Vanilla Twist: A Walk on the Wild Side Novel (Heather and Tony, Book 2)

by C. J. Ellisson

  The shock she was hoping for doesn’t happen, as Heather responds in stride, “Oh, you mean the baby you’re having, the one you hope is Tony’s? Let’s just wait and see how the test comes out at the twenty week mark, shall we?”

  “Well, well, well. Isn’t this just adorable?” She speaks to me, ignoring Heather. “You found someone you can talk to. Bully for you. I should have known there was a reason you didn’t want to give us a shot again. Why couldn’t you have just told me yourself?”

  I step toward Portia, hoping to usher her toward the door, but seeing the determined look on her face I doubt I’ll be very successful. “I was a complete jerk when you told me. I’ll own up to that. I never told you about Heather because it didn’t relate to what happened with you and me. Whether you like it or not, I don’t have feelings for you. What happened between us is the past, Portia. You’ll do better to accept that and move on.” I reach for her arm, hoping I can gently steer her out, only to have her twist out of my grasp.

  “Not so fast there, Tony.” Her gaze settles on Heather and my blood starts to boil. I won’t allow her to hurt the woman I love. “Are you going to stick around for the twenty week mark, sugar?” Portia smirks, an evil look on her face. “How about the full nine months to see the beautiful baby? You may be here now, but are you in it for the late night feedings?” Her lips turn up in a derisive snarl. “You gonna change my baby’s diapers for Tony?”

  Heather walks closer and stands next to me. Her hand links with mine and grips hard. “I’m in it for the long haul, Portia. So you better get used to seeing my face.”

  Portia’s expression turns bitter. “Yeah, until he gets tired of you. Just like he did me.” Having spewed enough drama, she turns and stalks out, leaving the gallery.

  I squeeze Heather’s hand and let go, then march to the door to lock it behind the hormone-crazed woman.

  I return to where we were standing and take the slim woman in my arms, noting she’s no longer shaking from nerves like she was when we came in. “I’m sorry about that. If I’d known she was going to pull something like this I would have warned you—or, I dunno, planned something else.” I sigh and hold her close. “Please don’t let her ruin this experience for you.”

  “Me? Don’t you worry about me, Tony. You’ve got your hands full with that one. I don’t envy you.”

  “With any luck, the baby won’t be mine.”

  Heather leans back to look into my face “She mentioned a detective. I take it you’ve hired one, too?”

  I nod. “I’d hoped to dig up other potential fathers.”

  “Any luck?”

  “Unfortunately… no. She dated a couple of other guys, but nothing concrete has come up.” Tension courses through me and I feel like punching a wall. This totally sucks. All of it. But I’ve got to let it go. There are some things in life that just are, and this is one of them.

  “Tony?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I’m here. I’ll be here. She won’t drive me away and neither will a baby.”

  “I hope so. It’s a lot to ask of someone, I know.”

  “I mean it, mister.” She stands on her toes and kisses me. “I’m in for the long haul.” She tugs my hand and leads me back to the gallery showcasing her art. “Look at what you’ve done for me. I mean it—look, you fool.” She motions around the room with her arms, then turns back to me. “No one has believed in me like you, no one but my parents. You’ve supported me through a situation that could have lost you your job, bought me a fancy camera so I could pursue a passion, cheered me on when I tackled a new position at work, built me a freakin’ studio in your apartment, and then you’ve gone and done—” She sweeps an arm behind her. “This!”

  I smile at her enthusiasm, pleased she’s so happy, deciding it’s a good time to come clean about everything. “And then there’s the car…”

  “You mean the car you lent me? Holy crap, Tony! What did you do?”

  “Well, I did mention that Gino owns a car dealership… so, I may have purchased a demo car in your name…”

  “No way!” She launches herself at me, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Tony! You are too much!”

  I hold her close and breathe in her scent, grateful she’s not mad. “What’s the point of having all this money if you can’t do something nice for the person you…”

  She stills in my arms. “The person you… what?”

  I stare into her dark as sin eyes and leap off the abyss. “For the person you love.” My mouth finds hers and I pour my desire for her into the kiss.

  Chapter Twenty One

  Heather

  As his mouth moves over mine, there’s a wrenching in my chest. This is it. This is love. The big showy emotion so many of us are afraid of, and yet the elusive one so many of us seek.

  I knew I felt it for him, but I wasn’t sure if he felt the same way, so I held back. Not a lot, but enough to protect my heart should he decide he’d lost interest.

  “I could never lose interest in you.” Oh my God, I must have said that last bit out loud. “You’re the bravest—most incredible—woman I’ve ever met.” He reaches a hand down and cups my ass in his palm. “You’ve made me a better man. I don’t ever want to let you go.”

  I resist hiking a leg up around his waist and grinding against him, but just barely. “You…” my breath pants out, heart pounding like I’ve sprinted a mile. “You’re amazing.”

  Tony eases me away from his front, his erection clear behind the fabric of his fly. “I’m pretty sure Francesco has cameras in here. We may want to tone it down.”

  “Wait ’til I get you home, mister.”

  Despite our blossoming love choking the air, and the giddy, stupid smiles neither of us can hide, we manage to eat the meal Tony arranged and then slowly peruse all the photographs on display—all while sipping champagne. It was simply mind-blowing. Tomorrow is going to be a night like no other. Geez, tonight is already a night like no other. Seems like we’re experiencing lots of firsts together. And what could be better?

  Tomorrow night, my work will be on display in a gallery—a gallery in Manhattan no less. I never would have dreamed such a thing could happen. I never would have thought my work was worthy if it wasn’t for Tony. A hobby. One I have a passion for, sure. But good enough that people wanted to buy it? Unreal.

  And judging by the high price tags, which Tony assured me is really not too high for a print, it looks like Francesco believes in my work, too. What will my friends and co-workers say tomorrow? How will the patrons of the gallery receive it? I’ll find out soon. And with luck, maybe we’ll spend most of the time between now and then naked so I won’t have to think about it too much. My vomiting the other night was embarrassing. I’ve come so far and grown so much, it felt like the old, post-Jimmy Heather rather than the current me.

  But no more. I’m not the insecure woman who did whatever her boyfriend wanted just to keep him happy. Now I’m the woman who embraces her sexuality and goes after what she wants. If I’m occasionally derailed by bouts of anxiety and fear, I’m still a stronger woman than I ever was before meeting Tony.

  I’m keenly aware neither of us has actually uttered the three little words I love you, yet, but maybe we can rectify that tonight when our clothes come off and we have a chance to express how we feel physically—which always seems easier for me. The unexpected clash with Portia is behind us and nothing stands in the way of enjoying the rest of the evening alone.

  We take a cab back to my place, both of us too eager to wait for a hired car. Tony’s palm locks to mine as the elevator ascends, and I swear my heart feels like it’s going to beat right out of my chest. His thumb caresses the back of my hand, making me hyper-aware of the handsome man standing next to me.

  “Is it me,” I venture in a hushed tone, “or does it feel like the first time all over again?”

  Tony chuckles, low and masculine, causing my toes to curl in my heels. “If I’m remembering correctly, we were both racin
g to get here after sexting each other at work.” The doors open and he tugs me into the hall. “I’d say this instance will be even better.”

  He uses his key to unlock my door and a warm feeling cascades through me. It’s the first time we’ve arrived here together where he’s used his key to get in. It feels really nice, like he’s always belonged here.

  Once the door closes, Tony leans me against it, cradling my cheeks in his hands. My breath hitches as he lowers his mouth to mine. The soft tenderness of his lips feels like a tease, enticing me with the heat I know he has banked below the surface. The same heat I have for him.

  I reach up and run my fingers through his hair, twining them through the soft strands and tugging, drawing him closer for more pressure. Chocolate and champagne linger in his mouth, driving me to suck and pull his questing tongue deeper. A murmur of appreciation sounds deep in his chest, encouraging me to go further.

  Right as I slide a hand down to cup his growing erection, his phone rings.

  I pull back and look into his eyes. “Are you going to answer it?”

  He grunts and reaches to pull me closer. “No.”

  It rings again.

  Gratitude washes through me. This is the man who, a little over a month ago, couldn’t live without his damn phone. But still, I resist his advance. I’m curious. “It’s after ten. On a Friday. Could it be one of your brothers?”

  It rings again. “Don’t care,” he says, stepping near, trying to recapture my mouth.

  I evade him and laugh. “Aren’t you even going to look?” It’s amazing how I have no lingering fear or doubt, that even if it is an old fling calling for a booty call he wouldn’t care.

  He sighs heavily, acting all put out. “All right. I’ll look.” Tony checks the screen and his face falls. “It’s Portia. And I did promise I wouldn’t dodge her calls anymore.”

  I’m a little annoyed at myself for pushing him to check and secretly hope she doesn’t abuse his promise too much in the future.

  “Hello?” he pauses for a second, his face creasing with worry. “Okay, calm down. I’ll meet you at the hospital. Which one are you going to?” He nods while listening. “Try not to panic. Can you get there on your own?” He looks to me, concern in his eyes. “Trust them, they know what they’re doing.”

  He hangs up the phone. “Portia’s bleeding. She called an ambulance. They’re taking her to the hospital.”

  “An ambulance? Is it that bad?”

  Tony shrugs. “I’m not sure. She’s scared and doesn’t have a fast way there. I don’t blame her for not wanting to take a cab. I’ve got to go. She thinks something may be happening with the baby.” He runs a hand over his head, looking a little lost. “Will you come with me?”

  “Of course.” The answer leaps to my lips without any hesitation. I may not be happy about another woman having his baby, but I’d never leave his side when he needs me.

  We arrive and they tell us nothing. We’re not technically family, so I understand, but it’s not easy. It’s much harder for Tony to sit and wait. I see the old executive authority rolling off him, demanding to break free and insist on an update. The doctors come and go, but reveal nothing, not even acknowledging we’re there. Then again, it’s late on a Friday night. I’m sure they’re busy due to the craziness of the weekend.

  After two hours, we’re allowed in to see Portia, at her request. She’s crying, tears streaming down her face while she sits in the hospital bed, all alone, no supportive parents in sight. My gut twists at her obvious grief.

  Now is not the time for petty differences, and Tony looks like he has no idea what to do. I rush forward and take her hand, “Are you okay?”

  She nods, looks down at our clasped hands and squeezes my hand in return. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure if you’d come. I’m glad you did.”

  Tony stands beside me, uncertainty in his face. “Is the baby okay? Did they stop the bleeding?”

  I resist stomping on his foot. He really is a clueless guy sometimes.

  A laughing sob escapes the shattered woman. “There is no baby.”

  “Portia, I’m so sorry,” I say, reaching out and rubbing her upper arm.

  She wipes her eyes and nose with her free hand. “Funny thing, you sound like you mean it.”

  “I do. I’d never wish a miscarriage on anyone.”

  She drops my hand and reaches for the box of tissues near her hip. After blowing her nose, she says, “Turns out there never was a baby.”

  Tony tenses beside me.

  Unsure what will come out of his mouth, I ask, “What do you mean? Didn’t you have a positive blood test?”

  Portia nods. “I did. When I arrived, the bleeding was light. The doctors first said if they could get it to stop I might be okay. Then they did an ultrasound to check and make sure the baby was okay. That’s when they told me there was no embryo. I was never pregnant in the first place.”

  “How could that be?” Tony asks, genuine concern in his tone. “I saw the test. Your blood had enough growth hormone in it to indicate a healthy first trimester pregnancy.”

  “Some such shit called a ‘blighted ovum.’ My body thought it was pregnant and acted like I was. Gestational sac, growth hormones, everything. But no baby.” Tears pour anew down her face. “At first, I wasn’t so sure I wanted to be pregnant. But I’d come to terms with it, you know?” She grabs more tissues.

  Tony reaches out and takes her hand. “Yeah, I do know. I’m really sorry, Portia.”

  “I wasn’t trying to trap you, Tony. I just didn’t want to face the future on my own.”

  My heart hurts, witnessing her sadness. I may not have liked her, but she didn’t deserve this.

  “You wouldn’t have been alone.” He says softly. My heart hurts at the loss I hear in both their voices. “I would have helped with the baby.”

  She sniffs loudly. “Oh God, this is so much harder than I bargained for. I wasn’t ready to be a mom. But now I don’t even have a chance to change.”

  Tony squeezes her hand before letting go. “You already have.”

  We stay with her a while, until Tony convinces her to call her parents. Even though the baby crisis is past she should still talk to them and let them help her when she needs it.

  Once her folks arrive, we leave. The journey back to my place is silent. Neither of us ready to talk after the emotionally draining experience. A part of me wants to climb into bed and pull the covers high, shutting out the rest of the world for a while, but another part of me feels restless, too.

  When we enter my apartment I go straight the kitchen, needing to be doing something.

  “Coffee?” I ask while getting out the supplies.

  “Thanks.”

  In a few minutes the coffee is brewing and the air fills with the rich aroma. I move to Tony and lean into his chest, wrapping my arms around his waist.

  “I’m not sure what to say.”

  He sighs and surrounds me with his arms. “Me either. I feel sorry for Portia. And I’m ashamed of the relief I feel.”

  “I understand. I feel the same way.” I lean back to peer up at his face. He looks haggard and tired. “Think she’ll be okay?”

  “I don’t know. I hope so. Her parents seemed concerned and supportive when they got there. I’m sure they’ll help her through it.”

  “Should we check on her? You know, in a week or so?”

  He sighs, sounding like a weight is on his chest. “I have no idea. I guess a phone call would be the right thing to do.”

  I nod.

  “You were great, by the way.” He kisses me on the forehead. “Thanks.”

  “Me? I didn’t do anything.”

  “You were decent to her, which is more than she expected. I saw the surprise on her face.”

  I shrug, uncomfortable with the praise when it was the right thing to do. “I’m sure she would have done the same for someone else.”

  “I doubt it… but she might now.”

  We fix our coffee and mo
ve to the couch, Tony pulling the blanket over our legs.

  “How are you doing?” I ask, draping my legs over his. “And I mean really doing. You seemed to have come to terms with the possibility of a baby… and now it’s gone.”

  “I feel…” he shrugs. “I’m not sure. Years ago I thought I didn’t ever want to become a father. Now… now it seems like an idea I could look forward to.”

  Warmth swells inside me. If anyone had told me a jet-setting playboy would turn around to be such a decent, stand-up guy, I would never have believed them. If I hadn’t witnessed his growth firsthand I would have brushed it off as hearsay. Tony has become a man any woman would be honored to have at her side.

  Tony runs a warm hand over my thigh. “And now we’ve got a gallery showing and dinner with my mom to look forward to. Aren’t you lucky?”

  “I am lucky. I’m a little panicky, too. Will your brothers come to the showing tomorrow, so at least I’m not meeting everyone for the first time on Sunday?”

  Tony nods, his hot palm settling very close to the juncture between my thighs. “I’m sure they’d both like to come. Work might get in the way for Vinnie, we’ll see. They only had great things to say about the prints they saw.”

  “They didn’t tease you about the risqué ones?”

  “Not really.” Tony raises a shoulder, expressing unconcern. “I’m sure they’ll wait for an audience to really lay it on.”

  We cuddle in silence on the couch, tension from the night easing out of both of us little by little as we enjoy the coffee.

  “Thank you for tonight,” Tony says. “I really appreciate you coming with me and standing by my side. It means a lot to me.”

  I sip my coffee and smile. “You’re welcome. You mean a lot to me, too.”

  He takes my mug and sets it and his own on the coffee table. “That’s it, huh?” There’s a twinkle in his eye. “I ‘mean a lot to you’?”