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

by Kimi Flores

  We pulled through the community gates of the exclusive neighborhood at Miramar Beach, the south side of Santa Barbara. A moment later we were sitting in front of the house. I turned off the ignition, sat back, and watched her face.

  Her mouth gaped wide open. “Are you kidding me? This is where you’re buying a house?”

  “You know the area?” I smirked, knowing damn well she did. Abby had already shared one of their ‘if we ever win the lottery’ wishes with me, and it was to live in this neighborhood.

  She gave me a smartass look. Did Abby tell her?

  “Uh, yeah. In our dream world, Abby and I talked about buying a house here. They’re right on the beach and a lot of celebrities live here, too.”

  “I wanted a house with a pool, so I could do my laps, but I guess the ocean will do.” I smiled and winked at her bewildered look. The concern in her eyes bothered me. “Why do you look so worried?”

  She fiddled with her fingers. “These houses are really expensive, Stefen. You might have a trust fund, but you aren’t working regularly anymore. Can you really afford it?”

  This was another part of her charm. She didn’t care about how much money I had. She wanted to make sure I could actually afford the kind of lifestyle I was accustomed to.

  “Not a problem.” I opened my door.

  “Of course not,” she mumbled to herself.

  Sitting back, I turned to her, “What was that?”

  “Nothing.” She breathed out.

  We got out of the car and walked up to the two-story modern home.

  I loved the straight lines, large windows and white exterior of this house. I’d already pictured it furnished.

  “You’re missing some flowers out here, but I know someone that can help ya out with that.” She pointed to the empty planters along the front, giving me a cheeky smile over her shoulder.

  Pulling the front door open, I stepped aside, allowing her to walk in first. I wasn’t surprised to see what drew her in right away. The sliding glass doors in the living room were wide open, allowing the ocean breeze to fill the space.

  The picture of her standing there, looking so at peace, the ocean in the background, her hair blowing in the wind—it did something to me. Suddenly, I could see her in this home with me. This was something I could get used to.

  I swallowed hard, thinking about losing her to another man. Seeing her in this space brought images of what the future could be like. The more time I spent with her, those original reasons I’d compiled of why we couldn’t be together seemed to disappear.

  Her sundress danced with the breeze as she turned, catching me gawking. “Look,” she took a deep breath. “Isn’t the view spectacular?”

  Staring at her, I practically choked out, “Breathtaking.”

  A female voice sounded from behind me. “Mr. Hunter, I’m so glad you decided to take another look at this gem.” Marlene, my real estate agent, stood at the bottom of the stairs, noticing Leah behind me. “Oh, I was under the impression that this house was just for you.”

  Over the course of the week, she’d licked her lips and tried to run her finger on different parts of my body, as well as several other innuendoes. It was no secret she wanted more than just my business.

  Peering behind me, I noted Leah’s discomfort. Her eyes darted all over the room as she bit her lip nervously. I stretched my arm behind me and encouraged her to take my outstretched hand.

  “This is Leah,” I said, leaving it at that. Marlene didn’t need any more explanation. “Since she’ll be here all the time, I want to make sure she’s as comfortable as I am.” I put my arm around Leah, rubbing small reassuring circles on her back, and she melted into my arm.

  Damn, I love when she does that.

  Something switched in the air and the once flirty agent tightened both her eyes and her thin lips. She lifted her chin, which made her look stuffy and—dare I think it—arrogant?

  Snubbing her nose at Leah, she scoffed, “Well, I can’t imagine not loving this house. It’s beautiful, yes?” She lifted an eyebrow, purposely looking down at Leah. “Definitely the most beautiful she’s ever seen.”

  Unbelievable. Did I used to sound that egotistical?

  Unfortunately, I knew the answer—yes.

  Puffing my chest, I felt the need to remind her who the hell was paying her commission. Massaging Leah’s shoulder, I laid out a new plan for Marlene to follow, “Seeing as you and I have not signed any legal documents, I’ll be letting Leah decide who will and will not represent me in this sale. I suggest you show her some respect.”

  Marlene’s mouth dropped in shock. Leah looked uncharacteristically smug.

  My more than likely ex-agent moved to the side. “Very well. I’ll be outside if you need me.” Storming past us, she closed the door behind her. Outside, I heard a loud, very unladylike grunt.

  A playful grin broke out on Leah’s mouth. “You didn’t have to say that, but thank you.”

  Leah was a strong woman. Sure, she could hold her own, but I wasn’t going to stand by and not say anything.

  “That bitch has been pissing me off all week,” I grumbled. “There’s no way she’s getting away with that shit.”

  I pulled at her arm, then stepped aside at the doorway to the kitchen. “Come on, I want you to see the entire house, not just the view.” I pushed her forward, encouraging her to roam around. She looked so natural, gliding through the modern kitchen. “So can you see yourself making me some of those morning chilikilies here?” I purposely exaggerated my mispronunciation of the word.

  She narrowed one eye at me, running her fingertips along the stainless steel stovetop. “Uh, no. I’ve had your cooking, and you can make me breakfast in your kitchen and serve it to me on the veranda, por favor. If you’re nice, however, maybe I’ll cook something else for you.” She opened and closed the cupboards.

  I want her to live here with me. The thought hit me so strongly, I was actually wondering how I could make that happen.

  She moved throughout the downstairs, peeking into every room as if she could also envision living here.

  Heading up the tiled stairs, she ran her hand along the wrought iron decorative handrail. I had to admit, the architect that owned and designed this house was an artist and didn’t miss a single detail.

  On the way up, her dress got caught in one of the intricate designs along the railings. Immediately bending down, I tried to untangle her hem. Glancing up, I saw her nervously biting the inside of her mouth.

  Is she nervous because I’m so close to her?

  The top of my fingers grazed the back of her thigh when I freed the dress. I glanced up again. “Looks like that will have to be fixed somehow before all your dresses get torn to shreds.”

  Her eyes widened and she froze.

  Standing up, I chuckled when I realized how that sounded. “You know what I mean. Now let’s finish looking through the rest of the house before I go fire that bitch outside.”

  Standing on the balcony off the master bedroom, Leah had her eyes closed as she breathed in the ocean air. I leaned against the railing, facing her. “So what do you think?”

  With her eyes still shut, she asked, “About the house or that woman downstairs who looks like she wants to lick you, then kill me?”

  I gently pushed her arm with my hand. “Ha ha, very funny. Seriously, do you think I should buy it? Can you see me living here?” I paused, peering down at our feet before looking back up at her. “Can you see yourself hanging out with me here?”

  Slowly lifting her eyelids, she sucked in a breath as if she was fighting something. “Yeah. I can definitely see that.” She smiled shyly, blinking hard, and nodding. “It’s perfect.”

  Clapping and rubbing my hands together, I announced, “It’s settled, then. But you have to help me decorate it, and when you aren’t working or spending time with Abby or your family,” I’m not going to even mention that prick, Ben, “you have to keep me company, so I don’t die of boredom.” I moved my eyeb
rows up and down.

  Stepping inside the bedroom, Leah glided to the center of the room. Giving me a sideways glance, she staked her claim, “You might have to kick me out when it’s time to go. I’ll have my tent set up right here.” She motioned to where she planned on camping out, then stuck up a finger. “One thing, though. That woman downstairs was snotty, but don’t fire her. She worked for her commission.”

  Astonished, I stepped back. “Are you kidding? She’s driven me crazy since the moment I met her. She’s exactly the kind of woman I’m trying to avoid.”

  “Yes.” Leah nodded. “In your personal life, but she still did her job. You can’t fault her for wanting a hot guy.” She smirked, tilting her head.

  Wait, did Leah just say I’m hot?

  “You are way too nice, but because you are asking me to, I’ll let her finish the transaction.”

  Pinching the sides of her dress, she semi-curtsied, “Thank you, kind sir.”

  “Anything for you.” I ran my index finger down her cheek. “But that skank will know you saved her ass.” Waiting for her to pass, I placed my hand on the small of her back and led us down the stairs.

  Wrinkling her nose, she proudly said, “Because I’m a brat, I don’t mind that one little bit.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Yeah, but She’s Going Home With Me

  Stefen

  I lay in the way too firm hospital bed, relieved my final surgery was over. Leah had wanted to stay, but I’d insisted she go visit her mom. The hospital was only twenty minutes from her family. I didn’t want to send her away. Naturally, I wanted to be selfish and keep her right here to talk and share her pretty face with me. But I was doing things differently now, trying to be a little less of a selfish bastard.

  Plus, I wouldn’t be able to stomach if Ben came in to see her during his shift.

  With nothing more to do but think, I lay back, hands nestled under my head as my mind wandered. Things were definitely looking up for me.

  The escrow on the house had gone quickly, and I’d moved in several weeks ago. Leah made fun of my fastidious taste. I was used to working with interior decorators and specifying everything I wanted. She thought I was too picky and that my “frivolous spending” was a bit much.

  The large house was lonely when she wasn’t around, and I really wanted her to move in. When I’d asked her to become my roommate, she fought the idea, insisting that things could get weird. That was understandable, since I would have to struggle with not joining her in bed every night, but that didn’t mean I had to like it.

  The handful of times she’d slept over in what I now referred to as her room, were pure torture. Knowing she was only a room away and hearing her rustling in the bed whenever she moved in her sleep drove me to the point of insanity. I felt like such a creep the one time I’d stood at the half-opened doorway and watched her sleep.

  Man, I need help.

  But no matter how difficult it was on me, her new room was still right next to mine, waiting for her whenever she wanted to crash there.

  With so much time on my hands, I found ways to keep busy. Now that I was cleared to work again, my father was sending me cases here and there. It felt good to start contributing again.

  I’d also resumed my exercise regimen. Leah joined me most mornings on my runs, but she wasn’t too keen on swimming in the ocean. Instead, she’d stay out on the shore, stretching and waiting for me because she worried I would get too tired out in the surf.

  I liked when she worried about me, but I knew my limits. I truly believed the ocean held mystical powers that were helping me heal, physically and mentally.

  When Leah wasn’t able to meet up, Caleb would swim with me before I got bored and switched to surfing. I tried to surf a few times, but I still needed to build the strength in my arm.

  Startling me out of my thoughts, Ben cleared his throat as he strutted into the room. He snapped off a pair of blue latex gloves, peering up from the florescent yellow clipboard he held in his dry, powder-covered hand. “Hey, Stefen. I promised Leah I’d come check on you.”

  Fantastic.

  His eyes were glued to the chart. “Everything looks good and you should be able to leave in the morning.” He was all business. Thank god.

  “Thanks,” I answered dryly.

  Leah’s intentions may have been good, but why the hell would she think it was okay to send this jackass in to check on me? Neither of us admitted our distaste for each other, but it was obvious Ben hated me. Maybe it was just a guy thing, and she simply didn’t pick up on our pissing contest.

  Jackass put the chart on the rolling food tray, narrowing his eyes. “I want to talk to you about Leah. I realize you guys are close and she considers you a good friend,” he emphasized the word friend.

  I curled my hands into fists.

  “I want you to know that I may not have time to see a lot of her at this point, but I’m serious about her.”

  I wanted to ask Ben if Leah was aware of the seriousness of their relationship. That’s not the vibe I caught from her. I decided to let my snide comment slide and let this dipwad know that I couldn’t care less what he had to say.

  Lifting an eyebrow, I said, “I think this is a conversation you need to have with her, not me.”

  Annoyed that I was at a disadvantage, only wearing a hospital gown with one eye covered, I crossed my muscular arms over my chest. The irony was not lost on me that I thought Ben was the cocky one and here I was puffing out my own chest.

  Ben continued to babble on. “Like I said, I get it. She's even called you her best guy friend.” Ben ground his teeth, obviously pissed by that. “I won’t pretend that I understand because I think there’s more to the story, but you need to know that I feel very protective of her.” Ben imitated me, placing his arms over his extended chest. Bastard. “I’ve known her a lot longer than you have, and I’ll stand by her side no matter what. But there will come a time when this whole thing between you won’t work for me. I just wanted you to know my intentions since we’re both in her life—for now.”

  Who the hell does this prick think he is? Ben was marking his territory, which made my blood boil. I would definitely let any bastard know if she was mine, but this dumbass hadn’t even made a commitment to her. Why the hell did he think he had a right to do this? Leah would be pissed, too, but I would let Ben dig his own hole. Sooner or later, she would see that this asswipe needed to go.

  I intentionally nodded, carefully watching every word. I didn't need this dill weed telling Leah that I was causing problems. “Duly noted. But it’s only fair to tell you that I’m also protective of her. She’s a remarkable woman and deserves the absolute best. Someone who will be there for her, present and future. Likewise, I’ll fight to make sure she’s taken care of.”

  Okay, so maybe that wasn't so subtle.

  He tapped his pen on the clipboard he’d picked back up. “Good to know,” he grumbled. “I just wanted to make sure we’re clear.”

  I laughed internally. I don’t even have to fight this dimwit. He’s clueless and doesn’t stand a chance. I almost feel bad for him.

  I gave Ben a cocky grin. “Crystal clear.”

  That grin slid right down my face as he smirked. “Good. I'll tell her tonight. We’re going out.”

  Oh shit. This son of a bitch took a left and slapped me upside the head. Had I known they were going out, I would’ve let Leah stay.

  “Thanks again, doc.” I didn't try to hide my sarcasm.

  He squinted, confused, then turned to leave.

  Infuriated, I turned on the TV, almost breaking the remote as I flipped channels. It took everything in me not to throw it at the wall.

  I was stuck in this bed and couldn’t do anything about it, but knowing Leah was going out with that asshole tonight, burned my ass.

  ⁂

  Leah

  I was surprised when I got a call from Ben earlier, asking if I wanted to go out to dinner. We hadn’t really been staying in touch,
and I assumed that things had already fizzled out.

  The conversation was relaxed, until I asked if he would go check on Stefen. The irritated grunt he answered with told me that he didn’t care for Stefen, but there was no reason why he couldn’t extend some professional courtesy by doing me that favor.

  Excited that we were going to my favorite Argentinian restaurant tonight, I waited in mom’s living room for my date to show up. It was the first time my mom and Sal were going to meet Ben, and I was a bit nervous.

  The soft knock at the door was too quiet for a man. Wondering who it might be, I opened it, a little surprised that it was Ben. He was still in his scrubs.

  I looked down at the new dress and heels I'd bought specifically for our date. Can’t he dress up, just once? I huffed under my breath.

  “Hey, you ready?” he asked with a wide grin. It was the same grin he used to flash at a crowd after he’d scored a touchdown when we were teens.

  “Sure. But my mom and her fiancé want to meet you first.” I motioned him in.

  “Oh, okay.” He appeared to be uncomfortable, craning his neck around the corner and wiping his hands on his pants as I led him into the dining room. “Something smells good.”

  I dropped my shoulders and lifted my chin, puffing out, “I know. I’ve been suffering through the smell of my mom’s delicious cooking. I’m starving. I can’t wait to eat.”

  He grimaced. “Sorry it took me so long.”

  “It’s fine. You’re here now.” Pulling on his arm, I introduced everyone. “Mami, Sal, this is my date, Ben. Ben, this is my mom and her fiancé, Sal.”

  Moving his reading glasses down to the bridge of his nose, Sal got up and extended his hand, giving Ben’s a hearty shake. “Nice to meet you, Ben.”

  My mom gave him a welcoming enough acknowledgment, but I caught the sideways glance and her tight lips. I was sure mami also thought it was odd that he’d walked in for our date, wearing his hospital uniform.