by Unknown
“I’d say you and Ms. Pinkie are off to a good start.”
Rafael circled the parking lot on returning to Fontaine. With Nathalyia sitting beside him, he didn’t mind. He enjoyed being with her. “We could always go back for another game.”
“Don’t tempt me. At the end I finally managed to hit at least one pin each time I bowled. All I need is more practice.”
Leaning over, he kissed her on the cheek. “I’d like nothing better than to tempt you, and I know exactly what I’d like to practice.”
She looked up at him through a sweep of lashes. “There should be a free parking space in the employee parking area.” She pulled a placard emblazoned with Fontaine written in bold letters out of her purse and hung it on his mirror. “Since you’re picking me up and dropping me off, your car qualifies.”
“Thank you.” He reached over and lifted her chin. “I’ll only use it when I return with you. By then all the employees should be here already.”
“I wouldn’t have given it to you if I had thought differently.”
Rafael drove around to the back of the restaurant. A large sign read EMPLOYEE PARKING ONLY. He pulled into one of two remaining parking spaces.
The area was well lit, but the lights were low enough that the interior of his car remained in the shadows. In his rearview mirror, he didn’t see any movement. He hadn’t done this since high school, but he didn’t hesitate.
He moved his seat back, then picked Nathalyia up around her waist and sat her in his lap. She came willingly, her arms circling his neck; her mouth, a scant inch away, beckoned. He was unable to resist. His mouth took hers, hot and hungry, as he’d wanted to do all night. Her mouth was just as hungry. He felt her tremble, the restless movements of her body against his.
She had to feel the bulge in his lap, just as he felt the hardness of her nipples pushing against his chest, begging for his hand, his mouth. Her trust helped him resist taking things further.
His phone vibrated in his pocket. Muttering under his breath, he sat her back in her seat. “Sorry.”
He flipped open the phone and accepted the call, closing his hand over Nathalyia’s as he listened to his commander.
“I can be at the station in less than twenty minutes,” he said, then disconnected the call.
“Is it dangerous?” she asked, her gaze direct, her voice tremulous.
“No.” He palmed her face, stared into her wide eyes. “I’m backup. I can’t discuss the case, but there’s no danger to me or the other negotiator.”
She pressed a quick kiss to his lips, then reached for the door. “Call me, no matter how late.”
He caught her arm. “I’ll walk you to the back door.”
“I’d argue if I knew it wouldn’t make you late. Come on.”
Rafael climbed out of the car, meeting Nathalyia at the back bumper of his Mustang and caught her hand, felt it tremble. His arm curved around her shoulder, drawing her closer, kissing her temple. “I won’t be in any danger. I promise.
Silently, they went up the steps. She punched in the code on the lock, heard it disengage, and opened the door. “Call. No matter how late,” she repeated.
“I promise.”
She touched his cheek and slipped through the door, closing it behind her.
Nathalyia kept the radio and the television on in her upstairs bedroom once she arrived home. The news had picked up Rafael’s case. A man had botched an ATM robbery, and when he was surrounded by police cars a couple of blocks away, he threatened to kill himself.
The alleged robber, as the newscaster kept calling him, had been in his battered Ford for the past three hours with a handgun. All the news reported was that there was a hostage negotiator on the scene. She had no way of determining whether it was Rafael or someone else and he was still backup. At least he and the other policemen weren’t in any immediate danger.
The music on the radio was abruptly interrupted for a live report from the scene. She rushed to turn up the radio on her night table.
“Moments ago, the alleged robber threw his handgun out the window and emerged from his car with his hands raised. He was promptly surrounded by several policemen, handcuffed, and taken away in a police car. The standoff is over. No shots were fired.”
Saying a prayer of thanks, Nathalyia plopped down, then pounced for the ringing phone. “Rafael?”
“It’s almost two. Why aren’t you asleep?”
“I couldn’t.”
“Nathalyia, there was never any danger.”
“I know in my head— It’s just—” She plucked at the hem of her pajama top and wondered how she could ask him to come over. She just needed to see him.
“Get some sleep,” he said. “I usually spend Sundays with my brothers and their families.”
She wouldn’t see him today. Her arm wrapped around her waist. Loneliness settled over her like a heavy cloak. When had seeing him become so important? “They’ll want to see you even more after tonight.”
“Since all I did was hang out in the command center, I doubt it.” There was a slight pause. She heard a door close, then the purr of an engine. “Tonight was no big deal except that it kept us apart.”
“We’ll just have to resume practice when we see each other the next time.”
A sharp intake of breath came over the receiver. “Nat.”
She liked the way he shortened her name. She might not have that much experience, but she recognized the desire in his gravelly voice. “I guess I shouldn’t have said that.”
“It was exactly the right thing to say.”
She relaxed. “Thanks for calling me.”
“I didn’t want you to worry. I’m as safe as if I were there with you.”
“I wish you were,” she said. The words just slipped out and she didn’t know if she wanted to take them back or not.
“You don’t know how much I wish I were, but it might be best that I’m driving home instead of to your house.”
“Probably.” She wanted to be with him, just relax, and not worry about anything. “How does your schedule look for Thursday evening? You can come over here around seven. I can grill outside on the patio.”
“Great. I can take you back to the restaurant and then pick you up later.”
“I don’t think they’ll miss me for one night,” she said, then groaned inwardly. What if he thought she planned for them to spend the night together?
“Since I won’t overstay my welcome, how about we work around your schedule and go check out your competition for dinner Friday, and a movie Saturday?”
Saved. “I’d like that.”
“Now, let’s discuss Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.”
SEVEN
“Domino!” Sam shouted with glee. “Simon and I win again.”
Alec frowned at Rafael sitting across from him. “If my partner had his mind on the game, perhaps we’d make a better showing.”
Rafael shoved his dominoes into the pile on the card table. “I told you I didn’t feel like playing.”
“You’re usually the one wanting to play,” Alec pointed out. “What’s different today? It couldn’t be the standoff last night. It went off without a hitch.”
Rafael could feel the stares of everyone in the room. He loved them, but he wasn’t ready to discuss the restlessness he felt.
“Rafael has had a tough week.” Helen nudged his shoulder. “I’ll take this hand. Alec and I will take that smirk off Sam’s face. Sorry, Simon.”
“You can try.” Sam began shuffling the dominoes. “Give her your seat, Rafael.”
Rafael slowly stood. Almost immediately, Helen slid into the seat. “We’re running low on drinks and ice. Patrick, do you mind making a run?”
“Sorry, Helen. Can’t,” Patrick said, then kissed Brianna, who was sitting on his lap. “We’re keeping score.”
“I can go,” Maureen offered.
Simon caught her hand and pulled her closer. “If we get trounced I’ll need moral support.”
/> Laughing, she leaned into him, kissing his cheek. “Then how could I possibly leave you.”
“I’ll go,” Celeste offered.
“No!” came the response from everyone.
Celeste lifted a delicate brow. “Just because my last trip to the convenience store didn’t turn out as planned, there is no reason to suspect this one won’t.”
“I’ll go.” Rafael fished his keys out of his pocket. Perhaps a drive would clear his head.
The door had barely closed behind him before Sam leaned over and kissed Helen. “You still got it. He doesn’t have a clue.”
“He’s finally found a woman he can’t forget.” Helen pulled the dominoes to her.
“It’s about time.” Alec picked up his dominoes. “I wonder if he’ll have sense enough to call her or at least drive over to the restaurant.”
“If he’s not as stubborn as his older brother, he might,” Celeste commented.
“Ouch!” Alec said, then grinned. He’d fought hard to resist falling in love with Celeste, and to his everlasting delight had failed miserably.
“I hope he brings her back,” Brianna said, standing to press her hand into the small of her back.
Patrick came to his feet immediately and began to rub her back. “Better?”
“Much,” she said, leaning against him.
Helen glanced around the room. “Let’s hope Rafael has the same good instincts as his brothers.”
“Amen to that,” Sam said and picked up his dominoes. Then he grinned. “You’re about to go down, Helen, my love.”
Helen picked up her hand, then looked up at Maureen. “Stick close to Simon. He’s going to need you.”
“What are you doing here?”
The mere fact that Rafael asked himself the question signaled he was in trouble, for he had absolutely no answer. He turned into the parking lot of Fontaine behind two other cars. At least he had the presence of mind to call Helen and tell her he had to make a short run before he came back.
“We already beat Sam and Simon once, so take your time,” Helen said gleefully, then hung up.
Simon was indulgent with Helen, but he was also competitive, as were the rest of his brothers. The domino game would be fierce, which meant no one would miss him.
Rafael turned into an aisle, trying to find a parking spot. There was none. He grabbed his cell and called the restaurant. There was another car ahead of him and one behind. It wasn’t likely that he’d get a space any time soon. He might have been tempted to use the employee parking placard, but that lot was full, too.
“Fontaine, please hold.”
Rafael’s fingers tapped impatiently on the steering wheel.
“Fontaine, how may I assist you?” came a cheery voice.
“Nathalyia Fontaine, please,” Rafael requested. A couple passed his car and got into a truck just ahead of the car in front of him.
“Ms. Fontaine is on the floor and unavailable. I can take a message if you’d like, or you can call back in an hour.”
The car ahead of him whipped in as soon as the truck backed out. He didn’t doubt the woman was following Nathalyia’s orders. Customers came first. “Is Clarice available?”
“Employees aren’t allowed to take calls unless it’s an emergency. Is this an emergency?”
Depends on your definition, he thought. The urgent need to see Nathalyia, to hold her and kiss her, was new to him. “No, it’s not a true emergency, but it is important. If you’ll please just tell either of them Rafael called, I’d appreciate it. I can’t find a parking space.”
“I will, sir.”
Rafael ended the call. He’d make one more round and then he was leaving.
“Excuse me, Ms. Fontaine, but you’re needed.”
Nathalyia glanced around at the sound of Clarice’s anxious voice, the firm hand on her arm. She had been about to approach the next table. She couldn’t read anything in the waitress’s face. “Certainly.” She allowed herself to be led away.
None of the employees disturbed her while she was making rounds unless it was extremely important. She frowned when Clarice led her outside. “Where are we going?”
“Rafael called. He can’t find a parking space.” Clarice released Nathalyia’s arm, searching the crowded parking lot. “The hostess just told me he asked for you, then me. You have your cell, so you can call him.”
“It’s in my office.” Nathalyia never carried it with her when she made rounds. Martin had thought it disrespectful. She started back inside.
“Wait!” Clarice caught her arm. “Isn’t that his car?” Nathalyia saw the slow-moving black Mustang and started toward it. She reached the edge of the walk and looked back. Clarice waved her on. “We won’t miss you for an hour or so.”
Nathalyia bit her lower lip in indecision. The restaurant had always come first. Yesterday she’d put work aside for the impromptu breakfast and later to go bowling.
“Nathalyia.”
Her head came back around. Rafael stood by the car with the driver’s door open. She went to him. He didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to. The hot desire in his intense gaze said it all. Her body trembled. “I can’t stay long.”
Quickly rounding the car, he opened the passenger door. She slid into the seat. In a matter of seconds Rafael was behind the wheel and they were driving away.
Rafael tossed a glance at Nathalyia. She stared straight ahead, her hands clasped in her lap. His hand covered hers, felt them tremble.
“I don’t want to, but I’ll take you back if this is going to upset you.”
“No.” Finally, she looked at him. “I’m not the spontaneous type. At least I didn’t used to be.”
He stopped at a traffic light and shifted into park. “My sister-in-law sent me for ice and drinks and I ended up at Fontaine.”
“And you couldn’t find a parking space,” she said.
“Nor was the woman who answered the phone willing to get you or Clarice,” he complained, then pulled through the light.
“I have rules,” she said. “I’m here now.”
“Which might have saved my sanity. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Some of her worry fading, she turned to him. “Did you pick up the drinks and ice?”
“Yes.”
“Is that where we’re headed now? To your brother’s house?” she asked.
He shoved a hand over his head. “I can’t see any help for it.”
“But you’re not pleased with the idea because I’m with you,” she said, her hands linked in her lap again.
Rafael remembered her elegant fingers in his hair, her slim arms around his neck, her slender body pressed against his. Need and heat zipped though him. “I don’t want them making more of this than there is.”
“I see.” She twisted her hands in her lap. “I can stay in the car.”
“No.” He reached over to squeeze her hands. “No,” he repeated, then his voice softened. “It’s probably for the best. I don’t want you going back looking any different than when you left. If we went somewhere else, I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off you. We’d definitely do a lot of practice. I’m having a hard time now keeping my hands off you and that tie on your dress.”
He pulled up in front of a two-story frame home painted white with blue trim and shutters. The lawn was neatly trimmed, with beds of red rose bushes. “We’re here. The trucks belong to my brothers.”
“Rafael, I don’t mind waiting for you.”
“I do.” Unable to resist, he slid his hand around her neck and kissed her. “It won’t be bad, and we won’t stay long.”
Nathalyia didn’t know what to expect when Rafael opened the front door of his brother’s house, calling out to his family as he ushered her inside the comfortably furnished house. Conversation came to an abrupt halt when they entered the screened back porch.
“I can see why it took you so long.” A slightly older version of Rafael came to his feet, a welcoming smile on his handsome face. “Hello,
Mrs. Fontaine. I’m Sam Dunlap, Rafael’s oldest brother. This beauty is my wife, Helen.”
“Hello,” Nathalyia greeted, wondering if he recognized her from the restaurant or if Rafael had mentioned her. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
Sam’s brow lifted at her admission. She didn’t have long to think about it because Helen and the rest of the people in the room stepped forward.
“Welcome,” Helen said, her smile warm and bright as the sun shining outside. “We’ve eaten at your restaurant and enjoyed it immensely.”
“Simon Dunlap, and this is my better half, Maureen. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Patrick Dunlap, next to the oldest.” He hugged the beautiful pregnant woman by his side. “My wife, Brianna.”
“Alec Dunlap, and this is Celeste de la Vega, soon to be Mrs. Dunlap.”
“It’s nice meeting you. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Nathalyia said.
Helen laughed, taking Nathalyia’s arm. “Sam is probably glad. Alec and I were trouncing him and Simon. Let’s go into the kitchen and get dessert.” She winked at her husband. “It’s apple strudel.”
Nathalyia had no choice but to follow. Rafael placed the ice in the sink and the drinks on the counter. “You need any help?”
Helen pushed him out of the kitchen. “He’s a work in progress in the kitchen. Nathalyia, if you don’t mind, please get the dessert plates. They’re in the third cabinet.” Helen uncovered a glass baking dish containing the apple strudel. “Celeste, you know where the spoons are.”
“I got the napkins.” Brianna laughed and faced Nathalyia. “If I lift anything heavier, Patrick becomes annoyed with me.”
“I’ll get the ice cream.” Maureen opened the freezer.
Nathalyia placed the plates on the counter. “Is there anything else I can do to help?”
“No.” Helen expertly cut the strudel into large squares. “I’m just glad I didn’t cook bread pudding. Yours is fabulous.”
Nathalyia relaxed the tiniest bit. “Thank you. It’s my own recipe. The cook had to sign a confidentiality clause. He’s been with Fontaine for five years.”