CupidRocks

by Francesca Hawley

  Leopold patted her hand. “If you say so, liebling.”

  “Of course, you still are.”

  The older man smiled. “I’m pleased you think so. However I could never hold a candle to you. A fairer female could not be found in the whole of the world.”

  Maria reached up to stroke his cheek. Statuesque and stunningly beautiful in a wholesome sort of way. Mandy could definitely picture her mother-in-law on stage in the part of Maria Von Trapp. It was from Maria that Joe inherited his warm brown eyes. The love she saw between Joe’s parents reassured her a lot. She was afraid she’d be unwelcome here, but if they loved each other like that, they undoubtedly loved their sons with the same depth of feeling. And she hoped they’d love their daughters-in-law too.

  Depends on if you consider disapproval a sign of love, Joe grumbled.

  Yes, I do. But we’ll see how things go. They may surprise you.

  Yeah, like your dad did maybe? I wasn’t expecting Eddie to try to take my head off.

  Neither was I, but I’m sure that he’ll calm down.

  He better or we’ll have a challenging life—in the band and out.

  “You needn’t be further concerned, Leo. They must be True Mates for they just conducted an entirely silent conversation.”

  Mandy blinked and caught Maria’s gaze. Her mother-in-law’s dark eyes twinkled with pleasure. Joe stiffened, turning to glare at his father.

  “You didn’t think I’d know the difference?”

  “Your experiences with Valerie certainly left me in doubt that you would know a True relationship if you encountered one,” Leo responded dryly.

  Joe bit his lip, fighting the need to respond. Mandy watched color fill his cheeks and his hands clench making her fear for the handle of his guitar case.

  I won’t crush the damn thing, so chill.

  Who’s Valerie?

  She’s in the past.

  Your past, so I want to know.

  I’ll explain later.

  You’re damn right you will, handsome.

  He forced his body to relax. Mandy winked at him and Joe smiled. How could she fall so deeply in love with someone in barely two days? His smile filled her heart with joy and completeness.

  I heard that and I feel the same way, angel.

  He held out his free hand to her and she reached to take it, returning to his side. When Joe settled his arm around her shoulder, she felt as if she’d come home. Mandy returned the intimacy by wrapping her arm around his waist and curling into him.

  “So are Jake and Jules here yet?”

  “Your brothers, Jacob and Julian, have not yet arrived, Joseph. We expect them shortly. Please, join us in the parlor for some tea while we wait.”

  Shit, they’re late. Father’s gonna fry ‘em.

  Why? It’s only about five after.

  Five after is still five after. Leopold Schwarzerwulf does not DO late.

  They followed his parents from the entry hall to the front parlor of their home. The room was warm and beautiful but very formal. Wood parquet floors were covered by pastel tapestry rugs. Victorian furniture decorated the room. His parents settled in wingback chairs next to a table on which a tea service was set while Joe led her to a couch.

  It’s a divan.

  You’re joking right?

  Nope.

  Mandy raised a brow at him, but he just grinned at her. She nudged his shoulder and they laughed. She was glad they’d made up after their fight. She would have hated to face this situation without his support.

  “So, my dear, how do you take your tea?” Maria asked.

  “I don’t. Thanks, though.”

  “You don’t drink tea?” Leopold’s brows rose.

  “No. I’ve never liked it. Even iced tea.”

  “I see,” he said, his tone suggesting she’d failed some test.

  Is your father always like this or is it just me?

  Angel, you’re getting “Leopold-light”. He was much worse when I brought Valerie home. He scared her shitless and he didn’t even shift.

  You brought Valerie home?

  Damn.

  We’re going to have a talk about this, mister. A long one.

  “Must you both be so rude as to conduct all of your conversation silently?”

  Mandy lifted her gaze to her father-in-law. “You better be sure you really want to hear what I have to say before you push all our conversations into audio.”

  “You speak your mind?”

  “Constantly. So if you think our silent talks are rude, you ain’t heard nothin’ yet.”

  “Language, Amanda. Proper English is important.” Mandy glanced at Joe and they started to laugh. “What amuses you so?”

  Mandy shook her head. “Not a darn thing.”

  Just then they heard a car pull into the drive, gunning its engine. Mandy turned to look out the front windows and saw a car speed up the drive and screech to a halt just behind her car. She winced. At least they’d stopped. Her car was old and temperamental—being rear-ended wouldn’t help.

  Two good-looking guys jumped out of the vehicle and started running for the house. One stopped and yelled. The other tossed a set of keys then turned to keep running. The one with the keys unlocked the car and dug out an instrument case. Ah, the trumpeter. Then he too ran full out for the front door. Leopold remained seated, sipping his tea. A vigorous knock on the door sounded.

  They knocked?

  This is our parents’ house. None of us live here anymore.

  That’s just weird.

  It’s the Schwarzerwulf way.

  Like I said…

  Joe shrugged, brushing her hair off her cheek. Another knock sounded. Leopold set down his tea and looked at the door.

  “Oh for heaven’s sake, Leo,” Maria cried in exasperation. She stood and walked briskly to the front door. Leopold followed her at a more sedate pace.

  “Shouldn’t we go?” Mandy whispered as Leopold crossed the entry hall while Maria opened the front door.

  “And listen to Father rip them new ones? Naw, I’ll wait until he does it to me later.”

  Mandy strained to look into the entry hall, just barely able to see when Joe’s brothers stumbled in. Leo crossed his arms over his chest and stared at his sons. Then he walked once around them while they shifted uncomfortably before he returned to Maria’s side. His eyes were intense and his lips were tight with disapproval. Maria set her hand on his arm and he glanced briefly at her, nodding once.

  “So, gentlemen. What could possibly have kept you? You are precisely twelve minutes late.”

  “Sorry, Father. My car crapped out.”

  “Language, Julian.”

  “Right. My car wouldn’t start so I called Jake to pick me up.”

  “And your response, Jacob?”

  “After I picked up Jules we got caught in traffic. A car accident out on I-25.”

  “I see. Next time, I suggest you leave early enough that a traffic issue doesn’t prevent your timely appearance.”

  “Yes, Father,” both of Joe’s brothers responded in unison, as if the phrase was well rehearsed and long used.

  Are they males or trained seals?

  It’s easier to just say “Yes, Father.” Trust me.

  Are you like that too?

  Yeah.

  “Your brother and his new mate are here. Please come with us to be introduced.”

  Leopold and Maria led Joe’s brothers into the room. Joe stood, so Mandy followed suit. She didn’t understand all this formality. When she grew up, people sprawled in chairs or lay on the floor. If someone new showed up, everyone would wave and continue their conversation or jam session or whatever.

  “Amanda, I would like you to meet my two younger sons. Jacob.”

  Jake stepped forward and took her hand. He bent over it and dropped a kiss onto her knuckles, giving her a flirtatious wink his father didn’t see. Mandy fought a grin.

  “Nice to meet you, Jacob.” Jake stepped back. He was his mother’s
son in looks, definitely. His hair was a medium brown and he had her pleasing features but his eyes were all his father—bright blue. However, she’d never believe Jake had an ounce of Austrian winter in him, which was all too easy to imagine with Leopold.

  “And this is our youngest, Julian.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you too, Julian.”

  If Jake was good-looking, Julian was drop-dead gorgeous. Dark eyes, dark hair and the finest features of both parents. He also had his father’s breadth of shoulders and height. If Mandy wasn’t already with Joe, she’d jump this guy in a heartbeat. Julian took her hand as his brother had and dropped a kiss on her knuckles. Damn, his full lips were soft. She could just imagine what he could do to a female’s body with those killer lips.

  Please remember I can hear what you’re thinking, angel, and I am not amused.

  Mandy glanced up at Joe, blushing. Sorry, but I’m mated, not dead.

  You wanna be?

  Mandy laughed. No, I could live without being dead.

  Then quit drooling on my brothers.

  Yes, dear. You know how much you sounded like your father just then? He growled. Julian flicked a glance at Joe, pulling quickly away and taking a step back. Spoil sport.

  Don’t go there, angel. It’s just not good.

  Mandy took his arm and curled into him, smiling when he relaxed. She stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. He turned his head and gave her a kiss in return, deepening it and sliding his arm around her. Mandy sighed, setting her arms along his shoulders relaxing her mouth to let him in. Someone cleared their throat. Then again.

  “I said, ahem. It is time for luncheon, not passion. Kiss when you have some privacy.”

  Reluctantly, Joe released her. She met his dark gaze, enjoying the way his eyes traveled her body possessively. He licked his lips and cleared his throat.

  “Yes, Father. I’ll definitely plan on attending to that later.” Mandy winked at him, chuckling wickedly. Joe grinned back.

  “Joseph, really.” Leopold waved them all toward an arch at the back of the room. “Let us repair to the dining room so we can enjoy your mother’s excellent cooking.”

  Repair? Is he for real? She asked. Joe shrugged and Mandy smiled, shaking her head.

  Chapter Ten

  The meal progressed in a semi-normal way. The food was excellent, but the conversation was stilted and regimented. Evidently, this was normal to them but it felt strange to Mandy. Leopold directed all the dialogue by introducing a topic upon which everyone indulged in spirited debate. After a set period of time, a new topic was introduced and the previous topic was entirely abandoned. Not once did Joe or his brothers return to a subject that had been dropped even though some of those issues drew some heated discussion. Her family didn’t operate like this—ever. Anything was open to discussion at any time and digressing was a virtue.

  Joe was quiet during the meal. He only jumped in if he had really strong feelings about something but otherwise, he was a clam. Oh he smiled as his brothers argued while their father mediated the dispute, but he kept his mouth closed except to eat. It seemed so unlike him. Mandy couldn’t figure it.

  Joe is everything okay?

  Yeah, angel.

  Then why aren’t you joining in?

  My brothers tend to debate for the fun of it. Haven’t you noticed how midway into the argument they change sides? If I weigh in on a topic, there’s a majority opinion so the topic is changed even though they aren’t done.

  But I can sense you tense up every so often like you want to say something but then you take another forkful of food and shove it in your mouth.

  Father notices too. He’s waiting for it so he can pounce.

  Pounce?

  Yeah. He and I don’t argue nice—so I don’t argue with him.

  Mandy glanced at Joe and their eyes met. He reached over and brushed a finger along her jawline before dropping his hand and returning to his food. Maria stood up and went out to the kitchen. Mandy frowned wondering what was going on until the older female came through the door carrying a cake with lit candles glowing on the top. Maria began to sing happy birthday and everyone joined in. Joe colored but smiled slightly when his mother set the cake down in front of him.

  “Well, Joseph. Blow out your candles and make a wish,” his father urged.

  Joe stood and his gaze caught and held hers. “My wish already came true.” Then he leaned down, closed his eyes and blew out the candles. He got them all in one breath and everyone clapped.

  “Wonderful, son. Let me cut you a slice of cake.” Maria cut him a piece of cake then provided slices for everyone else too. Mandy took a bite and her eyes widened. Fabulous butter cream frosting covered a melt-in-your-mouth apple cinnamon spice cake.

  “This cake is amazing, Maria,” Mandy enthused.

  “It’s Joe’s favorite cake. I’ll give you the recipe.”

  “I’d love that. Thank you.”

  When they finished dessert, she sighed. Maria was an excellent cook and she hoped she could get all of those recipes to take home. As one, the males pushed their chairs back and stood. Mandy watched them walk away from the table. Maria stood too and began to clear.

  “Hold it!” Mandy rose with her hands on her hips after Maria entered the kitchen. “Where are you males going?”

  Leopold came to an abrupt halt at the archway and all three sons ran into him. He glared at them and they backed off. Leo turned.

  “We are going to the music room. What concerns you?”

  “Maria cooked you a sumptuous meal and you are going to leave her here to clean up?”

  “You may help.”

  “I fully intend to but my parents raised me to believe the cook shouldn’t clean up. So those of you with full bellies who had no hand in the cooking of this meal can come to help me.”

  Joe, Jake and Jules turned around and walked toward the kitchen, with surprisingly little protest. Joe winked at her as he passed. She met Leo’s glare and held it.

  “So what did you cook, Leopold?”

  Maria came out of the kitchen with eyebrows raised. Evidently her sons had informed her of the change of circumstances.

  “I did not cook.”

  “I guess that puts you on the cleanup crew. You might want to lose the suit jacket so it doesn’t get wet or dirty. I’d suggest you roll up your sleeves too.”

  Mandy waved him toward the kitchen. She wasn’t sure he was going to go down without a fight until he huffed and walked purposefully into the kitchen. Mandy turned to Maria, worried the other female might be upset. Maria’s eyes were dancing with delight.

  “I’ve been trying to get them to do that for years. Thank you, my dear.”

  “No problem. Have a seat. We’ll take care of the cleanup.”

  “I think perhaps I’ll join all of you in the kitchen.”

  Mandy smiled. “Bring in a chair and get comfortable,” she paused and whispered, “Where should I assign Leopold?”

  “Have him load the dishwasher. It will be completed with military precision.”

  Mandy nodded, stiffening her spine to marshal her forces. She followed Leopold into the kitchen, surprised to see Joe snapping Jules with a towel until he heard a deep growl. As he watched his father removing his jacket and rolling up his sleeves, his mouth clacked shut and Mandy heard his teeth come together. His eyes widened and he exchanged glances with his brothers before returning his gaze to hers.

  The old wolf is actually going to help? I can’t fucking believe it. Joe grinned at her. How the hell did you manage it?

  I have no idea, but I’m going to go with the flow. Mandy straightened and out loud she said, “All right, gentlemen, here are your assignments. Leopold, you will man the dishwasher. Joe, no water for you—”

  “Hey how come he gets out of getting his hands wet?” Jules grumbled.

  “Joe will be playing guitar later, will he not, Leopold?”

  “Yes, most definitely.”

  “Water softens calluse
s—no soaking in dishwater for Joe’s hands.”

  “I’ll be playing later too, you know.”

  “Shall we keep the water away from your lips, Jules, or do trumpeters have calluses I don’t know about?”

  He growled, but shrugged. “However, due to your delicate sensibilities I will put you on clearing detail with Joe. Jake, you scrape plates and put away any leftover food. Check with Maria for where things go. She will supervise us all…sitting.”

  “And what will you be doing, young lady.”

  “I don’t have issues with water, Leopold. I will rinse the dishes and hand them to you for placement in the dishwasher. Maria, are there any items that should not go in the dishwasher?”

  “The stemware.”

  “Very good. Gentlemen, let’s begin.”

  Mandy found an apron to cover her dress then got down to the business of rinsing dishes and handing them to Leo. With the entire family focused on clearing, it took very little time to get the dishes rinsed and into the dishwasher. The leftovers were swiftly put away. When the only dishes left were the glasses, Mandy nodded approvingly at her cleaning crew.

  “Gentlemen. I release you from your service and thank you for your help.”

  Leo inspected her from under his bushy white brows. “You are very brave, young lady.”

  “I love to live dangerously.” She waved her hand at him. “Off you go then. Once I have the stemware washed, Maria can show me where the music room is located.”

  Leo humphed. “My sons, let us retreat before we are called back to duty.” He led the way out of the room. Mandy grabbed Joe’s hand before he left and pulled him close for a hug.

  You’ll play flawlessly. I heard you play last night, you know. You’re incredible.

  That was rock guitar, this isn’t.

  Doesn’t matter. You’re a talented musician and you can do it.

  Thanks, angel. I need to hear that. He bent down and kissed her gently, then left the room.

  Mandy turned back to the sink and began to wash the glasses. Maria joined her with a soft towel in her hand.

  “I’ll dry.”

  “Okay.” She wanted to ask her mother-in-law questions about Joe and his relationship with his father, but she didn’t know where to start.

  “I can see you thinking, Mandy. Leo loves his sons very much.”