by Aliyah Burke
“Sure thing.” She walked away and led him from the kitchen to the living room where she turned to look at him. “You look like shit.”
He tugged on the collar of his shirt. “And you’re enjoying that fact.”
“Be lying if I said I wasn’t.” She hid her smirk and managed to shrug languidly. “What do you want?”
“Help.”
“What kind of help?”
He rubbed the back of his neck and for a brief second she entertained the thought of offering to do it for him. “Look, I was supposed to be on my way back to Texas right now, I have a very important meeting to attend.”
She crossed her arms and waited. “This is my problem, how, exactly?”
“The boy won’t listen to me and all she does is cry.”
Niya bristled. “He’s a fourteen year old who’s feeling like you just yanked him from the only other family he’s had and she is nine months old. She misses her mother. She’s going to cry. They both have names, you should try to learn them and maybe use them. They’re not the women you have parading through your bedroom like a turnstile in which you don’t need to remember the names. They are your nephew and niece, whether you like it or not.” She strove for control but she really wanted to smack him in the face.
Chapter Three
Marco knew in that moment if she believed she could get away with murder, he’d be a dead man. Somehow he just never managed to say the right thing around her. It was obvious she didn’t care about his meeting back in Texas. Blowing out a frustrated breath, he paced back and forth.
When he finally stopped, she still watched him, a mixture of boredom and dislike on her brown face. Damn if it still didn’t rub him wrong. How dare she stand there and judge him? She didn’t know him from Adam.
“Right. J.T. and Eliana. I’ll do better remembering their names.”
Impressed? Nope. Not even a smile to say she appreciated his effort. In fact, as he stood there, she turned her back to him and moved to the large window which flanked the impressive fireplace and overlooked the snow filled fields. More snow continued to fall from the sky.
“I need your help,” he said as he walked up beside her and propped a shoulder against the wall beside her.
“So you’ve stated. Doing what?” She slanted a glare at him. “If you say anything about me coming to Texas with you to watch them, I swear your body will never be found.”
Okay, that warning worried him. She’s said it in such a deadpan manner. Standing beside her, he took the opportunity to observer her. Compact and fit in a way that definitely didn’t take away from her femininity.
The braids hid the multi-hues which filled the strands and he found himself longing to touch them. Curling his fingers into his palms, he took several deep breaths. She smelled faintly like wildflowers in spring. Oh this wasn’t good, he couldn’t afford to be fascinated with her. Could he?
“I don’t know anything about raising children,” he blurted, needing to focus on something other than how attracted he was becoming to her.
“Really,” she replied drolly. “Color me shocked.”
“Breakfast is ready,” J.T. hollered.
She faced him, arms crossed defensively before her. “I don’t know what you want me to do, Mr. Auciello. You keep sayin’ you need help but have yet to say what it is you think I can do for you. So I suggest you figure it out really quickly because if you plan on getting out of here, you will need to leave soon.”
She left him there, making her way back to the rustic and homey breakfast area. He remained where she’d left him and watched them. Everyone pitched in, their faces full of love for one another. He watched as Niya left the baby in the car seat but set her beside her own chair.
“You planning on eating this morning, Mr. Auciello?” she asked him without looking up as she poured juice.
His stomach rumbled so he didn’t even play as if he weren’t hungry. He made his way to the table and slipped into a seat between Brooke and J.T. which put him across from Niya. The food smelled delicious and he was anxious to begin. He hadn’t been sure what to expect but her and everyone, lowering their head and praying wasn’t quite it.
The meal passed and he felt even more like an outsider staring in through a window at a warm scene while he was out in the cold. How could he even begin to replace this?
J.T. and Brooke cleaned up while Niya remained at the table, watching him as she swirled her orange juice in the glass. “Figure it out yet?” she asked.
“Yes.”
She blinked and stared at him, obviously waiting for him to continue. He wanted to rattle her. Not with the children, but to see how she would react. Would her eyes widen, those full lips part? Would her breathing escalate? Lord, forgive him, he wanted to see.
His phone rang before he could say anything. He frowned as he looked at whose name was on the screen. “What’s up, David?” It wasn’t all that common for his pilot to call him.
“Sorry to bother you, boss, but they just put out a cancelation notice for all flights. We’re not going anywhere.”
He grumbled low in his throat, fingers flexing around the cellular device. “Get a place to stay and put it on the company’s tab. We’ll meet up when they open up again.”
“Yes sir. Um, will you be all right, sir?”
Marco didn’t quite know how to answer that. He stared out the window and wanted to groan at the amount of snow he saw falling from the cloudy skies. “I’ll make do. Stay safe, David.” He ended the call and shoved the phone back into his pocket.
Her gaze waited and he could see her impatience beginning to grow. “Where are you staying?” she asked.
“Now, I’m not sure. That was my pilot. They just closed down the airport.”
“Yep.”
He shook his head. “Wait, you knew that was going to happen?”
“I told you if you planned on leaving you needed to get on it. Not sure how I could be any clearer.”
“I don’t know,” he snapped, his exhaustion and frustration boiling over. “Actually uttered those words.”
She didn’t appear at all put off by his outburst. In fact, he didn’t even think it registered to her. She turned her back on him. “J.T.,” she hollered.
“Yes?”
“Go to the guest room and make up the bed.”
His blue eyes narrowed but he didn’t argue with her, just went on his way. Marco stepped forward and grabbed her shoulder, turning her to face him.
“You are more than welcome to sleep in your vehicle, Mr. Auciello.”
That didn’t sound like anything he wanted to entertain at all. “You’d let us stay? Instead of sending me on to a hotel?”
“You want to go to a hotel, feel free to do so. But the children won’t be leaving with you.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Excuse me?”
“No need to ask for me to excuse me, it’s a fact. I refuse to let them go with you right now.”
“What gives you the right?”
She pulled from his grip and crossed her arms. “How much experience do you have driving through snow?” She held his gaze without flinching.
Okay, so he didn’t have to drive in any, if he was at a hotel in which there was snow on the ground, he always had a driver. “Not often.”
“Figures. So why would I let the things which mean the world to me out with a man who hasn’t a clue on how to handle himself in it?”
“You don’t like me.”
“No argument here. I don’t. I think you’re selfish, arrogant, and not worthy of the love these children can give. But, despite my dislike of you, no matter how grand it is, how deep it goes, my love for those children will always trump it. Therefore I want what is best for them. And right now, that’s keeping them, and you, here in my house until the snow stops and the plows can get out here.” She walked away. “I’ll show you your room.”
Marco wasn’t sure what to make of her explanation but he followed her. J.T. had just finished making th
e bed and glared at him as he went by. Alone with Niya in the room, he paused to look around.
Deep burgundy, sage, and gold colors filled the room along with dark furniture. On the dresser sat a fluted gold vase with roses and eucalyptus in it. The room immediately calmed him and again he thought about sleep. The bed looked so inviting.
“Very nice room, thank you.”
“Not a problem. Bathroom is through there. You’ll be sharing one with J.T., just so you know. Make yourself at home. If you need more blankets or towels, everything is in the closet there. I’ll have a neighbor bring over some clothing for you to wear so you have more than that suit.”
“Wait, you have neighbors who drive in this?”
“We can if necessary, yes. But he would be coming over on his snowmobile.” She gazed him over and for a moment, Marco felt on display. “I’ll get you a few things, you’re close to his size.” With that, she turned and walked away.
Marco didn’t move until the door clicked behind her. Then he went to the bathroom and knocked before entering. He stripped down and soon stood under the hot pounding spray of her shower. It felt heavenly and as he dried off, all he could think about was the bed in there. Tidying up behind himself, he walked through to his room and toweled off his hair as he eyed the bed again. Exhaustion won and he slipped between the soft cotton sheets. The curtains were partially drawn allowing in some light. He could see more snow falling and that was the view that accompanied him to slumber.
He woke to the golden gleam of the afternoon sun shining across the snow-covered field. Warm and toasty, he sat up slowly, feeling refreshed. The thick comforter pooled around his waist as he glanced about the room. There, to his left on the black wingback armchair had a stack of clothing on it.
Must have slept through her bringing in the clothing. He climbed from the bed and withdrew a pair of jeans and a flannel button down. Flannel, are you kidding me? The green, gray, and white shirt fit him fine and he left it untucked over the dark blue jeans. Sitting on the chair, he stared at the floor before drawing on the thick wool socks.
A trip to the bathroom showed him she’d also put in a new toothbrush, razor, and shaving cream. He stared at his reflection, rolling his eyes over the flannel he now wore and left the room. I can’t believe I’m wearing this. I wear three thousand dollar suits not...whatever this is.
He left the bedroom and found Brooke in the living room with Eliana sleeping in a crib. Brooke stared at him with a cool expression. In turn, he smiled at her, hoping to garner some points. It didn’t work, she dismissed him and returned to the book she was reading.
“Where is everyone else?”
“Outside. They’ll be back in soon.” That was it. She didn’t say anything more.
Marco sat beside the fireplace and stared at the flames. He was used to silence, so this shouldn’t be a problem for him. However, it was. He wanted to converse.
Niya stomped the snow off her boots as J.T. hurried past her to the warmth of the indoors. Shivering, she untied her snow boots then shoved her feet into the slippers that waited for her. She pushed into the house grateful for the heat from the kitchen and turned the kettle on for a nice warm cup of tea. Making her way to the living room, she smiled at Brooke before walking to the crib and checking on Eliana. By the fireplace, Marco sat, wearing some of the clothing she’d put in his room earlier.
He was engrossed in a book but lifted his head and speared her with his gaze. She gave him a sharp nod before making her way back into the kitchen. Brooke followed closely behind her.
“He’s hot in flannel.”
“Brooke!” She pulled down two mugs and rooted around for the tea she longed for. Not just peppermint, but Moroccan Mint. Once found, she put a bag in hers and added brown sugar. A bag of Earl Grey went into Brooke’s cup.
“Looking for tea won’t change that fact, Niya.”
“I never said it would. I just don’t think this is anything we need to discuss.”
“Why not? He’s hot. Even more so now that he looks human in jeans. That suit was nice but, it made him appear untouchable. Now, he just looks oh-so yummy.”
Niya rolled her eyes, even as she mentally acknowledged her friend was right. “If you say so, Brooke.”
“Hey, I’m in a wheelchair but I’m not dead.”
“Never said you were. I just said I didn’t think we needed to discuss his looks.”
“I’ve seen how he watches you.”
The kettle began whistling and she shut off the burner. Hefting the stainless steel pot, she made her way to the mugs and filled them almost to the brim. After adding the milk to Brooke’s and a wedge of lemon, she set it on the table for her friend. Then joined her at the table with her own.
“How he watches me? Brooke, the man and I can barely stand one another.”
“Thin line between hate and attraction.”
She snorted. “How many times have I told you not to believe all those romance books you read?”
“If you didn’t want me to believe them, why do you keep giving them to me? Not to mention, writing them.”
Niya didn’t have anything to say to that and so opted to sip some of her tea. Brooke laughed as she stirred her drink.
“Thought so,” Brooke uttered.
“Just because I’m an author doesn’t mean I’m going to go jump his bones because our hatred might accentuate any attraction between us.”
“Sounds like a good plan to me.”
“Me too.”
The sound of Marco’s masculine voice had her jolting in her seat. Niya closed her eyes and wished to hell those words had never come out of her mouth. With a deep breath, she turned to find Marco leaning against the doorway, watching her.
Her belly did a few flips and flops as she stared at him. Brooke didn’t lie. The man looked positively delicious. The relaxed fit jeans did nothing but highlight his powerful legs and lean hips. And the flannel shirt broadcasted his wide shoulders and strong arms. The fit was a bit snug for Charlie wasn’t quite as broad as Marco, but damn did the man look good.
Okay, good isn’t quite the word. It’s a good thing I’m sitting down or my legs would be giving out right about now.
His hair fell forward over one eye and she had to bite back a whimper when he pushed it back with a careless motion. What was wrong with her?
“Maybe since the both of you think it’s a good idea, you two should deal with it.”
Even as the words passed her lips she had to struggle to keep her emotions off her face. She didn’t want Brooke with him. Niya couldn’t explain it but she longed to be the one who got to feel what was beneath that taut fabric across his chest.
Brooke chuckled and drank her tea. Marco didn’t say anything else, so Niya glanced back to him. His eyes were still upon her, showing that gleam she’d seen once before. Sipping some tea, she canted her head.
“Something you needed?”
“You write romance novels?”
With a quick glare for Brooke she nodded and drank some more tea. “I do.” She waited for the familiar condescension people tended to show when they heard what she did. Marco showed none of that, he merely seemed intrigued.
“You don’t have pictures of them up in your house. I would have figured an author would have their covers on the walls and what not.” He neared her, his movements leonine and predatory.
“I have stuff up in my office. It’s not something I toss into everyone’s face who walks through my door.”
He sat beside her. “Did my sister and her husband know what you write?”
“Of course.” Why wouldn’t her heart slow down? If the beating got any louder, he’d surely hear it.
“And she didn’t have a problem?”
“Why should she?” She clenched her fingers around the warm mug.
“Just trying to figure out how things were.”
She glared at him over the rim of her cup. “Had you deigned to visit them you’d know all about it.”
; He frowned back. “Can we move past the fact I was a horrible brother? Pointing it out time and time again, isn’t going to make this any easier.”
“Then don’t be so pushy about some things. I take exception to being judged for what I do.”
“Noted.”
Silence fell and she kept her gaze on her tea, not to pleased with how his intense look made her feel.
He sniffed. “So, about that bone jumping.”
Niya almost spit out her tea. Shaking her head, she blew out an exasperated breath. Or was that a hopeful one? Either way, she wasn’t about to explore it.
Clenching her jaw, she sought his gaze. He waited for her, his own alight with jovial trouble. “There will be none. At least not with me.”
His smile was sex. Pure sex. There was no other way for her to explain it. Niya struggled with everything inside her to keep her physical reaction hers alone. It wasn’t easy for she responded to him on a cellular level. Visceral. She couldn’t explain it. There was no rationale. However, that was where she was.
He pushed languidly from the chair and leaned closer to her. “See now, that’s just what I like.” A soft sigh. “A challenge.” Then he strolled from the room.
Niya realized her mistake. Well, one of them. It hadn’t been languidly, he’d been toying with her. That man was pure predator. He could move as if lazy but he was coiled tight. Ready to explode into action. What kind? Any, she was sure of it.
“Oh my,” Brooke said.
Meeting her friend’s gaze, she found Brooke slightly flushed and fanning her face. “Oh my, what?”
Brooke rolled her eyes. “Don’t play dumb with me. If you sit there and try to tell me there’s no sexual tension between the two of you, I’m going to kick your ass. A blind man could have seen it.”
“I’m not looking for,” she ensured J.T. wasn’t around, “a quick fuck, Brooke.”
Her friend grinned evilly. “Oh, I seriously doubt he’d be a quick one. That man looks like he could go for hours before he even entertained the idea of slowing down. I foresee, rug burns, paint peeling off the ceiling from your screams of pleasure, and more.”
Speechless all she could do was shake her head. Niya threw up her hands and pushed away from the table, needing something to do. Yes, in order to keep her mind off the decadent promise in Marco’s voice.