Forever in My Heart Page 17

  Jamie wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “Thanks for trying. If you think of anything, regardless how insignificant you think it is, let me know.”

  “Why? What are you involved with? Please tell me it isn’t something bad.”

  “I’m not doing anything bad, Ma. But it’s possible Sal did before he died, and some of his goons are trying to hunt down whatever they think Sal left behind.”

  “Please let it be. I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you, too.”

  He pushed the thoughts of the break-in and physical attacks out of his mind. No need to worry his mother further.

  “Nothing is going to happen to me. Besides, I have Vicky’s brother, Nick, involved. He’s keeping close tabs on me since I’m dating his sister.”

  And there was no way Jamie would allow any friend of Sal’s to bring harm to his family or to Vicky.

  ****

  Vicky’s arms burned as she trekked up the thirty-three stairs—not that she was counting—of St. Christopher’s church. After waiting for almost an hour for Jamie to return and not being able to reach Lucy or Tristan, she’d given up and headed to the local garden center to pick up flowers, and then drove straight to the church.

  She would have waited for Jamie, but he wasn’t answering her texts. Now, she hefted the large box of impatiens and petunias to her shoulder, grateful for her years of waitressing and time now spent lifting heavy trays. She lowered it to the ground in the prayer garden and ran to her car for the rest of her supplies. On her way back, she tried, unsuccessfully, not to feel guilty for coming here without Jamie. She needed to do something with the information they’d learned from her parents earlier that day, even though she knew he’d be mad at her.

  What harm was there if she planted the flowers and casually searched the garden for signs of the drive?

  After glancing over her shoulder to make sure she was alone, she stooped down in front of the most obvious place…the statue. She ran her hands along the base of the statue. The coarse stone was warm from the sun. No signs of anything. Kneeling, she dug the gardening shovel into the ground in a small perimeter around it. With a gentle tug, she pulled the impatiens out of the plastic container and pushed them into the soft dirt.

  “What do we have here?”

  The deep voice from behind her caused her to jump. “Father Dave. You scared me.”

  “Vicky, what a surprise to see you here again today.”

  “I hope you don’t mind. I noticed the lack of color in the garden, here, and thought I could spruce it up a bit. I’m sorry. I should have checked with you first.”

  “What a nice thing for you to do. Normally the area Girl Scout troops help out with this, but they’ve been busy working on a game booth for the carnival and haven’t gotten here, yet.”

  May I not be struck down for lying to a priest.

  “Then it’s a good thing I was hit with inspiration,” she replied.

  “Why didn’t you rope one of your brothers into helping you?”

  Nick, maybe, but Vinnie…as if.

  “They were both busy, and once I get an idea in my head, I want to get started on it immediately.”

  “I’d change and help you, but evening mass will be starting in forty-five minutes.”

  “I’m fine, thanks. I won’t be much longer. I’ll try and be finished before mass begins.”

  “No rush. Thanks for your generosity, Vicky. God bless.” He strolled toward the church, and Vicky breathed easier.

  No doubt her nerves were shot. She should have waited for Jamie, or at least Tristan and Lucy. Patience had never been her virtue, a trait she shared with her sister. Sometimes that caused Vicky to act before she thought about possible repercussions. She swiped at the sweat that had formed on her forehead. Hand deep in dirt, it was too late to stop now. She needed to focus and finish what she started.

  By the time the area around the statue was complete, she was sweating, despite her tank top and ponytail. She stood and prepared to fill the pots she’d bought to flank each side of the bench. She heard a sound behind her and figured Father Dave must of have returned.

  “I’m fine, Father. You don’t need to be…”

  Her words trailed off when she came face to face with Jimmy and Snake.

  Shit. Not Father Dave.

  She was so screwed, she thought, and reached for the trowel.

  “You think that little shovel is going to protect you, prissy girl?” Jimmy said and took a step closer to her.

  “Get out of here. Father Dave is coming back to help me, and if he sees you two clowns here, he’ll call the police.”

  “Oh, I’m really scared, princess. Maybe your cop brother will come here to protect you,” Jimmy taunted.

  “Or maybe your boyfriend?” Snake asked.

  She flicked a glance over at the taller guy. The same skinniness as Jimmy only his arms had bulk and were covered in tattoos. In combination with the bald head and pierced lip, it made Michael Riggio—aka Snake—one freaky-looking guy.

  “Where’s DiSilva?” Jimmy asked.

  “He’s meeting me here. Give me a break, guys. I’m planting flowers for Father Dave. I’m not bothering anyone.”

  She reached in her pocket for her cell phone, frowning when she realized she’d left it in the car. Freaking great. She was on her own, unless her lie was correct and Father Dave decided to return by some miracle. Since the chance of that happening was as likely as the earth opening and sucking Jimmy and Snake into the fires of hell, Vicky was going to have to defend herself against these assholes on her own. She glanced down and found the spade she’d used earlier. Only marginally better than the trowel, she grabbed it regardless.

  “You and DiSilva have been causing us a lot of problems,” Jimmy said.

  “Back off. I’m not defenseless like I was the night you broke into my place, Jimmy. Only instead of Italian cream cake you’re going to get an Italian knuckle sandwich.” She hoped she sounded surer than she felt. Her fingers trembled, and she gripped the spade tighter.

  Snake lunged first. She swung the spade and cracked him in the shoulder. Rather than stopping him, all it accomplished was breaking the cheap gardening tool in two.

  Crap.

  He came at her again. Tossing aside the useless sticks, she reached out for his forearm and using all of her one hundred and twenty pounds, flipped. He landed with a thud and a cry.

  Wimp.

  The hours spent at those self-defense classes Nick had forced on her after the Sal incident all seemed worth it, now. Thank you, overprotective brother.

  Grabbing the sticks again, she turned to Jimmy. “You next?”

  “I’d watch my back if I were you, bitch,” Jimmy sneered.

  “No, I’d watch yours.” Jamie stepped out from the shadows and wrapped Jimmy in a choke hold. “Get your scrawny ass out of here and leave my girl alone. Fuck with her and you fuck with me. Got it?” he growled before shoving him to the ground.

  Vicky had never seen Jamie quite so angry. She wasn’t sure if it scared or aroused her.

  Jimmy and Snake both scrambled to their feet and took off.

  With Sal’s goons gone, Jamie fixed his gaze on her. Based on the fierce expression on his face, Vicky had more to worry about facing him than the two pathetic creatures who just crawled away.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Jamie was so mad, surely steam was coming out of his ears. That Vicky would chance searching for the drive, without him, seemed unthinkable. Yet seeing her in cutoff denim shorts and tank top surrounded by an arsenal of flowers, it seemed clear it was her intent to come here as soon as she realized there was a possibility the drive could have been planted in the garden.

  “What were you thinking?” he ground out through clenched teeth.

  She held up a hand to him. “In my defense, I waited for you. I called and texted you six times and didn’t get a response. I wanted to act on this tonight.”

  “Without me?”


  “I planned on buying all the supplies and having it ready for when you returned. When I didn’t hear from you, I thought I could pop over and do this on my own.”

  “Why didn’t you call Tristan and Lucy?”

  “I did and couldn’t find them.” She crossed her arms around her middle. “Where did you go off to? I expected you to want to come here as soon as we found out Sal had a confrontation with Kate here. What the hell was so important?”

  So she was ticked at him now? Figures.

  “I went to see my mother. After our conversation in the cemetery, I needed to ask her some questions. That seemed more important than this wild goose chase.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me what you were doing and ask me to wait? You took off with no explanation.”

  “And what, you figured you’d play detective on your own?”

  “I didn’t think I had to worry about being attacked in broad daylight in a church courtyard.”

  How did he explain his panic at seeing her cornered in the garden by Jimmy and Snake? They liked knives and could have used one very easily on her pretty face or another part of her body.

  “Have you forgotten we’re not dealing with reasonable people? They don’t care where they hurt you.”

  “Yeah, well, I was doing pretty well before you showed up, hotshot.”

  He couldn’t argue that. His mouth dropped to the ground when she flipped Snake. But he didn’t want her to have a false sense of security.

  “Maybe, but Snake was coming around when you were preparing to take on Jimmy. Somehow I don’t think you’re trained to take on two.”

  “Oh, and I suppose you could have, Mister Army Man.”

  Without even breaking a sweat.

  “You did a good job defending yourself, but I’m upset that you had to.” He moved until he stood in front of her. “When I saw you were cornered, I was worried.”

  “I appreciate that. Really, I do. But you can’t be around me every minute of every day. I know how to defend myself.”

  “Where did you learn self-defense?”

  “Nick had me take a course after…” She stopped, catching herself.

  “After Sal kidnapped you?” he asked.

  She nodded and bent down to pick up the broken pieces of the spade.

  “Your brother’s a smart guy. I’m glad he had you take them.” Jamie couldn’t stand it anymore. He had to touch her and pulled her into a hug. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “My shoulder’s a little sore. Snake’s more solid than he looks.”

  He rubbed her shoulder and kissed her. “Please promise me you won’t do something like this again.”

  She sighed. “I promise to try, but no guarantees.”

  He figured that was probably the best he was going to get from her and let it drop.

  “Did you find anything?”

  “Nothing by the statue. I was working by the bench when Dumb and Dumber showed up.”

  He glanced over at the remaining flowers. “Then I guess we’d better get busy.”

  ****

  Jamie slammed the door to his truck shut. A wasted trip and all he had to show for it was dirty hands and a sweat-stained T-shirt. He wanted a cool shower and a beer, and not necessarily in that order.

  He approached the alley behind the café and grinned at the sight before him. Vicky must have bought extra flowers because she’d lined up two large pots and was trying to fill them with dirt. Her back faced him, and he watched her lean over to pick up the large bag of potting soil. Her short shorts hugged her sweet ass and rode up a little higher as she stretched further. Oh, what he’d like to do with her bent over like that. Adjusting his now tight shorts, he moved toward her.

  “Want some help?” he asked.

  She jumped and swung her arms around, spilling dirt over his shirt, shorts, and both of their legs and feet. Now he really needed a shower.

  “Sorry. You shouldn’t sneak up on a girl.”

  Jamie was ready to make a joke but, hearing the tension in her voice, refrained.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  She dropped the bag and shook her head. “I’m sick of all this. Sick of having to look over my shoulder and worry when I enter the café. I want all this done with, you know?”

  She rubbed at her face, smudging it with dirt.

  He brushed his thumb across her cheek. “I know, baby. I want this done, too. The longer this plays out, the more desperate and violent Jimmy’s going to get. You need to be extra careful.”

  He didn’t want to spook her, but she needed to know the seriousness of the situation.

  “I will be.”

  Together, they worked to plant the remaining flowers. After putting the tools and unused soil away in the small shed outside, they went in the back door to the café.

  Her hand pulled on his shirt. “We’re both filthy. Let’s not trek dirt through the clean kitchen.”

  “What do you suggest?”

  He barely finished the question when she kicked off her shoes. Stepping outside, she banged them together to knock free the dirt. He did the same.

  After locking the door, he followed her inside to the small landing.

  “Strip, hot shot,” she called over her shoulder and swung her tank top off.

  For someone who’d given him such a hard time about getting naked when she was younger, this more mature woman was not shy about her body. Not that there was a reason she should be. He shook his head because she was down to her underwear and he was still fully dressed. His kind of woman.

  In record time, he was clad in only his boxer briefs. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against him.

  “Hey. I’m all sweaty and dirty,” she laughed, trying to squirm out of his grip.

  “Just the way I like you.”

  He kissed the back of her neck and spun her to face him. Ignoring the objection on her face, he planted his mouth firmly on hers before she could put voice to her protest. Her lips were soft, and she sighed against him. She was warm and smelled like soil, flowers, and sunshine.

  With her fingers ravaging his hair, he let her take the kiss deeper. She liked to be in control. It was another thing about her that surprised him, and he was more than willing to oblige her. The more he got to know her, the more layers he found. While she still had a little of the naiveté of her youth, the woman before him wasn’t afraid to assert her opinion.

  He cupped her breasts, finding her nipples pressed hard through the satin. Grabbing one of his hands, she pulled it between her legs. Still impatient. That hadn’t changed. Using his fingers, he teased outside her panties, causing a whimper to escape her mouth.

  “Want something, baby?” he whispered against her ear before biting the lobe.

  She bucked against his hand in response, and he slipped a finger under the elastic. She was wet and slick and…perfect. He slid in a second finger and moved them in fast and out slow.

  “More,” she murmured.

  He answered by increasing his pace.

  Her breathing was fast. “I’m going to…”

  “Look at me.” He wanted to watch her eyes when she came.

  Her lids fluttered open, and he stared into her soft baby browns.

  “Now, baby. Come now,” he commanded and felt the ripple of her orgasm flow through her. It was powerful, and it took every ounce of control not to follow her over. She cried out but held his gaze as she convulsed in his arms.

  She sagged against him, and he caught her before her knees completely gave out. Lifting her into his arms, he headed to the door to the apartment. Once upstairs, he set her on the toilet seat while he turned on the shower. He slid down his briefs and after adjusting the temperature of the water, removed her undergarments.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  He picked her up again and carried her into the shower. “What do you think? I’m washing you.”

  The warm spray hit them both and eased his tense muscles. He set her feet do
wn and her body slid slowly down his. When she reached his erection, she rubbed herself against him, and he groaned. She wet her hair under the spray before stepping aside for him to do the same. He heard the snap of a bottle being opened.

  “Your hair is so short.” She massaged his scalp while rubbing shampoo through his dark locks.

  “I’ve been letting it grow since leaving the army. It’s longer than it’s been in years.”

  “I remember when you could tie it back in a stubby ponytail. This look is better, though. Sexier.”

  Finished, she reached for the bar of soap. Her touch as she washed his chest—twice—was heating him up more than the temperature of the water.

  He sucked in his breath when she reached his cock and stroked him.

  “You keep doing that, and I’m going to be done,” he rasped.

  She raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh, yeah?”

  She pushed him under the spray so the water could rinse off the soap. Then her mouth followed the trail of suds south, stopping at his engorged shaft. Her mouth was hot when she sucked him in.

  “Fuck, Vick,” he uttered between gasps.

  While she licked and sucked, her hands cupped his balls, rolling them between her fingers. Exactly the way he liked. She bobbed her head up and down all the while stroking him with her hand. She went slow and then built him up only to go slow again. The result had his heart thundering and brought such exquisite pleasure he wasn’t sure if he wanted it to never end or come—literally—to its explosive conclusion.

  “You could do this forever, and it wouldn’t be enough.”

  “I may drown in the process, though.”

  He shifted so water wasn’t streaming in her face. “Better?”

  “Much.”

  Out of the spray of water, she got down to business, taking him in deeper and deeper, each stroke bringing him closer to climax. Nothing else mattered when they were together like this. Her family, Jimmy, and the drive were all forgotten as Jamie focused on the beautiful woman who made him feel things he’d locked away for nine years. All the pain and suffering he witnessed washed down the drain as he gave himself to her.