once upon a romance 08 - making a splash

by Laurie LeClair

  “Psst!” she whispered. “I’m a little naked here. I could use some help.”

  “Pipe down.” Rico raised his voice, saying, “Oh, no, another round is coming on. I’ll need a humungous bottle of spray, Peg!”

  “Coming up, Rico! Boss 3, I’ll handle it from here. Housekeeping, aisle five. Take little Ruby home to Mommy now.”

  Muted voices came through to her, one a child asking, “Mommy?” It was just a few minutes until they must have left the office since the conversation ended.

  “Girl, you should thank your lucky stars I’m quick on my feet.” Rico handed over the fluffy white towel. “Dry.”

  “Thanks. I couldn’t have figured that one out for myself.” Sarcasm dripped from her every word.

  He cracked up laughing. He tossed the robe in next.

  Annabelle caught it and slipped it on, pulling her hair out and snuggling into the soft fabric.

  In less than five minutes, Rico peeked down long hallways and around corners and directed her to the elevator. “Where in the world did Peg go?” He mumbled more as he flung open the glass doors and pushed her into the awaiting elevator. “Oh, Griff! Fancy meeting you here.”

  She ducked in, pressing her back against the side wall. Crud!

  “Rico? Feeling better?” Skepticism laced his tone.

  “Much. Thank you for asking. Um…I thought you left already. Hey, Ruby, Uncle Rico loves you.”

  The child gurgled in response. “Ree-cooo!”

  “Ruby wanted to say hello to her Aunt Charlie. Now, do you mind? You’re blocking our way.”

  “Of course. Bah-bye now!” The little girl mimicked his nervous giggle. “Peg, oh, Pegster,” he cried out.

  Annabelle heard Rico depart. No, he didn’t!

  Heavy footsteps entered the elevator. He didn’t seem surprised to see her. “O’Connor.”

  She came away from the wall and then punched in the lobby button. Smiling tightly, she nodded to him. Staring straight ahead, she stood by him, tugging the belt, and waited for the doors to close. Finally, they did, dinging shut.

  Bravely, she looked over at him.

  He stared back, flicking a glance at her hot pink robe.

  “Pretty baby.”

  “I think so.”

  Awkward!

  “Next time, clean up the trail of dust from the hall to my bathroom. That way I won’t be as suspicious.”

  Gulping hard, she said, “Aye, aye!”

  “Don’t get cute on me, O’Connor.”

  Her knees began to knock.

  ***

  “Where did you run off to?” Rico cried as he swooped into the back office of the Charmings Beauty Bar.

  “Me? I was right where I was supposed to be,” she challenged.

  He clutched his chest. “Girl, I almost had a heart attack when Griff showed up.”

  “You? What about me? I was stuck with him in a confined space.” She wished she hadn’t gotten this bright idea after all. Hey, she could have just slapped on another blouse, doused herself with water again, and stood in front of Max.

  “At least you survived. I’m hoping he simmers down and I don’t have to answer too many questions.”

  “Fat chance!” Peg marched in, rubbing her ear. “He called. I can’t hear anymore.”

  Annabelle slapped her hands over her eyes and groaned.

  “I second that,” Peg said. “I’ll take this one.” She grabbed Annabelle’s arm and tugged. “You get the other side, Mr. Genius.”

  To say she enjoyed the experience of being pampered and fussed over would be going too far for Annabelle. There was a whole lot of product used on her hands, arms, feet, and legs.

  “Hey, hey, now!” She stopped Rico from going any higher.

  “Moisturize. I’ll send you home with a few goodies. Do I have to write down instructions?”

  “I’m good.”

  “Phew!”

  The extra attention to her hair did look incredible, though. “Wow, the shine! I’ll take some of that.”

  “Gorg, hair!” He draped a piece gently down the side of her face. “And skin,” he added, flicking a hand to her cheek. “Sunscreen. Tons and tons.”

  “That’s about all I use.”

  Peg rushed up, screeching to a halt behind them, her free arm covered with garments. “Got ’em!”

  “Just in time, Peg.” Rico turned the chair and presented Annabelle. “Ta-da!”

  She stared up at the lady, who still clutched her clipboard. “Well? You think I’ll pass?”

  “Holy munchkins and macaroni!”

  “That’s A+ in her language.” Rico informed her.

  “I just hope all this isn’t for nothing.”

  Visions of Max turning his back on her and walking away blared in her head.

  Would he understand? Could she explain herself? Did she even know how to or what to say?

  But what really scared her was how she’d let him down. The hurt and disappointment in his eyes flashed before her. Could he ever forgive her for not believing in his dream? Believing in him?

  ***

  “I can’t do this, Danny,” Max said, hands unsteady as he parked the SUV.

  “You want to back out now?”

  “Look, brother.” Jonathan leaned forward from the back seat. “We got your back.”

  There was a knock on the window and Max rolled it down. “Jay. Paige. Thanks, but I’m leaving.”

  It hurt to even say the words. How could he drop everything just to soothe her worries? They’d be at odds every day for the rest of their lives. One way or the other, whichever he chose, it would end up eroding their relationship.

  “I just can’t work in an office for the rest of my life.” He spoke his thoughts aloud.

  “You don’t have to.” Jonathan patted his shoulder.

  “Okay, it’s settled. We’re done, right?” Max asked, hoping they’d go along.

  “Try,” Paige said. “Look at me. I’m adapting.”

  “Slowly,” Jay agreed, kissing her on the temple. “Baby steps, bro.”

  Max blew out a hot breath. “I don’t know.”

  But he caught a glimpse of Jonathan’s concerned features in the rearview mirror. He turned to see Danny’s face filled with worry. And then he checked out Jay and Paige.

  “Whatever you want, Max.” Danny assured him.

  Somehow he didn’t think they were just talking about Annabelle now. It was that cop thing that hung in the air. The Whitfield brothers had been through hell and back together. Would he dare put them all there again?

  An image of Ralphie in his wheelchair sprang forward as they guy revealed his head injury. The tears clouded Ralphie’s eyes as he declared the burden he’d become to his loved ones.

  There was a huge difference, Max realized. His family would stand by him. Like they always had. No matter what. He knew that with an unshakable certainty.

  For the first time, he really searched his mind and his heart. He’d shut out Annabelle’s distress, the way she’d blanched at the discovery of him wanting to put his life on the line for others. He’d try blocking out her well-founded fears, the slash of agony that shot through her beautiful green eyes when she’d found out.

  “It’s not working,” he said under his breath as a ripple of pain gripped him at the memory.

  To serve and protect.

  It didn’t seem so important at the moment. The serving part, at least.

  When had it changed?

  “Annabelle.”

  Could Max ever live with himself if he threw away a chance of a lifetime with his Irish?

  ***

  “Gigi, Joey!” Annabelle cried out as she looked up from setting the table as they came through the door. The man ushering them out to the rooftop beamed. “Bruno, how did you do this?”

  He lifted his hand as if he were calling someone. “Got phone?”

  “Mom! This is so awesome!” Joey raced around the fountain, putting his hand in the bubbling water.

/>   “We couldn’t miss this.” Gigi hugged her.

  Annabelle held on a little tighter. “I couldn’t have done this without you.” Pulling away, she took in the smiling older woman. Gratitude welled up inside her; she had Gigi’s love and support all these years, especially now.

  “A nudge! What are mothers-in-law for anyway?” Reaching up, she touched her hair. “Beautiful. Just so you know, you’re the best thing that happened to my Joseph. If you can believe it, you settled him down.” She shrugged. “Well, a little. You may have been his wife, but from the moment we met, you’ve been like a friend and a daughter I never had. I want you happy.”

  Blinking back tears, she smiled. “Thanks, Gigi.” She tilted her head to her son. “I’m grateful for all you do for us.”

  “Stop. No more,” Bruno said. “You’ll have me bawling any minute now.”

  Gigi patted her on the arm and turned to him. “Okay, big guy. No waterworks from you.” Turning back to Annabelle, she whispered, “Luck.”

  “Luck.” Would it be the talisman they both longed for or a curse?

  The door clanked open. Bruno turned and grinned. “They’re here.”

  “What? Max?” she asked, fear mingling with anxiety in her center.

  “Nope. The family.” Pride filled his voice. “With Peg’s help, they came here to watch this.”

  Annabelle gulped hard. Filing out was Charlie, Griff, Rico, Peg, laughing kids, spouses, and several other family members she’d met briefly.

  Charlie moved swiftly to her, giving her a quick hug. “It’s a christening of sorts.” She waved a hand to encompass the finished space. “Amazing transformation. The new diamond for King’s. We wanted to share this with you and one another.”

  “But, I don’t know if he’ll want me. Flaws and all. Worries and doubts. Those sneaky trust issues.”

  Looking into her eyes, Charlie said, “And it’s possible he will.”

  “I never dreamed this for myself.”

  “Dreams have a funny way of sneaking up on you at the strangest times. Believe me. Look around you. Once King’s was a dream for me. It came true.”

  “Irish?”

  Her heart stopped. Then it jumped to her throat. “Max?”

  Charlie moved away and joined the rest of her family.

  He walked toward her, followed by his brothers and Paige. He pulled out the note, now crumbled, from his suit jacket, the very one he’d worn the first time she’d met him. “Community date?” He didn’t take his eyes off her.

  “The more the merrier?” She clutched her unsteady hands in front of her.

  “Max!” Joey called out.

  Smiling, he glanced over at her son. “Whoa, buddy! Careful of the water. No cape?”

  “Not all the time anymore. Just for play. And I’ll share with you. Mom says it’s okay.”

  “Cool!” He turned to face Annabelle again. “Good job,” he mouthed. His gaze traveled over her. “Stunning.”

  A flush crawled up her neck and into her cheeks. The silky green dress skimmed her curves. But it was Max who made her feel all woman again, whether in scruffy boots, covered in mud, under layers of dust, or this clingy outfit.

  He’d made her look at herself in a new light and allowed her to come alive for the first time in years, if ever.

  Stronger. Wiser. Confident in her work and herself. Add those to the list.

  “The new do. My doing,” Rico called out. “High fives, everyone!” The sound of hands smacking rent the air.

  “I’m here, Irish. What do you have to say for yourself?” Max’s husky voice tickled her senses.

  He may appear self-assured, but she witnessed the array of mixed emotions in his eyes. She pressed her hands to her mouth and held back the bubbling squeak. Annabelle began to shake.

  “Am I that scary?”

  “I’m scared of loving you, Max.” There, she’d said it.

  “Why? I’m just a regular guy.”

  “Not to me, you’re not.” She sucked in a wobbly breath. “I want to, really I do. But, my heart…”

  “Is wounded. I get it.” He shook his head. “I can’t stop being me, Annabelle. I have to protect others. It’s burned in me for a very long time.”

  “I know.” She let out a gusty sigh and stepped toward him. Two feet separated them. Annabelle gazed long and hard at him. “Max, I wanted to make my own choices, not have them made for me. So I shoved everyone away, put up walls, kept myself and my family in a bubble to protect us from getting hurt all over again.”

  “Protected your heart, you mean. But feelings sneak in, whether you’re looking for it or not. You can’t hide from it. It will find you.”

  “I always believed love hurts.”

  “Not always.” He waved a hand at the people standing with them. “Look around. You are surrounded by love. It doesn’t hurt to be loved or to love. It’s only when you stop yourself from letting it in or sending it out that it hurts to contain it.”

  He was everything and more than she wanted: Strong, solid, heart in the right place. A family man to the core. Loving and caring. And good for her and her son.

  “So this is the end of the road.” His voice sounded rough and raw.

  “Or the beginning?” she asked hopefully.

  “What? Did I hear you right? You’re stubborn. And Irish. You don’t want to let me in. You don’t want to lose control.”

  She swallowed hard. “I gave away me. I didn’t think I could do it on my own. Actually, I was tired of doing it on my own. And then I wasn’t and I couldn’t go back and change things. But they changed on me. I’m tougher now. I can trust myself now. I can do this.” With Max’s guidance, a breakthrough had emerged. Not in just Joey, but herself.

  “I’m not changing who I am. It’s been a part of me so long I don’t know where it begins or I end.”

  “That’s good. I wouldn’t want you any other way. Because all I ever wanted was a hero for Joey,” she whispered. “A real one.”

  “Me?” He seemed slightly embarrassed.

  “Yeah, you. Bonus is, I love you, Max Whitfield. Just the way you are.” She’d take her chances on him and on her and her son’s future. She’d trust herself and her heart again. “I’d rather live with you than without you. A lifetime of love. If you’ll have me. You in, superhero?”

  “Irish,” he said hoarsely. His gaze was warm and steady. “I decided to change course.” Max let out a gusty breath. “I still have that innate sense to protect others, especially the people I love the most. I’ve been doing it for most of my life already. I just didn’t realize it. Now, I do. It’s second nature to me. And I want to be around for a very long time to keep on doing that and more for all of you.”

  “I don’t understand.” Annabelle frowned.

  “Charlie,” he called out. “I’ll take that job you offered.”

  “The legal department, Max?” Charlie asked.

  “No. The security team. That is, if King’s will let me. Bruno, you want to show this rookie the ropes?”

  He snorted. “Seems like you could teach me a thing or two. How ’bout you head it up? I’m too old to start something new.”

  “Sounds like a plan, my friend.”

  In the background, she heard the others talking excitedly. Joey’s sweet voice rose above the others. “Cool! Can I come and help?”

  Annabelle blinked back tears. “Are you sure, Max? Really sure? Your dream. I want you to be happy.”

  He let out a pent-up breath. “Very. I have a new dream. For us. Annabelle O’Connor, I promise I will love you for the rest of our lives, more deeply and fiercely than you could ever imagine. I will protect you yet let you soar or swim.” He shot her a wicked grin, shrugging. “You know, that water thing you have going on.”

  Moving to her, he cupped her face in his warm, strong hands and leaned down, whispering, “I’m yours. Forever.” His lips were firm and sweet. She melted into him.

  The smattering of applause and cheers gained momentum.r />
  “Uh, Mom!” Joey cried out just before the huge splash of water hit them.

  Annabelle jumped back as Max and she sputtered, water drenching them. Her hair was plastered to her head and her clothes soaked through yet again.

  “Joey, honey?” Gigi asked.

  “I’m okay, Gigi!” He began to laugh.

  “I guess it runs in the family. We’re always making a splash in one way or another!” Annabelle grinned up at Max.

  Max chuckled, and then grabbed her and lifted her in his arms, holding her close. “Ah, the mermaid chick again. And so my life begins with my Irish.”

  THE END

  Thank you for reading!

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed reading Making A Splash. I just love Annabelle, Max, Joey, Gigi, Charlie, Peg, Rico, and even Griff.

  I’ve received letters from fans thanking me for writing books about love, laughter, and happily ever after—books like Making A Splash, As an author, I love feedback. You are the reason why I write about people like Annabelle and Max and how they can overcome their struggles and challenges, the people who help shape them along the way, their loving friends and family, and discovering that Annabelle can have a second chance at love. So, tell me what you liked, didn’t like, even hated. I’d love to hear from you. You can write me at laurie.leclair@aol.com and visit me on the web at www.laurieleclair.com.

  Finally, I need to ask a favor. If you’re inclined, I’d love an honest review of Making A Splash. As you may know, reviews can be tough to come by these days. You, the reader, have the power to make or break a book. If you have the time, please visit my author page or the book page at the site you purchased this book from and leave an honest review. You can find more of my books there.

  Thank you for reading Making A Splash and spending time with me. Keep on the lookout for the next book in the Once Upon A Romance Series coming this year!

  Thank you,

  Laurie LeClair