An Exceptional Twist

by Kimi Flores

  Her mouth gaped open. “Wow, that’s crazy. Your mom was in love with Caleb’s dad? I’d love to know more. What about her and Bri?”

  This was the part that actually did break his heart. “Honestly, I don’t understand what my mom’s deal is with Bri. I’ve often wondered if she was jealous, but Mom’s so cold and judgmental. It’s been that way her whole life. I was there to help her through most of it. But as you know, I didn’t have the healthiest outlook myself.” He raised his shoulder in disdain.

  This conversation was getting too heavy. He wanted Leah to know everything, but it was going to take more than one afternoon.

  He turned and looked out the huge glass doors, toward the beach. “It's a beautiful day. Wanna go for a run?” Leaning over, he patted her thigh.

  It was an abrupt change in conversation, but she seemed to catch his cue.

  “Sounds good, I can’t figure out some of the numbers on that damn spreadsheet anyway.” She leaned her head back, covering her forehead with her arm. “I need an accountant.”

  “I can take a look if ya like.” He ran his hand up her leg, teasing. “Then when we come back, you can shave these prickly legs. They’re giving my palm a rash.”

  Leah lifted her head and gasped, eyes wide opened.

  He laughed out loud.

  Picking up a cushion from the couch, she began to hit him over the head.

  His laughs continued while he held his arm up in an effort to block the soft blows. “I know it’s no-shave November and all, but I didn’t think that applied to women.”

  She scrunched her face and continued her assault. “It’s only a day’s worth, butthead.”

  The cushion made contact with his forearm one last time before he grabbed it, yanking it from her hands. They were both laughing as he pulled her down on his lap, but the mood immediately changed.

  She was straddling his thighs as they breathed heavily into each other’s faces. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath as he watched the pulse on her neck pick up speed. He touched her waist softly before he realized what he was doing. The things he would love to do to her at this moment.

  Definitely a bad idea. As painful as it was, he moved her to the side and slipped off of the couch, heading into the kitchen to shake himself out of it.

  He paced uncomfortably for a minute, then looked down at his crotch. Shit! Down boy. Think about something gross. He jumped up and down, moving his head from side to side to crack his neck. Um…oh, Old Yeller at the diner. He pictured the cashier with the smoke stained teeth at the small restaurant across from Leah’s shop that he had coffee in that one day.

  Okay, it’s working. He breathed in, then out. Old Yeller in a bikini. He shivered, completely repulsed. Okay, I’m good.

  Now that he was calm enough to speak, he called out, “You have a bad habit of exercising on an empty stomach. You must be hungry by now.” Because I sure as hell am. “I’ll make you a protein shake before we leave.” He didn’t dare look at her as he gathered the ingredients from the cupboards.

  “I had coffee,” she yelled back, but he could still hear the paused breaths within her words.

  Refocus, man. “Yeah, but coffee isn’t enough.” He poured strawberries, almond milk, protein powder, and a banana into the blender, turned it on, and got a couple of glasses ready.

  He heard her footsteps as she began to climb the stairs. “I’m going to go change. Be down in a minute.”

  He cleared his throat. ‘Kay.”

  I could use a cold shower right about now.

  Thanksgiving was Leah’s favorite holiday, second only to Christmas. Her family was arriving this afternoon, and she was giddy to have them on her side of town. Thankfully, Elena decided to spend the day with one of her friends who was also a newly single parent.

  Leah had gotten into a little tiff with her mom when they made sleeping arrangements for that night, so she was hoping all would be dropped by now. Her mom didn't approve of her staying at Stefen's, even if it left the loft above her shop open for her and Sal.

  Dani and Bri were also staying at Stefen’s, so she didn’t see what the big deal was. Her mom would probably have a shit-fit if she knew how often Leah did spend the night at his place.

  She’d gotten up early to make the turkeys, hoping she did her mom’s recipe justice. They weren’t traditional ‘American’ turkeys, but it was the best she’d ever had. Hopefully, everyone else would agree.

  Hearing the knock at her door, she opened it to find her favorite person wearing his fitted dark jeans, grey pullover, and black boots.

  “I don’t know why you won’t just use the key I gave you, Stefen.” She strolled into the kitchen.

  He followed close behind. “What would you do if you were standing in the living room naked, and I walked in on you?”

  Die of embarrassment. “Good point.” She nodded once.

  She twirled around to find him twitching his lips. His pupil’s looked dilated.

  Was he actually picturing it? Oh my.

  How much longer were they going to keep playing this game of touching and not touching? Leah was getting worn out by it.

  Looking at his lips, she shook her head to snap out of it. But she couldn’t. The desire between them was palpable. He wanted her, and she definitely wanted him. Her hand slowly pushed up his chest where she felt his heart beating erratically. They both stood still.

  Oh shit, what are we doing?

  Stefen moved in closer, holding onto her waist as he pulled her body flush with his. Moving his hand to her face, he rubbed his thumb along her bottom lip. “Leah,” he breathed out asking for permission.

  “I feel it, too,” she whispered, blinking rapidly, feeling both fear and longing.

  Closing his eyes, he moved his hands to the back of her neck, threading his fingers in her hair as he pulled her head to his chest. Taking quick breaths he said the words that had already played out in her own thoughts. “We have to talk about this. I’ve been fighting it for a while, and it’s not going away.”

  “I know. Can we wait until tonight, please? I don’t want to rush through it and there’s not enough time right now.” She took short, shallow breaths, closing her eyes as she listened to his pounding heartbeat. As much as she wanted him, she couldn’t help the fear she felt.

  Holding on even tighter, he grunted, “Okay. Tonight. But you make me wait any longer, and I’m coming after you.”

  She nodded in agreement, but didn’t want to let go of him. Peering up through her lashes, she had to say something to get them out of her apartment. “Um, is your arm okay to carry one of the turkeys down?” Then she made the mistake of running her hand down his bicep, which flexed under her touch.

  “Yeah. I’m stronger than I look.” His cocky grin appeared.

  Damn, she’d missed his confident smile.

  Everyone was gathered at Abby’s house, and Leah could tell her friend was a nervous wreck. Trying to maneuver around her kitchen with her new belly was proving to be a bit challenging, so all the women took turns lending a hand.

  Abby was also bothered about the fact that Caleb wasn’t upset that his parents cancelled last minute. While her best friend was not a fan of her in-laws, Leah knew she felt guilty, as though she was the cause of the broken relationship. No matter how much Caleb tried to assure her.

  Leah opened the door to the last guests who were arriving late. It was her turn to be a ball of anxiety. With her husband following closely behind, Stefen's mother stepped into the living room and attempted to hand her coat to Leah's mom.

  The snootiest scowl appeared on his mom’s face. “Please make sure it doesn't get wrinkled. If I have to walk out of here with creases, I'm going to make sure my nephew takes it out of your pay.”

  As ladylike as possible, her mom replied, “I think you have me confused. I'm Leah’s mom, Maria.” She extended her hand to the snobby woman who just looked at it and walked away.

  Maria’s nostrils flared, visibly infuriated, but being a
lady through and through, she put on a fake smile and spoke to Leah through her teeth, “Hija, si esta bruja no se mantiene alejada de mi me le voy a sacar la madre a chancletazos.”

  Leah started busting up, loving the fact that nobody else knew what her mother just said.

  Stefen caught the tail end of what Maria said when he stepped out of the downstairs bathroom. “What was that? I understood something about throwing a sandal at someone’s head, but that was it.”

  Leah looked at her mom, and they both started laughing hysterically.

  “Two words.” Leah leaned toward Stefen and lifted her eyebrow. “Your. Mom.”

  He put his hands in front of him and waved them back and forth. “Oh. No need to say more. I apologize in advance for her behavior and for anything that comes out of her mouth. She gave birth to me, but that's about as far as we go.”

  Leah and her mom gave him a sad look.

  “I'm sorry, Stefen.” Leah placed her hand on his shoulder, then remembered their interaction before they left her apartment.

  Giving her a knowing look, he was well aware of what was roaming around in her head. He let out a loud breath. “That's okay, I'm shocked she’s even here. She rarely spends the holidays with us. She’ll probably be drunk before dessert is served.”

  Bri came storming into the room in a hissy. “Who invited Mom? I wouldn’t have come if I had known.”

  Maria grabbed Stefen and Bri and hugged them both simultaneously. “Don't worry, hijos. There’s enough mama love in me to share.”

  Stefen and Bri seemed to welcome the motherly affection as they both wrapped their arms around each other and Leah’s mom. From what Stefen told her, and the impression his mother just left, Leah imagined that woman never showed any love to her children.

  Leah loved her mom’s heart so much. Times like this proved just how blessed she’d been to have her.

  Looking at them made her swallow, a sadness coming over her. No wonder Stefen was afraid of love. He didn’t understand it. Maybe she could help him. Can I be the one to change his mind?

  Stefen’s eyes scanned Leah’s face as he and Bri headed toward the dining room.

  Her mom pulled her to the side. “Hija, que paso? What was that little,” she fluttered her eyelashes quickly while rolling her eyes upward, “between you and Stefen? Are you guys dating and you didn’t tell me?”

  Shaking he head, Leah frowned. “No, Mami. We’re not.”

  “But you want to, sí?” Her wise mother never missed a thing. “You’re afraid?”

  Looking down and closing her eyes, Leah nodded.

  Her mom smoothed Leah’s hair and spoke tenderly, “Mija, fear kept me from the man I loved for way too long.” Lifting her head, Leah looked at her mom with wide eyes. “Yes, sweetie. I was afraid of what people would say, of what you guys would think, of degrading your father’s memory. You name it, I feared it.” Her hands cupped Leah’s face. “Do you love him?”

  Her breathing became uneven as she fought her tears. “Yes, Mami, but I don’t know if I can risk everything we already have.”

  The sincerity in her mom’s eyes warmed Leah’s heart. “The bigger the risk, the better the reward. If you love him, you need to tell him. Everyone in this house can clearly see that he loves you, too.” Leah hoped that was true, but for her mom to point it out was unexpected. “Don’t look at me like that, young lady. You know I’m right. Okay, let’s get in there and show that prissy puta how Latinas handle being insulted.”

  The next morning, Leah woke up in her room at Stefen’s, next to her snoring sister. She made her way down the stairs and headed to the kitchen to make coffee and a light breakfast for everyone. Leah, Stefen, and both of their sisters only had an hour before they had to be on the road. Stefen's shower started upstairs, and she figured she’d get the other two girls up when he got out.

  They hadn’t had any alone time to talk yet, but she was kind of grateful. It took all her willpower not to crawl into bed with him last night. Especially when Dani started snoring.

  Leah had just pushed the start button on the coffeemaker when she felt more than heard Stefen behind her.

  Jumping, she pressed her hand over her heart that was beating a million miles a minute. “You scared the crap out of me. I thought you were in the shower.”

  Stefen rubbed his sleepy eyes, then ran his fingers through his bed hair a couple of times to smooth it down. Stretching, he reached up, revealing his flat abdomen. “No, that’s Bri. She thinks it's funny to run and jump on my bed to wake me up whenever she visits. She’s just lucky I don’t sleep naked.” He brought his arms down and winked.

  She shook her head. “What is it with you and talking about being naked?” A soon as the words were out, she turned beet red, wishing she could take that statement back. Especially when the image of him, sans clothing, popped into her head. “I mean, you know, um….”

  “Why are you guys talking about being naked?”

  They both turned to see Dani standing in the doorway, wrapped in her thick robe and wearing fuzzy slippers.

  Flustered, Leah blurted out, “Stefen doesn’t sleep in the buff. I mean, when we sleep together he wears pajamas, or he always does...” She shifted on her feet, digging a bigger hole with each word.

  Dani’s eyes practically popped out of her head. “You guys sleep together! As in, more than the one time you told me about?”

  Vigorously shaking her head, Leah yelped, “Not like that. We’ve slept together, slept together a couple times, that’s all.”

  Stefen snickered, grabbing a couple of coffee cups out of the cupboard. “You’re not helping.”

  Leah scowled at him.

  “What exactly do you mean by slept together, slept together?” Dani narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her younger sister.

  Leah smacked her forehead. “I mean, we have actually been asleep together. Like watching TV and falling asleep on the couch sort of thing, not the…sex thing.” Those last two words came out uneasily, and she cringed.

  Dani gave them a pointed look. “Again, huh? Well that's kinda weird, don't you think. How do you fall asleep with someone so gorgeous that you’ve had sex with and it not be awkward?”

  Turning a deeper shade of red, Leah barked, “Dani, stop. Stefen and I had sex one time. That’s all.” Kill me now! The chuckle beside her fueled her fire, and she smacked Stefen on the stomach with the back of her hand. “Stop laughing. It’s not funny.”

  Stefen raised his arms as if he was stepping out of it. “Uh, I’ve got nothing to add.” He leaned against the counter and sipped his coffee.

  Dani’s eyes widened as she shook her head. “Well, I don't get it. You’re hot for each other. Everyone knows.” She flicked her wrist, motioning between them. “How could you not want to make babies together?”

  “Oh my gosh, Dani! I’m going to freaking throw my chancleta at you. You’re so embarrassing.”

  Dani smiled primly. “You know I just say it like it is.” She started to turn and walk out of the room, when Bri appeared.

  “What's up?” Brianna walked in with a towel on her head. She picked up a cup and held it out to Stefen who was pouring coffee for everyone.

  Dani announced, “Stefen and Leah sleep together, and I think they would make beautiful babies.”

  Bri’s face lit with mock fury. “You liar!” She jabbed her finger at Stefen. “You told me you guys weren’t seeing each other. I knew it.” Spinning around, Bri leaned against the counter. “It’s so obvious you guys are in love. You look like two freaking puppy dogs whenever you’re together.”

  “¡Hijo de puta! You guys suck!” Leah threw her hands in the air, then slapped her thighs as she left the kitchen, escaping into her room.

  Leah heard a knock on the door before she went into the bathroom to take a shower. “Come in,” she huffed.

  “I bring a peace offering.” Dani cracked the door open enough to poke the coffee mug through.

  Leah walked over and snatched it befor
e walking past her to the bathroom.

  “Don't be mad,” Dani said softly. “None of us understand. That's all.”

  Leah turned on the shower, then stalked over to her sister. “You completely humiliated me down there, Dani. I know you speak your mind, but that was embarrassing.”

  Sticking her bottom lip out, Dani apologized, “Los siento, hermanita.”

  “Can we just drop this? I've had enough for one morning. That's why I hang out with a boy and not girls. Less drama.”

  Dani raised her eyebrows. “Stefen? Less drama than a girl? You’re kidding, right?”

  Leah gave her sister one last dirty look, then closed the bathroom door.

  As they pulled out of his driveway, Stefen still couldn't believe he was letting Bri drive his new car. She drove like a maniac. He always thought she’d make a great race car driver.

  He decided to get Dani back for harassing Leah earlier by letting her sit in the front seat without warning her about Bri’s driving. They’d started teasing each other months ago, after Leah brought him around their house, so he was sure Dani would catch on soon enough.

  Plus, he wanted to sit in the back with Leah.

  When they all got in, Dani buckled up and said, “I’m trusting you, Bri. You know I don’t like it when other people drive.”

  Snickering, Bri looked at Stefen in the rearview mirror, “Can you believe she didn’t let me drive at all when we went to the Bay Area.”

  Leah nodded, “Yeah, it’s her thing. She must really like you because she won’t let me drive her anywhere if she can help it.”

  Uh oh.

  As they got onto the freeway, Dani grabbed the ‘oh shit’ bar.

  Bri rolled her eyes. “Dani, you can let go. I'm a safe driver.”

  Stefen stifled a laugh.

  Dani glared back at him. “You let me sit up here on purpose, didn’t you?”

  “Now would I do something like that?” He gave her an innocent look, winking at Leah who seemed a bit off ever since this morning.

  “No freaking way,” Bri grumbled. Someone was tailgating them. “Of all the shitty luck. There is no way in hell you’re passing me, asshole.”