Stolen Moments (And Then Came Love Book 2) (10 page)

BOOK: Stolen Moments (And Then Came Love Book 2)
6.31Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

Trevor laughed. “You have something on your face, man.” He reached over and tore the fake mustache off.

“Joke’s on you, it didn’t hurt.”

Trevor looked at the back. “Scotch tape?” He chuckled, shook his head, and turned to Arianna. “Ari, this is my younger brother, Blake and his girlfriend, Lindsay.”

“Girlfriend?” Blake and Lindsay both said in unison.

“Not the girlfriend?” Arianna looked between the two of them.

Lindsay’s eyes sparkled when she looked at Blake.

Blake put his arm around her shoulders. “We’re not dating. Just best friends.”

“Have you ever thought about dating?”

Lindsay frowned. “No.”

Blake looked away. “No.”

Arianna glanced at Trevor.

“Long story,” he mouthed.

“Why don’t you have a seat?” Arianna motioned to the loveseat. “What do you two do? I haven’t met many of Trevor’s family.”

“I work for the FBI, I’m in charge of their crime lab.” Lindsay plopped down. “Blake used to work with us.”

“I’m an entomology professor.” Blake sat next to Lindsay.

“Bugs?” Arianna cringed. “Why would you want to study bugs?”

“They’re fascinating.” Blake leaned forward in his seat. “I was the first one through the Universities program of Forensic Entomology. I want to focus my research on the criminal aspect of the bug world.”

“Dead bodies and bugs.” Arianna shook her head. “I guess you two work well together then.”

Blake laughed. “I started out working for the crime lab as well, but then I ended up injured and was out for a while. I fell in love with teaching and ended up staying.”

“He still works with us from time to time. Anytime I need a bug expert, I call him.” Lindsay ran her hand over his back a wistful expression on her face.

“Or your mother.” Blake grinned.

“Your mother works with bugs as well?”

“Her mother was my teacher at college. She’s the head of the department, so technically, her mother is my boss.”

“That’s neat.” Arianna grimaced.

“My father’s a theater director if that helps,” Lindsay said.

“It’s not that.” Arianna shook her head. “Sorry, parents are a sore subject with me.”

“If you’re around us long enough, my parents will adopt you.” Blake smiled. “Our sister-in-law, Audrey, was in a foster home when Jake brought her home. She ended up staying.”

“I’ve liked everyone I’ve met in your family so far.” Arianna nodded.

“Even Julian?” Trevor raised an eyebrow.

“I only met him once and he was trying to make up to his girlfriend during an ultrasound.” She rolled her eyes. “I guess there’s hope for him too.”

Trevor laughed. “One of these days, I’ll get you over there and introduce you to everyone.”

“Be prepared to be overwhelmed. I’ve been around them my whole life and still have a hard time remembering all of them on Sunday mornings.”

“I take it Sunday brunch is more than just immediate family then?”

“There’s no such thing as immediate family in our parent’s house.” Blake chuckled. “If they had a gardener they’d invite him to Sunday brunch.”

“I adopted a pregnant teenager the other day, so I guess I understand where your parents are coming from.”

“It’s in their nature.” Blake nodded. “They care for everyone.”

Trevor grabbed a beer from the pack on the table. “I guess we should eat before this gets too cold.”

“No more conversations about parents.” Lindsay looked over at Arianna. “Do you want me to order you something else?”

“I had some soup earlier. I’m feeling a little better.” Arianna stood and headed into the kitchen.

Trevor strolled behind her. “Everything all right?”

She held up a stack of paper plates and started to return to the living room.

“There’s something else wrong. What is it?”

Arianna shook her head. “Nothing.”

“Liar, come on, tell me.”

Arianna took a deep breath. “I don’t get it. Your parents are wonderful. Your Dad may not have been there all the time, but he was still there. Why can’t you just forgive him for that?”

“It’s not about forgiving him, Ari. It’s about forgiving myself. I told you that.”

“But you ignore him when you see him. Or at least leave the room. I’d give anything to have the kind of relationship you have with your father. At least he’s around and tries to talk to you.”

“I don’t ignore him.” Trevor put his arms around her. “Do you want to find your parents?”

“I’d love to find my father. My mother? I don’t think there’s much to repair that relationship.”

“I’ll do what I can to find your father.”

Arianna shook her head. “That’s not why I told you this. You need to sit down and have a conversation with your father. Stop being stubborn and have a relationship. He’s willing, you’re the one that’s not. I don’t get it.”

Trevor kissed her forehead. “I’ll do what I can. I can’t promise it will happen overnight, but I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you.”

“Come on, let’s go back and watch the movie.”

Arianna nodded and followed Trevor back into the living room.

It wasn’t long after the movie started that Arianna fell asleep on Trevor’s chest.

He started to drift off as well.

Blake tapped him on the shoulder. “You two look comfortable, we’re going to check out.”

“Have fun. Thanks for picking this up for me.”

“No problem. What are brothers for?” Blake smiled. He put his arm around Lindsay and they headed for the door.

Lindsay waved at Trevor over her shoulder before they disappeared outside.

Arianna stirred. She glanced around. “Where’d they go?”

“They just left. Lindsay probably has to work in the morning. She starts at six am.”

“That’s early.” She rested her hand against Trevor’s chest and snuggled in closer. “I like them. They seem nice.”

“They are. We’ve all known Lindsay forever.”

“There is totally something going on between them.” Arianna chuckled. “They may not be able to see it, but I can.”

“The rest of us can too.”

 

 

 

 

Chapter Ten

May 3rd

Trevor stepped out of the shower as his phone rang. He wrapped the towel around his waist and headed into the other room.

It was the hospital. “Hello?”

“I need your help,” Arianna sounded frantic.

“Are you okay?”

“I left my phone at home and it has appointments and information I need. The key is in the fake rock near the door. Can you bring it to me?”

“Of course.” Trevor headed into his bedroom to get dressed.

“Oh thank you. I owe you one, big time.”

“I’m thinking dinner, alone a fancy restaurant, candle light, romance, and maybe—”

“Say no more, I’m sold.” Arianna chuckled. “I have to go, but thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Trevor clicked off his phone, got dressed, and headed to her house.

*****

Trevor unlocked the door to Arianna’s house and heard her phone ringing. At least it would be easy to find. He headed into the kitchen to grab the phone only to have Mina run head first into his chest.

He put his hands on her shoulders to steady her.

Her eyes were wide as she looked up at him.

“What are you doing here?” She bit her bottom lip.

“I could ask you the same thing.” He answered the call. “Hello.”

“Hello, I’m trying to reach Ms. Halsey, this is June the attendance secretary from the school.”

“The attendance secretary.” Trevor pursed his lips as he raised an eyebrow at Mina.

Mina’s gaze fell to the floor.

“This is Trevor Vitalli, I’m Arianna’s boyfriend. She’s at work right now, but I would be glad to take a message for her.”

“We’re calling because Mina was here for her first two classes, but she’s missing.”

“She’s not missing, she’s standing in front of me at her house, skipping class.”

“Oh.” June paused. “A confirmed skipping of classes will give her two days of detention.”

“I’m sure her mother will find that acceptable.” Trevor tapped his hand on the countertop. I’m going to take her to her mother to make the decision on whether or not she’s coming back today.”

“Thank you, Mr. Vitalli.”

“No problem.” Trevor ended the call and looked at Mina. “Care to tell me why you’re skipping school?”

“Care to tell me why you’re trying to act like my father, when you’re not?” Mina turned away and headed toward her bedroom.

“I hope you’re getting your coat, because I’m taking you to your mother’s office.”

“I hate you,” Mina screamed and slammed the door to her room.

Trevor let out a heavy sigh and called Arianna’s office.

“Howard County OB/GYN, how can I help you?”

“Is Arianna around? This is Trevor, it’s kind of important.”

“Sure, let me put you on hold.”

Trevor walked over to Mina’s room and knocked. “Get ready to go.”

The door came open and she scowled at him.

“What’s up?” Arianna sounded breathless.

“You okay?” Trevor walked toward the door, picking up his keys as he headed to the door.

“Just super busy.”

“I’ll keep this short. I found your phone. I also found Mina at the house.”

“Thank you.” Arianna paused. “Wait, Mina? Why was she at the house?”

“Not sure, but you received a call from the school saying that she was skipping. She has two days of detention and I’m bringing her to your office.” Trevor opened the door and waited for Mina to walk through.

“I hate you ever more.” Mina marched over to the truck, opened the door, and slammed it shut.

“Was that the door slamming?”

“On my truck. She hates me.”

“Welcome to the fun that is teenagers.” Arianna let out a sigh. “Thank you for dealing with that, you didn’t have too.”

“I’m involved with you. Mina comes as a packaged deal. Things happen, I’m not going to ignore it, just because I’m not her father.”

“Sometimes, I think you’re better than I deserve.”

“Never.” Trevor walked over to his truck. “I’ll be there shortly.”

“Thank you again.”

No problem.”

*****

Arianna ran the fetal heart monitor over her patient’s belly.

The door opened and the nurse stepped inside. “Trevor’s here with your daughter.”

“Can you finish this?” She handed the nurse the doppler. “She needs to see me again in two weeks.”

“Will do.” The nurse smiled. “They’re in your office.”

Arianna headed out of the room and around the corner. She collided with Trevor as he stepped out of her office.

“Hi.”

He handed her phone to her. “I’m going to step out here while you deal with this. There’s only so much time you can spend having daggers glared into you, before you snap.”

“No, come in here.” Arianna walked into the office, waited for Trevor to close the door and the turned to Mina. “You want to explain to me why you’re being rude to him?”

“He’s not my Dad.”

“No, he’s not. Your Dad died before you were born. You’ve never had a father. So the first person I date who even remotely has to deal with you in a parental manner is bound to get this treatment, but I won’t stand for it.” Arianna shook her finger at her daughter. “You are the one who decided to skip school. You’re the one who got caught, by Trevor. So he has every right to call you out for what you did.”

“Oh so he has a right to punish me too? I’m not seven years old, Mom. Not just anyone can tell me what to do.”

“You’re right, they can’t, however, I don’t recall him punishing you.”

“He got me two days of detention.”

“The school gave you detention, which they would have anyway, because I would have called to tell them what was going on. He did the right thing and then he brought you here to me. Why? Because he knew I needed to deal with it. Is there going to come a time when he’s more of a parent to you? I don’t know. We haven’t discussed where this relationship is going.”

Trevor cleared his throat. “I’m going to step outside.”

“No, stay.” Arianna rested her hand on his arm and then turned back to Mina. “I don’t know what made you decide to skip school today, but what Trevor did was the right thing. I am glad for it. And just because you get yourself in trouble doesn’t mean you have the right to be rude to them.”

Mina rolled her eyes.

“Absolutely not, young lady.” Arianna folded her arms over her chest. “You’re going to apologize and you’re going to do it now. And then since you’ve decided you need to skip school, I’m going to come up with a list of jobs for you to do and you can do them until I get home. If Trevor will be so kind as to accompany you, he’ll be with you for the rest of the afternoon.”

“I have a better idea if you’ll hear it,” Trevor said.

“What?”

Mina’s eyes narrowed again.

“I know the owner of the animal shelter. They’re always looking for volunteers.”

“Great, now he gets to decide I get to clean up animal poop all day. That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Mina turned away from them.

“I think it’s an excellent idea.” Arianna nodded. “If you’ll make the call, I’ll drive her over there in a few minutes.”

“I’ll take her and deal with setting it up.” Trevor took a deep breath. What was he thinking?

Arianna raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“No, but if I’m serious about this relationship, and this is part of it.”

A smile spread across Arianna’s face. She threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Arianna turned to Mina. “I guess you get to spend the afternoon at the animal shelter.”

“Oh boy.” Mina stood. “Can I go or is there more to this torture?”

“Go sit in the waiting room. Trevor will be out for you in a moment.” Arianna stepped out of the office. “Patty can you make sure she stays in the waiting room?”

“She can come sit with me until you’re ready.” Patty smiled.

Mina huffed over to the desk.

Arianna closed the door and turned to Trevor.

“I’m not trying to step on you—”

She closed the gap between them and pressed a kiss to his lips.

Trevor wrapped his arms around her.

She closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest. “You don’t realize how happy you made me.”

Trevor chuckled. “A strange time to be happy.”

Arianna rolled her eyes. “Not because my daughter’s in trouble, but because you’re taking this relationship seriously.”

“Of course I am. I’m in love with you.”

Arianna’s eyes widened and she stared up at him. “What’d you say?”

Trevor grinned. “Well, I am.”

“Me too.” She hugged him close. “You just made my day.”

“What should I do with Mina after the shelter closes? You’re working late tonight, right?”

“Oh crap, you’re going to have to pick up Candace from school and Mina’s supposed to be at the gym after school for practice.”

“If it was a school sponsored thing she wouldn’t be able to go. Maybe you should keep her home.”

“So you can be tortured with a pregnant teen and a pissed off teen until I get off work?” Arianna sighed.

“I think I can handle it.” Trevor nodded.

“You’re going to be ready to tear your hair out by the time I get home.”

“Yeah.”

“I owe you one.”

“Tomorrow. A walk in the woods after you get off work and a date afterwards. Alone.”

“Where are we going to leave the kids?”

“I’ll talk to Marissa.”

“I’d say we’d leave them alone, but with Mina acting up like she is lately.”

“I’m going to try and find out what’s going on with her today.”

“I hope you can. I’m worried about her.”

“We’ll get through this and we’ll deal with her, but tomorrow, I want you all to myself.”

“I can’t wait.”

*****

Trevor drove Mina to the animal shelter. He pulled open the glass door to the brick building and smiled at the woman behind the counter.

She had dark gray hair flecked with white and a pleasant smile. “Can I help you?” Her eyes widened in recognition. She stood and rushed around the counter to give him a hug. “Trevor Vitalli, is that you?”

“It’s me Rose.” He grinned. “How are you doing?”

“Wonderful.” Rose looked at Mina. “Don’t tell me this young lady is yours?”

Trevor laughed. “This is Mina. She’s my girlfriend’s daughter.”

Rose put her hands on her hips. “And what has she done to warrant a trip here today?”

“She needs to be put to work until you close.”

“Ahh.” Rose nodded. “I’m sure I have some stuff she can do. Let me go get George. He’ll be thrilled to see you.” She disappeared in the back room.

“How do you know them?” Mina sat in one of the chairs in the waiting area.

“There family friends. I spent a couple summers working for them as a teenager.”

“You mean you were in trouble for a couple summers?” Mina scoffed.

“Nope, I volunteered. Because I wanted too.”

Mina rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to be here.”

“Don’t I know it.” Trevor stood when a white haired man with a walker came out of the back room.

“Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” George moved slowly across the floor.

Trevor moved over to him and the two men hugged. “It’s good to see you.”

“How long has it been?”

“Too long, in the army.”

“Glad you made it home alive.” George shook his head and looked at Mina. “Young lady, you have the privilege of being around one heck of a man.”

“Right.” Mina let out a heavy breath and looked away.

“Her name is Mina and she decided to skip school today. Her mother agreed to her working here until close.”

“Well good. We’re working until six this evening and I have a lot of things that need to get done.”

“I have swim practice at four. I can’t work until six.”

“Not tonight you’re not. Your mom said since you skipped school you can skip practice too.” Trevor motioned for her to get up.

“Another one of your terrible ideas, I assume?” Mina glared.

“Something like that.”

“Well, I’m going back to the office, I’ll leave you two in Rose’s hands. She knows what we need done.” George patted Trevor on the back and then crept back to his office.

“Let’s get going.”

*****

Trevor arrived back at the shelter after dropping Candace off at home. He headed to the back to find Mina.

Rose motioned him over.

He stopped right outside the door.

BOOK: Stolen Moments (And Then Came Love Book 2)
6.31Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

Other books

The Book of Wonders by Richards, Jasmine
A Flight To Heaven by Barbara Cartland
Anne Barbour by Lady Hilarys Halloween
Mr. Darcy's Promise by Jeanna Ellsworth
Until We Meet Again by Margaret Thornton
Santa's Executive by Ryan, Carrie Ann