Love Happens

by Claudia Burgoa

  Mia tilts her head a little to the right and a devilish gleam flashes behind those caramel eyes. I swear it’s almost as if she’s reading my mind right now. Without a word, she shifts in her seat as I lean across the center console and thread my fingers in her hair. Our lips meet and a sigh erupts from the back of her throat, giving me the go-ahead to deepen the kiss and sweep my tongue delicately over strawberry-flavored lips. She surprises me by parting her lips, opening herself to me, and it feels as if this kiss represents a yielding of sorts. Mia, opening herself to my needs this weekend. It’s just one more reason I’m happy I brought her along. She’s brave enough to go the extra mile without needing to take home the trophy after we cross the finish line Sunday evening.

  The kiss only lasts a minute, but when we pull apart it’s obvious that we’re both feeling the spark of something more happening between us, though neither says a word. The look on Mia’s face, a mixture of bewilderment and desire, is enough, even if it leaves me wanting more of what she has to offer.

  She leans back, putting some distance between us, and narrows her eyes in question. “What was that for?”

  “Because I needed it.” She lets out a sigh to indicate she’s not buying it. “I don’t know. Reassurance, maybe.” I give my shoulder a shrug while searching for an explanation. A practice kiss is one thing, but this one … this one was us, pure and simple. “I’ve been dreading this weekend for months, so focused on keeping my mother off my back that I never put much thought into how you might be affected by all of this when it’s over. I guess I should probably apologize in advance, just to be safe.”

  I rest my forehead against hers and blow out a nervous breath. How could it be that after such a short time I’m already feeling things I probably shouldn’t be feeling? Things that go against every ground rule I established when I first asked her to join me in this ruse. “I don’t want to walk away from this weekend with you hating my ass.”

  “Ha!” She snorts. “I’ve got news for you, Donovan. I could never hate your ass. It’s pretty spectacular.” She lowers one lid in a sexy little wink before linking her hand with mine. I glance down at our connection, where her thumb traces small circles between my thumb and forefinger. How is it such an innocent gesture can be so arousing? “You know, you worry too much. You seriously need to relax. Everything is going to be fine. Judging by that last kiss, I think it’s safe to say we’ve pretty much got this thing locked down.” A mischievous smile forms at the corners of her pretty mouth and I immediately relax, aside from the urge to kiss her again, which I shake off as we exit the Jeep.

  “Well, here goes nothing. Come on, Love Bug. Let’s do this.” She crinkles her pert nose and gives me a look that leaves me smirking. “What? Too soon for pet names?”

  Her mouth opens, but no words come out as she stares up at me, suddenly nibbling on her bottom lip. Amelia Wilde at a loss for words? Holy shit.

  “No, it’s not that.” She finally gives her head a little shake. “It’s just that no one has ever given me one before.”

  “What about ‘Mia’?”

  “I gave it to myself, because, at five, I wanted my own identity. Something different from my grandmother.”

  “Really? Huh. Well, it’s settled. These next four days you will affectionately be known as my little Love Bug. Consider yourself warned: I’ll probably let it slip a few more times than you’re comfortable with. Laying it on thick may be the only way to stop my mother from calling every two months to see if I’ve met the daughter-in-law of her dreams yet.”

  “Jeez, Luke. You really need to grow a pair and stand up to her. She needs to know she’s no longer in charge of your life.” Mia shakes her head and moves around me to walk ahead.

  “Hey.” I reach out and take hold of her arm before turning her around to face me. The wind picks up, blowing loose a few strands of hair that fall forward in her eyes. I tuck the strands back before brushing my lips over the shell of her ear. “Just so you know, I already have a pair and they’re pretty spectacular. If I do say so myself.”

  Her body starts to shake and soon she’s bent in half, giggling uncontrollably. Once she’s finally able to compose herself she straightens and wipes away the dampness from her eyes. “I can’t believe you just used the word ‘spectacular’ to describe your balls.”

  “Well, they do pair nicely with my spectacular ass,” I wink before stepping up to the front door.

  I may joke about it, but the truth is she’s right, as much as I hated hearing it. For years, Dad and I have stood back and basically allowed the women in the family to believe they control our lives. I mean, it’s not as if I’m not capable of making my own decisions. I left home at eighteen to attend the University of Michigan. Once I left, I made a point of never returning to Lake Forest after finishing my degree. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family, but my mother’s constant need to dictate the way my life should play out wears on a man after twenty-seven years. Dad and I know how to stand our ground, but that usually ends up causing more grief than it’s worth. Sure, backing down has probably made us both feel like a lesser man, but that was often easier than dealing with the inevitable confrontation and it’s aftershock.

  Drama is Cecilia Donovan’s middle name.

  Something tells me having Mia here this weekend is going to be a very good thing. For all of us.

  Mom opens the front door and right away I’m pulled into her warm embrace. “Luke, darling. It’s so good to see you. Let me have a look at you.” She steps back, still holding my hands, and gives me a once over. “My heavens, is it just me or do you get more handsome every time I see you? Remind me again why some lucky girl hasn’t locked you down?”

  Behind me, Mia quietly clears her throat and that’s when it finally registers with Mom that I didn’t come here alone. I’m sure that’s what she expected, though I told her weeks ago I was bringing a guest. Never mind that, at the time, I told her that I had no idea who that guest would be.

  By now, Dad has joined us and for reassurance I lace my fingers with Mia’s and pull her to my side. “Mom and Dad, I’d like for you to meet Amelia Wilde. Amelia, my parents, Cecilia and Stephen Donovan.”

  Mia extends her hand and both of my parents take turns exchanging pleasantries while Dad does his best to hide his smirk. I’m sure he knows damn well how my mother is going to react to Mia’s presence this weekend and as soon as we’re alone, he’s going to harass the hell out of me.

  “Welcome to our home. It’s such a pleasure to finally meet one of Luke’s friends,” Mom gushes. “Amelia. What a lovely name.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Donovan, but please call me Mia. All my friends do.” Mia smiles sweetly.

  Mom gives me a pointed look as her hand goes to her chest. “Oh, Luke. Isn’t she just darling? Where on Earth have you been hiding this one? Please, Mia, do come in and make yourself at home.”

  Mom leads us to the den where we all take a seat. Mia sticks close to me while Mom and Dad take the sofa directly across from us.

  “So, how long have you two known each other?” Mom asks, not beating around the bush.

  “Three months. Right, hon?” I wrap an arm around Mia’s shoulder and drop a kiss on her temple for good measure.

  “Yep, that’s right. Three amazing months.” Mia reaches between us to rest her hand on my thigh, eliciting a spark of electricity that shoots clean through me.

  Mom looks to my dad before her eyes zero in on Mia’s strategically placed hand. When her gaze meets mine, it’s clear she has finally put two and two together.

  “I see,” Mom begins. “So, you two are dating?”

  “That’s right. Mia is my girlfriend.” I marvel at how easily those words just rolled off my tongue. No stumbling at all.

  “Congratulations, you two,” Dad says heartily, and I know without a doubt he means it. “That’s wonderful news, isn’t it, Cecilia?” His arm affectionately goes around Mom as her lips purse together in mild shock. Probably because it’s been three yea
rs since I’ve brought a girl home to meet my family.

  “Yes,” she replies in a hushed voice while she tries to gather her composure. It’s clear my little announcement has taken her by surprise. She rises and makes her way across the rug to give Mia another hug. “It’s the best news. I’m so happy for the two of you,” she says into Mia’s hair while gesturing to me with her eyes in a look that says we need to talk. Now.

  “Luke, would you please come into the kitchen and help me with dinner?” She turns to Mia and pats her on the hand. “I promise I won’t keep him too long.” Then, she loops her arm with mine and leans her head on my shoulder as we walk toward the kitchen. “Sweetheart, I’m so happy you’re here.”

  I wait until we reach the kitchen before I say anything. “Okay, Mom, wanna tell me what’s going on?” I lean back against the counter and wait for the proverbial bomb to drop.

  “Whatever do you mean?” Her hand goes to her chest as she feigns offense. “Can’t a mother just want to spend a little one on one time with her only son? Is that too much to ask?” She reaches for a potholder before lifting the lid off her trusty red Dutch oven. That pot has been around for years and has produced many a terrific meal. Judging by the aroma wafting in my direction, this one is no exception.

  “What’s in the pot?” I give the air a sniff before leaning forward to catch a glimpse of what’s bubbling inside.

  “Beef Bourguignon.” She smiles over her shoulder, knowing it was one of my childhood favorites. “There’s also a lemon meringue pie in the fridge.”

  The tension I’ve been carrying begins to dissipate as I make my way over and open the fridge. “No way.” I peek inside and there sits a pie with at least two inches of meringue with perfect peaks, just the way I always remembered. “Is there a reason you made my favorites? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love it. I’m just surprised, being that it’s Grace’s weekend and all.” I reach around her and pinch the end off a loaf of crusty French bread sitting on the cutting board then pop the whole thing in my mouth before she can swat at my hand the way she used to do when Grace and I were kids hanging around the kitchen before dinner.

  “Oh, you!” She smiles through her laughter. “I guess some things never change. As far as dinner goes, can’t a mother just be happy to have her son back home? Even if it is only for a few days?” Her eyes tear up and I find myself pulling her in for a hug. At six-two, I’m a full head taller than she is so her next words are muffled by my chest. “I’ve just missed you.”

  “I’ve missed both of you, as well. Listen, I’m sorry I never said anything about Mia. The last time I talked to you we hadn’t been dating all that long and I didn’t want to say anything until I knew things were going to work out.”

  “Darling, I think it’s wonderful that you’ve found someone wonderful and I’m so happy you brought her home to meet us. It’s been a long time since you’ve brought home a girl to meet your father and I,” she reminds me.

  “I know, Mom. I get it. I don’t come home often enough. The truth is there haven’t been a whole lot of girls worth bringing here,” I tell her honestly.

  “And you felt that Mia met that criteria? That says a lot. Although, I should tell you something,” she starts, and the sound of Grace’s voice fills the house. But it’s the voice I hear next that has my spectacular balls shrinking up against my body. “Now, before you say anything, please know that I was only trying to help. Had I known you were already spoken for I wouldn’t have done it.”

  My mouth forms a thin line. “What did you do?”

  “Well …” Mom looks to the doorway before directing her attention back to me and lowering her voice. “I invited Jamie to stay with us this weekend.”

  “What?” I ask a little too loudly. “Why the hell would you go and do that when her parents live just down the street?”

  “Shhh. Keep your voice down. I did it because I kind of thought maybe the two of you … You know, she’s always had a crush on you and I thought you were still single. Jamie just started her residency at General. Did you know that?”

  I lean back against the counter and fold my arms across my chest. “No, I didn’t, then again why would I care? Jamie Waters is an annoying know-it-all who gets on my last ner—”

  “Luke. Donovan!” Jamie bellows my name in that high pitched voiced I never could stand. Growing up, Jamie was always over at our house. Most of the time I would either leave or lock myself in my room just to avoid her.

  She’s loud. And obnoxious. Usually overly aggressive. The last time we were alone in a room together, she actually grabbed a handful of my junk. No shit. “Get over here and give me a hug, mister.” She sticks out her bottom lip and stomps her foot just to enforce her obnoxiousness.

  Mom gives me a look that says get over there and at least be polite and I don’t see the point in arguing, so I push off the counter and step into Jamie’s outstretched arms.

  “It’s so good to see you.” She buries her face in my neck and lets out a contented sigh. “Mmmm. You smell really nice. I was just telling Grace last week how much I’ve missed you.”

  “Well, I’ve been really busy with work.” I disentangle myself from her tentacle-like grasp, but it’s not soon enough because I turn and find that Mia has already entered the room. Judging by the look on her face, she’s pissed by what she just witnessed. I react the only way that seems to make sense at this point.

  “I also have this beautiful woman to fill my days and nights.” I circle my arm around Mia’s waist and pull her in close. “Jamie, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Mia Wilde.”

  I watch as both women plaster on a fake smile and shake each other’s hand. I can’t say for sure about Jamie, but I’d bet another fifteen hundred that Mia would like nothing more than to claw Jamie’s eyes out.

  Huh. Why does the thought of her getting jealous over me suddenly make me want to puff out my chest and beat on it with my fists? After all, we’re just friends. Right?

  MIA

  I’m pretty sure a fake girlfriend isn’t supposed to gouge out the eyes of the first non-relative female that touches her fake boyfriend. But that’s exactly want I want to do to Jamie’s baby blues the second she throws herself at Luke.

  To make matters worse, his rush to introduce me—and put his hands all over me—leads me to believe that maybe his mother isn’t the real reason he invited me, after all. In fact, as Cecilia brings us to our rooms so we can unpack before dinner, I get the sneaking suspicion that there’s definitely something Luke isn’t telling me.

  “Luke, honey, I hope you don’t mind the changes I’ve made to your old bedroom.” His mom pauses at a glossy oak door on the right hand side of the hallway. “It’s been such a long time since you’ve actually stayed here …”

  Setting down our luggage, he turns the doorknob and his eyes go wide with surprise. Is it painted pink? With floral wallpaper? Would serve him right, the big fat liar.

  “Wow,” he mutters as he steps inside and his mother waves me in behind him. No pink roses. Just a big bed made of thick logs. Very cabin-like, considering the modern touches to the rest of the home.

  The burgundy bedding looks plush and inviting against the cocoa brown walls and a pang of envy niggles in my stomach. I wish this were my room for the weekend, but I’ll probably be stuck with the Pepto flowers and a squeaky, century-old box spring.

  “Mom, this is great. You’d never know these walls were once covered with dirt bike posters.” Luke does a slow turn in the middle of the room and his mother claps her hands together, her relief apparent.

  “Oh, I’m so glad you approve. And Mia, what do you think? Enough pillows? I can grab some more from the hallway closet if you’d like.”

  Um … what? My gaze darts to Luke, who simply smiles.

  “I know where the pillows are if we need them, Mom.”

  Whoa. Wait a second here. We?

  “Mom, could you give us some time to get settled in? I promise we won’t hold up dinner.” H
e puts a hand on his mother’s shoulder and steers her not so subtly toward the hall.

  “Of course, dear. Take all the time you need.” She closes the door behind her and I wait. Frankly, I don’t even know what to say. I mean, sure, I’ve enjoyed our kisses. Our conversation on the ride here was even better than I expected, too. But sharing a room with a man I barely know? I definitely hadn’t bargained on that.

  “I’m sorry. I had no idea.” He turns back to me with an almost pained expression on his face. “I knew Jamie was in the wedding, but I didn’t think she’d be staying here.”

  Interesting that he started with that instead of the predicament we’re currently in. Literally. “Oh, really?” I cross my arms over my chest and again wait.

  “She’s one of my sister’s closest friends. She grew up just down the road, too.” He gestures toward the window as if that explains everything. “She’s had a thing for me as long as I can remember.”

  I have to hand it to him. His nerves seem genuine.

  “My mom thought it’d be a good idea for her to stay here at the house in hopes …” He trails off, pushing a hand back through his hair. “In hopes I’d finally pull my head from my ass.”

  I still can’t tell if there’s a history between the two of them that he hasn’t fessed up to or if he’s telling the truth. My gut says the latter, but my heart—which has no business in this—warns me to be careful. “Am I here to ward her off or make her jealous?”

  “What?” Luke rears back. “You’re not here for either of those things. I honestly didn’t know she was staying here.”

  “But you knew she’d be at the wedding.”

  “Mia.” He shifts closer and grasps my shoulders gently. “Asking you to do this with me has nothing to do with Jamie, aside from the fact that Mom’s given her the room next door. The one I thought would be yours.”