Intertwined Hearts Series (4 book collection): (Intertwined Hearts, An Exceptional Twist, Tangled Paths & Grafted Vines)

by Kimi Flores

  My lips were relentless and demanding against hers, until a little voice asked, “Daddy, why are you kissing Miss Abby?”

  Shit!

  Chapter Sixteen

  What’s a Holiday without Some Drama?

  Caleb

  I wished more than anything that we were celebrating Thanksgiving at my house this year, instead of at my parents’ in Chicago, but Grace and Robert had decided to join Abby’s mom and step-dad on a Thanksgiving weekend cruise

  I’d only been away from Abby for one day, but I couldn’t believe how much I already missed her. When I’d asked her to come with Madison and me, she’d said she already promised to go with Leah to her mom’s house. Reading her body language, I knew it probably had more to do with all the unpleasant stories I’d shared about my family. Then again, it could’ve had something to do with the fact that she was still uneasy about Madison catching us making out on the couch.

  It had only been a couple weeks since we’d officially been together, but I was ready to move forward. She still had to heal from past hurts and I wanted to help her. Once she did, I knew in my heart she would be open to a deeper commitment.

  Stefen started with the banter as soon as he’d joined me in my parents’ large sterile-looking formal lounge. “Why didn’t you bring this girl who has you acting like such a chick?” He sat next to me on the uncomfortable white Chesterfield leather couch. The thing was all for show, just like everything else in this house.

  I rolled my eyes. “She’s with her best friend’s family. Honestly, I’m okay with it now that I’m here and remember what it’s like. I don’t want to scare her off. I’d rather be farther into our relationship before bringing her home to meet you.” I punched my cousin in the arm, priding myself on doing it first. It never took long for the fists to start flying.

  “Ow, you prick. You’re going to leave a bruise.” Stefen rubbed his bicep, then smirked.

  “Pansy ass,” I threw back at him. Although we talked on the phone and texted often, Stefen and I hadn’t been in the same room since last Thanksgiving at my house. It was nice to finally spend time with him.

  “Are you afraid I’d steal her? I am the handsome one.” He ran his fingers down his chiseled, scruffy jaw, lifting one of his well-groomed eyebrows above the hazel eyes he’d inherited from my uncle.

  “With your ego?” I scoffed. “Hell no. My girl would never give you a second glance. You and your high maintenance looks are not her type.” I could admit that my cousin was a good-looking guy, but I couldn’t picture Abby ever being interested in someone like him.

  “What the hell does that mean?” He grumbled. “I’m every woman’s type. I’m flexible like that.”

  Damn, he was so arrogant. It was fun teasing him, but his attitude bothered me. I couldn’t wait for Stefen to wise up, see what life was really about, and stop living this pompous façade we’d grown up with.

  Staring absently at the chandelier in the entryway, I let out an exasperated breath. This same long-standing argument had gotten old a long time ago.

  Scooting forward a bit, I peered around Stefen to the nearby dining room and saw my overly made-up mom and aunt still sneering at each other over their wine glasses. Same as usual. One would never guess they’d been best friends at one point, long ago. I imagined our fathers were in the office, talking business. I expected the summons for Stefen to join them soon.

  Typical Thanksgiving gathering.

  Sitting back on the unpleasant couch, I inquired, “So, what ever happened to that girl you were going out with the last time we talked?”

  “I’m done with her. Let’s just say she’s not so innocent anymore.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  Un-freaking-believable. Stefen was a grown professional and still acting like he was living in a frat house. It was disheartening.

  “You are an absolute asshole, you know that, right?” I couldn’t believe he was still playing the same games we’d perfected in college. I’m sure women didn’t stand a chance against his charm and good looks, plus his successful career and hefty bank account didn’t hurt. None of that mattered, though, since his sense of superiority was ridiculous.

  “Yeah, but I don’t really give a damn.” He shrugged. “I didn’t force her or lie to her. She knew what the deal was and was free to leave whenever she wanted.” He was as confident in his stance as he was with his words.

  Unsettled, I sighed. “Despite what you want other people to think of you, I really do have hope. One day, I promise you’re going to meet that girl. She’s going to knock you on your ass and you’re gonna have to change. You will eventually hate every stupid decision you made in the past.” I’d bet the trust funds our grandfather left us on it.

  “You keep those false hopes,” he said, almost dismissive. “I’m not you, and that’s not what I want. I enjoy having many women in my life. No woman has ever stood a chance of being asked to eat breakfast with me, let alone having enough influence to make me regret my choices.” He shook his head, cocky and resolute. “Never going to happen.”

  Fed up with his chauvinistic viewpoint, I stood up, my arms crossed over my chest. “Not everything is about you,” I reminded him. “Have you considered the fact that the women you take home may not want what you have to offer?”

  I knew he’d never force a girl into anything, but I worried he might use his influence to confuse them long enough to do things they’d regret later.

  He stood up and pointed to himself, trying to match my stance, but failing, since, unlike me, he was just shy of six feet tall. “Please. Look at me. Women fall all over each other to get to me.”

  “You’re so damn arrogant, I swear, Stefen.” How could he still not get it? “I’m not even talking about your damn looks. That can only take you so far. I’m talking about what you bring to the table. What if a woman really doesn’t want sex? With you or anyone else? What do you do when a woman refuses you?”

  He pursed his lips. “That’s never happened before. But if it did, there would be plenty of others to choose from.”

  My body was starting to vibrate with fury when Bri entered the room. As usual, just her presence softened any egotistical attitudes. Although Stefen disrespected other women, he loved his sister and treated her like royalty. I felt the same. We were all each others’ rocks.

  “What’re you guys talking about?” Bri had only been in town for about an hour.

  “Your manwhore brother,” I grumbled.

  Stefen wasn’t even offended. He just shrugged his shoulders.

  “Ah, so nothing new, huh?” Bri didn’t look surprised in the least.

  “Nope.” I was clearly disappointed by the lives both of my cousins led.

  “So, Bri, you flew in on your own?” Stefen changed the topic, concern lacing his voice.

  She sat down and started fidgeting with the couch’s arm. “Yeah, I broke things off with John just before I left Barcelona.”

  Stefen dropped beside her and pulled her into a hug. I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and squeezed. I really wished they’d both find someone and settle down soon. I wanted them to experience even a sliver of the happiness I’d been so lucky to discover.

  ⁂

  Abby

  I sat at the lavishly decorated rectangular table. The dining room was cozy, and the incredible smell of Leah’s mom, Maria’s, extravagant cooking filled the air.

  “So, Leah tells us you’re dating that gentleman from Leticia’s wedding.” Maria gave me an approving wink. “So handsome. Muy Guapo. Congratulations.”

  “Yeah, it’s only been a couple weeks, but I really like him.” I couldn’t contain my dreamy smile.

  “Stop pretending, amiga. Your words don’t match the little twinkle in your eye.” Leah made a gesture by her eye like it was sparkling, then patted my forearm. “Mama, this girl right here has found the man of every woman’s dreams, and she’s in love.”

  I couldn’t hold in my nervous laugh as I glanced around at everyone sitting
at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

  “Oh, mija, I’m so happy for you.” Maria reached past Leah and held my hand, rubbing the top. “You’re like one of my girls and seeing you glowing just warms my heart. You’re so deserving of a good man.”

  I chanced a glance at Leah’s oldest sister, Elena, as she glared across the table. It wasn’t a secret that Maria didn’t approve of Elena’s husband, and I imagined this statement probably hurt Elena’s feelings. Elena had never brought a guy home who her family accepted. Her oldest son’s father was never introduced to the family. Once she found out she was pregnant, the sperm donor admitted he was married. I was told he’d been one of her college professors.

  I didn’t know too much about the father of her second child, but thought she was the result of a one-night stand. Her current husband owned his own corporation and worked a lot. He didn’t spend much time at home with the family. I supposed it might have something to do with the fact that his children were grown adults and these kids weren’t his. He was also absent from our Thanksgiving table.

  I scanned the other end of the room, where the kids sat, unsociable with earbuds in their ears, ignoring everyone around them.

  Leah bumped my elbow. “Not your problem. Don’t worry about her.”

  Leah’s middle sister, Dani, sat on the other side of me. There had been many times I’d felt as though I was the third sister in this family and not Elena.

  “This turkey is amazing as always, Mami.” Leah praised her mom’s cooking whenever she sat at her dinner table. To me, she said, “The original recipe is for gallo en chicha, which is basically like the French dish, Coq au vin, but it works well for Thanksgiving turkey, too.” Realizing her mistake, Leah backtracked. “I don’t know why I tell you these things. It’s not like you’re ever going to make it.” Then she took another bite of the juicy white meat on her plate.

  Sal, Maria’s boyfriend, asked, “Why wouldn’t you make this, Abby? It’s delicious. It’s become a Thanksgiving staple for us. You can make it when you marry this boyfriend of yours.” He winked teasingly.

  I really liked Sal and thought he was a great man for Maria. He’d been Leah’s father’s partner on the police force before their father had died in the line of duty many years ago. Sal’s wife had died early on in their marriage as well. I’d been told their mutual sorrow had brought them together, ultimately helping them heal.

  Across the table was Manuel, who hadn’t looked at me since Leah had proclaimed my love for Caleb.

  Out of nowhere, he grumbled, “She’s a vegetarian. Apparently nothing at this table is good enough for her.”

  What the heck was that for? It wasn’t like we’d dated or anything. I’d actually considered it when we first met because he was good-looking in a rugged way, but then he had to go and ruin it by opening his mouth.

  Clearing his throat, Sal took the opportunity to stand and make a toast. “I’m so glad everyone was able to make it. Thanksgiving has always been a special time for us, so I think it’s only fitting to finally make an announcement today, in front everyone.” He pulled Maria up next to him. “After all these years, I finally got up the courage to ask this breathtaking woman to become my bride.”

  Elena started to choke on her food, her face turning a violent shade of red. Manuel’s chair fell back and banged loudly against the wall as he jumped up and started frantically whacking Elena’s back.

  “Pendejo, that’s not what you do when someone’s choking.” Dani rounded the table to help her sister. Once she was okay, all eyes went back to Sal and Maria.

  “Well, Mami?” Leah asked with hopeful eyes.

  Maria threw her hands in the air as if declaring the most obvious thing in the world. A sparkling diamond ring glistened for all to see. “Of course I said yes!”

  Every person at the table jumped up to congratulate the couple. Everyone except Elena. It was apparent that her pride had been hurt from everyone staring while she coughed up her food. She slumped in her chair, her arms crossed tightly across her chest, a frown on her face.

  “There’s more, though,” Maria said, quieting everyone. “As you know, Sal is running for Congress, and if he wins, we’ll be moving to Sacramento.”

  “What?” Elena screeched. “When is this going to happen? What am I supposed to do?” She relied on her mother’s help with her kids.

  I cringed and sensed this dinner was about to go from bad to worse.

  “Elena!” Leah and Dani yelled in unison, glaring daggers at her.

  “Don’t you think it’s a coincidence that Mami marrying Papi’s best friend after he died?” All shocked eyes were on Elena and her nearly visible fangs. “Were you guys having an affair when Papi was alive, too?”

  Maria’s gasp was audible. “Niña, cómo te atreves! How dare you!”

  “What the hell is wrong with you?” Dani yelled across the table. “Papi has been dead for thirteen years. Can’t you just be happy for Mami?”

  Elena’s death glare would’ve made anyone else back down, but not Dani.

  Dani held her chin up. “Why don’t you leave? The kids can stay.”

  Elena jolted up from the table, popping her hip, and resting her clenched fist there. “Are you throwing me out of my mother’s house on Thanksgiving?”

  “No. I am.” Everyone in the room went dead quiet, all eyes turning to Leah’s normally soft-spoken mother. “You need to leave now and come back when you have an apology, niña.” She silently fumed, Sal holding his palm against her back for support.

  “Fine,” Elena growled. “Come on kids.” She pulled them up by their arms. Neither knew what was going on because they’d been focused on their video games.

  “Pedo Mami, I haven’t finished my food yet,” her oldest, Paul, complained.

  “Well, tough shit, let’s go.” She continued to yank on both kids.

  “Do not treat my grandchildren like that,” Maria demanded.

  “Fine, you keep them.” Dropping their arms, Elena stormed around the table and slammed the front door on her way out.

  I gulped, wishing I could to melt into the chair somehow.

  “She’s such a selfish bitch sometimes,” Leah murmured as she sat back down, throwing her napkin onto her half eaten plate.

  “I’m sorry, everyone. Please sit, let’s enjoy our meal together. She’ll blow off some steam, it’ll be fine.” Maria had so much pain on her face.

  “Well, Mami, I don’t care what she said, the rest of us are overjoyed for you guys.” Leah attempted to comfort her mom with her words.

  Sal still stood frozen.

  “Mi Amor, it’s okay. Sit down,” Maria begged him.

  “Nothing like family drama for the holidays,” Manuel muttered.

  ⁂

  After that awkward dinner, I was so glad to be in the comfort of my own home. Leah’s family gatherings were always enjoyable, but it wasn’t out of character for Elena to cause some kind of issue.

  Tossing my things on the coffee table, I strolled down the hall toward my bedroom, ready to slip into my cozy jammies. I felt bad turning Leah down when she’d asked if I wanted to go to the movies with her, but I was done for the night. Truthfully, I really wanted to spend the evening with Caleb, but that wasn’t going to happen. I couldn’t believe how much I missed him in the short time we’d been separated.

  My cell rang just as I was pulling my pajama bottoms on. Even though I hadn’t given him a special ring tone yet, I knew it was Caleb before looking at the caller ID.

  “Hello, handsome,” I purred. Wait, when did I start purring?

  “Hmm—hello, my lovely lady,” his voice hummed through the earpiece, melting my heart, butterflies fluttering in my belly.

  After pulling my hair into a ponytail, I made my way back into the living room. “What time is it there?”

  “Midnight. We got back to Stefen’s a couple hours ago, and everyone just headed for bed. I couldn’t go to sleep without talking to you first.” He paused a minute. “You kno
w, we haven’t been apart in almost two weeks.”

  “I was thinking about calling too, but figured you were already asleep.” I picked up the remote from the couch, tossed it on the coffee table, and curled up in the corner. “How’s my Maddie girl doing?”

  “She’s been asleep for the last few hours. She and Bri are in the guest room. I got stuck on the squeaky leather couch.” He must’ve changed positions as he was talking because I could hear said squeaky couch in the background.

  “Is that why the low voice? I thought that was for me.” I held my breath, anticipating his sexy voice when he answered

  “Oh, it is for you.”

  I softly gasped and my breathing became heavier. How was it possible for a few words to make my body actually tingle?

  The grin in his voice was evident in his response. “And is the panting for me? Abby, you can’t do that when I’m not there to touch you.”

  Damn, I was about to burst into flames.

  “Abby? You still there, baby?” His deep voice vibrated, sending tingles along my heated skin.

  “Stop that, no fair.” I spoke in a shy whisper. “You’re better at this than me.”

  “Better at what?” he crooned, completely aware of his effect on me. “Missing you?”

  Not sure where our conversation was headed, I bashfully answered, “No, you know, the sexy talk.”

  “Oh. This is nowhere near the sexy talk I’m saving for you.”

  I think I just stop breathing, because I’m suddenly lightheaded.

  He must’ve heard my lack of breath. “Relax. I’m only teasing. Maybe I spent too much time with Stefen today.” He laughed at that.

  Before I jumped on a plane to Chicago, I decided to change the subject to something safe. “How was your Thanksgiving?”

  “The usual. Parents arguing, drunken aunt passed out, pissed off uncle because of said drunken aunt. Stefen, Bri and I sitting back, watching it all unfold, just like we did when we were kids.” The couch squeaked in the background again.