Unworthy Heart: The Donnellys, Book 1 (26 page)

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s not to think too hard on something. Go with your gut and not your head, Maiya. You’d be surprised how right it tends to be.”

“So we have your blessing?”

“Of course.” He smiled. “Just don’t screw it up. If he’s ‘the one’, then go for it. Jump in with both feet and don’t look back.” He chuckled. “Then move your butt to L.A.”

Relief washed over her. “Thanks, Tony.” She stood. “And thanks for the advice; it’s appreciated.”

“Any time.”

She left his office. On her way to her own, she stopped by Jodi’s. “Lunch today?”

Jodi looked up from a pile of paperwork. “Hey,
girrrl
.” She grinned. “Yes, please.”

“Why do you look like the cat who ate the canary?”

“Do I?” Jodi raised both brows. “What time do you want to eat?”

Maiya checked her schedule on her phone. “How about twelve thirty?”

“That works. I’ll meet you out front.”

Maiya placed her hand on her hip. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“We’ll talk at lunch. Now shoo.” Jodi waved her hands at Maiya. “I’ve got a report to get out.”

“Suit yourself. I plan on eating. If my mouth is full, I won’t be speaking much.” Maiya snorted a laugh and walked off before Jodi had a chance to respond.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Ryan’s head pounded like a jackhammer going to town on a city street. His lunch break had been anything but filling. Instead of picking up a delicious meal, he’d picked up a stack of papers with the word
“visitation”
stamped on every one of them. Ryan rubbed the back of his neck. His attorney intended to handle it with a court-appointed mediator, and if that didn’t work, they’d be going to court sometime in the next ninety days.

Bernice and Robert Houston had tap danced all over his last nerve, and he’d about had enough of them. If it weren’t for the fact Jacob loved them, and the whole court-ordered visitation thing, he would’ve preferred no contact with them at all. Ryan was beyond ready to pack this whole mess up, with the exception of what special things he’d kept for Jacob in regards to his mother.

On his way back to the office, his father called, inviting him over for a family cookout. Ryan took the opportunity to let him know he’d be bringing a guest. The surprise in his dad’s voice was obvious, but of course, he said it was fine. One more mouth around the Donnelly table was never any big deal. Between him and his nine siblings, there was always someone over.

Now, he couldn’t wait to tell Maiya what the dinner plans were. Ryan was damn excited for her to meet his family, and for them to meet her. Whether they’d like her or not wasn’t even a question.
Everyone
loved her.

At first glance, she was almost overwhelming. But in his eyes, and others he’d noticed sneaking glances of her, she was gorgeous. People couldn’t help but want to get to know her, or hear what opinions she might have on any number of topics. The woman’s intelligence was amazing. Plus, she had a wicked sense of humor.

Once settled back at his cube, he waded through the deluge of emails regarding his project and then sent her an IM letting her know dinner would be a cookout at his parents’ house.

Maiya Rossini:
You want me to meet your parents? Are you crazy, Ryan
?

Ryan Donnelly:
A little, but not in regards to this. Why wouldn’t I want you to meet my parents?

Maiya Rossini:
Is it just them or will anyone else be there?

Ryan Donnelly:
Probably some of my siblings that live close by and their families. Jimmy and Cyn will be there too. If they’re cooking out, Mom’s making a feast that could feed the entire neighborhood
.

Maiya Rossini:
Oh, Lord. Should we go home…er…I mean can we stop by your place and change first?

Ryan Donnelly:
Sure. Hey, is this some sort of social anxiety thing you have I’m not aware of?

Maiya Rossini:
LOL No. Just when it comes to your family, I think. I worry I’m too different for them. I’m not exactly the girl you bring home to Momma, if you know what I mean.

He stared at the words in the message window and shook his head. No way—no fucking way would he tolerate her thinking she wasn’t good enough for him, or his family. Ryan stormed straight to her office. The door was closed when he got there. Not that he cared. Ryan walked in and closed it behind him. To hell with knocking.

She looked up from her laptop, eyes wide with shock. “What are you doing?”

Saying nothing, he stalked around the side of her desk, gripped her by the arms, pulled her up from her chair and planted a hard kiss on her mouth. When he broke from her lips, she was breathing heavy and then reached back, seeking her chair to sit again.

“What was that for?” She pressed her fingers to her swollen lips.

Leaning forward, Ryan braced himself on the arms of her chair. “You are
exactly
the kind of woman I intend to bring home to ‘Momma’. And my momma—I don’t really call her that, by the way—is going to love you. So will my father, and my siblings.” He pressed another kiss to her lips.

When he pulled back, her hazel eyes had darkened. Lust or anger, he wasn’t sure. Not that it mattered. She needed to understand this now.

“I just meant I’m not your typical type, Ryan.” Maiya frowned, her brows peaking at the center.

“You
are
my type, Maiya. You’re who I want to be with. Why is it so damn hard for you to accept that?” His tone was harsher than he’d intended, but it was important she hear him.

“I’m sorry, okay?” She rubbed her forehead. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Straightening, Ryan ran his fingers through his hair and softened his tone. “You matter to me, baby. I care…deeply about you. I want my family to meet you.”

Eyes wide, she blew out a breath. “I don’t know what to say. I’m honored, a little shocked, but honored nonetheless.” She reached for his hand and held it. “What time are they expecting us?”

“That’s my girl.” He smiled. “Six-ish. If we can get out of here a little early we can go home and change first.”

“That’d be nice. I don’t think high heels and a skirt are the best attire for a cookout.” She glanced at her laptop screen. “I’ll get wrapped up by four.”

“Perfect.” He leaned forward and cupped her chin in his hand. “Don’t worry. They’ll love you.” He kissed the tip of her nose and exited as fast as he’d entered.

Once again, Maiya sat in the front seat of Ryan’s BMW, bubbling over with nervous energy, fidgeting in her purse and then with the radio. It hadn’t helped Ryan made her wear a short sleeve shirt. Her tats would be on display for all of them to see. The drive to his parents’ house felt endless but in reality only took about forty-five minutes with traffic.

They pulled up in front of a sprawling two-story historical colonial set back from the street and Maiya’s mouth dropped open. The house was stunning, and confirmed her original assumption. His parents had money—although they may’ve bought the house years ago when real estate wasn’t quite as overpriced as now.

Jacob unbuckled his belt and jumped out of the car, running for the front door before Ryan had turned off the ignition. Cyn greeted her nephew under the portico, scooped him up in her arms and waved to them before disappearing into the house with him.

Ryan grabbed the six-pack of Coronas he’d bought, took her hand and walked toward the door. Every step Maiya took felt like she walked through thick mud.

Just before they entered, Ryan turned and kissed her cheek. “Breathe.”

“I swear to God, I am not this much of a freak. I’m fine, honest. Let’s go.” She gulped her anxiety down and forced a smile.

What
was
her problem? It was just his parents and family; a ton of them, she was sure, but still. She was a damn adult, a corporate professional and a regular badass. She could freaking do this. Game face in place, Maiya stepped through the front door of this gorgeous house and tried like hell not to gawk at the antique décor. It appeared lived in though, warm and welcoming. A place where kids played and adults relaxed. It felt like a home—a real one.

“Mom?” Ryan called out.

“In the kitchen!”

“Wow! Your hair is really cool.” A young girl with hair hanging in front of one eye walked out from what looked like the formal living room. Did all girls go for that look? Jeez, she was completely out of touch with kids and trends. “Hey, Julia. Come see,” she called over her shoulder.

Another girl, a bit older, but with the same hairstyle, came running to them. “Wow! And ohmygawd awesome tattoos!”

“Hello there, ladies. This is Maiya. Maiya, these are my two beautiful nieces, Julia and Tori.”

Both girls blushed.

“Nice to meet you both.” Maiya smiled. “And thanks, I’m glad you like my hair. Yours is pretty cool too.” She wasn’t touching the tattoo compliment.

“Our moms won’t let us color it yet. You color yours, right? I can kinda tell since it’s got like, three different colors in it. When I grow up I want to be a hairdresser,” Julia said without taking a breath.

Tori looked at Julia. “I’m totally getting tattoos when I’m eighteen. Oh, I didn’t tell you. My mom said I can do highlights when I’m thirteen.”

“Shut-up! She did? I am soooo gonna whine to my mom. That’ll be way unfair if you get to and I still can’t.” Julia pouted and put her hands on her hips.

“We’ll see you gorgeous beauty queens in a bit.” Ryan shook his head, chuckling and pulled Maiya away.

“It was nice meeting you,” Maiya called over her shoulder while he tugged her toward what she assumed was the kitchen. “They’re freaking cute.”

Ryan squeezed her hand. “My sisters are going to have their hands full when those two hit high school. Serves them right.”

Then they entered the greatest kitchen she’d ever seen. With wide eyes, Maiya glanced around the large space. It had one of those stainless steel, professional-chef stoves on one side and a huge island in the center, complete with a prep sink. Dark-mocha marble counters topped the antique white cabinets that took up three walls of the space. Beyond the cupboards sat a large rectangular table with enough chairs to seat an army.

At the stove stood a woman about Maiya’s height and build with short blonde hair. Not a single gray in sight, either. She turned when they entered and wiped her hands on a towel. “Well, hello there. Your father said you were bringing a guest; I had no idea it was such a pretty one.”

Still holding her hand, Ryan walked toward his mother. “Hey, Mom.” He kissed her cheek. “This is Maiya Rossini. We work together.”

Maiya held out her hand to his mother.
And sleep together.
“Hello, Mrs. Donnelly. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Please, call me Roseanne.” She smiled and took Maiya’s offered hand. “It’s wonderful to meet you as well, Maiya.”

“Everyone else out back?” Ryan asked.

Rosanne moved to the counter. “Naturally.”

“Nice to see Mary and Katie both made it out. Cam and Jerry too?” Ryan pulled two beers from the six-pack and put the remainder in the oversized to-die-for stainless refrigerator.

Jimmy sauntered into the room. “What? You writing a book?”

“Ahh, here he is, the prodigal son. What up, my brother?” Reaching out, Ryan clasped hands with Jimmy and pulled him into one of those shoulder-to-shoulder manly hugs.

“Same old, same old.” Jimmy leaned over and kissed Maiya’s cheek. “Hey, darlin’.”

“Hey yourself. Good to see you, Jimmy.”

“All right, trouble twins. Out of my kitchen so I can finish prep.” Roseanne looked at Maiya. “You get these two together and it’s best to take cover. Oh, and remove any sharp objects.” Laughing, Roseanne went over to the island and hacked into a stack of vegetables.

“I’ve seen them in action so I have an idea what you’re talking about. Can I help at all?”

“Oh no, dear. I’ve got it. Cooking is what I do for a living, and fortunately I still love to do it.” She looked up from her task. “Go on outside. My kids are all eager to meet the guest Ryan brought to dinner. Jimmy’s spent the last half hour teasing them all.”

Ryan bumped Jimmy’s shoulder with his own. “Dude, what the hell. Seriously?”

Roseanne sliced a cucumber in half. “Language.”

“Sorry, Mom,” they both said in unison.

With a smile, Ryan held his palm out for Maiya. “Come on, baby. Let’s head out back and have a beer.”

She took his offered hand, doing her damnedest to stifle a giggle at how effective Roseanne was at putting them in line. “Guess she told you two.”

“Not another word,” he mumbled and ushered her into what appeared to be the family room.

Much to her surprise, her anxiety had vanished. She guessed meeting his mother had been the big hurdle she needed to jump. How interesting. Plus, she hadn’t so much as glanced at Maiya’s tattoos. On to meet the rest—or part of, at least—his family. They stepped onto the back patio and…holy shit there were a lot a people. This wasn’t even all of his family. Anxiety slammed back into her tummy like a sledgehammer and she tightened her grip on Ryan’s hand.
Breathe… Breathe…

Ryan pulled Maiya farther out onto the patio. When she squeezed his hand, he leaned over and kissed the side of her head and then let his gaze roam over the patio and backyard, taking in his family.

His sisters—Katie, Mary and Cyn, along with his sister-in-law, Stephanie—had gathered around one of the outdoor tables on the far end of the patio. His father, Joe Sr., his brothers, Joey and Jimmy and his brothers-in-law, Jerry and Camden, were tossing a football around the backyard. His son and his nephews, Steven and Cam Jr., were running around, trying to snatch the ball from the adults.

They made one hell of a motley crew, and not all of his siblings were present. Good thing too, Maiya might well have had a heart attack. “Come on. It’s all good.” He led her to the table.

Getting up, Cyn gave her a hug. “Hey, Maiya.”

“Hey, Cyn. Nice to see you again.”

“Let’s do some introductions.” Ryan clapped his hands, rubbing them together. “Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to remember everyone’s name.” He nudged Maiya’s hip with his own.

“There might be a test later,” Katie piped up with a grin.

“Bad form.” Ryan chuckled. “I’ll go oldest to youngest. How’s that?”

Katie tossed a chip at him. “Go for it. Brat.”

He went around the table, introducing each sister, stopping to tease each one of them, of course. “Ladies, you know I love every one of you. Now, this is Maiya Rossini. We work together.”

“It’s nice to meet all of you.” Maiya’s voice was timid.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” Mary stood and shook Maiya’s hand, then motioned to her sleeves. “Awesome artwork you have there.”

Maiya smiled. “Thanks.”

“Join us,” Katie said. “Ryan, you go run along and play with the other lesser species.”

“Lesser? You just declared war. We’re playing Pictionary later, and I am so gonna kick your ass.” Ryan rubbed Maiya’s lower back.

“Bring it.” Cyn grabbed another chair and placed it next to her own. Maiya was nervous and Cyn must be able to tell. Bless his sister, all of them actually, because he knew they’d scoop her up. In no more than fifteen minutes, Maiya would be fine.

“Have a seat, babe.” He kissed Maiya’s cheek. “I’m going to go play with the other cavemen.” He grunted, ape-like, at Katie and stepped away from them.