by Jade, Ella
“What was that for?”
“For being you.”
AFTER DINNER, SAMMY said her goodbyes to her grandparents. Tyler arranged for them to meet for breakfast before they left for the airport in the morning. He had extended an opportunity for them to stay more than two days, but they had declined. Tyler knew it was because they didn’t want to impose on his hospitality, but he’d keep them in New York for as long as they wanted just to see that sparkle in his girl’s eyes.
“I know I say this a lot.” She took his hand as they strolled through the lobby of the hotel. “This was the best night of my life.”
“Hmm, better than the gala?”
“That was a great night too.”
“Our first date?”
“Another fantastic night.” They walked out onto the busy downtown street. “The night you told me you loved me. That was perfect too. See, I told you, I say it a lot.”
“All of my nights spent with you are the best of my life.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, taking in the warm night air. “How about a carriage ride through Central Park? Would you like to end the evening that way?”
“I’d love a carriage ride, but that’s not how I want to end the evening.”
He headed in the direction where the car was waiting for them. He had borrowed Spencer’s driver, Andrew, for the day. “So, we’ll do the carriage ride first and then we’ll find something else for you to ride later.”
“You’re dirty.” She giggled.
“You like it.” He winked before turning to Andrew. “Can you head toward Central Park? My girl and I would like a carriage ride.”
“It’s a perfect night for it,” Andrew said as he opened the door for them. “Miss.” He nodded for Sammy to get in. “I hope you liked your surprise. Your grandparents are a fun couple.”
“I’m sure they gave you a colorful afternoon.” Sammy slid into the car. “Did my grandfather try to sit up front with you?”
“He did, but your grandmother put her foot down.”
“That sounds about right.” Sammy laughed. “Thanks for treating them so well.”
“It was my pleasure.”
Tyler slid into the car and sat next to her, resting his hand on her knee. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.” She placed her palm on his cheek, running her thumb along his stubble. Her touch sent a charge through him. “You made them so happy.”
“They deserved it.” Tyler wanted to do something special for the people who helped shape the fabulous woman he had fallen in love with. “When you talk about them, I see the devotion in your eyes. I know how much they mean to you and how much you miss them.”
“I really do. They love Florida and they would have waited for me to finish school before moving there. I think that’s why they held onto the house in Brooklyn. They worry that they’ll have to come back, but they’re content where they are. It’s good for them to be there. They’ve made so many friends, and the retirement community they live in sponsors activities and weekly dinners. They’re having a blast.”
“They’re good people.”
“They sacrificed so much for me. My mother wasn’t an easy child and they tried hard to help her, but they couldn’t understand her addictions. She hurt them so much. It wasn’t her fault. She was in and out of rehab for years, but she couldn’t overcome it.”
“I’m sorry, baby. I know how hard that must have been for you.” He hated to think about her having to deal with a parent who was addicted to drugs. “You’re lucky you had your grandparents.”
“They were a gift.”
“I’m glad they could come today.”
“Only because you made it possible.”
“I think they were coming anyway. They felt bad about having to miss it. I made it easier for them to get here.”
“First class too. My grandmother is in love with you.”
“I think she’s awesome, and she promised to cook me a big Italian meal next time they come home, so we’re even.”
“She’ll cook for you.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “She loves to cook, especially a Sunday afternoon meal.”
“With all the excitement with your grandparents I haven’t had a chance to give you your present.” He reached into the inside pocket of his suit jacket. “I got this for you for your performance tonight. I know flowers are traditional, but I wanted something that would last.”
“Tyler? You’ve given me enough.”
“I haven’t given you nearly enough.” He opened his palm to reveal the platinum charm bracelet he’d picked out for her. “I selected a few charms, but we can go this week and pick out some that you might want.”
“That’s beautiful.” She traced her finger along the delicate silver bracelet. “A cello.” She smiled when she admired her instrument of choice. “I love it.”
“What about this one?” He slipped his finger under the charm of the comedy and tragedy mask. “Do you know what that one is for?”
“The first play you took me to see.”
“Exactly. And this one?” He grinned when he pointed out the cherry charm.
“Tyler.” Even in the dim lighting of the car, he saw the blush in her cheeks.
“What? I know how much you enjoy a cherry in your martini glass. Seriously, what did you think it was for?” He tugged at the ends of her hair. “You naughty girl.”
“Hmm...” She pointed out the double heart charm edged in diamonds. “This one is gorgeous.”
“That’s a special one.” He placed the bracelet on her wrist. “That’s our two hearts intertwined forever.”
“You have got to be the most romantic man on the planet.” She kissed him. “Thank you.”
“I would never have considered myself romantic before meeting you.” He cupped her cheeks in his hands. “Just know that it’s all for you. You’re the only woman it will ever be for.”
“I love you,” she whispered. “More every day, and not because you shower me with lavish gifts. You’re very generous, but you know I’d be here anyway.”
“I know you don’t expect anything.” He’d never met a more sincere woman before. She always appreciated everything he did for her, and to him, the things he did for her never seemed like enough.
“I love you for so many reasons, but the most important one is the way you make me feel inside.”
“How do you feel inside?” He grazed his lips across her soft mouth. “Tell me.”
“You make me feel like I was only ever meant for you. When you look at me, I sense your desire, the raw need, not just to be intimate, but to love and respect me. I hope you know how much I reciprocate. How much I want and need you.”
“I feel it every day, baby.” He pulled her to him and settled her against his side, taking her hand in his. “We have so much more to look forward to.”
Chapter 13
Tyler stared at the computer screen, going over the newest request from the Haller account. This client was starting to be more trouble than they were worth.
“Hey,” Spencer said as he entered Tyler’s office and shut the door behind him. “How’s it going?”
“This account is a pain in the ass. Not even Coda can figure out what they want.”
“You two will figure it out. You always do.” He glanced out the large window overlooking the city. “I can meet with them in a few days if they’re still presenting a problem. I’ll try to smooth them over.”
“You’re going to have to. I’m over it.”
“Hmm...” Spencer seemed lost in thought as he continued to stare out the window.
“What’s up?” Tyler got up to retrieve a bottle of water from his mini refrigerator. It had been a long day and he still had a few hours of work before he could call it a day.
“I wanted to talk to you.” His brother turned and waved a large envelope in front of him. “I have something you might be interested in.”
“What is it?”
“Sammy.”
“What about her?” Tyler wasn’t in the mood for any more of his brother’s unfounded suspicions. Spencer hadn’t brought it up again since that day in Coda’s office. Tyler thought the discussion concerning that matter was over.
“You know I haven’t been comfortable with the situation,” Spencer said. “There’s something off about her. Like she’s hiding something.”
“The only situation is the one in your head.” Tyler sat back down at his desk. “I don’t know why you have such a problem with her. Shouldn’t you be focused on your life and marriage?”
“Don’t be that way.”
“This discussion is over.” Tyler had listened to his brother’s suspicions on more than one occasion, but he thought Spencer had dropped the subject. The four of them had been going out to dinner and hanging out a couple times a week. Coda and Sammy had become close, so Tyler didn’t understand where Spencer was coming from with this now. “I like her. It’s gotten serious, and I want you to stop hounding me about her.”
“I can do that.” He dropped the envelope onto Tyler’s desk. “Maybe you’ll find this information useful, maybe not.”
“What is it?”
“I had a background check done on her.”
“What the hell, Spencer? Don’t you have anything better to do with your time? Does Coda know?”
“I won’t apologize for looking out for my family, but I respect your choices.”
“It doesn’t seem that way.”
“I know I haven’t brought it up since that day in Coda’s office, but I couldn’t let it go. I wanted to make sure everything was okay. I see how hard you’re falling for her.”
“Did you do a background check on Coda before you started dating her?”
“I didn’t have to. I knew who she was from day one. She was never hiding anything from me.”
“But you know Sammy is?”
“I haven’t opened that file. I’m giving it to you. If you honestly believe I’m wrong then I’ll drop this. Perhaps I am being overprotective, but I have yours and Coda’s best interests at heart. I can’t regret that. My instincts are screaming at me on this. I tried to let it go.”
“You don’t think your instincts could be wrong?” Tyler glanced at the envelope on his desk. “What do you want me to do with this?”
“Whatever you want. The information is there if you want it.”
“I’m not happy about this. I’m not pleased with you either. You may be in charge around here, but you’re not in control of my life.”
“I’m not trying to be.” Spencer sighed. “Something is off with Sammy. It’s an inclination I can’t shake. I want to be wrong.”
“You never want to be wrong.”
“This time I do,” Spencer said. “It may be nothing. It may be something that doesn’t concern the Cannons at all, but you have the answers in front of you. I’ll trust you to do what’s best. You don’t ever have to share what’s in that envelope with me.”
“You trust me?” It sure didn’t feel that way.
“I always have.” He turned and walked out of the office, leaving the choice to read the file in Tyler’s hands.
Why did Spencer have to pick now to tell him he trusted him? For years, his older brother had been riding him to grow up, to do the right thing, and to be the model employee. Tyler learned a great deal from Spencer. Not about running the agency, but about life, loyalty, and family.
He picked up the envelope and thought for a few minutes. There was only one right way to handle this. Spencer didn’t open that file. Tyler couldn’t either. He would have to go straight to the source and get the answers. That would be the easiest way to end this nonsense.
SAMMY OPENED THE DOOR to find Tyler standing there in his expensive suit and designer shoes. They were going to see a movie, so she wondered why he was still in his office clothes. He usually changed before he came to pick her up. He walked in when she widened the door for him, but he didn’t say anything. Something was off.
“Hi.” She smiled as she draped her arms around his neck. “I didn’t expect you so soon.”
“I wanted to talk to you. There’s something that we need to clear up so we can get this behind us.”
“Are you okay?” She let go of him and waited for him to explain. She didn’t have a good feeling. “What happened?”
He looked unsettled as he pulled a folder out of his inside jacket. “Spencer gave me this today. I wanted to forget about it, but the more I thought about it, the more questions I had.”
Her stomach churned as he spoke. Somewhere deep within, she knew this day would come. No matter how hard she tried to forget about it, Spencer was so determined to figure out who she was. It was only a matter of time before he did.
“It’s a background check.” He tossed the folder on the couch and pulled her to him. Taking her face between his hands, he stared into her eyes. The intensity she found there scared her, but not in the usual, sexy, all-consuming way. “Neither one of us looked inside the envelope. I insisted there was no reason. Please tell me I was right so we can put my brother’s mind at ease.”
“A background check?”
“Spencer can be over the top, but I wanted to respect your privacy. I don’t want any secrets between us. That’s why I’m here now. I wanted you to know that he gave that to me. Whatever is in there is your business, but I hope if it’s something I need to know you would tell me.”
She tried to push back the lump that formed in her throat, but the tears that stung the corner of her eyes threatened to betray her. She had to tell him the truth, or at least what she thought was the truth. Hiding for as long as she had only made things harder.
“Or, tell me my brother is nothing more than over protective when it comes to me and Coda.”
“I can’t.” She sobbed because she couldn’t control it. “Spencer’s right.”
“What do you mean?” He continued to stare at her. “What’s he right about?”
“Tyler...I...” She looked down at the floor. “I never meant for anything to get this far. That night at the reception, when I was sitting at the bar, I never expected you of all people to approach me.”
“Look at me.” He guided her chin up. “Tell me what’s in that envelope. Whatever it is I won’t care, but I need you to tell me.”
“My father...” She took a deep breath. “He wasn’t married to my mother. I never met him.”
“I know,” he said. “What does that have to do with anything? Why would Spencer care about that?”
“Because my father was already married when he had an affair with my mother. He died—overdosed, I think— before I was born. His name was on my birth certificate, but my mother never really told anyone who he was. If Spencer had a background check done on me then my parents’ names would be included.”
“Sammy, sweetheart, you have to tell me why any of this would be mine or Spencer’s business. Who cares if your mother had an affair? That has nothing to do with us. I’m not seeing the whole picture.”
“My father’s name was Sam Vercelli, or at least that’s who my mother named as my father. My grandparents were never certain.” She waited for him to get it. “He had a wife and a daughter. They lived in Brooklyn too. My grandmother said my mom never told him she was pregnant before he died.”
“Vercelli?” He let go of her face and stepped away. “That’s Coda’s maiden name. I don’t... Are you saying...” He paced the tiny room, soaking in what she had told him. “You’re her sister?”
“I think so.” She had no way to verify it. “I don’t know.”
“What does that mean?”
“No one has ever confirmed it for me. His name is on my birth certificate, but my mother died years ago. She never told me who he was. According to my grandmother, she had a steady boyfriend around the time she got pregnant. It wasn’t Sam. When I applied for college, I needed papers and information so I found things of hers. I saw his name, but it never meant anything to me. I had no
real connection with him, so it was a name on a piece of paper. I remembered it, but I had no desire to find out who he was or find his relatives.”
“Then how did you find Coda?”
“Last year, when Spencer took her to your cousin’s wedding and a tabloid article came out about them, I recognized her last name. It was the same as the one on my birth certificate. I was curious. We were from the same area, so I looked her up.”
“You found out you had the same father?”
“I’m not sure.”
“You were sure enough when you were sitting in that lobby the night we met. That’s why you were there. There was no recital.”
“No, but I didn’t know how to explain why I was in the hotel. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”
“What were you planning on doing had I not found you and introduced you to Coda?” Tyler asked.
“I wanted to see her. I was eager to see her up close. I wanted to know if we looked alike or had anything in common.”
Sammy never thought she’d get to meet Coda that night. If she and Spencer hadn’t gone looking for Tyler, she probably wouldn’t have. All she wanted was a chance to see the woman who could possibly be her sister, and then she was prepared to let it go. She had no proof she was related to Coda, and she didn’t want to disrupt anyone’s life. She saw no reason to tell Coda her father had an affair. Tyler was an unexpected surprise. The more she got to know him the more she wanted to be part of his life.
“Was I your mark?”
“What?”
“Was I your fucking mark?” He raised his voice. “Getting close to me, was that your plan?”
“No, of course not.”
“You knew exactly who I was that night.”
“I did, but—”
“Stop it!” he yelled. “Even if you’re telling the truth—and quite honestly, I’m not certain you are—you could have told me at any point after that night in the lobby.”
“I didn’t think it was important, especially not after I got to know you. I wanted to leave my mother’s past behind me and start my own life.”
“You played me every chance you got. The job, getting close to Coda, everything.”
