Back to You: Bad Boys of Red Hook (19 page)

“Not really.” Bree looked away. “It’s nothing personal.”

“Right, I’m not sure which one of us you’re avoiding more, D.O.G. or me.”

“Does it matter?”

“You can’t avoid us forever.”

No, but she could try. But first she had to apologize. “I’m sorry.” There, she’d said it. Now it was done.

Storm’s eyes widened as if she’d hit him with a Taser. “I suppose I should ask what exactly you’re sorry for?”

“For what I said.”

“Breezy, you’ve said a hell of a lot in the last couple of days. Can you be a little more specific?”

“You’re not going to make this easy on me, are you?”

“I’m not trying to make it more difficult. I just don’t know what you’re apologizing for.”

“I was cruel last night. I didn’t mean to be, but it came to my attention that I didn’t take your feelings into account.”

Storm’s eyes zeroed in on her. “It came to your attention? How?” He stepped closer, getting into her face—or trying to. It was pretty hard since she was still standing on the bench. It was nice to have the height advantage for once.

Bree stared at Lady Liberty, since looking into Storm’s eyes was too difficult. “Rocki mentioned it.”

“And how did Rocki know what happened?”

Wow, he did a pretty good Dirty Harry impression. She looked down at him and then wished she hadn’t. He wasn’t too pleased. “I sort of told her.”

Uh-oh, now he had that whole I’m-gonna-kill-you-or-kiss-you thing going on, which for some sick reason, turned her on to no end. She wondered what it said about her. God, he made her so nervous, she flapped her arms like a damn goose until she brought her hands together and stopped herself from wringing them—or his neck. “I was mad at you.”

“Yeah, I caught that.” He still seemed to be debating
whether to kiss her or strangle her when he stuffed his hand in his pockets.

Bree’d rather have one of those hot, heady, angry kisses than the distance she felt now. “Rocki mentioned a few things, and, well, she might have had a point.”

“And what point would that be?”

“Do we really have to get into specifics?”

“It might help.”

He was right; it might help. She just wished she knew for sure that it wouldn’t hurt. If things got any worse, she’d end up in the bay. “Fine.” She was more unnerved by Storm than by the dog, so she jumped off the bench and stood by the railing, holding on to it for dear life and looking anywhere but at him and his damn dog. “Rocki said I was the bad guy. She said I treated you like a piece of meat.” She let out a breath, waiting for some kind of response.

Storm was right behind her, but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. Even the dog felt it—he whined, and it was not a happy whine either.

She could relate. Damn, Storm was going to drag her over the coals and force her into a full mea culpa. “That wasn’t my intention.”

“No, your intention was to turn me into your boy toy.”

“True, but I didn’t think it would hurt your feelings.”

“It didn’t.”

“See, I told Rocki you don’t have any feelings for me.”

“Yeah, well, that’s where you’re wrong.”

She turned and looked at him. He didn’t look mad now, not that he looked happy, just resigned. “I really am sorry.”

“Breezy.” He stepped so close, his body blocked the sun. “We have feelings for each other—some good, some
bad, some X-rated…. We need to get to know the people we’ve become before we can really figure out where we stand. I’m no more that kid who left here eleven years ago than you are the girl who stayed. We’re different people, and except for your aim with a frying pan, and your annoying habit of bringing up ancient history, I like what I’ve come to know about you so far. I like it a hell of a lot.”

“But I don’t know anything about you.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you?”

That movement alone was enough to have her heart galloping in her chest. When she added the deep, gravelly voice to the mix, she was surprised she didn’t melt like an ice cube in the summer sun. How did he do that?

“You know what I do for a living, you know I’m going to be here for a while, and you know we’re practically combustible.”

“I also know we fight like cats and dogs and we have nothing in common when it comes to what we want out of life.”

He stepped closer and placed his hands on either side of her, blocking her in. “How do you know that? You’ve never asked me what I want from life—just what I want from you. You assumed my life’s goals are the same goals I had a lifetime ago. Maybe you should put all your preconceived notions aside and get to know me. You might be surprised by what you find—unless you’re chicken.”

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“Prove it. Go out with me.”

“How? We’re supposed to be taking care of Pete and Nicki, remember?” When had he leaned into her? His chest pressed against hers, his eyes daring hers to look away.

“We’ll get a sitter. Pete and Nicki will be well taken care of, and you and I can spend some time together. I’ve got it covered—Rocki’s not working tonight, and she offered.”

Rocki was a traitor. “Isn’t that convenient?”

“I thought so.” His smile was back. This time, she couldn’t see it, but she sure as hell could feel it against her cheek, and the rough stubble of his beard, his breath on her ear, which had liquid heat pulsing through her.

“You don’t play fair.”

“All’s fair in love and war.”

“This is lust, not love.”

“Lust is definite; we’ll have to see about the rest.” His mouth hovered close, so close, she shut her eyes and waited for the fire she’d feel when he touched his lips to hers. The fire she always felt. The fire she all but craved. Then the sun’s light shot through her closed eyelids. When she opened them, he’d stepped back. “I’m going to finish D.O.G.’s walk. I’ll pick you up at your place at about seven.” He turned, and with a snap of D.O.G.’s leash, man and dog walked away.

Storm stepped off the pier and looked down at D.O.G., who looked back at him with questioning eyes. “There’s a method to my madness.” And it was madness—instead of kissing Bree, he’d walked away, and now he was talking to a dog. “Always leave them wanting more, boy.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket, reminding himself he still had yet to replace his brown belt, and dialed his friend’s number. “Thomas, it’s Storm Decker.”

“Wow, it’s great to hear from you. How are things down under?”

“I don’t know. I’m in New York. In Red Hook, actually. My dad just got out of the hospital, so I’m helping out for a while.”

“Is he going to be okay?”

“I think so. Listen, Tom. I need a favor. Would you consider lending me your boat for the night?”

“Just for a night? Hot date?”

“Yes and yes. I know it’s late notice, but I really need to impress her. You know, dinner, a moonlit sail, and privacy. Can you help me out?”

“Sure can. I’ll have my assistant arrange everything, Lord knows, she’s done it often enough for me.”

“Carly works on Sundays?”

“The news never sleeps, remember? Neither do newshounds. Carly’s always on call, not usually for things like this, but I have a feeling, for you, she’ll make an exception. If not, we’ll figure something out. One of us will give you a callback within the hour. Is there anything else you need?”

“A brown belt—a nice one.”

“Do I want to know the story behind that?”

“I’ll tell you over a beer this week. I owe you one, my friend.”

“No, you don’t. It’s the least I can do. I’ll send the belt with my car and driver. What time are we talking?”

“I said I’d pick her up at seven.”

“Good. I’m thinking drinks, dinner service, and dessert. Does she prefer Italian or French?”

“Whichever is more impressive. Breezy isn’t a picky eater.”

“French it is. I’ve got
No Censor Ship
docked at the North Cove Marina at Battery Park. Text me your address for my driver and your waist size and call me tomorrow.”

“Will do and, Tom, thanks for everything.”

“Enjoy her.”

“Are you talking about the boat or the girl?”

“Both.”

Storm had a smile on his face when he heard the call disconnect. Oh yeah, he’d definitely enjoy Breezy, and as for the boat, well, a boat like
No Censor Ship
was impossible not to enjoy.

 * * *

Pete had seen neither hide nor hair of Bree since Nicki and Storm brought the dog into the house. Rocki had stayed with him all afternoon, as if she were taking over for Bree. It wasn’t like Bree to just up and disappear.

Storm came into his room and saved him from another game of spider solitaire. “What the hell is going on? Where’s Bree?”

Storm sat at the foot of his bed, looking pleased with himself. “She’s at her place, I think. She’s afraid of dogs.”

“Well, shit. He’s just a pup.”

“I didn’t say it was rational. That dog would sooner lick her to death than hurt her, but that doesn’t seem to make a difference. Bree will come around; just give her some time.”

“That’s what I thought about the two of you, but time doesn’t seem to be helping matters there either.”

Storm shot him a smug look. “You’re wrong. I’m taking Bree out on a date tonight. Rocki’s agreed to baby, mutt, and old-fart sit for me.”

“I don’t need a damn babysitter.”

“I know that, and you know that, but do you think Bree would leave you and Nicki alone with a wild mutt? Besides, you’re in no shape to walk D.O.G. yet, and Nicki can’t take him out alone. Bree won’t even let her cross the street by herself.”

Pete shrugged. “Bree’s a bit overprotective, but can you blame her? Her mother made sure she saw a boogeyman around every corner.”

“It would have been nice if you’d clued me in on that. Bree had a fit when she found out I let Nicki drive.”

“You did what?”

“You heard me. I let Nicki take a spin around the parking lot down by the docks. It was no big deal.”

“I’m sure it was to Bree.”

“Yeah, I gathered that. Nicki sure had a good time, though.”

“I bet she did. Great, now I’ll have to start hiding my car keys again.”

Storm cracked a smile. “I’m surprised you stopped.”

“I kept forgetting where the hell I put them.”

“In your empty humidor.”

“And how long did it take you to figure that out?”

“About three days. The guys and I turned the house upside down one night while you were working.”

“That’s not all you did while I was downstairs working.”

Storm looked as if he had no idea what Pete was talking about, and that was fine for now. Pete had to figure out how to play this. His long-term plans changed the day he ended up in the hospital. Now he needed to do whatever he could to make sure Nicki was taken care of in case he wasn’t around. His heart attack scared the shit out of him and proved he wasn’t as invincible as he’d thought. “So, what time is this date of yours?”

“I told Bree I’d pick her up at about seven.” Storm stood. “How does stir-fry sound for dinner?”

“Are you cooking?”

“Yup. I learned a few things while I was away. I haven’t poisoned anyone yet, and I promise not to put any tofu in it. I’ll make sure there’s a lot of chicken so both you and Bree will be happy.”

“Fine, but I’d rather have a nice rare steak.”

“If I fed you steak, Bree would kill me. You really scared her, Pop.”

“She’s not the only one. It scared me too. I’ve got to talk to her.”

“Why don’t you wait to talk to her tomorrow? I hope she’ll be in a better mood then.”

Pete took a good look at Storm; his boy looked nervous. “You’d think she’d be in a good mood now. Isn’t she happy about going on a date with you?”

Storm rubbed the back of his neck. “Not really. I had to dare her. You know Bree can’t refuse a dare.”

“I hope to God you’ve got one hell of a date planned, because Bree isn’t one to just let someone steamroll her.”

“Tell me about it. I pulled out all the stops, Pop. If she doesn’t like the date I have planned, then that will be the end of whatever the hell this thing we have between us is.”

Pete laughed. “Son, if you don’t know what’s between you and Bree, then you have more problems than I thought. There’s only one thing between the two of you, and it’s the one thing you’ve been avoiding all your life.”

“Yeah, what’s that, oh wise one?”

“Love.”

Storm took a step back and all the color drained from his face.

“Not the answer you were expecting, huh?”

Storm didn’t reply.

“You know, son, I’ve known since you two were kids, but she was too young and you had things you needed to do. I always hoped that maybe someday, after you got your head on straight, you’d use the brains God gave you and figure it out on your own. I thought I’d better let you know since it’s as obvious as the nose on your face how you still feel about her, and I’m not getting any younger.
Besides, you’ve got some fancy footwork to do if you’re going to get past the wall Bree built up after you ran off. You broke her heart, and she’s never forgiven you for it.”

“I don’t know if I broke her heart, but I sure pissed her off.”

“And you’re still not going to tell me why you lit out of here as if you were being chased by the hounds of hell?”

“Pop, it’s not going to change anything.”

Pete wasn’t so sure. It just might change Storm’s whole world, but now wasn’t the time to get into it.

Storm rose, took a step toward the door, and then turned around.

“What is it?”

“I just wanted to say thanks.” Storm stuck his hands in his pockets and then rocked back on his heels. “Thanks for everything you’ve done for me, taking me in…well, everything. I don’t think I ever thanked you for being there for me all the time—even when I didn’t want you around.”

Pete laughed to keep from crying. “You’re my son. I love you. You’ll always be my son no matter where you go or what you do.”

Storm looked at his feet and nodded. “The feeling’s mutual. You’re the only dad I ever knew. You gave me a family. I don’t think I ever really understood it before now.”

Pete let out a breath and hid a smile. The boy still struggled with emotions. Pete hoped to hell he’d get a handle on it before Bree gave up on his ass.