Not my characters. No profit.
Carol thanks so much for your wise take on this chapter.
I really needed your perspective. Thanks also for the wonderful beta work. Most of all I am so grateful for your friendship.
I want to thank everyone who has reviewed this story. And PL I wish I could thank you personally for all the support and kind things you write.
Chapter 14
Steph's POV
I sat in my car outside the temporary bonds office knowing somehow it wasn't going to be a normal day. I was growing to like normal more than I thought was possible. I couldn't imagine why I'd accepted all the crazy lunatic days of the past.
All of the self-defense classes I'd attended had paid off and so had the training with Eddie at the police academy. I was seeing a lot less of the guys from the precinct whenever I went after skips with Lula. She was even beginning to listen to me when I passed on some of my training.
It had been about three weeks since my "when" encounter with Joe, and since that time I hadn't see him—not once. I wasn't trying not to; I just didn't.
I'd heard through the grapevine people were wondering what happened with him and the gorgeous redhead. They surmised it hadn't worked out, and she'd hi-tailed it out of town—another broken hearted woman left in the trail of Joe Morelli. Of course they blamed me for it, because they were sure Joe would never completely get over me. I could live happily with that idea, but the shaking heads and pitying expressions that always accompanied the sentiment rankled a bit.
I made my way into the office. It was possibly more depressing and darker than the original office. Files were stacked everywhere, and there was only one chair to sit on—hard plastic and mustard yellow.
"Hey Steph, have I got a skip for you. He's handsome as all get out!" Connie informed me. "I couldn't stop looking at his face! But the eyes are a little scary."
I took the file and opened it up. Beau Peters. My eyes shot her a look, and then I gazed back at the picture in the file again. Drop dead hot! He looked like he came straight out of GQ magazine only better. I loved Joe with my whole heart and soul, but this guy was Matt Bomer handsome. Mesmerizing blue eyes, dark black hair, and—oh my God—his chiseled features looked like Michael Angelo himself had carved him.
"He's a criminal?" That seemed criminal. What a waste! The eyes were a little menacing, but who looked good in a mug shot? This guy did! As good as anyone I'd ever seen!
"I know. What a shame!" Maybe he could be rehabilitated. I sure wouldn't mind working on it with him," Connie sighed, filing her nails while she chewed hard on her gum.
There were no priors in the file, and the only other information for him was his current address in a high-rise apartment in the industrial section of downtown Trenton. That was weird because most of the losers we went after lived in down trodden neighborhoods and tenement buildings.
"No priors and just this theft arrest that came out of the blue?"
"Well that's the funny part. They caught him in a moving van, and there was only one stereo unit worth about eight thousand dollars in the back. That's it. He's out on fifty thousand dollars bail. He failed to appear, and now he's all yours!"
"Not ALL hers!" I heard Lula chiming in behind me. She had just stomped through the door; her hands filled with bags of breakfast food. "Let Lula get a better look!" She set down the bags with a clunk and promptly stole the file right out of my hands. "My, oh my—what a fine piece of man that is! I call dibs on handcuffing him!"
Vinnie came out from his office and he saw us still standing around after nine in the morning, which was a sacrilege as far as Vinnie was concerned. "What the fuck! Why are you two here? Why haven't you gotten your asses out to find some FTA's? You're not going to sit around here and eat this food! He grabbed a breakfast sandwich out of the bag and stuffed his mouth full.
"That would be a little hard without a chair to sit on!" I shot back.
"That will be two dollars and fifty-five cents!" Lula held her hand out. "I ain't buying no crabby ass boss no breakfast. Maybe I would if you treated us better, but you? NO way! Pay up!"
Vinnie searched in his pocket and came up with two dollars and a dime.
"You owe Lula forty-five cents!" She turned her voluptuous body back to the food on the desk and pulled out one of everything for herself. "I guess we can eat on the way!"
I grabbed a breakfast sandwich and the coffee I knew was mine, and off we went—files in hand.
We sat outside the luxurious apartment building and finished our breakfast.
"Looks like Mr. Sexy pants is doing just fine for hisself. He must be doing a lot more than stealing a measly ole' stereo unit," Lula observed smartly.
"Yeah I think we got a live one!"
"Well that remains to be seen, and right about now, I wouldn't mind seeing it!" Lula grinned widely.
"Okay, you ready? Do you really think he would be here so out in the open after skipping bail?"
"Girlie, I'm always ready! There's only one way to find out and who knows—maybe he has a brother living with him. I wouldn't mind dipping into the gene pool if you know what I mean.'" Lula opened her door, and I double-checked to make sure I had everything I would need to apprehend the wanted fugitive.
We stood on either side of the door listening first to the sounds emitting from the apartment. The TV was on. We were on the tenth floor of the high-rise, and there was no way he could escape through a back exit. He'd have to make a dash for the elevator or the stairs. One of us would cover those while the other knocked on the door. I motioned for Lula to cover while I did the honors. She pulled her gun out of her purse and got into place out of his sight range, and I rang the buzzer. She was a little put out, hissing at me that she called first dibs, but she knew I wasn't taking any flack from her anymore. We did things my new way, and it was working well so far.
The door opened, and for a moment I lost my breath. He was even better looking in person. His dark, almost indigo blue eyes took me in, and a slow sexy smile appeared as he surveyed me. I felt as though my clothing was totally transparent, and I felt my face flush.
"Hello, pretty lady. Wow is this my lucky day or what? Whatever you all are selling, I'm ready to buy, baby!" His southern drawl was pretty odd. I didn't know a lot of southerners, but there was something weird about his good old boy routine. His fingers reached out to touch my face. I jumped back as far as I could and still block his exit.
"Oh, little filly, you don't need to be scared. Beau knows how to appreciate a beauty like you!"
"You forgot something very important this week, Beau," I informed him, trying hard not to look into his eyes. There was something in them that belied his warm voice. They were cold and calculating, and I could feel darkness in his soul.
"I did? Did we meet in a bar, and I was a little smashed? I do that sometimes—ask a girl out and forget I ever did it. Oh, no, I didn't stand you up for a date now, did I? That would be so ill mannered. Why my Mama would tan my hide!"
"Nope, no date with me. We've never met. But you missed a date all right—your court date. You need to go down to the police station to set up a new one. I'm a recovery agent."
"I'm sure I don't have a clue what you are talking about, but no matter. Beau likes you anyway, and what Beau likes Beau gets."
"Not this time, Beau!" I had my hand on the trigger of my pepper spray in one pocket of my down vest, and, in the other hand, I was ready with the taser.
This guy wasn't going anywhere with me but to jail!
Before I realized what he was doing, he grabbed at the front of my shirt and yanked me into his apartment, nearly causing me to fall to the floor. He quickly shut and locked the door with his free hand. When he pulled on me, my hand jumped out of my pocket, and the pepper spray went flying. I lost my grip on the taser as well, and it fell to the carpet. I was in big trouble.
He ripped the skip bag off my shoulder and threw it across the room. He twisted me around as he pulled off the vest and tossed it to the floor. As he did, the ripping sound of my sleeve filled the air. He was at least six four and had a good sixty pounds on me. I tried to twist out of his reach, and the buttons on my blouse went flying. Shit! Lula! Where the hell are you?
He pushed my face hard up against the wall twisting both my hands in one of his behind my back. His breath was hot on my neck, and I was panting with the effort to stay calm and focused. Slowly turning me around to meet his face, his eyes blazed into mine, filled with a mixture of his lustful desire and wickedness. Both sent shivers to my soul. Oh God! Where the hell was Lula? I heard her swearing loudly outside the door!
His mouth smiled maliciously as he pushed me harder against the wall. I could feel his body smashing against mine, his desire growing as he grinded his body into me. Twisting and kicking out with my knee to no avail, I screamed and tried to maneuver my body away from his. He roughly groped my exposed breast in his hand, and his mouth crushed mine to shut me up.
He smelled and tasted of sour whiskey and smoky, pungent cigars. I wanted to vomit.
"I'm going to spend the whole day taming you, little filly," he informed me, pulling his lips away. His voice was harsh and evil. "You squirm as much as you want, because I like 'em skittish!"
His lips crushed mine again, and his tongue assaulted my mouth as his hands groped my body violently. I was gasping for air and felt lightheaded-about ready to pass out.
Suddenly a shot rang out, and the apartment door blasted open. I took advantage of the interruption and Beau's surprise to kick him in the groin. Twisting him over my knee, I flipped him to the floor. "What the hell took you so long!" I shouted at Lula. Straddling his body, he tried to buck me off while I cuffed his hands behind his back. He was screaming obscenities and threatening me sexually, using vulgar and unrepeatable words.
"I had a small problem with my gun. I forgot to load it, and the bullets were in the bottom of Lula's purse!" She explained, giving the southern offender a good kick to get him subdued. When that didn't work, she retrieved the taser I dropped earlier and gave him a shot to his ass. Finally he shut up. Watching him twitch and drool was gratifying
I wanted to call the police to take him away because the idea of spending one more moment with this sick twisted loser was abhorrent to me. I wanted a shower so badly and to wash my mouth out with a hundred bottles of Scope and brush my teeth with a gallon of toothpaste. Above all that I wanted Joe's strong, protective and loving arms around me. It would be so easy to call him and beg for him to be with me. But I knew Beau would be a dead man if Joe saw what he'd done to me. And I knew I had to pull it together so Joe would never know.
"We have to take him to the station, and YOU cannot tell a soul what he did. I don't want Joe to find out."
"Why are you protecting him?" Lula said, taking in the torn rag my shirt had become and the fact my bra was askew. I could feel that my hair was mussed, and there were a few bruises forming on my arms.
"Joe just can't know, okay?"
"Okay."
She took off her jacket, a "lovely" shade of chartreuse, and handed it to me to cover my bare skin. I took it gratefully, knowing I'd switch it for mine once I got to the car. Lula helped me retrieve my vest, skip bag and pepper spray. I was grateful because I was barely able to control the overwhelming urge to cry.
"Let's get his sorry ass where it belongs! You're sure you're not going to file assault charges?" Lula asked, shaking her head.
"No."
"Are you sure? Steph, if he did this to you, he might do it to someone else."
"No, he did it to me because I was there to take him in."
"He's not so cute anymore is he?" Lula asked.
"He's one of the ugliest men I've ever laid eyes on." I was shaking from head to toe. What if I'd gone on this apprehension alone? No one would have been there to help me. No one would have known where I was. I shuddered just thinking about it. He took me by surprise. Despite my vow to never let it happen again—it had. Even with all the training, I'd let my guard down. Damn it! Ranger and Morelli would be so pissed at me—not to mention Eddie!
Worse yet, Joe would be worried sick. He'd have made sure I stopped shaking and covered me with his own shirt if necessary. Had he been there, he'd have made me press charges and taken my statement.
Afterward, Joe would've made sure I got home and run through the shower. He would've given me fresh clothing—even if it was his last clean garment. Taking the ripped ones for evidence, I would've never seen them again. That was Joe—so protective and loving, and God, I needed him right then! It was all I could do not to call him. He'd told me I could call if I ever needed him, and oh God, I did.
I always would.
But I had to learn to do things for myself. I needed to keep standing on my own two feet—even if my legs felt as though they were going to collapse beneath me. There was a chance I wouldn't get Joe back or have him to rely on ever again. I'd been so stupid not to appreciate what I'd had when I had it!
Shivering, I watched Lula roll Beau's limp body onto a blanket she'd found on the couch. I pulled myself together long enough to help her drag the demon cowboy out to Big Blue. Together we managed to shove him into the back seat. Not wanting to take a chance on his escaping, I chained his handcuffed hands to the wardrobe bar above him. He was going where he belonged, and with any luck, they'd put him away for years to come. I was going to make sure Vinnie refused to re-bond him. I knew there was a good chance another agency would, but it sure as hell had better not be ours.
By the time I reached the station, I had stopped shaking quite as much, and I'd replaced Lula's jacket for my own, zipping it to conceal the shabby state of my clothing. I did the best I could with my hair and makeup while Lula drove. Unfortunately, my hands were still shaking slightly.
My heart flipped and landed softly as we pulled into the station. Who was there just getting out of his car? Joe. I wanted to run into his arms and bury my head in his shoulder. I wanted to cry and confess everything to him. My resolve to be strong was caving.
I got out of the car and opened the back door. Joe saw Lula and I and came over to see whom we had in the back seat.
"Wow, a live one!" Joe smiled at me. He took one look into my eyes, and I knew what he'd seen. "Cupcake, are you okay?" The instantaneous concern stung my heart. God I missed him.
"Yeah, I'm fine. He was a handful," I explained vaguely.
"Steph, tell me the truth," Joe demanded, holding my arm gently.
"He got a little out of sorts, and I should've been more prepared."
"Out of sorts—in what way? Did he hurt you?" Joe wasn't going to let this go.
"Oh, you know how they get Officer Hottie—belligerent asses!" Lula came to my rescue, God bless her!
"Yeah, he was a total ass," I agreed, forcing a smile. Joe's hand went out to stroke my hair, and it was all I could do not to cry.
"You need help getting him in? I'll call inside and have a couple of guys out here to help you."
"Thanks, Joe."
"Anytime, Cupcake. I'd help you myself, but I'm late for a meeting."
We shared a smile, and then he was gone. I wanted to run after him and beg him to take me back. I didn't want ONE more damn day to go by without him in my life.
When I got home a half hour later, I grabbed my toothbrush and desperately began to brush my teeth. As I remembered Beau's hands on my body and his mouth over mine, my gagging reflex brought up my breakfast, and I threw up until nothing was left.
I sobbed while turning on the shower. Giving in to the onslaught of tears, I cried for all women who had ever been treated so violently and so cheaply. The tears were intense anger, fear and hatred of men who abused and degraded women. And some were mourning the ONE man I wished I had by my side—who knew me better than anyone and who would've known what to do and say to take the fear, pain, anger and mistrust away.
Only Joe knew me that way, and I wanted him back more than ever. If he showed up at my door and asked me to marry him, I would.
Today.
Right then and there. No doubts. No worries. No hesitation. I hoped with all my heart that day would come. I was so ready for it. I wanted us. I wanted his babies. I wanted a life with him—period.
In the shower, I forced myself to concentrate on those dreams. I wasn't going to let Beau the Beast infiltrate my body or my mind. I imagined Joe as my husband—how blissful it would feel to know every single day of my life would be filled with Joe moments.
Morelli Moments.
I hadn't thought of the journal in a long time. I wondered if he'd ever read it. Maybe not—seeing as he'd never mentioned it. It made me sad to think he wouldn't want to when I'd thought he would. And I thought deep in my heart he would have known how dearly he'd been loved—and still would be forever.
Joe's POV
I was sitting at my desk doing paper work, but I couldn't get the image of Steph's face out of my mind. I was worried about her. Something in her eyes earlier today when I'd seen her in the parking lot had alarmed me. Maybe I was just being over-protective. She'd assured me she was okay, and I had to take her word for it.
I was still dealing with a lot of different emotions about Steph. I loved her to distraction—no doubt about it, but I still felt a little niggling of fear every time I allowed myself to think of our future. The trust wasn't there for me, and a part of me was deathly afraid if I found myself ready to start over with her, that I would end up getting hurt again. Trust would take a long time to rebuild. Would I always be dealing with the doubt and the uncertainty, or could she change enough that I'd know the place I held in her life and in her heart was mine alone.
The pain I'd experienced because of her betrayal was not something I felt I could go through a second time. There was so much riding on our reunion. I'd be crazy to jump back into something that might still end up destroying me if it didn't work out. What if Ranger tempted Stephanie again—or someone else did? I wasn't prepared to go through the torture of that!
In all honesty, I sometimes wondered if I'd be better off moving on with my life, although that thought was discarded faster than the Queen of Spades in a Hearts game. My life without her was empty and lonely. No one else could fill her shoes. I'd been crazy to even think I could love another woman as I loved her. Liking Kate or anyone else was a far cry from loving Stephanie.
Captain Michaels poked his head into my office, interrupting my thoughts.
"Oh good—you're still here, Joe."
I looked at my watch. I'd been going over some evidence on a grizzly double homicide case from the night before, and, as usual, I'd lost track of time. Lately, I'd found it was easy to do when you had no one waiting for you at home. No offense to Bob—I loved him, but he wasn't Stephanie. It was already ten thirty. What could Captain Michaels possibly need from me at this hour?
"Yes, Captain? Did you need something?"
"I do indeed. I totally forgot that Kate was going to be flying in tonight from Boston."
"She is? I didn't realize she would be coming back so soon."
"Yes—well, there's some research I need from her on the new operation. She was in New York for part of the week, and then flew to Boston to take care of some engagements with her family. She loves those nieces and nephews of hers. I swear, I thought she'd have at least two or three kids of her own by now."
"Yeah, she told me she really likes kids."
"Well anyway, she is flying back tonight."
"And?"
"And I forgot to have my secretary make her a hotel reservation. I kept Lynn here overtime on the phone, and she tried to get Kate a room, but it turns out with three huge conventions going on all over town, there's not a room to be had."
"What does that have to do with me?" I asked, feeling the old, familiar wariness whenever Michaels was this vague.
"Well of course I'd have her stay at our house. I would in a heartbeat, you know. But my wife's parents are here using our only guest room, and as luck would have it, my twins Jackie and Rachel are also having a double slumber party for their sixteenth birthday party. We're filled to the gills."
"I see."
I didn't see at all.
There was no way in hell I was volunteering to put a beautiful, single, over- the-top, attractively-tempting woman in my house. He couldn't be asking me to do that, could he?
"Joe, I remembered you own a house and was pretty sure you had a spare room. As I recall, we used it once to have you babysit Dickie Orr awhile back. That is still the case, right?
"Uh yeah." Maybe he wanted his in-laws to stay at my house. Sure he does Joe!
"Could Kate stay there for the night? I'll try to find her somewhere else tomorrow?"
"You want Kate to stay with me?" I asked. Immediately my mind began racing at the mere thought of it. What would Stephanie think? What would Kate think? What did I think? "There's really nowhere else she could go?"
"Not this late. She called a few minutes ago, and her flight's been delayed due to a blizzard warning in Boston. I'm not sure what time it will be here. I can give you the flight number so you can pick her up at the airport. She told me you two hit it off, so what's the problem?"
"Whoa, just a minute." I raised my hand to stop his crazy thinking. There was no way in hell I was going have Kate stay at my place. If I did, I'd probably find Steph jumping off a bridge the next day. I'd already relived finding her in the park over and over—her body frozen and shivering. She'd stopped thinking rationally the moment she'd heard about the lunch I'd had with Kate. I couldn't let anything like that happen again. The look I'd seen in her eyes still haunted me.
With Burg gossip, she'd know I had a female houseguest before morning. That coupled with the fact I'd admitting to liking Kate would leave Stephanie furious and heartbroken.
There was also the very real complication that I did like Kate. Maybe I couldn't trust myself to be alone with her. I knew what I'd promised Stephanie, but something had come over me the moment I'd set eyes on Kate that I hadn't felt in a very long time toward anyone but Stephanie. I didn't want to put myself to the test. I was vulnerable and lonely, and the mere thought of seeing Kate again was doing things to my head and heart that I couldn't control. It was weird, because I'd just told myself Kate could never compare with Steph. I must be more wiped out than I'd even realized.
"Look, Joe, I wouldn't ask you, but I promised her Dad I'd take care of her whenever she was here. You know he's an old buddy, and I don't have anyone else I can ask at this hour. I can't believe I forgot to book the damn hotel room!" Michaels usually stayed pretty calm, cool and collected. "I didn't have the heart to tell Kate there were no rooms available. She sounded so tired, and now she's got the delayed flight to deal with too. This is just so fucked up! I can't believe I screwed up this bad."
His pleading eyes got to me. Rolling mine in resignation, I said, "What airline—give me the flight number."
"Oh thanks, Joe. You're a real life-saver!"
I was grateful Kate's flight was delayed, because I had to go to the grocery store to stock up on breakfast items. Racing home, I put new sheets on the guest bed. For some damned reason—when I was in the store, I'd grabbed a vase of flowers because they reminded me of spring, figuring after the grueling day she'd had, Kate would appreciate the promise of nicer, warmer days ahead. I felt guilty because I couldn't remember the last time I'd bought Steph flowers. If we made it back together, there was a lot I needed to make up for in the romance department.
I felt nervous all the way to the airport. I'd called to check on Kate's arrival time, and her flight was due to land in a half hour. Why did I have that funny, anticipatory feeling in my stomach? I hadn't seen her since our lunch. I'd had no intention of ever seeing her again except in a working capacity.
And now—out of the blue—she was about to spend the night in my house. Captain Michaels told me she had a checked bag, so I headed to baggage claim to look for her.
The airport was fairly deserted at that hour, and I saw her almost immediately standing by the carousal. She was wearing blue jeans and a cowl necked black sweater. Her feet were adorned in black leather boots, and she wore a matching leather duster length coat. I'd know her anywhere because of the way she held her tall sleek body.
I stayed back, because she was in a heated conversation with an airline employee.
"What do you mean you don't have my luggage?" Her tone was pretty irate, and she looked as though she wanted to shoot the guy with whom she was talking. I felt a little sorry for him. That Irish temper of hers was obviously in the ugly stages. I wondered if she was carrying her gun?
"I got on a non-stop flight that was delayed three hours, and YOU didn't get my bag on it! Are you freaking kidding me? Do you know how ridiculous that is—not to mention incompetent!"
I remembered a time when Steph and I had flown to the Caribbean for a long weekend. Her luggage hadn't made it, but mine had. She'd been so great about it. We'd bought her a few new things to tide her over, and I'd shared anything else she needed. She was a no fuss/no frills girl, and I really loved that about her. Yet when she dressed up, she was ALL woman, and there was no mistaking the beauty of her—inside or out.
Kate was getting nowhere, and I was feeling beyond exhausted.
I stepped up, hoping to intervene.
"Kate, it's okay. We can stop somewhere and get you a few things till the bag gets here," I offered reasonably.
"Joe, I didn't know you were here. Sorry, I just had a very long, grueling day and a horribly bumpy flight only to find they didn't put my bag on!"
The airline guy offered his apologies and promised to notify her the minute the bag arrived. He indicated he'd call for delivery instructions.
After he left, she smiled that dazzling smile I'd seen when I first met her, and I quickly put the anger down to the fact she was having a bad moment. Everyone had those, so I smiled back.
"Joe, it's so good to see you again. Thanks so much for picking me up. It's so late. I'm sorry—you're probably way past your bedtime. I told Captain Michaels I could get a cab, but he insisted."
Her hair was loose and fell in soft coppery waves to her shoulders. She had dark circles under her jeweled green eyes—so obviously fatigued. But the sparkle in those eyes was as alive and beautiful as when I first met her.
"It's fine. I slept in a little this morning. I had two really long days back to back. I needed to catch up a bit. Apparently murderers NEVER sleep in the Burg."
"Oh yikes—sorry, Joe! This wasn't good timing for you."
"Hey, I'm fine, and you look more exhausted than I feel."
She blushed, and self-consciously pushed back her hair. "I've definitely looked better!"
"I didn't mean it like that! Jeez, I'm sorry—you're gorgeous!" I blurted unintentionally, but she was an absolutely beautiful woman. That was the truth. I'd bet people told her all the time.
Her eyes smiled at me, and I knew she didn't mind the compliment. Shit. What was wrong with me? I felt like an awkward teenager all of a sudden. My promises to Steph felt like they were flying out the damned window. I had to stop this "liking" thing before it got way out of hand. I'd made a commitment to Steph that we still had a future, and I didn't have any intention of breaking it—except when Kate was actually next to me in the flesh.
Then I felt myself weakening by the second.
"So you got drafted into picking me up and driving me to the hotel?"
"Uh—well yes, I'm picking you up, but didn't Captain Michaels tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"His secretary tried to make you a reservation, but there wasn't a room available. It seems there are at least three huge conventions in town, and the rooms are booked solid till early next week."
"No, he didn't tell me that."
"Well—uh—I have a guest room at my house. I've put people up before when—uh—the need arises. So he asked me if you could stay there tonight." The nervous energy was invading my body again. What the hell was I so damned nervous about?
"That's really kind of you, Joe, but I don't want to put you out. Are you sure you don't mind me staying with you?"
"No problem—just beware of Bob, my dog," I warned her.
"Is he a watchdog?"
"Not exactly."
"Biter?"
"No, never."
"Okay, I give up. What is it I need to be aware of?"
"He likes to eat everything. Don't leave your shoes or your suitcase where he can get it."
"Oh!" She laughed, and it was music to my ears.
"Believe me, there is nothing Bob won't eat—furniture, gym socks underwear. He's not picky when it comes to flavor."
She smiled again, and even though she was tired, her eyes twinkled.
We talked about a bunch of different things on the way to my house. I was surprised that given her fatigue, she was still as amusing and animated as she'd been the first day I met her. It was funny how natural it felt to be driving along and holding a conversation as if we'd been doing it for years. There was no awkwardness, and that scared the shit out of me. Why wasn't this virtual stranger a stranger to me?
We stopped at a twenty-four hour Target, so she could get what she needed for the night and the next day. I wasn't too thrilled at how much time she took deciding. One of the many things I loved about Steph was her ability to shop like a pro. She knew exactly what she wanted and seemed to zero in on it without hemming and hawing over it. Considering how uncertain she was about the other more serious aspects of her life, it was actually pretty funny.
We pulled up to the house, and I felt a little ill at ease bringing Kate there. Something told me she was pretty used to upscale living, and my house wasn't exactly more than medium scale.
As we walked in, Bob bounded over to greet us. I knew he liked Kate because after his usual rambunctious greeting, he sat next to her and leaned his whole body into her. I had to apologize for his bad manners, as usual, but Kate seemed to love it. She petted and talked to him sweetly, seemingly understanding her praise of what a handsome dog he was. Animal love was definitely blind. I doubt even Bob thought he was handsome. I'd come home earlier to grab dinner and taken him out for a long walk before heading back to work, so he just needed a few minutes to relieve himself in the back yard.
"This is really cozy, Joe—nice place," Kate nodded, looking around at the newer furniture mixed with Aunt Rose's antique curtains.
"It was my Aunt Rose's house. She left it to me out of the blue. I had no idea I was even in her will. I decided to give it a try. Up until then, it was man-cave apartments all the way."
"It suits you."
I bowed my head, hiding a smile. I didn't feel ill at ease any longer. There was something about Kate I realized wasn't spoiled or high-maintenance. Even if she looked like she could be, she just wasn't. The suitcase thing had to have been because she was as worn out as I was.
"Where are my manners? Are you hungry or thirsty? I have wine or beer, and uh leftovers that my mom sent over today—Italian food of course."
"Are you sure? It's late, and you must want to get to bed." I could tell she didn't want to be a nuisance.
"Of course I'm sure." I smiled in spite of my resolve not to let this woman get under my skin.
"Wine would be great. I get nervous when I fly. And I'm famished. I thought I was going to be late for the flight, so I nibbled some crackers on the way to the airport. But I hate eating before I fly, so even with the delayed flight, I didn't dare have anything more." She bent over the flowers holding a yellow rose between two fingers to sniff the aromatic perfume. "Mmm…I love yellow roses."
"Steph loves them too."
In that moment, I realized I'd subconsciously bought them for Steph—not Kate. I'd had no idea what Kate liked, but I knew what Steph did only too well. I wished for a moment I could have taken them to Stephanie, especially after seeing her eyes that morning. She'd looked like she needed something to make her smile. I didn't want to torture her though by romantic gestures before I was ready to fully commit again.
"I'm glad you like them." It figured I'd be attracted to a woman that liked the same things Steph did.
"I do. This is a nice ending to a very long night."
"What's wrong with me? You're still hungry. Here, let me take care of that. One delicious plate of my mother's homemade manicotti coming right up."
"Thanks, Joe. You really know how to treat a woman."
Her easy, complimentary demeanor threw me off, and as hard as I tried not to let it hit my heart, it did—instantly. Kate and I had an effortless rapport and seeing her again did nothing to cool my feelings toward her. If anything, I found myself enjoying the fact she was back in my life again way too much.
Uncorking a bottle of red wine, I poured two glasses and handed one to Kate.
I put her food in the microwave and picked up my glass. "Salute'," I said. "Welcome back." I was surprised by how much I meant it. Had I actually missed her without realizing it?
"Thanks, Joe—Salute'. We clinked our glasses, and as we sipped the wine, our eyes never left one another's. "Thank you so much for letting me stay with you. I guess without you I'd have been homeless tonight!"
"I'd never let that happen," I assured her.
She heard the microwave go off, and we both headed toward it at the same time.
"Let me help," she offered. "You don't need to be waiting on me."
I readjusted the microwave for the additional thirty seconds I knew it would take to heat the food.
As we turned around in the small kitchen area, our bodies bumped together. I reached out to stop Kate from falling against the counter. Our lips simultaneously parted as if to speak, but no words came out. Sparks flew between us, and before I knew what I was doing our faces drew closer and closer. I could feel her sweet breath against my lips, and I felt the temptation to kiss her. It would be easy to escape from the loneliness I'd been going through—a moment to forget the pain I was working to get past and just enjoy something freely.
My imagination ran away for that split second. I could almost feel my fingers combing into her luxuriously soft, ruby tresses. It would be heaven to feel her hand cupping the back of my head as well. Smiling, I visualized her tapered fingers raking through the hair at the nape of my neck. I envisioned her lips touching mine, first teasingly and then feverishly. She'd taste so sweet, so delectable. We'd kiss softly and lightly at first—just testing and tasting one another. Then our mouths would open fully, and we'd share a tongue-to-tongue exchange that would hold the heat of a thousand fires.
The shrill, beeping reminder of the microwave brought me out of the dangerous fantasy. What in the hell was I thinking? This wasn't me! I couldn't let this happen. Guilt descended on my brain like an avalanche of frigid snow. I stepped back from Kate as if I'd been severely burned.
"Stephanie?" She asked softly.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
"I'm sorry," I breathed it out like a whisper. "Let me get your food."
I turned my back to Kate, trying with all I had in me to get it together. I pulled the plate out from the microwave and found my hands were shaking.
"Here, you need to eat."
"Joe, I wanted you to kiss me. I would have kissed you. I was thinking about what it would feel like too. It's not like she's been faithful to you. Why are you so willing to take her back after the way she hurt you?"
What was she psychic? No, she was feeling exactly what I was!
Shit! And what could I say to her about my loyalty to Steph? Sometimes it seemed crazy to me too!
"You're a very attractive man, Joe. I bet there are many women who feel the same way I do. It's okay to have feelings for someone else. She did."
That was not something I should be hearing right then. I didn't need the encouragement. But hearing her say it, made me feel happy inside. How could I feel happy and guilty as hell at the same time? Was this how it was for Stephanie with Ranger?
No, because Stephanie never stopped it.
Thank God I hadn't done the same thing as her. What if I had? What could I have said to Steph after our promise of "when?" There's no way I could've explained a kiss away, because it wouldn't have stopped there. We'd have gone upstairs and started something I wouldn't have ever been able to excuse or apologize about enough. Stephanie would never have forgiven me. And I would have never forgiven myself.
"It's not okay. I do love Stephanie. I haven't told you yet, but she found out about our lunch, and it really hurt her."
"Oh. I'm sorry, Joe, but she really hurt you too."
"You didn't see her. I found her sitting in the park half frozen. We talked, and I was honest with her. I'm going to be honest with you too, Kate. I like you. I did the moment we met."
"Joe, I like you too."
I shook my head. "I promised Steph that I'd try really hard to get past the betrayal and forgive her so that we could move on—together—hopefully soon."
"I understand," she said, although I could see she didn't. Something in her voice told me she wasn't really supportive of my decision to get back with Steph.
"I don't even understand! How could I expect you to?" I exclaimed frustrated.
"You're still in love with her. Love isn't something that can be explained sometimes."
"Tell me about it."
"Joe, I appreciate your being so honest—" She looked away from me as though she felt guilty about something.
"What's wrong?"
"I want to be totally honest with you too." She put her fork down and looked straight into my eyes.
The beeper on my belt buzzed, interrupting whatever she was about to say. I took it off my belt and read the message. Shit! "So much for sleeping tonight."
"You have to go?"
"Yeah, unfortunately murderers like to do their goriest work late into the night."
"I'll be fine here."
"Let me take you upstairs at least and show you to your room. Uh—the main bathroom is off my bedroom. If you want to shower or anything, use that one. I left you plenty of fresh towels. There's another half bath through that door." I pointed her in the right direction.
She followed me up the stairs, and suddenly I was grateful I'd been called away. I couldn't imagine how tempted I would be all night with her in the room right next to mine.
Oh God, how would Stephanie handle the news I'd had an overnight female guest. Even if it were innocent and unexpected, she wouldn't be happy.
I needed to call her first thing in the morning before word got to her. Thank God I'd stopped at a fantasy about kissing Kate. I couldn't imagine having to confess to Steph I'd actually done it after insisting she not lie to me anymore! I wasn't going to lie to her either. If we were meant to get back together, the foundation of our relationship had to be grounded in truth and trust. If I'd gone through with a kiss to Kate, I would have jeopardized my entire future with Steph.
I was dead tired and realized if I hadn't been; I would have never allowed that dream of Kate. I had an attraction to her—nothing more. And I would never let it be more. Stephanie was the love of my life. No other woman would ever measure up to my feelings for her. I felt a little better knowing at least that would never change. I wasn't about to let anyone or anything else come between us. Nothing was worth the cost of losing her forever.
It was nearly five in the morning by the time I'd put the murder investigation to bed—at least until later that day. I was on my way home, but there was no way I could go to bed knowing by sunrise the Burg would be ready for a new day of jaw flapping. I had to call Steph and tell her before I could sleep peacefully.
Sitting in my SUV in front of my house—not wanting to go in loudly and disturb Kate's sleep—I hit the familiar but lately abandoned speed-dial number on my phone. I felt badly I'd awaken Stephanie, but there was no other choice. I could barely keep my eyes open and knew sleep would claim me as soon as my head hit the pillow. By the time I'd awaken later, she'd have been blasted by the burg bomb of the day. Joe Morelli had a woman in his house overnight. It would take something as innocent as one little sighting of Kate letting the dog out or picking up the morning paper, and all hell would break loose again.
"Hilo." I heard her soft sleepy voice pick up on the fourth ring.
"Hi, Cupcake—sorry to call you so early."
"Joe? Are you okay?"
"Are you?" I had to ask. I'd been thinking about her ever since I'd seen her yesterday morning.
"Yeah, but it's good to hear your voice."
"Yours too, Cupcake."
"Are you sure everything's all right?"
"Yeah, I just needed to tell you something before you hear it from anyone else."
Silence.
"Sorry—okay. I'm still half asleep. What did you need to tell me?" I could hear a thread of worry in her tone.
"I had to take in a last-minute houseguest last night unexpectedly." Could I be anymore vague?
"Oh? Okay—well who?"
"Kate." Steph immediately knew whom I meant despite previously knowing her name.
Silence.
"Steph, are you there?"
"Uh…yes." Her voice was so soft it was almost imperceptible.
"Just hear me out okay?"
"Kate's the redhead you had lunch with—the same woman you told me you like and are attracted to." Her pain was evident in every syllable.
"Stephanie, she had nowhere else to go. The secretary was supposed to make her a reservation but forgot, and was too late to make one. There are conventions all over town. Everything is booked."
"I see."
"Look, I called you to tell you so you wouldn't hear a bunch of shit from the grapevine that isn't true."
"Are you going to tell me the truth?"
"Always."
"Did she sleep in your bed?"
"No. I don't think so," I amended quickly.
She laughed sarcastically. "You don't think so? You don't know if a beautiful woman was sleeping next to you?"
"No, I don't know where she slept, because I got called out to a murder investigation, and I'm just heading home now. Don't worry though. If I find her in my bed, I'll kick her out," I teased.
I heard a deep intake of breath. Relief.
"Okay," came the sleepy but worried response.
"I picked her up at the airport and took her to the house."
"Then you got called to work?"
"After a bit—yes." I swallowed hard.
"Something happened," she said it as though she'd known it from the moment she'd heard my voice on the phone.
"Nothing happened!" Please God forgive me for those lurid thoughts.
Silence.
"Steph, are you there?"
"I don't know. I think I'm having a bad dream."
"Nothing HAPPENED! I was gone all night."
"But what if you weren't? What if you hadn't gotten that call?"
"Why "what if" anything? I did get called, and I wasn't there."
"Are you still attracted to her, Joe? Do you still like her?"
Shit!
"Yes." I refused to lie. I couldn't do that after all the betrayal I'd been handed. I wouldn't do that to anyone.
Ever.
Silence.
"Steph, are you there?"
"I don't know what to say."
"I do. Nothing has changed. Everything we talked about before still holds true for me."
"But you like her! Do you want her?"
"I love you, and I want you."
"What happened to you promising me you wouldn't see her anymore?"
"This whole thing came up out of the blue. Was I supposed to let her sleep on the street?"
"I'd have lent her a blanket and a pillow," Steph said, hardly meaning it as a joke.
"Are you mad at me?" I asked, knowing our relationship was on shaky enough ground without adding to the faults.
"How would you feel if I invited a guy to come over and sleep here right now?"
I cleared my throat. A countless parade of men from Diesel to Mooner to Vinnie had stayed at her apartment through the years, and I'd never thought twice about it. Only when Ranger had stayed was I on pins and needles. "You've had lots of men over to spend the night at your place. Did something happen with them?"
"You know that it didn't!"
"Nothing happened with Kate either! She needed a bed."
"I want to claw her eyes out!" Her belligerent honesty brought a big smile to my face.
"My little tiger," I couldn't resist teasing her.
"You'd better get over the liking her and the attraction!"
"Or?" I baited her, enjoying her threats.
"Or I'll claw YOUR eyes out first!" she warned me only half-kidding.
"You love me!" I informed her affectionately.
"You're scum, Morelli—just plain scum."
"I know, but I'm your scum," I promised her faithfully.
"You're the only scum I've ever wanted," she assured me before hanging up. As I fell asleep twenty minutes later, the smile was still on my lips after hearing her admit she still wanted me—scum and all.
Two hours later, the insistent buzzing of my phone awakened me. Damn! I should have turned the infernal thing off.
"Hello? Cathy is that you?"
"Yes, it's me, brother dear. Who else would it be?" Cathy had always been the smartass of the family in addition to me.
"Cut me some slack. I had a late night of blood and gore."
"Jeez, you sound like a character from Twilight." That was my big sister—ever the comedian.
"I think that would be a step up from my life."
"Uh-oh—you're not going to appreciate what I'm about to ask you then," she warned me.
"Spit it out. With our family, nothing would surprise me."
"Well, Matt's running a high fever, and Ron is out of town. I tried calling Ma, but she has a bad cold, and Angelina and Adrienne have Christmas stuff to take care of. I'd never ask you, Joe, but there's NO one else."
"Oh no! You've got to be kidding me. I mean, I know you have to take Matt to the doctor, but I've had about three hours sleep, and that's the highest number for the entire week!"
"Joe, it's only the three little ones."
"That's like saying it's only a category five hurricane!" I barked hoarsely.
"Please?"
"Oh shit! Okay, but you tell them if they're not on their best behavior, Uncle Joe's going to make a jail cell for them and throw away the key!"
"I will. Thanks, Joe. You're the best brother ever!"
"The best chump you mean!"
"Be there in a few," Cathy promised me. It sounded more like a threat. Oh boy. The fun never ended with the Morelli family. I yawned and felt that sick to the stomach feeling I got whenever my sleep was too short and something suddenly awakened me. Damn, it was going to be a hellishly long day.
Stumbling into the shower, the water did nothing to wake up my body. I was exhausted. I could have slept standing up.
I grabbed a pair of clean sweats and marched downstairs to find Kate dressed and making breakfast. She had bacon frying, scrambled eggs bubbling and had just put bread into the toaster.
Looking up from her tasks, she smiled happily. "Morning, sleepy head. I heard your phone go off. You have to go in already?"
"Nope—I've got a rather rowdy set of three, under-the-age-of-ten children coming over soon. Their mom is my sister Cathy. Her oldest boy's sick, and she has to take him to the doctor. It turns out my mother has the bug too, and she can't find anyone else to watch her other three kids. Everyone is out of school for Christmas break. She'll be here any minute."
"Really!" Kate's smile widened by a mile. "I better put on more bacon."
"You must have gotten a great night's sleep. Either that or you took your happy pills. Are you for real? My nieces and nephews are usually a handful!" I warned her while pouring myself a badly needed cup of coffee. I took a sip and closed my eyes for a few blissful seconds.
"I miss my nieces and nephews like crazy. I'd love to help watch them while you go back to bed. You've hardly gotten any sleep."
"Sorry, did I wake you when I came in?" I grabbed the toast that popped up and started to butter it.
"No, I can simply tell you're still exhausted. Let me take care of breakfast. Once your sister drops off the kids, just go back to bed. I can handle it, I promise. Besides, it's the least I can do after you put me up last night."
I smiled. She was such a sweetheart. I loved my nieces and nephews, but if I didn't get a little more sleep, I'd probably keel over soon. Fatigue was not good when you needed a clear mind to follow a murderer's Spartan clues.
The loud din at the door signaled the arrival of the brood. Cathy looked disheveled and agitated as the troops marched in holding an open box of cereal and a carton of milk. They all had their backpacks overstuffed with dolls and toys. My sister kissed me on the cheek, and her mouth dropped open as she took in Kate cooking breakfast so capably in my kitchen.
"Hello?" Cathy did a double take, lifting her eyebrow at me.
"Uh…Cathy this is Kate. Kate, this is my sister, Cathy, along with Roberto, my nephew, and my nieces Gina and Sophia."
"Hi." She extended her hand to my sister first, then turned her attention to Roberto, complimenting him on how tall he was. Kate then went down on her knees to talk to Gina and Sophia, winning them both over immediately.
"Gina, that's a beautiful doll in your backpack. Can I see her?"
"Yes," Gina answered shyly. She pulled the doll out and gave it to Kate. "You know she looks like you with the big brown eyes."
Gina smiled, and I could see she'd be happy to stay with Kate.
Sophia, only four but the most outgoing of the children, had her usual curiosity going. "Why is your hair so red? Do you put dye on it like my mommy? Your eyes are so shiny! Are you going to marry Uncle Joe? Where's Aunt Stephanie?" No doubt my sister was thinking the same thing!
Kate laughed and answered her in the order of her questions. "My hair is naturally red. My eyes are shiny because I'm happy to meet you, Sophia, and your uncle and I are just friends. As for Stephanie, you'd have to ask your Uncle Joe."
I roughhoused a bit with Roberto, and then took each one of my nieces up into my arms. Receiving a hug from those little angels was the highlight of a bachelor uncle's life. Every time I felt those chubby arms latched around my neck so completely trusting and loving reinforced the fact I wanted one of my own.
"We have bacon, eggs and toast for anyone who's hungry. Of course you can have the cereal too if you'd rather," Kate offered, guiding the kids to the table.
My sister smiled gratefully. "Okay, I'd better get Matt to the doctor before he flips a gasket. He hates the doctor! I'll be back as soon as I can. With all this flu going around, it could be a long wait. And then I'll probably have to go to the pharmacy and stop at the grocery store."
She mouthed to me silently that she liked Kate, and I rolled my eyes. I was wondering if she were planning to pick up the kids by the time they turned eighteen!
"Take your time," I told her. "I think we'll be just fine." I smiled as I watched Kate helping Gina put jam on her toast.
We'd finished breakfast, and Kate had the kids help with the clean up. She insisted I go upstairs and get that sleep I needed so badly. I took one last look at her and the normally over active trio were mysteriously acting like angels today. Kate evidently had that way about her and brought out the best in everyone she met—except maybe airline employees.
"You sure?" I asked dubiously, wondering how long this change of behavior could last.
"Absolutely," she nodded.
"It's okay, Uncle Joe. You go night-night. Kate will take good care of us!" Sophia declared, walking over to my chair and patting my cheek soothingly.
I took that as my cue to leave. Mouthing a sincere thanks to Kate, I got a sweet smile in return and off to bed I went.
Steph's POV
It was mid-morning, and I couldn't shake my conversation with Joe. He was still attracted to this woman. That shook me to my core. It wasn't good with Joe and I still so far apart, and now for some God forsaken reason, SHE was in HIS house! She'd stayed overnight! Was she still there? Would she find a hotel or would she be there longer? How could I trust that Joe would resist her charms? She had to have plenty of them for Joe to be so smitten. I almost wished he had lied and said he didn't like her anymore.
I knew he loved me, but I'd done so much to shake our relationship, and he wasn't ready to start over. The fact he'd met someone he really liked wasn't helping him get any closer to me either. If anything, it was going to hold our reunion up indefinitely—maybe even permanently.
I needed to see this female that had turned Joe's head—to see what it was about her that made him unable to deny his feelings. Joe wouldn't lie to make me jealous. He'd been telling me the God's honest truth when he said he liked her. The tone of his voice and the look in his eyes had scared the shit out of me. I could lose him to her. Something in his expression had told me that. It had softened almost the same way it did for me. It hurt deeply to see that.
Not even stopping to think, I got in to Big Blue and headed for Joe's house. What would I say? 'Hey, I was just in the neighborhood'. Right. I wasn't going to lie anymore. I'd made up my mind. I'd go right up to the door and if she answered it, I'd put her in a headlock and threaten her within an inch of her life if she didn't find a goddamned hotel before the day's end. Who was I kidding? I had no right to demand anything of her—or of Joe for that matter.
Curiosity was killing me, and I didn't care if I had to swallow my pride. I just needed to know what I was up against.
I parked Big Blue a block away. Walking up to the door with shaky legs, I knocked before I could change my mind.
The door opened, and there she was. Holy shit!
"Hi, can I help you?" she smiled graciously.
"Hi—is Joe home?" I asked, glad I'd put on light make-up and chosen a pair of black skinny jeans and a red, cleavage-enhancing sweater. I still felt like a sack of potatoes next to Kate, but at least a not half-bad sack. She was drop dead gorgeous. My sister had lied to me and then some. No wonder Joe was so taken with her. And I sensed I wasn't even going to be able to hate her. That totally sucked.
"He is, but he's resting. He had a very late night last night."
"Oh, of course."
"Auntie Stephanie!" I was shocked to see little Sophia running toward me with her arms opened wide. I bent down and caught her animated hug. I may not have been exactly mommy material yet, but I didn't mind getting those hugs. There was just something so life affirming about them.
The other two rag-muffins came at me with the same enthusiasm. "Hey kids, how are you? What are you all doing here?" Why was Joe in bed with three crazy out of control children running around his house?
"Matt's sick," Sophia explained. "He's getting shot!" She nodded vigorously. "So he won't die."
My eyes went wide. Sophia never ceased to amaze me. She was so little, but she was always the outspoken one even over the older kids in the Morelli clan. I'd spent a fair share of time with those kids at all the various Morelli family gatherings—birthdays, half of all the holidays we'd share split between our families, weddings, baptisms and a few wild summer picnics. I'd gotten to know the kids pretty well, and for some crazy reason, they'd considered me an aunt even though Joe and I weren't married. I liked it. They were beautiful kids with dark hair and Joe like eyes. They could be a handful, but what kid wasn't?
"Sounds serious." I kept back my smile.
"She's always exagravating," Gina explained in her six-year-old jargon.
I nodded and smiled.
Kate smiled too.
"It's nice to meet you, Stephanie." She extended a warm friendly hand. "I'm Kate. Joe has spoken highly of you."
"Hello, Kate. Joe told me you were staying here." I took the hand offered reluctantly. I did NOT want to like her. It was bad enough Joe did! And what had Joe said exactly? Highly? What did that mean. Did he tell her I was good in bed? Or did he tell her I was the love of his life! It'd better be the latter.
Suddenly the kids went bonkers. The sedatives must have worn off, because simultaneously all three were fighting. Kate turned from me and instantly knew what to do. She asked them what was going on and stayed calm, reasoning patiently with them. As she resumed order, Joe descended the stairs. I was standing back behind the sofa, and he didn't see me. His concentration was centered on the children.
He looked like he'd just woken up. His curls were askew, and his eyes were glassy from too little sleep. As another argument ensued between the three kids, he went over to help Kate. I felt like I was witnessing a homey family scene, looking through a window into their future. Joe and Kate were so easygoing with the kids, and they knew just what to do. Kate took away the offending object of the argument and secretly passed it to Joe. Joe smiled at her and ruffled the tops of his nieces and nephews heads affectionately.
"You're great with these kids," Joe praised Kate. I heard the compliment, and it hit me in the stomach. Joe was seeing everything I was seeing. Kate was a perfect match for Joe. She was busy at the counter fixing sandwiches for all of them. Joe hadn't seen me. He didn't even know I was there. I wished I could sneak out before he did. He turned around as if he felt my presence somehow, and his eyes blinked twice. He was clearly surprised to find me there.
"Cupcake?" He smiled, and I wanted to cry.
"I just…"
"Joe," Kate interrupted us. "Steph came to see you. I'm so glad you didn't miss her. The kids just love her!"
"I know. She's their favorite aunt," Joe said. His tired eyes smiled. It was if he sensed my out of place feelings. If I didn't already love him madly, I'd have fallen in love with him all over again.
"You—two—met?" He was obviously ill at ease with the thought his two love interests had made contact. He was probably afraid I'd tell her all his faults, and she'd go running back home to the hole she came from. In that moment I realized all his faults wouldn't tear me away from him ever again, because the good in Joe Morelli far outweighed anything bad.
"Yes—she answered the door."
"Good. Kate is uh—" Joe seemed at a loss for any further explanation.
"I'm the widow of one of Joe's old Navy buddies. I'm here on some business, and Joe was kind enough to put me up. My secretary forgot to make the reservations at a hotel. Imagine my relief when Joe offered me his spare room!" Kate smiled.
I noticed Joes eyebrows raise slightly as if he didn't want me to know the details of their connection.
I forced a return smile and repeated inanely, "Imagine."
Why in the hell hadn't Joe told me this? A widow? Shit! Why couldn't she still be happily married to the Navy buddy? Oh—right—because he was dead! Damn! Now I could see how Joe would be drawn to her even more, given his emotional ties to his dead friend, plus his need to always reach out and help someone who was suffering or in pain. Freaking hell! How could I hate a woman who had lost her husband and needed someone like Joe? I needed Joe!
"Would you like a sandwich, Stephanie? I have plenty," Kate offered.
"No, no—I should be going."
"Please stay," Joe requested. The three kids chimed in and added affirmation they wanted me to stay as well.
"I can't—really. I have a lot of stuff to do this afternoon."
"Can we have a word?" Joe asked, motioning me into the dining room.
"I'm sorry, Joe. I shouldn't have come."
"You wanted to see what she was like." He smiled affectionately.
I nodded miserably. "Yeah."
"And?"
"And I hate her. She's beautiful, and sweet and so damn good with those kids!"
"And?" He cajoled, using his fingers to brush a curl back from my forehead.
"And I don't want you to like her or be attracted to her! But she's so perfect for you! I can see why you are." I was so close to tears it wasn't funny.
"She's not you."
Three simple words and my world opened up again with sunshine and birds singing and—yes—even a freaking rainbow!
My fingers reached out to trace his weary mouth. I loved that mouth, and if it weren't for the kids, I'd make a move on Morelli that would leave him begging for more. And I wouldn't give a shit if Kate saw it or not. In fact I'd make sure she did.
"I better go before I reward you for those three little words."
"I'm really glad you came by, Cupcake."
"Me too. Is she staying longer?"
"I don't know," he told me honestly.
"I love you, Joe." My eyes filled with it. He couldn't possibly miss it.
His eyes returned my feelings. "I love you too, Cupcake."
"She's so perfect. Are you liking her any less yet?"
"She's not perfect, and when you're around, it's a lot less."
"You want me to stay?"
"More than you know."
"Okay—then I'll go."
Joe smiled, and his eyes lit up with that familiar, warm, molten chocolate, passion-laced look of love.
And I knew he liked me more.