Stolen Moments (And Then Came Love Book 2) (14 page)

“What the hell is so fucking funny?”

“Are you serious?” Arianna cocked her head to the side. “I don’t know your family that well, but there are definite similarities between you and your siblings.”

Trevor pursed his lips. “Give me the fucking keys and I’ll take you home.”

“Take me home? I don’t think you should be alone tonight.” She held out his keys.

“Well, I can’t say I want to be with you.” Trevor snatched them out of her hands, yanked the driver’s side door open, and climbed inside.

Arianna stood there, her mouth hanging open as she stared at the truck.

He rolled down the window. “Are you coming?”

She took a deep breath and shook her head. “Nope, I’ll call a cab.”

“Fine.” Trevor started the truck and sped out of the parking lot.

She turned back toward the hospital.

Marissa looked up when she entered. “What’s going on?”

One of the nurses stepped into the lobby. “Dr. Halsey.” She looked at Arianna.

“Yes?”

“Brennan O’Riley is requesting you and Trevor ride the elevator upstairs with him.” The nurse looked as if she may yank her hair out.

“I’ll talk to him and then get Trevor.” Arianna followed the nurse into the back.

She entered Pops room and he smiled up at her. “They said I could have a doctor ride up with me, I couldn’t think of a prettier one then you, lass.”

Arianna blinked back a tear, she turned away and sniffed, then walked over to his bedside as the nurses went about unhooking lines and making things mobile.

“Don’t tell me you two fought?”

“In a manner of speaking.” Arianna scoffed. She rested her hand on the bed.

Pops covered her hand with his own.

“He can’t see how much his family loves him and I don’t get it.” She let out a heavy breath.

“Can’t see the forest for the trees in that respect.” Pops shook his head. “I’ve been telling that boy for years his family loves him, but he’s blind to it.”

“But what’s it going to take for him to see it?”

“Something drastic that requires him to rely on them.”

“Like that’s going to happen.” Arianna walked beside him as the nurses brought the bed into the hallway. “He’d cut off his leg, before he’d ask any of the Vitalli’s for anything.”

Pops laughed. “How long have you two known each other? You’ve got him pegged.”

Arianna pressed the up button on the elevator. “What am I going to do?”

“I’d say you find a way home and wait for him to come and apologize.” Pops winked.

“You think he will?”

“Of course.” Pops smiled. “He loves you.”

Arianna held open the elevator door and waited for the nurses to push him in. “I love him too. I don’t understand what happened tonight. I figured once he found out you were okay, things would go different.”

“He’s a good kid. One of my favorites and I can say that, because he’s not my blood relation.” Pops winked.

Arianna chuckled and leaned against the wall of the elevator.

“Trevor fought in a long war. He’s been exposed to loss of all kinds. To get back and have to come to terms with the possible loss of someone close to him is going to cause some flashbacks.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way.” Arianna put her hand on the bed rails as she walked out of the elevator with them.

“You weren’t in the military.” He squeezed her hand. “It’s been a long time and I’ve changed a lot since he saw me last. I think he realizes I’m closer to death than I am life.”

“That’s not true.”

Pops pressed his lips together. “I’m ninety-five years old, lassie. I’m not getting any younger. My time is coming to an end.”

Arianna eyes stung with the threat of tears as the nurses pushed him into his room.

The nurse from the critical care unit walked in. “We need to get him checked in.”

“Go home.” Pops patted her arm. “He’ll come around and apologize. Maybe even before the night is over.”

Arianna gave him a gentle hug and kissed his cheek. “It’s funny, I think I’m more attached to his family than I am my own.”

“Lassie, even if the man is a moron and leaves you, you will always be a part of the family. Just remember that. We’re a tight group, but we love who we love and not even family members stop that.” He winked.

Arianna’s heart fell to her stomach. Trevor leave her? She couldn’t deal with that. She blew out a breath slowly and blinked rapidly.

“You two will be fine. Go home. Try and get some sleep. You need it.”

Arianna nodded and headed back to the elevator. The tears broke free and she was sobbing by the time she made it to the waiting room.

Blake and Lindsay sat in the waiting room.

Lindsay rushed to her side. “Are you all right?”

“I can’t believe he’d just leave me.”

“You don’t know the Vitalli boys very well, do you? Their anger gets the best of them sometimes and it’s not pretty.” Lindsay put her arm around her and led her toward the door. “Come on, we’ll take you home.”

“How about we stop at the coffee shop and we’ll talk?” Blake opened the door to the truck for her.

Arianna nodded. “I’m immune to caffeine. I can drink a pot of coffee and fall asleep.”

Lindsay laughed. “I saw a saying on Facebook the other day saying something like, ‘I need something between coffee and amphetamines’.”

“Yes!” Arianna chuckled.

He helped Lindsay into the truck.

Arianna climbed in the backseat.

“I work a grueling twelve hour shift four days a week. Now that I’m the boss, it’s supposed to be nine to five, but that so doesn’t happen.” Lindsay shook her head.”

“I can imagine.” Arianna nodded as Blake pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the coffee shop.

*****

Trevor raked his hand through his hair. He stood outside Arianna’s house.
Go home
. It’s three in the morning, this could be done later in the day. But——

The door opened.

Trevor turned around.

Arianna stood in the doorway her arms folded over her chest. “Were you planning on coming or were you going to pace outside my house the rest of the night.”

“I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Arianna quirked an eyebrow at him. “You showed up at my house at three in the morning, Trevor. You meant to wake me.”

“I can’t argue with your logic there.” Trevor rubbed his neck. “I’m sorry about earlier. I tried to talk myself into waiting until morning, but there’s something about you that makes me do completely illogical things.”

“Like abandoning me in the parking lot of the hospital after telling me you didn’t want to be with me?” Arianna cocked her head to the side.

Trevor stared at the ground. “Ari, I’m—”

“Why don’t you come in?” She opened the door and stepped inside.

Trevor followed her inside and closed the door behind him. He rubbed his forehead. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re upset.” Arianna walked over to him and rested her hands on his arms.

Trevor cupped her neck and brought his lips to hers.

Arianna put her hands on his chest and pushed him off of her. “We’re not going there until we talk.”

“I …” He raked his hand through his hair. “I’m sorry.”

“I know, sit down and we’ll talk.” She motioned toward the couch.

Trevor stared at the couch.
God, he felt like an ass.
Anger was the one emotion that got the better of him. No matter how many times he pushed it back.

Arianna came up behind him and put her hands on his shoulders.

“My anger got the best of me.” He dropped onto the couch.

She sat down next to him. “It happens and I forgive you for it. Your family says it’s a common trait among them.”

He shook his head. The last thing he wanted was to be compared to his family. He wasn’t like them. No, he ran away from his problems rather then facing them head on. He was a coward. Trevor rested his elbows on his knees, folded his hands together, and rested his head against them. “You know the last thing I said to my Dad before I left was fuck off?” He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, waiting for a look of disappointment to cross her face.

“You were angry.” She shrugged, put her hand on his back, and traced circles there.

No look of disappointment. Not even a hint of surprise. Just acceptance.
Isn’t that what he always wanted from his family? Stupid. That’s what he’d always got from his family, but wouldn’t admit it.
“That’s no excuse. It shouldn’t have been an excuse ten and it’s definitely not an excuse for tonight. I should be able to control my emotions.”

She laughed.

A soft laugh, not condescending, but one that caused his lips to turn up in a smile. She had that effect on him. The ability to make him smile, when there should Ben nothing to smile about.

“If all emotions were meant to be controlled, we’d never have any. Life thrives on emotions. They’re what makes life fun to live.” She kissed his cheek.

His cock swelled at her touch. God he wanted her. He ached for her.

She caressed his cheek.

He closed his eyes and twisted his body to face her. “Ari.” His voice had dropped an octave. He leaned toward her.

She put her hands on his chest. “Not here.”

Trevor blew out a heavy breath. “Ari, I’m not sure.”

Ari pressed a finger to his lips and caught his hand with her other hand. “Bedroom.”

Trevor grinned, pulled her to her feet, and lifted her off the ground.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You know the way.”

The door to the bedroom was halfway open. He nudged it the rest of the way with his foot and carefully maneuvered her into the room. Slowly, he lowered her onto the bed.

Chapter Thirteen

May 5th

Trevor sipped at his fourth beer. Chairs scraped across the wooden floor. Voices trickled through the room at a low roar, still low enough to hear his own party at least.

He spun his beer bottle on the table. How Arianna talked him into coming here with his brothers was beyond him. He was trying to make up for behavior the night before.

Blake stood and patted Trevor on the shoulder. He leaned in to whisper. “I’m taking Lindsay home.”

Trevor nodded and shifted in his seat. They were dropping like flies. How long before Arianna was ready to leave? Hopefully, soon.

Lindsay stood.

Arianna glanced over at her. “Leaving so soon?”

“Blake’s going to take me home. I have to work in the morning.”

“Oh I bet he’ll take you home.” Julian winked from across the table.

“Dick,” Trevor muttered under his breath.

Arianna looked skyward. “Was there ever a time all of you got along?”

Blake put his hands on Trevor’s shoulders and grinned at Arianna. “We went on a road trip in college.” He smacked Trevor on the back. “I’ll see you guys later.”

“Really?” Trevor spun around and flipped Blake off.

Blake shrugged. “It was a fun trip.” He draped his arm over Lindsay’s shoulder and walked out of the bar.

“You went on a road trip?” Arianna quirked her brow. “All of you?”

A woman walked up to the table. “The boys went on a road trip. They chose to take Ethan over me.” She held her hand out to Arianna. “Terra Vitalli, these crazy guys are my brothers.”.

Julian leaned back in his chair and took a drink. “She went as far as to try and sue us for gender discrimination. It was then we realized that she would be a lawyer.”

Arianna laughed with the rest of them. “You did?”

Terra wrinkled her nose. “I threatened, but the lawyer said I didn’t have a leg to stand on.”

“And not enough legs to go on the trip.” Julian shouldered Trevor.

Trevor snorted. “How does Liza put up with you?”.

Terra punched him in the arm. “I hate you.”

Julian put his arm around her shoulder and drew her in for a side hug. “Oh come on, Sis you know you don’t mean that.”

Ethan winked. “I think she does. She gave that same look to a boy in Junior High right before she punched him in the jaw.”

Terra laughed. “He had that one coming.” She forced Julian away. “You’re all asses.”

Arianna smiled and looked across the table at Trevor. He too smiled.

“Hey look, Trevor’s smiling.” Julian elbowed him.

“You’re determined to get punched in the face tonight aren’t you?” Trevor tried for a glare, but the alcohol made his brother amusing.

Arianna came around the table and slid into the seat next to him.

He closed his eyes, her breath caressed his ear, and she whispered.

“A couple beers and you lighten up a bit.”

He smiled and reached up to unbutton the top button of his shirt. “Maybe you should get me drunk more often.”

Julian clapped him on the back. “And someone’s getting laid tonight.”

“And yet we can’t say the same for you.” Trevor shot back.

The rest of the table burst into laughter.

Even Julian couldn’t help but snicker.

“Tell me about the road trip?” Arianna squeezed his hand. “How’d you convince Trevor to go with you all?”

Trevor downed the rest of his beer. “A lot of alcohol and a moment of weakness.”

“Moment of weakness?” Julian threw his head back and laughed. “Try alcohol and pot.”

Arianna raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

Trevor stared at the ceiling and let out a heavy sigh. “Julian’s a bad influence.”

“How’s that?” Arianna smirked. “He’s the only one not drinking?”

“Alcoholic.” Julian shrugged. “Family owned bar. If anyone in this place served me alcohol Gramps and Pops would rain down scunion on them all.”

“Scunion?” Arianna narrowed her eyes.

Trevor flagged down the waitress to order another beer. “Soldiers in Vietnam used it when talking about bringing distress or destruction.”

Julian glared at Trevor. “Gramps always said it was a combination of shit and lightning.”

Trevor picked up the beer turned to Julian and sipped it slowly. “You don’t know how good this tastes.”

Julian pursed his lips. “You’ve learned a thing or two since we saw each other last.”

Trevor patted him on the shoulder. “I had the best asshole in the country as a teacher.”

“Thanks, I take that as a compliment.” Julian glanced across the bar and stood up. “Petur Muller, come sit down with us.”

Everyone at the table turned to look at the blond man standing in the doorway.

He smiled and walked over to join them, a briefcase clutched in his hand.

Julian motioned to the man. “Everyone Dr. Petur Muller. Pete, everyone.” He circled his finger to indicate the people at the table.

Trevor scoffed. “Run while you still can, there’s an asshole among us.”

Julian smirked. “You’re cut off.”

Petur looked at Julian and then turned to Trevor. “An asshole? You mean Julian, I presume?” He spoke with a slight German accent.

Julian bowed and returned to his seat. “I see my reputation precedes me. Have a seat, Pete.”

Petur nodded to Arianna and Terra. “Ladies, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Gentlemen, thank you for letting me join your party.”

Trevor let out a heavy sigh. “Next to Julian is our sister Terra, our brother Drew, our friend Ethan, my date Arianna, I’m Trevor, and unfortunately you know Julian.”

Petur chuckled. “Yes, I know him. Though I must say I am fortunate for the acquaintance. His skills with experimental botany are quite prodigious.”

Trevor took a drink of his beer. “Julian has skills? Who knew? I thought he smoked pot all day.”

“Liza seems to think I have skills.” Julian sat back and stared as his brother.

“Julian, there are ladies present.” Petur’s eyes widened.

Drew laid his hand across the back of the empty chair next to him. “I heard she left you hanging the other morning. Your skills must have worn off.”

“Excuse me?” Petur choked on the water he drank.

“Fuck you.” Julian forced a smiled at Drew.

Trevor leaned over to Arianna. “The shit’s getting deep around here.”

“I’ll have to put my waders on to get out of here.” Arianna smiled.

“There’s ladies here?” Julian quirked his brow.

“Watch it, Julian. I’m sure your brother wouldn’t want you to assume Arianna isn’t a lady.” Petur cocked his head to the side.

“You better not assume she’s not a lady.” Trevor glared at Julian.

“Arianna’s obviously a lady. However, my sister on the other hand ...”

Terra punched Julian in the arm.

“If she were my sister. I’d be hiring guards.” Petur shook his head.

Ethan shifted in his seat. “Cool it, Julian. You’re cruising for a punch to the face.”

Julian held his hands in a gesture of surrender. “My bad, sorry.”

Drew shook his head. “Yep, that’s my twin and he’s stone cold sober.”

Petur looked at Ethan. “A good influence on Julian. How did you survive?”

Ethan shrugged. “I know where the bodies are hidden.”

Julian clapped. “Good one, after thirty years you’re finally catching on.”

“My asshole side took a little longer to develop.” Ethan looked over at Terra.

Terra mouthed thank you to him.

Trevor cocked his head to the side. “Of course, Julian was born that way.”

“A statement full of candor.” Petur flagged down a waitress. “May I have Vodka straight, please and perhaps some wings with ranch?”

Julian leaned over to Trevor and put his hand by his mouth, but made no effort to lower his voice. “I wonder how many drinks it takes him to unbutton his top button?”

“Care to lay bets?” Petur smirked.

Drew laughed. “He’s calling you out, bro.”

Julian pursed his lips. “I never button my top button, unless I’m forced to wear a tie.”

Trevor chuckled. It was amusing to hang out with his siblings. He enjoyed the banter.

“You’re as subtle as a Panzer Division charging at full speed.” Petur shook his head.

“You can say that again.” Drew nodded. “There is nothing subtle about Julian.”

Petur chuckled. “It is one of the things Liza praises as ‘honesty’.”

Julian quirked an eyebrow at Petur. “Do I have something to worry about there?”

“Never.” Petur shook his head. “Liza is a colleague and a friend. Never more than that.”

Trevor stretched and finished his beer. He needed a couple minutes to recharge. Somewhere away from his family. He whispered to Arianna. “I’m done. I’m going to sit at the back table.”

She nodded.

He stood. “And the night will go downhill from here. I’m going to the bathroom.” He headed to the bathroom and when he returned he did as he told Arianna and sat at the back table. His focus on the picture of Pops and the blond S.S. officer.

Arianna sat in the booth next to him. “Julian getting to you?”

“Surprisingly no.” Trevor continued to stare at the picture. “That’s the man I need to find.”

“What man?”

Trevor motioned to the stoic looking German in the picture. “That man.”

“Why,” she asked, then added. “That’s an old picture, Trevor. Pops is what? Ninety-five? What are the odds he’s still alive?”

“Pops told me he was alive. I’m supposed to go see him and his wife in Minnesota.”.”

“Let’s go. We can do it next weekend if you want.”

Trevor laughed. “Pops wants to go and we can’t drop in on an old man in Minnesota.”

“Why not? Does everything have to be planned?”

Trevor turned to her. “There are things that need to be planned. What about Mina? Candace? What happens if Candace goes into labor while we’re there?”

“She’s not that close to giving birth.”

“That doesn’t mean it can’t happen. We need to plan for these things. Not to mention with Pops going, I have to make arrangements for him.”

“I’m enjoying my daughter having friends she can hang out with.”

Trevor frowned. “Did you take the pup out before we left?”

“Mina took her with her. I think that pup is more her dog than she is yours.” Arianna narrowed her eyes. “Of course that was the plan wasn’t it?”

Trevor shrugged. “Maybe.” He put his arm around her and opened his mouth to say something when Gramps came up to them.

He placed Petur’s order on the other side of the table, handed Trevor a beer, and walked away whistling It’s a Small World.

Trevor stared across the table at the plate.

“I think Gramps is trying to tell us something.”

“That’s my thought too.” Trevor looked over at Petur. “I wonder how he figures in to all of this.”

“I wonder if the rest of them know anything about all this.” Arianna gestured to the picture and nodded as she saw Petur stand. “I guess we’re about to find out.”

“I see the service at this place is exemplary as always.” Petur walked over to join them.

Trevor scoffed. “That’s Gramps for you. Have a seat. I’m assuming there was a reason he put your plate here.”

Petur chuckled. “I thank you.” He froze as he caught sight of the picture. “This photograph ...” his eyes clouded over and his lips thinned to a grim line. His jaw set into a hard line making his whole appearance more formidable.

Trevor’s eyes widened at the resemblance. Uncanny.

“How did this come to be here?” Petur turned to face them and caught Trevor’s stare.

“That’s a helluva resemblance.” Trevor shook his head and pointed to the man sitting opposite the American in the picture. “This guy is the only real family I have.”

Arianna elbowed his arm. “Stop that.”

“Uncle Irish?” Petur stared at Trevor as he sank into the bench across from them.

“We call him Pops around here.”

“He is your family?” Petur rested his arms on the table.

“No blood relation. He’s Gramps’ best friend and my Aunt’s father-in-law. To me though, he is more of a father and grandfather then my own.”

“Because you chose to push them away.” Arianna shook her head.

“Why do you call him Uncle Irish?”

“I couldn’t say his name when I was small, but I could say Irish. Bestefar always calls him Irish.” Petur looked back at the picture and then turned back to Trevor.

“The man in the picture is your grandfather?”

Petur peered around the room with obvious discomfort before lowering his voice. “Ya. He is.” He leaned back in the booth. “He and Bestemor took over my raising for a time after my mother died.”