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

by Kimi Flores

  Caleb smoothed her hair down, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “What did she say?” He glanced at me and nodded, finally acknowledging I was in the room.

  Pursing her lips, she looked up endearingly at her husband. “It's not so much what she said. It’s more like I can tell she’s been crying. She seems upset about something.” Curiously, she turned to me, tilting her head to the side as she frowned. “Did anything happen while we were gone?”

  Caleb snapped his head in my direction so fast that he got a mouthful of Abby’s hair. Blowing the strands out of his mouth, he narrowed his eyes at me.

  My mouth went dry as a lump formed in my throat. Time to put on a show. I do this in court all the time.

  Shaking my head, I denied knowing anything. “Not that I’m aware of. She showed me around town, we hung out a couple of times, and we took Madison to the aquarium.” I shrugged nonchalantly. “That was about it. She’s been working, maybe something happened there.” I leaned back into the bar stool, clasping my hands behind my head as if I was completely innocent.

  Normally, I was pretty proud of myself when I delivered such a believable tale. But this lie made me feel like shit. The hollow feeling in my stomach was proof of that.

  Caleb's face softened, addressing Abby again. “Maybe you should go visit her. Take her something to eat.” Moving a few stray stands away from her face, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

  Abby frowned. “She keeps trying to blow me off, but I think I will anyway. She's got to be hungry by now. Why don't you go wake my Maddie girl? We'll eat breakfast, then I'll go drop off some food for Leah.”

  “Sounds good,” Caleb said, again gazing adoringly into Abby’s eyes, then kissed her on the tip of her nose. They shared another affectionate moment as I looked on.

  Feeling a giant pit of jealousy rising up inside of me, I spun around on the chair, turning my back on the happy couple. The sudden feeling stunned me. I’d never wanted this before, why now?

  As Caleb headed for the stairs to wake up Madison, Abby went back to cooking, and I sat there in a mood. I wondered if I would ever have what they had.

  Then it pissed me off that I was even thinking like this. Nope. Don’t go there. I refuse to end up miserable like my parents.

  There was just too much to lose.

  ⁂

  Leah

  Finally able to peel myself out of bed, I decided it was time for a shower. It had been a couple of days, and I couldn't stand the icky feeling any longer.

  I spoke to Abby on the phone earlier. It broke my heart to lie. We always spent the Fourth of July together, and it was killing me that I couldn't this year. It was for the best, though.

  I could never be around Stefen again without losing it. All the pretense would be thrown out the window. I didn’t have to hide for too long. He was scheduled to leave tomorrow night, and I was confident that once he was out of the picture, I could pull myself together.

  Balls of tissue covered the floor around my feet when I stepped out of bed. “Eww, que osco.” I'll pick those up after I get out of the shower.

  Before I could even turn the water on, I heard a light knock at the front door. “Oh no.” I ran over and peeked through the peep hole. “No, no, no, no, no—” I shook my hands up and down, pacing in the tiny square of my entryway. Closing my eyes, I forced a cough and opened the door just wide enough to poke my head out.

  “Abby,” I said, faking surprised. Lucky for me, my voice was still hoarse from crying. “What are you doing here? I don't want to get you sick.” I coughed again for good measure, wincing because my throat was also sore.

  She was studying me. “You look like crap.” She pushed through the door and walked past me into the kitchen, dropping a bag on the island. “I know you said not to come, but I'm worried.” She fisted her hips, a slightly accusatory look on her face. “You’re never sick, and you certainly never ask me to stay away.” She reached to give me a hug, then quickly pulled away. “Uh, when was the last time you showered?”

  “I was about to when you knocked.” I ran my hand through my tangled hair.

  “Why don't you go get cleaned up, and I'll set some food out for you? I’m sure you’re starving by now.”

  The loud growl that came from my stomach confirmed Abby’s suspicions. It was the first time I realized that I hadn’t eaten anything since Stefen and I had dinner.

  Without answering, I concentrated on getting into the bathroom before she could speculate. Once the door closed behind me, I slid to the ground. Burying my head between my bent knees, I wondered how to get Abby to leave. She’d shown up just to make sure I was okay, which made me feel like crap for deceiving her.

  I stepped into the shower and turned the hot water on. Steam filled the room, clearing my congestion. Oh, this feels so good. How could my muscles feel so sore when all I did the last couple of days was lie in bed and cry?

  Finishing up, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel, twisting one around my head. I felt much better and suddenly realized I’d need to work even harder pretending to be sick. Strolling into my bedroom to get some clothes, I noticed all of tissues previously on the floor were no longer there. I also saw that my bed was made and the sheets were a different color. I sagged with relief against my dresser. Abby was the best, always knowing what I truly needed. If I doubted my decision before, remembering how special she was to me, solidified my determination. I refused to put her in the middle of Stefen's bullshit.

  After getting dressed, I grabbed a throw blanket off my bed and crawled onto the couch. “Thanks for picking up my snot rags and making my bed, chica. I hope you washed your hands really good after.” I scrunched my nose, thinking about how gross they must have been.

  Waving me off, she raised her eyebrows, as she came over to the couch with a tray full of food and set it on the coffee table. “I did, don't worry about me.”

  Disappearing into the kitchen again, she returned with an ice cold glass of my favorite cola. There were certain times in a girl’s life when soda was the cure all, and this was one of those occasions.

  Reaching for the soda in Abby’s hand, I smiled from ear to ear. “I would ask you to marry me if you didn't just marry Caleb. I love you.”

  She sat back on the couch, her beautiful blue eyes peering suspiciously at me. “Okay, so cut the crap. I’m here to give you a skita.”

  Flustered, I almost shot cola out of my nose. We’d started calling each other on our shit years ago, agreeing to always be honest and offer ‘Swift Kicks in the Ass’ or SKITAs as we called them.

  Abby tipped her head, eyes serious. “Level with me. I know there’s more to this than you being sick. Not only do I feel it, but I saw mascara all over your pillows when I changed the sheets.”

  Trying not to look guilty, I shoved some food in my mouth, avoiding eye contact. After swallowing, I finally answered, “I was feeling miserable and cried myself to sleep last night. I was achy, and I couldn't get out of bed to take something for it.” I placed the back of my hand on my forehead, then my palms on my cheeks. “I think I had a fever, too. I'm not used to being sick. I’m kind of a big baby.” I took a huge bite of the Kung Poa noodles, relieved that my vegetarian friend added chicken.

  Abby peered into my puffy eyes. “I don't buy it. But for whatever reason, you don't want to tell me, so I'll wait until you’re ready. Oh, and by the way,” she flicked an open condom wrapper onto my lap, “I found this tangled up with some panties in your sheets.”

  I nearly choked on my mouthful of food. The sobs started up again. How do I even have any more tears left? Sucking in some air, I started to cough, then grabbed a paper towel from the tray to spit the food in.

  Abby patted me back. “Oh, honey, that isn't pretty. Come here.” She pulled me into a hug and held tight. “Why won’t you tell me?”

  “I’m sorry,” I wept, “I just feel like crap. I wanna finish eating and go back to bed. My body is so sore, and I can't think right now.” Inhaling a real sniff th
is time, I pulled away to grab some tissue. “It’s not what you think. I swear we’ll talk about it soon. I’m not ready yet.”

  Abby’s sagging shoulders broke my heart. “I'm going to miss you at the party today, but I'm glad I got to see you for a little bit, at least.” She patted my arm and got up to leave. “I love you. You know that, right? I’d do anything for you. Let me know when you’re ready to talk.”

  Trying my damndest to control my quivering bottom lip, I replied, “Thanks. Love you too.”

  She opened the door, turned the lock, then closed it behind her.

  “I'm the worst friend ever, ugh!” I shouted into my pillow and shed a few more tears before falling asleep on the couch.

  ⁂

  Stefen

  Caleb's annual Fourth of July bar-b-que was in full swing. All of his and Abby's family, along with their friends, were present—minus one. No matter how selfish it was, I really wanted to see how Leah was doing before I left.

  Abby had been acting weird since returning from Leah’s, and I was wondering what Leah told her. Everything had me on edge, waiting for the shitstorm to blow up.

  Rather than socializing with people I didn’t know, I offered to do all of the grilling. One of Abby's coworker’s hung around, tossing suggestive comments my way. She’d flirted with me at the wedding, too, but I wasn't interested.

  Very slowly, she slipped her number into the back pocket of my cargo shorts before strolling away to have a conversation with someone else that might actually give a damn. There was only one woman’s hands I wanted right now, and she currently thought I was the scum of the earth.

  I had to agree.

  Abby left Caleb’s side to momentarily join me. “I see you have a fan.” She glowered at me, her back facing Caleb’s inquisitive stare.

  I shrugged. “Not my type.”

  Narrowing her eyes, Abby said. “Interesting, I thought Sofie was every man's type.”

  I shook my head. “Not mine.” The meat hissed in front of us, giving me something else to focus on.

  Clasping her hands in front of her, Abby probed, “And what, pray tell, is your type, Stefen?”

  “Where are you going with this, Abby?” Shit, what did she and Leah talk about?

  She pursed her lips, raising an all-knowing eyebrow. “As you know, I came from my best friend’s house a few hours ago. Her eyes were swollen like she'd been crying for a week.” A sharp pain of remorse penetrated my chest. “You wouldn’t happen to know why my closest friend is so upset now, would you?” With her arms folded across her chest, she shifted from side to side.

  “Why, did she say anything?” Hoping that she hadn’t, I only had to stick it out one more day, then she could smear my name all through town if she wanted.

  I took a swig of my beer, avoiding Abby’s smug stare. “No, she’s sticking with the sham that she’s sick, but I know it's something, or rather, someone. Found a little evidence left behind.”

  I froze. Oh shit. What did I leave there? I was sure I took everything. I kept a straight face. “She didn’t mention any guys to me.”

  Her eyebrows raised. “I never said it was a guy, Stefen.”

  “Oh, I just assumed.” I had to come up with something quick, or I was screwed. “You know, when we went to the farmer's market right after you left, she said something about being lonely now that you’re married. Maybe she’s just upset about it.”

  Abby looked at me, aghast as her eyes glossed over.

  Biggest prick of the year award goes to Stefen Hunter.

  She fisted her hands by her sides. “That was a low blow and you know it.”

  Ashamed, I looked down at the grass. “I’m sorry Abby. That was uncalled for.” I tried to repair what I’d done. “Maybe she is having guy troubles, and she’s afraid to tell you because you’re so happy.” I tested how that would be received. “It’s possible she fell for the wrong guy.” Yeah. Me. “One who is a total ass and isn’t worthy of her anyway.” Again—me. “A jerk too egotistical to put his own selfish desires aside to give her what she deserves.”

  Shut the hell up, Stefen!

  Her voice softened as a smartass smirk appeared. “That’s awfully specific—Stefen.”

  I cleared my throat and tried to salvage what was left of this conversation. “Leah’s very special. She’ll find someone.” I added softly, “I know it.” I wondered what facial expression I made because Abby looked at me like she truly understood.

  “Yeah, maybe she’s already met him and they need to work out their differences first.” She eyed me.

  Shit. The last thing I needed was her mentioning this to Caleb. Or worse—to Leah.

  I looked down at my feet again before peeking up at her. “I don't know about that.” I hoped that worked but didn't think it did.

  “Whatever you say.” She started to turn, but added, “Oh, and Stefen, you might be good at a lot of things, but blowing smoke up my ass isn’t one of them. Caleb told me all about your bull, and I’m not a fool.”

  Acknowledging her words, I nodded. Abby was a good friend, a good girl and Caleb was a lucky guy. I watched her walk away, into her husband's waiting arms. She kissed Caleb, then looked back at me like she held the power to annihilate me.

  I swallowed hard, flipping over the last of the steaks. Tomorrow, I would leave all this drama behind.

  Chapter Eight

  Roses, How Original

  Stefen

  I sat at the small cafe table, sipping my coffee. Periodically peering out the window beside me, I hoped to catch a glimpse of Leah. The tiny fifties-style diner sat directly across the street from her flower shop, Sassy Stems.

  “Can I get ‘cha anything else, sweetheart?” The older female waitress with a beehive hairdo had flirted with me from the moment I sat down. I had a feeling this was her normal hairstyle, not one she wore for her job alone.

  “No, I’m fine.”

  Strutting away, she mumbled, “That you are.”

  Movement from the other side of the street caught my eye. Leah was carrying a large container of purple flowers out of her door. She fussed around with them, placing the bucket on the stand that sat outside her store.

  Checking the clock on my phone, I noted that her shop didn’t open for another thirty minutes. Mesmerized by her beauty, I watched as she darted inside and came back with a few more flower displays. She put one down, lifted the other to her nose and inhaled. No matter how stalker-like it seemed, I could sit here, studying her from afar, all damn day.

  As though she sensed me, Leah turned her head quickly in my direction, looking suspiciously around. On instinct, I ducked behind the wall next to me.

  “She can’t see you, honey.” Florence, as her nametag proudly displayed, reached across the two-person table and tapped the window with her pen. “Smoked glass.”

  Sheepishly, I replied, “Was I that obvious?”

  She slid her pen above her ear, leaning on one leg. “You’ve got good taste. She’s a cute girl. Really nice, too. Comes in here every so often but seems to work a lot, like me.”

  “Yeah.” I picked up my cup of coffee and shook my head. “I messed up big time with her.”

  Why did I just share that with a stranger?

  “No one is beyond redemption,” Florence said with complete conviction. “And she seems like the forgiving type.” She poured more coffee into my cup, filling it to the rim.

  “If only it were that easy.” Not sure what else to do, I took another sip of my now full mug and glanced out once more. Leah was gone.

  “Love is simple. People make it complicated.”

  Whipping my head in her direction, I set the record straight, “I think you have the wrong idea. Nobody’s talking about love here.” That word really bothered me. People threw it around so casually. I didn’t love Leah. I had feelings for her, yes, but it wasn’t love.

  “If you say so.” She placed the check on the table, eyeing me before she walked away.

  She watches too man
y chick flicks. I shook my head, annoyed, and sighed as my gaze returned to her shop. Yep, I’ve become a damn stalker.

  Taking my last swig, I tossed some bills on the table to cover the tip and went up to the cash register to pay. An even older woman, who smelled like cigarettes, took the bill and cash. Showing off her yellow smoke-stained teeth, she smiled, wishing me a good day. I tried not to shiver from being so grossed out.

  Uttering a quick ‘thank you’, I dashed out.

  As I stood on the sidewalk, facing her store, I contemplated going through with this or leaving. I just wanted to be near her one more time. Was that selfish? Maybe so, but I found myself crossing the street anyway.

  Passing the flower displays on my way, I couldn’t help but breathe in the floral aroma. It smelled just like her. That scent would forever remind me of Leah.

  This is such a bad idea.

  Not caring, I entered the store, triggering a chiming bell.

  Leah called out, “I'll be with you in a minute.”

  A huge vase full of tropical flowers covered her face as she carried it from the back to the cooler behind the register. She really did have talent for this stuff.

  My eyes roamed the back of her body when she bent forward to place the vase down. Seeing her like that again spiked my pulse. Her dark hair fell freely over her shoulders. It took all of my strength to not come up behind her and run my fingers through it.

  How the hell am I going to leave without kissing her? Shit, I’ve got it bad for this girl.

  When she stood, her smile faded into a glower. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  My jaw opened and closed, the words not coming to me. I felt as if a knife sliced right through my heart when I noticed how puffy her eyes were. I’m a selfish bastard. I should’ve stayed away. I should’ve listened to the warnings my brain was giving me.

  “I need to get a couple of bouquets of flowers,” I said lamely. Dumb. You could’ve thought up something better than that shit!