Under the Boardwalk

CHAPTER NINE

Midnight. Unable to sleep, Ariana paced the floor in her sister’s room. She’d tiptoed in and now glanced around, memories of the past, both happy and sad, overwhelming her. Ariana often wondered why Zoe hadn’t moved out of her parents’ home. Why, beyond college, she hadn’t taken that step toward becoming an independent adult. But any time Ariana asked, an argument had ensued. Zoe would berate Ariana for her feelings toward the family and her need to stay away, and Ariana would tell Zoe she could do so much better than a life as a showgirl/con artist.

One of the reasons Ariana had taken off for Vermont instead of teaching at a local college was so she could escape not just the lifestyle but the constant disagreements. Now Ariana would give anything to have Zoe standing in front of her so they could have a good old-fashioned sisterly fight.

Ariana was already feeling raw and the earlier scene with Sam hadn’t helped. Quinn had returned Ariana to the diner for her car, then taken Sam back to her foster parents, but not before Sam had indulged in a full-blown scene. She’d cried and begged him to let her stay with him, while blaming him for choosing Felice and Aaron in the first place. Ariana’s heart had twisted with pain for them both.

The end result was that Ariana felt twice as guilty over the rift with Zoe, because at least she had family, while Sam had none. And she agonized because she couldn’t find a way to fix things for an innocent child, the victim of other people’s decisions, not her own.

A knock sounded on the door and Ariana turned, startled. Her mother strode inside, tying her black silk robe around her waist as she walked. “I heard noises and thought I’d find you in here.”

Ariana swallowed hard. “I’m sorry if I woke you.”

“It wasn’t you. Your father’s snoring did that hours ago.”

Ariana laughed. Nicholas always fell asleep, mouth open, the most obnoxious noises coming from deep in his chest. When they were kids, she and Zoe would toss popcorn at his open mouth in an effort to see who had the best aim.

She glanced at her mother and grinned. “I don’t know how you stand it.” Her mother had been complaining about her father’s irritating habit for years.

Elena shrugged. “When you love someone, little things like snoring don’t bother you.” Elena placed a hand on Ariana’s shoulder. “And one day, you’ll have feelings so strong, you’ll understand what I mean.”

Without warning, Ariana thought of Quinn. She wondered if he snored-and if she’d ever find out.

“Now tell me. How’s Quinn?” her mother asked as if reading her mind.

“He’s fine, as you well know, since you sent him over to Aunt Kassie’s place earlier.”

“And how was your dinner?” she asked, casual as she pleased.

“What would you expect with Daphne hovering and Gus telling him our sordid stories?”

Elena smiled. “At least Quinn knows what he’s getting himself into. And this one’s got strong character. He won’t run just because your family’s got their own special quirks.” Her mother brushed a strand of hair out of Ariana’s eyes. “I always told you that Jeffrey had a stick up his behind.”

“Mom, please. Let’s not relive history, okay?”

“Of course not. I just want you happy and I think Quinn’s a good man.”

“Good enough to make me come back home, you mean?” Ariana figured it was time to deal with all that was unsaid between mother and daughter.

“It isn’t normal for a daughter to move out and not return for five years. You needed your own life? Fine.” Her mother spread her hands out in front of her. “But to stay away so long? Are we so bad a family?”

Ariana twisted her fingers together and tried to find the words to explain why she’d made the decisions she had. “I was right to leave, because I needed space and I needed to find out who Ariana Costas really was.” But since coming home again, Ariana was forced to acknowledge the scary truth to herself-she still didn’t know.

But there was another truth. And this one she could admit to aloud. “I was wrong not to come home. That was the coward’s way.” She realized that now.

“I still don’t understand why you stayed away.”

Ariana met her mother’s gaze, reaching out for her hand at the same time. “I think that’s the problem. I don’t understand all of you anymore than you understand me. But I promise to try harder, okay?” She made a vow to do just that. She couldn’t look at Sam, who had no family, and turn her back on her own.

“Will you stay then?” her mother asked.

Ariana couldn’t go that far. She shook her head. “I need to live my own life. But I’ll come to visit this time,” she promised.

“If you have such a good life, how come you never discuss it?” Elena asked. “How come I don’t know anything about friends? Men? Your job?”

Ariana winced because her mother had hit a nerve. The life she didn’t talk about was dull compared to life here. Compared to Quinn and the excitement he brought into her days and nights, her life in Vermont was routine. Nothing out of the ordinary ever occurred. Her friends were carbon copies of herself, professors in conservative suits who met for coffee a few nights a week, and turned in early to work the next day. Nothing like her bright and cheery twin, whom she missed badly.

It was exactly the life Ariana had been seeking when she’d left her family behind. She didn’t expect them to understand it and so she kept details to herself, especially now when that life seemed pale in comparison.

She met her mother’s inquiring gaze and had no idea how to explain, so she merely shrugged. “I’ll try to be more open,” she promised her mother.

Elena nodded, a slight smile lifting her lips. “Okay then. How about you start with Quinn?” she asked, not being subtle at all.

Ariana laughed and hugged her mother tight. “I really did miss you,” she told her.

“Then prove it by talking.”

She grinned. “I hate to admit it, but I really like the man.” She drew the line at discussing exactly how much she liked him with her mother. “Unfortunately he’s got his share of secrets. He’s a hard man to get to know.”

“Aah,” her mother said, a knowing sound that gave Ariana the chills. “It’s not like you’re an easy nut to crack yourself,” she reminded Ariana. “Which means you two will have no trouble maintaining the element of the unknown that helps keep things interesting early on in a relationship. As for sexual attraction, well, I’ve witnessed the undercurrents between you. That’s not a problem either.”

While Ariana blushed at her mother’s frank talk, Elena nodded, pleased with what she obviously considered a good match. “Just remember, if you’re going to make it for the long haul, secrets have to give way to trust.”

“There is no long haul. He’s a loner and I’m only visiting,” she felt compelled to remind her mother.

Elena shrugged. “Then just sleep with the man. You wouldn’t want to miss out on a good time. Just make sure you use protection.”

“Mom!” Ariana said, appalled at such a suggestion from her mother.

“I’m not the one who dismissed the more serious possibilities.” Elena sent her a pointed look.

Ariana didn’t like being cornered by her own words.

As if sensing her daughter’s feelings, Elena changed the subject. “So, why can’t you sleep and why are you in your sister’s room?” She sat on the bed and patted the mattress, motioning for Ariana to join her.

Ariana curled her legs beneath her. She was happy to end the subject of her love life and welcomed the chance to talk to her mother about something more important. “Sam ran away again tonight.”

“Oh no.”

Ariana nodded. “Apparently her foster parents bought furniture for the baby’s room, which is the room Sam is staying in. It was delivered today.”

“Of all the thoughtless, inconsiderate…” A low growl escaped Elena’s throat.

“I agree. But there’s nowhere Family Services can place Sam right now. They’re waiting for a space in a group home to open. As long as she doesn’t cause trouble, her foster family has agreed to let her stay on until then,” Ariana said, explaining to her mother what Quinn had told her earlier.

“How understanding,” Elena said, not bothering to hide her sarcasm.

Ariana ran a hand over her eyes, which burned from lack of sleep and the tears she’d already shed.

Her mother rose from the bed and paced the floor. “Those people don’t deserve to have that child in their home.”

“Again, I agree. But there’s no denying that Sam’s better off there than in a group home.” Ariana shuddered at the mere thought. “But trouble is Sam’s middle name. She’s just not helping her cause.” Ariana wished she could do more for both Sam and Quinn, who felt somehow responsible for the young girl’s predicament.

“If Sam thinks she’s not wanted, she’s only going to act out more. I ought to know how teenage girls think, considering I raised two of them-” Elena snapped her fingers in the air, as if she had just thought of something important. “That’s it.”

“What’s it?”

“Me. Raising teenage girls.”

Ariana raised her eyebrows. “Sam? Are you talking about bringing Sam here to live?” she asked in shock.

Her mother nodded. “I have to go talk to your father. Of course, I need to soften him up first.” She shrugged her silk robe off her shoulders in a provocative gesture. “Now, you keep this between us until I’m ready to broach the subject with him at the right time.”

“But…” Before Ariana could discuss the subject further, her mother glided out of the room, a determined woman on a mission.

Her mother wanted to bring Sam here. That idea brought up a load of memories and questions Ariana wasn’t sure she was ready to deal with. She and her sister had been raised in this house with two very different results. But given the alternatives, Sam could certainly do much worse. At least she’d be safe and cared for here.

In the meantime, it hadn’t escaped Ariana’s notice that she and her mother had discussed every touchy and painful subject between them-except Zoe.

The notion that something might really have happened to her sister was a pain too great to contemplate. If Quinn held the secret to Zoe’s disappearance, Ariana just had to trust he’d confide in her soon.

She glanced around her sister’s room, not knowing what she was looking for, just that she desperately needed a connection to the twin she loved but didn’t understand. And then, unexpectedly, she found the link she needed. Reaching across the bed, she pulled a small crocheted pillow into her hand and ran her fingers over the nubby stitching. Sisters and Best Friends 4 Ever. Ariana had made the pillow as a birthday gift for Zoe when they were young. She couldn’t remember exactly how old they’d been, just that she’d given it to her twin.

She had no idea Zoe had kept the gift, but she had. Through the arguments and the rift, Zoe had held on to a link between them. At this moment, their last argument stood out in stark contrast to the past. The night Ariana had left for Vermont, she and Zoe had agreed that they’d never understand one another. Never agree. That distance was best for them both.

Distance, Ariana thought. Not a permanent gap. She wondered now how she’d stayed away for so long. And she hoped it wasn’t too late to make amends.

• • •

The persistent sound of banging woke Ariana from a fitful sleep. She rolled over and realized she’d dozed on top of her sister’s bed. She was still wearing her robe, which had twisted uncomfortably around her waist, and the pillow she’d found was clutched tightly in her arms.

As she made her way downstairs, the noise, which she realized now was hammering, became louder. “What’s going on?” she called to her father, who stood looking out over a window with a backyard view.

“We’re starting construction on the addition for the spa,” he replied, just as loudly, speaking over the noise.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

He shrugged. “We told you we’d be doing remodeling on the house.”

“You just didn’t say when. I work nights and need to sleep days,” she reminded him.

“You’re young. You need less sleep.”

A loud crash reverberated throughout the house. Ariana jumped at the same time a bizarre shriek sounded in her ear and the monkey dove into Ariana’s arms.

“She hates the noise.” Her father spread his hands wide, indicating he was at a loss as to what to do.

“I take it you’re not any happier than I am?” she asked Spank.

The banging grew louder and the monkey buried her face between Ariana’s neck and shoulders. “How long is this going to go on?” she asked her father.

“As long as it takes,” her father said.

“I was afraid of that. Where’s Mom?”

Nicholas glanced over his shoulder. “She went to the library. She said she had research to do. I think she needs to figure out how to thicken the facial cream she’s been working on. But she was in an exceptionally good mood,” he said and winked at Ariana.

She rolled her eyes. When her mother played her father, she was so obvious, Ariana didn’t know how her father didn’t see it. Everyone else certainly did. Then again maybe he just accepted her the same way Elena accepted his snoring, because he loved her. Ariana wondered how he’d feel once her “research” led to another child in this house. Because the one thing Ariana had learned was that whatever Elena wanted, Elena made certain she got.

With a shake of her head, Ariana left the kitchen, the monkey wrapped tightly around her. In the meantime, Ariana needed to find a place to stay where she could actually get some sleep while the construction continued.

• • •

Quinn was pouring himself a cup of strong, black coffee when the phone in his hotel room rang. “Donovan.”

“Hey, buddy.”

Since Connor didn’t normally call from his post at the bar, Quinn was surprised. “I was just on my way downstairs. What’s going on?”

“Our mutual friend looks exhausted. Ariana has broken more than a few glasses, and I’m thinking she needs to get out of here early, if you get my drift.” Connor’s low chuckle sounded through the phone line.

“Thanks. I’ll check it out.” Quinn wondered what was going on with Ari and headed to the bar to find out.

He took one look at the woman in the skimpy cocktail waitress outfit, noting the lack of makeup and the dark circles under her eyes, and he’d seen enough. He grabbed her elbow. “Come with me.”

She met his gaze, startled. “I can’t leave with you. I have work to do.”

“And there’s plenty of people here who can cover for you.” Quinn leaned closer. So close he could smell the shampoo in her hair and the scent that kept him awake at night. His groin tightened and the desire to make love to her overwhelmed him. “Let’s go.”

“Okay,” she said, surprising him. “Just let me get my purse.” She tilted her head, meeting his gaze.

The same need that beat like a drum inside him shimmered in her glassy eyes. When it came to attraction and desire, they were definitely on the same page. His libido kicked into high gear. Only her complete and obvious exhaustion had him breathing deeply and reminding himself she had more important things going on than thinking about sex.

Once they’d reached the lobby of the casino, where the throngs of people and the glittering lights and mirrors made them just one of the crowd instead of the object of the other employees’ curiosity, he pulled her into an empty corner. “You look like hell.”

She laughed but even that sounded strained. “Way to flatter a lady.”

He flattened his palm on the mirrored wall behind her. “What’s going on?” he asked in a low voice.

“I’m just tired,” she said with a sigh. “My parents started construction on the house this morning, which works well for people on a normal schedule, but with my night shifts, I couldn’t get any sleep today.”

He slanted her a disbelieving glance. “Somehow I don’t think that’s all that’s bothering you.” He raised her chin with his hand, looking into her weary eyes. “You can talk to me.” He wanted to hear what was really going on with Ari-and he wanted to help. Not in the I’m-a-cop-and-it’s-my-job kind of way, either.

Ariana looked into his sincere gaze and she believed his words. She needed to take him up on his offer and confide in him. Maybe it would let him trust her in return, but if not, she still wanted to let him wrap his arms around her and make her feel better, if just for a little while.

“I really am exhausted, but it’s not just physical. It’s emotional, too. It started with Zoe disappearing,” she explained. “Then it was the stress of coming home. You must realize I have family issues.” She felt ridiculous complaining about family when he had none, but when he squeezed her shoulder, urging her to continue, she instinctively knew he understood. “Then last night everything hit me all at once,” she went on.

She drew a trembling breath and he waited patiently. “Watching Sam fall apart like that got to me. I mean, she’s so young and vulnerable and she has no one. While I have a sister whom I haven’t spoken to in years for stupid reasons and now she’s missing.” Her voice cracked and her eyes watered. Embarrassed, she sniffed, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “On top of that, I couldn’t fall asleep last night and then the construction woke me today… God, I feel like a basket case.” Her voice quavered and she shook badly.

“You’ll have a chance to fix things one day,” he promised her, determination and something so compelling in his voice, once again, she couldn’t help but believe him.

“Add a little sleep and you’ll feel much better.” He brushed a stray tear beneath her eye with his thumb, and she shuddered at his comforting yet oh-so-seductive touch. “Come. You can crash upstairs for tonight and tomorrow. I think I have the perfect solution to your construction problem.”

Going up to his room could only lead to one thing, and despite her exhaustion, her palms grew damp at the heady thought.

He let out a frustrated groan. “Look, you need sleep, so will you change your mind if I promise not to touch you?” he asked, obviously misreading her silence.

“If you make that promise, I’ll definitely change my mind.” In other words, if he didn’t touch her, why bother going upstairs? she thought wryly, and bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.

But there was nothing funny about her desire or her feelings for this man. “I don’t want you to keep your distance and I definitely don’t want you to keep your hands to yourself.” She forced herself to be the bold and brazen woman she imagined her sister to be, then held her breath and waited, hoping Quinn would react the way she wanted him to.

His eyes darkened and he lowered his head until his lips hovered over hers, just enough to tempt her with his coffee-scented breath. Her heart pounded in her chest and an overwhelming rush of arousal trickled through her, slow, steady, and increasingly warm and exciting.

“You’re a tease,” she told him, then let her tongue dart out and caress the outline of his mouth.

A low groan rumbled from deep in his throat and he pulled her against him. Having gone this far, Ariana wasn’t about to back down now. Hoping to take Quinn off guard, she slipped her tongue between his barely parted lips. Kissing him felt like coming home, a sensation and experience both foreign and welcome at the same time. She entwined her arms around his neck and pressed her breasts against his chest to ease the aching need building there. All the while his tongue tangled with hers, letting her know he wanted her every bit as much as she wanted him.

The kiss went on, long and leisurely one minute, more hot and demanding the next. Her stomach swirled with the exquisite sensations he created and her body craved his.

“Sweetheart, I think we’re making a scene,” he said, barely breaking the kiss.

“So?” Her blood flowed like warm liquid and she wanted more of the boneless feeling he provided. She wanted more of him.

“So we need to go upstairs.”

The next thing she knew, he had lifted her into his arms. Ignoring the shocked stares of the strangers around them, he carried her into the private elevator reserved for Damon’s closest associates. Soon she found herself in Quinn’s hotel room, and he lowered her to the bed.

“You need to relax and I’m going to make sure you do.” His voice held a determined edge as he maneuvered their positions so that she lay on her back, her head between his crossed legs. “Shut your eyes.”

This was one order she didn’t mind obeying, and she let her lashes fall. His fingers moved from her jawline to her forehead, and he began a steady massage of her temples. His touch was electric and she responded, her breasts tightening with need, while lower down, a pulsing of a different kind began between her legs.

“Breathe in,” he said in that deep voice that had mesmerized her from day one. “And out.”

Despite the desire flowing through her body, her mind responded to his request. For the first time since receiving a phone call about her missing twin, she let herself relax. She calmed down, feeling herself sinking deeper into the mattress as her tension eased. His caring caress nurtured the emptiness she’d been experiencing from being alone and being the only one doing something to find Zoe.

She wasn’t alone anymore. She had Quinn. And although he wasn’t revealing answers, he wasn’t leaving her to fall apart either. He nurtured her emotions as well as he fed her hunger. And she had a hunch that would be the next need to be filled.