He drew a deep breath. “The pig’s fine. I just thought that we could go for ice cream and I could ask you some questions.” Deceit wasn’t a comfortable fit for him and he tried to keep his answers as honest as possible.
Elena nodded. “That’s a wonderful idea.”
Sam merely glared. “No matter what you say to me, I still want to be adopted and live here forever.”
A slicing pain ripped through his gut. “I understand what you want, Sam. I just want to get to know you better. That’s all.”
“Can I get a sundae?” she asked.
“If I say yes, will you come with me?”
Sam walked over to the phone, picked up the receiver and handed it to him. “After you ask Zoe for a date tonight.”
Ryan shook his head and laughed because if he hadn’t known that they needed him to get Zoe to her party, he’d think the kid and Elena were actually matchmaking.
Chapter Five
AFTER SPENDING A FEW HOURS in a shopping mall with a fourteen-year-old, Ryan had been spent. First he’d taken Sam for ice cream as promised, where she’d ducked behind him every time she’d seen a boy she knew from school. Then he’d had what he thought was a brainstorm and he’d asked her to help him shop for a birthday gift for Zoe.
Sam had dragged him into an all-natural beauty store that smelled ultrafeminine and too seductive for his peace of mind. Clenching his mouth shut tight, he’d stood back as Sam had chosen Zoe’s favorite scents in body scrub, body wash, body splash and he was sure there were more items he couldn’t remember. He couldn’t very well tell the kid that they were in way too intimate territory when she was so pleased with her selections, so he’d gone ahead and purchased her choices.
The store clerk had insisted on wrapping them in a gift basket with some courtesy products, including a loofah sponge he couldn’t stop envisioning running over every part of Zoe’s body, inch by tantalizing inch. His desire for her grew each time he saw her. His need to taste her again, to possess her body and learn her secrets, was with him day and night.
Now hours later, he was driving Zoe to a surprise destination for their date. His nerves were on edge as he waited for the phone call redirecting them to her aunt’s diner. Each time he inhaled, he took in her fresh-like-summer scent, forcing him to shake his head in an attempt to stop thinking about Zoe and sex. Sleeping with her would compromise his emotions, he knew, and in turn he’d jeopardize his goal to take Sam to Boston with him.
Instead he focused on the trip he’d made after taking Sam back to Elena’s. He’d gone back to the mall to purchase another, more practical gift for Zoe. One that had a purpose, but wasn’t in the least bit romantic. Though he knew he’d have to give both wrapped packages in order to protect Sam’s feelings, he hoped the more simple one would take away from the innuendo implied by the bath and body basket—even if his skin were tingling as if she’d used that loofah sponge on him, then followed it up with her hands, and then those luscious lips he’d tasted the other day.
Zoe placed a hand on his shoulder, her soft touch doing nothing to help him repress his desire to sleep with her as soon as possible.
“It was so nice of you to ask me out for my birthday, even if I’m certain Sam put you up to it,” she said, laughing.
He grinned. “The kid has a way about her, that’s for sure. It’s true she might have told me it was your birthday, but I would have asked you out, anyway.”
“Really?”
“Eventually,” he admitted. “When these things between us got more settled.” When there was no agenda between them.
Which might be never, he thought to himself.
She raised an eyebrow, her understanding as strong as his. “Settled isn’t necessarily going to be a good thing, so let’s just enjoy now, why don’t we?”
He nodded. “Good thinking.”
A glance at the road signs told him they were only five minutes away from the restaurant Elena had suggested for their “date” and he wondered when the hell Zoe’s cell phone would ring and put the real plan into motion.
As if by command, he heard the distinctive sound of a cell-phone ring coming from her bag. She answered, spoke to the person on the other end, argued some and then finally agreed to do whatever was being asked of her.
“I said I’ll be right there,” she grumbled before she hung up and looked over at Ryan.
“Something wrong?” he asked.
“Only adolescent angst.”
He glanced at her questioningly.
“We call it the old stomp, stomp, slam. In other words, something set Sam off and she stormed into another room and slammed the door.”
He pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, which faced the water and where they supposedly had an outdoor table reserved.
“I’m sure she’ll come out of her room eventually.” He put the car into park and turned toward her.
Zoe sighed. “She’s not in her room, she’s at Aunt Kassie’s restaurant. Apparently, she’s locked herself in the ladies’ room and won’t come out.”
Ryan tried not to laugh at Sam’s shenanigans to get Zoe to her surprise party. “Is this normal behavior for her?” he asked, playing along.
To his shock, she nodded. “It’s normal teenage, hormonal behavior. That’s why we call it stomp, stomp, slam, as in, stomp out of the room, then stomp down the hall and finally slam the door shut behind her.”
“I have vague recollections of my sister acting the same way.”
“So you understand why we have to head on over there?” She sounded truly disappointed and something inside him lifted with the knowledge that she really had wanted to go out on a date with him.
“Your parents can’t handle it?”
She shook her head. “Sam yelled through the closed door that she’d only talk to me.”
“You think it’s a good idea to indulge her tantrums?” Although Ryan knew this particular episode was faked, he wondered how often Sam pulled such extreme stunts to get attention.
“I’ll explain on the way, okay?”
Feigning resignation, he placed the car into reverse and pulled out of the parking spot. “I need directions, though. It was enough of a challenge memorizing the way to this place from the map.” He treated her to what he hoped looked like a forced smile, doing his bit for the charade.
“Make a left out of here and get back onto the Garden State.”
As he followed her directions, he listened to her insight into his niece. “We don’t indulge Sam. It’s just that we’re aware of how hard she’s had it, and we do our best to balance discipline and understanding. Sam responds best to a reaction from us that acknowledges her behavior.”
“Why is that?”
“Because in her experience, if she ran away or did something wrong, the family she was living with wouldn’t report it to Social Services, not because they were being compassionate, but because they were afraid if Sam was taken away, they’d lose their monthly stipend from the state.”
Her distaste for those past foster families and the system was evident in her tone. His heart squeezed tight as he acknowledged the difficult life Sam had led since her mother’s traumatic death.
“This is the exit.” She pointed and he followed her directions to her aunt Kassie’s restaurant.
The teenager was fortunate she had the Costas family in her corner and no matter what happened, Ryan would never cut these people out of her life completely, he thought. He could never be that cruel.
“I really admire how well you understand what Sam has been through and what she needs now.”
“I can’t take the credit. Ari’s the one with the psychology degree. She met Sam first and they just bonded.”
“Sam obviously adores you, too.”
Zoe grinned. “That’s because I’m the more unorthodox sister. Also, I live at home with her, at least for now.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Moving somewhere?”
“I think it’s about time I got a place
of my own, but I haven’t started looking yet. I need to get the business off the ground first.”
“I can understand wanting to stand on your own.”
“I’ve always done that,” she said somewhat defensively. “I just haven’t…” She shook her head. “Whatever. Sam loves both me and Ari,” she said, picking up the original thread of conversation.
Because he’d touched a nerve about her standing on her own? he wondered. He didn’t know, but he’d let her change the subject since he was equally interested in what she had to say about Sam.
“I do think it was Ari’s psych background that helped her to realize that Sam liked to test my parents. It was Sam’s way of finding out what would happen. She wanted to know that even if she misbehaved, they wouldn’t give her away.”
He groaned. “She’s really had it tough.” And he was determined to make it better for her.
The challenge would be in accomplishing his goal without hurting this incredible woman in the process.
THE PARKING LOT to Paradeisos was less crowded than usual, Zoe thought as she stepped out of the car. She planned on talking Sam out of her snit and the restroom and then returning to her date as soon as possible. With Ryan right behind her, she pushed through the glass doors. Her mother was waiting for her in the vestibule.
“What happened?” Zoe asked. “Did it have something to do with the pig?” She couldn’t imagine anything else that would set Sam off so badly.
“Ask her yourself.” Her mother waved a hand and Zoe walked farther inside.
“Surprise!” The entire Costas clan from up and down the Jersey Shore greeted her in an excited frenzy and she stepped back in shock.
This morning, she’d attributed the fact that everyone had forgotten her birthday to the fear and commotion over the break-in. She’d called Ari and they’d wished each other a happy birthday, promising to exchange gifts during the week. Ari was supposed to be going out for dinner with Quinn tonight, while Zoe hadn’t had any special plans until Ryan had called earlier today. She didn’t believe in playing hard to get, not when she really had wanted to go out with him. And, she admitted, she hadn’t wanted to be alone on her thirtieth birthday.
Once in the car with Ryan, she’d enjoyed his company despite the sometimes serious conversation. In truth, she’d been so enticed by his cologne and swept away by thoughts of kissing him again that by the time they’d arrived at the exclusive restaurant he’d chosen, she’d put the birthday out of her mind completely. Then when her mother had called, she’d turned her focus to more important concerns, like Sam.
But she should have known she couldn’t escape a celebration. In her family, every birthday was a big event. Turning thirty was a milestone, more for Zoe than for Ari because Ari was thirty and married. Zoe was the proverbial old maid—something her relatives reminded her with every kiss on the forehead and every loving slap on the cheek, each accompanied by a birthday wish for a handsome young man.
Meddling and all, Zoe loved these people. She hugged the last of her cousins, Daphne who’d stood last in line.
“Happy big one, Zoe.”
She squeezed her cousin tight. “Thanks, Daph,” she said, then glanced around, looking for her twin. No way would the family throw a party for just one of them.
“Where’s Ari?” Zoe asked.
“Right here waiting for my hug.” Ari grinned.
Zoe turned, happy to see her twin and share the party with her. Gone were the days when a little voice in her head wished that just once she could be the center of attention without splitting it with her sister. Those had been her teenage years, but once Ari had left for Vermont, Zoe had come to realize just how much she hated having that particular wish come true.
It wasn’t a birthday if she didn’t celebrate with her twin, Zoe realized now and met her sister’s gaze. “So they ambushed you first?” Zoe asked.
Ari nodded. “Five minutes before you. They wanted to try and manage the surprise at the same time, but Quinn got me here early, just in time to share your surprise. I’m so glad I’m home to celebrate this birthday with you.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.” Zoe’s heart filled as she looked at her twin. If not for Zoe’s fake death last year, Ari might not have come home and healed old wounds at all, Ari might not have met Quinn, Quinn wouldn’t have introduced them to Sam….
Apparently Zoe’s troublemaking had led to many positive things, she thought with amusement. “None of our birthdays were the same while you were gone.”
“Mine were so lonely,” Ari said softly, then shook her head as if ridding her mind of the past. “But no longer.” She stepped back and grinned. “I’ve got my family, I’ve got you, and I’ve got Quinn. And you’ve got the hottie social worker who isn’t a social worker,” she said, lowering her voice. “Be careful, Zoe.”
She nodded, appreciating her twin’s concern. Despite their time apart, Ari still knew Zoe well and she obviously sensed the truth—that her attraction to Ryan was potent and overwhelming, even though the fact of his presence alone could have a negative effect on the family.
Zoe drew her tongue over her lower lip. “I’ll watch myself. I have to.” She only hoped she’d heed her words when faced with temptation, she thought, glancing at the man himself.
He waited off to one side, standing by himself, a man alone in a crowd of people. Not an easy feat in her family. Just watching his solitary presence caused her heart to skip a beat. She wanted to help ease his discomfort and assimilation into the clan. The attraction was strong, but so was the emotional pull.
Unable to explain it and unable to ignore him and leave him suffering alone, Zoe told Ari she’d catch up with her later and headed to join Ryan.
“Hi there,” she said, coming up beside him.
“Hi.” He shoved his hands into his pants pocket.
Sexy khakis that, although neatly pressed and probably expensive, still gave him a more casual look than usual and she couldn’t help but admire the fit. Wondering if his thighs were as strong as she thought or how they would feel pressed hard against her own.
At her thoughts, she didn’t just swallow hard, she gulped. “I guess some thanks are in order,” she said, opting for the safe subject of his role in bringing her to the party.
Though aware all prying eyes of her family were on them, she stepped closer, anyway. His musky scent enveloped her, reminding her of the sensual dreams he’d inspired lately.
He grinned. “If you want to say a proper thanks, I can’t say I’d stop you,” he said, his voice husky and deep.
Zoe was so far gone with thoughts of being alone with Ryan that she immediately took his words as sexually charged innuendo and her body responded. Heat spread through her belly, and dampness pooled between her thighs.
“You’re cute, Baldwin, but I’m not dumb enough to make out with you in front of the whole clan.”
“Not even a quick peck on the cheek?” he asked.
“How about later?” She spoke quickly, before she could think it through or change her mind.
“Be sure,” he warned her, sounding like a man on the edge.
“I am.” The man might be trouble of the deepest kind. He might represent a heartbreak to her family. Yet Zoe was so drawn to him, so mentally involved already, she couldn’t control what she now believed was inevitable.
In her mind, she was making a promise she absolutely intended to keep.
At her reply, a low groan reverberated from deep in his throat, cut off because at that moment the jukebox began to play and her family began to clap and dance, drowning out any chance at conversation.
She exhaled hard, aware of the break they’d just been given, knowing it was just a temporary reprieve. Still, she wasn’t about to let the relatives separate her from Ryan. He’d asked her out on a date and she wanted to spend the evening with him. Before one of her cousins could drag her off, she grabbed Ryan’s hand. They spent the night in true Costas style, eating, dancing and eating some m
ore.
Her male relatives pulled Ryan aside and although she pitied him, she decided to let them have some fun. Ryan could handle any question they threw at him and since they believed him to be Sam’s social worker, he wouldn’t be subjected to questions about his manliness, as Zoe’s and Ari’s past boyfriends had been, she thought wryly.
Stifling a laugh, she turned to find her mother standing by her side.
“It’s so good to see you happy,” Elena said.
Zoe shot her mother a sideways glance. “I’m always happy.” She paused. “Aren’t I?”
Her mother shrugged. “I suppose, but you have a light in your eyes I haven’t seen in quite some time. Maybe never. I like to see it and I bet that nice Mr. Baldwin has something to do with putting it there.”
Zoe shuffled her feet and did her best not to look around for Ryan, lest she give credence to her mother’s innuendo. “Maybe it’s just turning thirty. It’s a good age.”
“Ha.” Elena waved a hand dismissively. “Now come with me. I have something special for your birthday.”
She followed her mother to the back of the restaurant where there was a small party room. “What’s going on?” Zoe asked.
“Just a game to make the party more fun.”
Zoe rolled her eyes. “Ari and I are too old for games.”
“Not this kind.” Elena held a scarf in front of Zoe’s face.
“Isn’t that from Sam’s party? Orlando Bloom’s not quite my speed, Mom.”
“That’s because he was too flat.” Her mother wrapped the scarf around Zoe’s eyes. “Your surprise is real.”
Zoe tried to pull the scarf off, but her mother slapped her hands, then turned her around three times, making her dizzy by the time she stopped.
“Okay, now go.” Elena kissed Zoe’s cheek and pushed her forward.
From behind her, Zoe could have sworn she heard Elena tell her to “Go pin the hard-on Ryan Baldwin.”
ZOE’S AUNT KASSIE had walked Ryan into the back room in the guise of showing him the rest of the restaurant. She left him there and asked him to wait a minute and she’d be right back because she needed his help with Zoe’s birthday gift. Enough time had gone by that he figured he’d been had, when a blindfolded Zoe stumbled inside and the door slammed shut behind her.
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