It Might Be You

by Jennifer Gracen

  “That was insanely good,” she whispered, her voice raw and rough. “And hot.”

  “Sure as hell was,” he murmured back, his own voice coming out hoarse like hers. Kissing her neck once more, he withdrew slowly from her body but held her for another minute, bathing in the afterglow and savoring it as they regained their minds.

  “I wish I didn’t have to leave soon,” he said quietly. “But you know I do.”

  “I know.” Her voice was just as low and quiet as his. She caressed his arms, still locked around her. “But that was a hell of a send-off, Miami Vice. Daaaamn.”

  He laughed and dropped a kiss on her shoulder. “Yes. It. Was.” Rolling away carefully, he said, “Gotta clean up. I’m going to take a quick shower, if that’s okay.”

  “Of course it’s okay.” She flopped onto her back and smiled up at him. Her face and chest were still flushed pink, her hair sweaty and tangled, her sky-blue eyes sparkling and sated. She was so gorgeous it stole his breath. “You have several tattoos,” she said as her eyes ran over his body.

  “Well, yeah,” he said, amused. “You didn’t see them last night?”

  “It was dark in here, I couldn’t see them well. Thought you only had the one on your shoulder. . . .” She studied him now, her gaze focused. “They’re hot. Like you.”

  He laughed. “Thanks.”

  “I don’t have any.”

  “I noticed.”

  She gave a little sigh. “You think I’m vanilla, don’t you?”

  A wolfish grin spread on his face. He leaned down, gently grasped a handful of her hair, and took her mouth with a firm, commanding kiss. “Nope. I can think of a lot of words to describe you, but after last night and this morning? ‘Vanilla’ isn’t anywhere on the list.” He moved his lips to her ear and nipped at the lobe, making her breath catch.

  She drew in a shuddery breath, met his eyes . . . and smiled with a devastating mixture of triumph, satisfaction, and sensuality. God, he wanted to take her again, just from that look on her face.

  But she said, “Towels are in the linen closet, right next to the bathroom. Whatever you need, use it.”

  The only thing I need is more time with you. The thought was so instant and hit him with such a pang, it made him shiver. Oh, shit. That’s . . . shit, that’s not good. He pushed the thought and feelings away. “How about you join me in the shower?”

  Her eyes lit up and she smiled again. “I could do that. It would save us time. . . .”

  * * *

  Amanda loved the feel of Nick’s hand in hers as they walked through the lobby and outside. It was a beautiful spring day—bright blue skies and sunshine, a light breeze, not too warm and not too cool. Her favorite kind of weather. Why did it have to be so perfect when she had to say good-bye to him?

  They’d shared a deliciously sexy shower, making sure to be quiet so they wouldn’t wake Gretchen. Her door was closed and the red scrunchie was on her doorknob; Amanda explained to Nick that was their signal to each other that she was home after a night shift and sleeping.

  He’d pulled on his clothes from the night before and his button-down shirt was rumpled, making him adorable. Amanda had pulled her damp hair into a ponytail, quickly dressed in a royal-blue long-sleeved T-shirt and gray leggings, and tried to act casual. She’d scrambled some eggs and toasted whole-wheat bread while he’d used the Keurig to make coffee for both of them. As they’d sat and ate together, they kept looking at each other and grinning, but didn’t talk much. It hadn’t been awkward or uncomfortable, but clearly neither one of them was sure of what to say that didn’t lead to good-bye.

  Now, as they reached his car, he pulled her into his arms and laid a long, deep, toe-curling kiss on her. Damn, she’d miss him. She really would.

  He looked into her eyes as his lips curved up. “This was amazing. You are amazing.” His thumb caressed her cheek. “Thanks for a great night. And morning. And breakfast.”

  Delight and something stronger seared through her, and she couldn’t hold back her smile. “Back atcha. Everything you said.” She pressed her lips to his for another kiss. “Safe travels home, Officer.”

  “Thanks.” His eyes shadowed a bit at the mention of home, and he drew a deep breath. “Things are so different now. Gonna be interesting to go home and . . . figure things out. New job, new relatives . . .” He shook his head. “Back into the fray. No more avoiding some things.”

  “Well,” she said, caressing his shoulders, “if you need someone to talk to, you know where to find me.”

  He peered into her eyes. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah. I mean it.”

  His dark gaze lowered to her mouth for a second. She saw the flash of hunger there before he looked into her eyes again. “What are we to each other now, Amanda?”

  The exact question she’d been asking herself all morning. “I’m not sure what we are,” she said softly. “We don’t need to label it. Let’s just take it as it comes. Yes?”

  “Yes.” He stared at her for a long beat, caressed her cheek. “So I can text you?”

  “You better.”

  “Can I call you?”

  “I’d like that too.”

  “Amanda . . . this was . . . you’re really . . .”

  Her heart stuttered in her chest, and she didn’t move, waiting to hear what he was trying to say. The look in his warm brown eyes was so . . . longing. It seemed like longing. Or was she imagining that because she wanted to?

  “Back atcha,” she finally whispered, saving him with a soft, sweet kiss.

  His mouth curved up. “I’ll text you. We’ll talk. Promise.”

  “Okay.”

  He didn’t release her. She was glad; she loved how he felt. “Also, I’ll want updates on Myles. Are you allowed to tell me things?”

  “I’m not sure,” she admitted. “Usually, I’d say no details. But these circumstances are so unique. Do you want me to ask Charles?”

  Nick hesitated, then shook his head. “You don’t want him to know we’re involved, remember?”

  She winced. “True. Right. Um . . .”

  “I’ll get detailed updates from him,” Nick said, rubbing her back. “You can keep things vague when I ask you. And I’ll try not to ask you too much, okay? I don’t want to put you in a position that compromises you.”

  “I believe that happened about two hours ago,” she joked.

  He chuckled softly and grinned. “Hell yeah. And I loved it.”

  “So did I.” She winked, trying to keep things light, so he wouldn’t know how this was affecting her. How she was already aching because he was leaving.

  He nodded again, then lowered his head to take her mouth one last time. Their arms wrapped around each other as they shared deep, slow, sumptuous kisses.

  Finally, he pulled away, leaning his forehead against hers. “Take care, mi reina.”

  “You too,” she whispered, her heart squeezing in her chest.

  She watched him get in the Porsche and zoom away. A light breeze stirred the ends of her hair and caressed her face. The street was quiet and still in the way it always was on a Sunday morning. Amanda wrapped her arms around herself and drew a long, deep breath, letting it out slowly as she closed her eyes and tipped her face up to the sun. She recalled the delicious tone of his voice and look in his eyes when he called her mi reina, like it meant more than just an endearment.... She licked her lips to savor the taste of him that lingered, then turned to go back inside.

  The day would feel lonely without him, but she had incredible images to hold on to and replay all day long. They’d sustain her as she relaxed and enjoyed a lazy Sunday, and they’d sustain her in the long weeks ahead.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Nick turned off the car, leaned his head back, and closed his eyes, just wanting to relax and gather himself for a minute. The last time he’d come to his parents’ house for dinner, his whole world had been upended.

  He’d been back in Florida for three days now. Gone to work and start
ed his new position on Monday, thrown right into long hours on two new cases. Relaxed a bit by going for beers with Darin after work on Tuesday. Now it was time to face some tough questions and tougher answers, but also time to make peace.

  Peace wasn’t something he had a lot of these days. He had to find it where he could.

  As soon as he entered his parents’ house, his sister Erica flung herself at him in a big hug. He smiled from the inside out as he returned her embrace. “Ay, mamita, you missed me, eh?”

  “Of course I did, dummy,” Erica said. “It’s really good to see you.”

  “Good to see you too.” He stepped back to look her over. His beautiful baby sister wasn’t a baby anymore. Her curvy body was encased in a tight little dress with the middle cut out, exposing most of her midriff. He frowned. “Your clothes need more clothes.”

  She rolled her eyes and said, “You sound like Dad.”

  “There are worse things,” Nick said. “And Dad’s a smart guy. You should listen to him.”

  “Well, that’s good to hear.” Lew leaned in the doorway between the kitchen and the family room, his pale eyes on Nick.

  “I’ll go get Livvie,” Erica said, looking between them. She left the room.

  The two men stood quietly, looking at each other. Things had been awkward between them since the blowout.

  “How’s the new job going?” Lew asked.

  “Good. Busy. Lots to absorb.”

  “Yeah, but you’ll get it.”

  “I know. I’m not worried. It’s just a lot.” Nick shoved his hands in the pockets of his shorts. “Weird wearing a shirt and tie every day instead of the uniform. That’s gonna take me a while to get used to.”

  “Once a patrolman, always a patrolman,” Lew said with the quiet wisdom of experience. His mouth twisted in a wry grin.

  “Dad, I’m sorry,” Nick blurted out. “I’m sorry for blowing up at you when I found out about Mom and me, and.... I’m sorry for letting my temper get the best of me, and not hearing you out. And being a rude prick. That wasn’t fair to you.”

  “I understood,” Lew said. He pushed off the doorframe and stepped closer. “I understood all of it, even though I hated it.”

  Nick nodded and huffed out a sigh. “It was a shock. I . . .”

  “Stop. Apology accepted.” Lew looked him over. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m just a little . . .” Unable to think of the right words, Nick used his hands to gesture like his head was exploding.

  “Seems about right.” Lew stepped forward and clasped his son in a bear hug.

  Nick hugged him back, some of the tension in his body easing.

  “I love you like you’re my own,” Lew said gruffly at his ear. He pulled back and put both hands on Nick’s shoulders. “You’re my son. End of story.”

  “I know. And I’m proud to be.” Nick’s throat felt thick and he swallowed hard. “You’ve always been there for me. You’re my father. End of story.”

  Lew smiled, and to Nick’s shock, his eyes looked a little glassy.

  Maria walked in then, stopping at the sight of them. Her dark eyes rounded and set on her son.

  “Ma . . .” Nick turned away from Lew to go to her, pulling her into his arms.

  She broke down crying as she grasped at him. “Oh, mijo . . . I thought I lost you.”

  “Never,” he murmured, closing his eyes against the sudden sting of tears. He kissed the top of her head and held her tight. “Te quiero, mamí. Te quiero mucho.” He rubbed her back as she cried. “Shhh. You’re stuck with me forever.”

  She sobbed with relief. Erica and Olivia came into the room, saw them, and walked right out. Nick held her for a few minutes until her tears subsided, then led her to the couch. Lew handed her a box of tissues. She gave a little laugh as she grabbed a few and wiped her face.

  “Now I’m a mess,” she said. “And who cares.”

  “Not me,” Nick said with a shrug as he sat beside her and took her free hand.

  She turned to him as Lew sat in the armchair across from them. “Tell us about New York, Nick. Tell us everything.”

  Nick felt like he talked for a long time. He told them about all of the Harrisons and their families. He told them about how he’d go back to New York in a month or so for the surgery and what recovery would be like, at least according to the reps he’d spoken to. He told them about things he’d seen in New York City.

  But he didn’t tell them about Amanda. She was . . . that was all for him. He’d only texted her twice since he’d gotten back. They’d both gotten so busy, and their chats had been brief. But he wanted to keep her to himself. His delicious, secret girl . . . it wasn’t to be shared with the world. Not yet, anyway.

  “I’m getting hungry,” Olivia said from the doorway.

  Nick glanced at his watch. Sure enough, he’d been talking for an hour. “You know what? I am too. Dinner almost ready?”

  “I kept an eye on the kitchen,” Olivia said. She was finishing her senior year at a nearby college, and was a little more mature than Erica. “The food didn’t burn or anything.”

  “Thank you, sweetie,” Maria cooed.

  Lew rose from his chair, stretching his stiff limbs. “The girls and I will get everything to the table. You two take another minute.”

  Maria watched him go, then looked back to Nick. “Your father. Your biological father. Did you see him?” Concern and worry played across her face. “You talked about everyone else but him.”

  Nick’s jaw tensed. “Yeah, we met. One time. And that was enough.”

  Her eyes widened. “It was bad?”

  “Let’s just say I see why you never told him about me. He’s a real asshole.” Nick raked a hand through his hair. “Let’s have dinner, and I’ll tell you the rest after, okay?”

  She sighed but nodded and got to her feet.

  The five of them enjoyed the meal. Nick relished the familiarity of it: Olivia and Erica both talking too much and annoying him at times, Lew quiet but solidly there, his mom smiling and making sure everyone ate enough and tossing out wisecracks with him and his sisters. It was comfortable, close, and wonderfully known.

  This was his family. These were his people, and he was walloped by a wave of emotion as he looked around. He was so damn grateful to have them all. He didn’t know, ultimately, how he’d find a place in his life for his new . . . siblings. And they definitely seemed to want a place there. But these four people were his home base, his compass. They’d always been there for him and helped make him who he was. His younger sisters had never known anything from their parents but love, support, and kindness. His parents were compassionate people who adored all of their kids and always put them first. His four New York siblings may have had tons of money, but they weren’t as lucky as Nick and his sisters. The Martell family was blessed. His eyes stung and he took a deep breath. This was where he belonged.

  “Hey,” he said, his voice gruff. The table quieted instantly, four pairs of eyes on him. “I love you guys. I really do. It’s good to be home.”

  Maria’s eyes shone. “We love you too.”

  “Very much,” Olivia added with a tender smile.

  “I don’t care what those New Yorkers want from now on,” Erica asserted. “We had you first. You’re ours. We have dibs.”

  Nick laughed, relief cresting over him at the break in heavy emotion. “That’s not up for debate. This is my family. Always has been, always will be.”

  Lew nodded and reached for his beer. “Damn right.”

  * * *

  Later, after the table had been cleared, Olivia and Erica went back to their rooms while Nick again sat in the family room with his parents. “I need to talk about some of the tougher stuff now,” he said.

  Maria and Lew sat together on the couch. Lew reached over and took his wife’s hand in his. She drew a visibly shaky breath, but nodded. “Go on, mijo.”

  “I don’t think Charles II is going to come after you,” Nick said. “But I have no gua
rantee. I made it very clear that if he did anything at all, he’d answer to me.”

  “Oh, Nick,” she whispered.

  “He’s a bastard, Ma. You were right. Even to his own kids . . . The youngest, Pierce? The one you told me about? Well, they have no relationship. They hate each other. Pierce came to the family meeting when I met the old man as a show of support to me, and it was the first time they’d talked in like seven years. And Charles was nasty to him. You would have been appalled at how he spoke to his own son.”

  Maria shook her head. “He never learned. That’s so sad.”

  “Well, don’t be sad. I don’t want you to be afraid, Ma, but . . . he implied he’d love to come after you for keeping me a secret from him. You need to know this.”

  Lew’s free hand clenched into a fist. “If he comes anywhere near her—”

  “Not just her, Dad. He’d probably like to mess with all of us, just to feel like he has some control in this situation, since it was taken from him. The man lives to control.” Nick met his eyes. “He’s a narcissist, a power freak. But like I said, I made it clear to him that he better not. And his four kids all backed me. Told him if he lifted a finger to hurt anyone in our family, they’d cut him off from the rest of their family. That they’d make sure he paid for it and was held accountable.”

  “That’s kind of amazing,” Lew said.

  “Yeah. I was stunned,” Nick admitted. “But it was a nice show of support.”

  “Sounds like they grew into decent people,” Maria murmured. “In spite of him.”

  “They are, Ma. I think they are. So . . .” Nick rubbed his palms together, fidgety and restless. “I think it’s gonna be fine. That the old man will stay away from you. From us. But if anything happens . . . anything unusual, anything bad? You need to tell me right away so I can check it out, and then handle it. Okay?”

  “What do you think he’d do?” Lew asked, brows furrowed.

  “I have no idea, because I don’t think like him. So I’m just saying. Keep an eye out. Just . . . be aware we all have an enemy now. A powerful one.”