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

by Kimi Flores

  I picked up a colorful brochure, feeling Stefen directly behind me as we read through it. Why does he keep doing that? Gulping, I stepped aside and held the pamphlet up so we could both see it. With a foot of distance.

  Thirty-five dollars was the smallest donation option. I can do that.

  “Sure we can, sweetie.” I fished a pen from my purse and squatted down to show her the pictures on the glossy paper. With my elbow on my thigh and chin resting on my palm, I gave Madison a choice. “Which one do you want to help?”

  “Oh, can it be a starfish? I love starfish.” Beaming, the little girl swung from side to side.

  Nodding, I agreed, “Starfish it is.”

  Scribbling the information down, I stood and led Madison to the information desk, while Stefen followed. I handed the brochure to an employee seated at the computer. He couldn’t be more than seventeen.

  “We’d like to help a fish,” I told him, propping my arms on the counter.

  “Yes, a starfish,” Madison squealed.

  I laughed, repeating, “A starfish, please.” I looked down at Madison, ruffling her cute brunette head, again thinking how great it would be one day to have a little girl of my own.

  “Are these together?” The assistant inquired.

  I looked up. “Hmm?”

  The cashier held up two brochures. Both filled in. One in my handwriting—and one in Stefen’s?

  Son of a— Why couldn’t he let me have this one moment?

  “No,” I said crisply. “They’re separate.” I glowered at Stefen from my periphery.

  Handing our credit cards over at the same time, the guy behind the counter held one up in each hand. “Okay, which card is for the thirty-five dollars and which is for the thousand dollars?”

  I choked. “A what?”

  The young guy stalled, his face contorting awkwardly. “Well—”

  I turned wide eyes on Stefen. “Don’t you think that’s a bit ridiculous?”

  Shrugging his shoulders a little too innocently, he answered, “Hey, starfish have to eat, too.”

  Feeling a tugging on my dress, I looked down and saw the sad look on Madison’s face. “Why are you mad, Auntie Leah?”

  I leaned down to get closer to the little girl’s face. Smoothing Madison’s hair away from her eyes, I spoke softly, “I’m not mad. I just think that Uncle Stefen is too giving sometimes.”

  Madison tilted her head, seeming confused, “But Daddy says we should give.”

  Taking a deep breath and exhaling, I gave in. “You’re right. Uncle Stefen can donate whatever he wants.” Raising my chin, I thought, I won’t let his generosity make me feel irrelevant.

  Standing up, with my back to Stefen, I quietly replied, “The blue one is for the thirty-five.” I tried to sound as confident as I could, but I was suddenly fighting back tears, feeling insignificant.

  The assistant perked up. “With the larger donation, you get to have your picture taken. Would you like to do it as a family?”

  My nostrils flared. It couldn’t have been a pretty picture, but I was beyond caring. “We are not a family,” I barked, all eyes suddenly on me. Reel it in, girlfriend. “I mean,” I forced a calmer tone, “I think since Madison is the supporter here, she should have her picture taken.”

  Yes. That’s a great idea. I plastered a fake smile on my face, giving Stefen a full dose of my anger.

  Stefen cleared his throat, pulling at the neckline of his t-shirt a little. “I like that idea,” he said nervously, ushering Madison toward the green screen. “Come over here, squirt. I saw a diver’s outfit you can put on.”

  Madison clapped her hands excitedly. “A diver? I get to be a diver?”

  I softened, feeling deflated. “You’re gonna be a cute little diver.” Shaking it off, I helped Madison dress up in the flippers, mask, and vest.

  Stefen and I each took a picture with our cell phones as the employee snapped one with a professional camera.

  Being on their honeymoon, I wasn't sure if Abby would check her phone, but I sent the picture anyway. Madison was in the middle of stripping the gear off when I felt Stefen’s fingertips lightly caress the back of my arm.

  “Hey, you ready to leave?” he whispered. “I’m getting hungry.”

  His simple touch set my skin on fire, causing me to forget how upset I’d been with him. Keeping my focus on Madison, I answered, “Sure.”

  His cell phone beeped and he stepped away.

  Probably another woman.

  Fiddling with my own phone, I wondered why it bothered me. Sneaking a peek, I saw him furiously tapping away on his screen, then he took a deep breath and returned.

  He narrowed his eyes, running his hand behind his neck. “I take it that you sent a picture to Abby, too?”

  I frowned. “Was I not supposed to?”

  “Caleb is riding my ass now. Warn me before we do that again, please.” He slipped his cell phone into his back pocket.

  Did I miss something? “Why is Caleb mad that we sent him pictures?”

  “He knows that I have to get some work done. Can we just leave now?” He snapped.

  That doesn’t sound like Caleb at all.

  Madison jumped up and down. “Are we going to swim and eat lunch?”

  Stefen grinned like his anger was an afterthought. Oh, this little one had him wrapped around her finger. Me too.

  “Sure.” He hugged Madison to his thigh. “Why don't we go home, order a pizza, then go swimming? Does that work for you?” He glanced at me, smiling as if he hadn’t just had a shit-fit.

  “Sure.” I shrugged, as we made our way back to his car, still confused about what just happened.

  “I also got some of those premade salads yesterday,” Stefen said lightly. Was he trying to make me forget how he just acted?

  “Great.” I wasn't a big pizza fan, but I was too hungry to complain. A salad sounded good, though.

  “Yuck, salads are kina as-gusting, Uncle Stefen.”

  I broke out in a fit of laughter. I would never get tired of Madison’s words, but wondered how this little girl was going to survive with her new vegetarian mom. “You don't like vegetables, honey?”

  “I do, but not with all that goop on it.” She shivered in ‘as-gust’.

  “How about one without goop?” I snickered.

  “Maybe.” Madison held onto our hands again as we headed back to the car.

  My phone beeped on the way.

  ABBY: Still with Stefen?

  I almost growled out loud. What’s the big deal and why do they care?

  LEAH: Yep. We both wanted to see Madison today.

  ABBY: OK. Be safe. Xoxo. See you soon.

  LEAH: Be safe?

  ABBY: Watch your heart, please.

  I bit my lip. Trying—but after today, it’s becoming a lot harder. I was even finding myself forgiving his tantrum a little too quickly.

  LEAH: Will do. Can’t wait to hear all about your honeymoon.

  ABBY: ;)

  ⁂

  Stefen

  I felt like my stomach was going to explode. The salad Leah served me was fantastic, but I probably should’ve stopped at one plate after eating so much pizza. Madison swam while I lay on the lounge chair, rubbing my belly.

  I looked up as Leah walked out of the house, lifting her sundress, to reveal the swimsuit she wore underneath. My pulse picked up as desire coursed through me.

  “Do you mind if I sit here?” She glimpsed down at the lounge chair next to me.

  It suddenly seemed too far away for my liking. “Actually, I do.”

  “You do?” she asked, confused.

  I smirked, standing up to drag the reclining chair alongside my own. “Much better.” I raised my eyes, and she flushed, absently running her fingers through the length of her ponytail.

  Leah was nothing like the make-up covered, fake everything, swimsuit models I was used to. Her fresh face and natural body were even more enticing. I still didn’t understand my feelings, but without a
doubt, I wanted something more from her.

  Wait, what?

  She timidly walked over and sat in the soft cushioned lounge chair just inches away, and I silently cursed myself. Now it would be even more difficult to keep my hands to myself.

  Bashfully, she bit the inside of her cheek. “What? Do I have something on my face?” She swiped the back of her palm against her chin.

  “I can’t help myself. You’re just—” Lost for words, I couldn’t stop staring. I loved the way her chest rose up and down in response to my scrutiny.

  I want you.

  “Just, what?” she prompted.

  “Breathtaking.”

  If it hadn’t been for Madison swimming up to us, I might have forgotten she was there all together. “Come swim with me.”

  With one final glance at Leah, I turned to Madison and rubbed my stomach. “In a minute. I’m full.”

  She glared at them. “How come old people always say that kinna stuffs?”

  Leah burst out laughing, and I looked at her, faking hurt. “Hey! Who are you calling old?” Jumping up, I ripped off my shirt, ran to the side of the pool, did a perfect dive, and dolphin swam up to her. Madison giggled loudly, trying to escape me, but I caught her.

  “Uncle Stefen,” she squealed, “you scared me and almost made me go potty.”

  I let out a deep belly laugh. “Why do you think I call you squirt? You’ve peed on me since you were a baby.”

  Madison frowned. “That’s not funny.”

  I wiped the water off my face and hoped it didn’t include any of the pee she may have leaked. Feeling eyes on me, I glanced over at Leah whose mouth was wide open.

  “What?” I paddled over to her and held on to the edge of the pool.

  She placed her hand on her chest, seemingly impressed. “Where did you learn how to swim like that?”

  I beamed. “Water polo and swim team, all through high school and college. Caleb, Bri and I were all state champions.” Hanging on to the side of the pool, I shamelessly gawked at her long muscular legs.

  She bit her lip, tucking her legs under her. “Wow, I had no idea. We didn't have a water polo team at my high school, but we did have a swim team. I went to a couple of meets. That takes serious skill.”

  “We loved competing, especially against each other. We were pretty even with winning, though. Did you do any sports?”

  Shaking her head, she answered, “No. I'm not really into sports.”

  “You have incredible muscle tone in your legs. What do you do to stay in shape?”

  She turned crimson. “I’m a dancer, and I do yoga. I also run on the beach whenever I can.”

  Damn, I love watching her squirm. The sun was setting behind her, and I had to close one eye, squinting to see her.

  I motioned her toward the pool. “Join us. Madison’s warmed up the water.”

  We both laughed, but I turned to make sure Madison hadn’t heard me. Thankfully, she was off in the corner, trying to do handstands.

  But when her head popped up, she called out, “Come in, Auntie Leah.”

  “Well, since you asked so nicely, Madison, I'll be right in.” Leah strolled over to the stairs and slowly entered, dipping her feet in while she watched Madison swim. My pulse spiked, watching her body slowly disappear in the water and I was thankful my lower half was hidden underwater. She really was amazing to watch.

  Madison yelled, “Uncle Stefen, why don't you marry Auntie Leah and make a baby for me to play with?”

  That was one sure fire way to kill my lustful thoughts.

  Leah's head darted up, locking eyes with me, then we both looked at Madison.

  Clearing my throat, I said, “Auntie Leah and I are just friends.” I hated saying that. Friendship was the last thing I wanted from her.

  Madison looked at me again with those sweet brown eyes. “Daddy says husbands and wives are best friends. You can get married, then she can be your bestest friend forever.”

  Shit, what am I supposed to say now?

  Thank goodness Leah chimed in. “Madison, sometimes men and women are just friends. Remember that Uncle Stefen lives far away. He’s going home soon. How can we get married and live so far from each other?” Her voice was soft as she explained the facts to our young matchmaker.

  “Uncle Stefen, can't you live here with us?” Madison knitted her eyebrows together, pleading.

  “No, squirt, remember I have to go back to work with your grandpa?” As if I could ever marry Leah anyway. My family would disown me.

  Well, my mother would, at least. Then again, never hearing from my mother again wouldn’t be so terrible.

  “Okay.” Madison moved on, carefree and swimming away like it hadn’t happened.

  I couldn’t believe she’d dropped a bomb like that. “That wasn’t awkward or anything,” I said before shrugging my shoulders.

  Leah watched her hands as she moved her arms back and forth under the water. “Yeah, awkward for sure.”

  ⁂

  Leah

  Panicked that I’d lost track of time, I swam to the edge of the pool, then pushed myself up and out. “What time is it?” I tiptoed to the lounge chair, in search of my towel. I dried myself off before picking up my cell. “Oh man, we have to go, Madison.”

  She groaned. “Five more minutes.”

  I motioned her over. “Come on, sweetie. Jump out and go get dressed really quick. I’m sorry, Stefen, but can you give us a ride back to my apartment? I need to get my van.”

  Hastily, he jumped out of the pool. “What? Why?”

  Madison pranced up to his side. “We’re going to go dance with Auntie Leah’s super hero friends.” The little girl trotted to her towel, wrapped it around her tiny body, and headed toward the house. “Can he come with us?” She asked me as she passed.

  Stefen stood in front of me, dripping, and I had to look away. Wet, half-dressed Stefen was even more delectable than dry fully clothed Stefen. His body was flawless. Not because he had an unrealistic eight pack and perfect abdominal ‘V’, but because he was fit. His stomach was flat, but definitely had definition. His chest was firm and arms were perfectly toned.

  I wouldn’t mind having them wrapped around me.

  “Super hero friends, huh?” He grinned. “I may have to come with you to see what that’s all about.”

  Fairly dry, I offered him my towel.

  He smirked, noticing me staring at his abs.

  Ignoring it, I turned away and explained, “I teach a dance class to a group of amazing kids who happen to have special needs. Madison loves to come and help.”

  “Wow that’s extraordinary, Leah. How often?” He toweled his face dry, holding it under his nose for a moment.

  Did he just sniff my towel?

  He smiled, knowing he’d been caught. “Sorry, couldn’t help myself. Smells like you.” He sniffed again. “Like flowers.”

  Taken aback, I gawked for a moment, then pulled my sundress back on. “When I’m allowed to use the space. It’s hard because my kids are used to schedules and routines, so when we get cancelled, or we’re not on the calendar for weeks at a time, it’s unsettling for them. My friend works at the studio, though, and she’s always fighting for us.”

  It had been so challenging getting the owner’s approval before Jenna had gone to bat for us. Shaking my head, I explained, “Insurance liability issues are apparently the main issue, even though we sign the same waiver as everyone else.”

  With hope in his eyes, he offered, “I would love to help—that is, if you don't mind.” He blinked as a droplet of water fell off his eyelash.

  My gaze fell to his pretty pink toenails. I wanted to laugh again, but something stopped me. Seeing this compassionate side of him forced me to realize something frightening. No matter how carefully I guarded my emotions, he was getting to me, and I feared that the heartbreak I was trying so hard to avoid was just around the corner.

  “Sure, but we have to get going. We only have an hour before class starts.” />
  ⁂

  Stefen

  “Son of a bitch,” I murmured under my breath. Remembering Madison was in the backseat, I cringed.

  We were at Leah’s flower shop, and I watched her step out of the apartment above, dressed in her dance apparel. Peering behind me, I noticed Madison was still wearing headphones and watching the movie she’d started earlier.

  Thank god.

  Turning to watch Leah once again, my body was suddenly on fire. She was striking in her white see-through camisole dress. Thankfully, with a black leotard underneath. Shamelessly, I visualized the camisole without it, then wondered what would’ve happened if she’d come out in only that. I might have had a heart attack. Licking my lips, I thought about how delicious her skin would taste.

  No worries. I’ll be tasting it soon—hopefully.

  The dress fluttered in the wind when she ran down the stairs to her van. What was she doing?

  I watched her grab a couple of yoga balls from the back, and I jumped out to help her. “Hey let me—oof!” A yoga ball hit me in the stomach.

  Leah’s eyes went wide. “Oh no. I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there.”

  Rubbing my gut, my smile was a little pained, but I was grateful it hadn’t hit further south.

  I reached for the huge ball. “Let me help you before you take me out with one of these.”

  “Ha, ha.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Very funny, Dr. Jones.”

  “Ah, another Indiana Jones fan, I see.” My grin widened, excited that she knew lines from one of my favorite flicks.

  “One of the best movie series out there, aside from the Bourne movies, of course.” She pursed her sassy lips, speaking matter-of-fact.

  If she didn’t stop naming off my favorite movies, I just might drop to one knee and ask for her hand in marriage.

  Yeah, not gonna happen.

  We tossed the balls, as well as a bag full of yoga mats, into the back of Caleb’s SUV. Opening her door, I watched her hips sway as she took her seat.

  Once we were all seated and on the road, Leah spoke anxiously, “I really hope most of the kids can make it on such short notice.”