If You Only Knew (And Then Came Love Book 1) (6 page)

“Would tomorrow be okay?”

“Trying to get rid of me?”

“No, I’m not in a rush. I have the day off and it’s payday. I can pick up what I need on my way home from the bank.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“Favorite type of food?”

“My last name’s Vitalli. My grandfather arrived by boat – from the Tuscany region.”

“I’m not sure if it will compare, but I can arrange some Italian food.”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine. Think we could have lunch on Thursday?”

“I thought you said tomorrow? I’m working all day.”

“I meant, let’s have lunch together at a restaurant.”

“Three meals in three days, people may insinuate we’re dating.”

“Let them talk. If this were a date, I’d say we broke all the cardinal rules. Talking exes, money, and health issues.” Julian smiled.

“I kind of liked it. Less formal, no pretending to be someone we’re not.”

“Maybe we should have non-dates more often. We’ll say we’re becoming fast friends and see how it goes from there.” The waiter arrived with the folder. Julian signed the receipt, put his card in his wallet, and stood to pull Liza’s chair out.

“You’re a walking talking contradiction.” Liza turned around to face him.

“How do you mean?”

She rested a hand on his chest. “One minute you’re looking at me like you want to devour me and the next you’re the perfect gentleman.”

“I’m far from perfect, babe.” Julian caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “But I  may be perfect for you.”

“Down Casanova.” Liza laughed and they headed out the door.

*****

Liza’s lack of sleep caught up with her on the ride to Bryton and she found herself drifting. She was comfortable with Julian. Even after learning of his job and the fact he smoked pot, she was comfortable enough to fall asleep while he was driving.

When she opened her eyes, they were in his driveway. “I thought you were taking me home?”

“I thought we’d stop here for a bit before I drove you home. If you’re okay with it?”

“I suppose I could stay for a bit. I am pretty tired though.”

Julian led her into the house and then into the kitchen. “Coffee or something stronger?”

“A little coffee would be best,” she told him. “I don’t drink a lot. A little goes a long way.”

“I can drink a pot and fall asleep.” He set about making coffee as she sat in the stool she had the night before.  “Why don’t you wait in the library? I’ll bring your coffee to you.”

“Lots of milk and a little sugar.”

“I’ve got hazelnut creamer if you’re interested.”

“Even better. Skip the sugar and use creamer instead.” She headed out of the kitchen and around the corner to the library. Rows of bookshelves lined the walls.

Sitting on the sofa turned out to be a bad idea. She was half-asleep by the time Julian joined her. He sat down next to her, which woke her and handed her a cup of coffee. She took a sip and smiled. “Perfect.” He sat close enough, their legs were touching.

“Good. I figured you for a more creamer than coffee kind of girl.” He smiled and draped his arm across the couch, his fingers stroking her back. “Movie?”

“I don’t think I’m awake enough.”

His fingers brushed her neck and he trailed them under her scarf. “You should take this off.” His lips were close enough to her ear, she could feel his breath.

“Julian—”

He tugged the scarf from her neck and his fingers returned to trace the line of her neck up into her hair.

Even though there was nothing but heat trailing anywhere he caressed her, she shivered at his touch. She inhaled his scent his cologne masculine, but fresh and reminded her of the ocean.

He traced her jaw line and turned her head so she was facing him. Tilting her head back he brought his lips down to meet hers.

Her eyes drifted closed. The kiss was everything she expected it to be. Gentle, but firm. His lips soft. Her lips parted and his tongue danced with hers.  

Thoughts of the last twenty-four hours flooded her mind. Was this his way of asking her to repay him? She brought her hands up to his chest and pushed. “I thought neither one of us was ready for the relationship thing?”

“It doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun.” He flashed that smile.

The smile almost made Liza melt, but she held to her gut. “Sorry, I can’t. I’m not a friends with benefits kind of girl.” Her voice was quiet.

Julian brushed a kiss against her neck. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

Liza scooted over on the couch and put distance between them. “You’re not used to people telling you no, are you?”

“I thought . . . when you told Drew about what you thought of me—”

Liza laughed. “I was trying to help you save face.”

“Then I’m not sexy?” He pouted.

“Sexy’s an understatement.” The words were out before she knew what she was saying.

He grinned and scooted closer to her again.

Liza changed her tact. “You are a fine looking man. However, I don’t pay debts with sex.”

“Whoa.” Julian held up his hands. “None of this had anything to do with payment. You don’t owe me anything, Liza. My kissing you has nothing to do with anything other than my attraction to you.”

Liza’s cheeks reddened. “I’m sorry, I—”

“It’s all right. I didn’t realize that was the impression I as giving off. My bad.” There was a rosy glow to his cheeks. “Sex shouldn’t be used as payment for any kind of debt.”

“I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I feel like an idiot.” She rested her head in her hands.

“Far from it. From what I’ve seen, you’re intelligent, fun loving, and have one helluva hot body.”

She felt warm all over.

“I’m interested to see how far your blush goes.” He ran his finger under her collar.

Heat raced from her cheeks to her toes. “It’s going to go all the way to my feet if you keep it up. People don’t talk to me like that.”

“They’re blind if they don’t.”

“You’re full of it.”

“You’re beautiful, Liza. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Liza lowered her head. “Thank you.” She picked up her coffee cup.

“Why don’t you finish your coffee and I’ll take you home? I think I’ve made an ass out of myself enough this evening.”

“You’ve been wonderful.”

“Until I put the moves on you and you thought I wanted you to be a hooker.”

“That was me making an ass out myself.” She glanced at her watch and saw it was after eleven. “Maybe I should go home.”

“Come on. We’ll have a do over tomorrow, if you’re up for it?” He stood and pulled her into a standing position. They headed outside into the night.

*****

It was after midnight when Julian arrived home. He was in the lab at his computer when he decided to call Mac. He'd be awake — especially if it meant he'd be making money.

"Don't tell me you need a new car already?" Mac said instead of a greeting.

"It's not for me. It's for a friend." Julian rubbed his eyes. He needed to sleep tonight.

"Okay, so what kind of car is your friend after?"

"I need you to pull five cars — sensible, safe, low mileage. Last year’s models. Keep them around fifteen thousand."

"Doesn't sound like a friend of yours at all!”

Julian laughed. "Just do it. Give Nick the sale. And Mac — if anyone asks, even Nick. Insurance is paying for every dime."

Chapter Four

March 21
st

Julian snatched his cell phone from the counter. Dressed only in his gray pajama pants, he sipped his coffee, headed toward the library, and dialed Liza’s number as he went. He placed his coffee on the coffee table and put his bare feet up next to it, waiting for her to answer.

“Hello?” Her voice was harried.

“Good morning, did I wake you?”

“No . . . I was getting ready to head to the bank.”

“Damn, I was hoping to have you in bed with me this morning.” Terrible line, but if she laughed, it was worth it.

“Have any of these lines worked for you?” She giggled.

“I wanted to start my day hearing you laugh. So yeah, it worked.” He picked up the half of a joint from the ashtray. “I called to see if you’d like your new car today.”

“What?”

“The insurance company called they have five cars lined up for you at the dealership. Why don’t we take a cab and head over there this morning?”

“I didn’t expect it so soon.”

“Let’s say my family is well connected in the industry and, well, things tend to get done a little quicker than usual. I’ll meet at your place and then head over to the dealership.” Julian lit up the joint and took a hit.

“I guess, if you have everything worked out, we might as well do it today. Why don’t I meet you at the dealership? If it goes well, you can drive your car home.”

“Don’t worry about my car, we’ll take a cab.”  

“I have to run to the grocery store and the bank after this, so you if you have to get to work, you may want to take your car.”

“We’ll spend your day off together.”

“What about work?”

Julian chuckled. “I don’t have a deadline right now and no real hours. The plants tend to do the whole growing thing by themselves.”

“I want your job. No set hours, taking off whenever you please. Yep, I want that job.”

“It makes it convenient when you meet a hot woman you’re trying to impress.” He took another hit off the joint, inhaled deeply, held it before exhaling through his nose. The speed of his thoughts slowed, he could feel the mellowing. This batch worked well, maybe he’d found the right hybrid. He rolled the joint in his fingers to put it out and placed it back in the ashtray.

She laughed. “I guess I’ll see you in a little bit.”

“Give me twenty.” He ended the call and headed upstairs to get dressed.

*****

Liza threw the shirt on her bed and once again scanned her closet. Getting dressed should not be this hard. “There’s no relationship.” She pulled a black tank top over her head.  

The doorbell rang interrupting her internal freak out session. She picked up the gray sweater with red and black stripes from her bed and donned it as she hurried to the door.

She opened the door to let him in.

He smiled. “Morning.”

Liza blinked, twice. Her brain scrambled at the mere sight of him lounging against her door jam in jeans and a flannel shirt. He looked like he’d come from a cover shoot for Playgirl. She averted her eyes and stepped back. “Hi.” She motioned for him to come inside.

He ambled into the apartment, closer to her than she expected him to get.

She raised her foot to retreat.

He caught her chin and lifted it until their eyes met. Capturing her bottom lip between his, he tugged gently, sending tingles down her spine.

The kiss was short, but he left her lips burning.

“Now, it’s a good morning.”

“Yes.” Liza brought her fingers to her lips.

His eyes were fixated on her. His stare intense and full of desire. He shifted his body and cleared his throat. “Ready to go?”

“Umm—”
Should she change again?
“Let me put some shoes on and I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time.”

She peered over her shoulder at him as she was heading to her bedroom. Her face reddened. He was staring at her ass. She hurried into her bedroom and picked up her short black boots from the floor, put them on, and then zipped them. She stood, straightening her pants, and taking a final glance at herself in the mirror. Nowhere near the caliber of woman a man as sexy as he was should be dating, but she was acceptable.

She snagged her purse and headed into the living room. “Ready?”

“Yep.” He opened the door for her.

Liza locked the door and stepped into the hallway.

“You look fantastic.” They headed toward the elevator.

“Thank you.” She brushed her hair behind her ear as they waited for the elevator.

The doors opened and they entered the elevator. She stood across from him. “Sleep well last night?”

“Not bad, I guess.”

“Really?” Julian reclined against the wall. “I swore you’d be exhausted this morning.” A toothy grin spread across his face, the one that never failed to make her giggle.

Liza crossed her arms and scanned his face. She knew another one of his crazy come-on lines was coming. And yet, she couldn’t remain silent, she couldn’t wait to hear how bad it would be. “Why?”

“Because you’ve been running through my mind all night, babe.”

She threw her head back in hysterics and holding her stomach. “Are you for real?” They exited the elevator and headed out of the building.

“Come on, it wasn’t that funny.”

“You’re right – it was hilarious.”

They exited the building and moved toward the waiting cab. Julian opened the rear door for her and then slid in next to her. She glided over further, but he caught her hand. “Sit next to me.”

Liza smiled and buckled her seat belt. Heat radiated through her body his leg pressed against hers and his arm around her. Had there been a change in the relationship? He was being awfully affectionate.

“We’re heading to the car lot on the corner of Fifth and Jefferson.” He told the cabbie.

*****

Julian went to put his arm around Liza as they walked toward the dealership.

She spun away and cocked her head to the side as if thinking about something.

“What?” There was something going on in her head and he knew it.

“You’re—” She shook her head, and reached for the door.

“Wait a minute.” Julian caught up and put a restraining hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not trying to be rude, because I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but—” She pulled at her ear. “For someone who doesn’t want to be in a relationship you’re kind of touchy feely.”

Julian arms dropped to his sides. “It’s not every day I’m in the presence of a woman as beautiful as you.”

She huffed and whirled away from him.

He groaned. His comment came out sounding like a line when he hadn’t meant it to. “Liza.”

“Lines will only get you so far, Julian.” She opened the door.

“Shit.” He followed her into the building and halted in front of her. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t meant to sound like a line. You’re a gorgeous woman.”

“I’m sorry, too, but it’s not going to happen.”

“What?” He placed a hand on her arm, but she yanked it away. He settled for shoving his hands in his pockets. Fighting the urge to touch her was hard.

“Sex.”

“Excuse me?” He raised his eyebrows. “When did sex enter this conversation?”

“You’re going out of your way to touch me at every turn. I don’t do casual sex.”

“I never said you did.”

“Then understand this. Without a relationship, it’s not going to happen.”

Julian opened his mouth to say something, but a woman strolled over to them interrupting their conversation.

“Can I help you?” The woman directed the question to Julian.

Julian flashed a smile and out of the corner of his eye, he saw Liza shake her head. “Is Nick around?”

“I’ll get him for you.” The woman walked away.

He turned to face Liza. “Why are you shaking your head?”

She tapped her foot. “You’re such a flirt.”

“Me?”

Liza let out a heavy gust of air while a scowl settled on her face. “First you flirt with me. Then you bat your eyes at the sales woman. How do I know Nick isn’t short for Nichole and you’re looking for a ménage a trois?”

“Whoa, slow down.” He held up his hands in a gesture of surrender.

She slapped her hands on her hips. “No. You were all over me last night. You kissed me first thing this morning. And until I mentioned it to you, you couldn’t keep your hands off of me.” Her voice was low, but he could tell she was about to lose it. “You didn’t ask. You decided — we’d spend the day together. We’re having lunch together tomorrow.” Pointing a finger at him, she kept up the rant. “And yet you flirt with every woman in the room, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.”

He bit his lower lip to keep from smiling. She must have noticed, because her eyes narrowed.

“What’s so funny?”

He found her facial expression adorable. Her cheeks rosy, her lips pinched and her nostrils flared. Good, he was getting under her skin as much as she was under his.

“Hey, Uncle Julian.” Nick came out to meet them. “Mac said everything was set up through the insurance company. We’ve got the five choices for your friend.”

Julian gestured to Nick and looked at Liza, a smug grin on his face. “Liza, this is my nephew, Nick. Nick, Liza.”

Liza pursed her lips and glared at Julian, before turning to Nick. “Your uncle’s an ass.” She shook Nick’s hand.

“Yeah, so?” Nick said.

Julian threw his head back and laughed. He stooped down bringing his lips close to her ear. “You sure know how to turn me on, babe.” He ran a finger down her neck and her body shivered. He took a step back and she frowned.

“You two are cute.” Drew slapped a hand against Julian’s back.

“How long have you been standing there?” Julian raised his eyebrow.

“Oh God, not you, too?” Liza said.

“Uncle Drew.” Nick nodded.

“For not dating, you two spend a lot of time together.” Drew smirked.

Julian narrowed his eyes.

“Is there a tattoo on your neck?” Liza stretched to see Drew’s tattoo.

Julian’s glare continued as Drew tilted his head to show Liza the phoenix tattoo. “One of many.”

“I like it,” Liza said. “I’ve always wanted one, but I don’t have the nerve, nor the extra money.”

“If you’re done flirting with my brother, I thought we’d look at cars now.” Julian frowned then rolled up the sleeves of his shirt to reveal part of his own tattoos.

“Why haven’t I seen these before?” Liza looked at Julian’s arms. She traced the back of a man dressed in a long coat with a top hat was the focal point of the bottom of his left arm, standing next to a river. He turned his arm over so she could see Big Ben in the background. A newspaper article with the headline including the word Murder flowed onto the other side.

“Murder?” She read the word. “Isn’t that kind of dark? The detail work is incredible.” He pulled the sleeve up on his other arm so she could see part of the skulls and raven tattoo on his right arm. “Do they go all the way up both arms?”

Julian nodded glad to have her attention again. Damn, he was losing it. How did he go from someone who didn’t want a relationship to being jealous his brother had her attention for a couple seconds? Maybe he shouldn’t spend the rest of the day with her.

“They’re both complete sleeves. I’ll show you later. The left arm is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The right one has ravens and skulls all the way up.”

“Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Louis Stevenson?” Liza smiled as she traced one of the birds with her finger. “I didn’t think of you as someone who liked the classics.”

Her gentle touch had him imagining how her hands would feel on other parts of his body.

She followed the line of a scar on his right arm and inspected it closer.

He jerked his arm away and jerked his sleeve down.

She cocked her head and he could see the questions.

“Now who’s being touchy feely?”

Liza spun around to Nick. “You were going to show me cars?”

“Yes.” Nick nodded and the two of them headed over to where the cars were.

Drew hit him on the back of the head. “You’ve got it bad.”

“What?” Julian knew what his brother was referring to, but he wasn’t going to admit it. He wanted Liza – that was all.

“You’re practically in love with her,” Drew told him.

“You’re nuts.” Julian stammered. “The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. For Christ’s sake, we only met two days ago.” Of course, now that Drew brought it up the “L” word flashed in big letters in his mind. Two days ago — he met her two days ago. It was nothing but sexual attraction.

Drew scoffed. “You pick-up everything about everyone else, but you’re clueless when it comes to you.”

“Like you and Ava?” Ava Steele was Ethan’s little sister. Better to get him off track fast.