by Robin Kaye
“Go ahead. I’ll just clean up and keep an eye on Pete until you get back.”
“Oh no. You don’t have to do that. I’ll clean the rest when I return.”
“Okay.” She dropped the rag into the bucket. “But you might want to stop by Bree’s before you leave and tell her your plans. Just a suggestion.”
Storm rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay. Nicki, are you ready to go?”
“Uh-huh. I’ll get D.O.G.”
“I’m going to talk to Bree. I’ll be right back.” He took a deep breath and stepped into the hall. He knocked on Bree’s door before he lost the nerve.
She opened the door but didn’t invite him in.
“Hi. I just wanted to tell you I’m taking Nicki and D.O.G. to PetSmart to get his shots and buy a few things. Rocki said she’d stay with Pete until we get back.”
She nodded.
“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t discuss the whole dog thing. And you have every right to be pissed at me, but you weren’t around and Nicki loves the mutt. I didn’t have the heart to disappoint her.”
“No, you figured you’d leave that to me.”
He rubbed the back of his neck again. Guilty. So, okay, it wasn’t his finest moment. “I’ll take care of everything.”
“Sure you will. Good luck with that.”
“Thanks.” Storm rested his hand on the doorframe. He hated this false politeness. She started to shut the door; he stuck his foot out, stopping it. “Bree, don’t do this.”
“What?”
“Don’t shut me out. We need to talk. We need to make plans we can both live with.”
“Okay, but now is not the time.”
“You’re right.” Still it felt wrong. Everything felt wrong since last night. “I guess I’ll catch you later.”
This time when she closed the door, he let her. One problem at a time, and the problem he had to deal with now had four legs, mismatched ears, and a little girl who loved him desperately.
* * *
Bree sat at the end of the Pier in Louis Valentino Jr. Park, staring at the Statue of Liberty without really seeing it. The late-afternoon sun beat down on her head and shoulders as the brackish-scented wind off the bay swirled around her and tugged at her hair, sending it flying around her face. Teenagers waded at the water’s edge by the boat ramp; others climbed the rocks precariously placed atop the jetty across from the pier. Painted like children’s building blocks, the rocks spelled out Red Hook.
Voices all around her were muted by those in Bree’s mind. Visions of Storm replaced the sight of the sun casting diamonds on the water. She’d been cruel; she hadn’t stopped reacting to her feelings long enough to consider his. Guilt burned her as surely as the sun’s rays.
Someone sat on the other side of the long bench, but Bree was so immersed in her own turmoil, she took no notice. She continued to stare off into space, fitting the puzzle pieces scattered throughout her mind while unsuccessfully trying to visualize the big picture. She didn’t know what the big picture was, but she had a feeling it wouldn’t be pretty.
“What you need is a good rain; it looks as if it would fit your mood. Too bad it never rains when you want it to.”
She almost laughed. What she needed was a good storm—just not the one sitting beside her. “I look that bad, huh?” Bree couldn’t believe she’d been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed Storm’s presence. She’d always had a weird kind of internal Storm warning system. The hair on the back of her neck seemed to rise whenever he was within a hundred yards of her—today she hadn’t noticed.
“A good rain washes away all the crap so we can see things more clearly.” His arms rested along the back of the bench. His long legs were kicked out and crossed at the ankle, and his trusty dog was lying quietly beside him, panting and eyeing the seagulls screeching overhead.
“You’re probably right.”
Storm’s brows rose. “That’s a first.”
“I’m sure you’ve been right before, although I’ll admit it’s the first time I noticed. Is the dog okay?”
“D.O.G. is one hell of a lucky dog. The vet said he’s in pretty good shape for a stray, but then Nicki’s been taking care of him for a while. He wasn’t too happy with the shots and the blood test, but he doesn’t have heartworms—whatever the hell they are. He has to take a pill once a month to avoid getting them, and he needs to gain a few pounds, but the vet assured us he’d be fine.”
Storm shook the paw D.O.G. placed on his leg. “Nicki really loves him, Bree, and he’s good for her. Every kid needs a dog.”
Bree shrugged and looked over at the beast. “Why did she have to get such a big one? Couldn’t she have found a toy poodle?”
D.O.G. sniffed around her feet, which she quickly moved away. He backed up, dropping his front paws and chest to the dock, his butt high, as if preparing to jump on her, and let out a bark. Before she registered moving, she was standing on the bench and looking down at a laughing Storm Decker.
“Keep him away from me.”
Storm held the leash a little tighter and rose, smiling up at her. “I didn’t think anything scared you, but now I know your secret. You’re afraid of dogs.”
“I am not.”
“Right, that’s why you climb anything in the vicinity when he’s around.”
“He was going to attack me…again.”
Storm patted the dog, who leaned against his side. “He was playing.”
D.O.G. sniffed at her feet, and she stepped as far back on the bench as she could.
Storm grabbed her hand. “Watch you don’t fall over backward. He’s not going to hurt you; he’s just saying hello.”
She held his hand like a lifeline. She was afraid her palms were sweating; being this close to a big dog was almost as flustering as being too close to Storm, so she got a double whammy—lucky her.
“Do you want to take a walk?”
“With him?”
A slow smile quirked his perfect lips. “And me.”
“Not really.” Bree looked away. “It’s nothing personal.”
“Right, I’m not sure which one of us you’re avoiding more, D.O.G. or me.”
“Does it matter?”
“You can’t avoid us forever.”
No, but she could try. But first she had to apologize. “I’m sorry.” There, she’d said it. Now it was done.
Storm’s eyes widened as if she’d hit him with a Taser. “I suppose I should ask what exactly you’re sorry for?”
“For what I said.”
“Breezy, you’ve said a hell of a lot in the last couple of days. Can you be a little more specific?”
“You’re not going to make this easy on me, are you?”
“I’m not trying to make it more difficult. I just don’t know what you’re apologizing for.”
“I was cruel last night. I didn’t mean to be, but it came to my attention that I didn’t take your feelings into account.”
Storm’s eyes zeroed in on her. “It came to your attention? How?” He stepped closer, getting into her face—or trying to. It was pretty hard since she was still standing on the bench. It was nice to have the height advantage for once.
Bree stared at Lady Liberty, since looking into Storm’s eyes was too difficult. “Rocki mentioned it.”
“And how did Rocki know what happened?”
Wow, he did a pretty good Dirty Harry impression. She looked down at him and then wished she hadn’t. He wasn’t too pleased. “I sort of told her.”
Uh-oh, now he had that whole I’m-gonna-kill-you-or-kiss-you thing going on, which for some sick reason, turned her on to no end. She wondered what it said about her. God, he made her so nervous, she flapped her arms like a damn goose until she brought her hands together and stopped herself from wringing them—or his neck. “I was mad at you.”
“Yeah, I caught that.” He still seemed to be debating whether to kiss her or strangle her when he stuffed his hand in his pockets.
Bree’d
rather have one of those hot, heady, angry kisses than the distance she felt now. “Rocki mentioned a few things, and, well, she might have had a point.”
“And what point would that be?”
“Do we really have to get into specifics?”
“It might help.”
He was right; it might help. She just wished she knew for sure that it wouldn’t hurt. If things got any worse, she’d end up in the bay. “Fine.” She was more unnerved by Storm than by the dog, so she jumped off the bench and stood by the railing, holding on to it for dear life and looking anywhere but at him and his damn dog. “Rocki said I was the bad guy. She said I treated you like a piece of meat.” She let out a breath, waiting for some kind of response.
Storm was right behind her, but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. Even the dog felt it—he whined, and it was not a happy whine either.
She could relate. Damn, Storm was going to drag her over the coals and force her into a full mea culpa. “That wasn’t my intention.”
“No, your intention was to turn me into your boy toy.”
“True, but I didn’t think it would hurt your feelings.”
“It didn’t.”
“See, I told Rocki you don’t have any feelings for me.”
“Yeah, well, that’s where you’re wrong.”
She turned and looked at him. He didn’t look mad now, not that he looked happy, just resigned. “I really am sorry.”
“Breezy.” He stepped so close, his body blocked the sun. “We have feelings for each other—some good, some bad, some X-rated…. We need to get to know the people we’ve become before we can really figure out where we stand. I’m no more that kid who left here eleven years ago than you are the girl who stayed. We’re different people, and except for your aim with a frying pan, and your annoying habit of bringing up ancient history, I like what I’ve come to know about you so far. I like it a hell of a lot.”
“But I don’t know anything about you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you?”
That movement alone was enough to have her heart galloping in her chest. When she added the deep, gravelly voice to the mix, she was surprised she didn’t melt like an ice cube in the summer sun. How did he do that?
“You know what I do for a living, you know I’m going to be here for a while, and you know we’re practically combustible.”
“I also know we fight like cats and dogs and we have nothing in common when it comes to what we want out of life.”
He stepped closer and placed his hands on either side of her, blocking her in. “How do you know that? You’ve never asked me what I want from life—just what I want from you. You assumed my life’s goals are the same goals I had a lifetime ago. Maybe you should put all your preconceived notions aside and get to know me. You might be surprised by what you find—unless you’re chicken.”
“I’m not afraid of you.”
“Prove it. Go out with me.”
“How? We’re supposed to be taking care of Pete and Nicki, remember?” When had he leaned into her? His chest pressed against hers, his eyes daring hers to look away.
“We’ll get a sitter. Pete and Nicki will be well taken care of, and you and I can spend some time together. I’ve got it covered—Rocki’s not working tonight, and she offered.”
Rocki was a traitor. “Isn’t that convenient?”
“I thought so.” His smile was back. This time, she couldn’t see it, but she sure as hell could feel it against her cheek, and the rough stubble of his beard, his breath on her ear, which had liquid heat pulsing through her.
“You don’t play fair.”
“All’s fair in love and war.”
“This is lust, not love.”
“Lust is definite; we’ll have to see about the rest.” His mouth hovered close, so close, she shut her eyes and waited for the fire she’d feel when he touched his lips to hers. The fire she always felt. The fire she all but craved. Then the sun’s light shot through her closed eyelids. When she opened them, he’d stepped back. “I’m going to finish D.O.G.’s walk. I’ll pick you up at your place at about seven.” He turned, and with a snap of D.O.G.’s leash, man and dog walked away.
CHAPTER 11
Storm stepped off the pier and looked down at D.O.G., who looked back at him with questioning eyes. “There’s a method to my madness.” And it was madness—instead of kissing Bree, he’d walked away, and now he was talking to a dog. “Always leave them wanting more, boy.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket, reminding himself he still had yet to replace his brown belt, and dialed his friend’s number. “Thomas, it’s Storm Decker.”
“Wow, it’s great to hear from you. How are things down under?”
“I don’t know. I’m in New York. In Red Hook, actually. My dad just got out of the hospital, so I’m helping out for a while.”
“Is he going to be okay?”
“I think so. Listen, Tom. I need a favor. Would you consider lending me your boat for the night?”
“Just for a night? Hot date?”
“Yes and yes. I know it’s late notice, but I really need to impress her. You know, dinner, a moonlit sail, and privacy. Can you help me out?”
“Sure can. I’ll have my assistant arrange everything, Lord knows, she’s done it often enough for me.”
“Carly works on Sundays?”
“The news never sleeps, remember? Neither do newshounds. Carly’s always on call, not usually for things like this, but I have a feeling, for you, she’ll make an exception. If not, we’ll figure something out. One of us will give you a callback within the hour. Is there anything else you need?”
“A brown belt—a nice one.”
“Do I want to know the story behind that?”
“I’ll tell you over a beer this week. I owe you one, my friend.”
“No, you don’t. It’s the least I can do. I’ll send the belt with my car and driver. What time are we talking?”
“I said I’d pick her up at seven.”
“Good. I’m thinking drinks, dinner service, and dessert. Does she prefer Italian or French?”
“Whichever is more impressive. Breezy isn’t a picky eater.”
“French it is. I’ve got No Censor Ship docked at the North Cove Marina at Battery Park. Text me your address for my driver and your waist size and call me tomorrow.”
“Will do and, Tom, thanks for everything.”
“Enjoy her.”
“Are you talking about the boat or the girl?”
“Both.”
Storm had a smile on his face when he heard the call disconnect. Oh yeah, he’d definitely enjoy Breezy, and as for the boat, well, a boat like No Censor Ship was impossible not to enjoy.
* * *
Pete had seen neither hide nor hair of Bree since Nicki and Storm brought the dog into the house. Rocki had stayed with him all afternoon, as if she were taking over for Bree. It wasn’t like Bree to just up and disappear.
Storm came into his room and saved him from another game of spider solitaire. “What the hell is going on? Where’s Bree?”
Storm sat at the foot of his bed, looking pleased with himself. “She’s at her place, I think. She’s afraid of dogs.”
“Well, shit. He’s just a pup.”
“I didn’t say it was rational. That dog would sooner lick her to death than hurt her, but that doesn’t seem to make a difference. Bree will come around; just give her some time.”
“That’s what I thought about the two of you, but time doesn’t seem to be helping matters there either.”
Storm shot him a smug look. “You’re wrong. I’m taking Bree out on a date tonight. Rocki’s agreed to baby, mutt, and old-fart sit for me.”
“I don’t need a damn babysitter.”
“I know that, and you know that, but do you think Bree would leave you and Nicki alone with a wild mutt? Besides, you’re in no shape to walk D.O.G. yet, and Nicki can’t take him out alone. Bree won’t even let her cross the st
reet by herself.”
Pete shrugged. “Bree’s a bit overprotective, but can you blame her? Her mother made sure she saw a boogeyman around every corner.”
“It would have been nice if you’d clued me in on that. Bree had a fit when she found out I let Nicki drive.”
“You did what?”
“You heard me. I let Nicki take a spin around the parking lot down by the docks. It was no big deal.”
“I’m sure it was to Bree.”
“Yeah, I gathered that. Nicki sure had a good time, though.”
“I bet she did. Great, now I’ll have to start hiding my car keys again.”
Storm cracked a smile. “I’m surprised you stopped.”
“I kept forgetting where the hell I put them.”
“In your empty humidor.”
“And how long did it take you to figure that out?”
“About three days. The guys and I turned the house upside down one night while you were working.”
“That’s not all you did while I was downstairs working.”
Storm looked as if he had no idea what Pete was talking about, and that was fine for now. Pete had to figure out how to play this. His long-term plans changed the day he ended up in the hospital. Now he needed to do whatever he could to make sure Nicki was taken care of in case he wasn’t around. His heart attack scared the shit out of him and proved he wasn’t as invincible as he’d thought. “So, what time is this date of yours?”
“I told Bree I’d pick her up at about seven.” Storm stood. “How does stir-fry sound for dinner?”
“Are you cooking?”
“Yup. I learned a few things while I was away. I haven’t poisoned anyone yet, and I promise not to put any tofu in it. I’ll make sure there’s a lot of chicken so both you and Bree will be happy.”
“Fine, but I’d rather have a nice rare steak.”
“If I fed you steak, Bree would kill me. You really scared her, Pop.”
“She’s not the only one. It scared me too. I’ve got to talk to her.”
“Why don’t you wait to talk to her tomorrow? I hope she’ll be in a better mood then.”
