Family Ties (Morelli Family 4)

“Nice picture?” It comes out like a question, but I’m lost as to why she’s showing it to me.

“Keep looking,” she says patiently.

“I think I’ve seen all there is to see,” I point out, raising an eyebrow.

Frowning, she turns the phone back to her. “Oh, I didn’t scroll down.” She shoots me a look I know is supposed to be innocent, but I don’t buy it. She just wanted to me look at her picture. Like I don’t already know what she looks like.

Now when she shows me the display, I see what’s wrong.

“Oh, God, she didn’t.”

Vivian nods, her smile turning to an all-out grin. “Your mom is so freaking adorable, I can’t even stand it. She obviously has no idea how to send messages, so she just comments what she wants to say on my pictures. All of them. At random. Pieces of conversation are all up and down my feed. I’m not even entirely sure what she’s trying to say to me, but this one was very clear.” Now she puts her phone away and glances back up at me. “Imagine how surprised I was to hear we had plans tonight.”

Well, fuck.

“How did my mom even find you on whatever the fuck that is?” I ask.

“Your dad’s creepy friend Paul follows me.” Rolling her eyes, she moves closer. “You gonna invite me in?”

“I—No. I’m sorry, I can’t. I actually do have someone coming over.”

“Another Vivian?”

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Of course that’s when Francesca pulls in. I don’t think there’s any reason Vivian would recognize her, but I really don’t want to take the chance. I’ve never known Vivian to be excessively scheming, but then why would she ever show me that side if she was? She wants me to find her attractive.

Francesca is understandably confused as she walks up my driveway. Her gaze lingers on Vivian, her blonde hair and tight white coat wrapped around her slight form. Her jeans are tight as fuck, with stylish boots.

Turning with a bright smile as Francesca approaches the front porch, Vivian offers her hand. “Hi. You must be Vivian Two.”

Francesca frowns slightly, glancing at me for direction.

Since it’s the only thing that makes any sense, I step forward, grab Francesca around the waist, and give her a long-ass kiss. She softens in my arms, any apprehension melting right out of her, and her arms go around my neck as she kisses me back. Suddenly I’m calm. All is right in the world. Unwanted visitors don’t matter. Our family feuds don’t matter. This is all that matters. As long as we have this, the rest of the world can go to hell.

Francesca finally pulls back. I’ve all but forgotten Vivian’s still standing there—I just want to take Francesca inside and put my hands all over her. I want to make her dinner and ask about her day and give her the flowers I bought her.

Her attention is not so easily won, however. Once the kiss ends, she turns back curiously to Vivian.

At least Vivian isn’t still standing there with her hand out. Francesca certainly doesn’t move to shake it now.

“Okay, so, good visit,” Vivian says, flashing me a little smile.

I nod once, securing my hand around Francesca’s waist. It’s not even for Vivian’s benefit, though I’m sure she thinks it is. “Sorry about Ma. I’ll talk to her.”

“Don’t worry about it,” she says, waving me off. “She’s sweet. I don’t mind.” Offering a smile at Francesca, she says, “Nice meeting you, kind of.”

Once Vivian is in her car, Francesca turns to me, her perfect mouth turned down in a frown. “She’s met your mom?”

It’s the worst feeling in the world, having any part of making Francesca sad. Instead of explaining, I slide my hand up her neck and lean in to kiss her again. I deepen it this time, securing my hand around her waist and pulling her against me.

Still kissing her, I back up so we can close the front door. It’s cold out and she still has her jacket on, so once she drops her purse, I peel it off her.

I go to pull back, but Francesca doesn’t let me. Her arm around my neck pulls me back in. My blood warms as her other hand skates down my side, moving up under my shirt so she can touch me. A low growl slips out of me and I tangle a hand in her hair, backing her up against the door and kissing her hard.

Releasing her hair, I plant my hands under her ass and lift her. Her legs go around my waist and she finally breaks the kiss, her head falling back against the door as I butt my erection against her. We’re both still fully clothed, and again, this is basically high school shit, but damn if it isn’t turning me on. Easing forward, she locks lips with me again, moaning as I move against her again.