Consequences of Passion--A sensual pregnancy romance Read online

  Roman glanced behind the curtain and saw Shantel standing toward the back of the room. His skin tightened and his muscles surged at the sight of her. He wanted to ravish her all night long, but he could only offer her tonight because he didn’t do commitment. Roman wondered what Julian would think about him getting intimate with his best friend. Would he consider it a betrayal of their brotherhood?

  Just how far was he willing to go for one night with Shantel?

  Two

  Shantel’s heart was tripping over itself. She couldn’t believe the way Roman Lockett had responded to her transformation. She never imagined he’d look at her with the frank interest he’d shown tonight. In the past, he’d never paid her much attention, but there had always been something about Roman. The way he dominated the room made Shantel uneasy and she’d steered clear of him. Tonight, all dolled up, she’d felt more confident than she had in years.

  Is that why he’s interested?

  She would have to wait and find out because Giana Lockett was back on stage and thanking everyone for coming to the Bachelor Auction. It was a worthwhile charity so Shantel didn’t mind spending Roman Lockett’s money.

  She had no idea how competitive the bidding was going to get until it started.

  An all-out war took place over several men. The first was a handsome doctor with a pair of killer blue eyes. As Giana regaled the room with a sales pitch about him, the women cheered and applauded his walk around the stage. He was swiftly followed by an up-and-coming basketball star. Two women nearly came to blows over securing him for the evening.

  When it was finally Roman’s turn, Shantel’s hands became clammy. What if I fail? These women were barracudas.

  “And finally, our last bachelor of the evening is none other than my big brother, Roman Lockett,” Giana said. “Please give him a big round of applause.”

  Shantel watched as Roman walked across the stage. The man was impossibly handsome. Impossibly. Chocolate skin with ebony eyes and brows, a broad nose and a sexy full mouth. It was no wonder she was taken with him. Up there, he looked tall and powerful like some sort of god. With his sculpted beard, he could have been a pirate or warlord, but Roman Lockett was neither of those. He was just a man, but a sexy one.

  When Roman made it to the end of the stage, his eyes searched the crowd. Is he trying to find me? Their eyes made contact and her mouth went dry because suddenly he was staring right at her. Shantel looked over her shoulders to make sure he wasn’t looking at someone else and caught sight of the envious glares of several women. Her eyes darted upward again, and she found his gaze still locked on hers. Electricity zapped down her spine, and Shantel was thankful she was seated because she felt faint. The naked longing was evident in Roman’s stare; she shifted hers downward.

  “Roman Lockett is not only the best brother a woman could have, but he also has business degrees from Harvard and Wharton. He’s the chief operating officer and director of player personnel of the Atlanta Cougars. When he’s not overseeing the management operations for one of the largest football franchises in the US, he’s a family man, spending time with the Lockett family. In his spare time, he enjoys running, racquetball, golf and traveling the world. You’ll have the time of your life if you’re lucky enough to spend the evening with my brother. So I’m handing him over to the charity auctioneer.”

  The auctioneer didn’t waste any time. “We are going to start the bidding at ten thousand dollars.”

  It was the highest starting bid of the evening, and Shantel gasped at the exorbitant amount, but then a woman beside her raised her paddle. The auctioneer smelled blood, because he went in for more. “Can I get ten thousand five hundred?”

  Another woman raised her paddle.

  “Can I get eleven thousand?”

  A third woman joined the bidding and held up her paddle.

  Shantel glanced at Roman and his eyes pierced hers. She knew what had to be done and quickly raised her paddle. “Twelve thousand,” she yelled out.

  Soon it was a battle between Shantel and the three women. To her horror, the bids only went higher and higher, and Shantel paled when they hit twenty thousand dollars for one night with Roman Lockett.

  “Twenty-five thousand.” The woman beside Shantel smiled in her direction.

  It was an outrageous sum and Shantel knew what she had to do. Go big or go home. She was certain the woman beside her had deep pockets and might be willing to go toe-to-toe.

  She shot up to her feet. “Fifty thousand.”

  A gasp could be heard throughout the crowd. Two of the three women placed their paddles down, leaving Shantel and the other woman to fight to the death.

  “You can have him,” the other woman said and stormed from the ballroom.

  Shantel let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding.

  “Congratulations, you’ll be enjoying an evening with Roman Lockett for the special price of fifty thousand g’s,” the auctioneer stated. “Hope you enjoy him. Go get her, tiger!” he said when Roman hopped off the stage and marched straight toward her.

  “You did it!” Roman swept Shantel into his arms. “I’m yours,” he said in a rich, deep voice.

  Once he returned her to her feet, he held out a hand. “Dance with me.”

  Shantel regarded him warily. Is this what I signed up for?

  “I promise I don’t bite,” he said when she failed to comply. “Plus you’ll need the fifty-thousand-dollar check I have for you.”

  She glanced up at him and he rewarded her with a smile. Warmth alighted in his dark gaze. Reluctantly she put her hand in his. The way his fingers curled around her palm caused a delicious heat to bloom low in her belly. It wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling.

  It was lust.

  She saw the heat in Roman’s eyes and knew he’d felt it too: that rare, intangible connection with another human being. She allowed Roman to guide her toward the dance floor even though she wanted to run. Once there, his hands went lower and slid around her waist, bringing her closer to him. So close she could smell the rich and spicy scent that was uniquely Roman. Why have I never noticed it before?

  Because she’d never allowed herself to get close enough. But tonight she had. She didn’t move a muscle when Roman’s hands went to her shoulders and with a gentle brush of his fingers pushed her hair aside to whisper in her ear. “Thank you for the save.”

  Shantel glanced up in confusion.

  “If you hadn’t made such an outrageous bid, where would I be? Not with the most beautiful woman in the room.”

  She shook her head. “Don’t say things like that, Roman. Not when you don’t mean them.”

  She felt the warm weight of his hands on her shoulders when he stopped their dancing to say, “I mean it.” His words shocked her into silence. They’d known each other for over a decade and nothing like this had ever come up.

  She was out of her depth with a man like Roman. He was world-wise and moved in different circles than the academics she normally encountered. Being around him made her feel stirrings in her belly, and her blood zinged.

  “Good, I’m glad there’s no further argument,” he said, resuming their dance. “Because the night is still young.”

  That’s exactly what Shantel was afraid of, because she had no idea what the evening held in store.

  *

  Roman could tell Shantel was skittish. He was used to women who knew how to play the game, and he could spot an ingénue act in a second, but she wasn’t one of them. If he’d known she was hiding all this beauty underneath when Julian brought her to the house, he would have made a move sooner.

  Roman briefly thought about how his brother might feel about him getting involved with one of his friends, but dismissed the notion. Shantel was not one of Julian’s girls. She didn’t fit the profile. His profile either, if he was honest. If he was a decent guy he would let her go back to her safe world, but he didn’t want to. After being jaded by Atlanta’s women, she was a breath of fresh air that he didn’
t want to let go of.

  And he wouldn’t.

  “So, what do you say we continue enjoying the evening without the crowd?” Roman asked. Is she thinking I mean something more intimate? Because she wasn’t far off the mark, but Roman wasn’t so uncouth as to suggest it off the bat. He would have all night to discover her secrets. “I was thinking a nice dinner someplace. I’m starved. How about you?”

  “I don’t know… I should probably head home.”

  “The night is young and I believe I owe you an evening out,” Roman responded. “You did win the bid.”

  “With your money,” she quipped.

  “Humor me.”

  She smiled. “Fine. Dinner sounds lovely.”

  He linked his arm through hers and led them to the cashier. After dropping off the check, they slipped out the back doors of the ballroom and quickly made their way in the elevator to The Sun Dial at the top of the Westin. It was known for its breathtaking 360-degree views of the Atlanta skyline, and between tantalizing plates of food, they could enjoy live jazz in a soothing and sophisticated atmosphere. During the ride up, Roman didn’t let go of Shantel’s hand. He was afraid if he did, she’d run off like a scared colt.

  The host recognized Roman when they arrived. “Jean Jacques. I know it’s late,” Roman began.

  “We always have a table for a Lockett,” the host said, grabbing two menus from the host’s stand. “Please follow me.”

  He led them to a candlelit table for two near the window with a view of the city. Once they were seated, Shantel said, “Is this a regular occurrence? Showing up to fine dining restaurants without a reservation?”

  Roman shrugged. “Name recognition. But I don’t want to talk about me. I want to know more about you.”

  During the three-course meal, Roman discovered more about Shantel than he’d known in the last decade. She was the youngest of four children. Her father owned a farm in her hometown of McDonough, Georgia, a couple hours outside Atlanta, and her mother was deceased.

  As he wiped the edges of his mouth after dessert, Roman realized he didn’t want the night to end. But soon they were walking toward the front of the restaurant.

  “Dinner was wonderful,” Shantel said. “Thank you for such a lovely night.”

  Roman knew what he wanted to come next, but did she? Although her nervous blushes ended as dinner progressed, was Shantel feeling the same pull? “How about a view of Atlanta from the deck?” he asked impulsively.

  “It’s late. I would imagine it’s closed.”

  “Not for us.” After he spoke with the concierge, the observatory deck was opened for them. Roman called in favors only on special occasions and tonight was one of them.

  After an exhilarating eighty-five-second ride in one of the glass elevators, they were taken to the View Level atop the Westin. It was a cool evening, so Roman removed his tuxedo jacket, covering her shoulders.

  “Thank you.” The teasing glances she gave him from underneath mascara-sooted lashes made Roman want to pull her into his arms, but she was already turning away to see the view. There were four highlighted digiboards to show Atlanta’s famous landmarks. Roman stood beside her as she took in the sights, but none were as beautiful as her.

  He couldn’t help it. He had to have a taste.

  Roman drew her backward against his body and she turned around to face him.

  “You have no idea how bad I want to kiss you right now.”

  “Then do it,” she murmured.

  She didn’t protest when he wrapped his arms around her and leaned his forehead against hers. Instead he felt the warm puff of her breath as it mingled with his, and his world tilted on its axis. He dipped his head until his lips met hers. It was a soft, sweet kiss, belying the raging lust he felt.

  All Roman could hear was the beating of his own heart in his ears. The world was reduced to this woman in this moment in time. When she moaned, Roman deepened the kiss, parting her lips so she could taste him. His tongue slipped inside, dueling with hers. She tasted of chocolate and raspberries from the dessert they’d shared earlier. The sweetness added another layer to his already deepening desire.

  “You taste so good,” he murmured when they finally drew apart to take a breath.

  “You do too. But why did you stop?” She was still clinging to him.

  “Shantel…”

  She reached up and clasped the back of his head, bringing him back to her lips. He twirled her around so that her feet left the deck, and then he was pushing her against the wall. This time he didn’t hold back as he had before. He switched gears, ratcheting from soft, gentle kisses to plundering, demanding kisses until Shantel gave herself up to the passion he knew was hidden beneath the surface. He felt the tight points of her breasts against his chest and his brain short-circuited. He was burning up from the inside out. Lifting his head, he growled, “Spend the night with me, Shantel.”

  Three

  Shantel’s breath was rushed and ragged when she looked into Roman’s midnight eyes. She’d never felt this kind of lust before. In high school, Shantel had been madly in love with Bobby Winfield. Her first love had been captain of the basketball team and everyone in McDonough loved him. How could they not? Bobby was not only good-looking at six-foot-two, but charming and gregarious. With Bobby, kisses had always been nice and sweet, but never this raging torrent of emotions. Is this normal?

  And now, Roman was asking her to spend the night with him. How would getting physical with Roman impact her relationship with Julian? Although they’d always been friends and had never crossed the line, she doubted Julian would want her getting involved with his commitment-shy brother. She’d heard stories about Roman’s escapades, which was why she was hesitant to move forward.

  She’d never gone to bed with a man after one evening. She’d been deeply hurt by her breakup with Bobby. They’d made plans for their future. He would go off to college to learn how to run his family’s farm and when he returned, one day they’d get married and have a slew of babies.

  All her plans for her future had changed the day her father found her mother unresponsive after taking sleeping pills. By the time Shantel arrived home, it was too late, her mother was gone. Shantel had been devastated, and staying in McDonough had been impossible. Bobby hadn’t wanted to leave and so they’d broken up during her freshmen year at Spelman. Instead, Shantel had become a single girl in ATL with a nonexistent sex life.

  She was unprepared for the heady excitement she felt with Roman. For so long she’d denied herself the simplest pleasures in life. Perhaps tonight she should be bold. Somehow Shantel knew she was in good hands.

  “Is something wrong?” Roman inquired.

  “Ya think?” Shantel laughed nervously. “There’s Julian.”

  “Are you and my brother involved?”

  She shook her head.

  “Have you ever been?”

  “No.”

  “Then, let’s put him aside for a moment and focus on us. What else is holding you back?”

  “You.”

  “Me?” He seemed surprised.

  “Your reputation as a ladies’ man,” Shantel offered. “And me, I don’t—I don’t do this. Spend the night with men I hardly know.”

  He eyed her. “But you want to, don’t you, Shantel? If you do, say yes. Let’s have tonight.”

  She looked downward, but Roman used his index finger to lift her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. Despite her reservations that he was offering her no commitment, Shantel didn’t want to miss out on an incredible night with this amazing man. Wasn’t it time she lived with no regrets?

  Sucking in a breath, Shantel whispered, “Yes, I’d like that very much.”

  Roman swept her off her feet and led her to the elevator. A wild rush of anticipation soared through Shantel when he slid her down his body to her feet. Shantel could feel the hard planes and contours of his body, and little tremors ran through her, especially when he smoothed his hands down to cup her bottom and pull
her firmly to him.

  Shantel gasped. It was shockingly intimate and she hadn’t been with many men. Roman took full possession of her mouth and the contact of his lips on hers sent blistering heat flashing through her. She returned his ardor, opening her mouth under his and boldly mating her tongue with his. Her body ached and pulsed for him and it was exciting. She hadn’t thought she was capable of feeling this sort of longing and need, but it was there, a living, breathing thing.

  Shantel pushed aside any rational thoughts that this was not her typical behavior. Instead, she went with it, moaning when Roman angled his head and deepened the kiss. He knew exactly how to use his lips and tongue to mesmerize her into an erotic dance that only the two of them could share. When the ding of the elevator sounded, they parted. Roman grasped her hand and led her down the corridor in the hotel. They stopped in front of a room labeled Governor’s Suite.

  She looked at him questioningly.

  “My family has a room we keep on standby.”

  Shantel wondered if this was where the Lockett men always brought their women, but she remained mum and walked inside.

  She didn’t pay much attention to the details of the room other than to note it was decorated in browns and beige. As she walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, another spectacular view of Atlanta awaited. That’s when saw the king-size bed. Suddenly Roman’s hands were at her shoulders, and she sucked in a deep breath when his lips pressed against the nape of her neck.

  “Did I tell you,” he whispered, his thumbs stroking the bare skin of her back, “how beautiful you look tonight?”

  “A time or two,” Shantel said, glancing into the window to look at his reflection. His hands were tracing a line down her back, his touch sparking flames. Shantel held her breath when he found the hidden zipper of her dress and edged it down.

  Of course, a man like Roman would know how to get a woman out of her clothes quickly. This was all new to Shantel. She’d never been this daring before with other men, but then again, none of them were Roman.

  Her gown loosened around her. “I love this dress,” Roman said, “but it has to go.”