Don't Bite the Bridesmaid (4 page)

She walked slowly down the halls, not sure exactly where she should go. She didn’t have a whole lot of time to get ready for dinner. Going back to the room was exactly what she should do, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to face Noah again. Not yet. When she reached another open area over a public space, she stopped and leaned on the railing, peering over at the strangers milling around below.

Maybe it had been wrong to ask him to come with her. The man was a recluse, as far as she could tell. Oh, other people occasionally came to see him, and he went out once in a while, but he never seemed to have any long term visitors. And if he worked, he did so from home.

She really knew so little about him.

Then there was the sun allergy. She’d had to fight to keep her face clear when he’d mentioned it. But that’s all it was, right? Nothing to worry about. People did have strange allergies, after all. And that explained why he only rarely went out during the day. A weird allergy was something she could deal with. And it was far more likely than him being a—no. She wasn’t even going to think it. It was impossible.

Her mouth went dry, and she glanced around for a water fountain. Noah had lived next door to her for five years—or to be more accurate, she’d lived next to him for five years. How long had he lived there? Since before her grandmother died and left her the property, at least. And she’d always felt so comfortable around him, even only seeing him once a month or so. Had she allowed her instinctual trust to override her good sense? Instincts weren’t always trustworthy, and his good looks probably threw them into the totally useless pile.

After all, she’d trusted Brent, hadn’t she?

As if summoned by her thoughts, the man himself stepped out of the casino, only feet from where she stood. She stopped in her tracks and stared, heart thumping against her chest. She wasn’t ready. Her outfit for the meeting still waited to be ironed in her suitcase, and she wore almost no make-up with her hair pulled back.

Her foot slid back, as if of its own will, and he looked up. Dark eyes met hers. Recognition flashed, and the slow, smooth smile that had always made her heart race slid over his face. Although still handsome, with the slick blond hair she’d loved running her hands through, something about him struck her as different. Smaller.

“Well, hello, baby—Alice,” he said, then he shook his head as if clearing their history, reminding himself he’d made his choice. “Sorry. Habit.”

Baby
. She’d loved him calling her that once. As if it made her his, like he was laying claim to her. But now the word twisted in her gut like a knife. Nausea rolled over her, as if the ship had shifted quickly. But only her world moved.

The word was a lie.

“Brent,” she managed, voice breathy.
Crap
. What was wrong with her? She’d planned on this. Where was her uppity attitude, her holier-than-thou confidence? With one glimpse, he’d knocked all of her plans away, and she felt like the same heartbroken girl he’d left a year ago.

“How have you been? You look tired.” His voice had always sounded so genuine, so concerned. But now she could hear that edge. The tiny bit of falseness. Had he always sounded so fake?

“I’m fine, thanks.” She should say something else.
Damn
. What was she supposed to say? Her thoughts slid away as he stepped closer, arrogant smile still pulling his lips to press against his big, white teeth. “How are you?” she said, finally.

“I’m good.”

“I heard you brought Kristen,” she said, focusing in on the woman he’d left her for.

He nodded thoughtfully. “I did. She’s getting a manicure. I—wow, this is awkward.” He laughed nervously, and she pursed her lips in what she hoped looked like a smile.

“You think?” She couldn’t keep the slight crack from her tone—the hurt—and she cringed.

His lips pressed together in a thin line, and he watched her expression. She averted her gaze, taking in the gauche splendor that was the colorful cruise ship floor. The word “baby” rung through her ears like a filthy curse word.

“I’ll bet you’re wishing you’d never introduced your little sister to my big brother right about now,” he said, tone falsely light and teasing.

A small laugh escaped her, and she forced in a deep breath. He regarded her carefully, as though waiting for something to happen.

“Look, if you want, we could go sit and talk. We never got the chance—”

“I don’t think so, Brent.” She took a deep breath and made her voice as light and airy as she could manage. “Besides, I’m here with someone. I don’t think he’d appreciate us spending time together. He’s got a bit of a jealous streak.”

“You’re here with someone?” Brent asked, and the disbelief in his voice made her want to scratch his eyes out. Why hadn’t she stayed in the suite? This was so not happening how she’d planned it.

Buck up, girl.
“You’ll meet him at dinner.”

“I didn’t realize you were seeing someone.” He took another step closer, far too close now.

“Bite me, Brent,” she said, voice as upbeat as she could manage. It was rude, but the last time she’d seen him, he’d been wrapped in her best friend’s arms.

“Don’t be like that. Baby—” He touched her shoulder, a friendly gesture, but more than she could deal with from him.

She stepped back, right into a hard body.

“Excuse me—” she began, and tried to step away from the person she’d run over. But unyielding hands gripped her shoulders, holding her fast against the man’s firm body. Panic spiked through her.

“Everything okay here, beautiful?” Noah’s voice vibrated against her back and relief flooded her.

Chapter Three

“Who is this, Alice?” The man crossed his arms and took a step back.

“I’m her boyfriend, Noah Thorpe,” Noah said. Alice stiffened under his hands. This was her idea, hopefully she could play along. He let his own guard down, knowing some of what he felt showed through on his face to the man in front of him. The man’s eyes widened slightly, and a muscle in his jaw ticked.

Rage had rolled through him at the sight of the pretty boy staring at Alice. And when he touched her, Noah wanted to do more than just step between them.

It wasn’t so much the look on the man’s face, and not even the possessive way he’d touched her—although that made Noah want to tear his hand off—it was Alice’s reaction to the man that made his hands clench at his sides in an effort not to hit her ex.

She looked smaller, somehow. Her shoulders drew in, even as her chin jutted out in defiance. He’d known, even without seeing her face, how upset she was. Noah might not have a claim to Alice, but that didn’t mean he was going to let some asshole hurt her.

The blond man looked taken aback at Noah’s appearance, but he quickly smoothed his features to show only polite interest.

“And you are?” Noah asked.

“This is—” Alice began.

“I’m Brent Strub. Alice’s…former fiancé.” Brent glanced at Alice, worry creasing his brow.

The man was smooth, he’d give him that. The concern draping his features when he looked at Alice proved he was good at hiding his true nature. But if he was digging for a reaction, Noah wasn’t going to give him one. He’d known who Brent was the second he laid eyes on him, if not his name or that they were actually engaged. What had Alice—lovely, smart, kind Alice—seen in this man? He radiated smugness the way a vampire on the hunt exuded violence. Cruelty hid behind his condescending expression.

He wasn’t good enough for her. And more than that, he would never be good to her.

“Nice to meet you,” Noah said, but he didn’t offer his hand to shake, and neither did Brent.

Sure, he was decent looking—handsome even—if a woman liked her man fully manicured and wearing cologne. Noah was certain he had a degree from somewhere impressive, Harvard maybe, or Yale. But he wasn’t special, and he was no deeper than a puddle. Just another narcissistic asshole.

Noah pulled Alice back a step, out of the way of a group of loud twenty-somethings exiting the casino. Cheap beer and perfume rolled off of them, and Noah blew out a breath to clear the scent from his nose.

“Well, it was nice to see you again, Brent,” Alice said. “But we have to be going.”

Her heartbeat still thudded too quickly for the calm tone her voice had assumed, but at least she sounded better. And she felt wonderful, so soft against him. He shot a quick glance at her, before returning his gaze to watch Brent.

She’d leaned into him, as if needing his body to support hers. And though the top of her head only barely reached his chin, she fit against him perfectly. The smell of her shampoo swirled around him, something sweet and fruity. Did the woman always smell of fruit?

Her body was so soft against his that he fought not to snuggle a little closer. Nuzzle her neck and flick his tongue against her skin. See if she tasted as good as she smelled. Show Brent she belonged to him.

A loud squeal came from inside the casino, and an alarm sounded. Jackpot.

He shook himself mentally. What the hell was he thinking? Alice didn’t belong to anyone, least of all him. Facing down Brent was messing with his instincts.

Reluctantly, he released his grip on her shoulders, sliding his hands down her arms before he realized what he was doing. Her skin felt as soft as it appeared.

“Oh,” a surprised voice said from behind them.

Noah glanced over his shoulder. Svelte and wearing an uncertain smile, the brunette was tall, nearly as tall as Brent in her heels. Which probably put her at around five-eight without them. A bit too thin for Noah’s tastes, but her features were stunning. A pained expression crossed her face and she rushed to Brent’s side.

“Kristen,” Alice said, voice catching. “How are you?”

The emotion she’d managed to hide when she saw Brent seemed to be coming out through the cracks in her defenses, so Noah stepped next to her and wrapped his arm around her. He held his other hand out to the woman who approached.

“Noah Thorpe,” he said, forcing a smile.

She paused, unsure of herself, then took his hand and shook it. Her grip was surprisingly firm, but her palms were damp and her pulse beat like she’d just run a mile. “Kristen, Brent’s fiancée. Nice to meet you.”

If Alice had been stiff under his arm before, she turned into a block of ice at Kristen’s words.

“Noah is Alice’s boyfriend,” Brent offered, his nice-guy mask on full.

A woman in her early fifties bumped into Noah, and he spared her a glance. Paying him no mind, she yelled at her friend in the casino far too close to Noah’s ear, and he cringed. She smelled of old cigarettes.

When he looked back, Kristen’s eyes were narrowed at Brent, but when she recovered, her smiled looked genuine. “Oh, Alice, I’m so happy for you.”

As if Noah didn’t exist, the woman wrapped Alice in her arms, forcing him to release his hold.

Kristen pulled Alice to the side and Noah watched warily for any sign from Alice that she didn’t want to go. But Alice flashed him a hesitant smile and followed Kristen, although she didn’t radiate the enthusiasm the other woman did. Kristen murmured to Alice quietly, while Alice stood stiffly with her arms crossed. Noah tried to listen in, but Brent pulled his attention away.

“So how long have you two been dating?” Brent asked.

Noah opened his mouth to tell Brent that their lives were none of his damn business but thought better of it. That kind of answer would only fan the man’s suspicions. And like a shark, once he smelled blood in the water, Brent would go after his prey mercilessly—and Noah had no doubts that Brent was the worst kind of shark.

And his prey was Alice.

“A few months. But we’ve known each other for years.”

“How do you know each other?” Brent crossed his arms and frowned.

“We’re neighbors. Well, we were. Alice has moved half her stuff into my house already.”

A real smile, full of triumph, encompassed Brent’s face. “Oh, did she?”

His tone was too casual.
Fuck
. He’d said something wrong. Something that had made Brent suspicious.

They needed to get out of here. Get their stories straight before he screwed this up for her. Because no matter how this had all started, no way was he letting Alice fall into this man’s clutches again. Over his dead—truly dead—body. She might not be his, but she was a good person and she roused all of his protective instincts.

The whispers from Kristen and Alice grew louder. Noah’s stomach twisted at the sight of Alice’s faltering expression. She was trying to put on a good show, pretend she wasn’t at all bothered by talking to these two, but her mask was slipping.

“Kristen,” Brent called. “Why don’t we get some drinks with the happy new couple? We can catch up and,” he shot Noah a confident smile, “get to know Noah better.”

“Actually, I really need to get back to the room. I have to clean up and unpack.” Alice said, voice wavering.

Had he ever heard her sound so unsure of herself before? He’d keep her safe from this man if he had to lock her in their cabin all week to do it. Flashes of what they could do while locked up alone ran through his mind. He gritted his teeth and concentrated on withdrawing his fangs.

“That’s fine. How about in an hour?” Brent said.

“Oh, I don’t know if we should intrude…” Despite her words, Kristen sounded hopeful.

Alice opened her mouth to answer, and he could see her resolve wavering.

“Maybe tomorrow? We have plans already,” Noah cut in.

Brent grinned at them, and if Noah hadn’t sensed his true nature, he would have called the expression charming. Even endearing. Definitely a shark. “Wonderful.”

“Yo
u could have let me answer for myself,” Alice said for the third time since they’d left the bar.

“You seemed unsettled.” His jaw tensed like he wanted to say more.

She mentally shrugged off his curt response. Was he angry? She was more than a little irritated, herself. But she wasn’t entirely certain why he would be mad. Unless Brent had said something while Kristen dragged her off to make small talk.

Brent was her greatest mistake.

Nothing was going right. Why couldn’t anything ever go according to plan? She followed Noah to the stateroom silently, still trying to process what had just happened. Everything had been planned so perfectly. Every detail down to the dress she’d wear. A gorgeous dress that made her look like sin, but not like a hooker—not a cheap hooker, anyway. And the new shoes. Ones that would normally be far too tall for her, but she’d learned to walk in them. Practiced. So she’d be perfect.

She let out a loud groan and threw herself face first on the bed the second the door clicked shut behind them. Noah didn’t say anything, but she could hear him moving around, taking off his jacket.

“That was such a disaster,” she finally managed. “But thank goodness you came when you did.” She pushed herself onto her elbows and glanced over her shoulder. He’d tossed his jacket on the small couch. “Thank you.”

He didn’t reply for a few seconds, as if searching for the right thing to say. “He’s an ass.”

“Most people like Brent.”

“Most people are idiots.” Yep, he was definitely still snippy about something.

“That’s a bright and shiny outlook you have there.” She grabbed one of the pillows and tossed it at him. He caught it with ease. “I mean it. Thank you. You saved me out there.”

He shrugged and looked away, tossing the pillow onto the couch. “When we have a minute, we need to get our stories straight.”

“We’ve been dating a few months. You worship the ground I walk on.”

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. “Do I?”

“Oh, yes. I was quite the catch for you.” Forcing herself off the bed, she rummaged through her suitcase and finally found it. The dress. The one she’d hoped to wear to knock Brent’s socks off—make him appreciate what he’d lost. She couldn’t regain the moment, but she might still be able to pull off some sort of good revenge.

Noah searched through his bag, too, his back to her as he bent over the couch to peer inside. His muscles were hard, just as hard as she’d imagined, and backing into him had been like backing into a brick wall. If the wall happened to smell like nothing she’d ever smelled before. Something spicy and raw. Masculine.

Noah Thorpe needed no cologne.

Not to mention the strength in those hands. She couldn’t see them as he sorted, but the muscles in his back pressed against his shirt, and his wide shoulders were smooth and strong. Her breath quickened at the memory of him at her back, his skin only a shirt away from sliding against hers. His arms practically wrapped around her. And the strange feelings that washed over her when he was near. Aroused, sure. But more than that. Safe. Happy.

As if sensing her thoughts, Noah stiffened and turned to face her. Her mouth went dry at the sight of that intense gaze. She licked her lips, and his eyes followed the motion.

She glanced away. She wasn’t making a play for him, right? No. Not going to happen. He’d made it clear he wasn’t interested, and she was just as certain as he was that this should be kept friendly, but not too friendly. “So what did you and Brent talk about after Kristen dragged me away?”

The tension broke like a bubble bursting, and he tugged a shirt from his bag. “He was fishing for information. Trying to figure out how long we’d been seeing each other. How serious we are.”

Her hand stilled over her makeup bag. “And were you convincing?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe.”

“Well, I guess we’ll have to be convincing when we see them at dinner.”

“I guess we will.”

She looked back and arched an eyebrow at him. “I thought you weren’t one hundred percent behind this whole idea.”

“That was before I met the ass. I don’t understand how someone like you could be with a guy like him,” he said.

Her stomach dropped and she turned away. “Like I said, most people like him.” And she’d liked him, once upon a time. She’d loved him and had mentally planned a life with him. Those emotions and thoughts had come so readily to her only several months ago. Yet now, as she shared a boat with Brent, she couldn’t summon even a ghost of the emotion she’d once felt.

She took a haggard breath. “Look, I know you don’t know me that well, and you probably don’t approve of this…farce. But I’d really appreciate it if you’d keep helping me. Please.”

Noah didn’t reply, so she ducked into the bathroom to do her makeup and hair. When she emerged, he was ironing his shirt, and she noticed her dress had been pressed.

“Thanks.” Was it possible he knew how much she loathed ironing?

“Sure.” He didn’t look up from his shirt.

She rushed through the rest of her preparations and noted Noah looked even more handsome in the black dress shirt he donned than the plain white polo shirt he’d worn to the ship. He was striking enough, in the simple outfit, to make her breath catch in her throat.

“You ready?”

She nodded. “Before we go, I should probably prepare you for my mother.”

“Your mother? The same mother I spent the afternoon playing miniature golf with?”

“She was pretty tame during golf. I just don’t want you to get the wrong idea about her. She can come across as a bit of a…flirt. But at her core, she’s a romantic. She and my dad—well, they were sort of a fairy tale couple.” How did she explain without making her mother sound nuts? Who was she kidding—her mom was a little nuts. But she was also a strong, wonderful woman who loved her family dearly. “He’s been gone for a really long time. She gets lonely.”

“I understand,” Noah said.

He couldn’t—not really. But then, he wouldn’t really grasp the loving insanity of her mother until he spent some time with her. But Alice appreciated his words. “All right, then. Let’s go eat.”

Sconces on the walls and small lights designed to look like candles set on the tables lit the room, and a quiet hum of classical music made the place feel relaxing and a bit romantic.