Childhood Dream

by Theresa Paolo

  “Have you watched An Affair to Remember yet?”

  “Nope.”

  “Watch that one tonight. She’ll love it.”

  “If she doesn’t, I’m making you take the fall.”

  “Want to put some money on it?”

  “No, I am not supporting your gambling habit.” Tony laughed and stood from the table. He patted Grandpa on the shoulder. “I’ll be in my studio if you need me. The door’s broken, so just knock before coming in.”

  “Afraid I might catch you with your pants around your ankles?” Grandpa laughed. “I heard all about the commotion this morning.”

  Tony shook his head. “I need to get my own place.”

  “You’ve been saying that since you were twelve.”

  With a laugh, Tony headed to his studio. He pushed open the broken door, looking at the shattered wood and damaged hinges. “Asshole,” he muttered.

  “Who’s an asshole?” Krissy’s voice floated toward him, and his head snapped toward her.

  Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and her bangs were perfectly in place. If he had his way they wouldn’t be for long. He reached her in three strides, wrapping his arms around her waist. “This is a nice surprise.”

  “I thought I’d stop by and see if you were free.”

  “I’m always free for you.” He exhaled. “I should warn you. It looks like my brothers told my grandpa.”

  “Pretty sure everyone knows,” Krissy said as she lifted on her tiptoes and kissed him.

  “Ella?”

  “Yup, and Cami too. Had a good phone call with Ella and a blush-induced face-to-face with Cami.”

  “What did you and Ella talk about?”

  She bit her lip, long lashes fanning over her cheekbones before she met his gaze. “I told her that I love you, and she’s happy for us.”

  He tightened his hold on her. “Every time I hear you say it, I feel like I’m dreaming.”

  A sharp pain shot through his arm. “Ouch!”

  “Not dreaming,” she said with a wink.

  “Oh!” A laugh bubbled out of him, and he moved his fingers to tickle her sides.

  She squirmed against him and let out a scream, but it quickly mixed with laughter. They fell onto the couch, a tangle of limbs as their mouths instantly found one another.

  Tony didn’t care if the door was broken, Krissy was his, and the world knew it.

  Chapter 18

  After a quickie at the studio, they wound up at Krissy’s house where they watched An Affair to Remember—which she absolutely adored—then barely made it to her bed before going for round two and three. She snuggled into Tony’s warmth, ignoring the aches in between her legs and in her muscles, and attempted to ignore the sun that filtered through her curtains.

  Tony’s hand ran down her arm, skimming across her bare breast. His finger swirled around her nipple, sending a tremor down her spine and causing the skin to pucker.

  “Aren’t you tired?” she asked, turning toward him and smiling at his disheveled bed head. Unable to help herself, she reached up and tugged on a curl that flopped against his forehead.

  “Of you?” He dipped his head, sucking on the skin between her neck and shoulder, then looked up and smiled. “Never.”

  His sweet smile was infectious, and her lips spread wide in response. “I need to get down to Scoops today to check on my flavors and start getting things ready to open.”

  It was only two more weeks before the season opening. She always liked to treat it as an event, and most of the town came out to grab their first scoop of the season. She needed to get all the tables and chairs out of storage wiped down and set up. She also needed to place an order for supplies, or there’d be no ice cream to scoop or sprinkles to sprinkle.

  She needed to make a list. Her fingers itched with the thought, but Tony was so warm, and the thing he was doing with his tongue made her want to forget all her damn responsibilities.

  “I have things I have to do,” she said, shoving playfully at his chest.

  “I only need twenty minutes.”

  She barked out a laugh and slapped a hand over her mouth. “Is that all?”

  He nodded in between her breasts, and his curls tickled her skin while his lips sent heat spiraling to her core. She cupped his cheeks, urging his head up. His dark brown eyes hooded with need met hers, and she bit her lip at the unexpected desire that shot through her. “I think I can spare twenty minutes.”

  A devilish grin curved his lips. “Good.” He bolted up and at her, his lips capturing hers, his hands gripping her sides and tugging her until his cock pressed firmly against her center.

  “You’re insatiable,” she said. He didn’t use words to agree with her. Instead, he used his mouth and his hands in response, making her completely forget about her to-do list.

  An hour and a half later, Krissy got out of the shower after insisting Tony stay put. If he followed her in, she’d never leave the house. Though it was tempting. He had the stamina of a horse, and though she’d been afraid of being able to keep up, she’d hadn’t had any problems. The fact that she still wanted him after their night and morning together proved she didn’t just love him—she needed him, wanted him, desired him in a way she thought only existed in movies. But this wasn’t a movie. It was real life. It was her life.

  The permanent smile she’d been sporting widened at the thought. Tony stepped into the bathroom, completely naked. His curls bouncing with his steps.

  She leaned back on the counter, taking in the view and admiring all he had to offer. “Am I allowed to shower now?”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t know I’m kind of enjoying you just like this.”

  “You could have enjoyed me in the shower, but someone said no.”

  Because she had things to do, and somehow, one glance at him had her forgetting this fact once again. “Yes! I did say no. You’re well aware I have things to do, so please go in the shower and hide all of that.” She motioned her hand toward him. “Away from me. It’s very distracting.”

  “Are you saying you find me irresistible?” He moved toward her, and with her bathroom being small and with nowhere to go, she arched her back over the counter.

  “No, that’s not what I’m saying.”

  His hands snaked around her waist, gripping her hips and hoisting her onto the counter. He pushed between her legs and smiled down at her traitorous nipples that had beaded beneath her flimsy shirt.

  “Your body is saying differently.”

  “My body is not in control of me.”

  His pointer flicked her nipple. “I think it is.”

  She closed her eyes, ignoring the hard press of his erection. His cock was seriously like a Jack Russel terrier, energetic, agile, and persistent.

  She flattened her hand against his bare chest and pushed him back. “Tell you what. You shower now and I’ll let you come with me to Scoops.”

  “I was planning on going with you, anyway.”

  “You were?”

  “I ditched you for a week unintentionally, and now that I think about it, I’m pissed at myself. After everything you were dealing with, I stupidly left you all alone and vulnerable.”

  “You had your own stuff to deal with, and besides, I can take care of myself.”

  “Of that, I have no doubts, but I still should’ve been there for you.”

  “Luckily, the craziness seems to have stopped. Maybe with Reid on the case it scared whoever it was off for good.”

  “I hope so, but don’t let your guard down just in case.”

  She nodded, and he kissed her forehead. “I guess I’ll go shower all alone.”

  “I already dried my bangs; too bad.” She ignored his puppy dog pout and shoved him into the shower, yanking the curtain closed. His laugh mixed with the steam filling the air, and she shook her head.

  She was going to have to start walking more and building up her own stamina if she was going to keep up with him. The thought warmed
her cheeks and sent heat coursing through her. Picking up her lip gloss. She ignored the tugging desire to say screw it and strip down to join Tony in the shower.

  Finally finished with her hair and minimal makeup, she headed out of the bedroom so he wouldn’t get any more ideas and try to persuade her for a repeat. Her resolve was already breaking as it was. A few minutes later, Tony found her. His curls wet and slicked back, his smile big and bright, and the t-shirt from yesterday wrinkled from being tossed on the floor more than once.

  “We can stop by your place if you want to grab a change of clothes.”

  “That would be great. You can come in and help me pick something.”

  Definitely insatiable. “I’ll stay in the car and wait.”

  “Suit yourself.”

  With a roll of her eyes, she grabbed her keys. “You ready?”

  “Sure am.” He followed her out, pulling the door shut. “What’s on the agenda for today?”

  “I need to get all the tables and chairs out of storage and wiped down so they’re ready for opening day.”

  “Sounds easy enough.”

  “Hopefully with the two of us it’ll go fast. I usually recruit Nathanial to help me, but he’s visiting his sister in New Hampshire.”

  “Then I’m happy to be of assistance.”

  “You sure you don’t have anything to do?”

  “Nope.”

  He scratched at the dark stubble growing on his chin that was beyond sexy. She wondered how it would feel between her legs. Damn it. She needed to get her mind out of the gutter.

  “I actually could use the distraction,” he said as they went to get in his car.

  She stopped, looking over the roof. “Why is that?”

  “I submitted my art to an exhibition and waiting to hear back is always torture.”

  “You did? The ones of me?”

  He nodded. “I really think it’s some of my best work, and I’ve shown there before and did really well. Two paintings gave me enough to live off of for over a year.”

  “Wow.” She knew painting was how he made his money, but she didn’t realize how lucrative it actually was for him. Though he was insanely talented, so she wasn’t surprised.

  “So some stranger will have me hanging up in their house or office?”

  “If you’re not comfortable with that, I can pull the submission.”

  She shook her head. “You better not! Like you said they’re your best work, and the world deserves to see that. As long as I get to buy one from you at a discount because unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford your cost.”

  He laughed. “I wouldn’t take your money, anyway. You can pick whichever one you want.”

  “Then I want the one of me in black surrounded by blues, greens, and purples.”

  He pressed his lips together. “See… there’s a problem.”

  “You submitted that one?”

  He shook his head. “No. It’s my favorite.”

  “Oh! Well then you’ll just have to come visit it in my bedroom then.”

  “I think I can be okay with that.”

  “I figured you would be.” She slipped into the passenger seat as he ducked into the driver’s.

  He closed the door and looked at her. “Your bedroom, huh?”

  “I’ve been trying and failing to find the perfect picture to hang above my bed. I’ve been looking for a couple years now and nothing has grabbed me. I know why now. It’s been waiting for yours.”

  He leaned over, cupping her cheek and kissing her. “I’m going to have fun when I visit.” He shifted toward her, and she caught the bulge in his pants growing.

  “Uh uh, Drive, mister.”

  “You’re no fun.”

  “Oh I’m plenty of fun, and you know that, but there is work to be done. The fun can resume as soon as we’re done.”

  Tony whipped out on the street and slammed on the gas. Krissy swatted his arm. “Slow down,” she said with a laugh as he was already easing off the pedal.

  They stopped at his house where he was in and out in no time, then headed to Scoops. Luckily, nothing seemed out of place and the new paint job made the building pop amongst the blue sky. The smell of salt from the nearby bay lingered in the air, and Krissy couldn’t wait for the scent of ice cream to join the mix.

  Tony met her around the front of the car and he stepped in front of her, taking the keys from her hand.

  “Seriously?” she asked.

  “Hey most women are sad chivalry is dead. Be happy I’m willing to use my body to protect you.”

  He pushed the door open, and she stepped inside laughing. “Protect me from what? The freezers?” She plucked the keys out of his hand and shoved them into her bag. He pressed behind her, his fingers tickling her sides, and she tried to jump away, but he held her close. His chin rested on her shoulder and she turned her head, giving him a kiss. “Time to work.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Work then fun. I know.”

  “Good. Glad we’re on the same page. The shed to the far left of the property houses all of the tables and chairs, so if you want to go open it up, I’ll grab the cleaning products, and we can get started.”

  “I would, but someone stole the keys from me.”

  “Oh right.” She handed him back the keys, and he kissed her on the head before heading around back.

  She retrieved the cleaning supplies then went to meet Tony. She stepped outside and halted at the large man who stood in front of her. Her heart slammed against her chest, and she grabbed it. “You scared me,” she said to the man, realizing it was the developer who had offered to buy the place.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to. I saw the car in the parking lot and hoped I’d catch you to see if you thought about my offer.”

  “I have, and I’m sorry, but I’m still not interested.”

  She tried to ignore the fear in the back of her mind, telling her this man was the one who had vandalized her property and terrorized her. Her hand trembled, and she flattened it against her thigh. She wanted to move toward Tony, but the man blocked the doorway.

  Instinctively, she backed up, and the man stepped toward her. The desire to scream welled inside her, but what if he lunged at her? How dangerous was he?

  “If you’ll excuse me,” she said, trying to keep her voice as steady as possible. “My boyfriend is waiting for me.” There now the guy knew she wasn’t alone.

  Where the hell was Tony?

  “Oh,” he said and stepped back.

  The tension in Krissy’s body eased slightly now that there was a little more distance between them.

  “I’d really wish you’d reconsider my offer.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorway.

  “I’m sorry, but the answer is no.”

  “A million and a half then.”

  Her eyes widened at the drastic increase. Not that it made a difference. “Honestly, you can tell me ten million, and I still won’t sell. It’s not about the money. It’s about upholding my family’s legacy and continuing my aunt’s dream in this community.”

  “One point five million could change your life, though. You can open ten ice cream shops.”

  “You’re not understanding. I don’t want any other ice cream shops. I only want this one.”

  “Hey!” Tony’s voice echoed across the day, his tone angered and deadly.

  The guy flew out of the doorway, and Krissy gasped. She hurried out of the building and watched as Tony stood between her and the man.

  “What is your problem?” the guy asked, fixing his suit sleeve.

  “My problem is that someone is terrorizing my girlfriend and only when she’s here, so that makes me think someone is trying to scare her into selling.

  The guy pointed at his chest. “And you think that person is me?”

  “You fit the bill,” Tony spat. “And the build of the guy who was banging on her windows to scare her.”

  “That wasn’t me.”

  “Why don’t we call the police and le
t them decide?” He slipped his phone out of his pocket.

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “Here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to get in your car and you’re going to drive out of here. If you ever come back here, I won’t be so generous.”

  The guy held his hands up and backed away. “I don’t want any trouble.”

  Tony’s gaze narrowed. “Then leave.”

  The guy turned around, muttering about crazy assholes, and Krissy ran to Tony. His hands framed her face, thumbs brushing the apples of her cheeks. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded. “He was just talking to me.”

  “You’re shaking,” he said.

  “I got scared. I didn’t know what he might be capable of.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner. I was in the shed pulling out tables and not paying attention.”

  “It’s fine, you got here just at the right time.” She lifted on tiptoes and kissed him. “I don’t think he’ll be back.”

  “Me either.” Tony watched as the guy pulled away then looked back to her. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m good. Now that’s over, let’s get this place ready to open.”

  Tony draped his arm around her shoulder, tugging her close and kissing the top of her head. “Let’s do this,” he said and led them to the open shed where they spent the rest of the day cleaning and sneaking sexy glances at each other.

  Chapter 19

  After an evening of fun that lasted way into the early morning hours, Krissy headed back to Scoops. She and Tony had finished cleaning all the tables and chairs the day before, and now she needed to do a deep cleaning of all the equipment that had been unused throughout the winter season.

  Tony wanted to come, but after he scared the developer off, she didn’t think it was necessary. Besides, he had plans with Garrett, and she didn’t want to be one of those girlfriends that dominated her guy’s time.

  So with a reminder of what she could expect tonight, he left, and she got in her car, heading to Scoops. She pulled into the parking lot and started walking when she heard a car door.

  “Krissy, I’ve been looking all over for you,” Allison Winters said as she hurried over in her too high heels. The woman had always been beautiful on TV, but in person she was more stunning. Her makeup was flawless and her hair sat in perfect waves on her shoulders. Her baby blue dress shirt was tucked neatly into a pair of jeans and her camel brown heels would make anyone jealous.