When Angels Fall (Fallen Angels) (38 page)

“You know, Kev, you should just be nice and take her to the party. Claire said she has really grown up this past year,” Mark said as he picked up Nick’s game and took over where he’d left off.

“I’m sure she has, but she will still have the thick glasses and braces she’s had for the past three years. Isn’t one brother dating an O’Rourke sister enough?” Kevin tried to slam Mark’s car but he was too fast for him.

“Think of it as you’re doing that brother a favor and taking his girlfriend’s sister out. I would ask Nick, but he has Chloe,” Mark replied.

“What are the chances of you two breaking up for one night and you taking Taylor?” Kevin looked at Nick now.

Nick looked at him and snickered. “Hmm, that’s a tough one. Slim and none, I would have to say. Why don’t you just wait until you see her, and then decide? She could’ve really grown up this year, like Mark said.”

“Because I know exactly what will happen. She will follow me around and try batting her eyes, and then when I don’t take her out, she will sit at our table and sulk, like she does every year.”

“I don’t know about that. It may be you sulking this year. Claire said she has really changed,” Mark informed him again and smashed his game car into a tree.

“Have you even for one minute thought that maybe she’s saying that, so you would convince me to take her?” Kevin put the game down and looked at Mark.

“Yeah, Mark, your letting her walk all over you again and you two haven’t even seen each other yet. She’s forcing you to make your little brother take her sister to the New Year’s party,” Nick pointed out.

“This from the boy who let the girl he was in love with go out with a jock because he was too scared to admit he really liked her,” Mark said, teasing Nick.

“Yeah, but where is she now? Lying right here, in my arms, fast asleep,” Nick shot back.

“I’m not fast asleep, because all I can hear is you three going on about this poor girl. And, no, Kevin, we aren’t going to break up so you can duck her.” Chloe tried to go back to sleep.

“We’re sorry. Go back to sleep,” Nick whispered and then laughed at Kevin.

An hour later, the bright sun through the windows gave the effect it was warmer outside than it was. They were making one last stop. The air had gotten colder, if that was even possible. Nick got out of the van and he could see his breath in the air.

“When did it get so cold?” Chloe wished she had grabbed her coat. She put her arms around her body and tried to stay warm.

“We are in the mountains now. It’s going to get really cold. You did pack enough to be warm, right?” Nick asked her, rubbing her arms to warm her up.

“Yes, I did. I’m not stupid. I just didn’t expect it to get this cold so fast. How much longer do we have to go?” She laid her head on his chest and wanted to just stay in his embrace.

“I think about an hour.”

She pulled away from him and started toward the restroom, but before she could get any farther, he grabbed her arm. “Come here.” He put his hands to her face.

She loved it when he kissed her like this. The feel of his hands in her hair and the warmth of his lips took away the chill of the air. When he pulled away, she smiled. “What was that about?” she purred.

“Let’s just say I had a really nice dream about you and wanted it to end on a great note.” He smiled wickedly.

She touched his face. “What is it about you that makes me love you so much?”

“Wow, we would be here all day if I had to list them. You want to start with how I can make you blush just by whispering in your ear?” he teased.

She laughed. “On that note, we better get moving. Or we will be in big trouble when your family gets back and catches us in the van.”

He agreed and they went in.

Once they were back on the road, Nick couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She’d been playing with her phone and not paying attention to what was going on around her. He took out his phone and texted her.
U R beautiful.

Her phone chimed. She read the message and smiled at him. “What are you doing?” She was a little puzzled that he had done that.

Nothing,
he replied.
I really need 2 b with u.

She laughed and texted him back.
Problem?

Nick smiled a devilish grin.
Thinking about the snowstorm.

Chloe blushed. She bit her lip and texted again.
Long 4 ur touches.

“What the hell are you two doing?” Kevin asked.

They both smiled.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” Nick retorted as he sent her another text.
Need ur touches. Need u.

 
“You two are getting as bad as Mark. We’re like forty-five minutes away, and all you guys are doing is texting. It’s bad enough h’es texting Claire, but you two are right next to each other,” Kevin shot out again.

“Yeah, and maybe we’re talking about you and don’t want you to know. Mark and I could start speaking French.” Nick laughed.

“Oui!” Mark added as he kept texting Claire.

“Don’t start!” Kevin yelled at them.

“But you’re such an easy target,” Nick continued and his phone chimed.

 
Chloe had texted him back.
Soon?

Now he had to think about his answer. He’d been thinking about it a lot lately. They had said it to each other that night. The question was, could he go so far as to break the purity promise he’d made to his parents and himself? He just knew he loved her, and for some reason, it felt right.
When u r ready. Just really need 2 b with u.
Nick replied.

She smiled and sent back,
Must have been a really good dream.

He winked at her.

Chloe closed her phone and moved closer to him. She leaned in and whispered in his ear, “And just what is it you need?”

“For you to come be bad with me,” he said playfully.

“And by bad you mean?” she questioned.

“Trust me. I think you know what I mean,” he teased and kissed her lightly.

“Knock it off,” Mark spoke up, not even looking at them.

They both smiled at each other and went back to texting.

*
   
*
   
*
   
*

Forty-five minutes later, they arrived at an enormous log and brick house. Chloe could not believe this was where she would be staying for the next few days. Arriving at the front door was amazing as they sauntered down a cobblestone walk that led to a large carved oak double door. Mrs. Allen opened the door and they all filed in.

“Hey, anyone here?” Mr. Allen yelled.

 
“What did you do, speed here? You made good time,” a tall, dark-haired man called as he came into the room.
 
He looked a lot like Kevin but with blue eyes.

“I had to, Gina was late coming home,” Mr. Allen explained while putting down the bag he was carrying.

“Gina, why do you put up with this bum? I could’ve given you the world and maybe a daughter. Seeing how he’s stuck you with these four.” The man laughed and kissed her cheek.

“But see, I like two of them. And you kept me waiting way too long. How are you, Robb?” she joked, too, and hugged him.

“Good, good. Glad for a break. How’s my brother?”

“Annoyed that you’re still trying to take my wife,” Mr. Allen retorted. “Nice to see you, too.”

“So, let me see your boys. Where is little Maxwell? He can’t be this strapping young lad right here, can he?” Their uncle picked him up.

“I grew three inches!” Max announced proudly.

“So you have. What is this? Are you washing behind your ears?” His uncle asked and gave him a twenty dollar bill.

“I will now! Is Collin here?” Max asked, excited to have money to spend.

Their uncle laughed at Max’s enthusiasm. “He will be here soon. Rosa made some cookies for you two. I bet she would give you one if you asked.”

That was all Max needed to hear and he was off and running.

 
Their uncle then turned and looked at the three older boys. “I know someone who’s been waiting for you. Try not to screw it up this time. How are you, Son, how’s school?” He hugged Mark.

“It’s going good. I am acing most of my classes. And I’m going to try really hard not to mess it up this time,” Mark replied.

“I hope so, for your sake. I want to talk to you this week about maybe doing an internship at one of my offices. It should help with school and leave you an opening when you graduate. But we can talk about that later,” his uncle suggested.

“Mark!” A girl called as she ran down the steps and jumped into his arms. This was the Claire who Chloe had heard so much about. The one Nick and Kevin cringed at when Mark had said they were back together.

Claire was as obviously happy to see Mark as he was her. She was about Chloe’s height, with long, wavy, auburn hair. She had a pale completion and a hint of an Irish accent. And by the way she looked at Mark, Chloe could tell that there was a history there and they just seemed perfect for each other.

Their uncle then looked at Kevin.

“Uncle Robb, I think I have $50 stuck behind my ear,” Kevin hinted as he pulled at his ear.

“Maybe you should wash better, because I can’t get it unstuck. My God, Boy, you sound more and more like me every day. How’s the arm? I can almost bet who caused it,” their uncle said and winked at Nick.

“It’s still a little tight, but I have to have therapy to work it out. And he so totally did cause it. So, it’s my last year to play ball, are you going to make any of the games?” Kevin asked.

“Kevin, when have I ever let you down about your games? Someone has to keep the sports in the Allen family. Your dad couldn’t. At least you boys have.” It was a definite jab at their father.

“Sorry, Robb, I’m just not that athlete you are, but I have carried on the family name, at least four times,” he shot back. It was like watching Kevin and Nick go at it.

Their uncle then turned to Nick. “Nicholas, how are you, son? Glad to see your brother hasn’t killed you yet.”

“He hasn’t yet, but it isn’t for lack of trying.” Nick laughed and hugged his uncle.

“Wait until we hit the pool,” Kevin said and smirked.

“Kevin? No blood in the pool this year. I’m still trying to figure out how Nick is still alive after last time. That was a lot of blood. I thought you murdered him,” Uncle Robb stated.

“I’ll keep them in line,” Mark added.

“So, Nick, how was Christmas? Was it the one you talked about since you were ten?” Uncle Robb said and winked.

“It’s sweet, Uncle Robb. I wanted to drive up here, but Mom wants me to get used to it first. Thanks for remembering.” Nick was beaming.

Their uncle then looked at Chloe and smiled. “Is this the lovely young girl I’ve heard so much about from your mother?”

“Uncle Robb, this is—” Nick started to introduce her but his uncle took over.

“Miss Chloe Gardner, the girl who has stolen my nephew’s heart. I can see why. You have very good taste, Nicholas.” His uncle winked as he took her hand.