Tangled Hearts

by Tea DeLuca

  “Mark, sweetheart, how wonderful to see you.”

  He set down his bag and kissed her cheek. “Let me grab coffee, and we’ll talk.”

  Indeed, they would, Mrs. Harrington thought. Her handsome son had two offers on the table. One from God himself, a woman equal to his station, one who would complement his career, and give her the additional grandchildren she longed for. The other sent by the devil to tempt and destroy both his sanity and his life. There was no way she would let that happen to him or her precious Liddy.

  “What brings you to this side of town?” Mark asked as he settled across from his mother.

  “Shopping for your sister’s wedding. Before I called you, I ran into Stacy coming out of the shop right there across the street.”

  Mark played his most effective nonchalant expression he used in court when the prosecutor caught him by surprise. “What was she doing in there?”

  “Picking up Liddy’s dress. It’s so pretty, honey, and your daughter may only be three, but that child will be a stunner. You’re going to have to beat the boys off her.”

  And he would. Planned on it someday when some adolescent boy came sniffing around his baby girl. Mark smiled in the way of a proud papa.

  “Stacy was with another woman. You haven’t told us about Melissa.”

  Damn. “Nothing to tell. We’ve gone out a few times.”

  “And you invited her to Italy? Sounds pretty serious to me.”

  His mother’s stare reminded him of all the times he had tried to deceive her. She never took anything at face value, but she was wrong this time. “Melissa and I have had a misunderstanding about Italy. Nothing’s settled. We’ll talk about it later. How’s Dad?”

  “He’s fine. I spoke to Melissa, and she seemed quite excited about the trip. You don’t have to cover up with me, Mark. I liked her a lot.”

  Distractions had never worked with the mother that had invented the term multi-tasking. She remained focused on his budding romance. “She’s more into this relationship than I am.” He sipped his coffee.

  “Is that because of Magnolia?” Her eyes remained fixed on her cup.

  Mark’s coffee came dangerously close to spilling in his lap. “Why are you bringing up Mags?”

  She carefully set down her cup and removed her hat. “I spoke to Perry.” Mark’s temper flashed, but his mother was unconcerned. “Apparently, that woman is trying to hurt you all over again, trying to dig her claws…”

  “Stop.” Several patrons of the shop looked up. “Perry has a big mouth. I’ve run into Mags a few times, but there isn’t anything happening there.”

  “If you even think about resurrecting a relationship with that woman, I’ll …”

  “You’ll what?” Here is where his own stubbornness was about to clash with hers. It was his life.

  “I don’t want that woman around Liddy. I would have to take steps like before.”

  “Are you saying you’d take her away from me? Don’t forget I’m a lawyer and a damn good father. Wait…What do you mean like before?”

  “It isn’t important now.”

  “It’s important to me. What did you mean?”

  “I wasn’t going to let her hurt you again after the embarrassment she caused all of us at the wedding.”

  Mark reined in his temper. “What did you do?”

  “Not what I did. What I didn’t do. She called our home afterwards a few times, looking for you. Of course, I didn’t take her calls. She left messages, and I deleted them.”

  “And you didn’t tell me?”

  “You were already upset, and you didn’t need more grief from that woman.”

  Mark’s attention turned to the shop as Mags went inside. Had she seen Melissa? Would she connect Liddy to him? His head throbbed. He finished his coffee and rose. “I need to leave.”

  “Mark, this new woman is a blessing. She’s just what you need, and in the beautiful city of Rome, you may find yourself agreeing with me.”

  “I guess the next time I’ll see you will be at the wedding. Don’t be surprised if Melissa isn’t there.”

  He drove in circles for half an hour. Mags had called after that horrible day that fall. Did she want to apologize or say good-bye? She tore his heart out; he couldn’t look at her, listen to her try to explain why she didn’t want to be with him. And how much did she know? Did she know he was seeing her doctor? Or that Stacy was his ex and Liddy his little girl? He was going ahead with his plans for tonight. That was the only thing that made sense right now.

  Chapter 25

  Mags peeked in the oven and checked her chicken parmesan. The sauce oozed around the tender chicken fillets that she had pounded in her own kitchen, then breaded, and lightly browned before baking. The cheese, melted and golden brown, smelled amazing in the small apartment. She hoped Craig liked Italian. Her mother’s recipe had never let her down. While setting the table and lighting the candles, she hummed her favorite country songs. Rufus continued to nudge her with her snout, a clear indication she wanted to go out. Assured everything was ready, she leashed the dog and took her behind the building. “Sorry, girl. I don’t have time for a longer walk right now.”

  She wanted tonight to go well with Craig. With the cancer and the treatment and her self-imposed chastity, she was ready to feel close to a man again. Craig was a good guy, and she trusted him. He wasn’t a player, and tonight was about getting to know him on another level.

  The dog settled in on her blanket as she tossed the salad. She probably shouldn’t have planned this date here in her apartment. Too much of Mark was still here, but privacy was out of the question with two teenagers. Rufus growled when Craig knocked on the door. “Mind your manners,” she chided the dog. “Tonight isn’t about you.”

  Craig greeted her with a bouquet of daisies, a bottle of her favorite Riesling, and a kiss on the cheek. One drink couldn’t hurt after Dr. Stratton had eliminated several of her meds. Besides, it was rude not to drink his gift. Maybe just a little. While he expertly uncorked the bottle and filled their glasses, she brought the food to the table. “Let’s drink to us.” He tapped gently against her glass. “I like you a lot, Magnolia.” He moved closer, trapping her between the refrigerator and his tall lean body. His warm breath against her cheek, his hands cupping her shoulders, he drew her closer, pressing his lips to hers. She warmed slowly to his kiss, sweet, gentle, a tingle in the pit of her stomach. She pressed against him. She wanted fire, an explosion. She thought of Mark. She pushed back gently, and they moved to the table. Craig was definitely impressed with her culinary skills, taking two helpings. He squeezed her hand in his and told her stories of the crazy customers he dealt with on a daily basis. She agreed. How many women had passed through her shop without a clue as to what they wanted? He told her stories about his kids, about their interests in sports and dance, and ended up inviting her to Ryan’s next game. She was comfortable with Craig, though a little nervous as he refilled her glass and guided her to the sofa.

  He kissed her again. His hands moving quickly to the buttons on her shirt. Then he fondled her breast, squeezing and rubbing, through the lacey fabric of her bra. “Craig.” He was lost in her, overwhelmed with her simple floral scent, the soft music that filled the room, and the silk of her skin. She pushed him back harder than necessary, and his eyes met hers. “Did I do…”

  “No, it’s just too fast Craig.” Isn’t this what she thought she wanted?

  “You’re right. Listen, I’m out of practice, Mags, and I’m trying not to rush you, but I want you to know I’m serious about you.”

  Rufus barked several times and clawed the door. “Stop it, girl. I’m sorry. Go on.”

  “This isn’t a hookup, Maggie.” He chuckled at himself. “Learned that word from Ryan. We called it a one-night stand. That isn’t what this is. I want a future with you.”

  The dog barked louder, jumping against the door. That’s when Mags heard the knocking. “Someone is at the door, Craig. I can’t imagine… Mark,
what are you doing here?”

  The dog was all over him. Rufus, barking and jumping, licking his hand. “Hi, girl.” He rubbed her head and glanced at her bowl. “I came to take her for a walk.”

  “Now?” Mags asked with disbelief. “I told you I was entertaining tonight.”

  “I know. Hey, Craig. How are you?” Craig moved several steps behind Mags and circled her waist in a possessive hold. He watched Mark carefully, a mix of annoyance and amusement. “I thought our girl could use a walk. Don’t let me disrupt your evening. Just go back to what you were doing.”

  Mags’ fury could have easily killed him if unleashed, but the dog stood protectively at his side. “Oh, damn, what do I smell? Did Mags make her chicken parm for you? You’re a lucky man, Craig. No one makes Italian like Mags.”

  “Mark, stop this.”

  “Sorry, babe. I’ll get out of your way. Come on, Rufus. See you two later.”

  Mags slammed the door behind him. “I am so sorry, Craig.”

  He locked the door and pulled her back to the sofa. He was not going to be put off. “Let me try this again.” He tipped her chin and dropped to one knee. Mags panicked. What the hell was he doing? “I bought this for you.” He opened a tiny black box with a diamond engagement ring. The single round stone was substantial and glistened in the candle light. “If you agreed to marry me tonight, I’d be the happiest man in the world.”

  “Craig, we don’t know each other well enough for this.”

  “I thought you might say that, but people marry for a lot of reasons, honey.”

  “We aren’t in love,” she said softly.

  “Maybe not yet, but in time we could grow to love one another. In the meantime, there is attraction, respect, and other things.”

  “I want a child,” she added firmly. “Maybe you don’t, having grown children.”

  “I’d do anything for you. My kids haven’t been in diapers in a long time, but I’d consider it for you.”

  “I can’t say yes, Craig. I like you, and you’re a great guy.”

  “I thought you’d say that, too, so, how about this? Keep the ring. Look at it, try it on occasionally. You’ll come to Ryan’s game, the barbecue with my neighbors over the weekend, and we’ll see where this relationship goes.”

  She knew she couldn’t. He deserved so much more than a maybe. The knock at the door interrupted them again. She was going to kill him. Rufus preceded him in. “She’s such a great dog, Mags.” He met her hostile glare and decided he had come this far, and he was hungry. He took a plate from the cupboard and filled it from the leftover casserole on the table. “I never could resist your chicken, honey.” He sat down at the table and poured more wine into her glass. “You’re not supposed to drink,” he pointed out.

  “Mark, get out.”

  “I will when I’m done.” She knew better than to drink, and now he was angry.

  “You’re done.”

  “You want me toss him out, Magnolia?”

  Fuck, he wanted to hit something ever since Craig had wrapped his arm around her waist. He rose slowly from his seat. “You think you can do that, cowboy?”

  “Mark, please.” This was getting totally out of control. She positioned herself in front of him so he was forced to see only her. “Please,” her voice tender and calm. “Don’t do this. Please just leave.”

  He took another sip of her wine. What was he doing? He brushed his lips against her cheek and patted the head of the dog again. Then he slammed the door on his way out.

  “I’m sorry, Craig.”

  “Don’t be.” He held her against him. “It’s always better to know who your competition is.”

  Mags rested her head against his shoulder. She had no idea what the hell was wrong with Mark, but he certainly wasn’t her present. Craig was. “I’ll keep the ring, and we’ll see where this goes.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  Maybe.

  Chapter 26

  Mark sat in his car a long time parked across the street in front of her building. What had possessed him? He had behaved territorial like Mags belonged to him. Old habits were hard to break. He had to break the cycle. Seeing her and not being with her was turning him again into the jackass he had been after they broke up but that was before Craig and the cancer. Dark closed in quickly around him and deep in his heart. Why the hell was she drinking? Melissa had given her hell in the club that night. Apparently, a dangerous interaction could occur with the medications she was taking.

  Damn, he watched Craig leave by way of the front door; Mags walking him down and kissing him on the stoop. He had seen it, sparkling and glistening on the coffee table while he ate her chicken at the table. He didn’t react then, but his heart had dropped at the diamond engagement ring he offered. No doubt Craig was interested in Mags. No doubt he’d rush her into a loveless marriage. No doubt she’d suffer the same fate as he when she realized what he was coming to see. You can’t help who you love, and there aren’t any substitutes. He felt like he was losing her all over again, and it knocked the wind out of him.

  She came out of the building with Rufus. He straightened in his seat as she tried to rein the excited dog in. She was headed to the park. Was she crazy? This time of night with all the lunatics out on the street. Maybe he could arrange a casual meeting. He reached back for his running shoes and quickly changed. Every nerve in his body went on high alert. He moved his car up the street and stayed a good distance behind her as she entered the park. Then he veered to the right and circled the park. If she stayed on the straight path toward the lake, he’d appear in front of her. A chance meeting—nothing devious about that.

  But he hadn’t counted on Rufus. He spotted her and drew closer as the dog pricked her ears and tugged Mags harder. She barked wildly and yanked the leash out of Mags’ hands. She screamed frantically as the dog darted into the darkness toward a shadowy figure.

  Mags froze. She wanted her dog, but she was suddenly terrified of the man, running in the park who stopped to pet Rufus. Why did the damn dog seem so happy to see a stranger? He approached slowly with the leash wound around his hand. His voice commanding the dog who obediently and adoringly hung on every word. Mark. She made out his t-shirt and gym shorts as he grew closer.

  “Damn, disobedient dog,” she muttered, stroking her head.

  “She listens to me,” Mark said, avoiding her eyes. “Too late for you to be in this park, Mags. It’s not safe.”

  “You’re probably right,” she conceded, “but we were both restless and couldn’t sleep.”

  “How was the rest of your date?”

  If looks could kill, he’d be a dead man. She hesitantly sat beside him on the bench, facing the lake. “What the hell were you thinking, Mark? Were you really going to throw punches with Craig?”

  He scratched Rufus’ head, and the dog stretched out on the grass. “Your boyfriend ever challenges me again, I’ll lay him out.”

  “Why? Why do you care who I see?”

  “I don’t want you to make the same mistake I did. I don’t want you to be with someone you don’t love. You deserve more than that.”

  “You don’t know how I feel about Craig.”

  “You don’t love him, Mags. Maybe you like him, but that’s not enough.”

  “Experience talking?”

  He reached for her hand to cover with his. “I didn’t love my ex when I married her, and it predictably fell apart.”

  “Then why did you marry her if you didn’t love her?”

  He exhaled slowly. He had the perfect opening to tell her about Liddy, yet a part of him didn’t trust her, wouldn’t trust her with his daughter’s heart. “There were reasons at the time. I thought I could make it work. Then she found someone else, and it was over.”

  “Your wife cheated on you?” Mags asked. The woman must have been an idiot. To wake up to Mark every morning, to love him every night, to plan a future, and to know he belonged to her. What the hell was wrong with her?

  “Hap
pens, but in all fairness, there is more than one way to cheat. When you’re not completely vested in a marriage, there’s plenty of room for someone else to slip in.” His fingers threaded through hers. “Mags.”

  “We’d better go back now, Mark.” He held tighter to her hand that functioned as a portal. Pictures flowed between them of the life they used to have. Days on the beach warmed by the sun, picnics, old movie marathons, reading on the sofa till he tossed her book and delivered the real thing, making love, making out, spending a Sunday naked in bed. The rush of images leveled her, and she took a step back for balance. She should have married him.

  “Are you all right, Mags?”

  She nodded, walking out of the park. “I should have married you,” she said softly. “I would have if I’d had known how important the wedding was to you.”

  He studied her carefully in the shadows. That didn’t make sense. “I don’t understand.”

  “It doesn’t matter anymore,” she replied, climbing the steps to her building. “Good night, Mark.” She pulled her reluctant dog into the apartment and leaned against the door. If she had only known, he would leave her.

  Mark ran quickly back to his car. He couldn’t figure out what Mags had meant. He noticed another text from Melissa.

  Coming soon?

  Not tonight. He didn’t want to see Melissa tonight. He’d straighten things out with her soon, but tonight Mags was tugging at his heart again, and somewhere in her statement was an explanation he didn’t understand.

  Tired. Going home. Good night.

  Chapter 27