Secrets Of The Heart (Book 1, The Heart Series)

by Laurie LeClair

  Unobserved and filling with tenderness, Bree watched their easy exchange as they proceeded with their tea party.

  “Don’t drink all the tea, Poppa.” Her daughter reached out, halting Nick’s hand from making it to his mouth. He replaced the thimble-sized porcelain teacup to its matching flowered saucer. “We gotta save some for mommy when she gets home. Here, have a cookie instead.” Sydney handed him a chocolate chip cookie with a huge bite taken out of it.

  The smile he sent her little girl lit up his face and stole Bree’s breath away. “Leftovers? You know I hate leftovers.”

  “Just for today, Poppa, please.”

  “Oh, all right.” He nibbled on the half-eaten treat.

  Sydney leaned her elbows on the table, propped her chin in her hands, and then looked up at Nick adoringly. “I love you, Poppa.”

  “I love you, too, Princess.” His voice sounded gruff and clogged with emotion. Bree’s heart turned over in her chest.

  “Always?” Sydney asked with a little catch.

  “Always,” Nick answered without hesitation.

  “Pinkie promise, Poppa.” She reached out, her little finger crooked in invitation.

  He hooked his with her daughter’s. “Pinkie promise.”

  Sydney let out a great big sigh. “Now I feel better.”

  And so did Bree. Relief tripped along her jumpy nerves, soothing them. Nick always kept his word.

  Over the last few hours she’d tried to harden her heart where Nick was concerned. Now she realized how badly she failed that mission.

  Witnessing his playful interaction with Sydney, watching his gentle care of her little girl, and hearing his undying love for her daughter, Bree faced the undeniable truth: She was hopelessly in love with Nick Carletti.

  Tears smarted her eyes and wonder flooded her middle. She’d always loved him. But only now could she face the revelation.

  So many years lost, so much heartache, and there was more to come before the end.

  Her heart hitched. She must have made a noise; Nick twisted to look at her, capturing her gaze. “Hey, you’re back.” He smiled, slowly and sensually.

  Bree sucked in a breath, dazzled by the welcoming. Turning away from his hypnotic stare, she looked to her beaming child, blinking back the stinging in her eyes. “I see you two have been busy. You must be feeling better this morning, sweetpea.”

  “Lots better. Oh, Mommy, I’m so happy you’re here. Now we can have our party.”

  “Hey,” Nick said, “aren’t you forgetting something?” He waved his hand to her attire, and then at his. “It’s formal wear.”

  Sydney slapped a hand to her forehead, and then shook her head. “I forgot.”

  “Give me a minute and I’ll join you two.” Chuckling, Bree began to leave, but twisted back instead. “But first let me have a good morning kiss.” Going to her daughter, Bree bent low and dropped a noisy kiss on Sydney’s cheek. “I missed you so much.”

  “How ‘bout Poppa, don’t he get one, too?”

  Bree arched her brows at him. “If he wants one.”

  “He wants, all right,” Nick said in a husky whisper, his eyelids heavy with unspoken desire.

  Warmth flooded her. She took two steps, and then stood in front of him. Cupping his face between her palms, Bree searched his endearing features, memorizing each and every one.

  I’m going to love you ’til the day I die, Nicholas Carletti.

  Leaning close, she pressed her lips against his firm, masculine ones, imprinting the soft feel and chocolate taste of them on her mind forever. “Mmmm, very sweet,” she said as she pulled away, and then winked at Sydney.

  Giggles erupted. “Oh, Mommy, you’re so funny. Of course he is; he just had a cookie.”

  “Of course, how silly of me,” Bree joked. “Now, I must go and make myself beautiful for my family.” Her voice cracked on the last word, painfully aware she might not have one for very long.

  Nick grasped her hand, halting her. The slightly rough texture of his flesh had her yearning for more contact. “You already are beautiful, sweetness.”

  Heat crawled up her neck at the male appreciation shining in his dark eyes. Images of being in his big, comforting arms flashed through her mind. The constant ache in her soul strummed to life, making its presence known once again.

  Take what he was to offer, if only for the short time remaining of your honeymoon, if only for today, if only for an hour. Grab the little piece of happiness granted to you, a tiny slice of heaven.

  Making up her mind to seize the joy right in front of her, Bree leaned down and kissed Nick again. She clung to his lips for a moment, savoring the unrestricted access. Reluctantly parting from him, she whispered, “I’ll be right back.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  His statement held a world of promise. A tiny thrill raced down her spine.

  ***

  Hours later, Nick stretched out in the Adirondack chair on the back porch. The sweet scent of grass floated to him and the sharp cry of a blue jay pierced the tranquil air. Crossing his bare feet at the ankles, he propped his elbow on the wooden arm. He rubbed a finger over his lips as he contemplated the touching scene before him.

  Nearby, Bree cuddled with Sydney in the net hammock with their two blonde heads close and matching contented smiles on their radiant faces.

  The slight afternoon breeze stirred wisps of their hair and rocked them to sleep. His granddaughter’s favorite Dr. Suess book lay half-read on Bree’s stomach. They’d both changed into large T-shirts he’d scavenged for in his closet.

  Scanning the long expanse of Bree’s bare legs, Nick sucked in a heated breath. A swirling sensation began in his abdomen, growing in intensity and sweeping the ache to unbearable degrees.

  A craving throbbed inside him, bigger and stronger than any he’d ever had to fight. He easily dismissed it as just sexual. This was far deeper than anything a mere physical union could appease. No matter how spectacular making love to Bree had been, he sensed this desperate hunger coincided with how starved he was for a family to care for, to protect.

  Probing the corners of his mind, he uncovered the essence of who he was, a man he thought he’d lost, but who Bree directed him to after a long denial. He needed to be needed.

  Sydney needed a father figure, a challenge he welcomed, longed for, in fact.

  Being useful, being of service was so ingrained in his make up that he took it in stride and for granted. His work afforded him those rewards. But, in his personal life, he’d missed it terribly.

  Once, a long time ago, Bree had allowed him to help. But after Sydney’s birth, Bree had withdrawn. Now, after discovering some disturbing information, he figured that had had a lot to do with Vinnie’s vile words and accusations.

  And Nana, strong and independent, had taken care of him more than he of her until a few months ago when she had fallen and broken her hip. Then she’d gotten pneumonia. She rapidly deteriorated, withering away, leaving him alone, his world empty.

  Now, he stared at the picture perfect image, his wife and his granddaughter.

  Mother and child.

  A mixture of awe and stunned wonder swept through him.

  By marrying him, Bree had gifted his life with a sweet richness like none he’d ever experienced before.

  An invisible hand squeezed his heart, wringing out the incredible amount of affection he held hidden there.

  What have I ever done without them? What would I ever do if I lost them?

  A fear, like no other, gripped him hard, stealing away his breath. No! Never! He sat up straight. The chair creaked at the shift in weight.

  Perspiration dotted his brow and he swiped at it, hoping to erase the horrible thoughts careening like a speeding freight train through his brain.

  Suddenly, as if a bolt of lightning ripped through the sky and struck him, Nick made an earth shattering discovery: I’m in love with Bree!

  Panic ballooned in his middle. His heartbeat thundered wildly. He fel
t like he’d just taken a giant step off a very high cliff and he was now free falling in air.

  Nick leaned forward. Propping his elbows on his thighs, he dragged his hands through his hair, and then rubbed the back of his neck.

  Dear God, help me! What am I going to do?

  ***

  “I’m tired of playing games,” Sydney said, shoving aside the board game on the kitchen table. She looked up at Bree with pleading eyes. “Can’t we have a party or somethin’? It’s our last night here. We could always dance.”

  Bree’s heart turned over. How could she deny that soulful gaze? For a week now she and Nick had had to keep her little girl occupied and off her injured foot. Weariness settled on Bree’s shoulders at the constant feat of entertaining one very active child. She didn’t know what she would have done without Nick here to help her.

  Standing near Sydney, Bree reached out and stroked back the silky soft bangs, and then bent to press a kiss on Sydney’s forehead.

  Her little girl smelled of strawberry bubble bath she’d insisted on filling the tub with for her bath a half-hour earlier. With her foot wrapped in plastic and sticking out of the tub, Sydney had loved finally being able to take a bubble bath again.

  Nick entered from the living room as Bree straightened. His presence seemed to light up the room for her. Ever since she realized she loved him last week, a bubbling sensation erupted in her middle every time he drew near.

  She’d cherished every second with him, storing away the precious moments and keeping her feelings hidden.

  Now she had two very important, very fragile secrets to protect.

  “What’s this I hear? Princess, you know even though you’re healing you still need to be careful.”

  “I know, but I can watch you two. And mommy can put on her red dress and I can coree-o-graft it.”

  “Choreograph, sweetpea,” Bree corrected automatically, holding back a chuckle.

  “Well…” He appeared to mull it over. A smile tugged one corner of his mouth upward and Bree had to grab ahold of the chair to steady her weak knees. “Red is my favorite color. And I am partial to that dress of yours…” He sent Bree a wicked wink, causing delicious heat to chase along her nerve endings. “Sure, why not?”

  Sydney clapped loudly. “Oh, Poppa, you’re the best. Can I help pick out the music, too?”

  He rounded the other side of the table and scooped up Sydney. Seeing her daughter in his big, strong arms strummed the tender spot inside Bree. “It needs an expert’s touch, right? So, you’re the perfect one for the job. Come on we’ll get it all set up while your mom changes, okay?”

  “Oh, goodie. I know just what I want.” Sydney whispered in his ear. His eyebrows arched.

  “What are you two up to?” Bree asked, growing curious.

  “You’ll see,” Nick said mysteriously. But, he did give her another wink.

  Fifteen minutes later, Bree presented herself to her family. She twirled around, the flared edges of the dress lifting and fanning out. “How’s this?”

  Nick gulped hard, his Adam’s Apple bobbing up and down. The flash in his dark eyes lent credence to his approval. She suspected he’d glimpsed her lacy red panties. “Perfect,” he murmured huskily.

  Sydney, from her perch on the sofa, directed Bree. “Come over here, Mommy, so I can see you, too.” As Bree drew near, her daughter exclaimed, “Oh, you’re the most beau-tee-fullest mommy in the whole wide world, right, Poppa?”

  “Absolutely.” Nick’s voice rang with conviction, causing Bree to swivel to face him.

  She nearly gasped at the long, lazy perusal he gave her. A warmth stole over her. “Thank you,” she choked out, too overcome to say anything more.

  Holding out his hand, he said in a low, seductive voice, “May I have this dance, Mrs. Carletti?”

  Bree closed the gap between them as the soft, dreamy music began. Going into his outstretched arms, she tucked her head in the small space between his neck and shoulder.

  Inhaling, she detected his sandalwood after-shave. His large, warm hands, splayed on her back, cradled her to his wide chest.

  The lyrics caused her to close her eyes for a long moment, wishing she could ask Nick to love her that long.

  “Nick.” His name escaped her lips on a breath of pleasure.

  “Bree,” he whispered, rubbing his cheek against her hair.

  Following his lead, Bree matched her steps to his. The slow waltz brought her whole body in tantalizing contact with him. Her hips grazed his, her thighs brushing his.

  Heaven. Pure heaven. In his comforting embrace, she knew only safety, security, protection. Nothing could harm her here. He kept everything at bay, refusing to allow any of the harsh, cold reality to filter through.

  And he filled the emptiness, the loneliness that plagued her mind, body, and soul. I could get lost in your arms, Nick. Lost in you.

  Pressing her lips to his neck, she tasted the slightly salty flesh. She felt the shiver that racked his body, a shiver she’d become accustomed to over the last week of making long, lingering love with him every night.

  If only the world would stay away.

  “Yeah, that was great.” Sydney clapped.

  Bree came back to reality with a thud as the song ended.

  “Play the next one, Poppa.” Her little girl rubbed her hands together. “This one is my favorite.” Breaking away from Nick, Bree blushed. “Do you two have the rest of the night all mapped out?”

  He smiled slyly. “Oh, yeah.”

  There was no doubt in her mind what he referred to and more heat stole over her neck and face. He chuckled wickedly in her ear as he passed her in route to the stereo system, his one allowance at outside interference in the quiet countryside.

  “Get ready for this one, Mommy, you’re gonna love it.”

  Turning to her daughter, Bree raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really, and what do you have planned, young lady?

  “You’ll see.” Sydney smiled impishly.

  She glanced from her little girl to Nick. Both wore Cheshire cat grins. Her heart tripped over itself. And she made a startling discovery: She’d never seen either one happier. No evidence of pain, fear, grief, guilt, or distrust existed. Only infectious joy abounded. She’d pay anything, do anything to make it last forever.

  Jubilation tickled somewhere deep inside. “All right, if you want to keep it a surprise, then I’m game.”

  “Oh goodie, mommy!”

  Suddenly a popular song from the fifties blared out of the speakers.

  Nick strode to her side, and then grasped her hand in his warm, large one.

  She laughed as he twirled her around, and then tugged her to and fro. Easily following the familiar dance routine she and Sydney often practiced to, Bree threw all her energy into creating a special time for the two people she loved dearly.

  “Uh oh, watch out!” Sydney cried.

  Bree nicked a chair, the impact stinging her calf. Nick steadied her.

  Stopping for a moment, he said, “Here, let me shove this thing out of the way.”

  An invisible hand choked the breath from her lungs. An icy sensation whooshed through her body when she realized which chair he shifted.

  The muffled scraping ripped through her scrambling brain, obliterating the snappy music. “Wait!” Too late.

  He frowned, and then bent to retrieve the cream colored envelope. “What’s this?” Flipping it over, he read the front. “Why would Gil be sending me a letter and how did it get under here?”

  He jerked his head up, capturing her stare. Suspicion clouded his dark gaze.

  Her heart jumped to her throat, lodging itself there. She shrugged helplessly, feeling as if the rug had just been yanked from under her feet.

  “You’ve gone deathly white.” His lips thinned and tension lines bracketed his mouth. Ripping the missive open, Nick scanned the contents, his eyes shifting back and forth quickly.

  She couldn’t wait a moment longer to hear her fate. With her voice a mere sq
ueak, she asked, “Wh…what does it say?”

  Chapter 20

  A sense of disquiet loomed over Nick as he gazed into the guilt ridden features of his wife.

  Over the last few days he’d been living in a dream land, a magical place and time where laughter and joy blossomed. He’d fooled himself, thinking it had been an answer to a prayer.

  Now, the real world intruded like a dark threatening rain cloud, ready to shower him with cold, stinging reality.

  She’d lied.

  That’s what he’d gotten by following his heart and not listening to his head. He’d never make that mistake again.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about this?” he demanded.

  She gulped noisily, and then averted her eyes. “About what?”

  A thread of alarm laced her question.

  Sydney hobbled over to him and tugged on his pant leg. “What’s wrong, Poppa?”

  Staring down into the large, distressed cobalt blue eyes, he bit back on a rush of words. He tempered his answer, along with his growing anger.

  But the distrust he’d felt burst anew, relighting the flame to burn brighter than ever before. “Your mother forgot to tell me that Tessa’s been fielding some interesting phone calls.”

  A deep frown carved lines between Sydney’s brows. “What’s fieldin’?”

  Bree jumped in, saying, “Tessa’s just been taking my messages, that’s all.”

  He gritted his teeth, halting himself from calling her on that oversimplified answer.

  “But he’s mad, Mommy. I can tell.” She backed away. Standing between him and Bree, she spread her arms wide as if she were a shield, protecting her mother. “You’re not gonna start yelling really loud, are you, Poppa? Daddy used to scare me and Mommy like that all the time.” Her little chin quivered, tearing Nick apart.

  Wincing inwardly, Nick figured she’d seen too much, heard too much in her short lifetime. Yet, here she stood ready to do battle if he so much as raised his voice to Bree.