“It’s easy to say all this now, but you had to come to that realization in your own way and time,” Kate said.
“You’re right. Only you know what’s best for you.” She reached across the table for her hand. “A wise friend once told me if it’s meant to be, it will be,” Meghan said, shooting Karen a glance.
“And we’ll always be here to support you. Even when we think you’re being an idiot,” Karen said with a smile. “Now, let’s clean up and start working on the nursery.”
****
Kate knocked on Edward’s door a second time. Where the hell was he? Just as she raised her fist to start pounding, he opened it.
“Good morning. You’re early. You did say seven, right?” he asked, putting his arm into the sleeve of a button-down shirt.
Kate tried not to stare at his bare chest, but it proved impossible. Not when his shoulders were so broad and skin so smooth it made her want to run her mouth down the length of it. Then there was the low cut of his jeans that made her wonder if he wore anything under them.
She shook her head. She really needed to get laid soon and by damned if she didn’t want anyone but him. The thought of going to a bar to pick up someone didn’t interest her in the least. Where was some chocolate or ice cream—the woman’s equivalent to a cold shower—when you needed it?
“Are you going to come in, luv, or are you going to stay out there and continue to gawk?” he asked, a devilish smile on his face.
Scowling, she pushed her way into the apartment, the musky scent of his soap invading her nostrils as she passed by him.
“Sorry to come early, but my mother called during the night. There was a break-in at the restaurant,” she said.
He closed the door and turned to her. “What? Last night?”
She watched, with regret, as he buttoned up his shirt.
“My parents got a call from the security company around three this morning. My father went over to meet with the police and assess the damage.”
“How bad is it?”
“Bad enough to potentially mess up our grand opening on New Year’s Eve. Someone took something sharp and used it to scratch up the recently finished hardwood floor. The glass behind the bar was shattered, several tables broken. Someone spray painted the walls in the private dining room. The worst, though, is that someone bashed in the main oven.”
“Does your father know if it still works?”
“He’s not sure. Daddy’s going to have someone come out and assess it.”
“All right. We’ll handle it when we get down there.”
The fact that he included himself in what needed to be done didn’t go unnoticed by her. And while she knew none of this was his responsibility and he didn’t need to do anything, she loved that he wanted to.
“The more immediate problem is that a good portion of the food for tomorrow’s Christmas party was in the refrigerator and the asshole who broke in also thought it would be fun to disconnect the fridge. So all of the food has to be thrown out and repurchased.”
“It’s a good thing we planned to go down today. Will we have enough time to replace everything?”
“With all hands on deck we should be able to. Mama called the women who helped us plan the party and they’re coming over to the pizzeria to help us cook. Thankfully my mother keeps lists of everything. She reproduced the grocery list, and they’ll hit the store as soon as it opens.”
“What can I do to help? I’m not much of a cook, as you know, but with some guidance I’m not too bad.”
Kate smiled, remembering a few of his attempts at cooking. Omelets with some egg shells and slightly burnt bacon. Edward’s cooking skills were definitely a work in progress.
“Yeah, I seem to remember your talents don’t particularly lend themselves to the kitchen,” she teased, giving him a friendly nudge in the arm.
“I’ll try and not be crushed by your low opinion of my culinary skills,” he replied with a scowl.
His skills were more proficient in the bedroom, among other rooms. She turned away before he noticed the flush that crept into her cheeks at remembering his demonstration of said skills in the kitchen of her apartment.
“If you drop me off at the pizzeria, maybe you can head over to the restaurant to see how bad everything is. I’ll work with my mother and the other women to start preparing the food.”
“Let’s get started, then. I’m ready whenever you are. We can pick up coffee and breakfast on the way,” he said, tucking his shirt into his jeans and slipping a sweater over top.
The collar stuck up along one side so she reached up to straighten it out, her hand pausing on his shoulder when she was done.
“Thanks for not bailing on me. Things are a mess right now, and I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to.”
He lifted a hand to caress her cheek. “I’ve dealt with many a mess in my business. I’m glad to be here to help you and your family. I’m not going anywhere.”
His words soothed while his touch made her pulse race. Keeping her emotions in check had a price, one that made her feel much older than her thirty-four years. Sometimes, she missed being younger, when life had been simpler and she could afford a little frivolity. Now, duty took precedence, and along with that, worry and confusion.
He squeezed her shoulder. “Things will be fine. I promise.”
Again, she felt as though something had changed between them, and she leaned toward him, wanting to put her arms around him and immerse herself in his strength. Catching herself before she gave into her desire, she nodded and stepped back.
“We should get going,” she said. Now was not the time to ponder her feelings or needs. Work awaited them. It would be a long day.
Chapter Ten
Edward walked through the restaurant, examining the rubble and cosmetic damage that had been done. No major harm, but a lot of mess and reworking that would require days of clean-up added to their already aggressive schedule. Someone had gotten pleasure out of doing this—of that he was certain. A quick flash of Kate’s ex-brother-in-law, Sal, popped into his head. Edward rubbed the back of his neck. He’d have to explore that thought later. Right now there was much work to be done.
He made his way toward the kitchen where Joe and Vinnie stood next to a man with his head in the oven.
“Kate and I just got in,” Edward said, clamping a hand on Joe’s shoulder.
“Edward, my boy. I’m glad you’re here. Is Kate with you?” Joe asked, offering his hand to shake.
“I dropped her off at the pizzeria so she could help with the party preparations. How are things going here?” he asked with a nod at the oven.
“Not good,” Vinnie said. “The rat bastard who did this knew what he was doing. Really did a number on this baby.”
The repairman, Hank according to his nametag, straightened and wiped his hands on a rag sticking out of his back pocket. “I don’t think anything can be done to salvage it.”
“Son of a bitch,” Vinnie exclaimed.
“How much for a new one?” Joe asked.
Hank rubbed his chin. “I can get you a real good one for around twenty-five. Plus it will be around two to repair the damage to the refrigerator.”
Vinnie through his hands up in the air. “Twenty-seven thousand? That’s a shit load of money, Pop.”
Joe shot his son a warning look before turning back to Hank. “I’ll get back to you with an answer.”
“Fine. It may take a week to get one, so keep that in mind,” Hank said.
Joe nodded. “Thanks for coming so quickly.”
Hank gathered his gear and left out the back door.
Vinnie faced his father, his arms crossed over his chest. “What are we going to do? We don’t have that kind of cash.”
“What about insurance?” Edward asked.
“Insurance will cover it, but the agent can’t make it here until Tuesday. By the time he does his assessment and cuts us a check, weeks may have gone by,” Joe said.
“And
along with it, our New Year’s Eve opening,” Vinnie added.
“Let’s not panic, Vin. We’ll figure something out.” Joe swiped his hands down his face and glanced at his watch. “I’m going to call the bank and see if they can increase our loan. We have to start somewhere.”
Edward walked into the dining room to assess the damage and help organize the clean-up already in progress. Once they removed the debris, they could make a list of what needed to be fixed or replaced.
Thirty minutes later Joe returned, his expression tense and defeated. He looked over at Vinnie and shook his head.
Catching the exchange, Edward approached the older man. “I take it the bank didn’t come through?”
“No. We’re already a risky loan. The loan manager didn’t feel comfortable extending me more credit until we start proving we can meet our payments.”
Edward leaned his broom against the bar. “I have a proposition if you’re interested in hearing it.”
Vinnie’s ears perked up and he strolled over. “Hell, yeah.”
“I can give you the money.” He held up his hand as Joe started to shake his head. “Consider it a loan or an investment in the business.”
“Edward, I can’t take your money. Kate would never forgive me if I came to you over her,” Joe said. “Not that I don’t appreciate your offer.”
“Does Kate have twenty-seven grand lying around to give to you?” Edward asked, although he was fairly certain as to the answer to the question.
“No. Her late husband had left her in the lurch when he died, and she had to repay their debt plus funeral expenses for two. The bastard didn’t even have a life insurance policy,” Joe said.
“Well, then, how can she be mad if she’s not in a position to help you? I am.”
Joe gave him a skeptical look. “Didn’t your family have some financial trouble recently?”
It figured Kate would have told her family about his mother’s financial disaster that forced him and his brother to sell the New York branch of his father’s company along with their homes. His mother had been stripped down to a very modest style of living compared to what she’d been accustomed to. The thought of Kate’s family knowing the embarrassing things his mother had done made him uncomfortable, and he raked his hand through his hair.
“Yes, but that’s all been sorted out now. I have the money, Joe. You can repay me when you get the insurance money. In the meantime, you can order the oven and there won’t be an impact to the opening.”
Joe studied him. “Why would you do this?”
One corner of Edward’s mouth lifted in a crooked smile. “Because I care for your daughter very much. And I believe you’ll make this”—he gestured around the room—“a successful business.”
Joe exhaled sharply. “Okay, son. I appreciate your offer. I’ll discuss it with Carmen and get back to you. Let’s keep this among the three of us.” He glanced over at Vinnie. “No telling your sisters, Nick, or even that pretty little girlfriend of yours. Got it?”
Vinnie nodded. “Yeah, I got it. You know Kate’s going to go ballistic when she finds out.”
“Then let’s make sure she doesn’t,” Joe said with a glance at Edward. “The less she knows the better.”
Regardless of the hell there would be to pay by withholding this from Kate, Edward agreed to support the older man’s decision, and hoped he wouldn’t regret keeping yet another DiFrancesco family secret.
****
It was after eight that night when Edward arrived at the orphanage to pick up Kate.
“Your gift for the party was delivered yesterday,” Father Dominic said after greeting him. “The kids are going to be thrilled.”
“I’m glad it arrived in time. Did you put it out of the way so they’ll be surprised?” Edward asked.
“It’s in the storeroom. A few of us can carry it out when it’s time for presents. It was very generous of your brother, your friend, and yourself,” Father Dominic said.
Edward thought back to the fifty-inch widescreen TV and Nintendo Wii system he’d bought for the orphanage, with help from Charles, Meghan, Mark, and Karen. The last couple of times he’d watched movies in the common room, he’d noticed the small size of the TV and found it difficult to watch from a distance.
His mother’s financial fiasco taught him how easy it was not to appreciate material things. He’d grown up in a wealthy family, living in large mansions and surrounded by servants. English private schools were a way of life, and it wasn’t until he was older that he understood not everyone was as privileged as his family.
Thankfully, despite the contribution he’d made toward resolving his mother’s financial fiasco, he didn’t have to worry about money. Since moving to New York, he’d lived a rather conservative lifestyle. Aside from his BMW and expensive taste in clothes, there weren’t any outward signs of his wealth. So, it gave him great pleasure to give this gift to the orphanage.
“We’re glad to be able to do it,” Edward said with a shrug. “Have you seen Kate?”
“She’s with Lucas in the game room,” Father Dominic said.
After saying farewell to the priest, Edward headed down the hall and into the room that, he guessed by the built-in bookcases, used to be a library. One entire wall held a pair of tall bookcases covered in all sorts of used books. Next to it were some lower shelves that held various board games.
Along the opposite side, several tables were set up to play the games. It was at one of those tables that two heads were bent over in deep concentration. He watched as Lucas made a move and shouted with joy.
“Hi, you two. Good news I presume?” he said.
They glanced up from their game as he approached them.
“Edward,” Lucas called and jumped up off his chair to greet him. He grabbed Edward’s hand and pulled him toward the table, pointing at the board. “Look, I have all kings.”
Edward looked at the board, which showed eight pairs of double-decker black checkers and four single red ones.
“You seem to be doing very well,” he said to Lucas, rumpling his hair.
“I’m kicking her butt,” Lucas said.
Edward glanced over at Kate. “Looks like he is, luv. A little rusty on your checkers are you?”
“I’m a little off my game today,” she said and slid out of the chair. “Why don’t you see if you can do better against this mastermind?”
He dropped into the seat opposite Lucas. “Checkers, huh? I’ve always preferred chess. My brother and I used to have rather intense games that lasted days. Do you know how to play?” he asked Lucas.
“No, but we have chess pieces, too. Will you show me?”
He hadn’t played chess in years and had never taught anyone, especially a child. “If you’d like.”
Lucas ran off to find them.
Kate leaned down, her face a whisper away from his. “Be gentle with him. He’s just a boy.”
“Isn’t this the same said boy who kicked your sweet butt in checkers?”
“Hmmm. You have a point.”
He reached for her hand. “Do I get a kiss for good luck?”
“Are you worried you’ll need it?”
He tried to keep his voice playful, but it was difficult when she wore a dark red low-cut sweater that accented her perfect breasts. “After seeing how he destroyed you, I may need a lot of luck.”
The look she tossed him was full of challenge. “I’m sure you can hold your own with small child.”
Edward looked over at Lucas, who searched through the games on the bookshelf. “We’ll see.”
He spent the next forty-five minutes in an intense instructional game with Lucas, who was a quick study. The boy had good instincts, and with some grooming, would make a worthy opponent. Edward only wished his own instincts would help him make progress with Kate. He sensed something different between them, as though a chink in the armor around her heart had chipped. Now, more than ever, he needed to remain patient, and hope that in time he could persuad
e her toward more than friendship.
****
Mayhem reigned at the DiFrancesco house Saturday morning as they finished last minute preparations for the party. Carmen shipped the men off to St. Christopher’s to pick up the donated presents and drop them off at the orphanage. Meanwhile, Carmen spouted orders to Kate, who ironed the costumes the children would wear, and to Vicky, who put the finishing touches on the gingerbread house she’d made. The men returned at noon to pick up the ladies and stop by the pizzeria for the food.
Excitement buzzed through the air at the orphanage. The kids were eager for the party, which made it a little challenging to get things ready. That, along with the fact that it had snowed five more inches overnight, only added to their rowdiness.
Thankfully, Edward had the brilliant idea to buy a bunch of sleds that morning. So, while the church volunteers were in the kitchen warming up the food, the men took the kids outside and supervised sled races down the hill across the street.
Before he could join them, Kate pulled Father Dominic aside.
“Do you have a moment, Father?”
“Of course, Kate. What can I do for you?”
“Can we go somewhere private?”
“Sure. Follow me.” He led the way to his office and gestured to one of the chairs in front of the desk.
Kate shut the door and tried to steady her nerves as she approached. “It’s about Lucas.”
“Is everything all right?” Father Dominic asked with a look of concern on his face.
“Oh, yes. Sorry. Everything is fine.” She sat and paused to collect her thoughts. “I’m thinking of adopting him.”
Pleasure, and what she believed to be relief, crossed his face. “Ah, yes. Lucas mentioned his wish to me, but I wasn’t sure if you reciprocated his feelings.”
“I love that little boy to pieces. But…” Her voice cracked.
“What?”
She shifted in the uncomfortable chair and swallowed hard before continuing. “I’m not sure if you know this, but I had a child once, a son. He died four years ago when he was two.”
Father Dominic gave her an empathetic look. “I’m very sorry to hear that.”
Untangle My Heart (Tangled Hearts) Page 12