by Ali Parker
No such luck.
***
The afternoon had been far too busy and not only had she needed Martin to help, but could have used three more sets of hands. Michael hadn't stayed for more than a few minutes, his visit only a quick one to add details to the event coming up. He had been complimentary in his thoughts on Drake and Sicily's feelings, but in a friendly manner, he had laid down a stark warning. If she had a chance to dig into the man's past before making a serious decision, she should do it.
"How the hell do you do that?" she muttered in the quiet confines of her car on the way home that afternoon. "Drake, can you give me your yearbooks and fill out this character questionnaire? Mind if I do a background check on you and interview your dying mother?"
She pulled up into the driveway at the house and parked, turning the car off and getting out as the wind picked up. The cold front was almost there and felt great.
How long had she been waiting for the first proper cold front so she could bundle up and hid behind a wall of sweaters? No one could blame a person for looking heavy if they had on ten layers of clothing. Winter was good like that.
Sicily walked to the door, turning at the sound of a motorcycle moving down the street. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she paused and waited for him to turn into the driveway. He parked and pulled off his helmet, his black bomber jacket fitting him tightly as it hugged his slim waist over his stone-washed jeans.
"Got flour on your nose and sugar on your lips?" He winked and walked toward her, slipping the helmet under his arm.
"No, thankfully. I try not to be nearly the mess I was when I first started. Besides, you don't like sugar, so I'm thinking if I was hoping for a goodnight kiss after our date, I'd be out of luck."
He jogged up the stairs and stopped in front of her. "I avoid it because it's addictive, but you're going to force that to change, aren't you?"
"Yes. Who else is going to taste my sticky buns to make sure they come out right?" She winked as he chuckled, the blush covering his cheeks almost as adorable as the messy state of his hair. "You're early and I'm not ready."
"I know. I just got done and didn't want to sit around the house. I got a call from my brother and my mother's not doing well. She's been on hospice for a few days and it's looking grim." He nodded toward the door and shivered. "Cold front's here. Open the door, pretty girl."
She laughed and turned, opening the door and moving into the dark house. It was chilly inside and empty from what she could tell. "Guess we're the first ones here."
His cologne smelled divine. She worked to ignore the building nervousness combined with excitement that threatened to rage within her. Going out to lunch wasn't the same as going on an official date with Drake.
The night left the possibility open to something more than food and an awkward goodbye. She wanted to see his place and snuggle up next to him, even if she wasn't entirely sure sleeping with him would be the right result. There were so many things about her own body that she wasn't ready to share. Being with him would feel so damn good, but to be bare before him was almost too much to consider. If left her with an odd sense of flight or fight, and running would soon be the result.
"Get ready and let's go. I'm starving." He moved to the couch and sat down before turning on sports center.
"Alright. Shouldn't be but a few minutes. You want me to drive since it's getting so cold?"
"I'm good driving if you don't mind snuggling up to me. The cold front is going to hit around ten tonight and it's five, so we should be good to be back from dinner and sweaty by the time ten hits."
Sicily stood there for a minute, her jaw dropping at his openness. "I'm uh... I'm not sure..."
"I'm playing, baby. Go get dressed. Whatever happens tonight is great with me. I'm a little moody thanks to D's call over mom, but being with you is making me feel better already."
"Okay." She smiled and turned, dropping her bags and walking to the bedroom as excitement sparked in her belly. Whether they stayed the rest of the night together or not, one thing was sure. Dinner would be great and the ride there and back would be blissful. Now to find something feminine that didn't leave her feeling like a popsicle due to the shifting weather.
She landed on a white sweater and black jeans with a large red belt and red heels. Her jacket wasn't in the closet, but Lisa had a really cool leather bomber that looked a lot like Drake’s. Sicily slipped it on, knowing that Lisa wouldn't care a bit over her borrowing it. She walked out as Drake looked back and whistled.
"Damn... finest woman in Bar Harbor." He stood and slipped his hands in his pockets as his eyes raked across her.
"Jake would beg to differ."
"Yeah, well he's a coach and I'm a gym rat. I could take him in a brawl over it." He winked as she laughed.
"Let's go try that new Italian place by the bay, where all of those restaurants are."
"Yeah. It's Gio's. I love it actually. I indulge on occasion." He opened the door. "It's not new, just relocated from the other side of town. The owner reminds me of my Uncle Vinny, mom's oldest brother. Good family. Great food."
"Good. Let's go support them and fill our bellies then."
"Not too much food." He lifted his eyebrow and she scoffed, ready to throw something back at his insinuation to her being chunky. "I don't want you lethargic when I start putting the moves on you."
"Pig." She laughed and swatted at him.
"Hog, baby. The bike’s called a hog."
"I wasn't talking about the bike."
"Oh, I know. I know too well." He got on and offered her a hand, the look in his eyes leaving her no question over his feelings. Now to fully figure out hers.
Chapter 16
Drake tried to focus on the road as they drove to Gio's, but Sicily's lithe little arms around his waist and the soft brush of her fingers over is legs a few times almost unraveled him. By the time they got there, he was sporting a less than comfortable attention grabber.
He turned and adjusted himself, grateful for her not throwing a comment his way. She knew he was interested. Now it was time to show her a little about himself and see if she could reciprocate the feeling.
Gio met them at the door, the owner having been the hostess of the restaurant since Drake found the little place a few years back.
"Mr. DeMarco. So nice to see you, and you have a lady friend? What's the world coming to?"
Sicily chuckled beside him and Drake glanced at her. "Don't laugh at him. It only encourages the old man."
"You're not getting any younger either, mister." The large Italian man with more white than grey hair moved in and shook Drake’s hand before pulling him into a tight hug. "How have you been?"
"Good, Gio. This is my friend, Sicily. She's the new baker on the square."
"No? You own Sweet Treats?" Gio moved toward Sicily and pulled her into a tight side-hug.
"Yes, sir. I do."
"You're far too thin to be a baker, woman. Don't you know that we as chefs sign an unwritten set of rules, and the first is to remain chunky for our calling?" He rubbed her shoulder and released her as she beamed.
The gym had taken a few pounds off of her, but her routine with Vi had toned her up more than anything. Seeing her experience the fruits of her labor was going to be a good start to the night.
"Let's get you two a table near the window." Gio moved in front of them, holding two menus as Drake reached out, pressing softly against her lower back. Any reason to touch her was a good one.
They stopped at the table and he helped her out of her jacket before working on his. Gio took the jackets and Drake sat down and picked up the wine menu. "Red or white?"
"Whatever you think. What are we eating? We could pair it up."
"I think red goes with most tomato dishes, unless you're wanting chicken or fish."
"You've eaten here before. What do you recommend?" She brushed her long dark hair behind her shoulder, and Drake couldn't help but stifle a groan. She was by far the most beautiful,
real, wholesome woman he had been around in years. Why couldn't they have started dating months back?
Oh yeah... she wouldn't let you within ten feet of her.
"I'm down with sharing the Italian Sampler. It's a great two or three bite taste of the best items on the menu." He paused as the waiter walked up.
"Evening, folks. I'm Jon. I'll be your server. Might I suggest a lovely red wine to go with something from our pasta menu tonight?"
"You sure can." Drake glanced at Sicily as she nodded, the smile on her face sweet and sexy at the same time.
"Are you ready to order or need a minute?" the young guy asked.
"What would you suggest?" Drake asked and sat back, tugging his napkin into his lap.
"The Italian Sampler is great for sharing. That and a bottle of merlot would be a fantastic start to your night." The waiter poured water in their empty glasses and smiled.
"We'll do that. Sounds great." Sicily glanced over at Drake and winked.
The server left and Drake dove into the meat of the conversation, or at least where he needed it to go. Better to get everything on the table and see where things landed.
"I know this is sudden, and I completely understand if you have to say no, but I'm leaving for Chicago on Friday afternoon to see my mother before she passes." He picked up his water glass as his hand shook slightly. Her rejection was one thing if it were to come, but his mother's condition was something much bigger. The worry and fear over it had yet to manifest, but it would soon.
"I'll go with you." Sicily reached across the table before stopping short. "I mean, if you want me to. Not that you were going to ask, I just thought..."
He lifted his hand to stop her. "That's exactly what I was going to ask. I don't want to go by myself and I feel like us getting away for a few days would help me explain a little better who I am and what I've been through."
"I would like that." She glanced down at her teeth brushed across her thick bottom lip. "I'm not sure what to do about the shop, though. Martin has been working a lot lately and leaving it for a few hours is totally different than leaving it with him for the weekend. He's just a kid."
"Yeah. I was thinking we could see if Vi and Jasmine might be able to fill in, or Kari and Jake? Lisa maybe?"
"We can do that. I'll limit the hours and get them to fill in for the times we are open." Sicily smiled up at the waiter as he delivered salads and wine.
Drake waited until he was gone to pick up the conversation again. "We fly out on Friday at three. I can pick you up and we'll just go to the airport together. My brother, Demetri, and his associate will pick us up."
"Associate? Sounds important." Sicily lifted the glass to her lips, her eyes moving across his face as he watched her.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look? I haven't wanted to sit across from a table from a woman in a long time. You leave me with absolutely no choice in the matter."
She smiled and glanced down as her cheeks colored pink. "Thanks."
"So you'll come with me, for sure?"
"Yes. I'll get my ticket tonight. We can go back to the house after this and hang out with Jake, Kari, and Lisa. We'll get online and make sure I get a seat near yours." She reached for the bread before deciding against it. Her actions were almost jerky, as if someone had popped her hand from the basket.
Drake moved it toward him and lightly buttered a piece before extending it to her, giving her no choice in the matter. He worked on his and glanced up, loving the curious way she watched him. "D got the tickets. No need to buy anything. Just come with me."
"Are you sure you're okay with me being there? You need to spend time with your mom."
"I'll only have a few minutes to see her. D's working out the cameras and such so we can slip in and out without being seen." Drake sat back and took a bite of his bread. "A few minutes is all I need to say thank you and goodbye."
"Thank you?" Sicily lifted her eyebrow as she started to eat her salad. Her dainty movements were adorning. His heart swelled in anticipation of getting to know her more.
"Yeah. She loved me with this openness that I've yet to experience since. It was the type of love you could only hope for. The kind that said, 'I know you're not perfect, but it's all right. You're mine and that's enough.'" He shrugged as hard emotion pulled at him. He didn't mind being open and raw in front of her, but not in the middle of a crowded restaurant.
"I love that. My mom was the same way. My brother was a hellion in school, always getting in gang fights or sleeping with some poor unsuspecting chick in his bedroom in the house. I can't imagine raising a boy like him." Sicily laughed and took another bite of her salad. "But... my mom was forever reminding him how much she loved him. How much she loved all of us."
The pretty girl across the table from him teared up and he reached over, brushing his fingers down her arm.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
"No. Don't be. We share this pain and it seems like our moms had a lot in common. This weekend I'll tell you anything you want to know. Let's eat dinner and then we'll go to the house and spend time with our friends. Remind me and I'll call the girls at the gym to see if they are free to help us when we leave."
"Okay. I'd like that." She smiled as the food arrived and was laid before them.
"This is enough to feed ten people." Drake chuckled and glanced up as Gio stopped by, the old man squeezing his shoulder tightly.
"Good thing you're a big boy. Your little woman over there is going to be of no help. Call for me if you need another fork to assist you." The older man laughed and walked off. "Enjoy."
Sicily blushed again.
Drake stopped, watching her as she fixed a plate and extended it to him.
She paused as her eyes widened a little. "What? Did I do something?"
Drake took the plate and set it down as he licked at his lips. "No. I've just been waiting for this moment for six months. Let me take it in."
"You're ridiculous. You’re way out of my league, Drake. I should be the one needing a minute." She fixed her own plate and sat back.
"You're right. I am way out of your league, but don't tell anyone that the princess has decided to date a frog." He winked.
"As long as you're sure you become a prince... I'm good."
"Does this mean I get a kiss?" He lifted his eyebrow and chuckled as she shook her head.
"Typical frog... always looking for a kiss."
Chapter 17
They finished dinner and needed a doggie back, the small container holding more food than they ate between the two of them. Sicily walked beside Drake to the front of the restaurant and leaned into the hug with Gio, the man quickly finding his way to her heart.
Good food, great atmosphere, and how many times had he called her little or insinuated that she was too tiny to be a chef? She was sold.
"Delicious." Drake opened the door and smiled as she moved past him. His dark hair and eyes left her feeling feverish. Were they really going to go hang out with their friends?
"I agree. Great choice." Sicily stopped by the nearest trashcan and dropped the food into it as Drake let out a growl.
"What was that for? Jake and Kari would have torn that up." He moved up beside her and touched the trashcan with a look on his face that would be fitting for burying a family pet.
Sicily laughed and slid her hand into his. "I agree, but we're not going to my house."
"Oh? We're not? Where do you want to go?" He moved them toward the bike and handed her the helmet on the back. "To a movie, or the mall?"
"To your house." She slipped on the helmet and laughed as he stood there, staring at her with his mouth agape. "Come on before I change my mind."
"Hell yes." He got on the bike and started it, rubbing at her arms as they wrapped around him.
She leaned in and snuggled up to the back of him the best she could.
Their relationship wasn't new, but developing quickly. He had been trying since the night they met, Drake having come to help Jake
and Kari paint the shop with her and Lisa. A smile brushed by her mouth and she turned to watch the large homes whiz past them as they drove back toward the edge of town. Sicily realized she didn't have the slightest clue where Drake lived.
The lights of the bay disappeared behind her and the darkness of the wooded area of Bar Harbor rose up ahead of them, something about it screaming serenity. The cold front moved in just before they pulled up to a small log cabin, the house quaint, but fitting for the middle of the woods.
Sicily shivered and climbed off the bike before pulling off her helmet. "Do you have a fireplace?"
"Of course I do." He winked at her. "Let's get you inside and I'll grab some wood from out back and get us warmed up."
"Sounds good." She walked toward the house beside him.
Drake reached back and took her hand, lifting it to his lips and kissing her knuckles softly. "You know we can just drink a cup of something warm and talk. I don't expect anything from you."
She smiled, grateful that he was the type of man to make sure she knew that. "I know. I just want to be with you. Whatever that means is okay."
He smiled just before sadness raced across his face. "Me too."
She started to ask what was wrong, but decided to leave it be. He would talk about whatever was raging inside of him if she just offered a comfortable place for him to land.
The inside of the house was masculine; the perfect bachelor pad. Dark woods and the smell of pine filled the place. The thick, cream-colored rugs were made of some type of animal fur and the guns on the wall gave her a whole new understanding of Drake. He was a hunter. A man's man. Why was she not surprised by that?
He moved into the house, turning on lights as she stopped by the gun cabinet and ran her fingers over the glass. "My father had a case just like this. You hunt?"
"I do. On occasion." He moved toward her and brushed his fingers over her shoulders. "Do you?"
