A glance at the drawer where she hid her stash of contraband, made her guilt return even more. She needed to take care of herself and this child. Ronnie was right about that. She needed to take care of herself for Ronnie, and this new baby. For Jay. She got up and opened the drawer, grabbed the cigarettes and lighter and threw them in the trash.
“It was a stupid momentary weakness. Don’t tell Jay, please. He despises smoking,” she winked at her daughter conspiratorially. “I won’t lapse again.”
She gave her mom a smile. Her tone was stronger and just that gave Ronnie hope. She needed the resilient woman her mother had always been by her side in this fight. Her mom had always been a rock her whole life and she needed that more than ever.
“I need you to fight, Mom,” she voiced her concerns. “I need your faith, and I need your strength. I hate that I am causing you this worry. But, I hate to say this; I need you now more than ever.”
“I’m here for you. Always. And as for my faith, and strength, you have that too baby girl!” Steel was in Lou’s voice now, and as the words left her mother’s lips, Ronnie was engulfed in her embrace and it was like iron.
Momentary weakness gone, she told herself. Strength and courage were what they both needed now. Her daughter would not have to ask her twice.
Chapter 7
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
Nikko was up early, but waited until nine o’clock before leaving the hotel. The place he was staying at was near Ronnie’s and her mom’s, and a nearby bakery was convenient. He didn’t want to show up empty handed. His momma had always told him never to pop in on someone without a friendly gesture.
Leaving the Italian bakery, his box of goodies by his side, he was surprised at how much he was looking forward to seeing Ronnie again. It hadn’t even been a day.
Nikko laid on the accelerator pushing his classic Cutlass just slightly above the speed limit in his haste to get to Ronnie’s house. He pulled into the gravel driveway, the tires crunching and announcing his arrival. As he got out of the car, he saw Louisa peek through the curtains, and she had the door open for him by the time he reached it.
“Well, this is a surprise,” she called out in greeting, eyeing him suspiciously, especially the white boxed baked goods.
Nikko gave her a flash of white teeth and his most winning smile. “I told Ronnie I’d stop by while I’m in town. I am stuck here until Monday or Tuesday,” he answered her simply.
Louisa gave him another guarded look, but opened the door wider allowing him entrance. “Ronnie’s in the shower, but she should be out shortly. I’ll put on a fresh pot of coffee. We are expecting her lawyer, Ronald Stimson, later on this morning.”
“Oh! He’s good.” Nikko recognized the name. Knew he was an excellent defense attorney from one of the finest firms in Tampa, and one of the most expensive. His eyes widened in surprise.
“He’s somewhat related to one of my dearest friends,” she offered in answer to his unasked question while she began to set up the coffee pot for round two. Nikko took a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen island setting down his box of goodies. He heard the shower running and would have to make nice with Ronnie’s mom. But the sound of the water running, and knowing Ronnie was in there naked, had his mind wandering.
“When will he be here?” he asked, trying to make casual conversation.
“In about an hour.” She glanced at the wall clock in the kitchen as she set out the cups while the coffee brewed. His thoughts kept flying to the bathroom. He was having a hard time concentrating, and that wasn’t like him. Lou spoke, suddenly interrupting his shameful thoughts.
“What are you really doing here, Nikko?” she demanded. The edge in her voice threw him momentarily off guard, that and his wayward thoughts.
He was at a temporary loss, but quickly recovered. “Really?” he sighed, giving her a sheepish grin. At her nod, he continued. “I have to submit some papers to the court here in the county regarding this case. And here,” he used his finger to indicate her home with a circular gesture, “Because I genuinely like your daughter, and thought she could use another friend around, distract her. Keep her company, give moral support. We met last summer, you know,” he gently reminded her.
Lou looked at him sharply. “I don’t know about the distraction part, but yes, she could use all the FRIENDS and support she can get right now.” Nikko clearly got the message. “Are you watching her for business purposes, too?” she added without a pause.
The woman was sharp. He’d give her that. “Yes.” He, too, answered without pause.
Honesty was the best policy. He didn’t want to make an enemy of this woman especially since he wasn’t sure about his feelings for her daughter.
“When my brothers and I post bond for someone, we do like to stick around for a while. See the client’s routine, hangouts. That sort of thing. But, Mrs. Russell, I really am here this morning as a friend. She is more than just business. I like her. Ronnie will go stir crazy staying put, doing nothing but worrying. If I can help to keep her spirits up, then that’s what I’d like to do.”
Lou’s eyes narrowed, but she nodded, and gave him a small smile. She turned to retrieve the pot of coffee, and then poured him a cup.
“Okay, Nikko Marino. I agree she could use a friend, someone to keep her mind off all this, all the time. But she, and I want to be clear, needs only friends right now. I don’t think it would be fair to you or her to complicate matters if you know what I mean?” Her eyes searched his for something. Understanding.
He took her pointed reference and stress on the word friend for a second time. “I understand, Mrs. Russell. I don’t want to complicate the situation for her. I really don’t.”
Just as he finished speaking he heard a door open. Lou looked past him, eyes widening, and made a shooing gesture with her hands. He couldn’t help but turn to look behind him. And there she was, dripping wet, in nothing but a towel, a rather small towel. God help him, he thought, he definitely wanted to be more than friends with Miss Ronnie Sears. He was glad a rather tall counter separated him from the girl’s mother.
“Oh!” Ronnie gasped in surprise. “I didn’t think anyone was here. Jay left for work, and . . . oh, I’ll just be out in a jiff,” she responded, holding her towel closely, water dripping over her shoulders from her unwrapped hair, down her throat and chest.
He could see the rivulets of water, wanted to trace the same path down her skin with his tongue. He was all of a sudden very thirsty as she quickly ducked out of sight into her room, and shut the door.
Nikko reluctantly turned from the vision that just vacated his sight; he kept his eyes downcast, and reached for his cup of coffee. He took a slow sip. When he did look at Lou, her eyes were wide, and she was watching him closely, very closely. He felt the heat creep up his face. He couldn’t hide it.
“Well,” he offered, drawing out the one syllable word uncomfortably. He tried to add a bit of humor to the word by exaggerating it.
“Friends,” she reminded him, narrowing her almond shaped brown eyes.
“Yes,” he reiterated his promise, felt himself blush under her scrutiny. “Friends.” Very good friends! Intimate friends, he hoped despite Lou’s advice to the contrary. He wanted to be a lot more than friends. He lifted his coffee to her, and took a sip noticing she hadn’t poured herself a cup.
“Not having any?” he asked.
“No, I had one this morning. I’m trying to cut back. But Veronica will have one with you, I’m sure.” Her tone was slightly sarcastic. Then more kindly, “She drinks the stuff all day. But, I think I will have one of these,” she said pulling the box of goodies towards her and inspecting the contents. She pulled out a massive bear claw confection. “I shouldn’t though,” she looked down to her trim waistline.
Nikko laughed. Women were so concerned about weight gain. “Please, Mrs. Russell. You aren’t one of those women, are you? Worried about every calorie?”
He was trying to tease her, light
en the mood until Ronnie returned, then added.
“Although when I had lunch with your daughter yesterday, I noticed she could really pack it in.”
Lou couldn’t help but laugh at the eagerness on this young man’s face. She could tell he was smitten with her daughter. She just hoped her warnings were heeded and he proceeded with caution. Although very suspicious of the young man’s intentions, especially after last summer, she knew her daughter needed some friends her own age. So despite her misgivings, she wouldn’t voice her concerns any further. Ronnie would need friends. Even if it was just someone to vent to, or distract her. Goodness knows this young man was quite good looking, and charming, and although he might prove to be a little too distracting, she mused, he might be an additional support for her daughter. She wouldn’t deny her that. And, Ronnie was grown after all. She made good decisions, well most of the time. Gary was another matter altogether.
“Ronnie has always had a good appetite. Lucky girl, burns calories while sleeping. She’s always been blessed with a great metabolism. But, she has always been very active and athletic. She runs, hikes, and is always keeping busy. I, on the other hand, have a desk job.” She smiled at the young man. Lou picked up the flaky pastry, and bit into the tender layers. “Mmm,” she moaned. “Delicious.”
“Enjoy it,” he laughed at her simple pleasure. “I could bring more of those tomorrow,” he teased, as she stuffed her face with the pastry for a second time.
Lou chewed and swallowed, moaned her pleasure, and couldn’t resist adding, “If you show up with these again tomorrow, I’ll slam the door in your face.”
He laughed liking this side of Mrs. Russell very much. He now knew where Ronnie got her sharp tongue, and quick wit.
Ronnie wasn’t much longer. Both he and Louisa had finished their pastries and he his coffee when she emerged from her bedroom looking fresh and clean. She wore denim shorts, and from the way they stretched across her rear he could tell they were probably her mothers who didn’t have the curves her daughter had in that particular area. She also wore a simple black tank top. Her hair was towel dried, and lay in long wavy layers framing her oval face, the few pinkish highlights looking darker when wet.
“This is a nice surprise,” she said as she approached and her mom poured her a coffee. Her smile was pure mischief as she looked from her mom and back to Nikko again. Mother and daughter exchanged looks, Ronnie looking all innocent, and her mother all-knowing. She peered into the box of pastries and selected a rainbow cookie and put it on a napkin before her.
“I mentioned I’d pop in,” he laughed indicating her mom with a nod of his head. His eyes said back me up on this.
She laughed before answering. “Yes, yes you did. Really, Mom. Should have mentioned it, sorry.” She gave her mom her innocent smile, and then turned to Nikko, “Too bad my lawyer’s on his way. Should be here in thirty minutes or so,” she added before sinking her little pearl white teeth into the small cookie. “Delicious,” she pronounced before taking another bite.
“Your mom was telling me,” he put in, and continued. “I have heard of him. Very good.” He wanted to offer her encouragement. “A lucky break he is family to your mom’s friend. He is in demand. He actually got a few of our clients off, but pricey.” From Ronnie’s reaction he could kicked himself. Definitely not the right thing to say after last night’s ordeal. From Lou’s expression as well, it appeared to be a double faux pas on his part. Lou in fact, blanched, and Ronnie’s head swung to her mother.
“Don’t worry about it Veronica,” her mom cautioned, giving him a sharp unappreciative look.
Ronnie was about to speak. She’d forgotten about the attorney’s fees. Hells bells, one more thing to weigh on her mom, and her. She closed her mouth, not wanting to worry her mom or upset her. She looked pale, and again Ronnie couldn’t help but notice it looked like she’d lost weight recently.
“Veronica, one day at a time. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some paperwork to take care of in my room. I’ll let you visit with Nikko until your lawyer gets here.” Before either could protest, she was half way out of the room making a hasty retreat. The pastry was about to come up, and the last thing she wanted her daughter and her friend to see was her throwing up.
“Shit, Ronnie. I’m sorry,” he quickly apologized. “I wanted to provide support, be a good friend, and it seems I upset you and your mother by mentioning the cost. I really didn’t mean to do that.” Nikko’s face showed his concern.
Not wanting it to spoil their visit, she shrugged nonchalantly trying to ease his worry. “Don’t worry about it,” she smiled popping the rest of the rainbow cookie into her mouth. Nikko smiled back, and when he smiled at her like that, her stomach fluttered. Damn, he was just too good looking.
Over her coffee, Ronnie eyed her visitor. Dressed down in jeans and a simple grey t-shirt, he looked delectable. His blue eyes popped and sparkled against his tan face. The man was beautiful, she thought again. What he saw in her petite, overly curvy stature, she would never know.
“Fo’getta bout it,” she added letting him off the hook. Ronnie couldn’t help but laugh at her horrible imitation of a New York accent. They both did.
Nikko sputtered over the last sip of his coffee. “That’s bad, Ronnie, real bad. Good thing you didn’t take up acting,” he teased. The tension evaporated.
“Come on. Let’s go out in the yard. I hate being indoors and cooped up,” she stated as she got up from her stool. He had no choice but to follow.
It was still early, the breeze off the water kept the heat of the Florida summer at bay. Missy followed them outside, and Ronnie was throwing a purple something, that resembled a monkey of some sort, a chew toy. He couldn’t tell.
He stood beside her and watched her interact with the aging dog. “Hey, I’m sorry about earlier. If it’s any consolation, this guy is good. He has one of the highest success rates in Tampa of any defense attorney. And, I’m sure being almost family through your mom’s friend, you’ll get a great discount.” He gave her his boyish innocent smile, and she returned it.
“You’re probably right. Don’t worry about it. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I’m glad Ana was able to get him to represent me.” Missy chased the purple mess, and came loping back. Ronnie threw it again, and continued. “Thanks for coming though. I feel horrible for my mom, and every time we are alone together the guilt just gets to me.”
“Glad to be a distraction, milady,” he bowed and she laughed at the noble gesture.
“I just need time to not think about it sometimes too, you know?”
“That’s what working on my car was when my folks died,” he offered softly, taking the purple monkey from her and throwing the next pitch.
She could still see the pain there. He did understand. But when their hands touched, the current passing through them was instant. He stepped back.
Ronnie made eye contact with him, knew he felt this energy too, but was trying to restrain himself as her breath nearly left her.
“I’m sorry you lost them so young, but I’m glad you understand.” She took a step closer to him, needing to be near his energy again.
His heart rate picked up with each step. What he saw in her eyes thrilled him.
“It’s nice to have a friend who understands,” she practically whispered.
“A friend, Ronnie. I like that,” he teased as she got closer. “Hey, can we be friends?” he joked softly, using the title of an old song as her body came to within an inch of his. He knew that word was meant to remind him of something, but only God knew what it could be in that moment.
She was so close, and it just seemed so natural to take her into his arms, and that’s what he did. Forgotten were her mother’s words. Forgotten were her pleas from yesterday. When she looked up to him within his embrace, he bent to press a kiss to her forehead. But when she lifted her face higher, the kiss they shared was as natural as breathing. Both of them held the passion in check but it was there,
under the surface, waiting to be unleashed.
Chapter 8
The Best Defense . . . Is a Good Offense
Nikko and Ronnie were still in the backyard, talking at this point, when Ronald Stimson showed up in his silver Lexus, parking next to the classic Cutlass, and behind Louisa’s Audi.
He recognized the girl from her mug shot, and Ana’s description. He waved at the young couple sitting at a picnic bench in the backyard. She’d have to do something about her hair, and her clothes, he thought, as he continued on to the front door of the small house. The young couple had risen and it seemed would greet him inside entering from the rear although it appeared they were in no rush.
Louisa Russell opened the door, and he remembered the well-endowed brunette from the reception his mother-in-law threw for Teddy, and his new bride upon their return from Las Vegas.
Ronald greeted Louisa warmly, but with a professional demeanor. “It’s nice to see you again Mrs. Russell, albeit I wish it were under better circumstances.” He gave her a nod of sympathy.
“Oh, please call me Louisa or Lou, and thank you so much for taking this case, Ronald. We didn’t know who to call, and when Ana suggested . . .” she rattled.
“You are quite welcome,” he interrupted. “My wife, Ebony, dotes on her baby brother, Teddy, and she’d have it no other way. The whole family adores his wife, Ana, and you are her closest friend. She may not have even married the poor man and put him out of his misery if it weren’t for your help I hear.” He made small talk as he passed through the open door, and looked around the modest, but comfortable looking home.
Lou was a working woman; she worked day by day, and week by week to get by. Her new husband was a mechanic, worked on airplanes at a local, small airport, and he had only been working there about a year. He turned to face her when she started to speak again.
The Bounty Hunters: The Marino Bros.: Box Set Page 8