Two Hearts And A Baby

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Faith decided after the conversation with William, which started a headache she needed some fresh air.  As quick as she could she made her way to the open terrace that was connected to the ballroom by French doors.  Susan said there were some stairs which took you down into the club’s gardens beyond that, you could see the immaculate golf courses.  The air was warm and wonderful on her skin while a light breeze was blowing making her lift her face to it.  She felt as if the world was beginning to close in on her in the ballroom especially when everyone seemed to know how she felt about Kincade.  All the emotions she’s been having since Julie’s death are beating her down more.  She wasn’t sleeping well at night on top of having to take care of Gabe.  Susan and now William are telling her how much they would love to have her in the family, but Emily hates her.  Then how long was she going to be able to continue to fight the feelings for Kincade.  It was all so confusing yet standing her in the soft breeze, it all seemed so clear.

  “You absolutely take my breath away every time I look at you,” a deep masculine voice said behind her.

Faith knew the voice immediately as did her body, “Why did you come out here.”

“I’ve been trying to get near you all evening,” he moved up behind her.

She could feel the warmth of his body even though he wasn’t touching her physically.  She noticed him the minute she was on top of the stairs coming down to join everyone earlier.  He wore a black tuxedo that blended right with his coal black hair.  She could hardly breathe when he was near, and it was impossible not to lean back against him while he was behind her.

“It didn’t appear that way you seemed to be enjoying yourself with Christina,” she said that to be hurtful all the while telling herself not to lean back against him.

His laugh was harsh, “Hardly, I’ve wanted to dance with you all night.  I was actually jealous of my Father he’s danced with you twice.”

Faith shivered when she felt his warm hands touch her bare shoulders and, in that moment, she couldn’t stop herself from leaning back against him.  He loved the feel of her soft skin and wanted to touch more of her.

She sighed heavily, “Oh Cade what are we doing.”

He moved his head to whisper in her ear, “I like it better when you call me Cade,” he began kissing her ear then nipping the bottom of her earlobe making her tremble.

Faith turned in his arms, so she could consider his beautiful violet eyes, “Cade this is crazy.”

“I know but I like being crazy,” not allowing her to say anything more he pressed his lips to hers.

It was a slow perusal of pleasure for them both it wasn’t fast but tender and sensual.  He moved his hands from her shoulders, so he could put his arms around her.  Pressing her fully against him Faith could feel the power of his body against hers.  As they stood on the terrace wrapped in each other’s embrace pouring the desire they have for each other into the kiss Duncan was on guard.  He saw Slade twirling Christina around the dance floor trying to make it hard for her to look for Kincade.  He peeked back out and saw the couple was in each other’s embrace and when he turned back, she was before him.

“Enjoying the show,” she asked him.

“No, I’m on guard duty,” he looked at her softly wanting right now to pull her into his arms and kiss her like the couple out on the terrace.

Megan leaned around and saw Cade with a woman in his arms that wasn’t Christina, “Her name is Faith she’s Kincade’s nanny.”

“She’s incredibly beautiful I wondered who she was when I saw her with you,” Megan turned her blue eyes to him, “I’ve missed you, Duncan.”

“Ah Megan, you’ll never know how much it hurts being without you.”

Standing just inside the French doors Megan walked into his arms and he held her tightly against him, “We need to talk,” she said.

“I know, how about tonight,” he kissed the top of her head.

“Yes, after the Ball come to my house I haven’t moved,” she looked up at him.

Duncan could see tears in her lovely eyes, “I’ll be there.”

She moved away from him, “Megan,” he whispered.

She looked at him, “Yes.”

“You look beautiful tonight,” he smiled at her then saw someone making a noise looking up he saw Slade waving his hands at him, “Oh shit.”

“What’s wrong,” Megan turned to study the crowd.

“Slade and Christina are done dancing which means she’s looking for Kincade,” he told her.

Megan looked around and saw the very woman heading toward the terrace, “I’ll stall her you get Cade,” she began to hurry away, “Oh and Duncan you look very handsome tonight.”

She made a beeline for Christina trying to think of something to say before she got there, “Good evening, Christina,” she stopped before the woman.

“Good evening, Megan have you seen Kincade,” the second she left Slade she’s been searching for him.

“I think I saw him go to the bathroom why don’t we walk that way and grab some refreshments you look peeked,” Megan turned her around then headed for the refreshment table.

“I am a little, Slade sure can dance,” as much as she wanted to find Kincade she didn’t want to embarrass herself by passing out.

Duncan loved that woman as he watched Megan easily guide Christina in the opposite direction.  Stepping out onto the terrace, he saw they were still kissing as if no one was there so he cleared his throat.  Both Kincade and Faith jumped apart gazing at each other with shock.

“Terribly sorry to interrupt but Christina is done dancing with Slade and was looking for you Kincade.  Megan headed her off, so you may want to figure out how to get toward the bathroom as if that’s where you were.”

Kincade looked at Duncan and saw he meant no harm and what he was saying was the truth.  Faith paled a bit then hurried toward Duncan, “Thank you Duncan, I’m sorry Kincade.”

Duncan watched her hurry inside as Kincade tried to get ahold of his emotions, “Kincade I have no intentions toward Faith I’m still in love with Megan.  If you truly have feelings for Faith you need to end things with Christina but fair warning watch, your back if you do.”

Duncan turned to follow Faith leaving Kincade to wonder what he meant by this but then realized he needed to get over to the bathrooms.  He came around the corner from where the bathrooms were as Christina was coming toward that direction Megan being unable to keep a hold on her. 

Megan went over to Slade, “It was a wonderful thing you did.”

“It was for a friend now I want to meet this girl so come with me,” he turned them and started toward Faith who was now standing with Susan.

Faith had come in quickly, but Duncan caught up to her where she made apologizes for her behavior.  He dismissed them then moved her toward Susan saying he would get her some refreshments.  Turning she found herself face to face with the red head Duncan was involved with, what was her name, Megan that’s right.  The tall man she’d been standing with was right beside her.

“Hello, I’m Megan McNickels, Cade’s friend and boss,” Megan introduced herself.

Faith gasped, “I didn’t know, I mean,” she blew out a breath before starting again, “I knew your name was Megan because Duncan told me, but I didn’t know you knew Kincade.”

Megan chuckled, “It’s all right not many people know or talk about it.  So, you’re the sister of his son’s Mother.”

“Yes, but somehow you already knew that” Faith was watching the two intently.

“Duncan told me as we were making sure you two didn’t get caught out on the terrace,” she laughed as the woman blushed.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me Megan or do I have to do it myself?  Never mind I’ll just do it hello Faith, I’m Slade Douglass also a good friend of Cade’s,” he bowed slightly.

She gasped, “Oh my goodness your Quinn Douglass’s son.”

Slade cringed a bit, “Yes but we don’t talk about that all right.  How did you know.”

Faith smiled enchantingly, “A member of my family knew your Father.”

“I see would you grace me with a dance,” he smiled seductively at her.

“I’d be delighted,” she took hold of his arm and he escorted her out onto the dance floor.

Duncan came up and asked Megan if she would like to dance before they went into the dinner portion of the Charity Ball.  Kincade saw Faith on the dance floor laughing with Slade then felt a tinge of jealousy even though there was no reason.

“So, you’re the Faith, Kincade was telling me about,” Slade spoke deeply.

“I don’t understand,” this surprised her after they had just been laughing.

“I went out for drinks with him right after you appeared into his life and all he could do was talk about you.  He was telling me about the feelings he’s having for you and what he should do.  You’re incredibly attractive Faith and if my friend wasn’t already half in love with you, I’d make a play myself.”

Faith was beyond surprised by this, “Kincade isn’t half in love with me he desires me.”

“Your mistaken my dear but that’s for you two to figure out on your own.  I usually don’t find red hair attractive I’m more of a blond man.”

She giggled, “Thank you for your earlier complement.”

“You’re welcome and what’s so funny,” he c****d his head at her.

“So, you’d prefer Christina over me,” she laughed even harder at the look on his face.

“Heavens no, that woman’s a snake.  I’ve had enough of those to know one when I see one.”

“Oh, dear I’m sorry I can’t believe I said that” she blushed.

“You’re just honest I like that, another excellent quality.  Listen if you never work things out with Cade, give me a call.”

Again, she began laughing, “Deal,” the rest of the dance went on with general conversation.

Finally, it was time to go into the dinner part of the Charity Ball after this the evening would be over.  Faith found herself wanting it to be, so she could go back to the house and soak her knee.  All the dancing made it ache, but she didn’t want to complain not wanting to look weak in front of Kincade’s Mother.  They came to the table to find out the seating went Megan and Slade, along with Kincade and Christina this should be a great dinner.  The rest of the evening progressed slowly and even though there was some tension, mostly there was some enjoyable conversation even if Christina didn’t participate.  Faith excused herself for a moment the pain in her knee was bothering her.  She entered the bathroom and found a small sitting area before you walked into the actual bathroom.  Sighing she sat down on one of the couches pulling the dress aside she rubbed her knee trying to pull some tension out of it like the therapist showed her.  She made the mistake of not wearing her brace because it looked funny under the dress.  As she sat, rubbing her knee the door opened and Emily came in surprised to see Faith.

“Are you alright dear,” Emily came over to the girl.

“Yes, no, I’ve over done it on my knee so I’m trying to ease some of the pain by rubbing it like my therapist showed me.”

Great now she looked like a weak whining girl in front of Kincade’s Mother, “I think we should take you home.”

Faith was a bit surprised, “But the evening isn’t over.”

“Sweetie you need to take care of that knee, or you’ll just make it worse again,” Emily helped her to stand up and handed her the cane.

Together they walked out of the bathroom but when they came to the entrance of the dining room Emily made her wait, “I’ll go tell everyone I’m taking you home.  They can ride back in the other limo together.” 

Faith wanted to weep from the kindness Emily was showing her but reminded herself she wanted Kincade married to Christina.  Emily approached William, “Darling, Faith has over done it with her knee I’m going to take her home.”

William seemed shocked by this, “I can go to.”

“No dear we’ll be fine besides you need to finish here.  I’m going to tell Duncan and everyone, see you at home,” she leaned up and kissed his cheek.

He watched her leave feeling a little trepidation over what she was thinking.  Emily approached the table where everyone else was sitting except for Susan and Howard.  Kincade saw her and stood, “What’s wrong Mother.”

“I just came to tell Duncan I’m taking Faith home,” she smiled at her son but then saw the fear leap into his violet eyes.

“Is Faith alright,” he wanted to run and find her.

“She’s all right just over did her knee a bit so I’m going to get her home, so she can rest it.  All of you will go in the other limo together,” she wondered if she was making the right decision with him and Christina.

“Where’s Faith at,” he looked around and saw her at the entrance of the dining room.

“Kincade, she’ll be fine just finish up here and you’ll see her in the morning at breakfast,” she kissed her son on the cheek then left.

Duncan stood next to Kincade, “What’s going on.”

“Faith over did it on her knee she’s in pain.  My Mother is going to take her home,” he looked over at him.

“I know you want to run to her, but you can’t right now think about Christina.  You’ll just have to wait until the evening is over then sneak into her room and check on her.”

Kincade nodded his head then sat back down plastering a fake smile on his face to finish the evening out.  Emily came back to Faith and together they slowly made their way to the valet where Emily ordered one of the limos be brought around. 

Inside the limo, the tension was a bit heavy but finally Emily spoke, “Faith I know you think I hate you.”

“Don’t you,” Faith figured it would be better to be honest.

“I don’t,” Emily blushed with embarrassment, “I only want the best for my son, I feel Christina has a prestige’s background, which would fit in well.”

“I understand Mrs. Jordan, but sometimes things aren’t always as they seem,” Faith leaned back because her headache was in full force.

“I see your point, but I want to let you know Christina has set a date for the wedding I hope it won’t be a problem,” Emily knew it probably hurt her to hear this, but she needed to know.

“I know and it’s not a problem because in a few weeks I’ll be able to go back to work.  As for Gabe, I’ll work out a plan with Kincade, so I can see him.  See you have nothing more to worry about I know my place Mrs. Jordan.  I hope you know what you’re doing because if that woman does anything to hurt my sweet Gabe, you’ll regret messing with me.  Now I have a headache so I’m just going to close my eyes until we get back to the house.”

Emily had to give the girl credit she has spunk and knew how to make a point without raising her voice even an inch above normal.  She’d have to think on everything Faith said about Christina and Gabe.  One thing was for sure she was beginning to like Faith Summers, the more she’s around her privately.  Once at the house Faith climbed out of the limo with the use of her cane and no help from Emily because she didn’t want her help. 

Hobbling up the stairs she suddenly felt strong arms pick her up, “Kincade what are doing here.”

Emily wanted to start crying as she watched her son jump out of Slade Douglass’s car run up the stairs and sweep Faith up into his arms.  Maybe she was truly mistaken, and this woman was the one for her son she’s never once seen him act this way with Christina.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier your knee hurt I would have moved heaven and earth to bring you home,” he wanted to kill his sister right now and everyone else for hurting her.

“I didn’t want to seem weak in front of your friends and Mother because she doesn’t like me already.  I didn’t want to embarrass your Mother in front of her influential friends,” She sighed while snuggling into his arms.

“I don’t give a damn next time tell me,” he began climbing the stairs.

“You’ve done it now, Christina’s going to be so angry,” she again sighed as her headache was pounding.

“She can be mad if she wants,” he felt the tension in her body it was bad.

“She’ll be madder at me than you,” she remarked.

He looked down at Faith and saw it was more than just her knee hurting, “Are you sure it’s just your knee Faith.”

Looking up at him, he could see the pain in her indigo eyes, “No I have a severe migraine.”

“Let’s get you upstairs and taken care of,” he picked up his pace trying not to bounce her to much because of the migraine.

Once in her room she went into the bathroom to take a migraine pill then turn the water in the tub to as hot as she could handle.  Kincade came into the room to help her out of the dress because it took Susan to get it on.

“Is there something I can get you,” he asked trying not to think about the fact he was undressing the woman he wanted.

“I have to soak my knee in this solution then I need to ice it for a bit,” she held the dress to her front, so he couldn’t see anything.

“I’ll run downstairs to get an icepack, I’ll be back in a second,” he left the room giving Faith time to breath.

Emily was waiting at the bottom of the stair when he came down, “Is she alright.”

“Yes, but it’s not just her knee she has a migraine.  I’m going to grab her an icepack then let her get a good night’s rest.  I may send her home for some quiet time it’s been rough on her she’s been going nonstop since her sister’s death.”

“Kincade, I think we need to talk about some things,” she wanted to grab him and say how sorry she was for Faith.  All she’d been thinking about was herself not even considering how Faith was feeling after her sister’s death.

“I know Mother but later,” he went into the kitchen to find an icepack.

Everyone finally returned to the house along with Slade, so he could pick up his car, but wanted to check on Faith before leaving.  Faith had undressed then soaked in the tub for some time before getting out.  Stepping out in a robe, she found Kincade standing by the window looking out into the night.

“Why are you still here,” she was feeling a bit sleepy from the medicine and soak plus the whole evening.

“I brought you the icepack and some water,” she looked so sweet in her somewhat drugged state.

She got onto the bed propped a pillow under her knee while Kincade came over to put the icepack on her knee.  Her skin was so hot from the bath and soft he just wanted to trail his hands up her legs to what slumbered between them.

“Cade your touch is so magical,” she was drifting into a slumber state from the medication she took for her migraine.

He knew he couldn’t take advantage of her state, “Maybe sometime soon you’ll feel my magic all over your beautiful body.”

“Mm, I’d like that,” she murmured.

Standing he leaned down and gave her the softest kiss, “Sleep Faith don’t worry about anything I’ve got it all taken care of.”

“Stay with me Cade,” she whispered.

He practically moaned because the use of his nickname from her lips made him so hard, “I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Alright,” she slurred.

He didn’t intend to come back right now because he wouldn’t be able to control his desire for her, but saying it helped Faith feel better.  He knew the second he closed the door she was asleep.  Going down the stairs, he heard all the commotion of everyone coming home from the Ball.  His Mother had already retired to her bed after he said they would talk later.  He saw Slade come in with the group and was happy because it would give him a reason to avoid Christina’s wrath for leaving her.

William saw his son, “How is Faith.”

“She’s better it was more than her knee after the accident, she’s had some trouble with migraines.  She soaked her knee took some migraine medication then put ice on her knee and is now sleeping.  Mother already went to bed I’m not sure if she’s asleep.”

“I’ll go see, by the way you did well tonight, Son,” William patted his son on the back.

“Thanks Dad goodnight,” he turned to find everyone else looking at him.

Susan spoke first, “I’m sorry Cade I forgot how long these Balls can be.  I should have thought about her knee more, but I just wanted her to experience it.”

“It’s not your fault Susan, she should have said something sooner then let it get that bad,” he hugged his sister.

Her and Howard said their goodnights and headed for their rooms, “I need a drink,” Kincade said then turned into the study both Christina, Slade and Duncan followed.

Once he poured a drink, he finally looked at Christina, “I’m sorry I left the way I did but Faith’s been through so much lately I couldn’t just ignore the fact she was hurt.”

“Its fine Kincade, we’ll just talk about it later.  It’s late and I’m tired I’ll see you in the morning,” going over to him she reached up and placed a kiss to his lips.

As before, he felt nothing not even a small spark like before.  Slade and Duncan watched her leave the room then Slade turned to his friend, “Is she truly alright.”

Kincade sighed heavily, “Yes she’ll be fine in the morning.  Damn it, she was all sweetly drugged up and wanted me to stay.  In her drunken state, I could have had her but I’m not that kind of man.  I’m probably going to send her home for the last couple of days, so she can get some serious rest and quiet.  She’s been going nonstop since her sister’s death and isn’t sleeping well on top of it.”

Kincade slugged the drink then poured himself another Slade knew his friend was in agony, so he and Duncan decided to stay and drink with him for a bit.  While across town Megan was angry with herself for thinking, Duncan had changed.  Not knowing what was really going on and that it was about Faith.  Around midnight they finally retired Kincade set Slade and Duncan up with a couple of guest rooms to sleep off the drink before heading home.  Kincade hit his bed falling asleep for a few hours before being disturb about three in the morning.