by Jill Downey
Tyler and his group crossed the street and approached them. Penelope saw that Malena and her friends had turned to head over with Finn to pet the horses.
“Oh my God!” the girl in pink squealed. “Is that Tyler Anderson from your last movie?” She directed her question at Penelope.
“Yes, he’s my nephew.”
“I know! I’ve read everything I could find about him.”
All five girls descended on Ty with cell phones out and ready. He was quite comfortable with the attention and Penelope would hazard a guess that he was eating it up. He took turns posing with each one, flashing his killer smile and holding up a peace sign…hamming it up. He’d only had a few lines in the film, but the internet had blown up after the release and Tyler was the latest teenage heart throb.
Since the movie’s release, he’d been modeling a bit locally and regionally. Several headhunters had already approached him promising modeling opportunities ranging from Calvin Klein underwear to men’s cologne. Her agent Constance was now working on finding the best contract for him to sign with.
Malena and her friends had rejoined them, and Penelope watched to see what her reaction would be to this situation. She turned her back to them and ignored it. Points for Malena. Maybe she wasn’t as insecure as Penelope had thought. She was probably an introvert rather than insecure. She knew Malena was shy, but once she got to know you, was very bright and funny.
She slipped her arm through Malena’s and said, “What do you think of Ty? You seem to be getting along.”
She bowed her head. “Yes, he is very nice.”
“Thank you for entertaining him. I was afraid he might get bored.”
“It’s not a bother. He’s a lot of fun.”
“He’s a character that’s for sure. FYI not one of those girls could hold a candle to you.”
“I’m not so certain. They are very pretty.”
“And you are gorgeous. Tyler keeps looking over. I think he’s trying to figure out how to detach from his fan club.”
She glanced over her shoulder and blushed when she saw that what Penelope had said was true. Tyler was staring at her, his blue eyes intense and single minded. It was obvious he had his sights set on one woman. And that woman was Malena.
Malena glanced up at Penelope, her nose crinkling. “He could have any girl he wants. Why would he pick me?”
“Besides the fact that you’re stunningly beautiful…well let’s see, maybe because you’re also smart, warm, funny and kind. Don’t sell yourself short. Despite Tyler’s charisma, he is an old soul. He’s anything but superficial. I knew before he arrived that he’d be gob-smacked when he met you.”
“You’re too kind,” Malena said.
“I’m calling it like I see it.”
Tyler managed to extradite himself from the girls and made his way over. He said quietly, “Malena, can you go along with me for a minute? I need your help.”
Her eyebrows rose, “Yes, what do you need?”
“This…” and he dipped his head down and kissed her right on the lips. He put his arms around her waist and hugged her to him. Penelope suppressed a smile. Score one for Tyler. He certainly was smooth.
When Tyler lifted his head, Malena looked up at him, her coal black eyes dazed. He grinned at her and said, “Thanks. I owe you one. By the way, you are smoking hot.”
Her mouth hung open and her girlfriends, who had witnessed the whole thing, were giggling. It had done what he’d intended it to do, because Tyler’s admirers had dispersed.
He flashed a rakish smile and said, “What’s next?”
“We thought we’d find a place to get out of the cold and have some coffee or hot chocolate. Are you guys going to hang with us for a while?” Penelope asked.
“Yes,” Ty said. He glanced down at Malena and winked. “Can I still count on your help?”
She blushed and nodded her head yes. “That’s good then.” He confidently slung his arm across her shoulders and hugged her to his side. “Let’s go.”
Her friends decided to go off on their own. “We’ll catch up later then, Bye.” Malena waved as they crossed the street.
11
Malena
Malena touched lips that were still tingling from Tyler’s kiss. Her stomach felt funny too. Kind of like it had felt on the roller coaster at Disneyland last year. Ever since he’d arrived her senses were so heightened that she thought she’d crawl out of her skin. He was all she could think about. She’d lain awake last night dreaming about eyes the color of lapis lazuli.
She’d been fairly sheltered by her parents; they had been strict about dating and curfews when she’d been in high school. He was different from any guy she’d ever met. Tyler was a definite bad boy. But he seemed nice…and he was very good-looking. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye as they followed their group and caught him staring at her. She felt her cheeks heat.
“Thanks for bailing me out back there,” he said.
She mumbled, “You’re welcome.”
“Malena?” He stopped on the sidewalk and turned her to face him. He tipped her chin up with his knuckles, his eyes piercing hers.
“Yes?” She met his gaze, desire darting through her. She bit her bottom lip as he gently tugged on a strand of her hair, everything but him had faded into the background. They could have been the only two people on the planet at that moment.
“I’m really into you. I want to know everything there is to know about you. Your favorite color, movie…the best book you’ve ever read, your childhood, I couldn’t even sleep last night. Do you feel it? I’ve never felt like this before.”
She studied his face, so beautiful…so earnest, before slowly answering. “Yes, I feel it. I like you too.” He looked so relieved that it made her heart soar.
“Would you like to hang out while I’m here?”
“Yes.”
He reached for her hand and held it. “Now that we have that settled, let’s catch up with the others.”
“Wait!” She said, suddenly pulling back feeling panicked. He lifted an eyebrow.
“I’m not very experienced. I…I… haven’t dated much. My parents were pretty strict. You seem so confident…so sure of who you are…I… just…I don’t really know what I’m trying to say.” Her cheeks were on fire.
“I’ll take care of you Malena. I’m glad you aren’t experienced. You’re not like any girl I’ve ever met. I want to protect you. You’re so sweet.” He tenderly ran a finger across her cheek that sent shivers of awareness to her core.
She felt damp between her thighs which was a brand-new sensation. She swallowed hard. He smiled at her as if he knew exactly how her body was responding.
“You look like a rabbit that’s about to get eaten. Don’t worry, we’ll take things slow.”
She nodded her head, her lips turning up in a smile. “I trust you.”
“I want to kiss you so bad right now.”
“Se un buen chico.”
“I love it when you talk dirty to me,” he said, pulling her along. “Did you just tell me to be a good boy?”
She grinned. “Si, is that even possible?”
“I won’t take you anywhere that you don’t want to go. How’s that sound?”
“Bueno.”
“How about I take you on a real date tomorrow night? Dinner out?”
“I’d like that.”
“I’ll have to make sure I can borrow someone’s car. Any place in particular you like?”
“Honestly, I’ve never had dinner out since I moved here, I’ve only eaten lunches out.”
“I’ll get recommendations from Penelope and Griff,” he said as he pulled open the door to the coffee shop. The bells hanging from the door jingled when they entered. Like every other shop, it was decorated and festive with soft holiday jazz streaming through the cafe. Their group was already seated, sipping on their beverages. Ty and Malena waited in line, studying the coffee choices.
“Do you know what you’d lik
e?” Ty asked.
“I think I’d like a hot chocolate with extra whipped cream.”
He turned to the barista. “We’ll have a hot chocolate, heavy on the whipped cream and a double espresso.”
“Sure, can I have your name?”
“Ty.”
“I’ll have that right up for you. Just wait over there, at the end of the counter,” she said, pointing.
“Thanks. Do I pay there then?”
“Yes, Shay will ring you up.”
He held Malena’s hand as they walked over to the cash register. She loved how he naturally took charge. She felt feminine, beautiful even, for the first time ever. It was intoxicating. He was all male…every sexy inch of him. His confidence and the way he carried himself captivated her. He seemed much older than his years. It piqued her curiosity about what had made him that way. Oh, Dios mio!
He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms, boldly staring at her. She unzipped her coat and stuffed her mittens into the pockets to avoid his gaze.
“Do you want me to hold your coat?” he asked.
“No, I’ll leave it on, but thank you.”
“I love that little split between your teeth.”
She raised her fingers to her mouth. “Quit staring, you’re making me feel self-conscious.”
“I can’t believe you aren’t used to it. You’re stunning Malena.”
Thankfully they called Ty’s name and they picked up their orders before she could formulate an answer. She squeezed in between Mr. Bennett senior and Griffin, with Tyler right across from her.
“Griffin tells me you’re in school?” James said.
“Yes sir. I’m in nursing school.”
“You and Ella will have a lot to talk about then.”
“Yes. I’ve been looking forward to it.”
Ella wiped crumbs off Quinn’s face as she responded. “Anytime. I loved nursing. I quit to raise the munchkins but one day I’ll return.”
“Did you specialize?” Malena asked.
“I was an ICU nurse. That’s how I met my handsome hunk of a husband. He was my patient. He eventually wore me down…now here we are.”
Malena laughed. “Lucky you.”
Kyle snorted. “She makes it sound like it was an easy catch. I had to cross Olympic size hurdles to convince this woman to be mine,” Kyle said. His eyes sparkled in amusement. “She’s pretty mulish.”
“Look who’s talking…as stubborn as they come,” Ella fired back.
Giselle piped in, “I wonder where he gets it from? Hmm?”
James lips twitched, which as far as Malena could tell was a full-blown smile for him.
Tyler reached across the table and used his thumb to wipe her upper lip. “You’re wearing your extra cream,” he said, grinning.
She wiped her mouth with a napkin, trying to ignore the three-alarm fire burning her up from the inside. She wondered if everyone could tell.
“Did I get it all?”
Tyler winked. “Looks that way.”
Oh Dios mio! Next, I’ll be drooling. Deep breath Malena. Her hands were shaking so she interlaced her fingers and hid them under the table. These feelings waking up inside of her weren’t entirely pleasant. In fact, she was a bit overwhelmed at the moment. And she’d just told him that she liked him and that she’d go on a date with him tomorrow night. Yikes! What is happening? She glanced up and met Ty’s bottomless blue eyes and knew resistance was futile. She may as well enjoy the week she had with him and worry about the heartbreak later. Because she had no doubt that her heart was already involved.
12
Ella
Ella undid her ponytail and shook out her hair. “I had fun today.” She met her husband’s hungry gaze and felt her core respond.
“Yes, but I’m glad to finally have you all to myself. Come over here,” he said, patting the bed next to him.
She crawled in beside him and leaned back against the pillows. “Your mom seemed better with Penelope today. She’s been a little hard on her. I told you what she said to her yesterday.”
“They’ll work it out.”
Her brow furrowed. “I hope so. At least it’s moving in the right direction. I wonder why your mom is so damn judge-y with Penelope anyway? I’m a little sensitive about being judged since I’ve been on the receiving end of that myself. If you’ll recall, my head nurse accused me of seducing you when you were my patient.”
He bit back a smile. “And…your point?” She glared at him. “I’m certain my mom doesn’t feel that way about Pen.”
“Why are you so sure? Pay attention to the way she acts with her compared to me. It’s completely different.”
“I’ll pay closer attention but my advice to you is to butt out. If anyone should intervene with Maman, it should be my little brother. It’s Griffin they’re fighting over.”
“Are you serious right now? Penny has nothing to do with it. She isn’t fighting over anyone. She hasn’t done a thing to your mother.”
“If I need to, I’ll get involved. I’ll say something to Griffin if it gets any worse. Is that good enough?”
Ella kissed him on the cheek. “Yes. Thank you.”
She watched his hooded eyes as they took a slow journey from her face to her naked breasts then lower still, heating her skin. Her breath quickened in anticipation. He was sinfully sexy, and he belonged to her.
The dogs were curled up asleep in front of the bedroom fireplace; the blaze cast a warm romantic glow over the entire room. She ran her fingertips across his sculpted face then traced his lips. “I love you Mr. Bennett.”
He pulled her against his chest, nuzzling her neck. “Ella?”
“Hmm?”
“Promise you’ll never leave me.”
“I promise.”
“I couldn’t live without you. I don’t even remember what it was like before you came into my life. I think I was asleep.”
She smiled against him, “So was I.”
“It scares me to love this much. My life… my heart is in your hands. You…our children, it’s almost overwhelming how much I love you all.”
Ella ran her fingertips lightly through his thick dark hair. She brushed it away from his brow. Her heart ached with the weight of her love for him. She kissed his forehead.
“All we can do is savor each moment. We’re so lucky that we found each other. When I think about it, I get goosebumps.”
She noticed that his eyes were overbright. “Babe, are those tears?” she asked, tenderly stroking his face.
His lips turned up. “I’m always so busy… I thought I’d learned that lesson after my car accident…but now that I’m here and forced to slow down, I’m aware that I’ve slipped back into my old habits. I’m sorry Ella. I’ll do better.”
“I’m not complaining. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I don’t feel like you’re neglecting us. I like that you’re passionate about your work. I actually love that about you.”
He rolled onto his side taking Ella with him. Grinning, he said, “I’ll remember that the next time I see that fire flaring out of your eyes…hands on your hips…” He pulled her tightly to him and rested his chin on the top of her head.
She could feel his erection and her body immediately responded. The soft hair on his chest teased her nipples as she rubbed them against him.
“I just meant I’m not complaining right now…” She reached between his legs and wrapped her hand around his shaft; she smiled when he inhaled sharply.
“Make love to me,” she demanded.
He answered with a growl. “Yes.”
13
Penelope
Josie had laid out a family-style breakfast spread then left to go do some of her own last-minute Christmas shopping. There was a huge crock filled with some kind of cheesy potato casserole, a tray of scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, along with several pots of coffee and two pitchers of fresh squeezed orange juice.
Faye and Jess were the first to a
ppear. They couldn’t keep their hands off one another. Since they’d arrived, they were either holding hands or Jess had his arm around her or she was on his lap…it was adorable.
She wondered if that was how she and Griffin appeared to the outside world. She only knew that she could never seem to get her fill of him. She could stare at him forever and a day, she craved him when he was away from her, she sensed him in a room, her body was so attuned to his that it was ridiculous. He was without question her mate. He entered the kitchen, shirtless and barefoot, his gray sweats hanging low on his hips, carrying their daughter. Sexy as hell.
“Da da da,” Savannah jabbered.
Griffin beamed at Penelope. “Hear that?”
“Yeah yeah yeah.”
Faye reached out her arms. “I’ll take her.” The baby went to her Aunt Faye without hesitation. Faye had always had a way with children. Her artist’s soul had its own child like quality and touched everyone. She and Jesse sat down at the long kitchen table and Faye held the baby on her lap.
“You look so good holding a baby,” Jesse said, wistfully.
Griffin piped in, “When are you guys going to tie the knot and have a few?”
“We’re not in any hurry,” Faye said quickly.
“Speak for yourself,” Jesse said, his eyes flashing with irritation.
Penelope hesitated. Oops. The intensity caught her off guard. First hole in their love bubble that she’d witnessed.
“Marriage isn’t for everyone,” Penelope ventured.
Jesse crossed his arms over his chest, tipping his chair back. “When we got engaged, I had no idea a long engagement meant we’d get married a decade from now.”
“You’re exaggerating,” Faye said dismissively.
“No, I’m not. We were engaged way before your brother Griffin and Penelope even met and look at them.”
“That was different.”
“You’re just scared,” Jesse challenged. “You’re afraid that your footloose and fancy-free traveling blog days will be over for good. You think I want to clip your adventurous wings.”
