by Taryn Plendl
I moved around him toward the bathroom. He had laid a new toothbrush out for me and a clean washcloth. I washed my face and brushed my teeth before heading back to the kitchen where Matteo was already pulling things out for breakfast.
“What are you making?” I asked peering over his shoulder at the ingredients.
“Monkey bread.” He smiled when my stomach growled.
“It won’t take long. I promise. Why don’t you start the coffee?” He pointed to the coffee maker on the island and I made quick work to start it brewing. When it was done I poured us each a cup, bringing Matteo’s to him just as he was placing the last few dough balls into the bundt pan.
“Where did you learn how to do that?” I asked, moaning as I took a sip of the fragrant coffee.
“Pinterest,” Matteo stated matter of factly as he placed the pan in the oven and set the timer.
I giggled. He was full of surprises.
When the monkey bread was done, we made a plate and brought it to the coffee table where we spent most of the day yesterday. Matteo had another fire burning and we snuggled under a fleece throw, feeding each other. It was the best Christmas I could remember having since my mom was gone.
“Spend the day with me?” Matteo asked.
“I can’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else,” I said before kissing him softly and snuggling into his side.
Chapter 9
Matteo
I slammed the phone down, frustrated with the slow progress of development due to the holidays. The crews were off this week, and although I knew it was well deserved, I hated being idle.
Standing, I stretched and groaned at my stiff muscles. Grabbing my coat, I stepped out of the trailer and headed toward the Riverwalk. The activity was nonstop with only days before the New Year. Stores were busy with returns and after Christmas sales, and the clubs and restaurants were gearing up for their epic New Year’s celebrations.
A fresh coat of snow had prettied up the area, hiding the dirty gray snow from the previous storms. I stomped off my boots before entering the coffee shop. I grabbed a coffee and sat by the window in the same seat that I’d shared coffee with Ella the day I found her again.
It had been a whirlwind of a week with her. I’d watched her slowly open up, letting down the walls she’d built over the years. I hadn’t ever met a woman like her before. She was sexy as hell, but she was also kind, funny and an all around good person. If I ever got my hands on her ex or her asshole father, I’m not sure I could hold back.
I took another drink of my coffee, letting the hot liquid warm me, and sighed. My foul mood wasn’t just due to the lack of work going on. It was also because I didn’t see Ella yesterday because she spent the day with her best friend, Natalie, and today we both had previous plans that couldn’t be broken. I hated that I’d become so dependent on seeing her, but when she was around me I was happy. That was the bottom line.
As if she knew my thoughts were on her, my phone buzzed with a message from her:
Ella: Hey, babe!
Me: Hey, my sweet Ella.
Ella: Is it bad that I’m missing you already?
I grinned, knowing that she was missing me like I was her.
Me: I’m missing you too. Tomorrow? Let’s spend the day together?
Ella: Yes! Call me in the morning. <3
I ran my finger over the heart emoticon. I was falling in love with this girl.
***
I parked the car and turned it off. My mind was not in the game tonight. If I could’ve bagged this dinner I would’ve. Rounding the car, I helped my date out of her seat, closing the door after she stepped out and threaded her arm through mine. She felt all wrong. Everything about her was wrong; the short, sleek, blonde hair, and the tall, lanky build, even her perfume. I didn’t want to be here.
“Ready for this, Matt.” She smiled her red-lacquered smile in my direction, and I resigned myself to my fate for the evening. Pulling my shoulders back, I moved us to the large front door of the even larger home and rang the bell.
“Good evening, Matt. Welcome.” Bryce Marks bellowed as he opened the door, dressed in his usual suit and tie. The man was a residential real estate legend in Winter Falls. I had been invited to this business dinner to discuss some property development opportunities with him, and was interested in hearing his ideas. I had a feeling he wanted to branch out into commercial real estate.
“Bryce.” I nodded, returning his handshake. “This lovely lady is Erica Channing.” I introduced the woman on my arm and watched with a smirk as Bryce’s eyes lit up.
“Erica,” he cooed, “what a pleasure.” He grasped her hand in his and kissed the top of it. It was no surprise to me that Erica had captured Bryce’s attention. Erica was his type. Needless to say, the man hadn’t just developed a reputation in real estate.
“Please, come in. I’m just waiting for my daughter to join us, and then we can be seated for dinner.” Bryce led us to an elegant living room where there was an assortment of Hors d'oeuvres on a small table against the wall.
“Help yourself. Can I fix you both a drink?” Bryce offered.
“White wine, please,” Erica requested.
“Scotch, neat.” I nodded before handing a small plate to Erica so she could help herself to some food. I grabbed myself a couple pastry and shrimp things and took a seat on the sofa.
Bryce came back into the room carrying our drinks. “Well, it’s about time.” The tone of his voice caught me off guard. I turned my head to see the woman joining us through the side door in just enough time to see her flinch from her father’s words. She hadn’t noticed Erica and me yet as she approached her dad.
“Sorry. I got caught on a phone call. I apologize for keeping you waiting,” She spoke softly, but I heard every word she said. A million thoughts ran through my head at once, but nothing took hold. I was still grasping at what was going on and why my Ella was standing in the same room.
Bryce stepped forward and handed Erica her wine and me my scotch. “Gabriella, this is Matt Lazos and his date Erica Channing. This is my daughter, Gabriella Marks.”
Ella turned with a smile in place until her eyes landed on mine. I watched as the color drained from her face as she looked from me to Erica and back. Her dad mumbled something to her and she schooled her features, stepping forward and holding out her hand. “It’s always a pleasure to meet my father’s colleagues.” She took my hand, her eyes glaring at me. “Erica, it’s very nice to meet you.” She shook hands with Erica before stepping back. “Excuse me I’m going to make sure dinner is ready to be served.” Before I could say anything, she turned and walked out of the room.
The entire exchange had been so incredibly awkward. It took me several moments to shake the shock of the situation. Erica and Bryce were in full conversation, flirting with each other, and I knew I needed to get to Ella to explain. I followed the way she had left. The door opened into a large kitchen and family room where Ella stood with her back to me, hands pressed to the counter. Her shoulders shook and my heart broke at the thought that she was crying.
“Ella?”
“Don’t,” she warned before turning to face me. Her eyes were red and shiny with unshed tears.
“Please, let me explain.” I stepped toward her.
“Explain what, Matteo? That you used me to get to my father? That you fed me a bunch of lies, and then showed up here with a fucking date?” She was struggling to keep her voice quiet.
“It’s not what it looks like.” I stepped closer, only to have her step away from me.
“You know what, Matteo, it never is.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe I did this again.”
“What’s going on here?” Bryce stepped up next to me, looking at his daughter as she wiped her tears.
“I’m sorry, dad. I need to go.” Ella turned to leave, but her dad stopped her.
“What the hell are you talking about? This business dinner is important. I told you that. Now I expect you to get yourself t
ogether and have dinner. Can’t you do anything without breaking down?” He scolded her in front of us and I had heard enough. This man was the same father that Ella told me constantly found fault with her, and now I was seeing it for myself. Where did he get off speaking to her like that, especially in front of other people?
“That’s enough, Bryce.” I growled, grabbing his arm and squeezing. I was barely keeping my anger under control. The whole situation was fucked up and getting worse by the minute. Ella just shook her head and walked out. I heard the front door close seconds later and my heart dropped.
“I suggest you let go of me, son.” Bryce demanded, but his words didn’t intimidate me.
I removed my hand so I could square up to him. “How dare you speak to her like that.” My voice shook with anger. “If I ever hear you verbally tear her down again, you and I are going to have a big problem.” If I hadn’t been so pissed off, the shock on his face just might have been comical.
“What the hell am I missing here?” Bryce asked.
“Ella and I have been dating since she got back to Iowa. I didn’t realize until tonight that she was your daughter.” I sighed, shaking my head. How had I gotten so close to her without even exchanging last names? How in the fuck had we missed that?
“I see. Well, why don’t we have a seat and discuss the business we had planned on and if we can come to an agreement, maybe I can help you smooth things over with my daughter.” Bryce’s voice took on a new light. The asshole was seriously trying to use my relationship issues with his daughter to strike up a deal. I knew he was a cunning businessman, but I hadn’t known him well enough to see what a jerk he was.
“Bryce, there isn’t going to be a deal tonight.” I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. “And the sheer fact that you are using your own daughter to try to strike up one will ensure that there most likely won’t ever be one. I question your ethics.” I looked over to Erica who was still watching Bryce like he was something special. “Erica, I assume you would like to stay?”
“Yes.” She smiled at me, and then turned to Bryce. “Would you be open to some company?” Bryce, who was obviously led by his dick more than his brain, agreed.
I had known he and Erica would get along. She was a partner in the law firm I used. I figured it would be smart to bring someone who could alert me of any legal issues with business discussions as well as smooth things over with Bryce. She had been more than excited to get close to him. I would have to remember to call the firm and request that she be removed from any of my business handlings now that there was obviously a conflict of interest.
“Matt, I’ll have my office call.” Bryce still seemed to think there was a chance at a partnership. Delusional old man.
“Don’t bother, Bryce. Goodnight.” I turned and left without another word.
Chapter 10
Ella
I could feel Natalie’s eyes on me as we drove toward the Riverwalk.
“Are you sure you’re up for this, Ella?”
“No, but no way in hell am I sitting at home and allowing myself to drown in self-pity.” It had been two days since I had walked into my dad’s living room and right into the cluster fuck that was my life.
The sight of Matteo standing there with his attractive blonde date still made my stomach sick with regret. I hadn’t spoken more than a few words to my dad since I’d walked out that night. I didn’t want to hear anything he had to say. I didn’t know how much he knew about me and Matteo, and I wasn’t about to give him anything else to hold over my head.
“So, I’m still confused. When you went home the next morning Matteo’s date was in a robe having breakfast with your dad?” Natalie asked as she turned into a parking lot. Shit, I was confused as hell about how Matteo’s date ended up with my dad after I left too, but I didn’t even want to know what took place after I left.
“I seriously can’t even wrap my head around it, Nat, but I wasn’t about to ask questions, and they barely looked at me when I walked through the kitchen, so they weren’t trying to explain anything either.” I sighed. “Let’s not worry about this anymore. I just want to have a good time tonight. It’s New Year’s Eve, and I for one am ready to leave this year behind me.”
Natalie nodded in agreement and we both got out of her car. “Where to?” She asked as we started walking.
“Take me to where the loudest party is.” I grinned.
“That’s my girl!” Natalie exclaimed and took my arm, walking with purpose toward the music.
“Hey, Ella. Hi, Natalie.” We turned and saw Caleb walking toward us with a couple of other guys. He looked so different from the last time I saw him in his work coveralls. He was dressed in dark jeans and a button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His muscular forearms flexed as he reached out and wrapped us both in a hug.
“Hey, Caleb. Who are these fine boys?” Natalie asked, flirting with Caleb’s friends.
“This is Mike and Steve.” He motioned to his friends. We all introduced ourselves, and then decided to go to the same club where I had met Matteo. Natalie asked me if I was okay with that, and I just nodded. I wasn’t going to avoid everywhere we had been over the past week just because I’d allowed myself to fall for someone who didn’t feel the same.
After ordering drinks, we found a tall table to stand around and chat as we took in the scene. The club was crowded; and people bumped and grinded to the music that was thumping through the speakers. Natalie was having a great time talking to Caleb’s friend, Mike. Steve was already on the dance floor with some brunette in a dress that rode up more every time she moved. I laughed and shook my head, turning back to Caleb who was watching the same thing.
“Wow.” He chuckled and shook his head.
“I know, right?” I laughed again before finishing off my drink.
“Are you okay, Ella?” Caleb asked, watching me closely. I guess I wasn’t the best at hiding my emotions.
“I will be. I’m just getting out of a relationship.” It was the best way to explain it. I wasn’t sure what Matteo and I had was really a relationship, but it sure felt like the beginnings of one; and although it was stupid for me to be pining over a guy that I had only known for just over a week, I had allowed myself to fall hard and fast for him.
“I’m sorry,” Caleb squeezed my shoulder. Caleb was a great guy and I knew we would have fun together, but we were always just friends and I didn’t get the vibe that he was pressing for more either.
“Do you want another one, or do you want to go dance?” Caleb asked. “Let’s try to have some fun and get your mind off your man.”
“Let’s dance.” I smiled as Caleb downed the rest of his drink and took my hand, leading me to the dance floor.
The music thrummed through my body and I raised my hands and moved with it. Caleb stayed close, making it obvious that we were dancing together without pressing against me. I appreciated that and soon was completely engrossed in the music. So engrossed that I hadn’t realized that Caleb had stopped dancing and was now having what looked like a heated conversation with Matteo.
“What the hell?” I groaned as I walked right up to both of them.
“What are you doing?” I demanded to Matteo.
“Is this your boyfriend, Ella? Caleb asked, pointing at Matteo.
“No.” I ground out, glaring at Matteo.
“Well, he seems to think so.” Caleb watched me closely, trying to decide what I wanted to do.
“I don’t date men who can’t keep their dick in their pants.” I looked directly at Matteo, recognizing the hurt in his eyes as he looked at me, making me feel guilty for being so harsh.
“Mr. Lazos, I know you are my boss, but Ella is my friend, and I can’t stand here and let you hurt her.” Caleb stood toe to toe with Matteo. Matteo tilted his head as he watched Caleb, a look of admiration crossing his face.
“Caleb, it’s okay. Let me just go talk to Matteo. I’ll be back in ten minutes. If I’m not, come out front and g
et me.” Caleb nodded and walked away. If Matteo was his boss, I didn’t want him getting in trouble over me. He had really seemed to like his job when he spoke of it, and I couldn’t let him risk it by sticking up for me.
“You have ten minutes.” I said as I walked past Matteo, heading to the front door. As soon as I stepped outside into the frigid air, I was regretting not grabbing my coat.
Matteo shuffled out of his suit jacket and wrapped it around me. I wanted to refuse it, but my instinct to be warm won out. “Thank you,” I mumbled.
“Ella, please hear me out. I know you are pissed off, but please just allow me to explain and then if you never want to talk to me again I’ll respect your decision.” I nodded, not feeling as bold anymore. Being this close to him was messing with my resolve.
“I didn’t know Bryce was your dad,” he started, “I was surprised as hell when I realized that he was the same asshole you described when you spoke about your dad.” He paused. “Well, not too surprised. Bryce has always been an asshole, but as I stood in his living room and watched how he was speaking to you, I almost lost it.”
“Why were you there, Matteo? And with another woman?” I couldn’t stay quiet. I needed answers so I could move on.
“Erica was one of my lawyers. I was there to talk about a business opportunity with Bryce. I thought it would be safer to bring someone that would listen for any holes in the legal aspects. I brought Erica because I knew your dad would like her and I figured it would soften the mood. She wasn’t my date in a romantic sense. Not in the slightest.” Matteo rubbed his hands through his dark curls. I had to restrain the need to fix the rumpled hair.
“I guess that explains why she spent the night with my dad,” I stated.
Matteo just nodded. “I figured she would. I walked out shortly after you did.”
“I don’t want to be the reason you miss out on a business opportunity, Matteo. Maybe if I say something to my dad, he would be willing to work with you still.”
“Wait, what?” Matteo stopped, staring at me.
