Untangle My Heart (Tangled Hearts) (19 page)

“Maybe Christmas Eve since everyone will be there. You’re bringing Edward, aren’t you?”

Kate glanced down into her empty mug. “I don’t know. Edward and I aren’t exactly talking at the moment. I’m still pretty ticked about him lending money for the restaurant.”

“Yeah, I heard what happened from Vinnie. I swear that boy loves to gossip more than a woman. Have you spoken to Edward since Sunday?”

“No. He left that night for Vegas and doesn’t return until Friday afternoon.”

“Have you called him?”

Kate shook her head. “I don’t know what to say. Part of me appreciates that he wanted to help and the other part of me is annoyed he didn’t respect my wishes.”

“But wasn’t it Dad who didn’t want to tell you? It’s not like it was Edward’s fault.”

“Just whose side are you on, sis?”

“Yours, of course, but how long are you going to let Edward squirm?”

Kate couldn’t imagine Edward squirming. “He sent me flowers at work today. Red long-stemmed roses.”

“How can you stay mad at him now?”

“Very easily. Flowers are a nice start, but I may need to see if I can get him to grovel a bit more.”

Vicky grabbed the dirty plates and carried them to the kitchen. “Oh, you’re terrible. Don’t do anything to mess this up. He’s quite a catch.”

Yes he was, Kate thought, placing the remaining napoleons in the fridge. But she wasn’t going to fall victim to another handsome face.

The doorbell rang.

“Are you expecting someone?” Vicky asked.

“No one but you.”

Kate glanced through the peep hole but didn’t see anyone outside. She opened the door to find a long, white floral box on the ground. More roses from Edward? If he planned to grovel, she’d hoped he’d be more original.

She looked down the hall, and finding it empty, brought the box in the apartment.

“More flowers? Looks like today’s your lucky day,” Vicky said, eyeing the box.

Kate wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t feel lucky at the moment. In fact, the whole thing felt off. Like how did the person get up to her apartment without being buzzed in?

She grabbed a pair of scissors and cut the string securing the box. Rather than the sweet fragrance of flowers she’d been expecting, a pungent smell reached her nose. Her sense of apprehension grew even before she pushed the paper aside and saw the dozen red roses—twelve rotted roses, that is.

She stifled a scream and jumped away from the box as though it had burned her.

Vicky peeked inside the box. “Oh, my God. Who the hell would send you
dead
roses?”

Kate didn’t need to read the enclosed card to know the identity of the sender or the message being sent.

****

Edward unlocked the door to his suite and stepped inside, grateful to be away from the noise. He loosened his tie and went over to the mini-bar for a bottle of water. Usually he enjoyed Vegas, but too many distracting thoughts occupied his mind and prevented him from partaking in the entertainment.

The door to Charles’s bedroom was closed, which meant his brother was either talking with his wife or working. Edward crossed the room with the intention of determining which when his mobile rang. The number was unfamiliar but had a Philadelphia area code.

“Hello?”

“Edward, it’s Nick. Kate’s brother.”

His entire body went rigid. “Nick. Is something wrong?”

“Not exactly but I wanted to let you know our buddy Sal made contact with Kate again.”

Edward squeezed the water bottle causing water to slosh down the side. “Bloody hell. What did he do? Is she all right?” He set down the bottle and wiped his hands on his slacks.

“She’s fine. He sent her a dozen dead roses. Someone rang her bell and took off and left them in a box outside her door.”

“How could he get into our building unless he knew someone?”

“More than likely he paid off someone in the building to deliver them to Kate’s door. A couple of NYPD guys just left. They’ll run tests on the flowers, attempt to lift prints off the box, though I doubt they’ll find anything.”

“Was there a card?” Edward asked, certain there must have been. The ignorant git would have wanted Kate to be clear on who sent them.

There was a slight hesitation in Nick’s voice. “Yes.”

“What did it say?” He braced himself for the reply.

“It said ‘You’re mine.’”

Edward rubbed the back of his neck, frustrated to be so far away, and wondered how quickly he could get a flight back to New York.

“They’ll test the card as well as try to trace the flowers for the point of purchase, but there were no markings on the box so I don’t see that as a possible lead.”

“So now what? We can’t just wait for this bastard to do something to her.”

“The local police are knocking door-to-door to see if they can find the person who brought the flowers in. They also checked her lock and the lock on the main door to make sure no one tampered with them. They’re fine.”

“That’s not making me feel better seeing as I’m thousands of miles away.”

“I’m on duty, but I spoke with her and she’s fine. It so happens Vicky is staying with her a couple days, so she’s not alone. I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but they’ll watch out for each other.”

“I’m not due to return until Friday, but I can get the next flight out.”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. You’re already on Kate’s shit list this week. I wouldn’t push your luck by coming home early. She won’t appreciate it.”

“Your sister is one stubborn woman.”

“Wait until she finds out I called you. I’ll be joining you on that list.”

“I appreciate your letting me know.”

“My advice? Call her to reassure yourself she’s fine. But that’s it.”

Nick promised to keep Edward informed of any developments. After disconnecting, he paced the room, trying to collect his thoughts. He dialed Kate’s number and hoped she would answer. It went to voicemail. Damn her stubbornness. He searched for Vicky’s number and dialed her next.

“Hi,” she whispered. “Hold on a sec.”

He heard a door close.

“I had to sneak into the bathroom. Okay, I can talk now.”

“Nick just called me to tell me what happened. Are you both okay?”

“Yeah. She’s pissed and mildly shaken up. Mostly pissed, though.”

“I tried to call her but she didn’t answer.”

“She’s talking with our mom.”

“I don’t like this, Vicky. This bastard is trying to fuck with her. Both of you could be in danger.” He paced the room, needing an outlet to control his temper, his worry.

“The police checked over the apartment. We’ll be just fine.”

“I wanted to fly back, but Nick said not to.”

“He’s right. She’ll only get more pissed at you.”

He stopped pacing and rubbed the back of his neck. “About that…is she any less mad?”

“I think so, but she’s not going to admit it yet. She plans to make you suffer.”

He almost laughed. If Kate only knew just how much he was suffering.

“Can you see if she’s off the phone?”

He heard the door open and muffled voices.

“What?” Kate spat into the phone.

Edward envisioned her standing, with her arms crossed in annoyance and a sexy pout on her mouth.

He tried his best to keep things light. “I heard what happened and wanted to hear for myself that you’re all right.”

“My brother has a big goddamned mouth. I should have known he would have called you.”

“You could have called me.”

“I’m not accountable to you, Edward.”

Despite her tough words, he detected a slight quiver in her voice.

“I didn’t say you were, but we’re friends, more than friends, and you knew I would be worried about you when I found out.”

“Well, I’m fine. You’re not going to do anything dumb like come back early, are you?”

“No, I’m not planning on coming back early, unless, of course, you want me to.”

“Well, I don’t.”

“Then it’s a good thing I didn’t presume that you would.”
Thanks to Nick’s fair warning.

“Good.”

“So, I suppose you’re still angry with me?”

He could hear the impatience in her voice. “Look, I’m really not in a mood to debate that.”

“Neither am I, but we do need to resolve it so we can move on. My flight gets in Friday midday. Let’s talk before the holiday party that night. You’ll still go with me, right?”

“I’ll think about it.”

She didn’t sound thrilled about it, but at least she didn’t refuse to see him. “Very well, then. I know we’re not on the best of terms now, but please know you can call me at any time of the day or night if you need me.”

“I do know that.” Her voice softened. “Thanks for the roses. They’re beautiful and much nicer than my second floral delivery.”

“I’m glad you like them. I’ll let you get some rest. Can I call you tomorrow?”

“Would you listen if I said no?”

“Not a chance.”

He thought he heard her sigh.

“That’s what I thought. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

He disconnected but continued to hold the phone, reflecting on their conversation. There had been a slight but definite smile in her voice, and he knew she wasn’t nearly as mad at him as she wanted him to think. He needed to figure out his approach to get her to stop being annoyed about his investment in the restaurant. Then he remembered he’d forgotten to ask Vicky if she talked with Kate about the bakery. He’d text her tomorrow and ask.

He glanced at Charles’s door and decided to see if his brother wanted to take a swim. The indoor pool was open and he needed to do something physical to take his mind off Kate and ease his frustration at being so far away from her and feeling completely helpless.

Chapter Thirteen

A soak in the tub was just what she needed, Kate thought as Vivaldi’s
Four Seasons
played in the background. A little pampering before getting ready for the company holiday party was definitely in order.

Earlier, she met Meghan at a salon and they’d had their nails done. While Kate usually did her own, her friend convinced her to splurge. As a result, she’d also gotten a facial and waxing of various body parts. It never hurt to be prepared in case she was seen naked by something other than her plants.

That morning, Edward texted that he was delayed leaving Nevada because of bad weather. His last text said they were finally in the air but wouldn’t land until five. It would be cutting it close to the party, which started at eight, but hopefully he and Charles would make it in time.

As for her, she wasn’t in the mood to discuss her parents’ restaurant with him. Luckily, the delay in the flight meant their conversation would have to wait.

She pushed the button to release the water and rose from the tub. She rinsed off and secured a fluffy towel around her breasts. After rubbing lotion on her body, she stood in front of her mirror in a short silk robe to fix her hair and makeup.

Usually frustrated by her naturally curly hair, she was glad she’d taken the time to have the dark auburn retouched and professionally curled. The stylist used a wide iron and her hair cascaded in loose, large waves down her back and shoulders.

Satisfied with the results, she went into the bedroom to change. She removed the dress from the hanger, slid it over her head, and adjusted it to her hips. The sapphire blue halter top hugged her breasts, emphasizing their fullness. The empire waist, accented by a charmeuse band, flowed into a chiffon skirt that stopped at the knee.

Her collection of costume jewelry was the awe of her friends. She chose flashy rhinestone drop earrings with a matching necklace. She slipped into four-inch silver-strapped heels, and then did a quick twirl in front of the long mirror that hung on the back of her bedroom door.

The doorbell rang. It would be Edward. After another quick glance in the mirror, she grabbed her wrap and evening bag and carried them out to the living room. She put a hand to her stomach and took a deep breath to calm her anxiousness. With things unresolved between them, she wasn’t quite sure how to react when she opened the door.

She’d seen him in a tux before but something was different this time. He stood in the hall, the cut of his suit tailored perfectly for his lean body. His hair, still damp from his shower, curled past the collar of his jacket. The scruff of his unshaven face presented a sexy contrast to the formality of his attire. For a moment, speech failed her and she could only stare. And from the way he looked at her, it appeared he was just as dumbfounded.

She recovered first. “More flowers?” she asked, looking down at the bouquet of white and lavender roses he held.

“A woman can never get enough flowers,” he said. “Besides, you need something to get your mind off the last set you received.”

“They’re beautiful.”

His gaze swept over her, lingering on her breasts and her mouth. “So are you.” He leaned down to brush a kiss over her lips and walked into the room.

She reached for the flowers. “I’ll find something to put these in.”

Thankful for something to do, she went into the kitchen in search of a vase. She felt his eyes on her as she arranged the flowers. When she finished, she turned to find him directly behind her. He took the vase out of her hands and placed it on the counter.

“I’ve missed you.” He lifted one of her hands and kissed it.

“Edward, we—” she began.

He held up a finger to her lips. “I know. We have things to discuss. I hoped we could discuss them before the party but since that’s not possible, maybe we can agree to a truce for tonight.”

“I can’t forget what happened last weekend.”

“I’m not asking you to. I’m asking you to set it aside for tonight, at least until after the party. Then you can rip me to shreds if you’d like.”

“I’m not sure I can, but I’ll try.”

He cupped his hand behind her neck and was lowering his head when his cell rang.
Saved by the bell
.

“That will be Charles calling to let us know the limo is here,” he said.

He reached into his pocket to answer the call. While he talked, she gathered her remaining belongings and tried to compose herself. It was going to be a long night.