Stop this. Wild speculation changes nothing.
One by one she folded shorts and trousers, matched socks and folded underwear. She put them in a basket to carry to the bedroom.
The doorbell rang. Who? Her thoughts bounced between fear and anticipation. Not Jay. Couldn’t be. He knew about the play date. He had no reason to stop by. Unless… Not a chance.
A peep through the spy hole showed no one. The bell rang again. She eased the door open but left the chain in place. A meaty hand pushed against the door ripping the chain away. Her brother glared.
“Carlo, go away.”
He pushed the door so hard she fell against the wall. “Where’s the brat?”
“He isn’t here.”
He grabbed her arm and forced her into the living room. “What did you do? Give him to his father?”
Though Carlo wasn’t much taller than she was and overweight, there were muscles beneath the fat. She’d experienced his violence in the past. “Jamie’s not here. That’s all I’ll say.”
Carlo twisted her arm. “It’s my right to control where he goes. I’m the man of the Russo family. Lockley needs to pay for his son.” He brought his face to hers.
His breath reeked of beer, garlic and cigarettes. The heavy cologne he wore didn’t hide the acrid aroma of sweat.
“You’re wrong. He owes you nothing.”
“My twin gave me the right when I sent her back to him.” Spittle sprayed from his mouth. “She was trading the brat for a fortune we would share.” His smile reminded her of a hyena. “She’s dead and those plans are now mine.”
Maria stepped back. “Why didn’t you act after she died?”
“Bitch never told me his last name. Jay this and Jay that is all she said. Searched and learned. After our mother died I went to New York and couldn't find him. Found his address on a letter she wrote to Mama. Gone and no forwarding address. How’d you find him?”
Maria glared. Her gaze darted to the open door. Could she catch him off balance and escape? “Delores had a bunch of papers in a suitcase in the attic you refused to clear out. I went to the college and looked him up. He has a right to know his son.” Carlo’s fingernails dug into her arms. “You’re hurting me.”
“I’ll do worse if you don’t produce the brat.” He released her arm. With a flick he smacked her face.
Maria landed on the floor. She scrambled away, trying to reach the door. He grabbed her hair. She screamed.
“Let her go.”
Jay’s command startled Maria. Carlo’s grip on her hair loosened. She scooted away and searched for a weapon.
“Don’t know who you are but you’re stepping in where you don’t belong,”
Carlo yelled. “This is a family matter.”
Jay stepped toward Maria. She held a huge textbook. “Carlo Russo, get out.”
Jay slid his arm around her waist. “Do what she says. You won’t get a cent from me.”
Carlo laughed. “So you’re the one.” He raised his fists. “You owe me. Would’ve had your wife back if the bitch hadn’t plowed her car into an overpass. Fed and clothed your damn brat for four years.”
“You did nothing,” Jay said.
Maria stepped toward her brother. “Get out.”
“I want what I’m owed.”
Jay laughed. “From what my investigator said, Maria and your mother supported and cared for my son. When she left, Delores was flush. How long did it take you to spend the money? Leave now or I’ll call the police.”
Carlo stepped toward them. Maria hefted the tome. “Get out. Hit me one more time and I’ll charge you with assault. Mama won’t protect you now.” She hurled the book and it smashed against his head.
“Bitch.” Carlo rubbed his head. “Some family loyalty you have.”
Maria stepped toward him. “You’re no longer family.”
As the door slammed behind him, her body shook. She sank on the couch. Though she was glad Jay had arrived, she had to send him away. A difficult decision loomed, one she had to make. Give custody of Jamie to Jay, resign her position at the hospital and leave Fern Lake. How could she walk away from the child she had raised? For his sake, she must. A spate of tears began.
The cushions on the couch shifted. Jay’s scent eddied around her. What more could she say? No way would he believe her. He’d hired a detective. Who knows what the man had dug up, twisted or invented. The trust issue was solved. Jay would never believe she hadn’t come to Fern Lake looking for money.
“Where is Jamie?”
Jay’s question jolted her from dark thoughts. “At Connie Wright’s for the play date I mentioned.”
“I’m glad he missed…that jackass.”
“So am I.” She swallowed the boulder in her throat. The time had come to tell him her plans. His arm slid around her shoulders. Fire licked her skin. She didn’t deserve his warmth. Tears fell faster. “Go home.”
“Why?”
The words stuck in her throat but she had to tell him. “When I pick up Jamie, I’ll bring him to you.”
“I’d like that. We’ll forage in the freezer for dinner.”
His acceptance broke her shaky control. Silent tears crashed into a cacophony of sadness.
* * *
Maria’s noisy sobs startled Jay. Was this just a release of tension caused by the scene with her brother or was there another problem? He had so much to tell her about the future he planned. Listening to her brother’s threats and seeing the man’s violence had jelled Jay’s decision. No matter what Amos had hinted, Jay knew the truth. She loved her nephew. She wanted Jay to be part of his son’s life. He loved Maria. Now to convince her.
He gathered her into his arms and held her against his chest. With a hope of stopping her tears, he rubbed her back. She gulped deep breaths. Jay tilted her chin and brushed his mouth over hers.
“How badly did he hurt you?” He stroked the red mark on her cheek. “Sorry I didn’t arrive sooner.”
“His actions weren’t your fault.”
“Maybe not.” He drew a deep breath. “I planned to come earlier but was distracted. My detective is the one who told him you were here. I fired the man.”
She closed her eyes. “I see. Please go. There are things I need to do.”
Hadn’t she heard what he’d said? His chest felt as though a giant’s hand squeezed. He couldn’t leave until she knew how he felt. His mouth covered hers and demanded a response. His cock throbbed. “Maria,” he whispered.
Her lips parted. He slid his tongue inside to taste, to caress and show her how much he wanted and needed her. Couldn’t she feel his love?
“Maria, talk to me.”
She edged away. “I’m giving you custody of Jamie. He’s your son. Once the legalities are completed I’ll leave Fern Lake.”
“You can’t go.” He swallowed. Did this mean there was someone waiting for her?
“I must. Carlo will be back with his demands.”
Jay growled. “If he comes near you or if he asks for money I’ll have him arrested.”
“What if he hurts or tries to take Jamie? If you have custody he won’t.”
Jay clasped her hands. “He’s a bully and a coward. If he tries anything in Fern Lake he’ll end in jail.”
“I wish I could be sure you’re right.”
"How will your leaving keep him from harassing you?”
“I don’t know.”
Jay drew a deep breath. “Marry me.” He cupped her face. “I love you.”
Her eyes narrowed. “How can you when I look like Delores?”
He brought her hand to his lips. “I didn’t love her. I fell for her flattery. I believed her lies.” He shook his head. “I was ripe for flattery. She was beautiful on the outside. She used me.”
“And stole from you.” Maria edged away. “Every time you look at me, you’ll see her.”
Jay leaned closer. “Not so. Your eyes are dark honey, not cold ebony. Your lips are full, not thin and cruel. Even your nose i
s different from hers. Not sure when the difference hit me, but believe me, I see you and only you.”
Maria met his gaze. “Are you sure? What about the trust issue?”
“I’m absolutely sure why you came to Fern Lake. I’ve watched you with Jamie. You love him. You give him a hundred percent. That’s what I want you to give me.”
Maria sighed. “I wish…”
He held her hands. “Marry me. Keep me from becoming so obsessed with music I become a hermit forgetting hours and days chasing melodies.”
She nodded. “I need time to learn more about you.”
“I’ll give you time, but come home with me so we can spend time with each other and Jamie.” He kissed her with hungry desire. “What time does Jamie come home?”
“I pick him up at six thirty.”
Jay rose and pulled her into his arms. “Then we have time.” His mouth covered hers. Their tongues slid in teasing motions. When he stopped to take a breath he held her against his swollen cock. “I want you in my life forever. I need you now. Here or in the bedroom?”
“Bedroom.”
With his hands on her waist they walked down the hall. He nuzzled her nape and delighted in her soft sighs and the way her breathing changed. He slid his hands beneath her shirt and cupped her breasts. The response delighted him. He lightly pinched her tightened nipples.
They paused in the doorway. He groaned. “Twin beds. I forgot. Going to be a tight fit.”
She laughed. “There’s enough room for what you plan.” She turned in his arms and unbuttoned his shirt. Her hands glided across his chest.
Desire roared through him. He drew deep breaths fragrant with her scent. She had to believe he thought of no one but her.
His shirt fell to the floor. Maria’s lips caressed his throat. Her tongue flicked his pulse points and continued their exploration over his chest. He slid his hands beneath her shirt and reached the clasp of her bra.
“My turn.” He waited for a moment while she raised her head. Her arms followed and he pulled her shirt over her head. With a deft move he unclasped her bra and slid the straps down her arms.
Her nipples formed taut peaks. He ran his tongue over one and then the other. She moaned and arched her back to give him better access.
“Jay,” she crooned.
Hearing his name brought an urge to rush but he refrained. He wanted her to crave him with the same desire as he felt for her.
He unfastened her jeans and slid them and her panties over her hips. She sat on the edge of the bed to remove them. Jay grinned. “You’re wearing the ankle brace.”
“Just as the doctor ordered.”
Jay reached into his pocket and tossed her a condom. An urge for haste conflicted with the slow seduction he’d planned. He needed to possess her. He wanted to explore her lush body. He opened his trousers and slid them down. His cock rose proud. He kicked off his brief, trousers, shoes and socks.
Maria opened the packet and grasped his penis. Before rolling the condom over his shaft, she touched her tongue to the head. He clenched his fists. “Another time.”
Her grin sent frissons of desire along his skin. “Promise.”
“Done.”
She rolled the latex over his dick. She slid back on the bed and held her arms out in invitation.
Jay moved closer. He lifted one of her feet and massaged the arch. His hand trailed along her calf, her thighs. When he touched her labia, she purred. The sound vibrated thorough him. He moved onto the bed and eased a finger into her channel and then two.
“So tight and wet.”
“And ready.”
Desire swamped him. He removed his fingers and bent to kiss and nip her breasts. His tongue lapped her neck.
“Tease,” she whispered.
His mouth met hers. With one hand he guided his cock to her entrance and thrust inside. For a moment he didn’t move. Her inner muscles tightened around him. She slid her tongue into his mouth and began a rhythm. He captured the tempo and moved with her. Her legs circled around his hips. She pressed her heels into his ass.
The dance began. Slow strokes escalated. Together they quested for completion. Jay felt her body tense. Her inner muscles moved in a perfect counterpoint to his thrusts and retreats. The rhythm consumed him. All thoughts but the one driving him to bring a fiery conclusion to the dance fled. He raised his head and heard flesh slapping flesh.
So close. So close.
Her nails dug into his shoulders. Her cries crescendoed. Her body tensed. He felt her release. His came in a violent rush. Her name filled the air.
Jay pulled her close. She was his now and forever. Bits of melody filled his head with triumphant notes he would never forget.
His eyes flew open. Had he crashed? He gazed at the clock and stroked Maria’s face. “We need to shower so we can go for Jamie.”
She brushed her lips over his. His body responded. She touched his erection. “This will have to wait.” She rose and walked to the door.
Jay followed her into the bathroom and stepped into the shower with her. The close confines allowed them to wash each other and tease.
“Later,” he said. “You will stay at the house tonight.”
“Yes."
“I want to tell Jamie about our plans.”
She stepped out and handed him a towel. “We’ll tell him together and see what he thinks."
After dressing, Maria threw toiletries and a change of clothes into her duffle. She packed for Jamie. They drove to Connie’s in the van. Though Connie invited them in, Jay refused. Maria told her colleague they would catch up on Monday.
Jamie ran ahead of them to the van. For most of the trip, he talked about Pete and all they’d done.
“Sounds like you had a good time,” Jay said.
“Was fun.” Jamie leaned forward. “Why are we going to your house?”
“How would you like to live with me and sleep in the room with the bunk bed?”
Jamie nodded. “Sure. What about Aunt Ria? She would be alone. She always lives with me.”
Jay halted the car in the circle. He freed Jamie. “I thought she would live here, too.”
“In the place where we stayed before?”
Jay clasped Maria’s hand. He stooped to eye-level with his son. “For a month or so until we get married.”
Jamie tilted his head. “If you’re my dad would Aunt Ria be my mom?”
“Yes.”
Jamie hugged Maria. “Yes, oh, yes.”
Jay swept them into a group hug. Joy filled him. The strands of music he’d been hearing rose in a symphony.
He kissed Maria. “This is forever.”
Jamie pumped his hand into the air. “Yes.”
Jay held them close. He closed his eyes to capture the melodic dreams of family and love.
The End
Books We Love Books by Janet Lane Walters
Past Betrayals, Past loves
Seducing A Pair of Blakefield Friends
Seducing the Blakefield Sisters: Double Feature
Seducing the Blakefield Brothers
Seducing The Baker (At First Sight Book 6)
Seducing The Attorney (At First Sight Book 5)
Seducing The Doctor (At First Sight Book 4)
Seducing the Innkeeper (At First Sight Book 3)
Seducing the Chef (At First Sight Book 1)
Seducing the Photographer (At First Sight Book 2)
The Cancer – Capricorn Connection (Opposites in Love Book 4}
The Gemini – Sagittarius Connection (Opposites in Love Book 3)
The Taurus – Scorpio Connection (Opposites in Love Book 2)
The Aries – Libra Connection (Opposites in Love Book 1)
A Marriage Takes Two
Sanctuary's Ending (The Goddess of Solunda Book 1)
Dragons of Fyre (Island of Fyre Book 2)
Wizards of Fyre (Island of Fyre Book 3)
Temple of Fyre (Island of Fyre)
Pursuing Doctor West
Bast's Warrior (An Alternate Egypt Book 1)
Horu's Chosen (An Alternate Egypt Book 2)
Toth's Priest (An Alternate Egypt Book 3)
Amber Chronicles
Shattered Dreams (Moonchild)
Rekindled Dreams (Moonchild)
Melodic Dreams (Moonchild)
Divided Dreams (Moonchild)
A Double Opposition
Moon Summoned
Lines of Fire (The Guild House - Defenders Hall)
Code Blue
The Doctor's Dilemma
Heart Throb
Books We Love Special Edition - Janet Lane-Walters
Gemstones
Choices
Healwoman
Young Adult books By J L Walters
Escape (Affinities Book 1 - Young Adult Fantasy)
Havens (Affinities Book 2 - Young Adult fantasy, Books We Love)
Searches (Affinities Book 3 - Young Adult Fantasy, Books We Love)
Confrontations (Affinities)
Janet Lane Walters was born in Wilkensburg, Pennsylvania on July 17, 1936, reported to be the hottest day of the summer. She has been a published author since 1968 beginning with short stories and moving into novels when an editor told her a short story sounded like a synopsis for a novel. In the 1970s and 1980s she published four sweet nurse romance novels. Then she returned to school to earn a BS in Nursing and a BA in English. Returning to work as a nurse to help put four children through college, she put her writing career on hold. In 1993 she retired from nursing and began writing again. A new nurse romance followed in print. Then she discovered electronic publishing and since 1998 has been electronically published.
Janet calls herself an eclectic writer since she moves from genre to genre. There are mysteries featuring Katherine Miller, a former nurse who seems to stumble over bodies wherever she goes. Using her interest in Astrology, she has several series that use Astrology as a premise for the stories. Once she earned enough money to travel to Ireland by casting charts for people. She has many books in the romance genre, some of them are contemporary and are nurse romance, and others fall into the fantasy or paranormal forms of romance. Interested in reincarnation, she has used this as a jumping point for at least two novels. Two of her novels deal with alternate worlds using a love affair with Ancient Egypt.
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