Saturday had flown by because she spent most of it thinking about her date with Leon. If being with him wasn’t enough, she found a new channel to watch. The Hallmark Channel was filled with love stories. They were all couples who seemed impossible to come together, but in the end, they always did. She knew these were just movies. That’s not how it happened in real life. At least not for anyone she knew. Except for Ziva.
She wasn’t one who sat and closed her eyes, thinking about romantic things, but since that kiss, she’d barely thought of anything else. He’d made her toes curl and her entire body warm. If he hadn’t been a gentleman and stopped, she wasn’t sure she would’ve.
She had to admit she was glad he’d stopped. She wanted to get to know him better, and when she gave herself to someone, she wanted to know it wasn’t just a one-night stand. There needed to be more than sex involved for both parties.
She felt a very strong attraction to him, and she knew by the hard bulge she’d felt pressed up against her it was mutual. She wanted, no needed, more. I have dreams. For the first time, she had dreams she truly felt were obtainable. If she and Leon became closer, maybe in the future she could bring herself to share them with him. So far, she’d kept everything tied up tight within herself. Not even Ziva knew. It was lonely holding it inside. What was her choice? Speak and risk being sent back to Tabiq? Nothing is worth that. Nothing at all.
The limo driver pulled up in front of Brice and Lena’s home. She’d been there a few times before with Alex and Ziva. It was massive. She burst out laughing because all of Boston looked like it was under several feet of snow, and here it looked like only inches. She knew they had the same amount, but somehow it seemed to magically disappear. Is there anything the Hendersons can’t have done?
Part of that still scared her. She couldn’t help but remember who their father was. The cruelest, sickest individual who ever walked the planet. She’d never seen any signs that his offspring were anything like him, but she still had her guard up. The only one she’d gotten to know was Alex. That’s why this Sunday brunch was going to be a good thing. She was forced to spend more time with them. If it didn’t work out today, she still had time to cancel her date with Leon for the wedding. No sense making him suffer through something I don’t want to be at either.
She knew part of her was looking for an excuse to cancel. It wasn’t because she didn’t want to see him. In fact, she was worried because she desperately wanted to see him again. The last thing she wanted was the Hendersons to see a connection between them. If they didn’t like him, she feared what they would do. Leon was no match for them. They were a powerful family, and Leon was probably a poor college student like her.
She’d made the mistake in the past of knocking on the door. They’d told her Sunday was like an open house, and she should just walk in. No matter what, she felt uncomfortable doing so, but she followed the instructions. Once she entered, Myla heard people chatting up a storm in the living room. There were sounds of children running around and laughter. It was the sweetest sound, making her think of home. Brice and Lena’s son, Nicholas, came rushing through the hall with a toy airplane in his hand. His little sister followed close behind with her hands up as though trying to catch it. A house full of children was what Alex and Ziva needed.
“Hi, Myla. I see my children decided to greet you at the door,” Lena said as she scooped her daughter into her arms. “Somebody gave them chocolate milk, and now they’re all revved up on a sugar high. I’m not sure how I’m going to get them to sit through brunch.”
Nicholas continued to run circles around Myla. She gave him a quick pat on the head. On his last turn, she snagged the plane out of his hand and said, “I think your plane is about to run out of gas. Maybe you should land it for a few minutes and let it fuel up, so it doesn’t crash.”
She was worried he might be angry and throw a fit, but he didn’t. Instead he looked up at her and asked, “Can planes do that?”
She nodded. “Yes, if you want your plane to be nice and shiny like it is now, you might want to go in the living room and lie down with it and let it rest and get more energy fuel.” Myla handed it back to him, and Nicholas smiled.
“Mommy, can I go and lie down with my plane and rest?”
Lena nodded. “Yes, but you must whisper and be quiet, or it won’t work right.” Nicholas headed to the living room, walking carefully and quietly and carrying it as though the plane was gliding. When he was out of sight, she turned back to Myla and said, “That was amazing. You’re a natural with children. Maybe someday you’ll have a few of your own.”
She’d always known she’d be surrounded by children but expected that to be in a classroom teaching. Being married with children hadn’t seemed possible. But this past year a lot of things she deemed impossible had in fact happened. Was it wrong to want what everyone else had? A man to love, a family of my own?
“I’m not sure about that, but I’d be happy to babysit for you and Brice if you ever need me.” She wasn’t sure where she’d find the time, but it was something she really wanted to do.
Lena beamed with joy. “Oh, you have no idea how much we’d appreciate that. We want to do some Christmas shopping. I know most people shop online, but I always went on Christmas Eve and did my own. You wouldn’t happen to be free then, would you?”
Since Leon had turned down spending Christmas with her, she certainly had no plans. Her exams would be over and sitting looking at the four walls or watching TV was a poor way to spend the day. “I’d love that. Thank you for asking me.”
Lena laughed. “I can’t wait to tell Brice.”
“Tell me what?” Brice asked as he joined his wife.
“Myla is going to babysit for us so you can go shopping with me on Thursday.”
Brice looked her over, and she braced herself for his reason why she wasn’t needed. He was the eldest in the family, and when they had met back in Tabiq, he didn’t come off as the friendliest. Odd, because Lena is just the sweetest person I know.
“I’m not sure about this,” Brice said.
“I understand. You don’t know me well enough,” Myla said softly, half heartbroken.
Brice shook his head. “That’s not the issue at all. If you couldn’t be trusted, you wouldn’t be here at Alex and Ziva’s home.”
“Then what’s the problem, Brice?” Lena asked in a tone implying she wasn’t happy that he changed the plan she made.
“Zoey asked me if you and I could watch Pearl for a few hours that day. I guess she and Bennett had the same idea.”
Myla had spent more time with Pearl than any of the others. If she’d known they were looking for a sitter, she’d have reached out long before now.
Morgan and Shaun Henderson joined them all in the foyer. “Are we having a meeting out here?” Shaun asked.
“No. We’re discussing Christmas shopping and babysitters. Seems a few of us have the same idea,” Lena stated.
“What idea is that?” Morgan asked.
“To shop on Christmas Eve,” Brice responded.
“That’s a great idea. Why don’t we join you?” Shaun asked.
Myla couldn’t help but chuckle. Instead of this situation getting smaller, the problem was growing. Brice has two. Shaun has two. Zoey, one. She was happy to babysit, but five seemed a bit more than she could handle alone. At least for the first time.
“And who is going to watch all the children?” Brice asked.
Ziva entered and chimed in. “I think I have the perfect answer. Alex and I aren’t doing anything that day, so why don’t they all come our house. Of course, that is if Myla is still willing to help?”
Myla felt a weight being lifted off her shoulders. “I’d be more than happy to do that.”
“Good, then it’s settled. Now, why don’t we all head to the dining room? Everything is all set up,” Lena said.
“Dean and Tessa haven’t arrived yet,” Morgan informed them.
“Tessa said they were on their way. They’re bringing one of Dean’s friends with them,” Brice replied.
Logan, the second oldest, entered the room and in a dry tone asked, “Dean has friends? I thought he only thought of business.”
Brice shook his head. “Be nice, Logan. The kids are around.”
“And that’s exactly why I made that comment. Anyone he calls a friend should have a full background check done on them.”
She tried reading Logan. He seemed to have a wall between him and the others. Myla wondered if it was something that was always there or new since she’d arrived in the US. He was never rude to her, but he kept his distance as well. She wasn’t going to let it bother her today. She was in a good mood and wanted to keep it that way.
Trying to change the subject, she asked Lena, “Is there anything I can help you with?”
Lena smiled and said, “I’d love some help in the kitchen.” Lena turned to Logan and said, “Unless you’re planning on helping too, I suggest you and the others go have a seat.”
Logan looked like he was going to say something then shook his head and headed to the dining room. Everyone followed, and Brice was last. Before he left, he bent and gave Lena a quick kiss. “I have no idea how you do it, but I’m glad you do.”
Myla knew what he meant. Lena had a special gift for getting things done gently, without anyone realizing she was the motivator. It’s almost like she’s using her mother tactic on them, and it works. You go, Lena. Myla knew Lena needed that advantage, being married to the eldest.
Once she and Lena were alone in the kitchen, she was in awe of the amount of food that was ready to be carried into the other room. Myla was shocked to see all the pots and pans piled up on the counters and by the stove. “Did you cook all this?”
“I did.”
“By yourself?” Myla heard the words, but it was hard to believe.
Lena laughed. “I love to cook. It’s a trade-off; Brice watches the little ones while I prepare the meals. Trust me, this is my relaxation time.”
“And the cleanup?”
“That’s a different story. But all the girls get together after eating and bang out the dishes in a jiffy. It also gives the guys some time to talk.”
Myla smiled. She regretted not accepting the offer to attend before now. All this time she felt as though she wouldn’t fit. That was far from the case. This wasn’t a high-class event where she’d feel out of place, outclassed. If anything this was a laid-back homey gathering. One I want to be part of.
“Tell me where I can start.”
Lena pointed to a counter and said, “It’s all going, so grab whatever you want, and I’ll be right behind you.”
Myla made a few trips into the dining room along with Lena. The others were rustling up children or holding babies. There were four empty seats. Once all the food was at the table, she took the one with her back to the door. It provided the best view of the little ones, and she didn’t want to miss that.
Everyone had started eating when she heard Dean’s voice. “Nothing like waiting for us to arrive.”
“Nothing like being on time,” Shaun said sarcastically.
“Don’t pay my brother-in-law any attention. Welcome to our home. I’m Lena, and this is my husband, Brice.”
“This is Napoleon Oliveira, an old business acquaintance.”
“My friends call me Leon.”
Myla spun around at the sound of his voice. It couldn’t be. As she looked up from her seat and met his eyes, she could tell he was equally surprised to see here sitting there.
“What are you doing here?” they asked in unison. “I thought—” Then they both burst out laughing.
Ziva spoke up first. “Is there a joke you two would like to share?”
Myla shook her head as Leon took the vacant seat beside her. She could feel all eyes on them. It made her uncomfortable, but Leon didn’t seem to give them any notice. In a low voice he said, “I didn’t know you were a Henderson.”
Myla couldn’t believe he’d actually believe she was. She looked around the room, and since their mothers were from Tabiq, they did have some similar features. None of them looked any more like siblings than she did to them. “I’m not. They are friends, kind enough to have me over.”
Alex must’ve been eavesdropping because he leaned in and said, “Not just a friend. You’re family by choice. Don’t ever doubt that.”
Her eyes welled up as she looked around the room and felt the warmth and love from them all. “Thank you.”
Alex leaned over and looked at Leon. “And how do you know Myla?”
She answered, “This is my friend I told you about.” Myla felt funny saying the word date.
Alex arched a brow and gave Leon a look-over. “I think I’d like you better if you weren’t in business with my brother.”
Myla rolled her eyes and couldn’t believe Alex said that. “I don’t know what that means, but Leon is a really nice guy.”
Alex kept his voice low, but she knew Leon could still hear. “Nice guys don’t do business with Dean. He’d eat them up and spit them out.”
Leon didn’t seem bothered by Alex’s comment. “One doesn’t need to be an ass to deal with one. If so, I’m sure Myla wouldn’t be your friend either.”
Myla turned beet red as the two of them were now glaring at each other. The brunch started as a wonderful family gathering but was turning into a cockfight. Men. She wasn’t happy with either of them. She was just about to let them know it when Little Miss Fix-it interrupted. She felt horrible of thinking of Lena in that way. But it was tough because Lena seemed so perfect and Myla was anything but.
“Do you gentlemen have an issue with my cooking, because you don’t seem to be eating?” Lena asked, giving them a look that said to knock it off.
“No, ma’am. Thank you again for your hospitality and letting me join you and your family,” Leon replied.
“Where are you from, Napoleon?”
“Please call me Leon. I’m from Italy.”
“And what are you doing in the US?” Alex asked.
“I’m finishing my studies.”
Alex didn’t stop there. “And then what, heading back to Italy?”
Leon shook his head. “Although my parents will be disappointed, I want to return to West Africa and continue my research.”
She wasn’t sure who was more surprised, she or Alex. “You’re not following in the Oliveira family business?” Alex asked.
Leon shook his head. “I still dabble in some real estate, but not at the level my family does. I’ve taken a different path.”
“Which is?”
“Really, Alex. This isn’t an inquisition. It’s a brunch, or did you forget?” Myla wished her tone hadn’t sounded so snappy, but enough was enough. Leon might not be her guest, but he still was invited here.
She shot a look to Dean, who was sitting back and taking it all in. “You know, Leon, when I invited you here, I figured you’d be bored senseless. I never thought you’d be the entertainment.”
Leon laughed. “Dean, it doesn’t take much to be more fun than you.”
Myla gave up. There was no stopping them now. It went from questioning to ball-busting each other. She wasn’t sure which was worse. The ladies just sat there, watching them. Some of the comments were a bit much in front of the children, and Lena put them back in check. For the most part, the remainder of the brunch was filled with laughter.
After everything was cleaned up and it was time to say goodbye, Alex said the limo would be arriving shortly to take her back to the dorm.
“I’ll take her,” Leon said.
Before Alex could say anything, Myla said, “I’d like that, thank you.” She hugged everyone before heading out with Leon. Once inside his vehicle, she said, “That was . . . interesting.”
“I would say surprising. When I saw you were there, I wasn’t sure if I had been set up.”
She looked at him puzzled. “How come?”
“My mother likes to manipulate situations. I wasn’t the one who reached out to Dean. She did.”
“And you couldn’t say no?”
“Oh, I could say a lot of things. But she also spoke to Dean’s wife.”
“Ah. I see. She used Tessa to get you to come here. But I don’t understand why.”
“Dean and my parents have been rivals for several years. I guess they figured if I met up with him and his family, the topic would turn sour and I’d end up defending my family. Hence, wanting to go back and work for them, so I could crush Dean for revenge.”
It all sounded so convoluted. “She wanted you to have a bad time?”
Leon laughed. “Yep.”
Myla sat back and looked out the window. It was hard for her to understand such behavior. From what she gathered, the Oliveira family was as rich as the Hendersons. Why would either family stoop so low as to want their children to be unhappy? I think I’d rather be poor and in a normal family.
“What do you feel about all this, Leon?”
He reached out and took her hand in his. “That’s a waste of my time and energy. I’m here where I want to be.”
“But you’re leaving.”
“Yes. I have to. There is so much research needed, and I’ve been asked to help. This is what I’m meant to do.”
She heard the sincerity in his voice. Although she wished he’d stay and they’d have more time together, it wasn’t realistic. They each had their own paths. “How long till you leave?”
“About three weeks.”
Her heart sank. That time was going to go by so quickly. Especially since I can’t spend every single moment with you.
“Do you remember your offer to spend Christmas together?”
Myla nodded.
“I think it’s a great idea.”
“But I’m expected to be with the Hendersons again.”
“I know. Believe it or not, I had a good time today. They’re not what I expected.”
Neither are you. “Then I guess I’ll see you on Friday.”
He pulled up to her building and said, “I believe your last exam is Wednesday afternoon, correct?”
“It is.”
“Then how about I pick you up at six.”
“I’d like that. Dinner?”
He shook his head. “I was thinking about renting ice skates. What do you say?”
“I think I’d better wear a couple pairs of pants as padding because I can barely walk on ice, never mind skate.”
Leon laughed as he leaned closer to her. “I promise that sweet little bottom of yours won’t ever hit the ice.”
Any hesitation of going vanished. She might be tempted to fall just so he could catch her. “How can I refuse such an offer?”
Leon cupped her face and kissed her briefly. “Go and get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow. I’ll see you on Wednesday.”
“Don’t you want to come up?” She didn’t want their time to end. Myla wanted him to come back to her room. She wasn’t exactly sure if she was ready for where it might lead, but she wasn’t ready to let him go either.
“I do, but I’m not.”
“Why?”
“Because I know what is important to you. I see how serious you take education. I refuse to be the reason you’re tired tomorrow and don’t ace your exams.”
She was glad he thought of her in that way. It showed a genuine level of caring on his part. Myla wasn’t sure how well she was going to be able to concentrate, but Leon was right, tonight was not the right time.
“Then I’ll see you in a few days.” She got out of the vehicle and walked up to her room. Once inside she laid on the bed, not even bothering to take her coat off. Closing her eyes, she held on to the feeling of his kiss. Wednesday.