by Tea DeLuca
As he put away his groceries, tucking Liddy’s juice boxes behind his beer, he smiled at his plans for tonight. He was taking his best girl, his princess, on a Charleston carriage ride. She’d love the horses and a dog down the street at the hotdog stand. It would be late when they returned, but she could sleep in tomorrow. Then he’d take her to the beach or the zoo, her choice. Maybe she’d want to go back to the animal shelter. She was still adamantly campaigning for a husky. Rufus, the way it was supposed to be.
“Daddy!” came a scream as the door slammed into the wall.
“Princess.” He swung her up in his arms.
“Look, Daddy, look. The lady at the store gave her to me.” Liddy cradled the stuffed husky in her arms.
“Craziest thing,” Stacy piped up. She was carrying a large dress shop box. “Look at Liddy’s dress for the wedding.”
Mark was surprised how much he liked the dress. Color was pretty, the bow a nice touch, unadorned she was still his little girl. “Pretty dress for a pretty girl.” He set her on the counter in front of him.
“Tell Daddy about the lady, Mommy.”
“Yes, the store manager saw Liddy’s obsession with that stuffed dog. She talked about her own dog and helped me appease her before we left. When I picked up the dress, the dog was in the box with a note. No charge. Can you believe it?”
Yeah, he could believe Mags’ heart. “Did you thank the nice lady, honey?”
“We didn’t know it was in the box in the store, Mark, but I wanted to talk to her about a dress for me, and she was out of the store on an errand anyway.”
So, Melissa hadn’t seen Mags, and Mags didn’t know Stacy was his ex and Liddy his daughter.
“She hasn’t put that dog down since she got it and even takes it to bed with her. I’ll call and thank her soon. It was such a sweet thing to do.”
“Aunt Melissa bought a dress.”
“Did she, baby?” He handed her a juice box.
“Oh, God, yes. Your sister doesn’t stand a chance. Melissa’s going to steal the show. The dress is red, sexy, and so very Italian. You’re going to score big time, buddy.”
“What does it mean to score, Daddy?”
“Good job, Stacy. Daddy’s going to play football someday. How would you like to see horses?”
“Yes, now?”
“Right now. Go wash your hands, please.” The dog tucked under her arm, she skipped to the bathroom.
“Don’t glare at me, Mark. I’m so glad you invited Melissa. She’s so excited. I knew you two were right for each other.”
“I was drunk when I asked her, Stacy, and I’m planning on undoing it.”
“You can’t do that to her. She has her plane reservation, her new clothes, and this is about the two of you.”
“No,” Mark said angrily. “This is about my sister and her wedding. This is a few days in Italy to wine and toast the bride and groom and then return home. I have a practice that needs my attention.”
“Then why are you staying beyond the wedding?” Stacy asked.
“What are you talking about? The wedding is Saturday, and I fly home Sunday.”
“That’s not what Melissa said.” She recognized the anger igniting in Mark. “She said you were staying till the following Saturday after everyone leaves. A vacation you both need.”
He was going to wring her neck. He hadn’t checked the new reservations she had made. “I’m flying with Liddy both ways.”
Stacy shook her head again. “Apparently not. Liddy’s flying with me both ways.” Damn, she needed to warn Melissa. She had gone too far. A little push maybe, but Mark wasn’t the kind of man you trapped or manipulated. She had pissed him off and that wouldn’t be the romantic trip she envisioned. “What are you doing?”
“Checking my reservations online.” As he suspected, his three days in Rome were now ten days in Rome. When the hell was she going to tell him?
“I’m ready, Daddy.” This would have to wait till Sunday night when he returned Liddy to her mother. They were done, and whether Melissa vacationed in Italy was up to her, but it wouldn’t be with him. He was going alone and changing Liddy’s flight if possible.
“Mark, she meant well.” This was definitely not good. She had seen the tight line of his jaw and the angry dark eyes before. He could be stubborn as all hell. “What’s the harm of the two of you having a good time in Italy?”
“Liddy’s here, or I’d tell you in plain English.” He scooped his daughter up and held the door for his ex. “And stay out of this. It’s between Melissa and me.”
“Horses, Daddy.”
“Horses, baby.” Thank God he had his ray of sunshine.
Chapter 28
Mags snapped the box closed on the diamond engagement ring. She always thought she’d marry when she was hopelessly in love. Would things work out better if you liked the man, respected him, enjoyed being with him? She placed it back in her top dresser drawer and glanced at her image in the mirror. A few extra pounds gave her a healthy glow, though she still wasn’t sure her shorts and tank were totally appropriate to a backyard barbecue. Craig had said he lived on the outskirts of town in a little more rural area, rolling hills, lots of trees. He had an inground pool which he promised they’d enjoy at the end of the night, alone under the stars. She stared at her reflection. She hoped her smile wouldn’t seem forced or fake. Craig was giving her a glimpse of his life, the life he wanted her to embrace. Often, he and his neighbors enjoyed the pool, good food, and good company. She’d get to know Ryan and Tammy better, too. He had even invited Rufus. It all sounded so hopeful.
Mags drove slowly on the dirt road till it dead ended at Craig’s home. The two-story house on several acres of land was a smaller version of the plantation style homes typically seen in Charleston with a sprawling circular porch, dark blue shutters, and pots of brilliant flowers. As she slid out of her car, the gentle breeze picked up the scent of the flowers particularly vanilla liberally planted around the house and along the walk. Vibrant colors of azaleas in reds and oranges and the delicate magnolia, white with a touch of pink, stood out against the thick trees and bushes. The party sounded like it was coming from the back. Mags walked along the porch and wondered about the woman Craig had loved.
“Magnolia.” He crossed the yard to meet her. His cut-offs hung low on his hips, the sun kissing his tanned skin in his unbuttoned shirt, and his light brown hair with a touch of gray at the temples was wind-blown. He kissed her cheek as he did a thorough once over then snugged a possessive arm around her shoulders. Several couples nursed beers and eyed her curiously as he made the introductions. Other than the kids she had to be the youngest one there. His neighbors were Craig’s age, even older with children and grand-children, some of which played nearby. The water looked inviting in the warmth of the sun, but she wasn’t ready to strip down to her suit in front of these strangers. “Did you bring a suit? Can I get you a beer?”
“Wearing bathing suit under my clothes. Water, please, Craig.”
She wanted to see the inside of the house or maybe escape from the prying eyes and the knowing smiles. She spotted Tammy in a lawn chair by the pool as Craig turned to his duties as chef. From where the flames rose from his grill, he watched Magnolia settle beside his grumpy daughter and try to start a conversation.
“How’s the leg?” Mags asked.
Staring at her like she was a complete moron, she rolled her eyes. “It’s in a cast. How do you think?”
“Could be worse.” Mags ignored the surliness. “Beautiful day, pool, cool drink, good food, people waiting on you and hand and foot. Could be worse.”
“Right, I can’t dance or play ball for six weeks. Nothing could be worse.”
Mags dug in her bag for one of her discarded romance novels. How many books she had gone through at her treatments, sitting and waiting endlessly for a test or for a doctor, or at night when she couldn’t sleep she’d slip into her book world and forget the cancer. “I brought this for you. It’s one
of my favorites.”
Tammy read slowly over the back cover then set the book aside. “I don’t like to read.”
“Sometimes,” Mags said calmly, “there’s not much else to do when you’re sick or laid up.”
“Were you sick?” Tammy turned accusing eyes on Mags.
Mark was right. Tammy saw her now as a threat, imposing on her space as Craig brought her into his life and their home, and the obnoxious teenager didn’t like it. “I had…I mean I was off work for a while, and reading saved me.” Craig didn’t even know about the cancer, yet. She certainly didn’t want to share it with his daughter.
“You know you said people waiting on me?”
“Sure, what do you need?”
“Something to drink. Kitchen’s through those double doors.”
Mags was grateful for the opportunity to go inside. The sharp chill from the air conditioner felt amazing. The polished hardwood floors, the modern appliances and cooking island, the copper pots displayed on the wall were a chef’s dream. Mags tried to picture herself cooking her chicken, setting the table, and calling her family to meals. She set the drink on the counter and couldn’t resist taking a peek at the winding circular staircase just off the kitchen to the second floor and the open living area beyond. The room was beautiful in deep rich shades of blue and green. The sofa was white with a touch of yellow and scattered around the room were mementoes, shells, knickknacks, and pictures in elaborate frames. Most of the pictures sat on the intricately carved mantel. Pictures of Tammy and Ryan growing up, a younger Craig, and a beautiful dark-haired woman. The woman that had shared his life, birthed his children, loved him in one of the bedrooms upstairs.
“Dad said the pictures would have to go,” a surly Ryan greeted her. “You must be the reason, I guess.”
He was taller than his dad dressed in only his boxer trunks. His lean body hadn’t filled out yet, wasn’t a man’s body yet, but in a year he’d match Craig. “Why? There’s a history here.”
“But it’s not your history,” Ryan sniped. “That’s my mom.”
Mags nodded. “She was a beautiful woman, and you have a lot of happy memories here. I wouldn’t remove the pictures. This is the home you grew up in, Ryan. Your mother will always be here.”
“Dad said you wouldn’t want to live in another woman’s shadow.”
Craig had prepared them, a little prematurely, but if she was entertaining a life with him, this had to be addressed. “Ryan, I’m not going to erase the past or your mother. She was important to all of you. The pictures should stay.”
“And what if you have pictures?” he glared.
“There’s room for more pictures, hon, room for more people in all of our lives. When we run out of room on the mantel, we can hang some of the pictures on the walls or use some of the other tables. They’d be pretty on the sofa table.”
Ryan looked at her curiously as she sipped her water. “Ryan, your dad wants you by the barbecue,” a sultry voice said from behind her.
Janice wasn’t a neighbor nor did she come attached to any of the men outside. The strings on the tiny bikini top barely held the voluptuous breasts in place. The skimpy bottom barely covered her ass. She eyed Mags, sizing her up quickly as Mags did the same.
“So, picturing yourself here as the new Mrs. Jensen?”
Mags had seen Janice on occasion at the diner not far from her shop. Catching lunch there, she had seen the aggressive waitress strut her stuff and flirt with the eager men. “Craig and I are friends. He has a beautiful home.”
“Ha.” Her laughter rang like a bell through the house. “Craig is a handsome eligible bachelor with a thriving business that makes all this possible. After Elizabeth died, we went out a few times, but I don’t think he was ready to commit to anyone else then.”
“Did you know his wife?” Mags asked.
“Yes, Elizabeth was a beautiful woman, and you can see by the shrines Craig has built around here, he was devoted to her.”
“Shrines?”
“Oh, please.” Janice took a long drink of her beer. “Just look at these pictures. You’re a better woman than I. These would be the first to go if I were with Craig. Then the flower beds would be next.”
“They’re lovely. Why?”
“Hers, all hers. She spent hours tending the flowers. A real show stopper. The chamber of commerce even gave Elizabeth an award for her magnolias. No, they would have to go, too. Out with the old and in with the new I always say.”
“You can’t erase history. It’ll always be a part of you.” Mark, he’d always be a part of her.
“What is your secret past?” Janice asked, finishing the last of her beer.
Mags smiled. “Everyone has memories. I’m sure you have your share.”
She stretched, her breasts jiggling for release. “Bedrooms are upstairs. Great view off Craig’s room. Need another beer.”
Mags was glad to be alone again with her thoughts. So, Janice and Craig had slept together, not that it mattered. The view from the large picture window, the trees and Elizabeth’s flowers, was breathtaking. She felt Craig’s heat as his body wrapped around her, his hands pressed against her belly. He kissed her neck, along her jaw, and to her ear. A fluttering in her chest, she adjusted her head to one side, and he sank deeper into the curve. “I didn’t mean to intrude, but the house is beautiful.”
“Explore anywhere you want,” he whispered against her ear. “I’d like to give you the tour, but I can’t abandon my guests.” His arms tightened, drawing her against his obvious arousal. “Great view off my bedroom. I’ll show you later.”
Her breath shuddered. The expectation was there, but was she ready? Someone called him for more burgers, and she followed him back out. She handed her drink to Tammy who was back in teenage obnoxious mode.
“Took you long enough. I could have died of thirst.”
Mags laughed and settled on the edge of the pool. She dipped her toes in the cool water, but there were too many people for her to feel comfortable disrobing. She had curves, but she hadn’t regained all the weight she had lost with the cancer. She felt self-conscious and out of place. Craig’s friends were friendly, though. Each in turn engaged her in conversation, and one thing became glaringly clear. He was the hometown favorite, part of the couple they had loved over the years. They were protective of him and his kids, and she was the outsider. Maybe Mark’s friends had been cut from the same southern cloth. You protect your friends and family, and anyone who hurts one of your own deals with the wrath of the whole group.
The party continued, the music louder, and the steady flow of beer never ceased. By late evening as everyone was saying their good-byes, Mags thought about Rufus. She needed to be fed and let out. Craig helped Tammy to her room, carrying her up the stairs while Ryan waited out front for his friends. They were crashing at one of their houses for video games and sci-fi movies. He wouldn’t be back till after school tomorrow.
“Hey, we’re alone. How about that swim?” Craig toyed with a strand of her hair.
“I really should go home to Rufus.”
“Why didn’t you bring her?” Craig asked, his fingers tracing the curve of her neck and stopping just inside the cleavage of her top. “Unless she’s your excuse in case you wanted to go home. Do you want to leave, Magnolia?”
“Your daughter is in the house,” she answered.
“Other side of the house and can’t come down. She can call my cell if she needs something. What do you need, honey?” The heat in his eyes made her a little uncomfortable.
“I want to stay, Craig, but…”
“Then we’ll go back to your place, take care of the dog, and come back here. Will that work?”
Mags sighed as she walked into him. He was a great guy, easy to like, warm and caring. She wanted to stay and let the night happen. “I could call someone to take care of Rufus if you can give me a minute.”
His smile broadened. “Take all the time you need. We have all night. I’ll just ge
t us a couple more beers.”
Shakily, she dialed up Mark. It rang once, twice. After eight on a Sunday, wasn’t he home? “Mags?”
“Mark, I need a favor if you aren’t busy.”
“What do you need, honey?”
“I went out earlier and expected to be home by now, but I’m tied up. Can you feed and walk Rufus?”
“Sure, where are you?”
“Um, I went to a barbecue, and it’s running late. I’d owe you one if you took care of the dog.”
“You at Craig’s place?”
She could hear the tension, and the change in his voice. “Uh, yes, with a bunch of his friends.”
“When are you coming home?”
“You’re not my father, Mark,” slipped out before she could think. “Since we have that legal agreement, I thought you might like to help me out.”
“So, are we talking late like an hour or crack of dawn late?” he asked.
“I don’t know, but take care of Rufus, please. Key is under the mat.”
“I’ve told you a hundred times that’s dangerous. It’s the first place an intruder would look. Besides, I still have my key on my ring.”
“You kept the apartment key?”
“Unless you’ve changed the locks.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“I’ll wait up for you to come home.”
“No, don’t.”
His anger raged. He was babysitting the damn dog so she could fuck the asshole. “Mags, think about this before you do something you’ll regret.”
“Good-night, Mark, and thanks.” He wasn’t in her life. If it weren’t for the dog…
“All set? Rufus covered?”
Craig in shiny black trunks bobbed in the water. “All set,” she smiled as she pulled her shirt over her head and pushed down her shorts. She lowered herself into the water, still warm from the sun, and swam away from his reach. She needed a few moments, just a few, to clear her head and get Mark out. He had no right to tell her what to do. She was a grown woman, a cancer survivor, a businesswoman, and a responsible dog owner. If she wanted to spend the night with Craig that was her own damn business. Craig caught her as she glided near him on her second lap. His mouth took hers possessively, his fingers toying with the strings of her top. He tipped her head slightly, adjusted a bit, and slipped his tongue eagerly between her lips. He tasted of beer, the pool smelled of chlorine, but his palms against her back warmed her skin. Suddenly, he pushed away, diving under the water. Confused, Mags watched him slide his hands down her sides, briefly caressing her breasts then over her hips to her thighs. He gripped them securely and returned to the surface, guiding Mags’s legs around his waist. His hands took liberties everywhere, shoving aside the bathing suit top, following the shape of her ass, and pressing her harder against his arousal. Thoroughly overwhelmed, Mags couldn’t react fast enough and wasn’t participating in the party. She shook her head, pushing the past away, trying desperately to remember she wanted this. She had encouraged Craig. He sensed her hesitation and pulled her to the side of the pool, the top skimming the surface of the water. He helped her out and grabbed his shirt that smelled vaguely of charcoal for her.
