by Cherrie Mack
“Allie, at your ripe old age of twenty-two, how many men have you dated?”
“Plenty.”
He gave her a half-smile and waited for the truth. She caved. “All right. Not plenty, but it’s not like I had a lot of time to date. My mother and Gregory weren’t together for long before her diagnosis. They planned on marrying, but when she was told the news, everything came to a halt. Gregory was crushed and vowed to make the rest of her life as beautiful as he could. He took a leave of absence from his business and thought of nothing else. Looking back, we both took a leave of absence from our lives.”
“And the wedding plans?”
Allie shook her head no. “She was too sick from all the treatment.”
Angelo brushed her hair from her face. “I’m sorry, sugar. That really sucks.”
“When she died, Gregory became a shell. I didn’t think he’d ever bounce back, until Trudy showed up that is.”
“Trudy was Gregory’s desperate attempt to avoid the pain of his loss. She was a distraction, a means to an end.”
“It just pisses me off that people like Trudy and Adrienne get away with stuff like this. When Gregory died, everything went in their favor, and I’m the one who feels his loss more than they do.”
“So, you think you deserved Gregory’s company?”
“Hell, yeah. Just because you’re related by blood doesn’t always mean you’re family.”
“Well said. This is why you were given the black box. I think in the end you will understand.”
Her eyes felt heavy as she fought the medicine’s effect. “Angelo? Will you lay with me?”
*
He got into her bed, spooning her as he stroked her hair. Humming what was an unfamiliar melody to him seemed to give Allie comfort. She grabbed his hand and pulled it up between her breasts and nuzzled it to her cheek. If he had a choice, he would stay here, just like this, forever.
She stirred, “That is my mother’s favorite song. How did you know it?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe I heard you humming it?”
“I don’t think so. Angelo? What is your real name?”
“Ssh. Sleep now, Allie.”
Chapter 9
Allie rolled her eyes as Barnabus the Chihuahua yelped and nipped at her ankles. But she’d put up with a lion roaring in her ears just to look at Zach Brady. He put his coat on. “Thanks so much, Allison. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“Thanks. I think I just needed a good rest.”
“I really appreciate you getting up at the crack of dawn and helping me out.”
“No problem.” She shook Barnabus off her leg.
“Heel, Barnabus!” Zach shouted at the dog and made her jump. “Sorry. He really is pretty loveable. I think he just likes guys.”
“Uh-huh.” She watched Barnabus jump up on the chair and stare at her. She locked eyes with him and he growled, showing his tiny razor-like teeth.
Zach walked toward the door. “I left all the information for Barnabus on the fridge. Remember, he gets one dropper in his left eye three times a day for another two days.”
“Got it.”
“Great.” He let out a deep breath as he patted his breast pocket. “Okay, then. I guess that’s it. Do you have any questions for me?”
“Just one. I’ll go to the Chelsea Market this weekend. How should I make purchases?” He looked perplexed. “For the flowers,” she reminded him.
“Oh. Right, the garden. I will text you with my house account.”
“Great. Have a good trip.”
“Oh, Allison, my mail. Can you just bring it up?”
“Sure. I’ll get it.”
She closed the door behind him and quickly turned around to stare at Barnabus. “And your little dog too.”
“Arf.” He jumped off the chair and ran into his little house.
* * * *
Allie ran through Zach’s apartment trying to catch Barnabus. They stopped in the living room, where Barnabus crouched and growled. “Come here you little runt. I gotta give you these drops!” The dog stopped growling and looked at her, tilting his head to the side as he sat down.
“I’m impressed,” she murmured.
“You should be.”
Without turning around, Allie smiled. “You know, I think the only way you’ll surprise me from now on is if you actually use the front door.”
A low growl came from Barnabus as Angelo walked over and scooped him up. Scratching the dog behind his ear, he asked, “So, is this little guy giving you a hard time?”
“Be careful, he has a Napoleon complex.” Barnabus showed his teeth to her. “Grrr.”
Allie handed Angelo the eye dropper. “Can you put a dropper full in his left eye, please? The little beast won’t let me get near him.”
He chuckled. “Sure.”
She plopped into a chair and watched him closely. He was gentle with the dog, and it got her thinking things she shouldn’t. “So, you haven’t been around much. Not so interested in my happiness anymore?”
He finished the drops and put Barnabus on the floor. He took a seat opposite her, and the dog nuzzled at his feet. “I’m always around, Allie.”
“Mmm.”
“You want to ask me something?”
“Nope. Well—actually, yes.”
He smirked at her, and Allie felt her insides tighten. “Ask me anything,” he said with a wink.
Allie sucked on her bottom lip and then blew out a breath. “Can a fairy godmother get together with their—for lack of a better word—assignment?”
Angelo lifted one brow. His expression of amusement annoyed her. Jumping to her feet, she spat, “Don’t read into it. I was just curious.”
He lifted his hands in surrender and chuckled. “I just thought you might consider a walk on the wild side.”
“Don’t flatter yourself, Angelo—or whatever your name is. I like what I like, and you’re not it.”
She tried moving past him, when he reached out and grabbed her by the wrist. She looked into his green eyes and knew right away that he saw through her. He had her pegged right from the start. She was an angry, immature fraud who hadn’t a clue what she wanted out of life, let alone who.
He grinned at her. “So, let’s be clear. Zach Brady is the key to your happiness, and what you need from me is to help you win him over so you can dance with him in your sister’s shoes?”
She huffed, “It sounds so shallow when you put it like that.”
“Because it is.” He stood up and hovered inches from her. The heat between them was undeniable as Allie tried to hide her desire.
“Just remember, Allie, when you walk in someone else’s shoes, they might not be very comfortable.” Angelo let her go and went out onto the terrace. She swallowed hard and followed.
In a black, fitted T-shirt and dark denim jeans that showed off his fit physique, Angelo leaned on the railing, looking out toward the river. His wide shoulders and lean torso were met by a slender waist and a rock-hard butt. She bit her bottom lip as she reached up to touch his shoulder. Suddenly he pushed back and walked the length of the terrace. “So the way I envision it would be a bistro set surrounded by clay pots and wooden shadow boxes for flower beds. We can pick the right ones at the market place. I’m not sure what would thrive in New York City. I lived in a much different climate. What do you think?”
Allie lifted her brows. “Different climate? Like the west coast?”
“I might have.”
“You might have?”
“Anyway, what do you think about my idea?”
“Huh? Oh. I think it sounds great. How do you know so much about gardens anyway?”
“My mother owned a flower shop. I had all kinds of gardens when I was a kid. My mom was very partial to vegetables, artichokes especially.”
Allie giggled. “You never cease to amaze me.”
“Oh? Why?”
“It’s just that … I wouldn’t picture someone like you knowing so much about flowe
rs of all things.”
“There you go again, Allie, judging a book by its cover.”
“I don’t do that.”
He nodded his head, “Yeah, you do.”
She stared at him until he looked away. Then her confession tumbled out. “I guess I am a bit judgmental and angry, but my life hasn’t exactly been filled with overwhelming joy, ya know. I don’t want to feel sorry for myself, but I can’t help but feel mixed up sometimes. And it gets me angry that Adrienne stepped into my shoes, so why shouldn’t I step into hers? Did you know that she pretended to be me? She faked wanting to be a hospice nurse, which is funny because I don’t think that’s really what I want at all. But still, she has everything, and what little I have she decided to take. All to win the attention of a man who thinks he’s dating me.”
That seemed to really get his attention, and his eyes flashed. “And you think if he knew about Adrienne’s deceit, he would get rid of her?”
“Maybe. I just think he and I would make a better fit after everything I found out.”
“Really? What makes him such a good fit for you? Is it his looks? Or is it his wealth that you are most interested in?”
Allie was stunned. “You bastard. You think I would lower myself to that level and actually go after him for his money? Like Trudy did to Gregory? Do you think that’s what I think is important?”
“I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me what’s so impressive about Zach Brady that you just have to steal him away from Adrienne.”
“He thinks he’s dating me. Don’t you get it? He likes Adrienne because he thinks she is me. And I hate her for it.”
“So, is this about Adrienne or Zach?”
“A little of both. But I know if Zach knew the real Adrienne, he would pick someone like me.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Angelo nodded his head. “So you think if he gets to know you, he would see all the qualities in you that he wants in a woman. Then he would get on one knee and profess his undying love?”
“Well … maybe.” Her answer was weak and proved her unease.
“Let’s put your theory to the test, shall we?”
“What do you mean?” Her cell phone chimed. She narrowed her eyes and glanced at the phone. It was Zach Brady. “Hello.” Allie looked at Angelo and didn’t look away. “Really? When will you be getting back? Uh-huh. That soon? Oh. Okay. Right. See you then.”
She clicked off the phone. “He’ll be back sooner than expected. Maybe as early as tomorrow morning.”
“Then we better get started.” He glanced at his watch. “Perfect. Chelsea Market should be opening to the public soon. Let’s go.”
Chapter 10
Chelsea Market smelled heavenly. Bright blooms filled the marketplace. Vendors rushed inside to gather orders. Large selections of flowers were bunched together on ledges, and aisles upon aisles of shelves held their own specific flower.
Mexican pottery, large and small, sat on the floor. Impressive looking terra-cotta containers and potted plants dotted the walls, and baskets hung from the ceiling. Men carrying towering ferns and tightly packed bundles of roses and tulips were rushing by. When one stepped on Allie’s foot, she let out a yelp. Angelo eyed the man, who ignored her cry and kept moving. Allie scowled in the man’s direction. “No friggin’ manners.”
Angelo grabbed her hand and pulled her behind him. He followed after the man yelling, “Hey! Hey you.”
Allie felt her cheeks heat. “Let it go. He’s an ass.”
He yanked her hand and stopped to glare at her. “Are you gonna complain, or are you gonna stand up for yourself?”
“Uh … complain?”
“Figures. But I’m here, so I’ll do the sticking up—hey!” He turned around and dragged her behind, never letting go of her hand. “Hey, you!” he shouted.
The man turned around and looked Angelo up and down. Allie saw him glance her way as she hid behind Angelo, trying not to die of embarrassment. The man’s New York accent was thick and full of Brooklyn. “Yeah? Can I help ya, guy?” He began to load a box truck with flowering plants.
“You stepped on the lady’s foot. Does she not deserve an apology?”
Allie peeked out from behind Angelo’s back. She saw the man glare in her direction. “Yeah, awright. Sorry, lady.”
Angelo laughed and let go of her hand. He got closer until he was nose-to-nose with the man. He snarled, “Give her a better apology. You’re giving men a bad name.”
The man stood his ground and said nothing. Allie decided to say something. “I’m sorry for my friend. He’s very protective. It’s no big deal.”
Angelo turned and looked at her as if she was crazy. Her eyes widened in horror as she screamed, “Watch out.” But it was too late. Angelo was sucker-punched with a mean left hook. The men took to the street, fists flying. Allie watched Angelo defend her, and she realized it was the first time in her life a man had ever stood up for her. Her nerves flared back to life when she heard police sirens. And they were getting closer. Time to make a quick exit.
* * * *
On the subway car, Allie stood and threw her arms in the air as if she was boxing. “You really showed that guy. I bet he’ll say he’s sorry from now on.”
“Sit down, Allie. People are looking at you.”
“My adrenaline is pumping too fast. I can’t sit still.”
He giggled at her and brought his hand to touch his eye. It was beginning to throb and swell, but he watched Allie jump around with his good eye. When the train squealed and slowed down, she grabbed the pole and swung toward him, almost losing her balance. He scolded her, “Sit down. You’ll get hurt. What’s gotten into you?”
“I don’t know. I feel great.”
“I’m glad someone does.” He removed his hand from his eye and squinted at her. He watched her smile disappear, to be replaced by an expression of concern. She leaned down and got close to his face. He stayed still, almost afraid to breathe. She smelled like the flowers in the market, and the concern in her eyes made him want to grab her cheeks and kiss her until she was breathless. They were so close that he could easily reach out and do just that. I should, shouldn’t I?
The lights dimmed and the train pitched, sending her right into his lap. How convenient. He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer. His lips hovered just inches from hers. It must be her choice. He remained silent as he watched her internal struggle. “What are you thinking right now?” he whispered.
Her breathing sped up. With her eyes half-closed, she inched closer. He felt like he would combust if she didn’t put out his fire. Almost there. That’s right, closer. The train bucked, and Allie’s eyes flew open. It sped up and moved quickly toward the next stop. The lights flashed back to bright and the announcement blared, bringing the car back into reality.
Allie pulled away and stood up. She straightened her clothing and blushed like a little girl. She was so beautiful. He fought the urge to throw her down across the seats and kiss every inch of her, but he quickly tried to dispel his thoughts. His cock was hard and throbbing, which would make getting up a challenge. He tried mentally distracting himself by reciting the multiplication tables with no luck. Thinking of his long-deceased grandmother didn’t help either. Lastly, he thought of what would happen if he were to fail at putting Zach and Allie together. He sighed. That seemed to work.
The train rolled to a stop, and the doors opened with a loud clang. People rushed off while others waited to board. Allie stood on the platform and waited. “Come on,” she said.
“I’m coming.” If only.
* * * *
Walking into Zach’s apartment was like walking into the other team’s headquarters. It made him edgy, and he lashed out at Allie when she asked about the plan for the terrace. They hadn’t bought any plants because they were too busy running from the police. He was mad at himself for starting a fist fight, but it felt good to punch something, even if it was a person. Now she was quiet, and Angel
o was feeling guilty.
The silence was broken by the constant yipping of Barnabus. Allie walked past the dog and ignored him. Angelo bent down and hoisted the dog in the air. He held him up and looked into his eyes. “Stop that constant yelping, little guy, or I’m gonna ignore you too.” The dog quieted down, and he held him to his chest. At least someone likes me. He walked behind Allie as she reached for the dropper of dog medicine. “Give it me. I’ll do it,” he offered.
“Thanks. We both know how much he loves me. Hopefully his owner will feel different.”
“I’m sure he will. Just pour on all that Allie charm and he’ll fall right in line.” Why am I such a sarcastic asshole?
“You’re right. I will charm him because we are compatible and wouldn’t be at each other’s throats.”
He put the dog down and followed her into the living room. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
With her hands on her hips, she turned to face him. “Just do your job, Angelo. Get my garden set up and leave the rest to me.”
“Do my job?” He shook his head because if he didn’t, it would’ve blown off his shoulders. “Fine!” He threw the doors to the terrace open. It was filled with potted plants bursting with bloom. Huge clay pots overflowed with dahlias, and wooden boxes strategically placed revealed daisies and tulips. An antique bistro set was placed in the corner surrounded by red and yellow roses. “Help me move these,” he said, pointing to a few potted trees.
He noticed she stood still, staring for what seemed like forever. “Allie. Do you mind?”
“Oh—of course not. Sorry.” She leaned down and grabbed the other side of the pot. As they slid the tree into a different spot, she said, “It’s just that it’s so beautiful. You envisioned this?”
“Surprised?”
“Kinda.”
“Not the type of thing you’d expect from a guy like me, huh?”
“Not at all.” They went to the next pot.
“You know, I keep hearing all about how I’m not your type. Did you ever stop to think you’re not mine?” They pushed the pot across the terrace.
“That’s fine. Just goes to show that we’re an ill fit. But, hypothetically speaking, what is it about me that you wouldn’t go for?”
