Bed Of Roses (The Five Senses Series Book 4)
Page 26
Gaby released Mal’s hand and leaped to her feet. “I’ll just, uh… I think I’ll go to my room.”
Mesmerized by Gunnar’s eyes, Mal barely noticed Gaby’s retreat.
Nuzzling into her, Gunnar pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth. “I meant it when I said you’re the only one for me. I love you, and when I think you’re ready, I’m going to get down on one knee and make it official. If we have to get married for the sake of the baby, we’ll just have to move up the agenda.” He chuckled.
His small joke eased the tension that had turned her shoulders to stone. He’d told her at Red’s he’d take care of her, and he’d just offered to honor that promise. If she hadn’t already been head over heels in love with him, she’d fall so damn hard.
“I do love you, Gunnar. So much. When the time comes, and you do ask, just know, I’ll say yes. I’d be honored to marry my best friend.”
His quicksilver grin sent happiness coursing through her. He took possession of her lips with a hungry, passionate kiss. Spearing her hands through his short hair, Mal returned the kiss with equal fervor as heat and electricity built, then settled with a throb on her heart, all her nerve endings on fire.
Without releasing her lips, Gunnar pressed her backward then stretched his long body on top of her, nudging her legs apart. He settled his hips against hers. The warm blanket of his weight and the press of his erection at the apex of her thighs was erotic and exhilarating. Thrusting his tongue past her lips, he took them deeper into the kiss, his lips firm and demanding on hers. He finally broke the seal between their mouths. After he skimmed his lips over her chin, he continued the journey down the column of her neck. Balancing his weight on one elbow, he cupped her breast at the same time he nibbled her collarbone. The heat of his palm, the kneading motion of fingers on her flesh, and the touch of his mouth had her arching into him, eager for more.
She swept her fingers along his spine to his butt, then flexed against the rough denim into the muscle there, drawing him closer. He bucked his hips against her, the hard ridge behind his zipper rubbing deliciously over her clit. Shockwaves of desire raced from her hips to her breasts. She gasped.
The sound of Gaby’s laughter overhead startled Malin back to the present. Gunnar jerked his mouth from hers and his hand from her breast, releasing a small groan. Instantly missing his heat, she settled her arms around his shoulders, holding him in place when he tried to rise off her. He leaned his forehead on hers, breathing hard, laughing a little. When she lifted her hips against him, he groaned softly, and a muscle popped in his jaw.
“This is not how I saw this ending.” He eased down her body without lifting off. Pressing his face against the curve of her neck, he said, “I should leave.”
“You should stay,” she replied, her simple words ringing with conviction. “If you want.”
“Oh, Daisy Mae, you know I want.”
“Good. But we should probably move this to my bedroom.”
He pushed away from her and stood before bending to pick her up. Sweet, pure happiness settled on her heart as he lifted her against his chest. Twining her arms around his neck, she held on and pressed small kisses to his stubbled jaw. He strode toward the stairs with her hugged against his solid body. He spared a glance for the closed door to Gaby’s bedroom once they reached the landing at the top of the steps. Turning, he walked stealthily into Mal’s room then, removed the arm around her legs, letting her slide down his body. Mal made certain he felt every inch of her descent, gratified at his gasp when she brushed against the solid jut of his cock.
He turned and shut out the rest of the world with a quiet snick of the door and the quick pop of the lock.
* * * *
Malin pulled her sister out of classes after lunch to prepare for their meeting with Anthony Fleming at his Boston office. She’d worked like a fiend, filling orders so that she could feel comfortable leaving Chloe in charge with Selma helping. She hated abandoning them again, but Gaby’s situation took precedence. Once she picked her up from school, they ran home to change clothes for the trip into the city.
She was surprised when Gaby met her in the kitchen wearing a dark, severely cut business suit with a crisp white blouse. The label inside the suit would probably belong to a very expensive, upscale Italian designer. Malin had never needed the type of formal attire adorning the teen’s willowy frame. She’d probably have to get something similar should their case go to court. By comparison, the high-necked, navy blue belted dress Mal wore look dated and dowdy.
“I’m ready,” Gaby said, looking more like their mother’s age than a teen.
Mal set aside her water glass. “Wow. You look so grown up. Mr. Fleming is sure to be impressed.”
Even the girl’s black heels seemed more age appropriate for an adult. She’d tamed her white-blond flyaway hair by twisting it into a sophisticated fishtail braid she wore to the side.
Gaby’s eyes were somber and wary. “He’s seen me in this suit before.”
It looked like the girl was ready for a funeral. Mal gave a guilty start. Gaby had probably worn the same suit to her mother’s service.
Concern mixed with love crackled behind her breastbone. “Are you okay?” she asked.
Gaby’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. She rubbed her palms over her skirt. “No. But I’ll live.”
“You look very poised and beautiful.” Mal reached out and wrapped her arms around Gaby’s thin shoulders.
The girl returned the hug, burrowing in close. Tension still gripped Gaby, but Mal felt her relax a bit when Mal tightened her arms and rubbed her hands on Gaby’s back.
“We’d better go. Don’t want to be late.”
After a silent drive into Boston, the receptionist escorted them to a wood-paneled conference room. Shelves of musty-smelling legal volumes dominated one wall. The table they were seated at was so large there was barely room for a person to pass through on one side. Overhead lights reflected off the shiny mahogany surface. Fleming had provided elegant crystal coasters for the bottles of water he’d given them.
The attorney closed the file he’d been consulting since they’d taken a seat and removed his reading glasses. His glance shifted between Mal and Gaby, finally coming to rest on Gaby’s face. “As you know, Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy VonLachen have petitioned through family court to obtain custody of you. I’d like to hear your thoughts about it before we continue.”
Gaby sat across from him, back ramrod straight. She thrust her chin in the air, in effect, looking down her nose at the man. “I like where I am now, and I’d prefer to stay with Malin. I don’t know them. Who are they?”
Fleming cleared his throat. “Mrs. VonLachen was cousin to your father on his mother’s side. Am I to take it you’re not interested in considering their suit?”
Gaby shot an exasperated look at Mal before returning her attention to the lawyer. “Didn’t I just say that?”
Patting Gaby’s hand, Mal interrupted. “I think Mr. Fleming is just trying to determine your wishes before we make plans to proceed.” She looked at him for confirmation.
“Your sister is right. Gaby, many times in legal proceedings an attorney will ask for the same information two or three different ways, just to be sure the answer remains consistent. You’ll have to get used to this method of questioning if the case goes before a judge.”
“Wait, I won’t have a jury?” Gaby asked.
“No. This is a family court matter. A judge who specializes in cases pertaining to minor children will hear both sides’ arguments, then make a ruling in the best interest of that child.”
Gaby grabbed Mal’s hand under the table, her fingers icy. Mal dropped her other hand to her lap and held Gaby’s between hers, attempting to impart some warmth.
Mal addressed him. “Mr. Fleming, when will we know if the VonLachen’s have a case?”
“The other party’s attorney has already messengered copies of what they claim to be Mr. Jansen’s will to us. They arrived this morning. My
clerk retrieved Harriet’s records, which included the executed copy of your father’s will. At first glance, their document and ours don’t appear to match.”
Mal wasn’t sure if that news was good or bad. “What does that mean?”
“It could be as simple as they have an outdated copy of the original will. Which is what I contend is the case. I’ve requested additional copies of your father’s will from his attorney.”
Mal figured it couldn’t hurt to start demonstrating she truly had Gaby’s best interests at heart. “What is the likelihood the VonLachen’s don’t have the correct version? I’m sure you can understand we’d like this settled as quickly as possible. This entire affair is distracting Gaby from her studies.”
“I’m not a betting man, but I’d say the odds are in our favor. Especially since Harriet’s will didn’t reference these other relatives. My clerk also conducted a cursory search for information or court records pertaining to the couple.” He flipped open the file in front of him and extracted a piece of paper. He spun it so Mal could read. When it came to rest, he tapped a finger near the top. “As you can see, they, or rather, the landscaping company they own, is being sued for fraud in Missouri. They’ve also filed for bankruptcy in the past year.”
“See, I told you they were just after my trust fund.” Gaby fidgeted excitedly in her chair.
“These suits don’t prove any such thing.” The attorney’s voice matched his stern face.
“They need money. I’m just an easy target for them.”
Gaby’s excitement was catchy, but it paid to be cautious. Be prepared. She didn’t want to get the girl’s hopes up, and she wanted to keep her own somewhat in check, too. “Gaby, let Mr. Fleming finish. I’m sure he has a plan.”
“We’ll petition the court here to allow you to remain in Ms. Eckert’s home until the case goes to court or is dismissed. My firm retains a private investigator, and we will put him on this if necessary. We’ll also request a social services review of the VonLachen’s home and Ms. Eckert’s. This way, we’ll have the information available should it become necessary.”
Gaby huffed out a breath. “Do my wishes count at all?”
In the blink of an eye, Fleming’s countenance gentled from crusty attorney to grandfatherly. “Of course, they do. But the judge must consider all other aspects, including what kind of home life you’d be able to expect, what kind of people will be charged with your care. They’ll also look closely for history of illegal activity and substance abuse. The court takes potential family members very seriously.”
He’d uttered the words substance abuse as if he knew. His sharp delivery clanged about her skull like a church bell. And Mal’s heart was the clapper being swung side to side. Clammy fingers of unease trailed down her spine. She suppressed a shudder and spared a glance at Gaby. Dad’s issue with alcohol might create problems for them.
“Mr. Fleming, you should know my father is currently a resident of Shady Tree Alcohol Treatment Center. He’s in rehab.”
Fleming shot her an undecipherable look as he pulled a pen from his suit pocket. “Does he live with you?”
“No. I have my own home. He’s been sober for three years but backslid after learning of my mother’s death.”
“Hmm. That might cause some problems. Dealing with alcoholism as a single parent can be a bit of a sticky wicket.” He jotted a note on the inside cover of the file.
“Well, Mal is going to marry Gunnar Sims. That’s the family life I want. Tell the judge that.” Gaby’s tone was frosty and demanding. The spoiled princess made a return appearance.
Mal cringed. Still holding Gaby’s hand, she squeezed a warning. Attitude wouldn’t endear her to Fleming any more than it would a judge.
“Is this true, Ms. Eckert? You’re getting married.”
The lawyer probably didn’t need to know her impending nuptials were plan B. The idea of Gunnar marrying her so she could keep Gaby unsettled her, made her the unhappiest happy person alive. She wanted Gunnar to marry her because he couldn’t live without her, wanted a happily ever after with her. Jeez, she wished Gaby hadn’t brought it up.
She fibbed a little. “We haven’t set a date yet.”
“Well, it certainly won’t hurt our case. Congratulations.” He clicked his pen, retracting the cartridge. He closed the file and stacked it on top of a pad of paper. He stood and offered his hand to Malin. “That’s all we need for now. We’ll wait until we’re able to communicate with Mr. Jansen’s attorney before we solidify any plans. But I’d say our case looks strong. We have an excellent shot at winning if it goes to court.”
From his lips to God’s ears. Malin wished she had as much confidence in the outcome as Fleming seemed to.
Chapter 25
After the meeting with the attorney, Mal’s hectic days in the shop took priority. By the time she’d jammed the last rose in the last vase for the last order on February fourteenth, her fingers were numb and her back ached from standing for hours on end. Her cheeks burned from smiling at so many customers and her spirits had sagged with exhaustion.
Gunnar had greeted her at the front door as she dragged her aching body up the porch steps. He spread his arms wide, and it felt completely natural to step into his embrace and lay her head on his chest.
“Gabby is at a friend’s house,” he said, the words rumbling in his chest. “They had a project to work on, and then they were going to get supper. I think there might be a boy involved.” He laughed.
“Can I think about that tomorrow when I’m less wiped out?”
“Let me worry about it.” He stroked his hands up her back and rested them on her shoulders. “I have a surprise for you. Can you walk upstairs, or do I need to carry you?”
She lifted her head and let her tired eyes roam his face. “Carrying would be lovely.”
Gunnar dipped low, winding one arm under her thighs, then lifted her against his chest. Without a word, he carried her up the steps. Instead of turning into her bedroom as she expected, he kept going straight and pushed open the door to the bathroom. Steamy air scented with plumeria enveloped her. Quiet meditation music filled her ears.
“Oh, my God. Look what you’ve done.” Candles were lit on the vanity. Steam rose from the tub, and flower petals floated on the surface of the water.
He shushed her gently and lowered her to her feet. “Shh. No talking. Don’t want to ruin the atmosphere. Just get undressed and relax. I found floral-scented Epson Salts. Guaranteed to help with sore muscles.”
This dear man had drawn her a bath. “Good heavens, it smells wonderful in here. Plumeria is my favorite scent.” She pulled the sweater over her head and tossed it to the floor.
“I know.” Gunnar grinned.
Mal quickly shed the rest of her clothes. She stepped in the tub of deliciously hot water, sat, and then slid down until she was covered to her neck. Her knees broke the surface of the soothing water. Lolling her head against the tub, she closed her eyes and sighed. When she opened them again, she found that Gunnar had taken a seat on the edge.
“Lift your head.”
When she complied, he positioned a fluffy towel under her neck. After tucking her hair behind her ear he bent and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Dinner will be ready when you’ve soaked long enough. Nothing fancy. I stopped at the café this afternoon for takeout mac and cheese. Just have to reheat it.”
“Sounds wonderful. I’ll be down in thirty minutes.” Mal lifted her hand from the water and grasped his. “Gunnar, thank you. This is the best surprise.”
“This is nothing. The massage I’m planning to give you after dinner will be amazing.” He winked and closed the door quietly behind him, leaving her alone in fragrant heaven.
True to his word, Gunnar’s massage was wonderful. She felt absolutely boneless by the time he was through. Afterward, he climbed into bed and let her use his chest for a pillow. She fell into an exhausted slumber to the strong, steady beat of his heart.
* * * *
He shifted, yawning and stretching next to her. Slipping an arm around her back, he pulled her close and burrowed against her, creating a safe, warm cocoon. “Can’t sleep?”
“No. I swear, Gunnar, the waiting is going to kill me,” Mal mumbled against his shoulder as she traced her finger along the rigid lines that defined his abdomen.
Gunnar skimmed his hand from her shoulder to her elbow, chuckling as he did. “I’m pretty sure you can Google death-by-waiting and not find a damn thing. Come on, it’s only been three days since you met with Fleming.” His voice was rough with sleep and his chest rumbled when he cleared his throat.
She shook her head, then glanced up at him. “Three of the longest days of my life. Now that the holiday is over, I can’t concentrate on anything else. I can’t focus. And Gaby has regressed to the bitchy teen I first met. I think each passing day just makes it harder on her. You saw how she was last night. She barely made conversation and then stormed away. All you did was ask her what was bothering her.”
“Yeah, she was pretty sullen. But try to think about it from her perspective. She stands to lose so much, after already losing too much.”
The thought sobered her. She had no right to complain. Even if it was on Gaby’s behalf. A sigh swirled up from her toes. “You’re right.”
Gunnar rolled his big body, trapping her under him. “Look, Valentine’s Day is history and it’s Friday. Let’s pick Gaby up after school and spend the weekend at my granddad’s cabin on Martha’s Vineyard. It would do all of us good to get away.”
Gazing up at him, her heart shifted in her chest again. “I’d love to, but I have the store. And you have the gym.” She lifted her head and glanced at the bedside clock. “In fact, you’ll be late for your boot camp class if you don’t leave soon.”