Awaken My Heart

by Maria K. Alexander

  His heart pounded. How was it this woman could drive him half mad with the slightest touch? And in the alley behind his family’s restaurant. Where anyone could happen upon them. Maybe they’d get take out and bring it to his place.

  Before he could make the suggestion, there was a sound of a car door followed by a knock on his car window.

  ****

  Ashley’s heart pounded. In part due to the erotic way Nick had kissed her and thanks to the knock on the window, which snapped her out of her lust-induced haze. Had they really just gone at it in his car like teenagers? What if Nick’s mom or dad was outside?

  Back in her own seat, she straightened the skirt of her dress, which had risen halfway up her leg. And hell if she hadn’t wanted—no, needed—him to keep moving north. She shifted in the seat, her panties pressed uncomfortably against the part of her that now throbbed with unfulfilled need.

  She heard Nick swear and braving a glance to the side, saw Vicky smiling outside Nick’s window.

  Nick lowered the window a few inches.

  “Hi, guys. I hope I’m not interrupting,” Vicky said, although it was clear from the grin on her face she was pretty pleased by it.

  “What’s up, Vick?” Nick practically growled.

  “I have a large order to bring into the restaurant and wanted to see if you could help.”

  “And your strong fiancé can’t help you?” Nick said.

  Ashley looked past Vicky to where Jamie leaned against the hood of a small SUV and waved.

  “There’s a lot of stuff. If we all chipped in, we could get it in one shot. Besides, you wouldn’t have wanted Ma coming out here to help, would you?”

  Nick snorted. “That’s not why you interrupted.”

  Vicky put a hand on her chest. “I haven’t a clue what you mean.”

  Nick shook his head. “Yeah, sure. We’ll be right there.”

  As the window closed, Ashley heard Vicky say something about payback being a bitch.

  “Sounds like there’s a story,” Ashley said.

  “One I’d prefer to forget.”

  Soft brown eyes bored deeply into hers, and she remembered another time Nick looked at her with such intensity. Of course, she’d been naked then.

  “We may have been interrupted, but we’re not finished, Ash.”

  Yeah, she was in definite trouble of losing herself to him…again.

  He adjusted the crotch of his jeans, and Ashley barely suppressed a laugh.

  “Need another minute,” he said.

  Or maybe five based on the size of the bulge behind his zipper.

  Once outside, they each grabbed a stack of bakery boxes, and Ashley followed Nick in the back door of the restaurant. On their way in, Jamie passed them.

  He caught Nick’s gaze. “I didn’t realize how much fun payback can be, man.”

  “Can we consider ourselves even?”

  “Not even close.” Jamie clapped Nick on the shoulder. “Suck it up.”

  Now she really wanted to hear the story.

  With the boxes stored in the refrigerator, Ashley took in her surroundings. The kitchen buzzed with waitresses and chefs. Stainless steel tables were set up in stations. At one, a woman mixed and plated salad. There was a self-serve area where the wait staff could pour soup. And behind tables in front of the massive stove and grill, three men buzzed around in a synchronized dance worthy of a perfect ten on Dancing with the Stars.

  Ashley wondered which man was Nick’s brother when a shorter man caught her attention. He wore black pants and a white chef’s coat with a checkered bandana tied around his head. There was something about the sure way he commanded the kitchen that reminded her of Nick—sure and confident. Then someone spoke to him, and he laughed, and she saw the similarity in their smile, though while Nick had a dimple in his chin, Vinnie’s were in his cheeks.

  “Come, let’s get this over with,” Nick mumbled and grabbed her hand.

  As they crossed the room, Nick greeted people and Ashley heard a few whistles behind her back.

  “Hey, Vin. Got a minute?” Nick asked.

  Vinnie glanced from Nick to her, pain springing into the younger man’s eyes a second before his jaw tightened.

  “I’m kind of busy right now.” Vinnie used tongs to flip something in a frying pan before adding sauce and shredded cheese, and covering it with a lid.

  Generally, Ashley didn’t eat a lot of fried food, but the tantalizing smell almost caused her knees to buckle, a reminder she’d only eaten an apple and granola bar at lunch.

  “So multitask,” Nick shot back.

  Vinnie lowered the temperature on the pan and leveled a cool gaze on them.

  “Vin, this is Ashley O’Neil. Ash, my brother, Vinnie. Head chef extraordinaire here at Trattoria DiFrancesco.”

  Vinnie’s gaze shifted to her, quietly assessing her with light brown eyes similar but less friendly than Vicky’s.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Vinnie. It smells fantastic in here.”

  His features softened the teeniest bit before he turned to the pan. Using a spatula, he removed the meat—cheese now perfectly melted—and placed it on a plate. He added a side of spaghetti and doused it with a chunky red sauce. Ashley rubbed her lips together, lest she start drooling.

  “Parm for table fifty-seven.” Vinnie stepped to the right and placed the plate on a shelf and rang a bell.

  A young waitress hurried over and added it to the tray she balanced on one hand. She said, “Hi,” to Ashley and shot Nick a wink.

  The young girls still flirted with him, not that she could blame them.

  “Vin’s chicken parm is the best in the tri-state area,” Nick said.

  “I guess I know what I’ll be ordering tonight.” Vinnie still hadn’t said anything and it was starting to unnerve her. “Will I have to worry about you undercooking my chicken, Vinnie?”

  Beside her, Nick chuckled.

  Vinnie stared her down another few seconds before lifting the corner of his mouth in the slightest of smiles. “I try not to poison our patrons. I wouldn’t want to ruin my reputation, and it’s bad for business.”

  “I look forward to trying it.” She offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Vinnie hesitated a moment before wiping his hand on a rag and shaking hers. “You may not say that once you get to know me.”

  “Thanks for the warning.”

  Beside her, Nick relaxed a little.

  “Can we talk a minute, bro?” Nick asked.

  The lighter mood now gone, Vinnie’s eyes frosted over as he shifted his gaze to Nick. He called out to the other chef on the line with him. “I’m taking ten.” Then he strode out the back door.

  While Ashley got the sense they’d gotten over one hurdle, it seemed there were hundreds more they had to overcome.

  Nick nodded to where Vinnie had exited. “I need to talk with him a minute.”

  Vicky had come up next to them. “I’ll show her the dining room and grab a table.”

  “Thanks, Sis. I won’t be long.”

  When he was out of earshot, Ashley turned to Vicky. “I’ve created a rift between them.”

  “We’ve all butted heads over the years and managed to survive. Vin’s going through some stuff that’s causing his bad attitude to go into hyperdrive. They’ll work it out.” Vicky looped her arm through Ashley’s and led her out the kitchen. “Don’t worry. Jamie has first responder training should we need it.”

  With a look over her shoulder, Ashley allowed Vicky to lead her to the dining room.

  ****

  When Nick walked outside, Vinnie was shooting baskets in the alleyway behind the restaurant. He’d removed his chef’s jacket and wore a white cotton shirt over black pants. He was quite a bit shorter than Nick, a sticking point between them—as if Nick had anything to do with the set of genes he’d been dealt. What Vinnie lacked in height, he more than made up for in speed. He weaved, dodged an imaginary opponent, and landed a three pointer.

&nbs
p; “Nice,” Nick said.

  Vinnie ignored him and continued to dribble the ball. Nick did the only thing he figured would force a reaction from his stubborn brother.

  Nick stole the ball, turned, and executed his own perfect three-point shot.

  Vinnie snorted. “Not bad for an old guy.”

  Palms up, Nick curled his fingers toward him. “Think you can take me?”

  Vinnie arched an eyebrow. “Any time.”

  “Let’s do it, then. I’ll even let you have the ball first.” Nick tossed the ball to Vinnie.

  Vinnie shuffled the ball between his hands before throwing it back at Nick. “Age before beauty.”

  Nick chuckled. A fierce competitor, it was unusual for Vinnie not to take advantage of leading off, but Nick wasn’t going to complain.

  Basketball wasn’t Nick’s sport of choice, but he’d played enough over the years and could hold his own. He dribbled the ball, keeping his back to Vinnie and watching for the steal he knew his brother was eyeing up.

  When Vinnie lunged left, Nick turned right, spun, and took the shot, which bounced off the rim.

  “Looking a little rusty,” Vinnie said, snatching the ball.

  They took a few more turns, Vinnie taking the lead with five to Nick’s three.

  “Good game, man,” Nick said.

  Vinnie opened a bottle of water and downed half the contents before handing it over to Nick, who finished it off.

  “You’ve been avoiding my calls and texts,” Nick said.

  “I’ve been busy.”

  “With what?”

  Vinnie pointed to the building. “This place has me hopping. We’re busy with parties on the weekend, and Ma is already nagging me about the menus for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

  “I’d like you to meet Sean.”

  “Heard he’s got your ugly mug,” Vinnie said.

  “He’s got your speed. Could use your help coaching him with softball. You game?”

  Vinnie paused midshot. “Maybe.”

  Nick figured it was the best he’d get.

  “Everything okay out here, you two?” their father hollered out the kitchen door.

  “I’ll be right in, Pop,” Vinnie called.

  As Vinnie walked past him, Nick reached out and rested a hand on his forearm. “We’re good, then?”

  Vinnie had always been tight-lipped with his feelings, but Nick saw something in his eyes. A hurt and yearning for…something Nick couldn’t define.

  “We’re good. I enjoyed kicking your ass,” Vinnie said.

  “You’ll come to the next game?”

  “I’ll let you know.” Vin picked up his jacket and went inside.

  “What’s up, Pop?” Nick asked.

  “I see you brought that girl here,” his father said.

  “Do you have a problem with Ashley?”

  “I’m angry she kept Sean from you—from us.” He held up a finger before Nick could interrupt. “But she seems a decent woman.”

  “She is.”

  “You have feelings for her.” It was a statement and not a question.

  “I do.”

  His father studied him in his quiet way before responding. “Life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect it to. When we’re thrown a curve-ball, we either adjust our swing or miss the ball.”

  Leave it to his dad to use a baseball analogy.

  “I’m trying my best to make things right.”

  “You’ll do what’s right for your kids.” His father clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Every batter strikes out. It’s what you learn and apply the next time you’re up to bat that matters. You need to know when to swing and when to wait for the perfect pitch.”

  In his quiet, subtle way, his father had given Nick the perspective he needed. Nick wasn’t afraid of moving forward with Ashley, but he needed to be careful leaping into a relationship before they were both ready.

  Would the timing ever be right?

  Nick would be damned if he’d give up this time.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Ashley wasn’t sure how, but she found herself sitting at a table for four in the dining room of Trattoria DiFrancesco along with Vicky, Jamie, and Carmen. With Nick nowhere in sight, Ashley wiped her hands on her napkin before carefully sipping from her glass of water. The last thing she needed was a repeat performance of what happened last time she sat across from Nick’s mom.

  While Carmen stepped away to get bread, Ashley took in her surroundings. Golden-colored walls and rust tablecloths offset the dark furniture. Soft light glowed from hanging chandeliers and wall fixtures. The flicker of candles on the tables provided a sense of intimacy both warm and welcoming. The faint sound of a Michael Bublé song could be heard in the background.

  Carmen returned with a basket of bread, small plate of assorted cheeses, and four red wine glasses.

  “I like what you’ve done here. It’s cozy and elegant without being over the top,” Ashley said.

  Carmen smiled and uncorked a bottle of wine she brought from the bar. “We wanted it not too fancy but nicer than a neighborhood pizzeria.”

  “I’d say you’ve succeeded,” Ashley replied. “My father’s been here and says the food is delicious.”

  Carmen filled the glasses. “Next time he plans on coming, let us know. Joe and I’d like to meet him.”

  Ashley had taken another sip of water. Carmen’s words caught her by surprise and she started to choke. “Oh…that’s nice. I will,” she said after catching her breath.

  “Don’t be surprised, dear. You and Sean are part of our family, now. It’s only natural we’d want to meet your father,” Carmen said.

  “Ma, don’t freak her out, okay?” Vicky turned to Ashley. “She’s overly friendly or in other words…nosy.”

  Jamie covered a laugh with a cough.

  Carmen narrowed her eyes at Vicky and pointed the wine opener at her. “I have a natural curiosity. Besides, there’s no such thing as too much family, including extended family. Don’t you agree, Ashley?”

  Vicky picked up a glass of wine and thrust it into Ashley’s hands. “Take a swig, and nod your head. You’ll get through this.” She leaned over when Carmen turned to face the entrance to the restaurant. “Plus, I set aside four pieces of my world-renowned tiramisu for dessert.”

  Carmen swung back to the table and set the cork, now dislodged from the wine opener, on the table. Her eyes were lit up with delight—or maybe mischief—and a bad feeling tingled at the base of Ashley’s spine.

  “Speaking of extended family, your parents are here, Jamie. Why don’t I see if Barbara and Johnny can come to dinner on Sunday afternoon, and you can bring your father, Ashley. I can make a roast beef, and Barbara can make those potatoes everyone likes. Sean can eat roast beef, can’t he?”

  Ashley nodded her head and wondered how this conversation had changed direction so quickly.

  Carmen smiled and continued mumbling something about appetizers as she made a beeline toward the older couple who were being seated.

  Vicky patted her shoulder. “You’ll get used to Ma. She means well.”

  “Tonight’s my parents’ weekly date night.” Jamie set his napkin on the table. “I’ll try and head Mrs. D. off before she invites the whole wedding party on Sunday.”

  Ashley’s eyes widened. “She wouldn’t, would she?”

  “I’ve learned not to underestimate her,” Vicky said.

  Ashley gulped down a mouthful of wine. “You said something about world-renowned tiramisu later, right?”

  “Definitely world-renowned. I’d do almost anything for Vick’s tiramisu,” Jamie said.

  Vicky crossed her arms over her chest and gave her fiancé a pretty pout. “I thought you’d do anything for my cannolis.”

  Jamie smiled, which brought out the dimples in his cheeks. “I’d sit buck-assed naked in snow at the North Pole for one of your cannolis. I’d need at least boots for a piece of your tiramisu.”


  “Awww, how sweet. Tell your parents I’ll pop over in a bit,” Vicky replied.

  “Will do.” Jamie leaned over to give her a lingering kiss.

  The love they both felt was clear from the smiles and the smoldering glances, a reminder she’d never known a love such as theirs. But she could recall feeling the passion. Once. And that was from the man who drove her there and disappeared. She looked away, her face warm with a mixture of embarrassment and envy.

  “Get a room, will you?” Nick dropped into the chair across from Ashley.

  “Order for me. I’ll be right back,” Jamie said, before heading in the direction of his parents’ table.

  “Sorry I was long.” Nick picked up his wine and took a sip. “I hope my family didn’t drive you crazy.”

  Crazy didn’t even begin to explain the whirlwind she’d experienced.

  “No. Everything’s fine,” Ashley said. Nick didn’t need to know how much she was already stressing over Sunday.

  The waitress served their salads and took their dinner order.

  Vicky reached across the table and grabbed a chunk of bread. “Ma railroaded her into bringing her father to Sunday dinner, and she’s inviting Jamie’s parents, too.”

  Nick raised an eyebrow. “Ma’s been busy.”

  Vicky rolled her eyes. “Did you expect anything less?”

  “If you’re not comfortable with your dad coming over, I’ll make an excuse. Ma can be a little overbearing,” Nick said.

  “No, it’s fine.” Although presumptuous, Carmen’s intentions were good. And truth be told, her father had been asking about meeting Nick’s parents, so perhaps it was better for it to happen sooner than later.

  When Jamie returned, Ashley leaned forward and whispered to Nick, “Everything okay with Vinnie?”

  Nick shrugged. “Wasn’t the worst conversation we’ve ever had. I asked if he’d give Sean pointers during our next game. Vin is quick on his feet and can show Sean some tricks.”

  “He’d appreciate that. All he’s done since Sunday is walk around with the glove and ball,” Ashley said.