Mistletoe & Kisses Read online

  “AH! Daniel, stop!” She runs and hides behind the motorcycle.

  He, of course, stops dead in his tracks. “Okay, I give. I don’t want to hit the bike.” Daniel drops the nut in his hand and puts both hands in the air in surrender.

  “Whose bike is this?” Isabella’s always been intrigued by them, but has never been on one, too chicken.

  “Like it, Bella?” He puts the box on the workbench and joins Isabella by the bike.

  “It’s beautiful.” She runs her hand along it.

  “I just got her. I’ve always wanted one, but never had the opportunity. The garages are doing well, so I treated myself.”

  “Wow, you really are doing well. I’m so proud of you, Daniel.”

  “Why don’t you let me take you for a spin? We can ride around the lake. It’s a beautiful day for a ride.”

  “Oh, no. I couldn’t get on one.”

  “Bella, would I ever let you get hurt?”

  The sincerity in his eyes is all it takes to convince her. “As long as you go slowly.” She closes her eyes, summoning the courage to actually do this. “Oh, and I have to wear a helmet.”

  “Sure thing. Go put on a jacket and boots. You might get chilly when we get to the lake.”

  She nods and runs inside, exhilarated at the thought of riding a motorcycle. She’d never trust just anyone to keep her safe, but she knows Daniel would die before letting something happen to her. She grabs her leather jacket, changes into-knee length boots, and is back outside in the blink of an eye.

  Daniel’s already on the bike and has it started when she gets out. “Hop on, Bella girl.”

  Butterflies flood her stomach, but she doesn’t let them stop her. It’s time to live a little. This is adventure number one in her new life. Adventure two starts tomorrow when she moves back to California and into Taylor’s house.

  Chapter Sixteen

  DRIVING BACK to California is exhausting. Daniel doesn’t want to stop at all along the way, so he and Isabella take turns sleeping and driving. When they arrive in Irvine, she is tired and cranky. Thankfully, they left in the afternoon, so it’s after dinner when they arrive. All she wants to do it settle into her room and go to sleep . . . in a real bed, not the passenger seat of her car. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though that will happen when Taylor comes bouncing down the stairs to greet them.

  “You guys got here fast! Welcome.” Taylor’s excitement is a little overwhelming. “I’ve got dinner ready, come on in and eat. We’ll get all your stuff after dinner.”

  “Thanks, man. I just wanted to have time to spend here. It’s been a while since I visited you, and I was hoping to hang a little before leaving.”

  Isabella looks between the two, confused. She didn’t know that Daniel had been to Southern California, and she’s a little upset that he didn’t come see her. Not that she can really blame him, after how isolated she had become.

  She follows them up the steps and into the apartment, where the aroma of home-cooked spaghetti hits her. “Wow. It smells amazing.” Isabella’s mouth is practically watering.

  Taylor chuckles. “It’s just spaghetti. Nothing special.” He guides them to the table. “Sit, I’ll get you guys some. What would you like to drink? I’ve got juice, soda, milk, beer, wine, and of course water.”

  Daniel and Taylor both drink beer and Isabella has milk. She’s too exhausted to have any alcohol, and afraid she’ll be knocked out before enjoying the spaghetti. The boys are chatting away while they eat, but Isabella is focused on eating and getting to bed.

  “Can I grab my things and get settled? I’m really tired.”

  Daniel jumps up immediately. “I’ll grab your things, you just go with Taylor and see your room.”

  “I can help.”

  “It’s not much. This way you can go through them as I bring them in. You’ll be settled in no time.” And just like that Daniel’s out the door.

  “Come on. I’ll show you your room.” Taylor motions for her to follow him.

  She’s surprised by the size of the apartment, not that she’s ever lived in one to compare it to. The hallway is lined with pictures, but she doesn’t look closely, figuring she’s got plenty of time for that. When Taylor stops and opens the door, Isabella moves past him and can’t help noticing how nice he smells up close. Once she realizes what she’s doing, she quickly opens her eyes and tries to shake it off. She has to get past the attraction if she’s going to live here.

  “Thanks again for letting me stay here. It’s nice to be back in California.”

  “The divorce stress will be easier for you if you don’t have to travel. Once it’s over, we can figure out where you want to live. You’re gonna get through this.”

  “I hate that I have to. Thanks for your help.”

  Just then, Daniel comes in with her things. They quickly jump into helping her unpack. Daniel and Taylor have a good time joking around, but working diligently. Isabella moves around in a haze, finding it hard to believe that all she owns fits in this room. She knows that she has all the things from her family, as well as the home, back near Chicago, but she doesn’t feel like it’s hers. She didn’t do anything to earn it.

  It doesn’t take them long. Daniel and Taylor hug her and leave her to rest. Once they leave, she realizes that even though she doesn’t feel like doing anything, having them around comforts her. Since she doesn’t know how to bring that up, she just lies down in bed and falls asleep.

  When she awakes in the morning, she finally feels ready to take on this damn fight with Eric. Not wanting to spend any more time alone in her room, she throws on a sweatshirt and pulls her hair into a ponytail before heading into the kitchen where the boys are making breakfast.

  “It smells wonderful in here,” she says as she enters the room.

  “There’s our girl.” Daniel walks over and hugs her. “Sleep well?”

  “Actually, I can’t remember the last time I slept so well. How long did I sleep?”

  “Well, we left your room at nine, and it’s nine-thirty now, so it could’ve been twelve hours.”

  “I don’t remember when I fell asleep, but it couldn’t have been long after you guys left. I guess I really needed sleep.”

  “Glad you feel rested. You’re going to need to be on you’re A-game for court this week. I doubt Eric’s had a change of heart.” Taylor’s remark snaps Isabella back to reality, and it must show because he continues, “Thankfully, you have a few days before the court date. You and Daniel can go out for some fun while I’m at work.”

  “Daniel, you’re staying until my court date?”

  “I am. I told you I’d be here to support you. Don’t worry about my work, I own it. I can take whatever time off I want. Trust me. It’s all good.”

  “Thank you,” she says, her voice full of emotion.

  Chapter Seventeen

  THE DAYS PASS quickly and, before they know it, the day has come to head to court. The drive to the courthouse is long, giving Isabella plenty of time to worry about what is ahead. Daniel and Taylor are leaving Isabella alone with her thoughts in the back. They both know that today will take a toll on her, and don’t want to push her if they don’t have to. The traffic gives Isabella the opportunity to dig deep and remember all the things Eric did to lead her to this point.

  Finally arriving, they park and head inside. Isabella is still withdrawn, which worries Taylor a little, but Daniel assures him that she will be fine once they get started.

  “She just needs to see him being an ass again and she’ll remember every bad moment with him. From what she’s said about their married life, she doesn’t have a lot of good memories. In fact, I think she’s been alone for most of it.” Daniel tells Taylor.

  “I hope so. She looks like she’s going to be sick, and that’s not going to help her. She needs to be strong. If Eric acts like he did in Chicago, she’ll need to be as strong as she was there. The girl behind us isn’t that strong. I don’t know what to say to her, but mayb
e you should make sure she’s ready for this.”

  “Okay, I’ll talk to her before we go in. We’ll meet you inside.”

  “Don’t be long. It won’t look good for her to be late. Eric will find a way to use it against her.”

  “Got it. We won’t be late.”

  Taylor heads in and Daniel stops Isabella.

  “Why aren’t we going in?”

  “I want to make sure you’re ready. Taylor’s worried about you. He thinks if you put up a big fight and appear strong to Eric, he’ll back down and let it go. He won’t want to look bad at his firm.”

  “I’m ready. Strong? Not really. But I’m ready to fight for sure.”

  Daniel is convinced that she’s as ready as she can be, and hopes that when she comes face-to-face with Eric, she won’t falter. Taylor is sitting at a table organizing papers when they walk inside the courtroom. It isn’t like what is she’s seen on television; it’s much smaller, and only has a large table sitting below a raised platform where the judge sits. Nobody else is in the courtroom yet, and Isabella visibly relaxes a bit.

  “Isabella, you ready? We’ve got about fifteen minutes before everyone is here and we’ll be starting. How you act today will say a lot to the judge and Eric. If Eric sees an opportunity to make this harder for you, I think he’s going to take it. If you can act cold and unaffected in front of him, I think it may be easier to get him to let this fight go. You can let all your emotions go with me and Daniel after the proceedings are over.”

  “I’m ready. He won’t affect me. My emotions are more disappointment in myself, not sadness over him.”

  With a nod of his head, Taylor goes back to preparing his papers. Soon after, a court clerk comes in and walks over to him. Quietly, they have a quick conversation that leaves Taylor looking frustrated.

  “Well, it appears that we have a little problem,” Taylor says. The look on Isabella’s face guts him, but he can’t tell if it’s fear or anger. “Eric was called into court this morning unexpectedly, and couldn’t get out of it. The judge in his case has a family emergency and needed to get these pre-trial things taken care of quickly. We’ve been rescheduled for tomorrow, right after the lunch break.”

  Instead of heading back to Orange County right away, they decide to stop at Chipotle for some lunch. Taylor and Daniel order, while Isabella grabs them a table outside, since the early November air in Los Angeles is so beautiful.

  Enjoying the fresh air, eating, and just talking about what the next week will bring actually helps Isabella feel content with her new arrangement. Although she’s a little anxious about not getting things taken care of in court today, listening to Taylor talk about what his plan is for the hearing tomorrow and what he’s hoping will come of it, puts Isabella at ease. She loves the sound of his voice, and it’s reassuring to have him on her side.

  Once they return home, Daniel follows Isabella to her room to assure her that he’ll be there again tomorrow, but also to let her to know that he’ll be heading out the following day. “I’ve been away from the shops a little longer than I intended. I’m sure everything is fine, but I’m getting antsy about it. I need to see for myself. But don’t worry, I know Taylor will handle everything perfectly. Trust him, he’ll take care of you.”

  “I know he will. Listening to him today, he’s got it all figured out. I’m just worried about being in this apartment with him.”

  “Bella, it’ll be fine. He’s set up another account in his name and I’m gonna send him money to put in there. Not a lot at a time because I don’t want him to get into any trouble. His firm knows about it and thinks it’s a great idea for you to have your own money that Eric doesn’t know about.”

  “It feels like I’m under everyone else’s control now, not just Eric’s. I just want it all to be over so I can get on with my life, ya know.”

  “I get it. I know it feels like we’re telling you what to do, but we’re not trying to control you. I just want to get you set up and out of isolation. Let Taylor introduce you to people. Make some friends and figure out where you want to go from here. I know you love California, so decide if you want to stay after the divorce is done. Take this time to find you again. I’m not sure how he did it, but you haven’t been the same since you met Eric. I just hope you’ll figure out how to make yourself happy with your entire life. Learn to be you.”

  “When did you get so wise?” She lets out a little laugh at him.

  “I’ve always been wise. That’s why you always stuck with me.” He laughs along with her.

  “You’re so full of yourself.”

  “Well, I’ll let you get some rest. I’m sorry we have to do it again tomorrow.”

  “I actually feel better about. I’m not as nervous tonight as I was last night. Maybe because I saw the room, or maybe because Taylor’s plan sounds like it’ll work. I don’t know. I just feel better.”

  “Good. I was worried postponing it would make things harder.”

  “Me too, but I feel calm for some reason.”

  “I’m glad. Get a good night’s sleep, Bella.”

  “You too, Daniel. Thank you.” She smiles and adds, “For everything.”

  When he walks out, Taylor hands him a beer.

  “Thanks, man.”

  “I figured we should talk before you leave.”

  “Yeah. I’m glad Isabella wanted to turn in early so I didn’t have to sneak a conversation in with you.

  “That doesn’t sound good.”

  “I just wanted to ask you to make sure she doesn’t sit here alone all the time. Help her meet some people. Bring that girl we knew in high school back out of her. I want her to be happy, and I’m not sure she remembers how.”

  “That’s not a problem. Well, except, I really don’t get out much. Between the job and studying for the BAR exam, I don’t have a lot of spare time. I’m just so glad the firm trusts me and is allowing me to help her pro bono.”

  “I am too. I trust you completely, and I don’t want her to get railroaded by Eric. Knowing you will keep her from being manipulated into staying with him will help me focus on work back home.”

  “Um . . . ” Taylor squirms a bit in his seat, making Daniel wonder what is happening. “I never told you in high school because we all knew she was off limits, but man, did I ever have a crush on Isabella. She was more than beautiful, she was fun and had a glow about her that you couldn’t help but want to be a part of. Is that weird for you to know?”

  “Why the hell was she off limits?”

  “Well, nobody really believed you guys were related. We all thought she was yours. I think we all expected you to be married soon after high school.”

  The full belly laugh that comes out of Daniel makes Taylor squirm even more, and now he’s not sure if he’s being ridiculed or if the rumors were truth.

  “That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.” He continues laughing. “We are most definitely cousins. Our moms were sisters. There has never, and will never be, anything more than a best friend relationship between us.”

  “I know that now. But then, everybody believed the rumor. That’s why nobody ever asked her out. How did you not notice that? She was the most beautiful girl at school, and everyone liked her.”

  “Imagine how different her life would’ve been had she been prepared for some asshole like Eric. If she’d had a few boyfriends in high school, she might’ve seen through his exterior and seen the warning signs,” Daniel says sadly

  “Maybe. But no use in dwelling on what could’ve been. It’s time to help her live again.”

  “It is. Thanks for helping with that. Take care of her.”

  “I will, man,” Taylor assures.

  Leaving their empty beers on the table, they both head to bed, Taylor to his room and Daniel to the couch.

  Chapter Eighteen

  NOT SURPRISINGLY, ERIC isn’t available for court again the next day and, instead of being granted another continuance, the judge is angry and starts the six month peri
od, telling Eric’s lawyer that they should know better. Isabella is thrilled to not have to see him. But Taylor feels like there must be an ulterior motive for this, and that feeling shows in his expression.

  The ride home is quiet. Isabella can sense the concern and finally just blurts out, “What is wrong? Isn’t this good? In six months, I am permanently free from him.”

  “That’s the thing, Isabella. I expected him to tie things up in the beginning, but just because the judge has started the time period, doesn’t mean he can’t still make problems. And those problems could cause this to drag on longer than the six months. I’ll go into the office and see what the others think of this, and what I need to watch out for.”

  “Thank you, Taylor. I know you’ll do everything you can for me. If I had to find a lawyer on my own, I wouldn’t trust them. I’d have feared they were working with him. I appreciate all you’re doing for me.”

  “We’ll figure it all out, Isabella.” Taylor’s confidence helps Isabella relax, so much so that she sleeps the rest of the ride home, giving Taylor and Daniel the opportunity to talk quietly.

  “Thanks again for taking care of her,” Daniel says.

  “Daniel, man. I told you it’s no problem. It’ll be fun to have her around. Once she starts feeling comfortable, her sunny disposition will come back and she’ll be fine.”

  “I sure hope so.”

  “Me too man, me too.”

  * * *

  After a few weeks of routine, Taylor and Isabella seem comfortable having each other around, and there hasn’t been any news from the courts or Eric. Isabella is finally starting to feel better about herself. She’s surprised, though, that Taylor’s home every evening for dinner and most of the weekend. He’s even gone to the beach with her a few times, and she worries that he thinks he has to entertain her. When he’s home, he’s usually studying, but it’s been nice. Maybe too nice. She’s starting to feel too comfortable with him. Eventually, he’ll have a girlfriend to spend time with and, whoever that is, probably won’t like having her around. It causes a deep ache in her stomach thinking about what to do next. The plan has been for her to stay here until the divorce was final, but she needs a back-up just in case. She’d never want to cause problems for him.