Forever in My Heart Read online

  “You mean something good came out of the evil one of my brothers did?”

  “I believe that to be so, but Kate doesn’t share my feelings.”

  Jamie snorted. “I’m sure she doesn’t. I can’t say I blame her, though. I understand her anger toward my brothers—hell, if I don’t despise what they’ve done to both her and my family, especially to my mother.”

  “I’m sure it’s difficult for you and even more so without getting any support from your friends.”

  Or people you thought were your friends.

  “We’ll be fine. I am worried about how my friendship with Vicky is affecting the relationship with her family.”

  “Give them time. You coming here today will ignite a few tempers. But what’s another Italian temper among family, eh?”

  This man was not at all like whom he would have expected his former sister-in-law to marry. Clearly, Edward had a deep affection for his wife and the DiFrancesco family, but he didn’t let his feelings influence his own mind. Jamie respected that in a man.

  Jamie laughed. “Yeah, right.”

  Edward clapped a hand on Jamie’s shoulder.

  “Let me introduce you to Father Dominic. He runs the orphanage. I need to discuss the upcoming carnival that’s being planned along with St. Christopher’s church. Given your line of business, I have a suggestion to help the church, the orphanage, and you.”

  ****

  “What were you thinking, bringing him here?” Kate spat out between visibly clenched teeth.

  “I thought it would be an opportunity for you to see he’s not a threat to our family,” Vicky hissed. She was tired of listening to her sister’s ranting.

  “Threat or not, I don’t want him near Lucas.”

  “Do you really think I’d bring him here if there was any chance he’d hurt my nephew? Shows how little faith you have in me. Besides”—she nodded toward where Edward and Jamie stood—“Edward doesn’t seem to have a problem talking to him.”

  “Yeah, well, I’ll be giving my dear husband a piece of my mind later tonight.”

  “Don’t you dare. He’s a right to his own way of thinking. You can’t control everything, dear sister.”

  “Girls, stop fighting this instant,” Carmen said, coming up to both her daughters. “You’re calling attention to yourselves. Remember who this party is for, okay?”

  “I haven’t forgotten, Mama. But you can’t blame me for being angry with her for bringing that scum here.”

  “Katherine Marie, I don’t blame you for how you feel but the way in which you’re reacting to it. Control your temper, if not for the sake of Lucas, then for the little one you’re carrying.”

  Not much got her sister to hold her tongue, but those words did the trick, and Kate instinctively wrapped her arms around her still flat stomach.

  “Fine. It’s time for Lucas to open his presents, anyway,” Kate said and stomped off toward where Lucas was having a game of catch with his friends.

  Real mature attitude, Sis.

  “Thanks, Ma,” Vicky said, turning her gaze to her mother.

  “I haven’t even started with you, young lady. Your sister is right. It was inconsiderate of you to bring that young man here without consulting her first, but what’s done is done. We’ll talk about this later.”

  With that, Carmen followed Kate. Figures. God forbid her mother should actually show her some support rather than perfect Kate.

  Muttering under her breath, Vicky wandered over to where Jamie now spoke with Father Dominic.

  “Hi, Father. Nice party,” Vicky said.

  “The kids are having a wonderful time. It was kind of Lucas to share his birthday with all his old friends,” Father Dominic said.

  “Father was telling me about the carnival taking place here the beginning of June,” Jamie said.

  “It’s being sponsored by St. Christopher’s church. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the orphanage,” Vicky said.

  “Right,” Father Dominic said. “Jamie was explaining his line of work and offered to build several of the booths we’ll need for homemade games.”

  She cast a glance at Jamie. “That’s generous of you.”

  “It’s the least I could do for a good cause,” Jamie said.

  Vicky knew from the conversations she’d overheard between Lucy and Tristan that this would be good PR for Jamie’s business.

  “I’m on the gaming committee for the carnival and in charge of the cake booth. This will really help us. Thanks,” she said.

  “Our next meeting is Wednesday night at the church. Maybe you or your partner can attend?” Father Dominic asked.

  “I’m sure one of us can be there,” Jamie said.

  There was a cheer across the room that had them turning to see what was going on. Lucas had opened a gift and was jumping up and down the way he usually did when he was excited about something.

  “I guess Lucas likes that gift,” she said.

  Jamie smiled. “I’m glad.”

  “Is it from you?”

  “I knew from the cake you made he was into Star Wars so I got him a fighter jet.”

  “Smart thinking.”

  Just then, Nick approached them while Father Dominic excused himself to take a phone call.

  “It looks like the party is a hit,” Nick said. “Of course it’s nothing compared to Kate’s reaction to your choice of dates, Sis.”

  “Don’t you start on me, too,” Vicky said with a glare in Nick’s direction. “I’ve already hashed this out with Kate, and I don’t want to hear your opinion.”

  Nick held his hands up. “Okay, fine. I won’t push.” He shifted his gaze to Jamie. “How are the renovations coming along?”

  “We’re almost done with the floor. No sign of the drive anywhere. I’d have bet that’s where he’d put it, but nothing.”

  “Something tells me your brother was more insightful than we’re giving him credit for.” Nick turned to Vicky. “Are you sure there wasn’t a time when Sal wasn’t in the main room?”

  Vicky thought back to that horrible evening. She’d been laughing at a silly joke Lucas had told her when there was a knock at the front door of the store. A smile had still been on her face when she’d opened it and found herself twisted around with her arms behind her back.

  “I don’t recall him leaving the room. His goon had gone into the kitchen to make sure we were alone. There were times I couldn’t see Sal because he tied Lucas and me to chairs back to back.” Especially once she’d gotten the black eye from being mouthy, she thought, but didn’t say that for Jamie’s sake.

  “Do you remember seeing anything that resembled a flash drive?” Jamie asked.

  “No.”

  “I’m going to review the statements we took from you and Lucas about that night. Maybe there’s something that will help,” Nick added. “In the meantime, keep me posted of any new developments.”

  “Will do,” Jamie said.

  Someone called Nick’s name from the field just past the patio. He nodded to Jamie. “You still have an arm for baseball?”

  Jamie jerked his head back in surprise. “We used to play in the army when we had downtime. Why?”

  “We need a second team captain and someone who can pitch,” Nick explained.

  “And you want me? Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

  “Vinnie had to leave for the restaurant. I could ask Edward, but he’s more of a soccer guy. Besides, I like a challenge, and it would be too easy against my brother-in-law.”

  “You’re the other team captain, right?” Jamie asked.

  Nick shot Jamie a wicked glare, the type exchanged between men when they’re trying to issue a challenge.

  “Of course. So what say you?”

  Jamie glanced her way. “What do you think?”

  “Your presence here has already pissed everyone off. I’m not sure playing a little baseball will make things worse. So I say go for it.” She smiled when his face lit up like the teenager she re
membered so well.

  “Count me in, then,” Jamie said to Nick. “Let me change back into my jeans.”

  “I’ll meet you on the field.” Nick started to walk away and then doubled back. “Be forewarned, DiSilva. My department team has won the title in our league for five consecutive years. I don’t plan on losing.”

  Vicky rolled her eyes. Men. No matter the age, they’re still little boys at heart. “I hope you’re up to the challenge my brother just gave you.”

  Jamie squeezed her hands and leaned closer to her. “Oh, I’m definitely up for it. What your brother doesn’t know is my unit was undefeated for nine years.”

  He picked up a hand and kissed her fingers causing her heart to hammer double time in her chest. “The question is which team will you be rooting for?”

  With the heated look he was giving her, definitely his. If Jamie put all his effort into baseball as he did other things, her brother was in for a hell of a challenge.

  ****

  That night, Jamie convinced Vicky to meet up with Tristan and Lucy at Maggiano’s Pizza and Pasta. Jamie carried a pitcher of beer to the booth and slid in beside Vicky. “It was an amazing game.” He grabbed another slice of pizza. “The kids were excited to play. There’s a couple that show a lot of promise.”

  “The best was when Jamie batted,” Vicky added. “He hit the ball way past the outfielders.”

  “Home run?” Lucy asked.

  “Yup. The winning run, too,” Vicky said.

  “No surprise there. You had the best swing in our unit. No one could out hit you,” Tristan said.

  “Nick wasn’t real happy about it, either,” Jamie said.

  “No, but he was a good sport. Even shook your hand,” Vicky added.

  It had been a perfect moment and despite the shocked look on Nick’s face, there was respect for the hit.

  Jamie split the remaining pitcher of beer across their glasses. “Our church is having a carnival the beginning of June. They need help building game booths. I offered our services.”

  “That will be a good opportunity,” Tristan said.

  “Great. Vicky and I are in charge of games. We’re thinking about having a pie tasting competition the last day,” Lucy said.

  “Or maybe an amateur version of a cupcake competition,” Vicky added.

  “Don’t you think the results may be swayed a little in your favor considering your professions?” Tristan asked.

  “Not really. There’s a lot of fine cooks in this neighborhood,” Vicky said.

  “Whether its pies or cupcakes, I’ll volunteer to be one of the judges,” Jamie offered.

  “Ditto that,” Tristan agreed.

  Jamie glanced at his watch. “We better get a move on if we’re going to make the movie.”

  They finished off their beers and headed out. At the theater, they stood in the snack line.

  “Since you paid for our tickets, I’ll buy the snacks,” Vicky said.

  “You don’t need to do that. I asked you out tonight,” Jamie said.

  “I insist. Besides, I like a lot of popcorn.”

  He’d forgotten the few times they’d gone to the movies, but the memory came back to him now. “You hog the popcorn.”

  “Damn straight. I’ll get you your own.”

  “That’s all right. I’ll share.”

  He liked bumping hands and entangling his fingers with hers. If he was lucky, he’d be able to kiss her the way they had all those years ago. With her mouth tasting of butter and salt, she’d been simply delectable.

  Hours later, after saying farewell to Tristan and Lucy, they entered the café. He did a quick sweep to make sure the apartment was empty. When he came back downstairs, Vicky was pulling something out of the refrigerator.

  “Want to split one?” She held up a cannoli. His favorite.

  “Sure.” He leaned forward and allowed her to feed him.

  They alternated taking bites until she popped the last piece in her mouth. A little ricotta clung to her lower lip.

  “You have some cream here,” he said, pointing.

  She went to wipe at it, but he caught her hand. “I’ve got it.”

  He lowered his mouth and sucked the sweet filling from her lip. It was soft, and he felt the slightest tremble ripple through her. He pulled back and met her eyes before hauling her up against his chest. She gasped but reached up to yank his head to hers.

  He backed her against the work table and lifted her on top. Nestled between her legs, he pressed his erection against her. When she wrapped her legs around him, it took all his self-control not to climb onto the table with her.

  Reaching under her shirt, he unfastened her bra letting her breasts fall free and deliciously heavy in his hands. Allowing some of his control to slip, he yanked up her shirt and captured a rosy peak between his lips. She moaned his name when he sucked harder before moving onto the next one.

  “Jamie,” she whispered.

  “Yes, baby.”

  “Let’s go upstairs.”

  He wanted to. For nine years he dreamed of burying himself deep inside her and taking them both to oblivion. Thanks to Nick, they’d been deprived of that pleasure all those years ago. Although she’d given him her virginity, they’d never finished making love and that had always been something he’d regretted. Something he wanted to rectify. Soon.

  Just not yet. Not until she was completely sure and wouldn’t have any doubts. He wouldn’t be able to stand it if she did.

  He took a step back and immediately missed her warmth.

  “Come, I’ll walk you to the door.” With the little self-control he had left, he re-fastened her bra and lowered her shirt.

  Taking her hand, he moved to the door of her apartment. “I’ll be up in a little while. There’s some things I want to finish down here.”

  “There are more important things we need to finish upstairs.”

  Damn, if she wasn’t going to make this difficult for him.

  “We will. Just not tonight. Let’s take this time together to make sure you’re certain.”

  “I am,” she insisted.

  Oh, how he wanted to believe her.

  “Just a little longer.” He gave her a lingering kiss before sending her upstairs.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Vicky paced her apartment. She wasn’t tired, and that kiss Jamie planted on her left her restless, yearning, and seriously aroused. Now, having acknowledged she wanted him, she damn-well wanted him. But he wanted to wait, the stubborn man. What kind of man pushed away an evening of hot sex?

  A caring and sweet man. She sighed.

  Stomping to the dresser, she yanked pajama shorts and a tank top out of the top drawer. After changing she went into the bathroom to brush her teeth.

  Back in the main room, she glanced around and grimaced. Both of them living together in such a small space was somewhat of a challenge. Not that Jamie’s belongings took up a lot of space. In fact, he’d only brought over a small duffel bag, which he placed in the corner of the room.

  Now she was another story. She’d never been the neatest person despite all the preaching and yelling her mother had done. An assortment of her clothes lay scattered throughout the room. The place only had one tiny closet, where she stored coats and dressier clothes. The rest, she hung from a cheap open rack she’d bought at Target. It was purely functional and definitely not a fashion statement.

  Vicky wandered the apartment, folding clean clothes and tossing anything questionably dirty into the hamper. She’d have to plan a trip to her parents’ house soon to do laundry—or if she was lucky, her mom would show up and take it off her hands like she sometimes did.

  Looking at her unmade bed, she wondered when she last changed the sheets. Hesitating for only a second, she stripped them off and slipped on clean ones in mint green—her favorite color—with violet flowers.

  It wasn’t perfect, but it was neater, at least. Sure, it could use a few minor modifications to make it more organized and hide t
he clutter. Jamie had offered to make some changes and maybe it was time to take him up on his offer.

  She straightened the pillows on the couch and found a T-shirt partially wedged behind a cushion. Jamie’s. It was navy and held the logo from his business in the upper left corner. After debating for only a second, she held it up to her nose and sniffed, taking in his scent. She closed her eyes and imagined his big body holding her, surrounding her, filling her.

  Aroused even more than she had been and once again cursing his stubbornness, she shoved the shirt in his bag of dirty clothes. She flicked off the lights except for the one on the microwave so Jamie could see when he came upstairs.

  Lying in bed, she tossed and turned, the growing need inside her driving her insane. Images of Jamie’s sculpted torso and bulging biceps flashed in her mind. So did the tenderness of his eyes as he bent to kiss her and the softness of his mouth as he sucked on her nipple. She squeezed her legs together, pressing her back into the bed. It was no use. There was only one thing that would ease the mounting heat between her legs. She slipped her hands under the elastic of her panties, which were already damp. If Jamie wasn’t going to do something to satisfy her, she certainly was.

  No. She threw off the covers and leapt out of bed. Was she really going to make herself come while imagining the sexy man downstairs when she could go downstairs and get him to do it himself? Hell, no.

  ****

  Jamie slapped the paint roller in the tray, sloshing the sky blue color over the side—not that he noticed. Stepping over to the far wall, he rolled paint along the surface. Normally he didn’t mind painting, but tonight he wished for a project that required a hammer. Preferably a hammer large enough to bash himself in the head.

  What was he thinking coming on so strong to Vicky after promising himself he’d take things slow? It wasn’t like he wanted to. If it were up to him, they would have made love earlier that day, in the kitchen of her apartment. But he didn’t want to be a jerk and especially didn’t want her to think all he wanted was sex, although at the moment it was pretty high on his bucket list.

  With more frustration than skill, he slapped more paint on the wall. Despite the tension being with her family, they’d had a fun day and he could see Vicky relaxing around him. Then he had to blow it by acting like a sex-deprived teenager in the kitchen. He’d meant to only give her a brief kiss good night, but once he touched her lips it was instant fireworks. Her enthusiastic response and invitation to go upstairs was tempting. Jamie didn’t trust himself to be alone with her for fear of spontaneously combusting.