Love You in December

Preface

His heartbeat was pounding in his ears, forcing out the sound of everything else. Angelo reread the card.

Congratulations on your new found happiness, Parkers. While it lasts.

Love,

Your Favorite Uncle

It said Parker’s not Donatti’s. Since they’re hiding from the Grimaldi and Fabbri families, this wasn’t necessarily a threat from someone who knew that he and Rachel were in the witness protection program.

It could be someone who was losing business to the restaurant or the tanning salon, both businesses Angelo and Rachel owned.

He tucked the card in the shorts he was wearing because despite the could be’s, he had a feeling it was a hitman looking for him and putting out a feeler.

The move here was no move at all. Any reaction would confirm that he, William Parker was, in fact, Angelo Donatti and that Eileen Simmons soon to be Parker was actually Rachel Stewart.

So instead of calling the flower shop, or hunting down the pimple faced delivery boy like he wanted, Angelo did what his new identity William would do. He took the tray of chocolate-dipped strawberries from the refrigerator, left the bouquet of flowers on the counter, as if he’d forgotten it, and returned to Rachel, who’d just agreed to be his wife.

He was up the stairs with the tray. Smiling because he knew that when she ate the strawberries, she was going to make those teasing noises. He knew from experience those noises she made were also made when she was enjoying his mouth, or hands on her body.

He pushed open their bedroom door and there was his Rachel. She was smiling in her sleep. Her full pink lips turned up at the corners. Her long golden blonde hair was on the pillow at her back and her evenly tanned skin looking just as smooth and silky as it felt.

It was almost picture perfect seeing his ring on her finger. The only flaw being her hand was splinted from being tortured by a man who had been desperately trying to find Angelo.

Rachel began to battle with the blankets as she always did and winced when she used her injured hand. Her long lashes fluttered, and she opened her blue eyes looking at her hand. Angelo decided right then as she spotted him that she didn’t need to know about the threat hanging over their heads.

Rachel had been through enough already. He could carry this burden for the both of them.

Chapter One

Rachel scribbled a note and stuck it to the fridge. Angelo was asleep and the dark crescents beneath his eyes made it clear he needed rest. She ran her hand over the lush marble countertop of the kitchen with an excited smile.

The house was as good as any castle and Angelo had helped to build it with her in mind. After all they’d come through they were really going to have the happily ever after like in the fairytales.

Smelling the roses on the counter, she grinned fully letting the too big, ridiculous smile fill her face. Rachel could not ever remember feeling as happy as she did in that moment. With a contented sigh, she turned on her heel and headed for the front door.

It wasn’t until she was outside and locked out of the house that she remembered she had not driven herself there. Don, Angelo’s friend, had driven her.

She looked at her watch and found that it was after seven which meant Bella would be up. Rachel found Bella’s number on her phone and selected it as she began the long stroll down the secluded street that led to her new home.

So? Bella answered her phone with the question.

What? Rachel began but then realized that Bella and Penelope would be still waiting to hear. Oh. William was at the house when I got here and he proposed!

Bella squealed in excitement on the other end. I knew it!

Hey if you come pick me up I’ll tell you all about it, Rachel said.

Yeah, text me the address. I’m on my way out the front door right now, she said. Rachel heard a kissing noise before she whispered to her husband, Brick, Love you, you sexy beast.

Rachel grinned. ’Kay I’ll text you. Bye.

She didn’t actually know the address so she used Google Maps to get directions to her current location on her cell and then waited picturing her clothes in that amazing closet Angelo had built for her.

Out of nowhere though, she suddenly heard the silence.

Rachel looked slowly around herself. She was on the edge of the lane that led to the huge castle size home. It was a full block in the distance behind her now and she was only halfway to the main road.

There was green grass and an orchard of peach trees on each side of the road. Beyond them were hedges so thick, that with a height of ten feet no daylight peeked through.

No birds.

She swallowed and continued toward the road. There had been birds when she’d begun her walk up the lane. An uncomfortable sensitivity ran over her skin at the back of her neck. It felt like someone was watching her.

It’s probably William, she said referring to Angelo by his cover name. Rachel was almost to the end of the lane when she realized it was probably the feds again. Are you serious? Greg was going to get an earful when she got a hold of him.

Bella pulled up at the end of the lane with a bright smile on her face and as Rachel watched her eyes round at the house behind her she forgot she was being watched.

Get in, get in, she called.

Rachel climbed into the car and answered the questions being fired at her almost too fast for her to answer. She was doing fine until Bella got to the topic of the wedding.

This will be the second time you’re marrying William so you can’t wear white. Are you getting married at the courthouse? I know you’re probably going to want to keep it small since it’s truly just a renewing of vows, but I hope you can get Will to allow some of your family to come for in for it.

Her questions were like a punch to the stomach. Rachel and Angelo had never really been married – it was a cover. Rachel wanted a white dress, a church and her father to walk her down the aisle. The last thing would be impossible since both her parents were dead.

We haven’t ironed out the details, Rachel said. She pretended to listen to Bella’s chatter while she tried to wrap her mind around the reality that she could not invite friends or family from her old life. It was a painful hard lump to swallow.

Bella parked at Heatwave, the tanning salon she owned, and turned off the car. I didn’t mean to overwhelm you. Are you okay, Hun? Bella asked tilting her head to the right. Oh, my gosh, I’m blind! She put her hand up as if to shield her eyes. Look at that rock! Bella grabbed her hand to look at her ring and Rachel hid the pain it caused in her injured hand.

Careful, she reminded Bella who winced.

Sorry.

Rachel’s door opened and a tan arm snaked across her stomach undoing her seatbelt. Her body tensed remembering the feeling of being watched as she turned to face the person who’d opened her door.

Angelo was standing there looking powerful and predatory. You should have woken me, he said taking her good hand and pulling her to her feet. A note on the fridge is not how we communicate. His warm breath ran over her neck reminding her how much she’d missed him when he’d been gone.

You looked very tired, William, she said. I didn’t mean to worry you.

Bella watched the two for a moment and then piped in with a, Congratulations, Will. Penelope and I knew you two would mend your burned bridges. She waved and her keys jingled in her hand as she headed for the tanning salon. I’ll open up and run things if you two have some celebrating to do. She wiggled her eyebrows at Rachel, who laughed but couldn’t move still surrounded by Angelo’s arms.

Just because we resolved the last threat doesn’t mean we are no longer careful, Angelo said.

He was still on edge and she couldn’t blame him. She was too she realized. She opened her mouth with the intent of telling him that she would be careful but his warm hand at her back slid down over her ass and he pulled her against him.

Are you telling me you left my bed to come to work? he asked squeezing her ass with the perfect amount of pressure. I’m insulted. His hand trailed down the back of her thigh and hooked under her knee bringing her leg up over his hip.

William, are you crazy? She caught the hem of her dress and tried to keep it from riding all the way up to her waist. We’re in public.

I wasn’t finished with you, he said, his brown eyes hot and intent on hers. Rachel felt her legs get weak beneath her and shook her head at him.

He ran his other hand up the back of her neck and into her hair. His stubble filled chin tickled the sensitive skin at her neck sending jolts of need to her center. Her breath caught as he pressed against her and she was wet for him just like that. He said, I’ll never be finished with you.

Is this a public show? Greg’s voice cut through her lust like an extinguisher to a flame. Angelo released her leg and turned toward Greg shielding her with his body so she could compose herself.

You always have the best timing, Greg, Angelo said dryly.

I think so, he said grinning.

Rachel got the skirt of her dress down and looked up in time to see Greg concentrating on Angelo’s face. When Rachel looked Angelo smiled at her and kissed her. She was missing something she knew and just hoped it was something she didn’t need to know.

I’m going to work. See you later? she asked Angelo.

Yes, he said firmly. In a few minutes, in your office.

Rachel shook her head. Actually, I’m interviewing someone for a job in a few minutes.

Angelo considered her words as if they’d been a question. Okay I’ll help you.

Rachel raised her eyebrows at him and looked at Greg to see if he thought Angelo was being ridiculous too. He just smiled like he thought it was funny.

Whatever. Rachel rolled her eyes laughing. You won’t enjoy it. It’s an actual interview. She left the two to talk knowing that they needed to and went into her shop.

Bella’s green eyes were wide and she nodded toward the waiting room mouthing the words, Holy shit, and fanning her face.

Oh boy, Rachel said. Really?

His name is Giovanni and he’s here for the masseuse position, Bella whispered hurriedly when Rachel joined her behind the front desk. Please hire that man candy. I think he’s a gift from up above for our shop. Women will pour in here, they’ll stampede, Eileen. I mean it.

Rachel laughed. I can’t promise anything. He does have to be certified and professional, Bella.

Bella waved her hand and made a raspberry noise with her mouth. I’ll be hearing a whole different tune after you see him.

Monica came running from the back. Please tell me he didn’t leave yet? I didn’t get to take a picture.

He’s in the waiting room, Bella said. Miss soon-to-be-married again, Bella threw her thumb toward Rachel, is going to check his credentials.

No. As soon as he sees her I won’t exist anymore, Monica complained. I want to check his credentials.

Rachel shook her head and thumbed through the appointment book at the desk. Monica, please, in your red heels every man knows that you exist. Monica grinned lifting her red heeled foot up behind her.

With the way the women were acting, Rachel decided it would be best if Angelo missed the interview. She picked up the resume and walked into the waiting room.

Giovanni Capecchi? she asked meeting his brown eyed gaze. It wasn’t hard to see why the women flipped over him. He was wearing a tight white t-shirt that put his hard abs and muscular arms well on display. His masculine hard cheekbones combined with that olive skin tone and dimpled smile was a recipe meant to melt female kind.

Yes. Gio, please, he said extending his hand.

I’m Eileen Simmons. We spoke on the phone last week, Rachel said accepting his hand and shaking it. If you’ll follow me to my office we can begin your interview. Rachel gave him a professional smile and led him through the salon and up the stairs to her office.

The man was handsome there was not two ways about that but he was no Angelo. Rachel laughed at herself internally, of course, because she knew Angelo would love to know he’d literally ruined her for any other man. There would never be another Angelo.

Rachel gestured to the navy, mid-back stationary chair for Gio and made sure to leave the office door ajar. She sat down across from him behind the glass and chrome new age designed desk she’d ordered.

I have already checked your references, Gio, and I see you’ve been a masseuse for the past four years, is that accurate? She crossed her legs at the knee and tried to push Angelo’s actions at the car from her mind.

He just pinned me up against the car right out in the open, it was so… so… predatory, wasn’t it? And very public.

That last thought gave her pause and she pressed her lips together as she realized he’d just done the stupid male thing, staking his claim publicly. Rachel realized Gio was speaking at a faster pace than when he’d began offering all kinds of reassurances and she made herself smile and nod, removing the scowl from her face.

Pay attention, Rachel.

Your position will begin as part-time status. Clients will be by appointment and schedule through the front desk with Bella and Monica.

Gio smiled wasting his dimpled, charming smile on her.

I want things to stay professional around here, Gio. No philandering with the clients, and let’s keep it professional and friendly with the staff too.

He nodded. I am very good at keeping everything at a professional level. You will not have to worry, Miss Simmons. They both stood and Gio wiped his palms over the thighs of his pants. I have the job then?

Yes, you’re hired, Mr. Capecchi.

He accepted the hand she extended in both of his. Please, call me Gio. I am very grateful. You would not believe how difficult it has been to gain a position in this town.

Rachel could see he was being earnest and her compassion swelled. With Gio’s looks every husband or single heterosexual in town was bound to be intimidated.

Would it be too out of line to give you a hug?

My fiancé is the jealous type and you wouldn’t want to be on his bad side right off.

Then this is my chance to thank you for my job while we are alone.

Rachel felt her eyebrows rise.

With a hug. He clarified and laughed at her expression.

Eh why not? It’s just a hug.

*****

Angelo woke with a jerk and when he found the bed empty he sprung up out of the bed like he was of the living dead. First he’d searched the bedroom, dressing room and bathroom and then nearly fell down the stairs not covering the distance fast enough.

It had been a miracle he’d spotted the post it note on the fridge.

"Good morning, sexy, you looked tired so I let you sleep. I need to go in to work today and get some clothes from my place. Call me when you get up. Love, Eileen."

With that he’d raced back up the stairs, dressed and then forced himself to walk with purpose but not urgency to his car. He texted Greg to meet him at Heatwave and was just turning out of his drive when he spotted the new mailbox across the street.

A blue drop box out on the rural back roads of Peaches.

Bullshit.

It was a camera surveillance system setup and Angelo hoped it belonged to the feds and not some psycho sending flowers and threats. If it was some psycho killer sent by the Grimaldi or the Fabbri family sending threats to his home then Rachel was in danger and her being oblivious to the fact was more terrifying than he could have imagined.

He needed to tell her that they were still in danger.

Angelo drove through town keeping his speed just over the speed limit because that was how he always drove. He pulled in just before Rachel and Bella. Seeing her in the car, smiling and talking gave him a rush of relief.

He could feel eyes on him and didn’t know if it was Greg their witness protection handler, some other fed or the Favorite Uncle. If he was betting, Angelo would have put money on the uncle being the one watching.

So he would have to give a reason for following Eileen to work. A wolfish grin spread across his face as he knew exactly what that reason would be – they had unfinished business.

He exited his car and did not look left or right. His brown eyed gaze was for Eileen alone. Opening the car door he first saw her long sexy legs, where the hem rode high on her thighs.

It came to him in a rush how only days before he’d had to watch her from afar, seen her dating some jerk to cover for Angelo and the whole time all he’d wanted to do was to walk up and kiss her good and deep. Angelo had dreamed of staking his claim publicly and now he could.

He unbuckled the seatbelt and lifted her out of the car, pinning her against it. Rachel’s blue eyes rounded in surprise at him as he raised her leg up and held it at his hip. The gasp that escaped her lips had him ready to take her right there, public indecency be damned.

Angelo leaned into her wanting her to know what she did to him. What only she could do to him with a mere gasp and look.

Rachel said something about them being in public but he wasn’t worried about being seen, it was what he wanted. I wasn’t finished with you. Angelo looked at her in a way she would know he meant what he’d said.

She shook her head but her blue eyes told him she loved what he was doing, wanted him to let her know how much he needed her. I’ll never be finished with you. He’d waited long enough to publicly claim her in a way that was unmistakable.

Let the lawyers in the law firm across the street, the number crunching suits in the tax office next door, and any other stupid fuck, including the mystery uncle see that Rachel was his and anyone to mess with her would have to deal with him.

He claimed her lips with his and pressed further against her loving the feel of her soft, yet firm body against his. Angelo loved the soft silk of her hair in his hand. He tilted her face upward and nuzzled her neck because he could feel the way her body vibrated against him and wasn’t ready to let go.

Is this a public show? Greg asked with his usual dry tone.

Angelo released her leg because he felt her stiffen and he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable. He turned shielding her.

You always have the best timing, Greg, Angelo said.

I think so, he said with a smile that spoke volumes as to how much he’d enjoyed the peek into Angelo’s life.

Rachel was busy getting herself composed so Angelo signaled we gotta talk, and Greg pointed at his watch like he was going to put him off. Angelo gave a small shake of his head as Rachel looked from Greg and then back to him and he smiled at her and kissed her wanting to taste her one more time.

I’m going to work. See you later? she asked Angelo.

Yes, he said firmly. In a few minutes, in your office. He was going to christen the new desk she’d ordered in the many ways he’d imagined during their time apart.

Rachel gave him one of her shrewd appraisals as if she could read what he was thinking. Actually, I’m interviewing someone for a job in a few minutes.

Some new employee right after the flowers? I don’t like it.

Okay I’ll help you.

Whatever. Rachel rolled her eyes laughing. You won’t enjoy it. It’s an actual interview.

Greg started talking about some friend he wanted to come stay at Eileen’s place since she was moving out to marry him. Angelo had no interest in this and waited only for Rachel to get into Heatwave.

Shut up, he said putting his arm around Greg. I don’t care what you want. I got a delivery at the new house. What you know about a Favorite Uncle and that fuckin’ mailbox on the corner?

Watch your mouth, William. Kids could hear you. Greg scowled at him. Yeah the box is ours. The Uncle is your problem. What did I tell you about contacting your old life?

Angelo watched Greg’s face because if he was lying, Angelo would know as he’d already picked up on his tells. Greg wasn’t lying and Angelo wasn’t about to get Greg in his way with his way of being so law abiding.

Next time you tell me first, Greg. Angelo removed his arm. You know I have to keep her safe.

I don’t work for you, asshole. We’re friends. That’s why I confirmed it for you. You’re welcome. Greg nodded with a cocky look on his face.

Angelo forced a good natured smile, he couldn’t tip off Greg there was more to this. Thanks, buddy. Angelo crossed the street and Greg followed after him.

"Like I was saying, I want a new project but there isn’t satisfaction with the office that you and Eileen are settled. You’ve got to do something to show you are happy and ready to lead a quiet life."

Angelo sighed as he dropped coins in the machine and pulled out the New York Times newspaper. What am I supposed to do that I haven’t already done. We own properties, a thriving tanning salon and spa, and we’re part owners to Penny’s Restaurant.

Actually, big shot, you lost your ownership of Heatwave and part ownership of Penelope’s in the divorce. Greg laughed when Angelo scowled at him. Hey we thought you were dead. You need to do something else, something on your own.

Angelo laughed. You want me to pick up some gig, so you can get a new set to babysit? What Eileen and I aren’t good enough for ya? Angelo watched Greg grit his teeth. Apparently he really wanted the job with a new set in the WPP. I’ll think about it.

He opened the paper to the classifieds and scanned for the sign off by Sincity. It was how he communicated with Vinchenzi, an old friend, and where he might get a heads up if there was a hitman in town.

Greg raised his eyebrows. What are you doing with that? Stop thinking of the big city. You’re small town now.

I’m looking at the classifieds. You want me to pick up something right?

Greg cursed snatching the paper out of Angelo’s hand. Yeah right. You working for someone else? That’ll work. Use what we gave you.

What? The therapy thing? Angelo laughed turning as he did to scan the street. Aren’t you the same guy that said I only think of myself? You want me to advise other people?

Angelo watched Greg smile as he shrugged. So I went to therapy with an ex. All you really have to do is listen. Shut that big mouth of yours and open your pretty-boy ears. I’ve seen you do it for Eileen.

Greg was talking like the job was already in the works. You put my name in with some therapy group haven’t you?

I put my neck on the line for you and Eileen plenty. You can do this for me. His fair skinned face burned red. You owe me.

Shit.

Fine.

Greg smiled and slapped Angelo on the back. Thank you, thank you very much, Will. I promise this makes us square. Just don’t get fired for a few months, okay?

Fired? Me? Angelo snatched the paper back from Greg. Why don’t you tell me where I work and get back to work, slacker.

Greg produced a card from his pocket. You have to work at least sixteen hours a week. You can set your own hours. All you have to do is pay overhead and I told Linda that you would accept the four clients she’s looking to off load.

What? I get the trash clients? Angelo pocketed the card spotting the sign off name Sincity in the paper.

Linda said their baggage is more than she can emotionally handle at the moment. She’s going through a messy divorce that’s all.

Yeah great. See ya later. Angelo started back across the street.

Greg called after him. I said you’d call Linda today, Will. Dr. Linda Peatree. Don’t make me look bad.

What the hell kind of name was Peatree? No wonder she wants a divorce.

Angelo waved without looking, reading as he walked.

Wanted: Confirmation to the rumor. Is Elvis really dead?313-555-8181 Sincity.

That wasn’t helpful to his current problems, in fact, it only added to them. No clues as to the movements of the Grimaldi and Fabbri families, no mention of a Favorite Uncle, nothing.

Dammit, Vinny!

The post was a repeat post with an original post date three weeks old. Angelo entered Heatwave as he considered why Vinny would leave the same post when it could gain a lot of attention. He knew he needed to change up the post, even if it was with the same question. Something was wrong.

Will! Monica trotted toward him in her red heels with a big grin on her face. I am so glad you’re back. She squealed hugging and squeezing him hard enough to squeeze his ribcage.

Angelo gave her a one armed hug in return. You been keeping Eileen off the spray tans for me, Monica?

She wiggled her perfectly arched black eyebrows at him. You better believe it. The slant to her eyes gave her an exotic look and with her tan topping off her look she reminded him of a Hawaiian beach themed ad. Which reminded him that he had a honeymoon to plan.

Monica’s mouth was moving but Angelo was lost in a daydream of Rachel in a sexy, hot pink bikini with the sun lighting up her hair. Hawaii would be a great place to honeymoon.

…and I just wanted to give you a heads up because I know you can get a little territorial when it comes to Eileen.

That cut through his fantasy. Say that again. A heads up about what?

Chapter Two

Giovanni wrapped one arm around her and then held up his other hand that held a phone and a flash went off. He released her as Rachel turned scowling at him. What the hell was that, Gio? I did not agree to let you take a picture with me.

No, you didn’t but you also did not intend for me to recognize you. He hit a button on his phone and then tossed her the phone with the picture displayed and the command confirmation word sent on the screen.

Recognize me?

Yes, Rachel. My cousin Leo got a picture of you six months back. Somebody up north is looking for you, somebody nasty.

Rachel sized up Gio wondering if she could take him. Where was that gun Angelo promised to teach her to use but never did?

You can keep the phone, I already sent the pic to myself. He grinned folding his arms across his chest. Now you ask, what do you want to keep this quiet, Gio?

I’m not Rachel. My name is Eileen. Ask anybody. You’re mistaking me for someone else.

He nodded with a bulldog frown. It was a completely Italian