Stay With Me (The Montgomery Brothers) (10 page)

“I cannot even imagine what you must be feeling,” Emma said quietly.  “We shouldn’t have brought it up.  I didn’t mean to upset you.  I’m sorry.”  She squeezed Gina a little more.

“It’s okay; it’s sort of like the elephant in the room.  I know that I can’t ignore what’s happening and I have to learn to deal with talking about him, especially to the people who are so close to him, without breaking down.”

They released her and Maggie reached for a napkin and handed it to Gina.  It was at that moment that Mac walked in.  “What the hell’s going on here?”  He immediately stepped to Gina’s side.  “Are you all right?” he asked gently.  When her big green eyes looked up at him he felt his heart squeeze tight in his chest; a feeling that was becoming far too familiar whenever he was near her.

“We were just talking about my dad and I got a little emotional.”

He looked at both Maggie and Emma accusingly.  “May
be you can find something a little more cheery to talk about?” His tone was firm and both women were a little bit shocked to hear it directed at them.

“We already apologized, Mac,” Emma said defensively, crossing her arms across her chest.  She was married to a stubborn Montgomery man and she knew how to stare one down when needed.  It didn’t take long for Mac to cave.

“Lucas said the steaks are just about done,” he said as he exited the room.

Maggie and Emma looked at each other knowingly and then looked at Gina and saw her staring at Mac’s retreating back.  Maggie leaned toward Gina.  “So, you and Mac, huh?”

Gina blushed.  “What?  No…no…um…yeah, no.”  The two women in front of her did not look convinced.  “I mean, I used to have a massive crush on Mac when I was younger but he never even noticed me.”

“I’m pretty sure he’s noticing you now,” Maggie said, placing the last of the silverware on the table.  “You don’t need to hide it; I think you would be great for Mac.
  He never dates a woman more than a handful of times but I think you could be the one to make him consider the long-term.”

“It’s not like that,” Gina said, her blush heating up even more.

“We’re not trying to embarrass you,” Emma said.  “We’ve both been there.  Those Montgomery boys are irresistible.  And I agree with Maggie; I think that you and Mac together would be wonderful.”

Gina wanted to talk to them about it but suddenly the entire Montgomery clan was piling into the dining room.  “We’ll talk later,” Maggie whispered as everyone worked together to get the food on the table and settled in to eat.

By the time everyone was seated and all of the food had been served, Gina felt oddly overwhelmed.  Meals with her family were always quiet and sedate; she couldn’t remember the last time there had been laughter around the table.  Lucas and Emma shared how they were adjusting to being new parents and William and Monica talked about their cruise and then Maggie and Jason talked about their plan to start looking for a new home because they wanted to start a family. 

It was all very uplifting and everyone was so encouraging that Gina wanted to just flee.  She knew she was overly emotional these days and even when surrounded by happy stories she felt the need to escape.  After her earlier reaction at the mention of her father, everyone seemed to silently agree to not bring him up. 

Conversation continued to flow around her and she found herself simply smiling and nodding rather than actively participating.  Finally, Monica decided to draw her in.  “So I saw you carrying in some canvases yesterday.  Are you painting again?”

Gina nodded.  “I am.  I hadn’t picked up a paintbrush in years but when I went to pick up some things at my father’s house, he had some there for me as a surprise.  I hope you don’t mind that I’m painting in your house?”

Monica waved her off.  “Don’t be silly, sweetheart; you can do whatever you want there.  Who knows, maybe we’ll even hang some of them in there.  Those walls have always been a little too vacant for me.”

“I didn’t know you painted,” Emma said with a big smile.  “
Would you consider doing something for the nursery?  We have it ninety percent done but I’m afraid I procrastinated a little too much and didn’t finish before Lily was born.  She’s sleeping in our room for now but I would love to have something original in her room.”

“I would be honored,” Gina said shyly.  “But maybe you should see some of my work before you get your hopes up.  You may not like it.”

“Of course she’ll like it,” Mac said without looking at her.  “You’re extremely talented.” 

His words would have meant so much more to Gina if he actually looked at her when he said it or if he had said it with a little more gentleness.  He was being brusque and for the life of her, she couldn’t quite understand his change in attitude from earlier today to now. 
She mumbled her thanks and looked back at Emma with a smile.  “We can get together and talk about what you’d like.”

“You used to really like photography when you were younger, too,” William interjected.  “Do you still enjoy it?”

“Ah, that’s another hobby that I let go after I moved and that I’m rediscovering now thanks to my dad.  It’s all on computer now with all of the photo editing software.  I’m trying to learn about it and figure it out but I’m not all that tech-savvy.”

“Funny you should mentio
n that,” William said, “I know someone who could probably help you.  He works for us; his name is Todd.  If you want, I can give him your number and the two of you can get together and figure some of that software out.”

Mac was fuming.  He had told his father to not try and fix Gina up with Todd and it infuriated him that he went ahead and was doing it anyway. 

“I really could use the help,” Gina said, considering William’s offer.  “I just don’t seem to have the knack for anything computer related.”

“Then Todd is the man for you,” William said with a big smile.  “I think the two of you will really hit it off.  I’ll give him your number and have him call you.  Is that all right with you?”

Gina nodded but had a weird sense of disappointment.  She was sleeping with Mac but she knew it was temporary.  Although by temporary she thought it was implied that it would last as long as she was here in North Carolina.  Then she thought about Maggie’s earlier comment on how Mac only dated women a handful of times.  Was this how he was going to stop their relationship?  By having his father set her up with someone else so that she wouldn’t bother him anymore?  If that was the case then she’d let him know that she was fine with it.  “That would be wonderful, William.  Tell Todd that I look forward to his call.”

Mac continued to stew.  Gina wanted to go out with Todd?  What in the world was going on?  Had he said or done something wrong?  He wanted to stand up and tell his father to back off and then tell Gina that she couldn’t see anyone else. 

But he didn’t.

First, he wasn’t one to make a scene.  And secondly,
what he shared with Gina was private, just like he had told his brothers earlier.  Clearly, however, they weren’t on the same page because she was willing to go out with another man and practically make the date right in front of him!  Well, he’d just see about that.  When they left later, they would discuss this in the car like rational adults.  He’d just have to bide his time and get through the rest of this day without letting anyone know that there was a beast raging within him.

When lunch was finished, everyone dispersed.  The men went back out onto the deck and Gina found herself sitting in the den with Maggie, Emma and Monica.  Lily had long-since gone down for a nap and the four of them were happy to have the time to relax.

“Don’t let William push you into going out with Todd,” Monica began.  “He played matchmaker with Maggie and Jace after doing it with Lucas and Emma and I’m afraid he’s making it his life’s ambition to fix people up.”

“Matchmaking?  Seriously?” she said with a laugh.  “Why would he want to match me up with anyone?”

“Maybe to make Mac jealous?” Emma said mischievously and then broke out in a fit of giggles. 

“Make Mac jealous?” Monica repeated, completely confused.  “Why would he…?  Oh, no.”  She looked at her two daughters-in-law.  “You don’t think that’s what he’s doing, do you?”

Both women nodded.  “It makes perfect sense,” Maggie began.  “Mac’s the last Montgomery standing and William clearly loves Gina like a daughter.  It just makes sense.”

Gina
was beyond mortified.  It was one thing to mention that she used to have a crush on Mac to Emma and Maggie but to talk about it in front of his mother was another story all together.  “If it’s all the same to you…” she began.

Monica interrupted.  “Gina, I remember how you used to have a crush on Mac back when you were a young girl and I’m sure that William does, too.  It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.  I’ll talk to him when we get home later and make him back off.  You have enough on your plate without my husband trying to marry you off.”

Sagging with relief, Gina relaxed into the sofa cushion.  “Thank you, Monica.  I appreciate that.”

“But should you ever want our interference, you just say the word and we’ll gladly do our best to make that stubborn son of ours open his eyes.”  They all laughed and soon the talk was focused on babies and houses and Gina sat back and just enjoyed it and secretly hoped that those were topics that she’d get to talk about someday.

Chapter Eight

It was after dark when everyone was getting ready to leave.  Gina was so thankful to have a day to just relax.  She had told her father of her plans for the day and although she felt guilty for missing the time with him, he encouraged her to go.  She just hadn’t realized how much she had needed it until now.

“It’s crazy for Mac to drive you home when that’s where we’re going,” William was saying as he came to stand beside her.  “I told him that you’ll ride with us.”

“Oh,” she said, looking over her shoulder to where Mac was standing a few feet behind her.  He hadn’t spoken more than a handful of words to her all afternoon and her heart sank.  He was clearly severing ties with her and although their time together was short, it still hurt.  Turning back to William, she smiled.  “Okay then.  Ready when you are!”

Hugging Lucas and Emma, she thanked them for including her today.  “
You’ll come for lunch tomorrow, right?” Emma asked.  “Maggie will be here and it will be a lot less chaotic and we can discuss the painting for the nursery.”

“That sounds wonderful.  I’ll have to leave by one-thirty to get to the hospital but I think that it will be fine.  Thank you again, for everything.”

“It was our pleasure, Gina,” Lucas said as he hugged her.  “It was really good to see you and I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again before you head back to California.”

“I’m sure of it,” she said.  Jason and Maggie came and hugged her goodbye as well and next thing she knew, she was being ushered out the door and into William’s car.

Mac hadn’t said goodbye.

The drive back to the Montgomerys wasn’t very long and once back at the house, William and Monica invited her to have some coffee with them.  Gina agreed even though she wanted to be alone and think about where she had gone wrong and misread how things were with Mac. 

They were seated at the large table in the kitchen when Gina realized how serious they both looked.  “Is everything all right?” she asked.

William looked at his wife before facing Gina.  “I was wondering if you’ve talked to Arthur’s doctors
yet.”

Gina shook her head.  “Not at any great length.  Honestly, I’ve just been trying to focus on spending time with him and making the most of the time we have together.  His spirits have been up and he’s gained a little weight back and from the few conversations that I have had with them, his scans are showing that nothing has spread.”

William nodded.  “That’s all really great news, sweetheart, and I know that your father loves having you here.” He paused and fidgeted slightly in his seat.  “There are just some things that you are going to need to start thinking about and maybe now isn’t the time to be having this discussion but I wanted to at least put it out there for you.”

She reached across the table and placed her hand on top of his.  “You’ve always been so kind and considerate and I know that you are looking out for me and I do appreciate it.  Dad has already told me that you are the executor of his estate and I trust you.”  Taking a sip of her coffee, Gina took the moment to compose her thoughts. 

“Dad and I have been apart for so long and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when I came back here.  We’re getting to know each other again and I spend most of the time trying to ignore the fact that he’s in the hospital.”  She looked at the Montgomery’s and smiled sadly.  “I’d love to be able to take him out for the day just so that we can have that memory together.” She shrugged.  “But the doctors aren’t fully on board with the idea.”

“I can talk to them,” William suggested.

“I would appreciate that.”

“The thing is, Gina, there’s the house, the business…your father wants…”

Gina cut him off.  “I can’t do this right now.  I know that we are going to eventually have to talk about it but right now, I’m not ready.  I’m sorry.  I hope that you don’t think that I’m being selfish or naïve about the whole thing; I’m not.  It’s just that it’s been such a wonderful day and it’s been so long since I’ve been around such a joyful family.  I’d like to have that memory.”

William nodded.  “Of course.  I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to just jump into this.  I just figured since we’ve been away and you may have questions or concerns…”

“I’m good; really.”  She finished her coffee and gently pushed the cup aside and smiled at the two people who she always wished for as parents.  “You are so blessed to have such a wonderful family.  I really enjoyed watching the way that you all interact with one another and the love on your faces today as you held Lily was absolutely precious.”

It was a nice
segue way to happier topics and they talked for another hour about everything and nothing.  It was one of the most relaxing parental conversations she’d ever had.  A glance at the clock showed it was after ten.  “It’s been a long day and if you don’t mind, I’d like to try and get a head start on some ideas for Lily’s nursery.”  She wished them both a goodnight and walked across the expanse of the yard to get to the guest house.  All of the lights were off but she already knew this place like the back of her hand. 

Gina opened the door and stepped inside and nearly screamed as she was grabbed and backed up against the wall.

Mac.

His mouth was hot and urgent on hers.  Gina dropped her purse to the floor so that she could wrap her arms around him.  He lifted her off the ground and soon her legs were around him as well.  Their tongues mated while Gina raked her fingers through his hair.  It was madness and all she could think of was how she never wanted it to end.

When Mac finally broke the kiss he rested his forehead on hers, his breathing ragged.  “You are not going out with Todd.”

“What?” Gina asked, confused.

“You’re mine, Gina,” he said with a low growl as he licked and kissed his way down her slender throat.  “Mine.”

She smiled and arched her neck to aid in the path he was trailing.  She had no idea where this relationship with Mac was going and right now she didn’t care.  She needed him; she wanted him and if the hardness she felt pressing into her was any indication, Mac wanted her, too.  Gina tugged on his hair and pulled his mouth back to hers and kissed him as if her life depended on it.  She came up for air.  “What are you doing here?”

He didn’t answer right away.  Instead his hands were busy skimming her body and his mouth was doing wicked things to any exposed skin he could find.  Gina purred with delight and sighed his name.  Mac lifted his head and looked into her sexy, slumberous eyes.  She packed a powerful punch and she didn’t even know it, he thought to himself.  His expression was serious as he put her gently back on her feet.  “I’m sorry for the way I behaved today.  My family makes me a little crazy and I know I didn’t handle things the way that I should have.  We never talked about…us and how we wanted to handle it.  I wasn’t ready to just put it out there to everyone because…,” Mac was always confident and self-assured in everything that he did but for some reason, this woman turned his carefully organized world upside down.

Gina reached up and cupped his face in her hands.  “What we have is private,” she said for him and he nodded.  “I get that; I honestly do.  I don’t expect you to announce to everyone that we’ve slept together but I wouldn’t have minded you speaking up when your father was trying to set me up with another man.”

“It won’t happen again,” he said seriously.  “I’m sorry if I hurt you.”

With a shy smile she pulled his head down to hers.  “Thank you,” she whispered.

“Can I stay?”

Always,
she wanted to say.  “Yes.”

Scooping her up into his arms, he strode to the bedroom and took his time making things up to her.

****

Mac looked at the clock on the bedside table and saw that it was after three.  Gina was sound asleep beside him with her back to him.  Normally she fell asleep in his arms but tonight she had rolled away.  Maybe it wasn’t intentional but he had a feeling that it was.  Had he come off as being too possessive?  Was his apology not enough after the way he had treated her earlier at Lucas and Emma’s?  Hell if he knew. 

What he did know was that he already missed the feel of her in his arms.  While he knew that the cat was eventually going to come out of the bag where their relationship was with his family, he didn’t want it to be with him getting caught leaving the guest house when the sun came up.  Hating what he had to do, he quietly rose from the bed and got dressed.  Gina didn’t stir and he was glad for that.  If she so much as looked at him with her kiss-swollen lips and sleepy gaze he’d be a goner.

What the hell was he going to do?  He wanted Gina; heck if he was honest he would say that he needed her.  Somehow he was missing something from his life and it turned out that she was it.  Mac hadn’t considered himself lonely or incomplete but these last two weeks with her told a different story. 

Going to the office in the morning used to make Mac feel energized, now he found himself watching the clock a bit and figuring out how and when he was going to see Gina again.  Sleeping alone never bothered him before but now all he wanted was her close beside him while he slept.

He was a goner.

The biggest problem that he had with the whole thing was Gina herself.  She spent so much of her life not being able to be who she wanted to be, that he didn’t want to be an obstacle for her.  She was just now starting to come into her own and if he made any demands on her or her time, she might never get to discover just who Gina Micelli really was.  Did he truly want to be responsible for that?

“Mac?”

Her soft whisper brought him to her side.  Leaning over he kissed her softly on the cheek.  “Go back to sleep, baby,” he said quietly.  “It’s too early for you to be up.”

“Why are you leaving?”

“I need to get into the office early and I have to go home and change.  Plus, I didn’t think you wanted my parents to see me leaving here in yesterday’s clothes.”  The frown on her face told him that his explanation didn’t thrill her.  “Can I see you later?”

Gina nodded and then relaxed back into her pillow and rolled over.  Mac kissed her on the top of her head before tiptoeing from the room.  She listened for the door to close and sighed.  She wasn’t sure how much longer she was willing to stay as his dirty little secret.

****

“So there we were, in the middle of the mall parking lot and my water breaks,” Emma said with a laugh.  “The look on Lucas’s face was priceless.  I don’t think I’
d ever seen him so panicked!”

“What did he do?” Gina asked, laughing along with her. 

“First her dropped all of our bags and tried to pick me up!  I yelled at him to put me down and that I could manage to walk the ten feet to the car and then it took him three tries to pick up the bags and I think he was doing more Lamaze breathing than I was!”

“When we first saw him at the hospital, I thought they were going to have to shoot him with a tranquilizer dart,” Maggie joked.  “Jason wanted to slap him just to bring him back to reality.”

“I’m telling you, you can take all of the birthing classes and read all of the books but when you are actually going through it, all of that goes out the window.”

“I can’t wait,” Maggie said with a smile.  “We’re trying and we’re looking for a house and the thought of having babies with Jace
is just everything that I ever wanted.”

“Is your place too small?” Gina asked.

Maggie shook her head.  “Oh, good gracious, no.  It’s actually quite large but it’s just not… a home.  We live in the townhouse that Jason was living in before we met and it’s beautiful but not very kid-friendly.  We want a house with a yard and that isn’t so modern.  We’re on a golf course and there aren’t a lot of families in the neighborhood and so the more we talked about it, the more we realized that we want to move and get settled before we have a baby.”

“That makes sense.”  Gina changed the subject to Lily’s nursery.  “I did some sketches this morning that I want you to look at. 
When you were showing me the nursery yesterday I had an idea of what were going for and if there’s something that you like in the pile, great, and if not, we can figure something out.”

Emma took the sketches from her and stared at them in awe.  “You did all of this before you came here?”

“I was up early.”

“You must have been to get all of this done.”  She handed them to Maggie who marveled over them as well.  “Gina, these are amazing!  How is it that you’re an accountant when you can draw like this?”

Gina shrugged.  “My mother convinced me that art wasn’t a bankable future and that if I wanted to have some financial security and meet a man who was stable and would take care of me, that I needed to give up my art and go into business.”

Both women looked at her as if she was crazy.  “Let me tell you something,” Emma said.  “I went into business because I was afraid to be creative and do what I loved, which is baking.  I’m glad that I did because otherwise I would have never met Lucas but I enjoyed my job at Montgomerys.  It doesn’t seem like you enjoy your job at all from what you’ve told us.”

“I really don’t and I plan on resigning when I go back; if I go back.”  She put that last part out there to see what kind of reaction she got.

“Are you thinking of staying?” Emma asked excitedly.  “Is it because of Mac?  Are you two getting serious?”