Tangled Hearts

by Tea DeLuca

  Chapter 12

  Melissa couldn’t hide the starch in her smile or the stiffness of her posture when Mark arrived at her apartment for the movies. He sensed she was miffed over his last text, but he ignored it, hoping to let the evening unwind naturally and let Fred and Ginger fill in for the awkwardness. The movie theater was packed for this kind of nostalgic event, and he snagged two of the last seats in the very back, the make-out row. She lost a little of her edge as he handed her the buttered popcorn and waited for the first of the marathon movies to begin.

  “You are my business,” she suddenly said, referring to the text. “We’re going out, aren’t we?”

  He was spared responding as the music drowned out the crowd, and two 1940s dancers graced the screen. Thank God. He had no desire to define their relationship here in this very public place. Halfway through the second movie, she set the popcorn on the floor and lifted the armrest between them. She leaned closer, letting her hand stroke leisurely up and down his thigh. He focused harder on the movie, watched older couples cuddle together, and finally held her hand between his. She sighed and ducked under his arm to snuggle against his chest. He loved the older movies, the synchronized dancing, and the ultimate love stories. His movies to her romance novels, his Jack to her Jill, his…damn, he was thinking about Mags again.

  Melissa’s mood improved further hours later as they caught a light supper accompanied by a dark rich bottle of Merlot. The doctor was more than a little tipsy as she kissed him in the front seat of his car and attempted to climb over the console. Once at her apartment all bets were off as she quickly attacked the buttons on his shirt and shoved it off his shoulders. He brushed back her auburn hair, the red brighter tonight complimenting the rich red of her lips. She was here in his present, the beautiful uncomplicated doctor.

  He teased a nipple through the sheer fabric of her blouse till she pushed away his hands and motioned for him to follow her into the bedroom. She positioned him on the edge of the bed then backed away, fire lighting her eyes. “Enjoy, honey.”

  Slowly, she swayed before him, unbuttoning her blouse and rubbing it back and forth along her body before discarding it over her shoulder. She unhooked her bra, swinging it back and forth then tossing it at him. Her breasts bobbed in front of his face as she leaned in while unsnapping her jeans. The strip tease had his dick focused and ready. Avoiding his reach, she forced jeans and panties down in one motion. Now standing before him only in pale blue wedges, she laid one foot strategically in his lap. He unbuckled the strap, slid off the shoe, and glided his hands up her calf and thigh. He reached for her other foot, giving it the same warm affection. Straddling his lap, she rubbed against his erection through his jeans that tightened as the friction burned in his pants. She reached into the drawer of her nightstand and threw several condoms on the bed. Gliding his hands up her back, he jerked on her hair and pulled her mouth to him. Heat, his skin flushed with her scent. She, releasing him, sheathing him, and riding him to completion. He tried to move her aside, but she held him tighter.

  “Mark, hold me.” There was desperation in her voice he didn’t understand.

  “What’s wrong, Melissa?”

  “Nothing, lie down with me. Mark, why don’t you ever take me to your apartment?”

  “Your place is more convenient, I guess. I never thought about it.” Where was this going?

  “I want to see your place. Next time we go there.”

  “No.” It slipped out of his mouth without conscious thought.

  “Why?” Her nails scraped along his chest, but he felt rather than saw something brewing.

  “It’s not a big deal. Don’t make it one, honey.”

  “You’re locking away a part of your life, your place that you share with Liddy. I think she should see our relationship grow.”

  “I’ve already told you how I feel about this. I’m not bringing Liddy into this until I’m sure we have a future.”

  He saw the effort it took for her to control her anger. “If we don’t have a future, then what are we doing here? Liddy knows me. It would be perfectly natural for her to see us together, see us waking up together in the morning.”

  His anger ignited. “She is three, and I’m not letting a string of women waltz in and out of her life.”

  His words crushed her. He saw the flash in her eyes and the rage. “String of women? That’s what I am? Just another notch on your belt, a pleasant diversion while you pine away for the girl that got away?”

  Target hit dead on. “I’m not pining away over anyone. What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Stacy warned me about the girl you almost married. Said your marriage never had a chance with her always between you.”

  Mark saw red. “Did my ex tell you a few months after Liddy was born she fucked one of my friends? That was the reason we finally called the divorce lawyers.”

  She ran at him, fists clenched at her side. “Stacy said she turned to Mitch, because you fell in love with being a father. Between Liddy and the ghost, there wasn’t any room for her.”

  Mark grabbed her arms and pushed her back on the bed. “Sue me. I love my daughter, and I can’t believe you and Stacy sit around and discuss me like…” He couldn’t find the words. “We weren’t a love match. We were a one-night stand that turned into a marriage when Stacy showed up scared and pregnant. There was no foundation to build a relationship on, and I don’t intend to make the same mistake again.” He almost made it to the door.

  “Mark, wait, I’ve never been insecure, but I’ve never wanted the happily ever after with a man before. I think I’m falling in love with you.”

  How could they be this far apart? She was beautiful, fun, smart, but it was sex, not love.

  “Look, it’s just moving too fast. I have Liddy this weekend. I’ll call you Monday.”

  “You will, please.” She slipped her arms around his waist.

  “I will.” He ran the three floors down to his car and squealed the tires pulling away. He needed to run to clear his head. Changing his clothes and his shoes, he plugged in his earbuds and started his run. He was running from life, running from Melissa, running from everything that meant anything to him except Liddy. Thank God he’d have Liddy tomorrow.

  Chapter 13

  Mags fingered her charm bracelet as she waited in Dr. Stratton’s waiting room. Several women with small children looked exhausted and depleted. She couldn’t have imagined fighting breast cancer and tending to a family. How she wanted a child of her own to love and mother, but Dr. Stratton had ignored her questions regarding fertility. Had the radiation done her any lasting harm? She picked up a magazine then threw it back on the table. She didn’t have the patience to read. She hated doctors, hospitals, and, worst of all, waiting for tests. She felt good, took her meds faithfully, but she learned quickly cancer didn’t fight fair.

  Her phone buzzed, and she quickly responded to Craig’s text confirming their date. He had wanted to take her to Clips for the 1940s movie marathon, but she had shot that down immediately. Song and dance movies were Mark’s passion, and she couldn’t watch them with anyone else. Instead, they opted for a completely unhealthy fast food dinner and a walk by the beach. She was looking forward to it. He was an older nice man, interesting and fun, and nothing like Mark.

  Her hand unconsciously tugged on her bracelet again. Mark must have thought he was in the twilight zone last night, a step back in time. She couldn’t explain she kept the apartment the same and accepted the dog, because she believed he’d realize he loved her someday and come home. Never did she consider he wouldn’t want her without a damn piece of paper. Then when she began treatments, she needed the familiarity of her life, needed him, and that was the only place she found him. Feeling stronger, she thought again about moving. Mark had suffocated her last night. Broad and strong, he filled the apartment and made a friend in her traitorous dog, but he had called it that night at the restaurant. Walk away. She had wanted him to kiss her again like he had at
the bookstore. What was he thinking? And then blaming her for the breakup. He was out of his mind.

  “Magnolia Blossom.”

  She groaned and followed the pretty receptionist to the scales. Magnolia Rose Blossom. Imagine attaching that name to an infant baby you supposedly loved. Her mother hadn’t realized the torture and teasing she’d endure in middle school. To everyone she was Maggie except Mark. He decided quickly she was Mags, and it stuck. She tugged her shirt over her head and put on the paper gown. Impatiently, she tapped her foot till Dr. Stratton came in.

  “Hello, Magnolia. How are you doing?”

  “Well, I think.” The doctor looked strangely tired today and even a little angry.

  “Let’s take a look at your incision again.” Pulling back the paper gown with her gloved fingertips, she traced the scar around her left breast and the smaller cross above. “Seems to be healing nicely. Your test results came back normal, although one enzyme was a little elevated. I’m taking you off these two medications, but I want you to stay on the third till your next visit.”

  “All right.”

  “Do you have any questions for me? I see you gained back five pounds. Appetite better?”

  “Yes, I’m hungry most of the time.” She took a deep breath. “Do you think the radiation will affect my ability to have a child?”

  Dr. Stratton continued making notes then met her patient’s eyes. “The most important thing is your life, Magnolia. When you’re ready to start a family, if there are fertility issues, we’ll refer you to the right doctor. Adoption is always an option. Are you seeing someone? I’d want you off all medications before you attempt to have a child.”

  “Just going out. No one special.” The blush crept over her cheeks quickly.

  “Would you like birth control for now?”

  For a minute Mags caught her breath. She had always relied on the guy to provide protection, but technically it was her responsibility, too. Mark had always used condoms, and there hadn’t been much action in that area of her life since the cancer. “Maybe after I’m off the last medication.”

  Dr. Stratton nodded. “Did you see the therapist I recommended?”

  “No.” Mags felt the tears. She didn’t need a therapist for the cancer. It was medical, and she was handling it, but a therapist wouldn’t be able to tell her how to forget Mark. “I have her card for now.”

  “I offer my patients as much support as I can, Magnolia. I know things have been tough for you. I’ll see you in a month and remember no alcohol.”

  Mags dressed and wondered how a professional woman like Dr. Stratton always seemed so confident and controlled. She had been giddy over the new boyfriend when she saw her at the club. Maybe she was just happy.

  She checked in at the shop, pleased that her deliveries had arrived.

  “This looks like a box of little girls’ dresses,” Sandy pointed out. “Do you want me to put them out on the floor?”

  “Put the box in my office, please. They have to be catalogued and inventoried first. Ask Ronnie to assemble two or three racks, too. They were a little expensive for a child’s dress, thought special occasion dresses, so I want to put them on the floor quickly. I can’t have these sitting in the stockroom.”

  Her phone buzzed again in her pocket. Counting the minutes, Magnolia. Can’t wait for our date.

  She knew little about him, and he knew little of her, but she had a good feeling. Me, too. Don’t be late.

  When she finished adding the dresses to her computer list, Ronnie poked his head in. “I assembled two racks. Need more?”

  “Two should be fine. Can you carry this box back to the front for me? Tell Sandy to wait. I want to arrange them.”

  Ronnie lingered at the door. “Everything all right with your appointment?”

  “Yes, thank you. I just want to check my email, and I’ll be right out.” Another message from Gayle caught her eye. She had been a good friend; the only one who even talked to her after the breakup. She should have told her, been honest about what was happening in her life, but she couldn’t. She didn’t want the rest of them especially Perry finding out. Asshole was her least favorite of Mark’s friends for good reason. He had made it clear he didn’t think she was good enough for his friend. He resented Mark spending so much time with her and moving in with her. She opened Gayle’s email and felt worse.

  Just letting you know I’ll be home soon, and I haven’t decided if I’m going to hug you or kick your ass. I want to know what has been happening with my friend. Hot guys? The store? How are you doing? Get ready, Magnolia. You’re going to spill it all.

  Damn, she loved Gayle. When she heard cancer, something inside of her closed up. As much as she didn’t want to be alone, she had shut everyone out. Sorry, Gayle. Hurry home, and we’ll catch up. She closed her computer and pushed aside the gloomy thoughts. She had survived cancer and lost Mark. Not tonight. Tonight was about getting to know Craig, and if she didn’t hurry, she’d be late. She quickly arranged the dresses by size and color on the racks and glanced at the price tag. One hundred dollars for a two or three-year-old child’s dress. Yet, the neighborhood had supported her high-end women’s fashions. She had a good feeling about the children’s clothes she’d invested in.

  Rushing home, she barely had time to change into a casual sundress, feed the dog, and walk her to the end of the block before Craig knocked on her door. He looked sharp, all tanned and beachy in cargo shorts and a light linen shirt. She had never dated an older guy, but even the touch of gray at his temples was attractive.

  He pulled her to a stop once they reached the street level. “This is a little embarrassing, Maggie, but my kids are in the car.”

  “Your kids?” She had a moment of sheer panic. They were nowhere near a place ready to meet family.

  “I just need to drop them off at my mother’s. She’s taking Ryan to baseball practice and Tammy to ballet in the morning.”

  He opened the door of the front seat, and Ryan stared angrily at his father. He wasn’t moving from his shot-gun position. “Maggie, Ryan.”

  She didn’t even have time to answer hi before Ryan admonished his father they needed to go and slammed the door. Apologetically, Craig opened the back door, and Maggie slid in beside his younger daughter. “Maggie, Tam.”

  “Are you my dad’s new girlfriend?” Patterned shorts, bright yellow tank top, and most of her black hair blue, Craig’s fourteen-year-old glanced over her.

  “We’re just going out tonight.”

  “What about Julie, Dad?”

  Craig looked uncomfortable as he caught her eye in the rear-view mirror. “What about her, Tam?”

  “She’s closer to your age, isn’t she?” Ryan clarified.

  Maggie stifled a giggle. These kids were out of a horror movie. When their father pulled up to Grandma’s house, Tammy leaped from the car without a look back. “I’ll pick you guys up tomorrow.”

  “Convenient,” Ryan glared at Maggie. “No one to get in the way tonight, right, Dad? Have fun kids.” Craig looked like he could kill and bury his teenage son without a second thought.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to start our date this way.”

  Maggie pushed open the car door and climbed in the front seat. “What way? Date starts now, and I’m starving. What’s for dinner?”

  He squeezed her hand across the console as he pulled back into traffic. “I wish I had planned something expensive tonight. I thought casual would be more relaxing, easier getting to know one another.”

  “I’m a casual girl. Hit one of the restaurants on the drive to the beach. You promised me a walk.”

  Craig’s arm shifted around her as they waited in line for burgers and fries. It stayed around her as they ate on a picnic table and told stories. How he dated in college where he met his wife. How he could take a transmission apart and put in back together at light speed. How his kids weren’t really possessed, just grieving for their mother and not very forgiving of his relatively non-existent soc
ial life. He was interested in her life, too, but she kept her answers deliberately vague and short. She didn’t want to talk about Mark or the cancer. She focused on the businesswoman, her college class, and her dog.

  He held her hand as they walked along the beach. The sun set with vibrant oranges and reds then the moon lit the water and sparkled against the shore. He picked up a shell, and she flashed back to a different night, warm and humid in late summer. She had a sill full of the shells Mark had carried for her while she searched the sand and studied each one.

  “Maggie,” he tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “You’re a beautiful woman, and I’m attracted to you.” He dropped the shell into her pocket as his arms wrapped around her. Strong arms, muscular arms, but not the safe protective arms of Mark. He pulled her closer, tipped her chin, and brushed his lips against hers. She wanted the kiss, wanted to feel alive and desired again, wanted to sink slowly into his heat. He teased lightly, brushing his fingers against the side of her breast. She fought the impulse to push him away despite her heart screaming he wasn’t Mark. Walk away. (I am.) Walk away. (I’m trying.) Walk away. (We’re over.) He kissed her more deeply, his body so strong against her, forcing her arms around his neck. His hand slid around her hip and collected under her rounded ass.

  “Stop.” She pushed him harder than she needed as his arms fell away.

  “Magnolia, I’m sorry.”

  “No, please, don’t be. That was a little too fast, Craig, but I’m attracted to you, too.”

  He took her hand again, kissed the palm, and walked her farther down the beach. “So, my clumsiness didn’t scare you off?”

  “Nope, that was quite smooth actually.”

  “And my obnoxious kids didn’t scare you off either?”

  “Not a chance,” she grinned at him.

  “You are a very special lady, Magnolia Blossom.” He kissed her again, gentle and warm with promise and hope.