Ten Brides for Ten Hot Guys

by Donna Fasano

  ~*~

  When Joe came up behind the tiny, preoccupied woman, he knew at once it was Angelina, and that God had it in for him. He clenched his sweaty hands and gritted his teeth. Go figure that he’d run into her. Hell, missing her was the very reason he’d come to walk the beach.

  Buried in his head, she’d penetrated deep, and no matter how he’d lectured himself, she wouldn’t be shaken. He’d woken up from dreams filled with her beguiling smile, her soft skin--even her smell. Haunted by the what-might-have-beens, he’d hoped the strong wind and aggressive exercise would purge her from him so he could be free.

  Just then, Joe spotted two ogling fellows whose heads swiveled to check out her retreating figure, and he knew his glowering at them was way out of line.

  She’s mine!

  As soon as those words hit him, jealousy flared and burned his gut like a vicious case of acid reflux. He gritted his teeth, and stuck his hands deep in his pockets. Leave her be, Joe. Don’t mess with fire.

  Repeatedly, with conviction, he’d warned himself to stay away. She wasn’t a good-time girl to score with and dump when the party was over. He knew wife-material when he saw it. What pained him was how perfectly she would have fit in with his family. They would love her. But she wasn’t for him and he had to respect that fact.

  Grumpily, he turned to go back to his truck. He hadn’t noticed Peewee gamboling in the sand until he saw a huge German shepherd streak past him in the small puppy’s direction. The larger canine had obviously taken a dislike to sharing his domain with the usurper and intended to teach the little mutt a lesson. With his scruff standing stiff, growls intended as a precursor to the attack, Joe knew poor little Peewee was in for trouble.

  He might have been able to sneak away from the woman who hadn’t seen him yet, but the yapping puppy knew Joe and was running frantically to get to him, his furry face alight with the joy of greeting.

  Suddenly, Peewee realized the danger from the approaching ferocious aggressor. Trying to put on the brakes only caused him to skid and then flip ass-over-tea-kettle and be a perfect target. Without another thought, Joe sprinted and scooped up the pup a few seconds before the maniac could do any damage. An elbow in the lunger’s chest put an end to that nonsense, and so did the harsh yell he used to scare him off. The excited, tongue-lolling mess he cuddled close quivered in his arms and let loose little cries of fear. In the time it took to soothe the frisky pooch with gentle pats and hugs, while allowing the face-wash the agitated pup bestowed on him, Angelina had approached.

  Her sexy, accented voice calling his name created a predictable reaction. His guts tightened, adrenaline kicked in and his mouth lost all the moisture. He looked at her and melted. While his eyes devoured her prettiness, gladness overrode resolution. From the back she was perfection, but from the front, the woman radiated with pleasure, and that, he couldn’t resist.

  ~*~

  Angelina couldn’t believe her luck. As if her yearning had created the flesh and blood man, she sent up a thank-you to those unseen spirits who were on her side. She looked to see how he felt about the chance meeting and her heart dropped. How could this man be so unaffected, and she be so infatuated—so utterly, deliriously, euphorically, stupidly infatuated?

  “Hi, Angel.” He lowered the puppy to the ground and waited for her to approach.

  Amazingly, she felt none of her usual annoyance at someone using that term, and not a bit of her habitual shyness. On tiptoes, she reached out her hand and leaned over to kiss his cheek in polite salutation.

  He intertwined his fingers with hers and lowered his cheek. Then he pointed at the puppy again chasing the birds along the shoreline. “He had a close call from that German Shepherd.”

  “I saw what happened. Thank goodness you were there and could help him. Even though dogs are allowed to roam the beach untethered till the end of the month, I should have kept him on his leash. He’s such a little fellow…”

  Just then a gust of wind captured her hair and unwound strands that flew everywhere, some covering her face.

  As Joe captured a handful and caressed the shining mass, holding it back to protect her face, the world stopped dead. In a vacuum of delight, she stared into his eyes which were now fully engaged with hers. Neither moved. No one spoke. She melted at the adoration plainly written on his features.

  Emotion, too heavy for her to handle, forced her into his waiting arms and they hugged. No words were spoken. They didn’t need to say anything; the moment of perfection seemed to soothe both wounded spirits.

  Finally, Peewee’s frenzied barking had to be acknowledged. Angelina turned her back to Joe, and felt his arms hug around her waist and snuggle her to his body. They both watched to see what had disturbed the agitated pup this time.

  Incredibly, hundreds of seagulls—a spectacular sight—lifted on the air currents, floated simultaneously and then soared every which way. They were a vision of spiritual joy on shifting airflows. The uniquely sounding screech, multiplied by the number of birds, rang like a cacophony from an orchestra not expected to ever make it to a Broadway concert hall.

  A fleeting but distinctly fishy odor attacked her senses and added further to the reality of them being on the seashore…. together. Taking her hand delicately in his, Joe guided her through the driftwood spewed randomly over the weed-choked bank to reach the walkway. They settled themselves comfortably on one of the many benches, resting close together.

  “I wondered if I’d see you again,” she said without forethought. Once she heard her words she bit her lip and stuttered, trying to take them back. “I-I’m not scolding you. It’s just that you left so suddenly the other night.”

  “I did. I’m sorry. I know there’s been a lot of work to do, and I wanted to help you—”

  She interrupted before he could continue. “I don’t need a worker or a boss, Joe. Just a friend. I like to handle things myself, and not rely on anyone else anyway.” Shush, Angie, and stop being so stubborn!

  “And I can’t help being an interfering male, and wanting to assist a lady in need. My mother brought me up to be a gentleman and to be useful. But let’s not go there now. Today is too perfect. Let’s just enjoy the view.”

  The ocean was beautiful. Its surface, like a sparkling mirror of icy blue crystals, rippled from strong gusts of wind. And the clouds hovering above reflected on the water, darkening it in some places and lightening it in others.

  As they sat quietly, Angelina realized she was tongue-tied and prayed he’d start a conversation. After a short uncomfortable silence, he asked, “What made you decide to live in Victoria?”

  “Actually, I was born here. Since then, every year, we came to visit my grandmother. I grew to love Victoria. As I became older, I found it harder to leave. Worse, I hated to return to the sheltered existence my father and brothers forced on me. I was suffocating there. Here, I was allowed many freedoms, and as I grew older, those became more and more important to me. Finally, I had to make a choice. Either remain in Chile and be the daughter my father wanted, or prove to him I could be the woman I wanted.”

  When she fell silent, he said. “Tell me more.”

  “Well, mi papá owns a large accounting business back home, where I’ve always dreamed one day I’d work. Of course, my vision was that I would assume my rightful place alongside him and my two brothers, and eventually be accepted as a partner. I’d earned the appropriate credentials so there should have been no problem.”

  “What happened?”

  “Let’s just say this wasn’t in my father’s plans. He’s an old-fashioned Chilean who has other goals for his only daughter. Over the past two years, I’ve been trying to prove to him that I’m as good as my brothers and can work just as hard. If all goes well, in less than a month, I’ll own my firm outright, and he’ll have his proof.”

  “I am impressed. I guess your brothers must be very proud of you.”

  “Are you kidding? They’re positive I’ve gotten advice from some man, and only
Lady Luck has kept me from going under. All my life, they’ve tried to take care of my problems. They’re like two old women, and as much as I love them, they drive me batty.” Sensing she’d said enough, Angelina changed the subject. “What about you, Joe? Were you born here?” Angelina could not believe she had gone on and on about herself. Strangely, she felt surprisingly comfortable with this Joe.

  “Yes, I’m actually the baby of the family. I have five older brothers, all married and all scattered around the city.”

  “Your poor mother.”

  “Poor mother? Be serious! The woman is blessed,” he teased.

  “Is she still in therapy?” Angelina teased back.

  He laughed uproariously. “No, they released her last year on probation.”

  Giggling, and loving this side of him, Angelina continued to probe. “Are your brothers following suit with large families?”

  “They’re all working on it. So far I have seven nieces and nephews, and two more in the chute.”

  “Why haven’t you followed the rest and surrendered to wedded bliss?”

  “Me? Not gonna happen! No wife, no kids—and no plans to change.” His spiel erupted and sounded well-rehearsed.

  Feeling heat in her cheeks, Angelina babbled. “I love kids. One day I would like to have a family, but I guess first I have to hook me a dutiful husband.” Not knowing how these words would inflame him, she grinned, wanting him to join in the joke.

  Joe stiffened and leaned forward to grasp his hands together between his knees. Then he looked at her, his eyes flashing. “You mean, trap some poor sap so crazy in love, he won’t be able to say no to you. You’ll lead him around with the proverbial ring in his nose, and the sucker will be so infatuated, he’ll let you, even love you for doing it. He’ll give up his space, his freedom, his pride, his balls, and what’s worse, he won’t even care. I saw it happen with my brothers. Now they’re manipulated and controlled. It’s pitiable, and what really burns my behind is that they pretend to be happy.”

  Just then a very tired, bedraggled, soaking-wet pup skidded to a stop, shook himself and sprayed both of the before flopping down beside Angelina’s feet, happy and exhausted. Glad for the chance to change the uncomfortable subject, she dug in her pocket for her keys and stood.

  Joe rose at the same time and before she knew it, he’d reached for her hands. His good mood having returned, he swung her arms back and forth and asked, “Do you want to head over to my mom and dad’s with me for a family barbecue? If I don’t appear on Sundays, my mom leaves threats on my voicemail, and text messages me with insults all week.”

  Surprised delight filled Angelina and it must have showed on her face. His smile widened and a twinkle shone from his eyes. Suddenly shy, she lowered her head, released his hold and bent to brush some sand from Peewee. “I’d love to, but I must check in with Tee. She was sleeping when I left, but she’ll probably want company by now. I stopped to visit with Coralee earlier, so I’ve been gone most of the day.”

  Joe stooped to help her hold the wiggling pup still. His voice changed, becoming gentle. “Have you called anyone in Social Services, or the Missing Children’s Registry about Tee yet?”

  Affronted and knowing she shouldn’t be, Angelina bit out. “No and I’m not going to. She’s safe with me. I’m giving her time to come to terms with what her choices are, and what she wants to do. School is our biggest priority, and so far she’s receptive.”

  “For her to enroll in any school she needs her papers; you know that.”

  “Of course I know. I’m biding my time until my grandmother gets back and we’ll figure out something together. Right now, I thank my lucky stars I found her in the first place. What if she hadn’t appeared that day?”

  “Then you wouldn’t have this worry. You can’t live by what-ifs.”

  “Worry? You mean I wouldn’t have had the joy of knowing her. I consider Tee a bonus in my life, not something to regret. And I use ‘what-if’s’ as a way to remember how lucky I am.” His piercing gaze stopped her from continuing.

  He nodded, his eyes now hooded. “Just so you understand, I’m on your side. If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know. In fact, I was thinking we should ask her to come with us to the barbecue. There’ll be lots of people there and great food. You think she’d like to tag along?”

  Angelina’s surprise covered her face so even a blind man wouldn’t have missed it. This perplexing guy continued to shock her silly. “I’ll call and ask her, and thank you for the invitation.”

  Chapter 45

  As soon as Joe pulled into the driveway, Angelina saw that his parents lived in a wonderful, huge, two-storied rambling home. On three sides, the wrap-around verandas were festooned with daffodils, tulips and other spring blooms. The front of the house, beautifully maintained with manicured lawns, fish-laden pools and small bridges, thrilled the onlooker. On this exceptionally warm day, the flowering gardens were delightful, and set off the green-trimmed, white house perfectly.

  “Joe, is it okay for me to wander in the gardens for a few minutes? It’s really cool.”

  “Sure, Tee. We’ll be with the rest of the family. Join us when you’re ready.”

  A group of young adults and children were milling around the roomy, enclosed backyard that sported a collection of comfy garden chairs and loungers. There was an opulent stainless steel barbecue prominently displayed to the side of a rambling cedar deck where the men had congregated. Nearby, large steel and glass tables were set, ready for the food.

  First, Joe introduced Angelina to his mother, and then left her in the care of the Davidson women while he went to fetch cold drinks.

  “I’m happy to meet you, Angelina.” Vera Davidson introduced the other five women sitting nearby. Automatically, Angelina slipped into her customary greeting mode and bent to shake each woman’s hand as she bestowed gentle kisses on their cheeks. This ploy seemed to break the ice and they all beamed at her in return. “Joe phoned to say he’d invited two friends and we were to behave ourselves, not ask too many questions and to make you feel at home,” Vera said.

  Angelina laughed, shaking her head slightly. “How chivalrous your son is.”

  The others giggled with her, some nodding and others scoffing. “Joe is all about Joe. Don’t mistake us, he’s a sweetheart. But he has some very strange ideas about women.”

  All ears, she listened politely and watched as Vera Davidson’s scowl put an end to the others’ gossip. Just then Tee approached.

  The girl had dressed with special care for the afternoon. Her hair, which she normally tucked into a cap, was highlighted with lines of red sprayed-on color and shaped with gel. It looked provocative, modern—a bit overdone? Maybe a little! But nonetheless, to Angelina, she appeared endearingly cute. Multi-colored plastic doodads adorned her artful hairstyle, and she had inserted earrings which were designed in such a way so as to give one the impression she had five holes in each ear. Her nose ring, fake also, the prevailing fashion today, drew one’s eye and most likely encouraged ridicule from old fuddy-duddies.

  The jeans she wore—her usual uniform—looked washed out, holes place strategically and wrinkled lines around the thighs, but regulation for today’s youth. Her blouse, the first Angelina had ever seen her wear, was white, lacy, and a distinct change from her normal T-shirt style.

  After introducing the shy youngster to the other women, Angelina said, “I never thought to ask if you use sunscreen. I have some in my bag if you need any?”

  Tee grinned and pointed to the large straw object next to Angelina’s chair. “You have the whole drugstore in your bag. Thanks, I’m cool.”

  Some of the kids, watching this byplay, must have decided Tee was also cool, and they declared open season on her. Angelina figured her funky looks appealed to the little hellions, and they wanted her attention.

  Before they could drag her away, Carmen, one of Joe’s sister-in-laws broke in, “If these monsters bug you too much, Tee, just wave or flash m
e a sign and I’ll rescue you.” She laughed as she made this speech, but no one could mistake her seriousness.

  “No problem. I like kids,” Tee answered, apparently telling the truth.

  Just then a little guy about three or so, wearing baggy jeans decorated by a small chain hanging from the pocket to the waist, and an oversized red hoodie with an emblem SK8, written like graffiti in black and blazoned across the front, pushed his way into the group looking for his mom. His dark brown hair was slicked upwards in a spiked fashion, but a stubborn cowlick, creating a curl to the left side of his forehead, distorted the total effect. Stunningly familiar endearing green eyes, prominent in this family of handsome men, shone from his angelic plump face.

  He went right up to his Uncle Joe, who’d appeared carrying two drinks, and stared hard into his face. Then he reached to grasp his hand and pulled so that Joe was forced to pass the glass of wine to Angelina and a coke to Tee and kneel down. He encircled the child with his strong arms and hugged him. The boy leaned back, pulling away, and stared belligerently at his uncle.

  “I misted you, Uncle Joe. You dinn’t come to see me and I misted you so bad my misser got sore.” Having said his piece, he hugged his open-mouthed, stunned uncle, and then moved away.

  Stopping by Tee, he gave her his eagle-eyed once-over.

  “Hey, little dude, what’s your name?” she asked.

  “Danny. Uts yours?”

  “Tee,” she said. Then she hunkered down to his height. “Want me to push you on the swing?” She pointed to the play set in the corner of the garden, where all the children’s activities and riding toys were.

  He studied her, his head held at an angle. She stared right back until suddenly, her eyes began to bug out and go cross-eyed.

  Chortling, instant buddies, accepting her with an adorable smile and by lifting his arms, he astounded the family who watched this byplay. Mouths hung agape, and every face wore identical stunned reactions.