Blueprint for Love

by Chanta Jefferson Rand

  FOUR

  Vic sprang into action. Without hesitation, he jumped behind Ronnie so no one could see her unmentionables exposed as the breeze fluttered what was left of her dress. He stood close to her rear end, blocking the view from any curious onlookers—but not before he got a chance to look at her firm round backside encased in a pair of lace black panties. The smooth globes of her ass were for his eyes only. The woman had curves in all the right places.

  The muscle between his legs twitched.

  Down, boy!

  Right now was not the time to indulge his nasty thoughts. Especially when so many people were around, and there was no chance in hell the Ice Queen was going to let him inside those panties during this lifetime.

  Besides, he couldn’t afford to be thinking of her and then have to go home and take matters into his own hands. Or make a real booty call.

  Ronnie’s cousin gasped. “Did you just rip your dress?” she asked.

  “Yes,” Ronnie rasped, obviously mortified.

  Allen stepped forward. “Let me help you, Veronica.”

  “No,” Vic interrupted, taking charge of the situation. “I’ll take care of Ronnie.”

  He didn’t care for Allen’s proprietary tone. Everything about him, from his pallbearer suit to his black and white wingtips rubbed Vic the wrong way. The man was more uptight than a PETA member at a barbeque. Vic stood behind Ronnie and kept her backside positioned in front of his groin. He moved even closer, tightening the gap between their bodies, so no one could see those tempting black lace panties—or the pretty ass sitting pertly inside. He was so close, the soft curls at the back of her neck stirred slightly each time he let out a tortured breath. Ronnie might act like a barracuda, but she was all-female.

  Focusing on the task at hand, Vic shifted slightly to open the rear car door. Then, in a move a Vegas magician would be proud of, he switched places, steering her toward the door opening, while he stood in front of her.

  “I’m going to help you get back in,” he told her. “Follow my lead.”

  The tension relaxed on her face as she nodded. He lifted her up slightly so she could sit with her legs dangling outside the door. A jolt of electricity ran through him where his fingers touched the silky skin of her back. He fought the urge to run his hands up and down her back. He wondered how it would feel to slide his finger beneath the scalloped waistband of the lacy panties.

  He quickly let go, not trusting himself to keep from acting out his fantasy. He expelled a deep breath. Damn! The woman was so sexy when she was vulnerable. Ronnie balanced precariously on the edge of the seat. But the important thing was her backside was covered now. Vic picked up the remnants of the torn dress that had slithered to the ground. He placed the material in the seat next to her.

  “I’m sorry, he said. “This really did look exquisite on you.”

  She shot him a grateful smile. “Thank you, Vic.”

  The way she said his name touched something deep inside him. It was a wistful, appreciative tone that appealed to his protective side. Ronnie might be the last woman on earth who needed a protector, but he felt responsible for her since it was his car door that had done the damage. For a fleeting moment, her smoky gaze seemed to convey something more. Yearning? Desire?

  His fingertips still burned from touching her warm, soft flesh.

  No, I must have imagined it.

  “Swivel around and face forward,” he directed. “Then, I’ll close the door and you can put your pantsuit back on. Don’t worry. These windows are dark enough that no one can see in.”

  She nodded.

  She turned forward and he simultaneously closed the door, ensuring she would have privacy.

  “She just needs a minute,” Vic told Toye.

  Vic stuffed his hands into the deep pockets of his dark jeans. He hoped he wouldn’t have to make too much small talk. He wasn’t good at fielding questions from nosey folks.

  His fears were justified when Ronnie’s cousin spoke. “What do you do, Vic?”

  Here we go. I damn sure can’t tell them I’m fresh out of the joint.

  “A little of this and a little of that,” he replied.

  One of her dainty eyebrows shot up. “I see.”

  “I don’t,” Allen scoffed. “Exactly what is that supposed to mean?”

  Once again, Vic bristled at Allen’s superior tone. He didn’t like the way the man was looking at him. Vic leisurely scanned Allen’s solid form. Allen was what Vic’s grandmother used to call husky. The ill-fitting suit he wore didn’t help. The jacket was so long, it reminded Vic of the zoot suits of the forties. That look was definitely played.

  Ronnie changed in record time. Minutes later, she emerged from Vic’s Explorer wearing the pantsuit. It was black, at least. Still appropriate for an after-five event.

  “Thank you, once again,” she told him. “I owe you a debt of gratitude.”

  “No problem.”

  With the view she’d given him of her shapely backside, he considered them even.

  He thought that was the end of it, but Ronnie took him by surprise when she perched on her tiptoes and pecked him on the cheek.

  His mouth dropped in shock. He hadn’t expected to melt any of the Ice Queen’s defenses. As he watched her walk off, he was certain he’d never see her again. She was now preoccupied with her event. And he had somewhere to be.

  # # #

  An hour later, Vic stared into the face of a woman he hadn’t seen in five years. Time had not been kind to her. His eyes roamed her features.

  Leathery skin.

  Dark brown, piercing eyes.

  A petite woman with a powerful presence.

  No one would guess she’d emigrated from Guatemala at the age of six with her family of eight. Crow’s feet framed her eyes and laugh lines bracketed her mouth. She was still a chain smoker, despite the fact that she’d been diagnosed with lung cancer six months ago. His mother, Maria Velasquez Romano lived life precariously. Always had, especially when she’d committed such a heinous act it made Vic’s father divorce her while she still carried a baby in her belly.

  “Mom,” he acknowledged. “Good to see you again.”

  “Vic,” she replied.

  No ‘Hello, son.’ No hug. No ‘How was prison?’ He’d expected nothing less from her. She’d always been stingy with her affection.

  She stood at the door to the modest home she’d lived in for the past ten years. “You get a job yet?” she asked.

  He bristled. Straight to the point. “As a matter of fact, I had an interview earlier this week.”

  “And?”

  “They said they’d let me know.”

  “So, that was it? Just one interview?”

  What the hell did she want from him? And why was she blocking the door? She could at least let him in. Since he was a full foot taller than her, it was easy to look over her shoulder into the tiny living room.

  “Is Andrea ready?” he asked.

  “If you don’t get a job, you ain’t gonna be able to take care of her, y’know.”

  “I’m doing my best.”

  “Best ain’t good enough.”

  “Maybe not for you. A judge might see it different.”

  She smirked. “Don’t even bring the law into this. Andrea wants to go to college. I’m gonna need some money for that.”

  Vic let out a deep breath. Maria was always jumping from subject to subject. It was jarring. Even though they hadn’t spoken during his entire time in prison, she still had the same habit. He wanted to ask why she never called or visited, but he knew the answer. Maria didn’t give a damn about anyone but herself. And the way she was polluting her body with tobacco, it was obvious she didn’t care about herself too much either.

  “College?” Vic asked. “I thought she had a scholarship.”

  “That school is too far away. Andrea needs to be close to us, you know that. She has to be able to attend a university here where we can keep an eye on her.”

  Yeah, t
hat was the one thing he and his mother agreed on. Vic knew how important that was. It was too easy for someone to take advantage of Andrea.

  “What about child support? Aren’t you still getting it each month?” he asked.

  She crossed her boney arms over her chest. “Her father petitioned the court to stop payment. She’s nineteen years old, for God’s sake.”

  “But they can’t do that. What about her disability?”

  “You know that man doesn’t give a shit about anyone but himself.”

  Ain’t that the pot calling the kettle black?

  He had two lousy parents. What were the odds?

  At that moment, a blur in the background caught Vic’s eye.

  His heart raced as a breath of fresh air dressed in skinny jeans, an oversized top, and high-heeled sandals rushed toward him, flashing a dazzling smile.

  Andrea had grown up while he was locked up. When had she started dressing so provocatively? He fought the wave of protectiveness surging through him. He had to cool it. That’s what had gotten him in trouble the last time.

  She used sign language to greet him. Well, look what the wind dragged in.

  Her slender fingers moved in elaborate but familiar motions. She’d been deaf since birth, but that never stopped them from communicating. He’d learned sign language fluently.

  Vic crushed her in his arms and then held her at arm’s length. Then, he signed his reply. Hello, sis. I’ve missed you.

  # # #

  Vic sat across from his sister at a burger place not far from where she and Maria lived. On a Friday night, this place was packed with rowdy teenagers hell-bent on making enough commotion to raise the dead. But going to noisy places didn’t bother Vic or Andrea. They had their own language. That was the great thing about signing. The world could be burning down around them and they’d still be able to communicate.

  Did you have fun at the amusement park? he signed.

  Yes! she answered. Thanks for going on the Death Drop with me.

  Vic’s heart lurched at the mention of the scary rollercoaster. That was a wild ride. I was worried about you. Most kids wouldn’t be able to handle it.

  I’m not a kid anymore, Vic.

  You’re my kid sister.

  She grinned, bringing the tiny dimples in her cheeks out of hiding. Bro, when are you going to realize I’m a woman?

  Never. He chuckled, but deep down he was serious. I don’t like to think of my little sister growing up and dealing with full-grown men. I can vouch for our gender. We can be assholes.

  Well, you’d better get used to it. In fact, I’m dealing with your gender pretty well.

  She tucked a blonde strand of hair behind her ear. He preferred her natural color, a rich sable. But she told him blondes had more fun, so she’d started coloring it a year ago.

  Is there some new guy I should know about? he asked.

  She shrugged. We’re friends with benefits.

  Vic almost choked on the iced tea he was drinking.

  Andrea smirked. Don’t act like you don’t have that type of thing going on.

  Oh, yeah. He’d gotten some benefits in his life, but nothing he felt comfortable discussing with his little sister. That was so high up on the weird spectrum, it wasn’t natural. Like picking up chicks with your dad. Ugh.

  I don’t want to discuss that.

  Andrea was signing a reply, but Vic’s attention was diverted to a pair of teenage boys laughing and pointing in his sister’s direction. His jaw clenched as he realized the little thugs were making fun of them. One of them mimicked Andrea with exaggerated sign language movements. Andrea couldn’t hear the snickers, but Vic was determined to let the two youths know he didn’t appreciate their evil sense of humor. He pinned them with a look that conveyed the fury bubbling inside his stomach.

  Insensitive fuckers.

  They needed someone to teach them some manners.

  Andrea followed his gaze to where the boys sat a few tables away. She placed a calming hand on his forearm and gently squeezed. Vic, she wordlessly mouthed his name in warning.

  I could squash those two like grapes, Vic signed.

  I know you could. But that’s not necessary, Vic. I’m not bothered by them. Please let it go. They’re the ones with the problem, not me.

  Still, it’s fucking rude.

  I don’t care about them. What I do care about is how you got that lipstick on your cheek.

  Vic frowned, wondering what she was talking about. And then he remembered. Ronnie had kissed him on the cheek after he’d dropped her at the hotel.

  Oh, that. I can explain.

  For the next ten minutes, Vic launched into his short history with Ronnie, including everything from the interview to how she’d manipulated him into taking her to her sister’s event. He also told her how he’d nicknamed Ms. Jones the Ice Queen.

  Andrea laughed so hard, tears filled her eyes.

  Are you going to see her again? Andrea signed.

  It wasn’t a date, Sis. It was more like a comedy of errors.

  Makes a great story for your grandkids.

  He reached across the table and felt her forehead. That’s it. You’ve obviously been taking some type of mind-altering drug.

  No, just a little pot.

  “What?” he yelled, and then forgot he was supposed to be signing. Don’t tell me. Your new guy has you doing this?

  It helps me fit in.

  He shook his head. You need to leave that shit alone.

  She pouted. If I weren’t deaf would you feel that way?

  Yes.

  When did you become such a prude?

  When I learned that one wrong move could put me behind bars.

  That wasn’t your fault. She touched his hand in a sympathetic gesture.

  Too bad the jury didn’t see it that way.

  You were protecting me.

  He sighed, pushing away feelings of melancholy and bitterness that had eaten at him for too long. You don’t look like you need protecting, Andrea. Your life has gone on without me.

  It was true. She was changing from a caterpillar to a butterfly. It was her idea to get voice recognition software that translated her text to speech. It also translated his voice into text for her, so they could have a real phone conversation. Of course, he knew the digital voice wasn’t his sister’s real voice. But it showed how determined she was to be her own woman.

  Unshed tears glistened in her green eyes. It was the one family trait they shared—other than having the same mother. I’ll always need my big brother, she said, reading his mind.

  Promise?

  Promise.

  That was good to hear. The thought of seeing his sister again was what kept Vic going all these years. He’d do anything to protect her. He had the prison record to prove it.

  Let’s get you back before Mom puts out a missing person’s report.

  She smiled. Okay, but Vic…

  Yeah?

  You should call that lady back and tell her you want the job. She owes you.

  Ronnie had said the same thing—she owed him big time. He didn’t look at it like that. He’d just happened to be there when Ronnie Jones needed his help. Besides, something told him the woman didn’t want him around. He knew her type. She was the kind who liked things all nice, neat and orderly. Tied up with a pretty red bow. Vic was neat, and he could be nice. But he was far from orderly. Someone like him just didn’t fit in the Ice Queen’s world.

  FIVE

  Ronnie poked at the southwest omelet on her plate. This was normally her favorite menu item at Jimmy’s Eastside Diner, but this morning, her mind was preoccupied with something else. Or rather someone else. Vic Romano. What was he doing right now? Where had he gone after he’d dropped her off last night? She still felt the warmth of his touch. She didn’t know if he noticed or not, but his fingers absently rubbed her bare back for a few moments after he’d placed her on the back seat. The hungry look he’d given her made her new panties wet. And she’d simply
stared back, like she was in a lust-induced coma. She’d hate to think what would have happened if they’d been alone. He could have lain her down and spread her legs and…

  She gulped her orange juice, ashamed of her reaction to him. For one brief moment, she hadn’t wanted him to leave. Better yet, they could have driven away and finished what they knew was bound to get started if they’d been alone. She was grateful for him coming to her rescue, but it was more than that. The powerful spark between them convinced Ronnie that she should be as far away from that man as physically possible. She felt out of control around him. She didn’t like feeling out of control.

  “Ronnie, you haven’t said a single word,” Toye accused. “Are you still buggin’ over last night’s wardrobe malfunction?”

  Ronnie stared at her cousin, sitting across from her in the booth. Toye had joined Ronnie and her sisters for their monthly Saturday breakfast together. All of their schedules were so busy; this was the only time they could find to meet.

  “I’m not buggin’,” Ronnie corrected. “I’m just tired.”

  “You can’t be hung over, ‘cause you don’t drink,” Marlowe added her two cents.

  Ronnie shot back. “You do enough of that for both of us, Marlowe.”

  They all laughed, including Marlowe. She was the youngest, and the most spoiled. At twenty-six, she didn’t have the same concept of responsibility as her sisters did. In fact, if Marlowe didn’t have Candace and Ronnie to answer to, all she would do was spend money and party. If you could earn frequent flier miles for shopping, she’d do it!

  Candace tapped her fork against her plate in rapid succession. “Everyone, I have an announcement to make.”

  “You’re pregnant!” Toye shouted.

  Candace pursed her lips. “Girl, please. No. I’m planning a surprise birthday party for Gabe. I’m thinking his boat will be the perfect venue. Nothing too big. Just family and friends.”

  “Gabe is going to love that,” Ronnie said.

  “I know! I just want to do something special for him. He’s been so good to me.”