My Sister's Shoes (Little Black Box, Book 1) (8 page)

That seemed to really get his attention, and his eyes flashed. “And you think if he knew about Adrienne’s deceit, he would get rid of her?”

“Maybe. I just think he and I would make a better fit after everything I found out.”

“Really? What makes him such a good fit for you? Is it his looks? Or is it his wealth that you are most interested in?”

Allie was stunned. “You bastard. You think I would lower myself to that level and actually go after him for his money? Like Trudy did to Gregory? Do you think that’s what I think is important?”

“I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me what’s so impressive about Zach Brady that you just have to steal him away from Adrienne.”

“He thinks he’s dating me. Don’t you get it? He likes Adrienne because he thinks she is me. And I hate her for it.”

“So, is this about Adrienne or Zach?”

“A little of both. But I know if Zach knew the real Adrienne, he would pick someone like me.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Angelo nodded his head. “So you think if he gets to know you, he would see all the qualities in you that he wants in a woman. Then he would get on one knee and profess his undying love?”

“Well … maybe.” Her answer was weak and proved her unease.

“Let’s put your theory to the test, shall we?”

“What do you mean?” Her cell phone chimed. She narrowed her eyes and glanced at the phone. It was Zach Brady. “Hello.” Allie looked at Angelo and didn’t look away. “Really? When will you be getting back? Uh-huh. That soon? Oh. Okay. Right. See you then.”

She clicked off the phone. “He’ll be back sooner than expected. Maybe as early as tomorrow morning.”

“Then we better get started.” He glanced at his watch. “Perfect. Chelsea Market should be opening to the public soon. Let’s go.”

Chelsea Market smelled heavenly. Bright blooms filled the marketplace. Vendors rushed inside to gather orders. Large selections of flowers were bunched together on ledges, and aisles upon aisles of shelves held their own specific flower.

Mexican pottery, large and small, sat on the floor. Impressive looking terra-cotta containers and potted plants dotted the walls, and baskets hung from the ceiling. Men carrying towering ferns and tightly packed bundles of roses and tulips were rushing by. When one stepped on Allie’s foot, she let out a yelp. Angelo eyed the man, who ignored her cry and kept moving. Allie scowled in the man’s direction. “No friggin’ manners.”

Angelo grabbed her hand and pulled her behind him. He followed after the man yelling, “Hey! Hey you.”

Allie felt her cheeks heat. “Let it go. He’s an ass.”

He yanked her hand and stopped to glare at her. “Are you gonna complain, or are you gonna stand up for yourself?”

“Uh … complain?”

“Figures. But I’m here, so I’ll do the sticking up—hey!” He turned around and dragged her behind, never letting go of her hand. “Hey, you!” he shouted.

The man turned around and looked Angelo up and down. Allie saw him glance her way as she hid behind Angelo, trying not to die of embarrassment. The man’s New York accent was thick and full of Brooklyn. “Yeah? Can I help ya, guy?” He began to load a box truck with flowering plants.

“You stepped on the lady’s foot. Does she not deserve an apology?”

Allie peeked out from behind Angelo’s back. She saw the man glare in her direction. “Yeah,
awright
. Sorry, lady.”

Angelo laughed and let go of her hand. He got closer until he was nose-to-nose with the man. He snarled, “Give her a better apology. You’re giving men a bad name.”

The man stood his ground and said nothing. Allie decided to say something. “I’m sorry for my friend. He’s very protective. It’s no big deal.”

Angelo turned and looked at her as if she was crazy. Her eyes widened in horror as she screamed, “Watch out.” But it was too late. Angelo was sucker-punched with a mean left hook. The men took to the street, fists flying. Allie watched Angelo defend her, and she realized it was the first time in her life a man had ever stood up for her. Her nerves flared back to life when she heard police sirens. And they were getting closer. Time to make a quick exit.

* * * *

On the subway car, Allie stood and threw her arms in the air as if she was boxing. “You really showed that guy. I bet he’ll say he’s sorry from now on.”

“Sit down, Allie. People are looking at you.”

“My adrenaline is pumping too fast. I can’t sit still.”

He giggled at her and brought his hand to touch his eye. It was beginning to throb and swell, but he watched Allie jump around with his good eye. When the train squealed and slowed down, she grabbed the pole and swung toward him, almost losing her balance. He scolded her, “Sit down. You’ll get hurt. What’s gotten into you?”

“I don’t know. I feel great.”

“I’m glad someone does.” He removed his hand from his eye and squinted at her. He watched her smile disappear, to be replaced by an expression of concern. She leaned down and got close to his face. He stayed still, almost afraid to breathe. She smelled like the flowers in the market, and the concern in her eyes made him want to grab her cheeks and kiss her until she was breathless. They were so close that he could easily reach out and do just that.
I should, shouldn’t I?

The lights dimmed and the train pitched, sending her right into his lap.
How convenient.
He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer. His lips hovered just inches from hers.
It must be her choice.
He remained silent as he watched her internal struggle. “What are you thinking right now?” he whispered.

Her breathing sped up. With her eyes half-closed, she inched closer. He felt like he would combust if she didn’t put out his fire.
Almost there. That’s right, closer
. The train bucked, and Allie’s eyes flew open. It sped up and moved quickly toward the next stop. The lights flashed back to bright and the announcement blared, bringing the car back into reality.

Allie pulled away and stood up. She straightened her clothing and blushed like a little girl. She was so beautiful. He fought the urge to throw her down across the seats and kiss every inch of her, but he quickly tried to dispel his thoughts. His cock was hard and throbbing, which would make getting up a challenge. He tried mentally distracting himself by reciting the multiplication tables with no luck. Thinking of his long-deceased grandmother didn’t help either. Lastly, he thought of what would happen if he were to fail at putting Zach and Allie together. He sighed. That seemed to work.

The train rolled to a stop, and the doors opened with a loud clang. People rushed off while others waited to board. Allie stood on the platform and waited. “Come on,” she said.

“I’m coming.”
If only.

* * * *

Walking into Zach’s apartment was like walking into the other team’s headquarters. It made him edgy, and he lashed out at Allie when she asked about the plan for the terrace. They hadn’t bought any plants because they were too busy running from the police. He was mad at himself for starting a fist fight, but it felt good to punch something, even if it was a person. Now she was quiet, and Angelo was feeling guilty.

The silence was broken by the constant yipping of Barnabus. Allie walked past the dog and ignored him. Angelo bent down and hoisted the dog in the air. He held him up and looked into his eyes. “Stop that constant yelping, little guy, or I’m gonna ignore you too.” The dog quieted down, and he held him to his chest.
At least someone likes me
. He walked behind Allie as she reached for the dropper of dog medicine. “Give it me. I’ll do it,” he offered.

“Thanks. We both know how much he loves me. Hopefully his owner will feel different.”

“I’m sure he will. Just pour on all that Allie charm and he’ll fall right in line.”
Why am I such a sarcastic asshole?

“You’re right. I will charm him because we are compatible and wouldn’t be at each other’s throats.”

He put the dog down and followed her into the living room. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

With her hands on her hips, she turned to face him. “Just do your job, Angelo. Get my garden set up and leave the rest to me.”

“Do my job?” He shook his head because if he didn’t, it would’ve blown off his shoulders. “Fine!” He threw the doors to the terrace open. It was filled with potted plants bursting with bloom. Huge clay pots overflowed with dahlias, and wooden boxes strategically placed revealed daisies and tulips. An antique bistro set was placed in the corner surrounded by red and yellow roses. “Help me move these,” he said, pointing to a few potted trees.

He noticed she stood still, staring for what seemed like forever. “Allie. Do you mind?”

“Oh—of course not. Sorry.” She leaned down and grabbed the other side of the pot. As they slid the tree into a different spot, she said, “It’s just that it’s so beautiful. You envisioned this?”

“Surprised?”

“Kinda.”

“Not the type of thing you’d expect from a guy like me, huh?”

“Not at all.” They went to the next pot.

“You know, I keep hearing all about how I’m not your type. Did you ever stop to think you’re not mine?” They pushed the pot across the terrace.

“That’s fine. Just goes to show that we’re an ill fit. But, hypothetically speaking, what is it about me that you wouldn’t go for?”

“Oh, I’d go for you. I just wouldn’t stay with you.”

She stopped and looked over at him. “You mean to tell me you’d date me knowing you weren’t interested in me?”

“No, I wouldn’t waste my time dating you.”

“Oh.” She continued moving the clay pot into position.

“I’d fuck you, though.”

She stopped again and gave him a disapproving glare. “You’re an animal. Where is the logic with you guys?”

“Us guys? You mean my type of guy?”

“Yeah. You’re all the same. All brawn and no brains. You think with your dick. If you ask me, you need help.”

He pushed the pot into place and stepped in front of her. He grabbed her by the arm, and her eyes told him she was nervous. She tried to shake him loose, but he wouldn’t budge. “Let me tell you something, Allie. I don’t go for a mousy and timid woman.”

It was obvious to him his insult shook her, and she struggled within his grasp. He grabbed both her arms and was ruthless in his hold. “You will go nowhere until I am finished saying what I need to say.”

Allie gave up squirming and relaxed. “Fine. Make fun of me. I don’t care.”

He nodded. “You really are pathetic, aren’t you?”

“Do you always have to hold a woman down get her to listen to you? Just say what you have to say and get your grubby hands off me. You’re not doing a very good job at this fairy godmothering thing, ya know.”

Shocked and hurt by her words, he loosened his grip. He stared into her eyes and spoke softly. “You hide yourself from everyone, Allie. You think the things you want to say but never speak them aloud. You’ve never been yourself around Zach, or Adrienne for that matter. You hide under large clothing and volunteer at a hospice house because it eases your mind to think you’re doing a good deed. You make your own problems, Allie, and because of that, you suffer. I wouldn’t be with you because I can spot a phony a mile away. But I’ve glimpsed the real you. I know who you are without you showing me. But if we’d just met, you’d hide under your pain and blame it on the way I look. Knowing you the way I do, because of my advantages, I like who you are. Flaws and all. That’s the kind of man who will make you happy. So let people see the real you.”

“The real me, huh? How come you won’t share your real name then?”

“When I meet the real Allie, you’ll meet the real me.”

*

He let go of her arms and continued to arrange the potted plants. Allie couldn’t move. She was stunned by his assessment. And he was right. She was a phony. She had backed herself into a corner and couldn’t seem to get out. She leaned her weight on one leg. Her whisper was barely audible. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, Allie.”

“No, it isn’t. I’ve just learned the real me isn’t very nice. And I’m still reeling.” She frowned, trying to be cute and apologetic at the same time.

Angelo stood up. He swept his hair from his face with his hand and let out a long sigh. “Don’t worry about it. You’re working through your issues. When you learn to get out from under yourself and stop blaming others, you’ll finally be happy. It’s called growing up.” He pushed the final tree into place with the tip of his boot. “There. You’re all set to impress Mr. Brady.”

“Looks great, Angelo. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

He walked past her into the apartment. Allie stared out at the view of the river and wondered what the hell she was going to do because she realized she might be falling for the wrong man.

Zach Brady stood on the terrace with his mouth hanging open in awe. “How did you pull this off, Allison?”

“Honestly, I had assistance from Gweneviere. He was a really big help.”

She watched Zach walk around touching the plants and admiring her beautiful design.
Angelo’s design. Why do I miss him?
She had spent the night in Zach Brady’s apartment and found it cold, unappealing and … empty. She didn’t like his taste or his dog. But she had to make Adrienne suffer, and Zach was the key to pulling it off. Determined to shake Angelo from her thoughts, she put on the charm for Zach. “So if you like it so much, I think a bonus is in order.”

He spun around and looked her up and down. He was paying attention to her physical appearance. Could it be possible that he was looking at her
that way?
He sauntered closer. “What do you have in mind?”

Allie’s mind filled with kinky thoughts. Zach was into all sorts of fetishes. She pictured the blindfold and—Angelo kissing her whole body. She blinked it away. “Lunch maybe?”

Zach narrowed his eyes and leaned in. His lips softly caressed her cheek. “Lunch it is. And thank you for a job well-done. I’ll go change and we can go.”

Allie put her fingers to her cheek. She felt nothing. No heat. No yearning.
No nothing.
She scrubbed her face with her hands and sighed in frustration. Next time, if he got close, she would kiss him on the mouth.