Tangled Up Hearts (2 page)

That made Alyssa take stock in herself. She was as rigid as plywood, her jaw so tense it was almost painful. Since she didn’t quite know what to say in response, she began pacing again. How to explain this long-suffering animosity? Alyssa didn’t understand it herself. She was completely baffled as to
why Cole took such an exception to her. As for her behavior towards him, well she operated purely on reaction. She almost never instigated the little wars they waged. She just made sure he didn’t best her … at anything. Shaking her head in growing frustration, Alyssa took in another deep breath and hoped her momentary calm remained. Despite her best intentions, however, her voice rose along with her agitation. “He is infuriating. He’s mean. Nasty. An affront to the whole male species!”

Although Trisha had momentarily closed her eyes, they flew open and gleamed with tempered amusement. Arching her brows in skeptical wonder and growing dismay, her voice was quite subdued when she finally spoke. “All that? He must have outdone himself this time.” Giving her a sympathetic smile, she patted the seat beside her. “Please sit down, Al. You are being way too melodramatic.” When Alyssa refused the invitation with a resolute shake of the head, Trisha sighed. "Though I'm afraid to ask, my curiosity demands it...what exactly did he do?”

Alyssa's pacing halted yet again, her eyes meeting Trisha's and holding the stare with such solemn intensity that her friend shifted uneasily in her seat. “He is ruining my life.” Gaining momentum, Alyssa's voice rose to a high pitch. “Thanks to your brother, Jerry … you remember Jerry? The one I’ve been talking about for … what? Months? Will never look at me again.” Tears gathered in her eyes but she blinked them away as fast as they formed. She was not going to give Cole Delaney the power to bring her to tears. “Not only has he made it impossible for Jerry and me to ever have a relationship but my career at Schullers is probably ruined too.” Suddenly deflated, she plopped down beside her friend and took some measure of comfort in Trisha’s sympathetic smile.

“I’m sorry, Al. I really am.”

Alyssa waved a dismissive hand and flopped back against the sofa. Her energies spent, she now felt tired resignation. “It’s not your fault you have a scum-of-the-earth brother.”

Trisha heaved a deep sigh. Grabbing Alyssa’s hand, she gave it a gentle squeeze. “Surely it’s not as bad as all that is it? There must be some sort of misunderstanding. The problem here is that the two of you rub each other the wrong way.”

“That man does not just rub me the wrong way. He grates on my nerves, irritates the hell out of me and infuriates me beyond reason. I’m tired of his spiteful, meddling interference.” With that being said, her eyes narrowed as possible avenues of retribution streamed through her head. “He will pay dearly, your precious brother. He will not...” her chin lifted in determination, “Get away with it anymore.”

Trisha bit her lip and once again glanced at the clock.

Alyssa frowned. “Is there somewhere you have to go, Trish?”

Her eyes widened in denial. “No. Nowhere. Look, Al, I don’t know what happened or why you think Cole would interfere with your … ah … love life, but I’m sure he thought he had a good reason.”

That was definitely the wrong thing for Trisha to say. Alyssa shot off the couch like a cannonball. “Do you honestly think I care about his reasons for doing anything?”

Trisha pressed her fingers to her temples. “Please, Al, I have a horrendous headache and you are not helping.”

At once contrite, Alyssa took in her friend’s pale face and lowered her voice into soothing concern. “You want me to get you some aspirin?”

“No, I …”

The doorbell interrupted whatever she was about to say and when her face went instantly pale, Alyssa felt a sinking feeling drop like a stone in the pit of her stomach. Whatever caused that reaction did not bode well for her. Then a sudden, appalling suspicion entered her mind at the same moment the front door opened. Alyssa swung around, knowing with certainty and dread just
who was going to come through it.

Cole strode into the house as if he owned the place. A wide smile adorned his handsome face, showing off perfect teeth and just the hint of dimples. He was obviously prepared to greet his sister with effusive affection but the smile disappeared the moment his eyes collided with Alyssa’s. One dark brow rose in inquiry as he swung on his heels to look at Trisha. “Is this a bad time, sis?” He nodded towards Alyssa and when he spoke again his voice was dry and deep with mock concern. “You really ought to be careful of the company you keep.”

Alyssa sucked in a quick breath then let it out in a huff of rising fury. “You ... you bastard. You are damned lucky I am not packing a gun or I would shoot you dead.”

He threw her a disparaging glance before looking at his sister and gesturing with his hand, waving it at Alyssa as if a point had just been proven. “Do you see? She’s a murderous little witch.” His narrowed gaze returned to spear Alyssa where she stood, his voice lowering with his own rising fury. "And you, Al, are damned lucky I don’t wring your scrawny little neck.” Then, as if determined to keep things light, he rested his hands on his hips and affected a look of disdain, giving his head just a slight toss to show his scorn. “You need to be careful of the accusations you make, especially when they concern our mother." He looked to Trisha for support. “Well? Are you just going to sit there and say nothing?”

Alyssa’s lip curled, her derision nearly choking her. She tossed her head, sending her long dark hair flying behind her. “What gibberish are you spurting now, Cole?”

His eyes moved to her hair and she wondered if he was thinking how much he hated the long flowing locks. She could only hope. If she was more inclined to evil, she’d choke him with it. That
image tantalized her until his gaze once again took hold of hers. The look he gave her made her breath stall in her throat. What was going on behind those eyes of his? Whatever it was, it wasn't good.

Giving his head a shake, as if he couldn’t stomach whatever thoughts churned about in there, he turned away and sank into a chair, his manner suggesting he hadn't a care in the world. Once settled, he glanced at his watch and again gave Alyssa a cursory once over, his entire manner suggesting he had better things to do than suffer through a round of bickering with his sister’s best friend. “You called me a bastard. I stand firm in defense of my parents’ honor. Both, I assure you, were happily wed to each other when my blessed entry was made.”

Alyssa tossed out a disgusted breath. “Cursed event you mean.” She was so angry she was shaking with it. The very sight of him made her want to fly across the room and rip his handsome face to shreds. How a wonderful family spawned a man like Cole was beyond her understanding. There had to have been some sort of divine mistake. The Delaneys deserved better.

Trisha stood and held up her hands. “Enough.” She looked at Alyssa and pointed at the sofa. “Sit.” Her command brooked no argument and Alyssa sat. Next, she turned to her brother. “Cole, I love you, but this has to stop.” She shook a condescending finger at him. “I’m not sure what it is you’ve done but Al says you’ve been meddling in her private life and you should know better.” When he opened his mouth to speak, she waved a hand for him to zip it. "No, you are going to listen to me.” Stepping back, she looked first at Cole and then at Alyssa, determination hardening her soft features. “I did not ask you both to come here so I could listen to your bickering. I asked you to come here so I could deliver an ultimatum.”

Alyssa’s eyes widened at the unexpected announcement and the apprehension that followed made every muscle in her body tighten. Her friend’s voice had a note to it that put her on edge. Whatever this was about, it wasn’t going to be good. Trisha was never this forceful. She was typically sympathetic and flustered when dealing with the strong feelings that flowed
between herself and her worm of a brother. But it wasn’t just this new forceful tone in her voice that had Alyssa feeling uneasy. Trisha’s pale face was actually beginning to
bother her more.

Drawing in a steadying breath, Trisha made her announcement. “Jack and I have decided to get married.”

With a squeal of delight, Alyssa jumped up and rushed to hug her. “Trish, that’s wonderful.”

Not one for patience, Cole practically pushed her out of the way as he moved in to draw his sister to him. Alyssa threw him a furious glance as she stepped aside and watched him bend his head to tenderly kiss Trisha's cheek. A small sting of pain pierced through her chest and entered her heart. He was always so warm and gentle and sweet to Trisha. Why couldn’t he find it in himself to be civil to her?

“Congratulations, sis.”

Alyssa looked at the two of them and wondered, not for the first time, how it was possible that they were even related. Not that she seriously questioned his parentage, but honestly, the two of them couldn’t be any more different in looks and temperament. It was utterly amazing the two were brother and sister. Trisha stood at a mere five feet, two inches compared to Cole's six feet, two inch height. She sported dirty blond hair with lots of curls while Cole’s hair was thick, only slightly wavy, and the color a rich, dark mahogany. Trisha’s eyes were a light brown, soft and gentle, while Cole’s eyes were light blue, very clear and very intense. Trisha was small and petite, Cole was strong and athletic. Trisha was warm and caring, Cole was self-assured and domineering. They both, however, shared a wonderful sense of humor. A trait that disappeared completely from Cole’s personality when Alyssa was anywhere near him.

But it hadn't always been that way. No.

Trisha pulled away from her brother and moved a short distance away from them. She looked so troubled that Cole and Alyssa shared a concerned glance.

“Before you get any further with your congratulatory speeches, there is something else you both should know.” She pressed a hand against her stomach and said softly, “I’m pregnant.”

Silence ensued. Then both Alyssa and Cole spoke at once, each of them moving towards her.

“Trish, wow, that’s so awesome.”

“Sis, are you okay?”

Trisha backed away from their advancing figures and held up her hands to halt their progress. “Stop, both of you, and sit down.”

Without thinking, they both sat on the sofa, their attention riveted on Trisha’s face.

“I’m having some trouble.”

“Trish, no!” Alyssa made to rise but froze when Trisha waved a warning hand at her.

“Please, Al, sit there and listen to me.”

Alyssa reluctantly sank back down though growing worry was making it hard for her to stay there. She loved Trisha and her unexpected announcement made all her protective instincts rear into high alert. Also, she knew this was going to affect her in ways she was afraid to consider or give voice to. With her gaze locked onto Trisha's pale face, her apprehension grew stronger. Somehow this situation was going to have an impact on her and Cole and the war they waged.

“The doctor says the first three months are the most crucial and the likelihood of a miscarriage usually occurs in this trimester.” A flash of fear went through her eyes and then she drew in a deep breath, her nostrils flaring slightly as she narrowed her gaze at the two people sitting attentively on the sofa. “The doctor says there is to be no stress. None.” She gave each of them a glare of warning then sank into a chair. “Jack and I are thrilled about the baby. We plan on getting married two weeks from today. Jack was lucky enough to score a reservation at the Country Club for our reception. I want you to be my maid-of-honor, Al, and you, Cole, Jack hopes to have for his best man.”

Alyssa’s eyes watered. “I’d love to, Trish, you know that.”

“I’d be honored, sis,” Cole said gently. “But, are you okay?”

Trisha’s face took on a soft glow as she gave her belly a loving pat and looked down to contemplate the life growing there. “I should be fine as long as the next few weeks go smoothly.” After a few seconds of silence, she looked up at them, her gaze issuing a silent warning. “I can't have any added stress while we plan the wedding.”

Alyssa crossed to Trisha and knelt before her. “I’ll do anything I can to help you. Anything.” Trisha met her eyes and the look she gave her made Alyssa’s stomach clench. Although she was pretty sure she didn't want to hear the answer, she forced out her question. “What?” It was time, she was sure, for the proverbial axe to fall.

“This war between you and Cole needs to cease. I can’t handle the constant bickering.” Trisha's lips trembled, then firmed with resolve. “I want this to be a happy time for me and Jack and we will not let the two of you spoil it.”

Alyssa sank back on her heels and though she hated the very idea of being nice to that man in any context, she nodded her head in ready agreement. Now that she understood what was going on with Trisha, she felt nothing but remorse. Here her dear friend was trying to save her baby and all she could do was yell at her about her beast of a brother.

Cole must have been feeling the same kind of guilt because he too crossed to his sister and knelt before her, edging Alyssa off to the side just a little as he did so. His voice was as solemn as his expression. “I will not do anything to add any stress in your life, Trish. I’m sorry I’ve not been more considerate of your feelings.”

Before she could help herself, Alyssa cast him a derisive glance. Why couldn’t he, just once, be considerate of her feelings? For whatever bewildering reason, it just never bothered him to tramp all over them.

Trisha caught the look and gave a weary sigh. “I mean this when I say that if the two of you can’t call a truce for at least the next few weeks or until the doctor says everything is going to be okay, then Jack and I will elope and there won't be a wedding. And if that happens, I swear I'll never forgive either of you for it!”

Giving a small gasp of dismay, Alyssa shook her head, the very idea of her friend eloping not sitting well with her at all. She hated that Trisha thought she needed to deliver ultimatums and yet given her actions this morning, it was no wonder she was now doing so. Still, Trisha had to know she'd do nothing to jeopardize her health or her pregnancy. “You can’t possibly think I'd do anything to cause you any stress, Trish. Of course you are not going to have to elope." She slid Cole a quick glance. "Not because of me anyway.”