Love of a Marine (The Wounded Warriors Series Book 2) (13 page)

“What day and time?”

“I’ll find out for sure on Sunday,” Graciella said. “We’re going to Cluny’s house so Santos can show him how to make brigadeiros for a 4th of July barbecue. It will be at the home of Amber’s parents next Wednesday. The annual event is attended by former and current members of the military and their families.”

“Macfearsome told me practice is on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and the games are all on Saturday.” He smiled at his grandfather. “So you’ll take me? And come to all the games?”

“I wouldn’t miss it. You can count on me.”

“We’ll both come to your games.” Lillian nodded at Graciella. “Will you be there on Saturdays? I know you usually have the school open.”

“Yes, I’m only conducting one morning class on Saturdays all summer. The games don’t start until two.”

She raised her hands. “How about a round of Mexican Train Dominoes while we make room for dessert? I made
pudim
.”

Earl stood and began clearing dishes. He waggled his eyebrows and grinned at Graciella. “Did I ever tell you you’re my favorite daughter-in-law?”

“High praise, Earl, considering I’m your only daughter-in-law.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Thursday, Spring Grove

Cluny wondered how dinner was going with Graciella and her in-laws. He ate in front of the TV while watching a baseball game. Queen lay on her back taking up three quarters of the couch, snoring away as if she were exhausted. All she’d done was lie on the porch for hours and watch him sweat in the hot sun mowing the lawns and trimming the hedges on either side of his property. He was the one who should be snoring, but instead he was alert and restless.

He could think of nothing all day but Graciella, their kiss, and the feel of her soft mouth brushing the side his neck. She stirred something deep within him that he couldn’t quite identify. She was different from any other woman he’d ever been attracted to, mature and beautiful in a very sexy womanly way. His heart pounded whenever he pictured her in that bright green bikini. All golden skin and fabulous curves. She was thoughtful, kind, and laughed at his lame humor. Graciella had it all—and he wanted it all.

The woman and her son had come into his life at the time when he’d reconciled to living alone and enjoying family life vicariously through the Dempsey’s. They’d appeared during one of the worst, most depressing weeks he could remember. First the boy, then his mother. He dared to think it possible they’d come together in some preordained way, and he feared the flame of hope struggling to ignite in his heart would be extinguished.

She’d seen what could happen. Graciella held his hand, encouraged him to talk to her, trust her. Up to this point, he’d done everything possible to hide his PTS. He desperately wanted the love and comfort of a woman. A woman to come home to. A woman he could talk to and laugh with, or sit quietly and watch TV or read without need for conversation. A woman to share those intimate, safe moments, knowing he could be himself without worrying about horrified, frightened responses leading to rejection. He dared hope Graciella was that woman.

At ten o’clock, he put the popcorn bowl aside, snapped off the TV, and stretched. He wanted to go to her right now. “Why not?” He pulled his loafers on, grabbed his wallet and keys and headed for the door. “Come on, Queenie, we’re going for a ride.”

All the way across the pass through the Santa Susana Mountains on the 118 Freeway he grinned, shook his head and asked himself what he thought he was doing. “Am I nuts, girl?”

She cocked her head from side to side, tongue hanging out of her grinning mouth.

“Is that a yes?” He bumped her nose with his fingers.

So what was he planning to do, other than cruise by her apartment building then turn around and go home? He’d see them on Sunday. He had plenty to keep him busy between now and then. His crew would return to work on Monday. They had a big job lined up starting that day. It would take most of the week to complete it, with taking the 4th off on Wednesday. “Go home, idiot!”

Queen lifted her majestic head from between her paws and stared. He laughed and patted her. “It’s OK. We’ll just drive past their place then leave. You’re right. I’m nuts. I’ll turn up ahead and we’ll go home.”

She sprang up and searched the area, made a small woof, put a paw on the dashboard as he turned into the parking lot of the complex, tail thumping on the seat when she recognized the building where her pal, Santos, lived.

He fully intended to drive right through to the other exit and leave. But he didn’t. He parked near the stairs leading to her apartment. One small light shone from her window. He stared at it for several seconds. It went out. “Aw, hell.”

Reaching for the driver’s side handle, he mumbled, “Be right back,” stepped out of the car and bolted up the steps. He rapped lightly on the door and was about to turn around and avoid making a fool of himself when the light inside blinked on. A shadow passed before the peephole. He took a step back so he’d be well-lighted under the porch lamp and waited. A wide grin he couldn’t stop grew on his face.

The handle turned. He waited. Graciella peeked through a one-inch crack, her eyes round and wary. “Cluny?”

“Hello, gorgeous.” His smile morphed into a chuckle.

She pulled open the door. Then she began to laugh. “What are you doing here?” She shook her head. “I don’t know why I’m laughing, but you look so silly with that big grin on your face.”

He didn’t answer, just smiled wider and chuckled louder.

“What are you doing here, Cluny?” She stepped forward and put her fingers over his lips. “Shhh, you’ll wake Santos.” He caught her fingers between his teeth, and she snatched them back squeaking with alarm.

He leaned close to her ear. “Shhh, don’t want to wake Santos.”

“Well, for heaven’s sake. For the third time… What do you want?”

“I’m not sure, but I think I came to kiss you goodnight.”

“What!” she hissed. “You came all the way over here at this hour to kiss me goodnight?”

“Sounds better when you say it.” He wriggled his eyebrows, unable to take his eyes off her sexy, soft mouth, and shrugged.

She crossed her arms and nodded. “Well then, what are you waiting for?”

What
was
he waiting for? He took a step forward, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her. Twice. On a sigh, he stepped back. “Nice robe.”

She stared, opened her mouth to say something, but then didn’t.

His hands drifted down her arms. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

* * *

Graciella wasn’t sure how long she stood there in the open doorway, his kiss still warm and tingling on her lips. Her face glowed from the feel of his hands against her cheeks. She placed fingers to her mouth, smiled, and whispered, “He drove all the way from Spring Grove to Chatsworth to kiss me goodnight.”

“Who did, Mama?”

She jumped and closed the door. “Santos, you startled me.”

“I heard you talking to somebody. It sounded like Macfearsome. Was that him?”

Her face flushed, a deep warm buzz of embarrassment prevented her from answering for a moment. She cleared her throat and switched off the hall light. “Um…yes, it was Mr. McPherson. Now let’s get you back to bed.”

Santos yawned. “Did he forget something? Is that why he was here? It’s kinda late.”

Her hand on his shoulder, she directed him down the hall. “Yes, he forgot something.”

“What?” He stopped and looked directly at her in the dimly lighted hall at his bedroom door.

There was no way she would satisfy him with anything but the truth. She wasn’t in the habit of lying to her son and she wasn’t going to start now.

Just answer the question, Graciella. Keep it short and simple.

“Yes. He forgot to kiss me goodnight.” Her jaw clenched, waiting for his next question.

“That’s nice. Night, Mama.” He stumbled sleepily to his bed. Lay on his side facing the wall and pulled the blankets up to his neck.

All that worry for nothing. Santos accepted the kiss as the most natural thing for his mother and
Macfearsome
.

Graciella went back to make sure she’d locked the door, then proceeded to her bedroom. Every muscle in her body vibrated. She’d be lucky if she didn’t have to read a hundred pages of her bedside book before getting sleepy.

She slipped off her robe and slid between the sheets. It was very warm. Should she turn on the air conditioner? No, it wasn’t the heat of the evening she felt—it was the heat of Cluny’s kiss. She sighed, hugged her upper arms, and replayed the vision of his face moving close then closer to hers, the simple declaration of his purpose for being there. His smiling mouth pressing hers. His big hands gliding down her arms. His abrupt
mission accomplished
departure.

* * *

Friday morning

“We’re running a little late, Santos. Finish your oatmeal and bring your toast with you.”

“Why do I have to go to Grampa’s house? Why can’t I come with you today?”

“I told you I have some errands to run after I close the studio. I’m going to shop for a dress and you’d be bored silly. You’d distract me to the point where it would take twice as long. Just put on a happy face and spend the day with your grandparents, please.” She jingled her car keys.

What she didn’t say was the reason why she wanted to go shopping after work. She wanted to find something new to wear to the barbecue on the 4th. Cluny would be introducing her to his friends. It was silly, sure, because she had clothes she could wear to the party, and he’d never seen any of them, but all the same. She’d dress up for him next week; make him glad he’d invited her. And Santos, of course. He’d invited both of them.

“Bring your new mitt. You and Earl can practice. He’ll help you get ready for the baseball team.”

“OK.” He sighed reluctantly and went to his bedroom.

Her gaze followed him. She loved him so much, but she had to face facts—he spent far too much time with her. He needed more male companionship. She was so glad Earl had agreed to shuttle him to the park league in Spring Grove three days a week. She’d go to the games on Saturday afternoons and drive him home, but the other two afternoons he’d be with his grandfather and Cluny at the park. It was a good plan for both of them.

The day at Rio Samba dragged for her even though she’d enjoyed the classes and had a great idea to add a costume design contest for her summer students, young and old. Santos suggested a mini “Carnival at Rio Samba” in September before the start of school. Her students were on board and excited about the project. It would be a lot of work, but a lot of fun too.

At three thirty she locked the door and climbed into her car. First stop Macy’s.

An hour later she nearly headed back to Chatsworth, not having found anything to her liking within her budget. Instead she paused for an Orange Julius and then drove the short distance to Nordstrom’s Rack. Later she would swear she saw the dress from across the big sales floor the second she’d entered the store. It called to her like a homing beacon broadcasting in her head. It was perfect. She could afford it!

Graciella rushed to the fitting rooms and waited impatiently for one to become available.

“Let me know if you need any help,” a store employee said. “Different size or anything.”

“Oh, thanks. This one is a ten. I think it’ll fit.”

“I don’t know. You look more like an eight to me. There’s a smaller one on the return rack. It’s the same dress, but slightly different colors. I’ll get it.”

The woman was right. The dress was a little roomy around the waist. Frowning, she hoped the other one would fit her and she’d like it as much.

A light rap on the door, then, “Here’s the size eight. This label tends to run larger.” She laughed. “I guess they want all their customers to feel good. I’ll hang it over the door for you.”

The dress fluttered over the door, and Graciella’s breath caught. The colors were perfect. Shades of rose, claret, and amethyst flowers splashed over a pale lavender background. “Oh this is lovely. I hope it fits.”

The size was perfect. The strapless sundress with modest tucking of the bodice and full skirt set her figure off to the nth degree. “Oh, wow. I love this.”

“Can I tell you something, honey?” The saleswoman tapped lightly on the door again. When Graciella opened it, she stood back and gave her two thumbs up. “It was made for you.” She reached forward and picked up the hem. “See this tiny spot of lipstick?” she whispered. “I never said this, but if you complain about it at the register, they’ll give you another ten percent off.”

Graciella gasped. “I never would have seen it if you hadn’t pointed it out to me. Thank you so much.” She tilted her head. “What have you got behind your back?”

The smiling lady held up a pair of glittery summer sandals covered with fake gems the same colors as the flowers in the dress. “Size ten. Am I right?” She handed them over. “Originally ninety bucks. I just marked them down to fifteen. They’re last season’s overstock of larger sizes. Want to try them on?”

Graciella stepped into the sandals and did a happy pirouette. “I’ll never complain about big feet again.”

“I don’t know who the lucky man is, but when he sees you in this outfit he’ll probably fall to his knees. Enjoy the moment, sweetie.” She winked and approached another customer.

Sure enough, they took off another ten percent. She walked out of the store on a cloud of euphoria, realizing that’s just what she wanted to do—bring the man who’d shown up so late on her doorstep to kiss her goodnight to his knees.
No, not really, but it would be nice.
That thought filled her with happiness all the way home.

* * *

“OK, Queen, just like yesterday, it’s time to kiss my girl goodnight.” Cluny hung up the dishtowel, grabbed his wallet and keys, and they left through the door between the kitchen and garage. He grinned while the door rolled up, tapping his fingertips impatiently against the steering wheel.