Tainted Love Read online

  “I don’t want to keep things from him,” she snapped.

  “It’s not bad if you do. Probably healthy.”

  “You sound like a counselor.” Unfortunately, Ava knew how they sounded from experience.

  Emma sipped her drink. “I read a lot of advice columns.”

  Ava tapped her fingers on her knees and thought about Mason. She was protecting anyone she kept from knowing about him.

  “I don’t tell Aiden everything. A little mystery in relationships is a good thing.” She glanced over at the boys, now heading back to the table, and lowered her voice. “It keeps them on their toes.”

  Aiden placed a bag on the table and pulled out two large containers of waffle fries. “You guys can help yourself. Or I can eat them all. I don’t care.” He laughed then stuffed one in his mouth before pulling out some dipping sauces.

  Emma grabbed one and arched a brow at Ava.

  They talked about the school’s basketball team while Aiden ate most of the fries. Everyone else picked at them. Then Aiden and Emma had to go, so the two couples parted ways.

  Braylon and Ava headed for the park, which had become their typical hangout spot. It was several blocks from their houses, but because they always walked it felt a world away—as long as none of their siblings or parents were there.

  “Why did Emma keep giving you those looks?” he asked.

  “What looks?”

  “You know.”

  “The girl wants to be a therapist.”

  “Huh?” Braylon’s brows knit together.

  “Never mind.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah. Why wouldn’t it be?”

  He shrugged. “You’ve been acting on edge a little lately. It’s hard to explain. Is that history project getting to you?”

  Relief washed through her. He thought it had to do with school. “Yeah, I can’t quite figure out what to do with it. Everyone knows how hard Mr. Banks is. No matter what I do, he’s going to find something wrong with it. He’s ruined more four-point-oh averages than any other teacher alive. It’s a proven fact.”

  “At least you don’t have a four-point-oh to worry about.”

  She shoved him.

  “I didn’t mean it in a bad way!”

  “Regardless, if my GPA drops, my dad’s gonna be pissed. He cares a lot more about my grades than Mom ever did.”

  “Is that what’s really bothering you?” His expression softened.

  “What?”

  “Your mom.”

  “I don’t care about her,” Ava said too quickly.

  Braylon frowned. “It’s okay to be mad or to hate her, you know.”

  “Now you’re starting to sound like a counselor.” She glared at him.

  “Well, it is okay. She was engaged to the guy who shot up the school and kidnapped you. She was behind it. Knew everything.”

  “I said, shut up.” She glared at him.

  “You didn’t say that.”

  Ava balled her fists. “I’m saying it now.”

  “At least you’re finally showing some anger about her.”

  Fury pulsed through her veins. It took every ounce of her self-control not to hit him. “I don’t want to talk about her!”

  “Maybe you should.”

  “What do you think I do at the counseling sessions Dad drags me and my brother and sister to? We have to sit and talk about our feelings about the whole stupid thing for an hour.”

  “Does it help?”

  “Does talking ever help?” Ava took a deep breath. “I thought we came here to hang out, but if you’re going to insist on talking about my mom, I’m going home.”

  “Ava.” He reached for her hand.

  She yanked it away. “I’m serious. I don’t want to talk about any of it. I’d rather enjoy just being here with you. It’s a sunny Saturday. What else could I ask for?”

  Her purse vibrated, meaning her phone was buzzing. Probably Mason sending another text. Her entire body tensed.

  “Okay.” Braylon’s tone was soft. “What do you want to do? Join that game of tackle Frisbee over there?”

  Ava shook her head. Her purse vibrated again. “Let’s go climb that rock wall. The challenging side.”

  “That’s what I’m talking about.” Braylon put his arm around her, and they headed for the wall.

  Guilt stung for taking her annoyance out on him and for not saying anything about Mason. But at least with Mason, she would find a way to get him off her back. The jerk had to want something, and it was just a matter of figuring out what, then sending him away.

  The fewer people she involved, the better. No reason she couldn’t handle him herself. Mason thought he was in control of the situation, but Ava was smarter. She could figure out a way to outwit him. She’d gotten away from his dad, and she could get away from him, too.

  Question

  Nick’s mind spun as he looked through images of marriage proposal ideas online. Every single one of them was more complicated than he could pull off. He was more of a candlelight dinner kind of a guy. And besides, he didn’t want to wait for as long as it would take to pull off some of these plans—like renting a hot-air balloon, setting up a treasure hunt, or arranging it with a stage manager at the local theater and asking her in front of an audience.

  He set his tablet down and closed his eyes, trying to think of something to make a dinner date proposal a little more creative. He could take her to one of the nearby lakes and ask her at sunset, if he could manage to swing it timewise. Sunsets were romantic. It could work. Plus, they could be engaged that night.

  The front door swung open. “Hi, Daddy!”

  Nick opened his eyes and turned toward his sweaty daughter. “Hi, Hanna. Having fun?”

  “Yeah. We’re playing tag and I’m thirsty.” She ran to the kitchen.

  “That’s good. What do you think of going over to Ariana’s house this evening?”

  “I’d love it!” The fridge door slammed shut.

  “Easy there, kiddo.”

  “I know.”

  Nick pulled out his phone and sent a quick text, asking Alex if it was okay to bring the kids over that evening.

  Alex: U gonna propose?

  Nick: I think so.

  Alex: You think?

  Nick: Still have to see if G’s free tonight. Had to check with you first.

  Alex: Go 4 it! Bring ’em over!

  Nick: Thx.

  Alex: Lemme know if u need anything else.

  Nick: OK. I’ll tell you the times soon.

  Alex: K.

  Nick’s heart raced. It was really happening. All he had left was to schedule the date with Genevieve then make reservations at the restaurant. Hopefully, he could get into the one he wanted.

  He drew in a deep breath before calling Genevieve. This conversation couldn’t be over text.

  “Hi, Nick.” He could hear her beautiful smile as she answered.

  He swallowed and tried to sound natural. “Hey, there. So, the kids have been begging me to get together with Tinsley and Ariana. Alex says they can watch the kids tonight. What do you say to an impromptu date?”

  Nick cringed. He should’ve gone with a text. That sounded awful.

  “I’d love to! It’s been too long since we’ve had some alone time.”

  Relief washed through him. He silently thanked her for being so gracious toward his awkwardness. “Great. What time do you want me to pick you two up?”

  “It’ll be easier if we meet at the Nakano’s house, don’t you think? Not sure we can all fit into your Mustang.”

  “Right. Not sure what I was thinking.” He did the math, trying to calculate dinner and proposing at the lake during sunset. “How does five sound?”

  “Perfect. Where are we eating?”

  He hesitated. If he said the restaurant he wanted and they
were full, she’d be disappointed. “It’s a surprise.”

  “Great. I love surprises.”

  “Good. I’ll see you at five.”

  They said their goodbyes, then he called the restaurant, hoping against hope that they’d have room.

  “You’re in luck. We just had a cancellation for five-forty. Does that work for you?”

  “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

  Nick’s hands shook as he texted Alex, letting him know what time four more kids would show up at his house. The next two hours went by in a blur as he prepared for the big night then rounded up his kids.

  He was probably crazy for doing this on such short notice, but he’d been hanging onto the ring for what felt like ages. Besides, he wasn’t getting any younger.

  Tick, tock.

  By the time he pulled up to the house, he could barely think straight. Ava and Hanna practically leaped out of the car. Parker, however, stopped and looked at Nick. “Don’t we know anyone with boys? I’m surrounded by girls when we get together with these guys.”

  Nick nodded. “Understood. Next time, we’ll set up a sleepover with one of your school buddies. Sound good?”

  “Yeah, thanks. And Dad, good luck tonight. But you won’t need it. She’ll say yes. You can stop sweating.”

  He chuckled nervously. “Am I that obvious?”

  “Totally. You need to chill or she’s gonna know something’s up. Just sayin’.”

  “Thanks for the tip. Oh, and if you need some guy time, hang out with Alex. I’m sure he’ll understand.”

  “Okay.” Parker headed toward the house.

  Genevieve’s car pulled in behind him.

  Nick’s stomach lurched. He was tempted to push off the proposal to a later date. But his kids knew what was going on. He couldn’t chicken out now. Not when he’d had guns pointed at him, vicious dogs chasing him, and other far scarier things to face than asking the woman he loved to marry him.

  He double-checked the ring in his pocket before opening his door and enveloping Genevieve in his arms. She smelled sweet, like spicy citrus. “It’s so good to see you.”

  She met his gaze, her eyes shining. “And we’re going on an actual date, no less.”

  His pulse drummed in his ears. He didn’t trust his voice, so he planted his lips on hers then took her hand in his as they went to the house to say goodbye and thank Alex and Zoey for taking on a total of seven kids for the evening.

  The drive to the restaurant went by in a blur as Nick went over how he would ask her to marry him.

  Genevieve gasped. “We’re eating at Christel’s?”

  He nodded and pulled up to the valet. “I hope that’s okay with you. It’s not like we get alone-time very often. I wanted to make the best of it.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  He kissed her cheek. “You don’t have to say anything.” He got out, handed his key over, then opened Genevieve’s door.

  “Christel’s. I can’t believe it.” She pressed on her red satin dress. “I should’ve worn something nicer.”

  “Nonsense. You’re perfect.”

  She looked him over. “I should’ve known something was up when I saw you in a tie.”

  “This old thing?” he teased.

  Once inside, he gave his name and they were seated immediately. At a table with a huge window overlooking the city. He couldn’t have gotten better seats if he’d tried.

  Genevieve’s eyes widened. “This is amazing.”

  He smiled. “Only the best for you.”

  The meal went by in a blur and Nick’s heart raced the whole time. Genevieve smiled a lot and seemed to genuinely enjoy herself. Good. That was what he wanted. He could barely taste his lobster or the decadent chocolate cake they shared.

  Then it was time to leave. To go to the lake. The sun was closing in on the horizon. He would have just enough time to drive to the beach and pop the question to the backdrop of a multicolored sky.

  Genevieve talked about the meal and the restaurant for the entirety of the short ride, giving Nick the opportunity to stay quiet. He was sure his tone would be shaky, giving away his plan.

  “Where are we going?” she asked when he turned down the road to the beach.

  “I thought we could watch the sunset over the water since we have a little time to ourselves.”

  “Really? This has to be the most romantic date ever.”

  He turned into the parking lot and didn’t respond, his thundering heart making it hard to think. With any luck, she didn’t notice the slight shake in his hands.

  When he pulled into the spot, one of their favorite romantic songs played. He took advantage of the moment to hold her hand and take a deep breath. Being so nervous really pulled him from his element.

  Genevieve leaned against him. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” He tried to think of something more to add, but wanted to save it all for the proposal.

  Once the song ended, he cut the ignition and they headed for the beach. Thankfully, it was mostly empty. There shouldn’t be too many distractions.

  Halfway to the shore, he tripped over his own foot. How cliché.

  “Are you okay?” Was that a hint of teasing in her voice?

  “Yeah, fine. You?”

  She smiled, her eyes seeming to hold a laugh.

  He relaxed a little. Finally. What was he so nervous about? This was Genevieve. She was beautiful and kind. They were made for each other. They were meant to be together. Of course she was going to say yes.

  They made it to the water’s edge, and Nick put his arm around her. She nestled close, fitting against him perfectly. Relaxing into him even further.

  The sky was a bright orange blending with pink and purple to create a sight more breathtaking than he’d hoped for. And he needed to pop the question soon, before the colors disappeared.

  Pulse racing, he took a step back and turned to her, gazing into her enchanting gray eyes. He drew in a deep breath. Silently told himself to chill.

  She slid her hand in his and started to say something.

  Nick cleared his throat. “Genevieve, I knew there was something special about you from the moment we met. I couldn’t put my finger on it at first, and in fact, I tried to ignore that inkling altogether because we worked together and I was your captain. But it grew impossible to ignore the spark between us—the real reason we made such a good team. It’s why you eventually left our precinct, even though there was some miscommunication involved. But time and space wasn’t enough to keep us apart. Nothing can separate us, and I don’t want to spend another day without seeing your gorgeous face, without touching you, without being close to you.” He swallowed, then lowered himself to one knee and dug into his pocket.

  Genevieve covered her mouth with both hands and tears shone in her eyes.

  He pulled out the ring and studied her beauty. “What I’m trying to say is, will you marry me?”

  She nodded and pulled her hands from her mouth. “Yes! Yes, of course I’ll marry you!”

  Relief washed through him. She’d said yes. He slid the ring on her finger—a perfect fit. Then she lowered herself to her knees. He kissed her deeply and passionately, savoring both her and the wild range of emotions raging through him.

  Suspicious

  Alex checked his phone. “They’re almost here!”

  Gasps, giggles, and shuffling sounded from the dark living room as the kids scurried to their hiding spots.

  Shortly after Nick and Genevieve had dropped the kids off, Alex had taken them to the store to purchase some party supplies and decorations. Then they’d spent the rest of the evening getting ready for a surprise engagement party. He’d even invited his parents, sister and her family, and some of the guys from the station who Alex knew had the night off. To say that there were a lot of people hiding in the living room was an understatement. Only Zoey w
asn’t there. She had the babies in the apartment so the surprise part of the party didn’t scare them.

  A car drove on the street, slowing as it neared the house. Alex peeked through a blind to see the Mustang pulling up to the curb. “And they’re here!”

  People hushed each other and the house grew quiet—so quiet, Nick and Genevieve’s footsteps could be heard from outside.

  Ding-dong!

  Alex couldn’t hold back his grin as he opened the door. “It’s the happy couple!”

  They both beamed.

  “Let me see the ring.”

  Genevieve held out her hand to show off the sparkling rock.

  Alex let out a low whistle. “Nice. Well, come on in. The kids are watching a movie, so it’s a little dark in here. You know how they like the theater experience to watch their favorite superheroes.”

  “That they do.” Nick chuckled.

  Alex stepped aside, letting them in. As soon as he closed the door, the lights came on, showing the balloons, streamers, and banners. Everyone jumped out, shouting their congratulations. Their kids enveloped them in hugs and the other guests surrounded the wide-eyed couple.

  Once everything quieted a bit, Zoey emerged with the babies. She handed Laney to Alex and leaned against him. “They look so happy. I’m so excited for them.”

  “Me, too. This has been a long time coming.”

  “It sure has.”

  Ariana put on some music, then all the kids passed around cake and other snacks. Everyone mingled and enjoyed themselves.

  Nick came over to Alex. “Thanks for the party. I certainly wasn’t expecting all this.”

  “Everyone wanted to celebrate with you.” Alex held up his glass of sparkling cider, and they tapped glasses. “To you and Genevieve.”

  “To love and good friends.” Nick sipped his drink. “How’d you manage to pull all of this off with such short notice?”

  “It was pretty easy with the kids. We’ve got some real party planners.” He glanced over at Ariana and Ava, who were mixing a new batch of punch.

  The party lasted about another hour before people started filtering out. Then only Nick and Genevieve remained. She glanced around. “Want us to stick around and help clean the mess?”