Tangled Hearts

by Tea DeLuca

  He guided her through the dimly lit house to the second floor with the great view, and it was. There above the tops of the trees in the distance was a body of water. Craig circled her waist and kissed her neck. “Hidden Lake, a few miles away.”

  She leaned back against him, her heart pounding against her ribs, and then his cell phone rang. “Tammy must need something. You better go.” He kissed her harder; his frustration clearly evident.

  She traced her fingers over the heavy dark wood of the four-poster bed. The white satin sheets felt crisp and cool. More pictures arranged in groups of two lined the dresser and the nightstand. Pictures taken of his wife right here in the house tending her flowers or hugging him and the children. Two years was a long time, but was he even ready to move on? Would he think of Elizabeth when he made love to her? Would she always be in the woman’s shadow? Her husband, her children, her house, even her flowers. Could she belong here and make it her home?

  She wasn’t a one-night stand girl, and Craig’s ring was back in her bedroom. He was serious about her. His kids knew it as did his neighbors. He returned with two more beers. She sipped slowly, ignoring Dr. Stratton’s nagging voice in her head. Craig patted the bed, and she sat beside him. He kissed her, drawing her closer till he set aside their drinks and pushed her down on the bed. His shirt unbuttoned he massaged her breasts, lingered soft kisses till he sucked the nipple into his mouth. Mags’ body responded to his touch, to the attention she had missed, and to his words, confirming his desire for her, but her heart hesitated. Always in Mark’s corner, it argued for him, to wait for someday that would never come. He moved between her legs, brushed his fingers through her hair, and buried himself within her. Her body soared while her heart wept. Craig rolled to his side, tossed the condom in the basket, and pulled her closer. He was soon asleep, but she couldn’t close her eyes. She wanted to leave, get back in her car, and drive as quickly as possible home. Even if she could just get up and stare outside at the darkness. Craig snored softly. She had committed to something tonight, to allowing the relationship to develop, but what was she willing to settle for?

  The clock on his nightstand stroked three, and she slipped from his bed. Tiptoeing into the bathroom, she dressed quickly and ran a brush through her hair. She didn’t want to wake him, but she felt uncomfortable leaving without so much as a good-bye. The house was too quiet. Maybe that was why she clearly heard the car door shut and the front door open. Ryan was home despite his pleas to stay with his friends till morning. Plans change. Craig must have heard something too, because he woke and reached for her.

  “I have work in the morning. I’m leaving now,” she whispered.

  “I can make breakfast.” He pulled her down on the edge of the bed. “Did last night matter, Magnolia?”

  She looked surprised. “Of course, it mattered.” She brushed his cheek with her hand. “I don’t…”

  He pressed a finger to her lips. “I meant did it ‘engagement ring’ matter? Will you take my ring now?”

  Mags sat back. “Not yet. We’re still letting this relationship develop.”

  “Do you like the house? Can you see yourself here?”

  “The house is beautiful. I love everything about it. I love how you have roots here, your friends and neighbors, your kids, even the flowers that bloom out front. I don’t know if I can fit in here, though.”

  “I guess we’ll just have to spend more time here to find out.” He was drawing her closer, and Mags gently pushed back. “I can find my way out. Go back to sleep.”

  He grabbed his shorts. “No, I’ll walk you down.”

  She glanced around again as they snuck through the house like two teenagers. He kissed her at her car and promised to call her later. Once she returned to the dirt road, even in the darkness, she felt her calm return. Nothing had changed as his house grew farther in the distance. Her life was in Charleston with a husky that loyally waited for her.

  The dog was already whining and clawing the door when she turned the key in the lock. She shut the world out and strangled the dog in a hug. This powerful, friendly dog had been her salvation when she was scared, disoriented, or lonely. “That’s my girl,” she soothed. “I’ll take you out right now.”

  “No need. Took her out a few minutes ago.” Waking up on the sofa, Mark stretched and started the coffee. His hair tousled, his clothes wrinkled, barefoot, her heart was glad to see him.

  “I told you not to wait.”

  He glanced at the sun streaming in the window and grunted his displeasure. “It’s morning, Mags. Have fun?”

  She ignored the sarcasm and bit back a response. It was none of his business, and yet she wanted him to care. “Are you concerned with my social life now?”

  “Did you sleep with him, or should I just assume you did?” He was pushing for a fight, and Mags was ready to give him one.

  “Assume whatever you want. It’s none of your business.”

  “It is my business,” he retaliated, “when you’re irresponsible where our dog is concerned.”

  “Oh, so it’s really the dog you’re concerned about? You want her?”

  “Just like you,” he hissed, slamming his hand on the counter, “throwing away something or someone who loves you.”

  Her fists clenched. She wanted to beat the hell out of him. “That’s not what I meant. I’m not giving her to you. I thought you might want to take her, say every other weekend? That way you wouldn’t be …”

  “What? Watching you make the mistake of your life?”

  She lunged at him. To defend himself and not hurt her, he grabbed her not so gently and held on while she pummeled his chest. When her arms ached and the tears threatened, she fell against him. “Get out, Mark. Now.”

  “Mags, I care about you,” he said softly.

  “Bullshit.” She pushed him away. “How many women have you been with, Mark? You even married one a few months after we broke up. Didn’t waste any time, did you? Out with the old and in with the new. I have to get dressed for work and thanks for taking care of Rufus.” She left him, slamming the bedroom door in her wake.

  That woman, he mumbled, racing down the stairs to his car. The asshole’s hands on her, touching her, kissing her, loving her. God help him if he ran into him again. He didn’t care how irrational it sounded even to him. She was his, would always be, and dumbass would never have her heart.

  The metal clasp of Rufus’s leash clanged against his leg. Damn, he had walked off with the leash in his pocket.

  He climbed the stairs again, preparing for round two. The door wasn’t locked, a particular annoyance they had fought over often. How many times had he told her to lock the door? She was asking to get robbed or assaulted. He was about to call out but heard the shower from the kitchen. Pushing Rufus off, he moved into the bedroom and closed the door. She was in the shower. Her clothes left haphazardly on the floor. On the sink was a large towel that he easily grabbed without her seeing through the steamed-up shower door. He wanted to see her even for a few startled seconds. Besides, she needed a lesson in lock management, and this would definitely drive home his point.

  He listened attentively to the sound of the soap slipping through her hands. He pictured the suds sliding down her throat, over her breasts, and at some point, he could feel his hands on her like they had been so many times. The damp heat in the tiny bathroom made his t-shirt stick to his body, and he wiped his brow with her towel.

  He leaned against the door jam as the water stopped, and the door opened. Except for the drip of the faucet and the beating of his heart, the room was completely quiet. Holding the door, she reached for the towel, but it wasn’t there.

  “Oh, God, Mark.”

  He couldn’t control his smile as he stared shamelessly at the silky skin, the curves, the water as it dripped from her hair in tiny rivers, and the beautiful form in front of him.

  “Give me the damn towel.”

  He shook his head, clutching the towel closer to his chest. He contempl
ated leaning her over the sink, shoving her back in the shower, and laying her out on the bed. She shuddered under his penetrating gaze. “You have to learn to lock your door.”

  “I thought you left.”

  “I did, but Rufus’ leash was in my pocket. I had to come back.” His core tightened, his dick hardened, demanding satisfaction.

  “And had to come in here and steal my towel?” She reached for the towel rack behind him, but he blocked her off.

  “No, no, I’ll give you this one in time.”

  She took a step back, fighting the tension in her chest. He was just looking at her, and she was coming apart. If he touched her…Her skin flushed, and he smiled his satisfaction. “Give me the towel.”

  “I will when you tell me you’ll take better care of yourself. You were drinking last night, you haven’t slept, and you can’t remember to lock the damn door.” He moved several steps closer. Her back hitting the cold tile wall. Her skin tingled, and her heart beat faster.

  “I will,” she said softly, holding out her hand. He stepped into her, his eyes holding hers. Her other hand fingered his belt, catching in one of his loops.

  “You’re as beautiful as ever.” He held the towel over her head and let it fall behind her. She quickly pulled it around her and tucked it tightly against her breasts. Her breathing ragged matched his. Her eyes fixed on him, he palmed her cheek and forced his body to move back toward the door. “Lock it after I leave.”

  He heard the click seconds later in the hall as he tried to breathe. He was more determined to find Craig and kick his ass. She was his. He could have proved it if he had pushed her a little. Nothing had changed over the years between them. His body ached for her, and he read her need well, too, but the obvious attraction was secondary to the love that still connected them. Their were too many problems, and there were few things he was absolutely sure of except he and Mags belonged together. Was there such a thing as a second chance? Could they overlook the past and start over?

  Chapter 29

  Mark closed the door of his office against the voices from the reception area. He was due in a meeting with the team in an hour before his afternoon clients. He loved his work and the law, and usually he could block out life long enough to give one hundred percent to his career, but Mags lingered again in his thoughts. His imagination was good but couldn’t compare to seeing her in the flesh, wet and naked from the shower. He reached in his case for her book. He had read more than half and concluded the guy was an idiot. He was love sick and capable of doing anything to win his Lisa. He was about to do something stupid, Mark was sure.

  He had to get her attention and make her see he was serious. Flowers were nice, small gifts forced her to acknowledge him and thank him, but he needed something big, unique. He booked two open ended tickets on Fast Fly Airlines then he drove to her place. Ha. She’s not going with you, buddy, anywhere.

  “This ticket is for you.” Her eyes lit like stars. “You decide. Where are we going?”

  “You’re crazy, John. I’m working and can’t possibly drop everything now.” Shot down. Knew it. You left her too many options including the one to say no. Better to have given one choice or two, but maybe you had the right idea. Something big to get her attention. He gathered some papers and made some notes when his secretary buzzed.

  “You have someone who wishes to see you, Mr. Harrington. She doesn’t have an appointment. A Dr. Stratton?” His usually cool secretary sounded annoyed.

  “Send her in. I have a few minutes.” Code for interrupt me in ten minutes if she’s still here. He watched her from his door as did every other lawyer as she made her way to his office.

  She was even more beautiful in white linen slacks, a navy silk blouse, pearl studs, a tiny pearl drop necklace, and pretty pink polished nails.

  “Hello, Mark. I’ll be brief as I have patients shortly. I haven’t seen you in a week.” Her tone was everything, businesslike, accusing, straight-forward, cold. The doctor had walked through his door.

  “I’ve been busy. Want a drink?”

  “Little early for alcohol, isn’t it?”

  He exhaled impatiently. “I’ve learned not to look at the clock when I want a drink. You?”

  “No, thanks.” She rested her hand on the desk, waiting, but he had no intention of helping her. If she had something to say, he wasn’t making it easy. “I’ve missed you. Is it a coincidence I tell you I love you, and you disappear?”

  He sipped the honey liquid and enjoyed the slow burn before answering. “In the heat of the moment? I didn’t take it seriously, and I’m not holding you to it.”

  “Don’t dismiss my feelings like that,” she said angrily, the woman, the emotion, the heat in this new tone. “I do love you, but I’m a big girl and know you don’t return my feelings, yet. You’ve been very clear.”

  She was too smart to be pacified with empty promises. “I’m sorry, but I don’t love you, Melissa, and I think you’re overreacting a bit. We’ve had fun, haven’t we?”

  “Can we go back to before I said the words, Mark? Surely you have some affection for me,” she questioned.

  “I like you, Melissa. If you can accept this is the present with no long-term commitments, then we can continue this relationship for now.”

  “God, shut up,” she glared at him. “You sound like a damn lawyer closing a deal. Can we go out to dinner, enjoy a night together, have fun, and see if we become something more? Think about Liddy for a moment. It can’t be good for her not to have the stability of a two-parent home.”

  His anger rose at the mention of Liddy. “Leave her out of this, Melissa. I take care of my daughter. She doesn’t need anything else at the moment.”

  “All right.” Stacy had suggested she back off a little. Not to push Mark right now, though her instincts wanted to push him harder, force him to realize he would end up alone like this.

  “And about Italy.”

  “I’m coming with you,” she said firmly. She was standing her ground on this. It was her chance to get him away from his memories in Charleston and concentrate on her. “It’s a vacation and a good time. Sounds exactly like what you want. Why not the trip of a lifetime with me?”

  “I can’t stay ten days. You should have told me.”

  “Five then. Is that better? I’ll fix the tickets. Please Mark.”

  “Mr. Harrington, you’re due in a meeting,” his secretary interrupted.

  “Thank you, Trisha. I’ll be right there. We’ll talk more tonight, Melissa.”

  “Seven? I’ll prepare a little something to eat. Nothing fancy. Maybe watch some of those old movies.”

  “All right.” He opened the door for her then finished his drink. Getting untangled from Melissa was taking more effort than he anticipated. He gathered the papers from his desk and brought them to his secretary. “Prioritize this, Trish. Type it up and have it delivered at lunchtime. Only deliver it to the addressee. No one else.”

  “I’ll bring it in for you to sign in twenty minutes and have delivery on standby.”

  Melissa left his thoughts. He was going to show the book boyfriend how to go big or go home. He signed the letter and watched the delivery serviceman tuck the letter in his bag. Then he headed to the conference room for his meeting.

  Each attorney updated the senior partner on the progress of his cases. Damn, attorneys liked to talk. He checked his watch. She should be getting the letter in the next few minutes. When the meeting finally ended, when the boss realized it was lunchtime, Mark headed back to his office with Jason in tow. Jason was the rookie, hadn’t even tried his first case yet, and was easily impressed. He was also a ladies’ man, and Melissa had not escaped his predatory eye that morning.

  “That beautiful woman was plenty angry with you,” he observed.

  Melissa’s controlled slow burn would be nothing compared to the explosion about to descend on his office. He heard her before he saw her reach the reception area. “Where’s Mark?” she demanded. He smiled. She w
as past any pretense of formality. “Never mind. I’ll find him myself.”

  “Miss, you can’t,” Trisha tried.

  “Watch me,” she shouted back.

  “Oh, hell. Did you piss off the entire female population of Charleston?” Jason grinned.

  “Shut the door on your way out, Jason. Thanks.”

  For a few minutes he stifled his laughter as Trisha blocked his door to prevent her from coming in. She didn’t know his Mags. The door flew open, and her temper lashed out at him. “You’re suing me, Mark? Have you lost your mind?” The letter tightly grasped in her fist, she was shaking with fury.

  Trisha was still trying to reason with her. “I’ll call security, Mr. Harrington.”

  “It’s all right, Trish,” he said calmly. “I’ll speak to Miss Blossom.”

  When the door closed, she moved closer to his desk. “You’re really suing me?”

  “Sit down, Magnolia.” He busied himself with some papers. She wasn’t mad enough yet. “I’ll be with you in a minute.”