Choices We Make: The Moretti Brothers Series (17 page)

Frustrated at his refusal to acknowledge her statement she slashed out, “I’m not an invalid, I can get to my room on my own.” She said as she stood and walked towards the stairs.

*****

Victoria took a relaxing shower and tried to put her argument with Dominic out of her mind.  She had just finished her nightly routine when she heard a knock at the door.  “Come in, Dominic.” 

Dominic opened the door, “Can we talk?”  She nodded as he walked in and sat on the bed.  “I want to apologize for the way I reacted, I’m not used to someone taking care of me, I’m always do the taking care of and it’s really hard for me to accept help from others.  I can’t begin to thank you for the way you had the house decorated.  It’s the most beautiful house on the block and your gesture with the gifts; no one has ever done anything that generous for me before.  Thank you.” 

“I was just trying to lighten your load.  Like I told you before, I care about you Nick.  I want to see you happy.  I know this pregnancy has really thrown your life into a tailspin and I’m trying to make your life a little easier.” 

“This is really foreign to me, accepting help from others.  Thank you for buying the gifts, it has taken a huge burden off me.  Tell me the cost and I’ll write you a check.”  “I can’t accept your money Nick, I’m staying in your home and you are taking care of me; let me do this for you so that I don’t feel like such a burden.” 
He would also flip out if he really knew what I sent of the gifts for his family.  I don’t regret it, I love his family and they have treated me like family since I met them. 
The whole shopping experience had been exhilarating for her.  She only ever had her mother, Jacqueline and Monica to buy gifts for and they were easy.  She really had to put some thought into buying his family’s gifts.  The hardest to buy for was his father, but she thought of the perfect gift for him.
 

He looked at her, “Okay, but please don’t spend anymore money on me or my family and you are not a burden, I enjoy having you here,” he placed his hand on her belly, “and watching my babies grow inside you.  While my life may be very stressful, this is the happiest I’ve been in years and that’s because of you.”  She was surprised; she never imagined that her being there was the cause of his happiness.  She looked into his eyes and saw only sincerity. 

“Thank you for saying that.” she said trying to hold back tears.

“I say it because it’s true, now get some rest, I will see you in the morning.” 
He leaned into her and she closed her eyes, in anticipation of the familiar kiss on her forehead when she felt the softness of his lips pressed against hers, her eyes sprang open as she stare at him.  “I’m sorry Vic, I shouldn’t have done that.”  He stood and walked towards the door.  “Get some rest,” is all he said before walking out the door.  He closed the door and stood on the other side for a few seconds before heading to his room.  He had never met a woman like Victoria before, so caring and thoughtful.  Even Anna never did anything so selfless, their last conversation was of her giving hints on what she wanted for Christmas, but never offering to help him or even ask him how he was. 

CHAPTER TWENTY-
THREE

Christmas Eve was a cold and snowy day.  Victoria dressed and came down stairs for breakfast. She walked towards his office when she could hear Dominic on the phone.  “Yeah they decided not to on another software firm.  No, it is disappointing, okay I will see you later this evening, yeah thanks man, bye.” She looked into Dominic’s office and watched as he disconnected the call and laid his head on the back of his office chair.  “Shit!” he said so loud that it startled Victoria.  She walked into the kitchen deciding that he probably needed some time alone.  Dominic walked up behind her.

“What are you doing?  You know you are not suppose to be on your feet too long,” he admonished.  “I can make your breakfast, what would you like?” 

“I can make it, I want oatmeal and coconut milk.”

He scrunched his face.  “If that’s what you want, sit and I’ll make it.” 

“Nick, I wasn’t eavesdropping but I heard part of your conversation.  The deal you were working on didn’t go through?” 

“No they decided it was not in their best interest to move forward with the software I developed for them.  So do you want toast?”  He said purposely changing the subject.

“No thank you.  You know if you need an investor I would be more than happy to hear your proposal and see if it’s something we might be able to work on together.” 
Dominic smiled inwardly because it just dawn on him that she really didn’t know how wealthy he was, he really needed to talk to her after the holidays. 
“No Victoria, that won’t be necessary, do you want tea?” 

“No thank you.  That reminds me, I got a call from my accountant and he said you never cashed the check I gave you.  Was there a problem with the check?” 

“No there wasn’t a problem, I never deposited it.”  Dominic walked to his office and came back into the kitchen with the check.  “This is yours; I didn’t feel right cashing it.” 

“But we had an agreement, you fulfilled your end, you earned the money.” 

“I don’t want the money.” 

“Nick you obviously needed it for your business, so please use it.” 

“My business will be fine.”  He said as he placed the check in front of her and kissed her on the forehead.” 

“You are being a stubborn ass, please take the money Nick.” 

“That may be, but I’m not taking your money.”  He walked over to where she was sitting and used both of his hands to gently cup her face.  He looked into her eyes wanting to kiss her.  He stared into her eyes. “Now you’re sure you wouldn’t prefer pancakes?”

Victoria was getting to know him well enough, to know that the conversation was over. 

After breakfast, Dominic explained to Victoria that he, his siblings and some friends get together on Christmas Eve for an adult celebration.

“So do I need to dress up for this event?”

“Victoria, its not an event, it’s a casual party that we’ve had here for the past couple of years; wear whatever makes you comfortable.”

*****

After taking a nap, Victoria decided to start getting ready for the dinner party. She talked to Dominic about inviting Jacqueline and Monica and he thought it was a great idea. After going through her closet she decided on a black maternity dress.  After get dressed she came downstairs to find Dominic standing by the bar with a drink in his hand. 

Dominic turned to see Victoria standing in the living room, the sight of her never cease to take his breath away.  He closed to gap between them and kissed her gently on the forehead. 

“You look beautiful.” He whispered in her ear.

“You clean up nice yourself.” She said jokingly.

“Would you like something to drink?” 

“Yes, I'll have a glass of apple juice.”  She stared at Dominic as he prepared her drink, admiring his sexy body and loving the relaxed look. He was wearing a pair of low rider Levi jeans with the black button-down shirt that accented his amazing chest and arms.  She shivered inwardly at the thought of those arms wrapped around her again. She tried to clear her thoughts as she sat on the sofa and made herself comfortable.

Dominic walked over and handed her a drink. “I have something for you and I wanted to give it to you before everyone arrives.”  Dominic pulled a jewelry box from the side table drawer and handed it to Victoria. “This is for you.”

“Nick I didn't realize we were exchanging gifts tonight, your gift is in my room.”

“We're not exchanging gifts now Victoria, this is something special I wanted you to have.” She gave him a quizzical look before opening the box to reveal a beautiful gold charm bracelet. Two beautiful charms hung from the bracelet.  The first charm was palm tree and the second one, a Christmas tree.  “The first charm symbolizes our vacation together and the second symbolizes our first Christmas together, as we celebrate milestones in our lives and the lives of our children, I will add charms to your bracelet.”  Victoria looked at the beautiful bracelet and could not stop the tear that escaped and slid down her face.

“What’s wrong Vic?”

“Nothing's wrong Nick, this is one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me.”

Dominic used his thumb to wipe away the tear as he kissed her on her forehead, then softly on her lips. Dominic looked in her eyes, his lips so close to hers; he leaned in to kiss her again when the doorbell rang halting his process. He blew out a frustrated breath; the smell of mint caressed her lips as he pulled back. “I guess I better get that.” He placed a small peck on her lips before getting up.

Within an hour, everyone was there and the celebration was in full swing. Everyone ate, drank and indulged in great conversations. Victoria had a chance to speak with Kevin who she had not seen since the summer. At some point during the evening all the women sat in the living room talking as the men gathered at the bar.

“So where's Miss Bitch this evening?  I was sure she would be here.” Francesca said sarcastically referring to Anna.

“I don't know, I thought she would be here too, and can you please try to be cordial Fran.” Victoria pleaded.

“Well, I for one like a woman who tells it like it is.” Monica said as she gave Francesca a high five.

“Maria, Jackie can you please talk to these two?”  Victoria was always trying to keep the peace. Both Jackie and Maria turned their heads and sip their drink as they all started laughing while Victoria pouted.

“Ladies if she comes, I really need you to be on your best behavior, she's Dominic's girlfriend, so please be nice, it’s the holidays.” Just as Victoria was finishing her statement the doorbell rang, Dominic answered it to find Anna. She sashayed in wearing a very short, tight black dress with stiletto heels. She kissed Dominic on the lips as she walked into the living room. 

“Hi everyone, sorry I'm late.”

“It's fine because no one missed you.” Fran whispered to the other ladies. Victoria cut her eyes at her.  Dominic looked over at Victoria and she smiled to indicate everything was fine.  He walked back over to the bar.  When Anna sat down in a chair next to the sofa, Fran got up, “I need to get another drink, can I get anyone else one?” 

“I’ll help you.” Monica said 

“I need to check on the food, I’ll be right back,” Maria said looking directly at Victoria. 

Anna looked at Victoria.  “So how are you feeling, I can see the babies are really growing.” she said snidely. 

“What the hell is that suppose to mean?”  Jackie asked of Anna. 

“I didn’t mean anything by it, I can see that Victoria has gained weight, but that’s to be expected right?” She said sarcastically.

“You know what..
.
J'en ai assez de vous” Victoria knew Jacqueline was upset because she always spoke both English and French interchangeably with she was angry.

Victoria cut her off.  “Jackie veuillez ne pas prétendre, je veux un règlement pacifique, le théâtre libre nuit sans arguments. Ne laissez pas sa colère vous, et vous êtes parlant anglais et français à nouveau ma chérie.”  (Jackie please do not argue, I want a peaceful, drama free night without any arguments.  Don’t let her anger you, and you are speaking English and French again sweetie.)”  Victoria said with a smile. Jackie returned the smiled, but it did not reach her eyes.  Everyone in the room turned to look at Victoria.  Soft Christmas music was the only thing that could be heard throughout the entire house.  Jackie and Victoria instantly noticed the silence and looked at everyone wondering why they were staring at them, and then it dawned on Victoria that she was speaking French and she never mentioned, to them, that she was fluent in not only French but also two to other languages.

“What the hell was that?  You speak another language?”  Fran blurted out.  Dominic looked in the direction of all three women; there was so much he didn’t know about Victoria, as he stared, his thoughts were of the sexiest woman he had ever met and she was the one carrying his children.  

“I was speaking French, and yes Fran, I actually speak three languages.” Victoria said not liking all the attention she was getting.  Dominic smiled at her as he directed his attention back to his brother and Kevin and continued their conversation.  That was a discussion he would have with her later when they were alone.  Slowly, everyone went back to their individual conversations.

“I’m going to see if Maria needs any help in the kitchen.”  Jackie walked off.  Dominic was talking to Kevin and Marco but also watching the interactions between Anna and Victoria. 

“So I guess that leaves me and you.”  Anna said to Victoria.  “So how much longer do you think you will be on bed rest? 

“Not sure, I hoping the doctor will ease up, on the restrictions.” 

“And if that happens will you be moving back to your place?” 

“Yes I will.  Anna if you have something to say, just say it, I don’t like playing games.” 

“I’m glad to hear it because neither do I.  I don’t like you Victoria, and that thing with speaking another language doesn’t impress me.  I think you’re a conniving bitch that set Dominic up with this pregnancy, and I think you are trying to steal my man, but that’s not going to happen, he belongs to me, he loves me, not you.  Now you may be having his babies, but that’s all you’re going to get from him, I will make sure of it. You don’t want to battle with me over Dominic because you will lose, I own his heart.”  Anna said smugly as she said back and took a sip of her drink. 

Victoria was fuming inside, but she would not give Anna the satisfaction of knowing that she was getting to her.  She looked at Anna and smiled.  “I am so glad we are having this conversation, I prefer to be upfront in everything I do.  So listen to me very carefully, I don’t play games and I don’t make idle threats, and given the situation, I will allow you this one chance to lash out, but hear me and hear me well, I’m going to be in Dominic’s life for a very long time, so if you plan to stick around, get use to it.  Pretty soon we will bring three beautiful babies into this world and you will have to deal with them also.  If I even think that you’re holding any animosity against my babies, or me I will tell Dominic not to allow you around our children and how long do you think you will own his heart after that… huh?  Are you willing to take that gamble?”  Anna’s stunned look said it all. “I didn’t think so, and if you ever address me as anything other than Victoria, we will go to battle over more than Dominic and trust me you will lose.”  Anna eyes opened wider, she didn’t expect that reaction from Victoria.  Anna’s phone buzzed as glanced at it, the text message read “I need to see you now.”  

Dominic noticed the interaction and body language between the two women and walked over.  “Is everything okay?” 

“No, it’s not Dominic, I think maybe I should leave, I don’t feel welcomed in your house.”  Anna said as she tried to force fake tears.

“What are you talking about?”  He asked as Anna looked over at Victoria then back at Dominic, making sure he could see the tears in her eyes. 

“Anna, what’s going on?” Dominic asked again, frustrated with her dramatics.

“Why don’t you ask the mother of your children?”  She said looking over at Victoria.  “I will talk to you tomorrow.”  She kissed Dominic on the lips before walking out the door.  “I don’t want to ruin your party, so I’m going home.”  Anna walked towards the door, grabbing her coat on the way out, as she left without saying goodbye to anyone. 

Dominic walked over to Victoria, “What happened, are you alright?”  Victoria was about to speak when the Maria and Jackie entered with trays of food. 

“We’ll talk later.” Victoria said as she gripped his hand and gave it a quick squeeze before releasing it.  He felt a bolt of energy shoot through his body from her touch.  He looked at her, as the rest of the group gathered to get food.  He really loved this woman.

*****

Anna got into her car and dialed her phone.  “So have you come to your senses?  Where are you?  Okay I’ll meet you there.”  She smiled as she drove off.

*****

At the end of the evening, Marco was the last to leave.  Dominic had gone into the kitchen to make sure everything was put away.  Marco sat on the sofa beside Victoria.  “How are you feeling, I know tonight was a long evening.” 

“I feel good, I plan to talk to the doctor about lighten up on the restrictions.”