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

by Kimi Flores

  She looked like a woman, though, so I opened up her page, feeling suddenly stupid when I realized it was Leah’s sister. Why I still couldn’t seem to remember her name was beyond me.

  Going back to Leah’s page, I noticed a new comment under the ‘check-in’. It was from a ‘Ben McKendrick’. The message read, ‘Great running into you tonight’.

  I grunted. Do I really want to know who this guy is?

  Too curious, I clicked on Ben's page next. Again, it was public.

  What is it with these people not marking their profiles as private?

  I couldn't complain. Stalking her was so much easier this way. I noted that Ben had also checked into the same restaurant. Then I scanned through the photo albums.

  There were plenty of selfies, a few pictures of him from high school in a football uniform, and more recently added pictures of him in scrubs.

  Damn. The guy’s a doctor?

  I sighed, setting down my electronic tablet. I really wanted to throw it across the room, but then what the hell would I do with my time?

  Sinking down, I muttered under my breath. “Leah’s going on a date with Dr. McDreamy tomorrow, and there isn’t a damn thing I can do about it.”

  I cursed my injuries and the fact that I was stuck in this god-forsaken bed. Most of all, though, I scolded myself for hurting her in the first place. I had a chance, and I blew it.

  Not that it would’ve worked out, but I just couldn't shake her from my system. I’d never met anyone like Leah before, and no matter how hard I tried to resist, she was forever embedded in my heart.

  There was that damn ache in my chest. Lying here, helpless, was driving me crazy. Agitated, I shifted under the covers, but nothing worked to make me more comfortable. Under the current circumstances, I may never even see her again. Unless I logged in.

  ⁂

  Leah

  Ben had picked me up just after my mom and Dani left for work, and I was bummed I didn’t get a chance to show him off. I was a bit surprised when he showed up in a button-down shirt, jeans and tennis shoes, but I figured not all guys were into the whole slacks and a jacket look.

  I’d dreamt about this night so many times and went all out. My hair and nails were done, and I even bought a new outfit, chonies and all. Maybe it was just a girl thing.

  My mind couldn’t help but roam back to the night of dinner and dancing with Stefen. Now that was a man who knew how to wear a suit. Realizing what I was doing, I had to mentally slap myself away from his image.

  Finished with dinner, Ben and I walked hand in hand down the busy sidewalk. Dinner was a bit awkward, with plenty of silence in-between topics. Regardless of how slow and dry our conversation was, I still couldn't believe I was on a date with Benjamin McKendrick.

  Since we’d grown up in the same schools, we shared plenty of childhood memories. It was almost as if we’d known each other forever, yet just barely met.

  Looking down at our interlaced fingers, Ben inquired, “I keep meaning to ask you what the name of your flower shop is.”

  I bit my lip and smiled. “It’s kind of silly, but when I was running down possible names, my best friend had to incorporate my sassiness. That reminded me of a nickname I had in high school.”

  Ben pulled me along a storefront. He chuckled softly to himself. “Leah, did you name your store sassy stems?”

  I jerked my head back. “How do you know?”

  A huge smile broke out on his face. “I have a confession to make.” Shyly, he gazed into my bewildered eyes. “I came up with that nickname. You had stunning legs, and I thought that calling you ‘legs’ was a bit rude.” He gave a breathy chuckle. “The guys on the team overheard me and ran with it. I had such a huge crush on you and really wanted to ask you out, but because of lame ass peer pressure, I never had the nerve. Plus, I figured you might turn me down.”

  Creasing my forehead, I asked the obvious questions, “What? Why would I have turned you down?” I bashfully dropped my gaze. “I really liked you. I assumed you knew because everyone teased me about it.” Did I just admit that out loud?

  Ben furrowed his brows. “I didn't know. Why would they tease you?”

  “Because you were the captain of the football team with the perfect girlfriend, and I was a big goofy dork.” I looked up at him through my long eyelashes.

  His expression was soft. “You were far from dorky, Leah.” He moved in closer and brushed my cheek with his knuckles. I blinked quickly. “I always watched you when the dance team performed. I remember this one time I was sitting next to David Forks, and I told him how hot you looked when you moved. Then he told me to shut the hell up before my girlfriend kicked my ass.” His face reddened, surprised at his own admission, but I was too busy trying to process what he’d just said.

  “Are you kidding me? You were with the head cheerleader. Why would you be looking at me?” Plus your girlfriend was gorgeous and got her boobs and ass before any of the rest of us did.

  He snorted loudly. “Honestly, Charlotte and I were friends. We'd known each other most of our lives and only started dating to get everyone, including our parents, off our backs. It was all a façade. We never even made out once. We made a pretty picture though. Head cheerleader, starting quarterback.” He shrugged his shoulders, then breathed out a laugh. “She was in love with Scott Braden, and I liked—you. I really wanted to ask you out that day at the movies, but you said you were going away for college. I knew my hands would be full at school too, so I chickened out.” He rubbed his bottom lip with his index finger. “And now you’re here. I get a second chance.”

  My heart beat so hard, I thought Ben might be able to hear it. He leaned in, and I knew it then and there, he was about to kiss me and make my teenage fantasies come true.

  He wrapped me in his strong arms, softly pressing his lips to mine, and I could hear his heart pounding as well. His lips were nice. They weren’t Stefen’s, but they were warm and gentle and—nice.

  He didn’t push for more. Just simple tingly kisses. Ben was exactly what I was looking for—safe. And I could grow to appreciate his less than passionate kisses. He was a good catch, a great guy, and we shared a lot of childhood memories. This could totally work.

  People milled around us, on Colorado Boulevard, as we shared this moment. I pulled away first, noticing the disappointment on his face.

  “We should move out of the way.” I looked down and tucked my hair behind my ear.

  “Why don’t I get you home?” Turning to walk toward the car, he rested an arm on top of my shoulders before I wrapped mine around his lower back. I felt giddy, unable to hide my smile.

  Could this be my dream come true?

  I hadn't given it too much thought before Abby brought it up, but maybe I was going to have to reconsider staying closer to my hometown.

  In the parking lot, Ben snuck another quick kiss. His lips were tender and sweet. I could get used to this for sure.

  On the drive back to mom's house, we continued to catch up on the last couple of years. We sat in the driveway, in the quiet car, for a good hour while we finished our conversation.

  “So where do you see yourself in five years?” Ben’s question threw me for a loop. No guy had ever asked me about the future before.

  “Uh, well, I’d love to open at least one more flower shop. My goal is to use what I’ve learned to help someone else open their own business. Who knows, maybe we can co-own the next shop.” That thought brought a smile to my lips.

  “What about marriage? Is that something you’re looking for?” The curiosity on his face was refreshing. He genuinely wanted to know.

  “Yeah, of course. Marriage, kids. What girl doesn’t dream of that?” I moved my crossed legs to the side since they were starting to fall asleep. “How about you?” I settled further into my seat, waiting to hear his answer.

  He looked out of the window, taking a moment to think. I found myself staring like a lovesick puppy, until he turned and opened his mouth. “Like most over
zealous med students, my original plan was to make as much money as possible while helping people, but now that I’ve been in the trenches, the money part isn’t as important. Thinking about going into pediatrics. I love children. As far as marriage goes, of course I want to find the right person, start a family.”

  I couldn’t believe it. Ben was giving me all the right answers. Maybe this was fate. I’d been dealt a crappy couple of weeks, but it may have all been to prepare me for this.

  Noticing that the windows were fogged up, I told him, “I should probably get inside.”

  Ben took that as his cue to make his move.

  He leaned further in and practically smothered me in my seat. His strong lips took over as his tongue entered my mouth. I stiffened with his sloppy, wet kiss. No, it can’t be like this. This is not the kiss I dreamed about.

  Feeling my hesitation, Ben pulled away, regretful. “I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. It’s just that, I’ve wanted to really kiss you for a long time, but I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.” His mouth stretched into a thin line as he wiped his lips. “Not my best kiss.”

  He was just caught in the moment. That was all.

  I smiled graciously. “It’s fine. Just unexpected.” It was nice to know that he did have a more passionate side. But that could wait for another time. I wasn’t about to jump from bed to bed, one guy to another.

  Ben lightly tapped the steering wheel. “I know this is a little forward because we haven't seen each other in years, but I’d really like to see you again. To be honest, my life is crazy busy right now. I haven't dated anyone in a long time and can't do a serious relationship yet, because my schedule is all-consuming. I hardly even get to sleep. But, like I said,” he held my hand, rubbing his thumb along my knuckles, “I don't want to miss this opportunity. Can we hang out again?”

  I tried not to let my confusion show. “I'm not up on dating terms, so I'm not sure what that means, exactly.”

  He grinned. “Well, it means that I really want to spend time with you, but I don't have a lot of that right now. If you’re willing, then I'd love to go on dates whenever we can make it happen. I don't want you to feel like I'm stringing you along, but I have to concentrate on my residency to build a solid future.”

  I bit my lip, trying to contain my excitement. He’s perfect. Exactly the kind of guy I need right now.

  But even in the middle of my great moment, my mind wandered once again to a certain handsome dark-haired, hazel-eyed jackass. “Um, I just got out of a situation with another guy, so moving slowly works best.”

  “Hmm. Good to know.” He contemplated a little too long, leaving us in awkward silence.

  Bringing us back to the topic at hand, I admitted, “I’m extremely busy myself. My flower shop is picking up, and I've had so many weddings this summer. The only free time I have, I spend with my best friend.”

  Well, used to spend with her.

  “Is she the one who just got married?”

  “Yes, she’s the best. I don't know what I would do without her.” I couldn’t help but smile.

  For a few days, I’d been toying with the idea of moving closer to my hometown, but it just hit me that I couldn't live this far from Abby. I needed her as much as she said she needed me.

  Ben sighed regretfully. “I better let you get inside. I need to go in for an early shift tomorrow and I can see someone waiting at the window for you. I wouldn't want to give you a bad reputation sitting in a car with some guy outside your mother's house.” He chuckled.

  “Yeah, sure,” I laughed along with him, thinking, what are we fifteen? My mom knows me better than that. Then again, she’d be mortified if she found out what I did with Stefen.

  As he helped me out of the car, I said, “Call me when you have time. I’m leaving after lunch on Friday.”

  We walked hand in hand up to the front porch. I’d dreamed about him walking me to the door so many times when I was younger. It was weird, that dream becoming a reality. Not exactly as I pictured, but, hey, what fantasies turn out exactly as expected?

  I watched the curtains ruffle, barely catching a peak of Dani’s face. Huy, nosey ass.

  Following a quick peck on the lips, Ben walked back to his car. “I'll call you before you leave,” he called out as he got in his car and drove away.

  The front door flew open as a cozy pj-wearing Dani nearly attacked me. It felt like I was a teenager coming home from my first date ever. “Tell me, tell me. How was it? Is he a good kisser? Don’t lie, I saw the steamy windows in the car.” My sister stood wide eyed, practically jumping up and down, clapping her hands.

  I leaned up against the closed front door. “It wasn’t exactly like I pictured, but I think he might be a keeper. He’s the kind of guy I can see having a future with. It’s going to take a lot of time and patience, but I think it will be worth it in the end.”

  My face was frozen with an unending smile. My sister looked confused, so I gave a quick explanation of our conversation in the car as I took my heels off and started for my room. “I still don't fully understand the whole ‘dating, seeing each other, hanging out’ terms, but I'll take what I can get from him.”

  Dani stopped and fisted her curvy hip, raising her eyebrow. “It means that he doesn't want serious, but he won’t mind if you drop your chonies for him.”

  I frowned, snapping out of La-La Land. “What? He isn't like that Dani. He was a total gentleman. We kissed, he didn’t push, end of story.”

  Even if the kiss sucked, he still backed off when it was time.

  “Whatever you say, chica. Please, just be careful. You don’t want to make Ben your rebound guy. I'm heading to bed now. Glad you had a great night. See you mañana.” Dani bopped me on the behind before walking into her own room.

  Alone in the hallway, I mumbled, “This one is different. He has to be.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Do You Trust Me?

  Leah

  The drive back home seemed to take forever. A middle-aged man in the next lane kept trying to flirt with me. The waggling of his eyebrows and licking of his chapped lips was bad enough, but then I watched him pick his nose and flick the prize somewhere in his car. And the dumbass still had the nerve to wink at me afterward.

  What a disgusting pig!

  I couldn’t help but look at him and stick my finger down my throat like I was gagging. He finally got the hint and left me alone.

  Another guy that kept cutting me off, drove me absolutely insane when he wouldn’t turn off his damn blinker. After that torturous drive, I couldn’t wait to take a shower and go straight to bed.

  Flipping on the lights, I dropped my things by the front door, noticing the dead flowers all over my apartment.

  I’d forgotten to throw them away before I left. Of all people, I knew better. Now the stench of nasty, moldy water overpowered the small space, reminding me of that nauseating smell from Abby’s fridge a few weeks ago. That thought alone sent an unwelcome shiver down my spine, and I almost gagged again.

  Since it was August, the weather was mild. I opened up all the windows to let the evening breeze in, then emptied all of the vases around the living room and kitchen, spilling a little putrid water on my jeans. Grimacing, I decided it was definitely time for that shower now.

  The warm water poured over my head, relieving all the stress from the drive and the repulsion over the funky spilled water. Running my hands through my long, thick hair, I thought about the last week.

  Staying at mom’s had been relaxing, exactly the break I needed. But I was happy to be back a day early. Elena showed up every day with her minions, using all of her evil powers to make my stay uncomfortable.

  Ben wasn’t kidding when he told me that he didn’t have time for a relationship. I only got to see him on Tuesday and Wednesday, when I met him at the park for a run. Each time, he’d just finished playing basketball with some friends, and was pretty smelly when I got to him. I enjoyed spending those few hours exercising with him, but it
would have been nicer to actually go out on another real date before I left.

  The soft towel I picked up was so comforting when I hugged it around my body. When my warm skin touched the material, the smell of laundry detergent drifted in the air.

  Mmm! I love that smell.

  As I started to wrap it around my hair, the phone rang. Padding my way to the counter where I’d left my cell, I took a quick peek around the room. I didn’t know why. No one was there.

  Old habit. Being the only modest girl in my house growing up, it was still weird being naked in my own space.

  “Hola, chica,” I sang into the phone when I saw it was Abby.

  “Hey. Are you finally coming home tomorrow?” Abby complained.

  “Well, grumpy, I’m actually home already.” Through our short phone calls, I was noticing her fuse was getting shorter and shorter.

  Chuckling I thought, I’d be aggravated if Stefen was invading my home, too.

  Suddenly, she announced, “I’m on my way.” Then the line went dead.

  Looking at my bare body, then longingly at the bed, I grumbled, “Guess I’m not going to sleep yet.”

  Within ten minutes, I was dressed in comfy clothes, and Abby was parked on the opposite corner of the couch, staring off into space with her droopy eyes. She looks like a zombie. With a warm cup of blueberry herbal tea in her hands, she wrapped herself up in a blanket that was usually draped over the arm of the sofa.

  “So what’s going on? You look like shit.” I sipped from my own cup of tea, eyeing my exhausted friend sporting bags under her usually stunning blue eyes.

  It had been quite a while since I had seen Abby so weary. That troubled me. I couldn’t help my snide thoughts. Is Stefen to blame, again? Then I almost felt guilty when it hit me.

  Morning sickness.

  “Thanks for sugar coating it,” she replied dryly before setting her cup on the table and shutting her bloodshot eyes.

  “Seriously, are you still getting sick?” Concern laced my words as I furrowed my eyebrows.