but remained quiet as there was probably no more defense he could offer.

“I’ve heard enough,” she said. “I want to see Alyia. Now!”

Chapter 4

“Oh...Griffin,” Felicia moaned.

“You like that, baby?” Griffin whispered in Felicia’s ear.

“Yes, Griffin...oh, yes!”

Griffin slid his lips along the side of Felicia’s neck, stopping long enough to kiss her left shoulder. He raised his head, buried his hands in her hair and captured her mouth in a gluttonous kiss.

“You’ve...kept me...waiting,” Felicia managed to say between each sensual kiss.

“Our wait is over,” he declared.

Suddenly they were both naked and Griffin’s tongue exploration of Felicia’s body had her reaching for Griffin’s engorged and throbbing sex...

* * *

The sound of the opening door brought Griffin out of his sexy daydream, a fantasy he couldn’t seem to shake, and he was very thankful the newspaper he’d been reading was strategically placed across his lap. It could be a very embarrassing moment for both him and whoever was entering the room.

Mel walked into the lounge. “Dude, you do have an office, you know.”

“I know, and everyone knows where it is, too,” he replied, keeping his eyes closed.

Mel dropped down in the leather seat across from Griffin. “So you’re hiding out in the executive doctors’ lounge.” He checked his watch. “You’ve been out of surgery for a couple of hours now.”

“Seeing how I’m stretched out in the middle of the room, I’m not exactly hiding, now, am I?” His tone was full of sarcasm.

“Who’s a cranky bastard?” Mel said, laughing. “Why don’t you just go home?”

Griffin sighed, opened his eyes and glared at his friend. “If you must know, smart-ass, Bishop asked me to take his last two hours of call time. It’s his anniversary and he needed to take off early.”

“What? Our newly appointed chief—head of the cardiac gods—taking one of his junior doctor’s on-call times? No wonder everyone thinks you’re some kind of saint.” Mel shook his head. “If they could only see how ruthless you are on the basketball court.”

“And why are you still here?” Griffin asked, sitting up, planting his feet on the floor. “Your shift ended an hour ago.”

“I was chatting up that new, cute, redheaded nurse in Labor and Delivery. We’re going out this weekend. What about you? You and your old girl got plans?”

The corner of Griffin’s mouth curved upward. “I don’t think Jia would appreciate being called old.”

“I’m sure, but I wasn’t referring to your family’s handpicked girlfriend,” he said.

“Then who—?”

“The woman from the airport,” Mel said, smiling and nodding.

Griffin rose and went to the refrigerator where he removed a vanilla and strawberry yogurt.

“Hand me one of those juice bottles while you’re in there.”

Griffin tossed him the drink. “Where are the plastic spoons?” he asked, pulling open drawers.

“Check that box on top of the refrigerator. Come on, man. Spill. What gives?” he asked, cracking the seal of his bottle.

Griffin returned to his spot on the sofa where he sat and stirred his yogurt. “She’s...complicated.”

“Hell, all women are complicated.” Mel took a swig of his drink.

“True, but Felicia’s—”

“Wait... Felicia, the one from medical school you told me about? The if only woman.”

“Yes, that’s the one.” Griffin tasted his yogurt.

“So what are you going to do?”

“There’s nothing to do. She’s only in town for the day. I don’t even know how to get in touch with her.” Griffin ate several more scoops of his yogurt.

“Really?” Mel pulled out his phone. “What’s her last name?”

“Blake. Why?” he asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

“I’m looking her up. You know there’s this new thing out there called the internet,” Mel said, tapping her name into his phone. “You can do some amazing things on it. You should give it a try sometime... Damn, she’s a fox and got a lot of awards and commendations, too. Oh, look, there’s a number for her company. I bet someone there can get a message to her.”

“I’m sure.” Griffin tossed his empty container and spoon in the trash. “But did you forget the fact that I told you she works for the government on the other side of the world?”

“And?”

Griffin stood. “I’m going to go round Bishop’s patients and then I’m heading out.”

“And?” Mel echoed.

“And...me and Felicia? Our time has passed.” Between Valerie’s warning back in medical school and Felicia blowing him off at the airport, he could take a hint. Griffin walked out the door.

* * *

Felicia sat in the back of the limousine with her hands intertwined in her lap. Her whole body was tense and she felt as though her insides were raging and at war. Felicia took a deep breath in an effort to calm herself. They passed several large, immaculately kept homes before turning onto a private street where they traveled an additional few miles before pulling into a circular driveway of what could only be described as a mini mansion.

“Oh, my, what a beautiful home.” The two-story, gray-and-white house with large windows screamed elegance.

“Yes, Valerie had excellent taste,” John said, the sadness in his voice hard to miss. “There is a five-car garage out back with three cars and a couple of jet skis she takes out on Lake Lanier. Valerie liked her toys.” That thought made him smile.

“And this house belongs to Valerie?”

“To you and Alyia now. It’s totally up to you to do with as you see fit.” John handed her a set of keys. The limo came to a halt as Felicia stared down at the keys.

Within seconds, the door was opened. “Shall we?” John offered his hand.

Felicia gave her head a small shake. “Yes, of course.” She exited the limo and walked toward a set of wide, white wooden steps that led to a large porch and a white wooden door.

John reached for the door handle and slowly turned it.

“It’s open?” Felicia asked, her eyebrows knitting together.

“I texted Ms. Lewis and asked her to unlock it a few minutes ago. Just as we turned onto the street. I figured you’d need a minute before seeing Alyia.”

“Oh... You’re right, thanks.”

The two entered the house and were greeted by a beautiful foyer with white marble floors as far as she could see. To the left of the entrance was a formal dining room with a twelve-seat, wood and steel table. To the right was a formal living room area with expensive paintings on the walls and contemporary furnishings.

They passed the two rooms and the large marble staircase, into a large open-concept family room. The hardwood floors were covered in beautiful, colored Oriental rugs beneath a half-moon, white-leather sofa with matching chairs. The room was second in beauty to the breathtaking view of the outdoor entertainment area that sat in front of a black-bottomed pool. The place was cold but beautiful, a showcase of wealth with no real signs of life.

“Wow, this place really is something else.”

“Wait until you see the rest of it. Upstairs in Alyia’s nursery is a sight to behold,” John said.

“I’m sure it is, but that can wait,” Felicia insisted. “Where is she?”

“I’ll go—”

“No need. Here we are,” a voice from behind Felicia replied.

Felicia’s heart skipped several beats and her breath caught in her throat. She wanted to turn and face the voice but her feet were bolted to the floor.

The other woman must have sensed her trepidation so she came around and faced Felicia. “Miss Blake, I’m so pleased to finally meet you. This is Alyia...your new daughter.”

Felicia never even saw the woman’s face as her eyes collided with the child she held, a smaller version of a face she hadn’t seen in years...not until that morning at the airport. A face with a very unique eye color. Felicia felt drunk with emotion—fear, excitement and a sudden pull toward a child she didn’t even know.

“Ms. Lewis, this is Dr. Felicia Blake.” John formally introduced them.

John’s words broke through the haze of emotion she was feeling. “Hello, Ms. Lewis.”

“Please, call me Ellen. Why don’t we all have a seat?” she said, moving toward the sofa. “You look like you might fall.”

Felicia certainly didn’t want a repeat of what had happened in John’s office, so she quickly took the seat across from the woman carrying her child. Her child; Felicia still couldn’t wrap her head around that thought. John remained standing behind the sofa. Alyia sat on Ms. Ellen’s lap, chewing on her plastic rattle.

“Nell, our housekeeper, is upstairs, but she’ll be down in a few minutes. Do you want anything to drink?”

“No, thank you,” Felicia said, her eyes darting between the woman and the child she held.

“Ms. Lewis, Dr. Blake is—”

“Felicia...please, call me Felicia,” she directed both John and Ms. Ellen.

“Felicia has come for her daughter.”

“Well, of course she has.” She stood and handed a fidgeting Alyia to Felicia.

Felicia’s whole body shook as she took Alyia into her arms. The moment Ms. Ellen took a step back, Alyia let out a piercing cry. “You’re a doctor, for goodness’ sake. You can handle a crying baby,” she murmured to herself.

“She’s just going to have to get to know you,” John offered, giving Felicia a sympathetic smile.

“Yeah, get used to a woman she’s never seen in her little life before, who’s now in charge of her future. Her new mother.” Felicia stated as she continued to try to calm the crying baby. But Alyia twisted her body and cried even louder. Felicia felt like crying herself. This beautiful child, who was now in her care, was rejecting her. She clearly preferred her nanny and that hurt more than Felicia expected. “Why don’t you take her for now?” Felicia said to Ms. Ellen as she handed Alyia back to her. She obviously didn’t have the same calming touch on Griffin’s daughter as she’d once had on him. Felicia’s ability to bring Griffin back from frustrating or angry moments was a gift she’d once cherished and only hoped she would master with Alyia.

It was a difficult move to make, in spite of it being the right thing as Alyia stopped crying and clung to the older woman’s neck. Felicia was surprised how such a little move made by Alyia, someone she barely knew, a baby at that, could have such an impact on her. Exasperation and helplessness weren’t new to the research doctor; the sadness that now accompanied them was.

“If you need time to prepare to take custody—”

“That won’t be necessary,” she replied to John with a little more bite to her response than she’d expected. Felicia needed her family desperately. She turned to Ms. Ellen, who was now holding a sleepy Alyia over her shoulder. “Are you prepared to continue your role as Alyia’s nanny, even if that means leaving Atlanta?”

“Ms. Felicia, I’m a widow with three grown sons who aren’t married. So until they decide to give me grandchildren—” she kissed Alyia’s cheek “—I’m at this little angel’s disposal, no matter where it takes me.”

“Good. Please pack your things. We’re heading to Texas.”

Chapter 5

Felicia exited the limousine, stopping long enough to admire the picturesque lighting display marking the beginning of the holiday season before walking into the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental, one of Atlanta’s premier hotels, known for its irresistible Southern charm. Felicia wound her way through its immaculately decorated lobby, when a life-size photo of the only man she’d ever desired stopped her in her tracks...again.

“Griffin,” Felicia whispered, staring up at the image.

A beautiful, more confident version of herself came and stood at Felicia’s side and looked up at the picture. “Really?” her sister Farrah asked, the sarcasm coming through loud and clear. “I get that Griffin is some big shot now, but is this really necessary?”

“I guess so,” Felicia replied, shrugging.

“You okay?”

“I can’t believe I’m doing this, and in this dress, too,” Felicia said looking down at the sparkly red number that left her shoulders bare and not a single curve to the imagination.

“You returned to Texas nearly a month ago with a beautiful bundle of scrumptiousness in the form of my new niece, determined to do the right thing. Since Dr. Big Deal—” Farrah used her head to gesture toward Griffin’s picture “—refused to reach back out to you after all the attempts you made to contact him, we’re forced to return to Atlanta and confront him in person.”

“We?”

“Yes, we. You know I wasn’t going to let you do this by yourself.”

Felicia sighed. “I guess you’re right.”

“Of course I am. Besides, it’s either here or the hospital. And what’s wrong with that dress?” Farrah grimaced, causing her brow to rumple.

“I look like you,” Felicia replied, her eyebrows standing at attention.

“Of course you do,” she said, admiring her reflection in the wall of mirrors leading toward a bank of elevators. “You’re one-third of a fabulous set of identical triplets...well, almost identical. What do you expect?”

“I meant the dress,” Felicia amended on a weary sigh. “This is more your style, not mine.”

“I hate to break it to you, baby sister,” Farrah said, shaking her head and patting Felicia on the shoulder. “You have no style.” Felicia parted her lips to protest but wasn’t given the chance as her sister added, “Multicolored scrubs and white lab coats don’t count.”

In her world, fashion was a distant third to family and focusing on her career, since so many of the diseases she chased could wipe out entire cities within mere days. Felicia glared at her sister, even though she knew she was right.

“That dress looks fabulous on you,” Farrah reassured.

“It has all these glittery stones,” she said, picking at her dress. “And it’s strapless.”

“First off, they’re Swarovski crystals. And of course the dress is strapless. You have the body to pull it off and it’s about time you flaunted it. Besides...” She paused to fix a wayward strand of Felicia’s hair and then flashed a look at the poster once again. “You can’t see your long-held crush after all these years to tell him that you both have a beautiful nine-month-old baby girl looking anything less than magnificent. You weren’t expecting that life-altering news, and neither is he.”

Griffin had been Felicia’s lab and research partner and close friend since her first day of medical school. While she’d nurtured a secret desire for him, Felicia had always known it would never lead to anything, since he only saw her as a smart, good friend. Besides, they had been headed in different directions professionally, Felicia to the CIA and Griffin to a prestigious cardiac fellowship in Georgia.

“But—”

“No buts. You’re a gorgeous woman,” her sister said, flipping over a crystal that was turned upside down. “And it’s time you showcased it and stopped hiding behind your job. Live a little.”

“Like you?” she asked, unable to hide her sarcastic tone while giving her sister’s long, black, low-cut halter dress the once-over.

“Exactly like me.” Farrah smiled, winking at Felicia, showing the more mischievous side that she was known for.

Farrah, the second-born of the Blake triplets, was a no-nonsense corporate attorney for their family’s firm. She also didn’t believe in filters and considered herself a connoisseur of all things fabulous and expensive. Unfortunately her efforts at getting the most subdued of the three of them to follow in her stiletto-covered footsteps was met with constant resistance.

Farrah grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled her forward. “I know why we’re here, but how often do you get to dress up for a night out with your big sister?”

“Almost never.”

“See, killing two birds with one stone.” Farrah offered her a satisfied grin. “I love how this hotel combined contemporary furnishing and artwork with classic luxury.”

“It is lovely,” Felicia agreed. “The red roses and calla lily bouquets placed everywhere smell divine.”

“Those crystal-drop chandeliers at the front of the hotel,” Farrah said, looking over her shoulder, “would look great in our Paris apartment, don’t you think?”

“Yes, but focus, please. You sure about this, Farrah?” Felicia frowned, biting her bottom lip. “I mean, we are crashing the man’s big night.”

“I’m sure, and stop biting your lip,” she admonished, frowning and swiping at her sister’s hand. “We’re not crashing anything. We were invited by a client and family friend,” she reminded, returning all the smiles and waves being sent their way. “Look, you have to give your boss a final answer about the promotion and you have to settle things before you and Alyia make such a big move.” She nodded to a man walking past them. “Don’t be rude. Loosen up and mingle a little.”

Felicia wasn’t oblivious to all the attention they were receiving as they made their way through the lobby. In fact, she was used to it. Only, Felicia rarely found herself the center of that attention and never wanted it, for that matter. She was more comfortable being a background singer in their sisterly trio.

“Farrah, wait,” Felicia said, halting her progress. “I really don’t think this is a good idea. Maybe now isn’t the time or the place to spring this kind of news on him.”

“Look, sis, we’ve tried it your way already and you didn’t get a response. You’ve called and left messages, sent emails... Hell, you even sent those damn flowers.”

“It was a congratulations gift,” she said defensively, breaking eye contact with her sister long enough to ensure she couldn’t see through her little white lie.

“Sure...okay. You even included a card that ended with ‘Please call me, it’s urgent,’ and that still didn’t get a reaction. So now we do things my way and—”

“Dr. Blake...?”

Farrah and Felicia turned toward the sound of Felicia’s name.

“Dr. Blake?” a deep voice called out. A tall, handsome man with umber-colored skin, wearing a black Armani tuxedo, approached with an extended hand and a wide smile. “Dr. Felicia Blake, I can’t believe it’s you. Wow, you’re as beautiful as ever.” The man’s gaze roamed her body before landing on Farrah. “Oh, my, I forgot, there are three of you. Well, you’re both striking creatures.”

Farrah rolled her eyes skyward.

“Dr. David Price,” Felicia said, accepting the man’s large hand and watching as hers disappeared into his. “This is my sister, Farrah Blake Gold.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Farrah said, offering a quick nod as she measured up the doctor with a quick once-over.

“Dr. Blake, I haven’t seen you since... I don’t even know. How long has it been?” Price asked with a seductive grin.

“A little over two years,” she replied as her mind brought forward the memory. “We were attending the Boston conference.” Felicia turned to her sister and said, “Dr. Price was giving a lecture on cellular microorganisms. He’s an expert in the field.”

“Sounds...fascinating. Excuse me for a moment.” Farrah walked toward a woman wearing a hotel name tag.

“Medicine’s not really her thing. She’s a lawyer,” Felicia explained, wanting to strangle her sister for being so rude.

He laughed. “If I remember correctly, you were living in Texas. What brings you to Atlanta? Are you up for one of those new positions at the CDC? I hear the new executive director came in and cleaned house.”

“We’re here to visit some old friends,” Farrah offered, making a reappearance. “Please excuse us. We’re running late.”

“Yes, of course,” he said, eyeing both women. He pulled out a business card from the breast pocket of his suit and handed it to Felicia. “Please, give me a call sometime. I’d love to catch up.”

Felicia smiled and tucked it away in her crystal-encrusted clutch. “It was nice seeing you again.”

“You, too,” Price replied as he turned and made his way down the hall.

“The party’s right upstairs on the second floor in the Oriental ballroom.” Farrah intertwined their arms, pulling her sister toward the escalator, but not before looking over her shoulder at Dr. Price’s disappearing form.

“He won’t be the only doctor we may encounter,” Felicia whispered, trying to slow her sister’s pace to no avail.

“True, but there’s only one doctor here that you need to see. So no distractions allowed.”

The sisters took the escalator to the second floor and, with each slow progression, Felicia felt as though the small butterflies in her stomach were growing and if she opened her mouth, they’d make their escape in grand fashion.

“I can’t do this,” Felicia declared the moment the escalator placed her feet back on solid ground. She gripped her sister’s arm and froze, then watched a large crowd of elegantly dressed men and women mill about. She turned and faced her sister, who snatched a glass of wine from a passing waiter. “Farrah, let’s get out of here.”

“What the hell’s wrong with you?” Farrah said before taking a sip of her wine. “You work for the CIA doing God knows what. Dad trained all of us to handle all types of weapons, to fight, and you’ve even won a few karate matches against both of your sisters, for goodness’ sake.” Farrah scrunched her face as though her nose had just encountered a vile smell. “Why are you acting like you’ve never been in a clutch situation before?”

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe because all the training in the world hasn’t prepared me to tell someone I haven’t really seen in years, excluding a ten-minute conversation in an airport weeks ago—a man that I’ve never so much as shared a real kiss with, a man that I just might still be in love with, which is pretty pathetic if you think about it—that we have a child.”

Chapter 6

Felicia spied a ladies’ lounge, extracted herself from her sister’s hold and weaved through the crowd. She was keeping her head lowered because the last thing she wanted was to be stopped in her current state. Entering the bright room, she spied a small, white sofa and matching round chairs. She took a seat on the sofa and crossed her arms and legs much like a pouting teenager.

Farrah wasn’t too far behind. “Really? Is this your plan? Hang out in the ladies’ room until the party’s over?” she asked, standing with her arms folded, staring down at her sister.

“No, only until the party gets started.” Felicia opened her clutch purse, pulled out her cell and checked the time. “It’s almost eight. We’ll only have to wait another fifteen minutes and then we’re out of here. The sooner I get back to the hotel and Alyia, the better.”

Felicia decided not to stay at the house Valerie had willed her and Alyia. Considering everything that happened, she felt it would be best if they made a clean break. Felicia decided to put the house up for sale and place the money in trust for Alyia.

Farrah let her arms fall to the sides and joined her sister on the sofa. “Look, sis, I understand your trepidation for handling things this way, but he’s left you no real choice.”

“I get that, but I don’t think this is the best way,” Felicia explained. The door opened and their attention shifted to two ladies making their way past the lounge area and into the stalls positioned behind the sitting room.

Farrah sighed. “All right, so what do you want to do?”

“I want to get the hell out of here and bring Fletcher in to help,” she said, her eyes widening and eyebrows rising.

Farrah’s eyebrows knit together. “Why Fletcher?”

“He did a great job checking into the attorney who sent me the letter that started this mess in the first place. Fletcher has always found creative ways to resolve our other family problems,” she said, giving her sister a smile and a playful nudge. “I’m sure this issue will be no problem. At least for him. He doesn’t have any messy emotions to contend with. Fletcher can track him down, break the news, and then the ball will be in his court.”

Fletcher Scott, a private detective turned lawyer, was the Blakes’ go-to person when it came to handling personal matters the family didn’t want their own company involved in.

“Okay, if that’s how you want to handle it, so be it.” Farrah got up and took a peek outside the door and the sound of live jazz music flowed in. “But by the amount of champagne and the musicians playing in the foyer, we could be here a while. It looks like we’ll be missing a great party and you know how I love a good party,” Felicia said, returning to her seat where she did a little shimmy.

The sisters laughed, but were interrupted when a pretty, tall woman with features that clearly indicated African-American and Asian heritage, wearing a low-cut, powder-blue, floor-length dress with her hair pulled into a tight bun, entered the lounge area. A petite older woman wearing a more conservative gown in a similar color entered right after. That woman’s almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones and fair coloring seemed familiar.

Both sisters offered the women a smile. The younger one nodded and stopped at the entrance of the sitting area while the older woman moved forward and extended her hand. “Dr. Felicia Blake,” she said, more of a statement than a question. The woman’s dark eyes darted between the sisters, clearly confused by the near-identical images before her.

Felicia and Farrah stood, and Felicia accepted the woman’s hand. “I’m Dr. Felicia Blake.”

“I’m Mrs. Lin Kaile, Dr. Griffin Kaile’s mother. We met briefly at Griffin’s graduation,” she explained, offering Felicia a quick shake with her fingers before dropping her hand as though she was afraid she would catch a disease.

“I remember. Nice to see you again,” Felicia replied, suddenly chilled by the woman’s icy tone and demeanor. As far as Felicia could remember, there had never been any exchange they’d had that warranted the woman’s dismissive behavior.

Mrs. Kaile beckoned the younger woman. “And this is my future daughter-in-law, Jia Richardson.” Felicia’s heart dropped at the introduction as Jia quickly joined the older woman’s side, murmuring something insulting in Mandarin.

Felicia responded to the young woman in the same language, letting them know that she did not appreciate her making such a derogatory statement about her and her sister—that they were like puff pastries, pretty but no substance. She didn’t even know them.

Both women turned their glares toward Felicia, who met theirs head-on. Farrah offered her sister a proud smile but remained silent.

Mrs. Kaile broke the silence. “You speak Mandarin?” she asked, leveling an inquisitive stare at Felicia.

“We speak several languages,” Felicia replied, smiling at the woman’s obvious discomfort.

“I must remember that,” Mrs. Kaile responded with a hint of sarcasm in her tone, offering Felicia a tight smile before turning her attention toward Farrah. “Do you speak Mandarin, as well?”

“No, unfortunately I haven’t mastered that language yet, but I’m learning. Felicia’s an excellent teacher.”

Mrs. Kaile’s eyes landed on Felicia’s face. “You know our language well enough to teach it. I’m impressed,” she replied, her face sending a slightly different message, this one of undisguised disapproval.

“If I may ask, why did you say you’re not her daughter-in-law yet?” Felicia said, putting her focus on Jia.

Before Jia could respond, a trio of women entered the lounge area, but before proceeding any further, they swept a gaze across the others, then made a hasty retreat.

“They’re announcing their engagement tonight,” Mrs. Kaile clarified. “After we celebrate my Griffin’s accomplishments, of course. After all, tonight’s all about my son.”

Butterflies started making their way to Felicia’s throat, preparing to make their exit. While the other women may have missed the change in Felicia’s demeanor, Farrah clearly did not. “Congratulations. We wish you well,” Farrah said, covering for her twin’s lapse.

“Yes...congratulations,” Felicia managed to force past her lips.

“So you can imagine my surprise when I saw your name on the final guest list, especially since no one in the family invited you,” Mrs. Kaile informed her, tightening her grip on the purse she held as if expecting someone to make a grab for it.

Farrah tilted her head slightly. “Yet we were invited and under the impression that this celebration was also a charity event...a fund-raiser for a hospital.”

Mrs. Kaile raised her chin slightly. “Yes, of course, Dr. Barry’s welcome guest. He’s a client of yours, I understand,” she said, her lip curving upward slightly.

“He’s a family friend,” Farrah corrected. “Now, if he were a client, I wouldn’t be able to share that information with you. But I’m sure you understand, being the daughter and mother of doctors.”

Really, Farrah? Why don’t you just tell the woman you investigated every aspect of Griffin’s life, including his parents?

The older woman smiled and then dropped it as quickly as it appeared. Her eyes narrowed on Farrah. “You do know quite a bit.”

“You have no idea,” Farrah said, smiling.

Felicia moved a few inches closer to her sister, saying, “My sister’s not only our company’s chief legal counsel, she’s an excellent investigator,” she affirmed. The last thing Felicia wanted was for Farrah to start crossing swords with Griffin’s mother and Alyia’s grandmother. Especially since they would still have to meet with Griffin at some point and it wouldn’t do for there to be bad blood between their families.

“Mother Lin, we should return,” Jia said, checking her watch. “It’s time to open the doors.”

There was a slight pause as the petite woman took in those words. “You’re right, my dear. We mustn’t keep everyone waiting.” Mrs. Kaile gave the sisters a small nod and turned to leave only to turn back to say, “Enjoy yourselves tonight. It’s going to be a wonderful evening for Jia and my Griffin.”

“Actually—”

“We wouldn’t want to be anyplace else tonight,” Felicia supplied.

Farrah plastered on a tight smile as she watched both ladies take their leave. They hadn’t cleared the area before she whirled to face her sister.

“What changed your mind? I thought you wanted Fletcher to handle things?”

“I do... I did... I mean, I do,” Felicia said, frowning.

Farrah laughed. “I think you’re right to stay...handle this yourself. Would you want to marry someone without all the facts?”

Felicia dropped down on the sofa, really wishing she could have avoided Griffin’s mother and made a faster exit than those women moments before that heated exchange ended. She never understood why Griffin’s mother disliked her. “My business is none of hers...not yet, anyway,” she declared.

“I’m not talking about her and you know it.” Farrah stood with her right hand on her hip.

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