“So when did Martha come along?”
“I’m not sure when they met, but he introduced me to her when I was twelve and they got married when I was thirteen. And in case you think that I saw her as the evil stepmother, I didn’t. I think I was so ready to suck up all the feminine attention that I clung to her. But she taught me about boys, my period, how to play tennis, and how to wear makeup. Somehow, Martha managed to fall in love with a man who was ready to love her back and befriend a lonely preteen girl and managed to get along with Grandmother. Honestly? I thought she was an angel then, and that hasn’t changed since.”
“And your dad? Did she work her magic on him?”
She nodded with enthusiasm. “After he married Martha, she taught him that it was okay to show emotions again. He didn’t work as much, was home for dinner, and I felt like she helped him forge a new relationship with me.” Rolling her eyes, she added, “Of course, he and I battled over my independence. I ended up going to college here in Hope City, but I refused to live at home. I wanted the dorm experience and the apartment experience. And when I started my own business, he kept trying to push clients my way or tell me how to do things. It was only when I stopped coming around as often he realized how serious I was about my business. Martha helped him to understand.”
Their eyes met and gazes held. She sucked in her lips and finally asked, “What are you thinking? That I was the princess raised in an ivory tower?”
She watched as he shook his head slowly, his arms opening, beckoning her to settle against him once more. She gladly acquiesced, loving the feel of his warm skin under her cheek and his heartbeat steady against her ear.
“I’m glad that your story turned out all right, but my heart breaks for the little six-year-old girl who was lonely. My family was loud, in each other’s business, but I always had a sibling or friend to play with, a listening ear when I needed it, a father and mother who taught me right from wrong, how to be a man, and how to value women. I’m glad Martha came into your life, sweetheart, but I have to admit the idea of your grandmother scares me.”
A giggle slipped out, and she replied, “She died several years ago. Sometimes, I think about all the life lessons that she took with her and all the ones that she left with me.”
“What are some of the lessons?”
“Oh, you know. She just had a lot of old-fashioned ideas about what a lady should and shouldn’t do. A lady never interrupts. A lady might disagree with the man she’s interested in, but she shouldn’t let him know that. A lady always sits with her ankles crossed, never her legs. A lady doesn’t accept the man’s first offer of a drink, but if she’s interested can accept the second offer.” Rolling her eyes, she said, “Some of the lessons were good. The kind of things that everyone should know about manners. But with many of them, looking back, Martha probably cringed trying to teach me independence.”
“A few minutes ago, you asked me if I thought you were a princess in an ivory tower.” He tightened his arms around her and said, “I feel like I can’t apologize enough for my earlier assessment that you came from money, therefore were needy with high expectations. Or that you didn’t have to really work for a living. All of that was shit, and I never should have listened to what anyone else said.”
Her fingers drifted over his abs, smiling when they found a little tickle spot. Gliding her arm around so that it rested across his stomach and her fingers splayed against his back, she sighed heavily. “You’ve already apologized for that, Rory. And I’ve already accepted. You’ve now had a chance to get to know me and meet my family. So the past is exactly that—the past. I’m no longer a lonely girl looking for company. I’m no longer a young woman whose grandmother’s definition of what a lady should and shouldn’t do was so drilled into my head that I didn’t scream and kick when a man tried to accost me. And you are no longer a man who judged me falsely. That’s all in the past. From now on, you and I face forward.”
“Face forward, huh?” Rolling so that their naked bodies were pressed together, he grinned. “Like this?”
Laughing, she lifted her leg over his, feeling his cock swell against her stomach. “Oh, yeah. Exactly like this.”
He kissed her deeply, giving her everything he had to give, taking everything she had to offer. His hands roved over her back and ass, stoking the fire that was building inside. He separated only long enough to reach behind him to grab a condom.
“I’m on the pill.” His eyes opened widely, and she hastened to add, “And I’m clean.”
“So…?” His voice carried the same hesitancy.
“Well, as long as you’re clean, too, then we can dispense with the condom—”
“I’m clean.”
Her mouth opened, but he jumped in again. “We’re tested for my job. I’ve got the proof of my last testing on my phone, and I’ve been with no one else.” He lifted his hand and cupped her face, bringing it closer to his. “But I want you to be sure. I want you to have no doubt.”
Her skin felt seared with the intensity of his gaze. Nuzzling her nose with his, she murmured, “I trust you. I want you—umph.” He rolled quickly, landing on top and sliding his hips between her open legs. She laughed… then they made love with nothing between them.
23
“Sandy!”
Hearing her name called out from the high-top table to the side of the Celtic Cock, Sandy walked toward her friends, her smile wide. Bekki, Caitlyn, and Harper turned their smiles her way, but it wasn’t until she reached the table that she recognized the fourth woman. “Hey, everyone. Erin, it’s nice to see you again.”
Erin smiled and inclined her head to indicate Sandy should take the seat next to her. She was thrilled to see Rory’s twin at the bar, knowing she didn’t usually go out. Before she had a chance to speak, Bekki jumped in.
“Did you read what I sent about Perkins Electrical?”
Settling into her seat, she waved toward Maeve behind the bar and turned her attention back to Bekki. “Yes, thanks. After I read the articles you sent, I did more reading on my own.”
“I’m sorry that I didn’t have a chance to do more research for you, but I’m up to my ears in my own investigating.”
“It’s okay,” she assured. “I just keep asking the builders to make sure that all the work is inspected the way it should—”
Bekki’s raised brow caused Sandy to halt in mid-sentence.
“I wouldn’t count on it,” Bekki said, shaking her head. “From what I can tell, City Hall has a problem with their contract bidding, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they have a problem with everything from building permits to inspections as well.”
Her Lemon Drop was placed in front of her and she turned to thank the server, jerking in shock at the sight of Torin. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen him out from behind the bar. “Wow, thanks, Torin.”
He offered a chin lift then scanned the others, asking, “Anyone need anything?”
Sandy glanced at Harper, Bekki, and Caitlyn, seeing equal surprise as they shook their heads.
He turned to Erin and lowered his voice. “You good?”
A light blush hit Erin’s cheeks and she nodded. “Yes, thanks.” Her voice was soft, and it hit Sandy that the only time she’d been around Erin was during Harper’s wedding. There was nothing shy about Erin, but neither was she loud. Remembering what Rory had shared with her, she wondered if Erin had been lonely since leaving the military and was thrilled that she’d come out with the girls. Instead of leaving, Torin stood next to Erin, his hand resting lightly on the back of her chair.
Bekki and Caitlyn quickly turned to each other to chat, and Sandy knew it was to take the focus off of Erin. With the same thought, she looked at Harper. While Harper chatted about work, Sandy kept an eye on Erin and Torin. “A lady never eavesdrops on someone else’s conversation. At least not overtly. If it can be done with no one else knowing, then in certain circumstances it can be acceptable.”
Sandy had developed the abil
ity to listen to one conversation while someone else spoke to her, a skill honed during the times her grandmother droned on. Don’t worry, Grandmother, I can do this. Inwardly grinning at the idea that her grandmother would roll her eyes, she was disappointed that very few words were spoken between Torin and Erin but had to admit the looks were as telling as any mountaintop shouts. Every time Erin glanced down toward her drink, Torin’s eyes shot her way. Every time he twisted his head to glance about the bar, Erin watched him carefully.
After a moment, he passed his gaze around all of them. “Gotta get back to the bar. Watch your drinks and don’t go to the ladies’ room by yourself.” As they nodded, he turned to Erin, waited until she lifted her eyes to him, and said, “Let me know if you need anything.” With that, he started to turn away, but Erin’s hand on his arm stopped him.
“It wasn’t your fault, you know? You shouldn’t blame yourself.”
Torin held Erin’s gaze for a long moment, and Sandy could swear the sounds of the bar stopped all around as everyone waited, holding their breaths. Finally, Torin nodded and walked back to the bar.
Erin’s blush was deep, but no one mentioned it. It dawned on Sandy that for Caitlyn, Erin’s sister, and Bekki, the neighbor who’d known Erin since she was born, they must feel a tremendous relief as well as a tremendous sense of responsibility. Harper, as Erin’s new sister-in-law, would share in that. As the newcomer to the group and one who understood what it was like to smile though demons were nipping at your heels, Sandy smiled widely and led the conversation away from the undercurrents of male interest.
“So, Erin, Rory mentioned that you plan on running in the upcoming Hope City Marathon.”
“I love to run,” Erin replied. “Officially, I’ve only run in half marathons. This will be my first full marathon.”
Harper sighed heavily. “I’m so embarrassed. I never exercise. Seriously—never. I’m not sure I can run half a block, much less twenty-six miles.”
“Erin and I used to run together,” Caitlyn said, grinning at her sister. “A long time ago, though. I run some now, but just enough to try to keep the pounds off my hips. A marathon? I’d be puking after the first couple of miles.”
Erin laughed. “I like the freedom of running. In high school, I loved to run but also liked team sports. And in the military, we ran all the time, but often together. Now that I’m out, I just like to tie on my running shoes, pull my hair up in a ponytail, and go.”
After a few more minutes of chatting, Sandy glanced at her watch. “I hate to drink and leave so soon, but Rory’s getting ready to pick me up. Erin, you want a ride?”
“Yeah, if you don’t mind. Harper brought me so that would save her a trip.”
Goodbye hugs ensued, and a few minutes later Sandy and Erin were standing on the sidewalk outside the Celtic Cock. As Rory drove up, his eyes widened at the sight of his sister standing with Sandy. Sandy waved and shot him a quick head shake, hoping he’d get the hint to not make a big deal about Erin being out with them. As the two women climbed inside, she was grateful he’d taken the hint. The conversation was light as they drove to the McBrides’ neighborhood north of the city. After saying goodbye, she watched as Rory and Erin walked together up the path toward the house. Stopping at the door, the two hugged before he stayed in place as Erin headed inside. Before he had a chance to get back to the SUV, Erin came running back out, a wide grin on her face.
“Mom wants the two of you to stay for dinner!”
With a sheepish expression, he looked toward Sandy and she laughed. Climbing from his truck, she called out, “Looks like we don’t have to fix dinner tonight.”
He threw his arm around her shoulders, squeezing her. “Are you sure you don’t mind, babe?”
“Not at all. I love your family.”
They walked through the front foyer and down the hall into the large kitchen and living area. Rory’s father, Colm, was coming in from the backyard, garden gloves and pruning shears in his hand. Sharon was stirring a pot that smelled deliciously like homemade spaghetti sauce, and a whiff of toasted garlic bread wafted past.
“Erin said you two gave her a ride home, and I’m so glad you decided to have dinner with us!” Sharon beamed toward them before adding, “Sandy, honey, would you get some plates, and Erin, can you drain the noodles?”
“Damn, Mom, we just walked in and you put us to work?”
Turning toward Rory, Sharon lifted an eyebrow. “And since when did my children expect me to wait on them hand and foot?”
“She’s got you there, son.” Colm walked back in from the laundry room, his hands now empty and obviously washed.
Soon, the five of them were enjoying the meal, conversation flowing as it always did in the McBride house. Sandy never felt like the newcomer, the McBrides having a way of enveloping others into their family.
“How’s the apartment hunting going?” Sharon asked.
Sandy blinked in surprise, looking toward Rory. He blushed and shot his gaze toward her as well.
“I’m still looking.”
“You should consider buying a place instead of renting,” Erin said. “Of course, I’m still living here so I’m hardly one to give advice.”
“You don’t want to buy unless you’re sure,” Colm threw out. “A one-year lease gives you more time to decide.”
“You could get a roommate,” Sharon added, then scrunched her brow. “But then you have that now, so I suppose that doesn’t make sense.”
Stunned that he hadn’t mentioned looking for a place to live, Sandy lifted an eyebrow as she watched him squirm.
“Let’s talk about something else,” he begged.
“Perfect,” Sharon chirped. “I wanted to ask Sandy about the Partridge Tower. Is it almost finished? And is it as glamorous as the article in the newspaper indicated?”
Caught in the middle of a large bite of spaghetti, she quickly chewed, swallowed, and took a sip of water while Sharon apologized.
“I’m so sorry. The kids complained that I would quiz them about school right when they were trying to eat!”
Laughing, she shook her head. “My grandmother always told me that a lady would never take a huge bite of food. Apparently, that’s one of her lessons that I ignored when presented with your amazing spaghetti.”
She took another sip, then said, “The Partridge Tower is going fine. In fact, so much progress has been made recently that a grand opening is scheduled soon. Not all the condos and offices will be finished, of course, but the Partridges want to have a formal affair so that they can show off several of the model condos and offices to hopefully encourage others to begin buying or renting. For me, I’m almost finished with all of the offices. The ones that are not currently under lease will not be decorated until clients have signed paperwork. My biggest issue now is looking at who’s doing the inspections for the city.”
Seeing the surprised looks from Colm and Sharon, she quickly added, “I know that’s not my job, but I want to make sure everything’s done the right way. I’ve been looking into Perkins Electrical, finding some interesting articles about their shady past.”
“You’re looking into it?” Colm asked, his brows raised.
Shrugging, she said, “Well, Bekki King gave me a little information, and I took it and ran with it. Probably a waste of time, but I hate the idea of shoddy work, or even faulty work, to hinder what I’ve put in to make these offices exactly what the clients need.”
“I remember Perkins very well,” Colm said.
“Dad, I never even thought about that. Of course, when you were with the FBI, you probably had to deal with some of that.” Rory shook his head and looked toward Sandy. “Dad’s career was mostly spent here in Hope City.”
“The articles I read gave some history into old-world politics and organized crime here. It was fascinating,” Sandy admitted.
Having finished his last bite, Colm leaned back in his chair, quiet for a moment as he appeared to gather his thoughts. “To understand the inf
luence of organized crime in our city today, you have to look back at its history. The history that’s not unlike most large cities in America, especially those with major ports on the Eastern seaboard, such as New York City, Philadelphia, Norfolk. For close to two hundred years, Hope City was a major port of entry for people who crossed the Atlantic Ocean, with many deciding to stop here. New ethnic groups often had to fight for acceptance, but the great diversity of people in the cross cultures have been one of our strengths—as well as the source of a few problems. In the mid-1800s, we had a great many Irish, German, Italian, and Russian immigrants as well as others from Eastern Europe. Hope City offered many jobs in the canning factories, steel mills, and of course, the shipyards. Many neighborhoods in Hope City were divided based on where the residents came from.”
So far, what Colm had offered was basic information, but Sandy could have sat and listened to him all day. His deep, calm, and steady voice lulled her into his story, and she glanced down at her plate, glad that she was finished with the meal, knowing it would have gone cold as she listened. Rory reached over and squeezed her hand, and she sent a smile his way before turning her full attention back to Colm.
“Like any place with a mixture of people, they brought with them their great cultural heritage as well as any problems from their home country. In the mid-1800s, there were anti-Catholic riots, mostly against the German and Irish Catholics. My line of the McBrides had not come to this country until after the riots, but I remember learning about it in school and wondering what it would’ve been like during those times.
“While Hope City was never as fully run by the Italian Mafia as New York City, its presence was certainly felt. And the Russian Mafia, which had a stronghold in Philadelphia and New York City, was certainly here as well. Any port city with large docks where ships were coming from all over the world seemed to be particularly important for Mafia families. Payments, buy offs, ruling with an iron fist, controlling what comes in and goes out, smuggling… all of these activities are well suited around docks. By the time I became an FBI agent working here in Hope City, the major organized crimes were fairly typical. Drugs, prostitution, slavery, and in recent years, stealing young babies or children and selling them to wealthy people.”
Rory: Hope City, Book 7 Page 18