by Kari Lemor
Heather pulled into the Park and Ride next to Callie’s car. So soon. The conversation with Heather had been invigorating. Putting the car in park, she turned to face him.
“Thank you, Scott.” Her gratitude was genuine. It was a nice change from the usually sarcastic woman he dealt with.
He waved it off. “You know I’d do anything for Callie. She’s like a sister to me. If things were different, she probably would be related. I don’t mind helping, no matter how much crap I give you about it.”
She smiled and reached for his hand. He’d never taken the time to notice how pretty she was. Usually too busy teasing her.
“I didn’t mean simply for coming to get the car, though I appreciate that too. I wanted to thank you for trying to help Callie and Jack. Maybe it’s impossible and we’re simply spinning our wheels but Callie won’t move on if Jack’s even slightly in the picture. She made a promise to him when Jonathan was born and it’s keeping her from getting on with her life romantically. But I also think it’s because she’s in love with Jack and can’t picture herself loving anyone else.”
Scott sighed, hating the situation his cousin was in. But if the cops and FBI couldn’t do anything, what could he possibly do? Not much besides be there for the people he cared about.
He squeezed her hand. “So we try and get Jack in the picture a little more. We’ll think of something. You’ve got my number.”
Heather laughed, back to her old self. “Oh, I’ve got your number, all right. Here are Callie’s keys. I’ll meet you back at the house.”
He nodded and made to open the door but Heather pulled on the hand that was still holding hers. Her lips pressed against his cheek. It was nice, more than nice.
Getting out, he made his way to Callie’s car. As he started it up and maneuvered out of the parking lot, he thought maybe Callie and Jack weren’t the only ones who needed a bit more time together.
Chapter 10
Warmth and security surrounded Callie and she didn’t want to wake up from the delicious dream she was having. Entwined on her bed, she and Jack were caressing every inch of the other. Lucidity returned to find she was indeed touching soft hair over muscled skin.
Her eyes popped open as she slid her fingers down Jack’s gorgeous chest. She should stop them but her hand had a mind of its own. Or maybe her mind wanted the same thing. It allowed her hand to keep going right down to his navel and skim through the hair swirling around it. Then it moved lower attempting to infiltrate the waistband standing sentry to what she really wanted.
As she dipped her fingers under the cotton band, a gruff voice choked out, “Any lower, Calico, and I can’t be held accountable for my actions.”
She swung her gaze to Jack’s face, his smirk crooked as always. Heat rose to her cheeks and she pulled her hand away as if it had been burned. Maybe it had been. He’d always been too hot to handle. It hadn’t stopped her from trying.
He captured her retreating hand and held it where it wanted to be, on his chest. Pulling her closer, he kissed the top of her head. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes,” she answered breathlessly. “Did you?” Were they seriously having this casual conversation while holding each other in her bed? Things like that were history. Reminders of what they used to have. She started to pull away but Jack held fast and firm.
“Best nap I’ve had in a long time. I should do this more often.”
When he still didn’t let go, she relaxed her head back against his chest. Her desire to get up wasn’t that strong.
“How’s your side? Still painful?”
“It’s only a scratch, Calico, nothing you need to worry about. Besides, I had the best little nurse fix it and make it all better.”
“Really?” she teased. “Tell me about this nurse. Should I be jealous?”
He raised one eyebrow as a grin appeared on his face. “Maybe. She was one hot mama. Dark curls, highlighted with red and gold, framing her face. The cutest freckles scattered across her tiny, little upturned nose. Lips so kissable they’d make a man forget his manners.”
“Did you forget your manners with her?”
“No, I was a perfect gentleman…then. Now, not sure I can keep my control in check. Especially when she’s snuggled up tight against me. I may have to make a move unless she gives me a strong signal that she’s opposed to my kissing her.”
Letting out the breath she was holding, she kept her eyes on his. They mesmerized her. Holding her captive with those intense gray eyes was one of his super powers. She’d been helpless against them. Like now.
He lowered his head, his beautiful lips opening to greet hers. When they touched, she melted into him knowing she should be pulling away but having no willpower to achieve that. She continued her earlier exploration of his chest as his hands roamed over her back.
Moving his lips over hers, he attacked then retreated, seductive yet playful. Soft moans came from her mouth. Jack’s length was hard and firm against her belly telling her he was getting turned on by the sounds. When she bent one knee to raise her leg over his thigh, he slid his leg in between hers. Subconsciously, she squeezed her thighs together, squirming with pent-up desire.
Oh, God. He skimmed his lips from hers to scald a path across her cheek and drift down her neck. Heat seared everywhere his hands touched, under her top, across her stomach. As he licked his way down her throat, he pushed her on her back and explored her rib cage with rough fingers. Moving them higher, he palmed the underside of her breast and she arched her back, whimpering.
Yes, there. I need you there. The spot on her neck that made her crazy called out and Jack responded. Shivers rippled through her as his teeth nipped the tender skin. He flicked his thumb over her nipple, a cry wrenching from deep inside her. When he slid his mouth south, she focused briefly on where his lips were going. Her blouse was unbuttoned. How did I miss him doing that? Spreading the garment open, he gazed at her, adoration pouring from his eyes.
“I love that you don’t wear a bra. You’re gorgeous.”
Heat rose through her, self-conscious. “I’m so small, I can get away without one.”
“Small but beautiful, my lovely Calico Cat. You know I never needed more than this. They’re a perfect fit.” And he demonstrated by cupping his hands around her mounds and gently squeezing.
Callie’s breathing picked up as he kneaded and caressed. When he lowered his mouth and flicked his tongue across the hardened peak, she thought she might explode. God, he’d done this often in the past, knew how aroused it got her. How it had caused her mind to muddle until she couldn’t think straight. Nothing had changed. The effect was the same now but she didn’t care. It had been too long since she’d experienced anything like this.
Traveling to the other peak, he laved and licked until she writhed under him, her legs wrapped around his waist. Damn, she was weak. Somewhere in the back of her mind there was a reason they shouldn’t be doing this but for the life of her she couldn’t come up with it. Time had reversed to when she and Jack were together and happy. They’d had to be cautious but they’d seen each other every day.
His mouth left her breast and he returned his hands to caress and torment. Skimming his lips farther south, he licked inside her navel then whispered across her stomach. Flutters followed as he unsnapped her jeans then navigated her zipper down. Running her fingers through his tousled hair, she pulled him closer so he could continue marauding. God, this was wrong, but it felt so right. No turning back now. Jack’s touch had her quivering like a jellyfish and she might combust if he didn’t continue.
As he tugged on her waistband, a soft noise floated into her subconscious.
“Mama. Mama?”
Jack froze and she almost screamed with frustration. But sanity returned and she knew Jonathan had saved her from doing something she’d regret. Because as much as she would have enjoyed the passionate interlud
e, it would have connected her and Jack back together in a way she might never get over when he left again. And he would leave. He had no other choice.
She pushed herself up and attempted the buttons on her shirt. Her hands shook to the point she kept fumbling and they wouldn’t go in the holes. One side of Jack’s mouth curved up. He placed his hands over hers and whispered, “I’ll get him. You take your time.” Then he kissed the top of her head and left the room.
She sagged as he left, giving herself a minute to pull herself together. Jack was talking to Jonathan, who was now squealing with happiness at seeing his father.
“Dahdee. Dahdee. You home.”
Her heart squeezed tight at her son’s words. This wasn’t Jack’s home and it couldn’t be. Not as long as Victor Cabrini roamed free. Taking a deep breath, she managed to get her buttons done up. She grabbed a brush from her dresser, ran it through the tangled mess on her head, zipped up her pants and went to join her son. It was a momentary lapse but you can’t do it again. Her heart couldn’t take any more pain and getting a taste of Jack Holland, then losing him again, caused far too much of it.
The boys were in the bathroom when she came out, Jack showing Jonathan how to pee standing up. Apparently this was something a dad usually did. One more reason Jonathan needed a father in his life. The thought tore at her heart, knowing it might never happen.
“Hi, sweetheart,” she called out, once they were done and washing their hands. “Did you have a good nap?”
“Mama, Dahdee here.”
She smiled, though her heart was breaking. Her son loved his father and needed him but couldn’t have him. Would he someday resent that Jack hadn’t been around much? Would the love turn to apathy then hate? If that happened, it would kill her. It would kill Jack.
“I see, honey. Maybe he can stay for dinner. You two could play while I make it.”
She gazed at Jack for his answer. His eyes lingered on their son.
“You kind of boxed me in there, Calico. Can’t refuse now. I’d think after what happened, you’d be in a hurry to get rid of me.”
What happened? In the bedroom? Her mind roamed further back recalling the afternoon of running away from gun-toting killers. How had she forgotten that? She swallowed hard, the fear that had coursed through her body at the time still running through her.
“Well, you shouldn’t be taking a long ride on a motorcycle with your wound. I know you say it’s just a scratch but it looks like it might still be bleeding a little.”
Jack looked down at the bandage and shrugged. Trying to stay macho for the Man’s Club again. Jonathan looked up and his face grew concerned.
“Dahdee, you dot a boo boo?”
“Just a little one,” he assured his son. “But Mommy fixed it up. She’s good at that. I bet she fixes your boo boos sometimes too.”
“Why don’t I go down and see what I can come up with for dinner,” she offered. Jack scooped his shirt off the floor then took Jonathan’s hand to follow her as she went down the stairs. Heather and Scott were walking in the back door.
“Your car’s in the driveway, Callie,” Scott said, his eyes flickering to his cousin. “You all right? Heather said you’d been…um, hurt.”
Jack finished buttoning his shirt and shook his head. “A scratch. I’m fine. Thanks for picking up her car.”
“You had Callie meet you in Central Park for a reason,” Heather said, as she assisted Callie in pulling out vegetables for chopping. “Was she able to help you with anything?”
“She gave me a few answers I didn’t have before. It’ll give me a place to start looking for more information. What I want to know is how they knew I’d be there.”
Scott and Jack began to discuss some construction business, to change the subject in front of Jonathan maybe. Callie threw Heather a pleading look. “Can you stay for dinner, Heather? And you too, Scott?”
They both nodded. Heather would do anything for her and Scott loved spending time with Jonathan and Jack. She was relieved she wouldn’t have to be alone with Jack and their son. After what had happened up in the bedroom, she didn’t trust herself with him.
* * * *
“Mr. Cabrini will be with you in a minute, Miss Lansing.”
“Thank you, Oscar. Jonathan and I will stretch our legs. Too long in the car and he gets a little grumpy.” Callie smiled at Victor’s butler as the man nodded and moved away.
They were here for dinner. Not that she wanted to come. She never wanted to come. Victor’s mansion was beautiful but too much of a reminder of what he did for a living. Today was Angelo’s birthday, though, and she could hardly refuse an old man the remembrance of his son. Not if she didn’t want him questioning her loyalty to Angelo.
They wandered through the massive rooms downstairs, Callie trying to keep Jonathan quiet as they roamed. Victor had always allowed them free rein. Wouldn’t he be surprised by how much she knew about him.
Spotting Victor in one of the formal rooms in a deep discussion with his assistant, Tony Pascucci, and another well-dressed man, she steered Jonathan in another direction. Victor loved his grandson but also expected him to behave like a child much older than two. The doorbell sounded and Oscar hurried to answer. Callie stayed back in the massive hallway but peered closer to see who it was and hear what they were saying.
“These are the pictures from Belloque. Mr. Cabrini wanted to see them right away.”
Oscar bowed his head and replied, “Mr. Cabrini is in an important meeting at the moment. I’ll make sure he gets them. Thank you.”
The other man left and Oscar brought an envelope into Victor’s office. Could the pictures be of some help to Jack? Could she peek at them and find information to put Victor away? The vehicle chase in New York was still fresh in her mind and fingers of fear danced up her spine. The scared little girl inside her, who equated adventure or danger with the death of her parents, refused to take that chance. But the woman remembered Jack’s hands and lips caressing her not too long ago. That woman wanted Jack back in her life for good. She hesitated, scared of what might happen. Was she willing to take the risk?
Waiting until Oscar left, she nudged Jonathan to run into Victor’s office. The little boy, who had been still for the two-hour drive, happily obliged, giggling.
“Jonathan,” she called out softly, more for the benefit of anyone in earshot. She followed him in and closed the door halfway. Keeping her eyes toward the hallway, she moved closer to the desk. The envelope was lying right there. Would she be able to look inside before Victor finished up his meeting?
“Jonathan, why don’t you shovel out Grandpa’s fireplace?” Jonathan loved playing with the little shovel Victor had in a bucket near the fireplace. It was immaculate since it was rarely used. Jonathan wouldn’t get dirty. But he would stay busy while she looked at the pictures.
She picked up the envelope and withdrew the stack of photos. As she flipped through, her heart almost stopped. They were of Jack and her in Central Park when they’d been shot at. Victor couldn’t see these. She looked closer, her hands shaking. You couldn’t tell who she was. The pictures in the park were of her back and she was wearing her hood and Jack’s denim jacket. Good thing whoever had taken them hadn’t gotten there earlier.
Flipping through more, her anxiety escalated and her heart raced like the motorcycle in the picture as they sped through New York. But she had the helmet on. There’s no way he could tell it was me, right? Sighing, she began to put them away, but wait…her sneakers. She’d had on her canvas sneakers with the multi-colored polka dots. The same ones she was wearing right now. Damn.
Could she hide the pictures? Not likely. Oscar knew they’d been delivered and apparently Victor was expecting them. Do something. But what? Her mind whirred and finally she placed the envelope on the desk where it had been before, scooped up Jonathan and put the shovel back in the bucket.
“Come on, sweetie, Mommy needs to get something in the car.”
Jonathan pouted, probably thinking they would be driving again. He didn’t like long rides. “No, sweetie, I simply need to get something. We’ll come back in and see Grandpa in a minute.”
As she hurried through the entryway, Oscar appeared.
“Is everything all right, Miss Lansing?”
“Yeah, I uh… forgot the diaper bag for Jonathan in the car. I’ll be right back.”
She raced outside. Could she climb in the car and drive away? Drive far away and have Jack join her? Victor had contacts almost everywhere and he’d find her. He may not care about her as much but he’d want his grandson. He spoke incessantly about how Jonathan would inherit everything he owned and how he would groom him for that position. She’d die before she let it happen. Luckily, she had a few years.
Opening the car door, she deposited Jonathan next to her on the driveway and dove in. She ripped her sneakers off her feet, shoved them under the seat, and pulled out a pair of worn flip flops. It was all she had. They’d have to do. It was hardly the right footwear for October but if the alternative was having Victor know she and Jack had been together, she’d go with cold toes.
After sliding her feet into the beach wear, she grabbed the diaper bag and took the boy’s hand to walk leisurely back in. Her heart started slowing down as she got closer to the house. The pictures…Victor had something to do with the shooting. But how had he gotten the information? And from whom?
Oscar was waiting for her to open the door and let her reenter. She smiled at him, hoping he wouldn’t notice she was now wearing different shoes, ones that were inappropriate for the chilly day. How much did he know of what went on? He was loyal, for sure, but did he approve of what Victor did or was he happy to get the large paycheck he most likely got?
“Oh, Callina, dear,” Victor said, as he entered the hallway from his meeting. His assistant was right behind him. Pascucci threw a look at Callie that couldn’t be called friendly then narrowed his eyes at Jonathan. What did the man have against her? He was never rude, but he obviously didn’t like her. Did he know her true opinion of Victor? Doubtful or he’d be telling the mob boss.