Always Be True

by Alexis Morgan

  Now they lay spooned together, still half-dressed and completely sated. Tino kissed the back of Natalie’s neck and breathed in the sweet scent of her skin. “Are you okay?”

  She twisted to meet his gaze over her shoulder and greeted him with a siren’s smile. “Somehow ‘okay’ doesn’t do justice to how I feel right now.”

  He tugged on the sleeve of her dress. “Considering we’re both still pretty much dressed, I suspect I rushed things a bit.”

  Her answering laugh was a purr of pure satisfaction. “Do you hear me complaining?”

  Well, no, he didn’t, but she couldn’t be comfortable with her dress all twisted up like that. For his part, he wouldn’t be surprised to learn he’d damaged his trousers and shirt in his rush to the finish line. All things considered, it was worth it.

  Before retrieving the blankets they’d kicked to the floor, he decided to strip them both down to the bare skin for comfort’s sake. Okay, that was only partly true. His body was already stirring back to life and getting skin to skin with his woman was the perfect way to jump-start that process. Not that he wanted to rush the moment again.

  He slowly lowered the zipper on the back of her dress and kissed each inch of skin that he revealed. Natalie curled forward, giving him better access even as she asked, “What are you up to now?”

  “If you have to ask, I must be doing something wrong.”

  “Must be.”

  After nipping her on the shoulder as a small punishment for that remark, he set about ridding Natalie of the rest of her clothing. When he reached for the buttons on his own shirt, she brushed his hands aside to handle that task herself. When they were both satisfyingly naked, he pulled up the blankets to cover them both.

  For a few precious moments, he soaked in the gentle warmth of the woman tucked in beside him, her head on his shoulder and the soft tumble of her hair scattered across his skin. This was peace, but it wouldn’t last. Already memories of the evening’s events were pushing back to the forefront of his mind.

  Sure, there had been good moments scattered in among the dark ones, starting with the dances he’d shared with Natalie and even with her mother. Out on the dance floor, he’d fit in, had even been admired by at least the female half of the crowd. He’d also enjoyed the brief connection with the former marine and his wife. At least they had valued Tino’s service to the country and didn’t look down on him because he didn’t have a degree.

  But overshadowing those few bits of brightness were the confrontations with the Humboldts, and most especially Benton. That man was a complete ass and obnoxious as hell. He’d made a fool of himself, but Tino had no doubt Benton’s behavior would be forgiven by his friends and family. It wouldn’t even come as much of a surprise if some folks felt he’d been the one who’d been wronged. After all, not only had Natalie dumped the man, but she’d brought the interloper into their midst.

  “What’s going on in that head of yours right now? Considering how tightly you’re squeezing me, it can’t be good.”

  He forced the muscles in his arm to relax and pressed a kiss on her forehead. “Sorry about that.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  Yes…and no. He went with the obvious lie. “Yes.”

  Her pretty blue eyes stared up at him full of doubt. “Really? You’re not still upset about Benton’s behavior, are you?”

  His anger came boiling out. “Hell yes, I’m upset that he disrespected you, Natalie. He actually accused us of cheating on him behind his back. I can’t tell you how close I came to teaching him some better manners with my fists. He may not know a damn thing about me, but he should damn well know you better than that.”

  He wasn’t sure what reaction he expected to that little factoid, but it sure wasn’t having Natalie sliding up to settle her body over his. The sight of her sweet breasts was a definite distraction when she sat up and captured his face between the palms of her hands.

  “Just so you know, that is exactly why I’m here with you and not him. You’ve known me a fraction of the time he has, and yet you see the real me. He only wants to see the person he wants to think I am or, more likely, the person he hopes can help further his political ambitions.”

  All of that was good, but he had to wonder if she saw the real Tino Gianelli or only the one he pretended to be, hoping to fit into her world and her life. How could he ever know or even ask the question? Before he could figure out the right answer, he realized she was still talking. He’d missed part of what she’d said, but clearly she hadn’t noticed. Her siren smile remained firmly in place framed beautifully by those amazing dimples. “So, Tino Gianelli, I’m about to rock your world.”

  And damned if she didn’t do exactly that.

  —

  Tino added two more pancakes onto the stack he already had warming in the oven and poured the last of the batter into the skillet. He had no idea how many Natalie could eat but figured they’d both worked up quite an appetite during the night.

  The shower had shut off a little while ago, so she should be joining him any minute. The thought no sooner crossed his mind when he heard her coming down the hall toward the kitchen. He flipped the pancakes and then greeted her with a quick kiss and a cup of hot coffee.

  Natalie paused in the doorway to sniff the air. “Wow, fresh coffee, homemade pancakes, and a handsome man in my kitchen! The perfect start to the morning. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “Nope, just have a seat. Everything is ready to go.”

  They made quick work of both the meal he’d prepared and the cleanup afterward. All of which meant it was probably time for him to head back home. As much as he’d like to stick around, she hadn’t mentioned what her plans were for the rest of the day, and he didn’t want to presume that they might include him. With her busy work schedule, she might prefer to have some time to herself.

  He dried his hands on the dish towel and hung it up to dry. “I guess I should be going. I’m sure you have stuff you need to be doing.”

  She was already nodding, although she didn’t look all that happy. “Actually, I do have to be somewhere in just over an hour from now.”

  Tino slipped on his tux jacket and shoved his tie into a pocket. “I’ll call you tomorrow and maybe we can make plans for next weekend.”

  “I’d like that.”

  Natalie followed him to the door where she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his chest. “I’ve had a wonderful time despite the problems with my ex and his mother.”

  Tino held her close, loving the way she fit in his arms. “They were just a momentary blip on an otherwise spectacular night. Now, kiss me and then boot me out before I make you late.”

  “Yes, sir!”

  The kiss lasted longer than it should have for a simple goodbye. Damn, it was hard to walk away, and it didn’t help that she followed him out to the car. After this much time, he found it easy to tell when she had something on her mind. But before he could ask what she was thinking about so hard, she put her hand out to stop him from getting in his car.

  “Look, do you like the zoo?”

  Well, that sure came out of left field. “I haven’t been to the zoo in a lot of years, but I always enjoyed it. Why? What are you thinking?”

  “Well, that’s where I’m going this afternoon. The foundation sponsored a special day at the zoo for a bunch of kids from the neighborhood around the community center. I’m guessing at least a few of them are from your basketball team. I don’t suppose you’d like to tag along.”

  Anything to spend more time in her company. “I’d love to come, but I’ll have to go home and change clothes first.”

  He gave his wrinkled shirt and slacks a pointed look. “I’d be a bit overdressed for the occasion if I showed up in a tuxedo, even one that looks like I slept in it.”

  She laughed. “Just a bit. Do you want me to swing by and pick you up on my way?”

  No way that was happening. He wasn’t ready for her to learn that he
lived in a remodeled garage. Eventually, she’d find out, but not yet.

  “I don’t want to risk making you late, so I’ll meet you there.”

  “Sounds good. We’re set to arrive at eleven thirty. The plan is to walk around for a while, take a break for brown-bag lunches, and then sightsee for two more hours if the kids hold up that long.” She grinned. “Well, actually the adults will hit the wall before the munchkins do, but it’s undignified to admit that.”

  He laughed. “I know what you mean. I’ve only helped Jay with the team a handful of times, but those kids flat wear me out. I swear, it was easier to ride herd on a bunch of new recruits out for a good time on their first liberty after basic training.”

  “That’s why we always try to get as many adult volunteers as we can.” Her face flushed a bit pink. “But don’t think that’s why I invited you to come. I’m just tagging along to make sure everything goes smoothly. Well, and because I love the zoo.”

  “I believe you, and I’ll do my best to be there on time.”

  Tino gave her another quick kiss before getting into the car. “I’ll see you soon.”

  —

  The kids gathered near the railing and jockeyed for position to see the zebras grazing a short distance away. While they chattered among themselves, Rosalie sidled up next to Natalie. It was tempting to start talking to one of the kids, but that would only be postponing the inevitable. The woman would eventually corner her. Maybe she could shorten the conversation if she started it herself.

  “Yes, Rosalie, he’s good with kids and looks good in that Henley shirt.”

  She paused to take a quick glance at her friend. Just as she suspected, Rosalie was grinning big-time. “What? I want a bottle of water out of the cooler and was going to ask if you’d keep an eye on my bunch while I’m gone. I’ll bring you one, too, if you’d like.”

  Well, great. “Yes, I’ll watch the kids, and I’d love another water.”

  “I’ll be right back.” Rosalie started to walk away but turned back. “And you’re right. He’s good with the kids, and he looks great. He also stares at you as if you’re the special on today’s dessert menu.”

  Rather than continue a discussion she couldn’t win, Natalie moved up to stand next to the three kids Rosalie had been shepherding around the zoo. “So tell me, kids, which do you like better—the giraffes or the zebras?”

  She let them each give their opinions, laughing at their reasons for their choices. Meanwhile, she noticed that Tino was no longer hanging out with the boys from his basketball team. It took her a minute to spot him standing a short distance back down the path. Who was he talking to with that worried look on his face?

  Luckily, Rosalie was already back. She held out two bottles of water and a juice box. “I thought Tino might like some water, too. The juice is for his friend.”

  A gap in the crowd finally revealed Tino’s young companion, a girl who looked to be about ten or so. “I’m not sure I’ve ever met her. What’s her name?”

  “There’s no reason you should know Maya. I’m not sure what her story is, but I know she only recently came to stay with one of the local foster families. If she’s new to the system, it’s not surprising that she’s feeling a little overwhelmed by the crowds and hanging out with a bunch of strangers.”

  She turned her attention back to her young charges. “Okay, boys, time to move on. There’s still a lot of the zoo left to see, and I don’t want you to miss out on any of the cool stuff.”

  Natalie stayed and watched Tino as the others walked away. By this point, he’d knelt down on one knee to be closer to Maya’s eye level as the two of them talked. Natalie’s heart ached for the little girl, but it was nice to see that Tino had finally coaxed a smile from her. The man was a charmer, all right, and she loved that he would go to the trouble to help Maya relax enough to enjoy the outing.

  As much as she wanted to spend time with Tino, she didn’t want to interrupt the pair’s animated conversation. Fortunately, he happened to look in her direction and immediately motioned for her to join them.

  When she was within hearing, he performed the necessary introductions. “Natalie Kennigan, I’d like you to meet my friend Maya. We need you to settle an argument for us.”

  “Nice to meet you, Maya.” She handed Tino his water and then offered the little girl the juice. “I’ve always found arguing with Tino here to be thirsty work. What do you two need my opinion on?”

  Tino gave Maya an encouraging look. She waited until she’d stuck the straw in her juice before speaking. “He says elephants really are afraid of mice. I think that’s only in cartoons.”

  Natalie laughed. “I’m with you on that one, Maya.”

  Then she added in a stage whisper, “I think we both know who really is afraid of mice, and it’s not the elephants.”

  She rolled her eyes in Tino’s direction, which set Maya to giggling while he looked mildly insulted. “Hey, now, you two! No fair ganging up on me like that.”

  One of the parents approached them. “Maya, you better come along, hon. We’re moving on now, and it’s important that we keep the group together. I can’t make sure everyone is safe if we get too scattered in this crowd.”

  The little girl’s smile faded a bit, but she took the woman’s hand without complaint. Tino watched her walk away with the oddest look on his face. Sadness, maybe, or even grief. Then the expression disappeared so quickly, Natalie almost doubted that she’d even seen it. Almost.

  They fell into step with the rest of the group and wandered on down the path that looped its way through the zoo. “That was quite a conversation you had going with Maya. Was it all about elephants and rodents?”

  “No. I’d noticed how she kept hanging back. All those matching green T-shirts help the adults to keep an eye on the kids, but it’s pretty easy for one little girl to get lost in the crowd.”

  “Is she not having a good time?”

  “Good enough, I suppose. It took some coaxing, but she finally said she’d only been at this foster home a few days. I’m guessing she hasn’t quite got her legs under her yet.”

  “Did she say how she came to be in foster care?”

  “Some temporary family thing.”

  Tino unscrewed the cap on his water and took a long drink. Rather than press him for more details, she changed the subject.

  “Are you busy Tuesday morning? I thought maybe you’d like to go with me to visit my grandfather. He always appreciates company, and he’d like to meet you.”

  “If Jack doesn’t need me on a job, I’ll be glad to go with you. Any chance your grandfather plays chess?”

  “He loves chess, but sadly the last time we played, he suggested we go back to playing checkers instead. I’m sure he’d appreciate a worthy opponent.”

  Tino looked intrigued by the idea. “I’ll let you know after I talk to Jack.”

  “Great.”

  Then she skipped ahead several steps before adding, “Now, let’s go see the elephants and see if any of them are up in the trees after seeing a mouse.”

  With his longer legs, it didn’t take him long to catch up with her, but at least the last of the shadows had disappeared from his eyes. “Very funny, lady. There will be retribution for that crack.”

  She stuck her tongue out at him. “Oooh, I’m scared.”

  “No, you’re not, but you should be. I will get even, and when you least expect it. The only reason you are safe right now is that I don’t want to scare the kiddies.”

  He arched an eyebrow and took a step back to give her a top-to-bottom look that curled her toes. “Of course, if you’d rather, I’ll let you apologize for insulting my manhood later when we’re alone.”

  His grin turned hot and wicked. “I can always borrow my dad’s pickup truck back from Jack if you still want to give it a try.”

  What did it say about her that she was actually considering it? She wasn’t sure, but that wasn’t going to stop her. Unfortunately—or maybe fortunately—
they’d caught up with the kids and their chaperones.

  She shot Tino a flirty smile. “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

  “You do that.”

  Before they could continue, Maya was back. She slipped her hand into Tino’s. “Can I walk with you?”

  He smiled and said, “Sure thing, but we’ll have to ask your assigned adult if it’s all right.”

  The little girl looked decidedly happier as they headed toward the woman, but Tino sure didn’t. He might be smiling for Maya’s benefit, but there wasn’t anything happy about the expression in his eyes. It was as if the sun had gone behind a cloud and the air around them took on a sudden chill. Now wasn’t the time to ask him what it was about the little girl that had him looking so grim when he thought no one would notice.

  And truth be told, she wasn’t all that sure she wanted to find out.

  Chapter 17

  Early Tuesday morning, Tino followed her into her grandfather’s driveway. They’d come in separate cars. She had to head directly back to the office after their visit with her grandfather, and Tino needed to meet up with his brother.

  She took a deep breath before getting out. Funny, but she was more nervous about introducing Tino to her grandfather than having him meet her parents. She’d never admit it to them, but Cyrus’s opinion carried more weight. Yes, she’d hoped they would like the new man in her life, but she actually wanted her grandfather to approve of Tino.

  She also suspected Tino realized that there was more riding on this visit than just the chance to meet another member of her family. Instead of his usual T-shirt and jeans, he’d worn a sports shirt and khakis. “Ready for this?”

  He nodded as he studied her grandfather’s home. She tried to see the sprawling brick house through Tino’s eyes. It had been built in the late nineteenth century by one of the lesser-known timber barons, who had spared no expense in the process.

  Tino tipped his head back, maybe to better see the upper floor. “Nice place. My dad used to drive us through this area and point out the different elements of construction that went into building the various styles of houses. I’d guess this one has been around for a hundred and twenty years, maybe more.”