Chapter 10
Warmth and security surrounded Callie and she didn’t want to wake up from the delicious dream she was having. Entwined on her bed, she and Jack were caressing every inch of the other. Lucidity returned to find she was indeed touching soft hair over muscled skin.
Her eyes popped open as she slid her fingers down Jack’s gorgeous chest. She should stop them but her hand had a mind of its own. Or maybe her mind wanted the same thing. It allowed her hand to keep going right down to his navel and skim through the hair swirling around it. Then it moved lower attempting to infiltrate the waistband standing sentry to what she really wanted.
As she dipped her fingers under the cotton band, a gruff voice choked out, “Any lower, Calico, and I can’t be held accountable for my actions.”
She swung her gaze to Jack’s face, his smirk crooked as always. Heat rose to her cheeks and she pulled her hand away as if it had been burned. Maybe it had been. He’d always been too hot to handle. It hadn’t stopped her from trying.
He captured her retreating hand and held it where it wanted to be, on his chest. Pulling her closer, he kissed the top of her head. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes,” she answered breathlessly. “Did you?” Were they seriously having this casual conversation while holding each other in her bed? Things like that were history. Reminders of what they used to have. She started to pull away but Jack held fast and firm.
“Best nap I’ve had in a long time. I should do this more often.”
When he still didn’t let go, she relaxed her head back against his chest. Her desire to get up wasn’t that strong.
“How’s your side? Still painful?”
“It’s only a scratch, Calico, nothing you need to worry about. Besides, I had the best little nurse fix it and make it all better.”
“Really?” she teased. “Tell me about this nurse. Should I be jealous?”
He raised one eyebrow as a grin appeared on his face. “Maybe. She was one hot mama. Dark curls, highlighted with red and gold, framing her face. The cutest freckles scattered across her tiny, little upturned nose. Lips so kissable they’d make a man forget his manners.”
“Did you forget your manners with her?”
“No, I was a perfect gentleman…then. Now, not sure I can keep my control in check. Especially when she’s snuggled up tight against me. I may have to make a move unless she gives me a strong signal that she’s opposed to my kissing her.”
Letting out the breath she was holding, she kept her eyes on his. They mesmerized her. Holding her captive with those intense gray eyes was one of his super powers. She’d been helpless against them. Like now.
He lowered his head, his beautiful lips opening to greet hers. When they touched, she melted into him knowing she should be pulling away but having no willpower to achieve that. She continued her earlier exploration of his chest as his hands roamed over her back.
Moving his lips over hers, he attacked then retreated, seductive yet playful. Soft moans came from her mouth. Jack’s length was hard and firm against her belly telling her he was getting turned on by the sounds. When she bent one knee to raise her leg over his thigh, he slid his leg in between hers. Subconsciously, she squeezed her thighs together, squirming with pent-up desire.
Oh, God. He skimmed his lips from hers to scald a path across her cheek and drift down her neck. Heat seared everywhere his hands touched, under her top, across her stomach. As he licked his way down her throat, he pushed her on her back and explored her rib cage with rough fingers. Moving them higher, he palmed the underside of her breast and she arched her back, whimpering.
Yes, there. I need you there. The spot on her neck that made her crazy called out and Jack responded. Shivers rippled through her as his teeth nipped the tender skin. He flicked his thumb over her nipple, a cry wrenching from deep inside her. When he slid his mouth south, she focused briefly on where his lips were going. Her blouse was unbuttoned. How did I miss him doing that? Spreading the garment open, he gazed at her, adoration pouring from his eyes.
“I love that you don’t wear a bra. You’re gorgeous.”
Heat rose through her, self-conscious. “I’m so small, I can get away without one.”
“Small but beautiful, my lovely Calico Cat. You know I never needed more than this. They’re a perfect fit.” And he demonstrated by cupping his hands around her mounds and gently squeezing.
Callie’s breathing picked up as he kneaded and caressed. When he lowered his mouth and flicked his tongue across the hardened peak, she thought she might explode. God, he’d done this often in the past, knew how aroused it got her. How it had caused her mind to muddle until she couldn’t think straight. Nothing had changed. The effect was the same now but she didn’t care. It had been too long since she’d experienced anything like this.
Traveling to the other peak, he laved and licked until she writhed under him, her legs wrapped around his waist. Damn, she was weak. Somewhere in the back of her mind there was a reason they shouldn’t be doing this but for the life of her she couldn’t come up with it. Time had reversed to when she and Jack were together and happy. They’d had to be cautious but they’d seen each other every day.
His mouth left her breast and he returned his hands to caress and torment. Skimming his lips farther south, he licked inside her navel then whispered across her stomach. Flutters followed as he unsnapped her jeans then navigated her zipper down. Running her fingers through his tousled hair, she pulled him closer so he could continue marauding. God, this was wrong, but it felt so right. No turning back now. Jack’s touch had her quivering like a jellyfish and she might combust if he didn’t continue.
As he tugged on her waistband, a soft noise floated into her subconscious.
“Mama. Mama?”
Jack froze and she almost screamed with frustration. But sanity returned and she knew Jonathan had saved her from doing something she’d regret. Because as much as she would have enjoyed the passionate interlude, it would have connected her and Jack back together in a way she might never get over when he left again. And he would leave. He had no other choice.
She pushed herself up and attempted the buttons on her shirt. Her hands shook to the point she kept fumbling and they wouldn’t go in the holes. One side of Jack’s mouth curved up. He placed his hands over hers and whispered, “I’ll get him. You take your time.” Then he kissed the top of her head and left the room.
She sagged as he left, giving herself a minute to pull herself together. Jack was talking to Jonathan, who was now squealing with happiness at seeing his father.
“Dahdee. Dahdee. You home.”
Her heart squeezed tight at her son’s words. This wasn’t Jack’s home and it couldn’t be. Not as long as Victor Cabrini roamed free. Taking a deep breath, she managed to get her buttons done up. She grabbed a brush from her dresser, ran it through the tangled mess on her head, zipped up her pants and went to join her son. It was a momentary lapse but you can’t do it again. Her heart couldn’t take any more pain and getting a taste of Jack Holland, then losing him again, caused far too much of it.
The boys were in the bathroom when she came out, Jack showing Jonathan how to pee standing up. Apparently this was something a dad usually did. One more reason Jonathan needed a father in his life. The thought tore at her heart, knowing it might never happen.
“Hi, sweetheart,” she called out, once they were done and washing their hands. “Did you have a good nap?”
“Mama, Dahdee here.”
She smiled, though her heart was breaking. Her son loved his father and needed him but couldn’t have him. Would he someday resent that Jack hadn’t been around much? Would the love turn to apathy then hate? If that happened, it would kill her. It would kill Jack.
“I see, honey. Maybe he can stay for dinner. You two could play while I make it.”
She gazed at Jack for his answer. His eyes lingered on their son.
“You kind of boxed me in there, Calico. Can’t refuse now. I’d think after what happened, you’d be in a hurry to get rid of me.”
What happened? In the bedroom? Her mind roamed further back recalling the afternoon of running away from gun-toting killers. How had she forgotten that? She swallowed hard, the fear that had coursed through her body at the time still running through her.
“Well, you shouldn’t be taking a long ride on a motorcycle with your wound. I know you say it’s just a scratch but it looks like it might still be bleeding a little.”
Jack looked down at the bandage and shrugged. Trying to stay macho for the Man’s Club again. Jonathan looked up and his face grew concerned.
“Dahdee, you dot a boo boo?”
“Just a little one,” he assured his son. “But Mommy fixed it up. She’s good at that. I bet she fixes your boo boos sometimes too.”
“Why don’t I go down and see what I can come up with for dinner,” she offered. Jack scooped his shirt off the floor then took Jonathan’s hand to follow her as she went down the stairs. Heather and Scott were walking in the back door.
“Your car’s in the driveway, Callie,” Scott said, his eyes flickering to his cousin. “You all right? Heather said you’d been…um, hurt.”
Jack finished buttoning his shirt and shook his head. “A scratch. I’m fine. Thanks for picking up her car.”
“You had Callie meet you in Central Park for a reason,” Heather said, as she assisted Callie in pulling out vegetables for chopping. “Was she able to help you with anything?”
“She gave me a few answers I didn’t have before. It’ll give me a place to start looking for more information. What I want to know is how they knew I’d be there.”
Scott and Jack began to discuss some construction business, to change the subject in front of Jonathan maybe. Callie threw Heather a pleading look. “Can you stay for dinner, Heather? And you too, Scott?”
They both nodded. Heather would do anything for her and Scott loved spending time with Jonathan and Jack. She was relieved she wouldn’t have to be alone with Jack and their son. After what had happened up in the bedroom, she didn’t trust herself with him.
* * * *
“Mr. Cabrini will be with you in a minute, Miss Lansing.”
“Thank you, Oscar. Jonathan and I will stretch our legs. Too long in the car and he gets a little grumpy.” Callie smiled at Victor’s butler as the man nodded and moved away.
They were here for dinner. Not that she wanted to come. She never wanted to come. Victor’s mansion was beautiful but too much of a reminder of what he did for a living. Today was Angelo’s birthday, though, and she could hardly refuse an old man the remembrance of his son. Not if she didn’t want him questioning her loyalty to Angelo.
They wandered through the massive rooms downstairs, Callie trying to keep Jonathan quiet as they roamed. Victor had always allowed them free rein. Wouldn’t he be surprised by how much she knew about him.
Spotting Victor in one of the formal rooms in a deep discussion with his assistant, Tony Pascucci, and another well-dressed man, she steered Jonathan in another direction. Victor loved his grandson but also expected him to behave like a child much older than two. The doorbell sounded and Oscar hurried to answer. Callie stayed back in the massive hallway but peered closer to see who it was and hear what they were saying.
“These are the pictures from Belloque. Mr. Cabrini wanted to see them right away.”
Oscar bowed his head and replied, “Mr. Cabrini is in an important meeting at the moment. I’ll make sure he gets them. Thank you.”
The other man left and Oscar brought an envelope into Victor’s office. Could the pictures be of some help to Jack? Could she peek at them and find information to put Victor away? The vehicle chase in New York was still fresh in her mind and fingers of fear danced up her spine. The scared little girl inside her, who equated adventure or danger with the death of her parents, refused to take that chance. But the woman remembered Jack’s hands and lips caressing her not too long ago. That woman wanted Jack back in her life for good. She hesitated, scared of what might happen. Was she willing to take the risk?
Waiting until Oscar left, she nudged Jonathan to run into Victor’s office. The little boy, who had been still for the two-hour drive, happily obliged, giggling.
“Jonathan,” she called out softly, more for the benefit of anyone in earshot. She followed him in and closed the door halfway. Keeping her eyes toward the hallway, she moved closer to the desk. The envelope was lying right there. Would she be able to look inside before Victor finished up his meeting?
“Jonathan, why don’t you shovel out Grandpa’s fireplace?” Jonathan loved playing with the little shovel Victor had in a bucket near the fireplace. It was immaculate since it was rarely used. Jonathan wouldn’t get dirty. But he would stay busy while she looked at the pictures.
She picked up the envelope and withdrew the stack of photos. As she flipped through, her heart almost stopped. They were of Jack and her in Central Park when they’d been shot at. Victor couldn’t see these. She looked closer, her hands shaking. You couldn’t tell who she was. The pictures in the park were of her back and she was wearing her hood and Jack’s denim jacket. Good thing whoever had taken them hadn’t gotten there earlier.
Flipping through more, her anxiety escalated and her heart raced like the motorcycle in the picture as they sped through New York. But she had the helmet on. There’s no way he could tell it was me, right? Sighing, she began to put them away, but wait…her sneakers. She’d had on her canvas sneakers with the multi-colored polka dots. The same ones she was wearing right now. Damn.
Could she hide the pictures? Not likely. Oscar knew they’d been delivered and apparently Victor was expecting them. Do something. But what? Her mind whirred and finally she placed the envelope on the desk where it had been before, scooped up Jonathan and put the shovel back in the bucket.
“Come on, sweetie, Mommy needs to get something in the car.”
Jonathan pouted, probably thinking they would be driving again. He didn’t like long rides. “No, sweetie, I simply need to get something. We’ll come back in and see Grandpa in a minute.”
As she hurried through the entryway, Oscar appeared.
“Is everything all right, Miss Lansing?”
“Yeah, I uh… forgot the diaper bag for Jonathan in the car. I’ll be right back.”
She raced outside. Could she climb in the car and drive away? Drive far away and have Jack join her? Victor had contacts almost everywhere and he’d find her. He may not care about her as much but he’d want his grandson. He spoke incessantly about how Jonathan would inherit everything he owned and how he would groom him for that position. She’d die before she let it happen. Luckily, she had a few years.
Opening the car door, she deposited Jonathan next to her on the driveway and dove in. She ripped her sneakers off her feet, shoved them under the seat, and pulled out a pair of worn flip flops. It was all she had. They’d have to do. It was hardly the right footwear for October but if the alternative was having Victor know she and Jack had been together, she’d go with cold toes.
After sliding her feet into the beach wear, she grabbed the diaper bag and took the boy’s hand to walk leisurely back in. Her heart started slowing down as she got closer to the house. The pictures…Victor had something to do with the shooting. But how had he gotten the information? And from whom?
Oscar was waiting for her to open the door and let her reenter. She smiled at him, hoping he wouldn’t notice she was now wearing different shoes, ones that were inappropriate for the chilly day. How much did he know of what went on? He was loyal, for sure, but did he approve of what Victor did or was he happy to get the large paycheck he most likely got?
“Oh, Callina, dear,” Victor said, as he entered the hallway from his meeting. His assistant was right behind him. Pascucci threw a look at Callie that couldn’t be called friendly then narrowed his eyes at Jonathan. What did the man have against her? He was never rude, but he obviously didn’t like her. Did he know her true opinion of Victor? Doubtful or he’d be telling the mob boss.
Pascucci gave a brief nod then walked away.
“I’m so glad you came down today. And Jonathan, how is my grandson doing?”
Her son jumped up and down chanting, “Hi Dampa. Hi Dampa. Hi Dampa.”
Victor’s eyebrows rose. “Enthusiastic today, aren’t we? Maybe we should find something for you to do to expel some of that energy. Would you like to go to the playroom until dinner, Jonathan?”
The child squealed, “Yup,” and continued to jump up and down.
She took his hand, apologizing. “Sorry, Victor, the long ride, you know. The playroom would be great.”
“Why don’t you head down, my dear, and I’ll follow you in a minute. I have to check on something in my office first.”
She nodded and walked down the hall. The playroom was in the back of the house and she had to admit it was nice of Victor to set the room up. He’d put all sorts of toys and games for a young child to play with. Jonathan loved the little slide and the toddler trampoline in there. Of course it also kept him occupied so Victor wouldn’t have to entertain him. Not that her son would ever be here without her around.
As she walked by the office, she slowed down, peeking in. Victor gazed down intently at the pictures she’d viewed before. And he was scowling. Did he realize it was her? Would he storm out, demanding to know what she was doing with the man who’d killed his son? No, she’d looked hard at the pictures and with the hood and jacket, you couldn’t even tell how big or small she was. Unfortunately, her hips in jeans were a dead giveaway it was a woman.
He put the pictures in his drawer and she scuttled away from the door. As Victor emerged, his brows drew together and his lips tightened as he looked at her and Jonathan who were a small way down the hall.
She made it seem as if they were just coming back. “Jonathan wanted you to see him go down the slide by himself. He ran back here before I could catch him. Are you done with your business?”
Victor nodded and followed them to the back of the house. Sensing his grim mood, she grew nervous. But then she thought of Jack stroking her heated skin, kissing her nipples, and she knew she needed him in her life as much as Jonathan did. Maybe she could do a little snooping herself, disguised as concern, of course.
“Is everything all right, Victor? You seem a little distracted.”
They entered the playroom and Jonathan ran to the toddler slide, yelling for everyone to watch him. She turned caring eyes to Victor, hoping maybe he’d confide in her.
“It’s nothing you need to worry about, my dear. Thank you.”
Reaching out, she touched his arm, something she rarely did. But maybe showing some compassion might help her reach the man, make him slip up in some way.
“I don’t like to see you so troubled. Is it the package Oscar brought in? I saw him deliver something to your office. I hope it didn’t upset you.”
Victor patted the hand on his arm. “You are too sweet, Callina. It’s one of the things Angelo loved about you. He always said you would be the perfect wife for a man like him. The package contained pictures of the monster who killed my son. He was almost within reach but somehow got away. I assure you we will find him and make him pay for what he did.”
Tears welled in her eyes and she looked away. Victor patted her hand again.
“I know, my dear, I miss him, too.”
He thought her tears were for Angelo. Well, let him think it. In the meantime, she wondered if she could take another risk and find any useful information to help Jack.
They watched Jonathan scamper from toy to toy for a while then went to dinner when Oscar informed them it was ready. Dinner was solemn, Victor talking about all the wonderful things Angelo had done, and Callie trying to keep from cringing. Luckily, Angelo had never pushed her in the sex department. It was apparent to her he’d preferred men over women, and was the main reason she’d agreed to continue seeing him to help the cops. Well, and Jack. Something about Jack had pulled her in and made her want to be in his presence. She still wanted to be there.
After dinner, Victor led them into the family room and pulled out a photo album. Jonathan climbed up next to him as he opened the book. This was a ritual whenever they came here. At some point Jonathan would become confused with the pictures of Angelo, but for now, he liked looking at them. What would she tell him then?
As she watched, she thought more and more about the future. Jonathan called Jack ‘daddy’ now and had almost given that away at his birthday party. Could they keep it up? He was too young to understand he shouldn’t say things in front of Victor. It might become too risky. But the alternative was telling Jack to stay away and cutting all contact with his son. Her heart wept at the possibility.
An idea formed in her mind. Nothing too risky but perhaps she could find a little information that might be helpful. Pulling the diaper bag over, she took out her phone, muttering.
“Victor, my phone battery died. Do you think I could use yours? I promised Heather I would call her and let her know what time I’d be home tonight. She needed to pick up something she left at the house last week.”
“Of course, dear,” he said, offhandedly, still reminiscing with the photographs. “Use my office.”
Callie nodded her thanks, slipped her phone in her pocket then left the room. In his office she sat down at his desk and picked up his phone. Sure enough the cordless device stored all the numbers of recent calls. She quickly began to go through them, storing them in her own phone. Maybe they’d get lucky and one of the big wigs Victor had in his pocket had called recently.
She became so engrossed in this task she didn’t hear the door open until Oscar called to her.
“Miss, Mr. Cabrini says the young lad has fallen asleep on the couch.”
Shoving her phone back in her pocket, she hung up the one on the desk. “Thank you, Oscar. I guess it’s time to bring him home.”
Victor seemed uncomfortable when she walked in. Such a difference between him and Jack. Jack loved sitting with the sleeping boy in his lap. He’d stare at him, enjoying every second he had. Victor, on the other hand, looked like he had better places to be and needed the lump removed from his side.
“I’m sorry, Victor, Heather needed to tell me about her parents. Some problem they’re having with their house in Maui. I should get Jonathan in the car and head home.”
Scooping up her son, she rested him on her shoulder. “Thank you for dinner. It was wonderful as always.” She did mean that. Victor had one of the best cooks around.
He got to his feet, patted her shoulder then tousled Jonathan’s hair. The child barely stirred when she picked him up, put him in his car seat and drove away. At the first light, Callie clicked on her Bluetooth and pressed the number for Aunt Agatha. Jack would be worried when he saw her number. She never called him. Texting was one of her typical forms of communication. But she wanted him to know about the phone numbers.
As she waited for him to pick up, she said a little prayer that one of the numbers she’d gotten would be the key to Jack’s freedom. It would mean her freedom from Victor as well.
* * * *
“Mama, juice?”
Callie looked down from stacking brownies on a plate and smiled at her son.
“Hey, little cowpoke. You thirsty?”
Jonathan nodded and his cowboy hat slipped a bit. She pushed it back on his forehead then reached under the buffet table for the diaper bag with his sippy cup in it. She filled it with some of the juice on the table then handed it to him.
“Here you go, sweetie. Don’t drink it too fast.”
Jonathan took a few sips then handed it back, looking around the big room, his eyes wide as saucers. This was big doings for him. Last year he’d only been fourteen months old and she hadn’t done much with him for Halloween. The church housing the preschool he attended always threw a big party for the children and parents during the afternoon in lieu of going house to house at night, so she had allowed him to attend. And volunteered to help set up.
“Do you want to go pull some ducks out of the water, Jonathan? I think you get a prize if you get the right duck.”
He turned to see his teacher, Miss Sue, waving to him. Would he go over by himself or would he need her to go also? Which would she prefer? She wanted her baby to always need her but it would also be nice to have a few minutes to herself every now and then. Plus she needed to finish setting up the snack table.
The child shuffled his feet and looked from her to his teacher. Then Madison, one of the girls in his class, skipped to their teacher so he nodded vigorously and toddled her way. A bittersweet sigh slipped from her mouth as her little boy joined his classmate.
She watched for a minute, loving how Jonathan proudly showed off the hat, chaps, vest and bandanna of his cowboy outfit. Madison reciprocated showing off her wings and fairy wand. Callie set out a few more snacks then glanced at her own costume. Jonathan had insisted and she’d been told all the parents typically dressed up.
Her saloon girl dress was conservative compared to some Heather wanted her to wear. The cap sleeves did slip off her shoulders occasionally and the bustier part pushed her minimal chest into showing a bit more cleavage, but the skirt twirled all the way to her knees. High, lace up boots covered the rest of her legs. These were borrowed from Heather’s younger sister, Charlotte, and she laughed that the girl actually wore them out in public. The heels were at least three inches.
Having finished the snack table, she wandered around making sure the children were having a good time and keeping a constant eye on her son. He barely acknowledged her. Galloping on his stick horse from game to game, he enjoyed every minute with the other children.
What would it be like if Jonathan had other children at home to play with? This thought entered her mind far too often. She was only twenty-six, plenty of time to have other children, but would it ever happen? Would her circumstances ever allow her that kind of relationship with another man?
And could she ever love someone the way she loved Jack? Loved. In the past tense? He was still in their life, yet he wasn’t. So close and yet so far. The familiar words haunted her at times, especially when she saw other parents interacting with their children and showing such love and affection for each other. She wanted that. But she wanted it with Jack.
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. Get yourself out of the doldrums and concentrate on making sure the children are having a good time. Looking around, she could tell they were. And so were most of the parents, though the occasional dad seemed uncomfortable in his costume, probably one his wife made him wear.
Scanning the variety of costumes, she spotted another cowboy, this one much bigger than her son. He was tall and lean, the long duster unable to hide the firm chest and trim hips. His cowboy hat tipped low over his forehead and his bandanna covered the lower half of his face. Obviously, a vigilante who’d just robbed a train or a bank.
His appearance stirred something inside her, making her uncertain though not necessarily in a bad way. Who was he? She knew most of the dads from the preschool. Not that you could tell with half his face hidden. No wife seemed to linger anywhere nearby to keep the single moms away.
She kept her eye on him as he strolled along the outskirts of the room, his gaze focused on the children. Who was he looking for? Or looking at? As her eyes followed the direction he faced, she saw Jonathan attempting to throw a bean bag into a witch’s cauldron. The man was looking at her son.
Her protective instincts kicking up, she bustled across the room. Maybe his gaze was innocent but she needed to know who he was and why he was checking out her son. She moved up behind him, attempting to see under the brim of the hat.
His body tensed and he turned. Lifting his chin, the bandanna slipped lower. Familiar steel-gray eyes bore into hers.
“Happy Halloween, Calico.”