Harlequin Special Edition September 2014 - Bundle 1 of 2: Maverick for Hire\A Match Made by Baby\Once Upon a Bride (13 page)

“I would
love
to see you wearing a pink boa,” Cecelia said.

“When hell freezes over,” he said.

Cecelia couldn't resist teasing. “What a shame. It would be such a turn-on,” she said in what she hoped sounded like a sexy voice. Heaven knew, she didn't have much practice.

Nick shot her a look of surprise. “Oh, really?” he said and lowered his voice. “I had no idea you had a little kinky side.”

Cecelia giggled and he immediately caught on to her game.

“That's a little evil. You shouldn't taunt a guy like that,” he warned.

“I don't think you've been deprived lately,” she retorted.

“I feel deprived if I can't be kissing you whenever I want,” he whispered.

A rush of heat scored through her as Will approached them, walking with his cane. “There you are,” he said and extended his hand to Nick. “I'm so glad you two came.”

Cecelia forced herself to switch gears from the sensual invitation in Nick's voice. “We wouldn't miss it,” she said and reached to hug Will. He was dressed in a dark suit that looked brand-new, and he looked so proud Cecelia thought he might burst.

“Are you doing okay? Any nerves?” Nick asked.

“Not too bad,” Will said. “I told Beth I get concerned that she may change her mind after she lives with us for a while, and she told me she'll reassure me every day. That son of hers is a good boy, too. Almost a man. I'm darn lucky,” he said and shook his head.

The minister waved them into the room and Will cocked his head toward the living room. “Time to get this show on the road. Melba and Gene are already waiting.”

Cecelia joined Nick in the family room, where a bouquet of roses sat on a table and Melba waved from the other side of the room. Their landlord wore a faded pink floral dress edged with lace. Dressed in pants, a white shirt and tie, Beth's son, Ryan, and Will's grandson, Jacob, stood next to each other, looking slightly uncomfortable but at the same time pleased.

The minister turned to Beth's son. “You can go get your mother and escort her into the room.”

Jacob turned on a small CD player and a romantic country tune filled the air. Melba reached for a tissue and sniffed.

Cecelia felt a surge of sentimental emotion and sniffed, too.

Nick handed her a handkerchief.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Seconds later, little Sara entered the room, sprinkling the wooden floor with pink rose petals. Beth, wearing a cream, lacy dress with a hem that stopped just below her knee, appeared in the doorway with her son. She looked straight at Will and the radiance on her face made Cecelia's chest tighten with emotion. Cecelia looked at Will and his love and devotion shone in his eyes.

Cecelia had never felt as if she was an overly emotional woman, but witnessing the love between them did something to her. It was all she could do not to start weeping. Blinking back tears, she took slow, shallow breaths. Why was she reacting this way? she asked herself. Distressed, she slid a sideways glance at Nick. It was
his
fault, she realized. She was all worked up and emotional because she'd gotten involved with Nick. Cecelia was going to have to get herself under control. She didn't know how, but she had to do it. This kind of emotion was going to ruin her life if she didn't.

“Dearly beloved,” the minister began, and Cecelia watched as Beth and Will joined their lives and families. She couldn't remember a more beautiful wedding, and Cecelia got Nick's handkerchief wet enough she figured she'd better buy a new one for him.

After the sweet ceremony, everyone toasted the bride and groom with assorted beverages. The kids drank a little soda, while the adults drank just a little wine. Beth had baked a cake and everyone enjoyed a piece. The boys ditched their ties as soon as possible and camped in front of the television to watch a football game.

Beth and Will just seemed to glow. “Thank you so much for coming,” she said to Cecelia then turned to Nick. “And thank you for talking to Will.”

Nick coughed with discomfort. “I think he would have come around on his own,” Nick said. “I just may have sped things up a little bit.”

“No need to put off happiness at our age,” Will said and put his arm around Beth. He looked at her with adoring eyes then turned back to Nick and Cecelia. “No need to put off happiness at any age,” he said and laughed.

Cecelia blinked, wondering if the older man was hinting. She wondered if he sensed there was anything going on between her and Nick. Her cheeks heated in self-consciousness. Wanting more than anything to take the attention off herself, she clasped her hands together.

“Congratulations again to both of you,” she said. “We are so happy for you.”

“Yes, we are,” Nick said. “And I think it's time we let these young ones get started with their married life. Y'all take care, now. Don't do anything I wouldn't,” he said with a wink that made everyone laugh.

Cecelia and Nick left for the car and she let out a breath of relief. “You don't think Will knows about us, do you?” she asked Nick as he started the car.

“No. Will doesn't know. You're just paranoid,” he said.

Maybe she was, she hoped, and noticed that Nick looked as cool as a cucumber. “It must be nice to not feel worried about hiding a sexual relationship. You must have a lot of experience,” she said, unable to keep a hint of bitterness from her voice.

He just chuckled. “I don't usually have to hide my relationships, but Will and Beth are too wrapped up in each other and their families to notice much about anyone else.”

Cecelia thought about what he'd said and nodded. “You're right.”

“Of course I am. I'm also thinking we don't have to wait until dark to spend some time together,” he said.

She glanced at him in surprise. “Why do you say that?”

“Melba and Gene won't be home for a while. Let's make good use of the time,” he said in a low, husky voice that sent a ripple of sensual awareness inside her.

She bit her lip. Cecelia had just about decided she needed to slow things down between them. “Are you sure that's a good idea?”

He took her hand and lifted it to his mouth. “I'll show you what a good idea it is when we get back to the rooming house.”

She looked at his strong hand holding hers and that mouth that did such wicked, wonderful things to her. Cecelia felt her good sense leaking away.

All the while home, he toyed with her hand, lacing his fingers through hers, rubbing his thumb over the inside of her palm and then inside her wrist. Cecelia felt a shocking arousal in all her sensitive places.

He was just touching her hand. Why was she getting so worked up?

As much as she tried to tell herself that her reaction was ridiculous, it didn't prevent her from her need. By the time Nick pulled the truck next to the rooming house, she was hotter than a firecracker.

Chapter Twelve

E
very time Cecelia felt as if she got
herself together enough to gain a little control and decided to draw some
boundaries with Nick, he did something that got past her. Such as the rose he
left in her bedroom the other afternoon and the doughnut he brought her and then
her favorite sandwich, which he barely allowed her to eat before he made love to
her until she could hardly breathe.

It was all troubling, but she didn't have a lot of time to
focus on her imbalance because she was working during the day and loving during
the night. Her Aussie friend, Liam, called and begged her to meet him for one
last drink, since he was headed back to Australia.

Cecelia agreed. She had enjoyed spending time with Liam on the
few occasions she'd met with him. He was entertaining, nonthreatening, and she
loved his accent. She considered calling Nick to let him know she was meeting
Liam then reconsidered. Nick never vetted his activities or meetings with
her.

Not bothering with lipstick, she walked into the Ace in the
Hole and immediately spotted Liam and smiled. “Hey,” she said and met him at the
bar.

“G'day, Cecelia,” he said, rising from his seat and embracing
her. “I haven't seen much of you lately.”

“Crazy busy with work and volunteering for a few things. This
lovely middle-aged couple got married recently. What about you? You've finished
the repairs and renovation on your mother's house?”

“Yeah, yeah,” he said and gave a crafty smile. “And I've talked
her into coming back with me for a while.”

“Good for you,” she said, sitting down on the stool he'd saved
for her.

“Now, if we can just talk her into staying,” Liam said. “So, I
would appreciate your email for reference. If we can persuade her to stay, then
we may have to eventually sell her home here.” He handed her a piece of paper.
“So if you don't mind?”

“Of course not,” she said and wrote down both her email and
cell.

“Looks like someone's having fun,” a familiar male voice said
from behind her.

Cecelia felt a shot of panic then scolded herself for the
feeling. “Nick,” she said, turning around. “You met Liam once before. He's from
Australia and he's going back.”

“Oh,” he said, clearly faking disappointment. “Sorry to see you
go,” Nick said, extending his hand. “You don't like it here?”

Liam shrugged. “I have a ranch and I've got to get back. I've
talked my mum into going with me for a visit, but we're not sure she'll stay.
I've been remodeling her house. Time for us to leave before your Montana winter
arrives.”

“Wise man,” Nick said. “Your mother will appreciate missing our
winter, but she may complain just to drive you crazy. That's what my family
would do.”

“Very true,” Liam said. “You must be close with Cecelia. She's
a good girl. I knew it the first moment I saw her. Very generous and helpful
with advice for my mum's house.”

“She is,” Nick said, meeting her gaze, clearly still not sure
about Liam and his intentions.

“Oh, he's so flattering,” Cecelia said. “Makes a girl feel good
even though he's in a committed relationship back in Australia. That accent
doesn't hurt either.”

Liam laughed. “Thank goodness I met a few good people here in
Rust Creek Falls. I wish I'd had a chance to spend more time with you, Nick. Bet
we could share a few stories,” he said.

Cecelia saw Nick finally relax. “Bet we could,” he said.
“Listen, I need to meet with a colleague, and he's just walked in the door.” He
extended his hand to Liam. “Good to meet you again. If you're ever back in town,
look me up,” he said. “See you later, Cecelia,” he said and nodded before he
walked away.

“Nice guy,” Liam said after Nick left. “How long have you two
been seeing each other?”

“We're not really seeing each other,” she said.

“Looked like it to me,” Liam said. “He was ready to punch
me.”

“That's an exaggeration,” she said. “He's just a little—”

“Possessive,” Liam said. “Has he asked you to move in or get
married?”

“No,” she said. “It's a little complicated.”

Liam gave an expression of disapproval. “You deserve a good
man. Don't let him take advantage of you.”

“He would never do that,” she said. “We've known each other
since we were children.”

Liam leaned toward her. “For some men, commitment feels like
death. They don't know how much their life will improve.”

“You sound as if you're speaking from experience,” she
said.

Liam shrugged. “Maybe. Drink your beer. Beer is good for
you.”

She laughed and took a sip. “I prefer water, but since you're
leaving, I'll make an exception.”

“Good girl,” he said.

Cecelia enjoyed hearing Liam's voice, but she was always aware
of the fact that Nick was on the other side of the bar. She caught sight of Nate
Crawford walking toward Nick. Nate was reconstructing a broken-down building out
of town into a luxury lodge.

“Keep in touch, lovely girl,” Liam said to her and kissed her
on the cheek.

His compliment was a balm to her tortured soul. “I will. Now
that I have your email address, I can hound you to death.”

He laughed as he stood and whispered in her ear. “Go visit your
lover,” he said.

She took a quick breath. “Don't say that. No one is supposed to
know.”

Liam shook his head. “Don't let it stay that way. Any good man
would be proud to have you.” He gave her another kiss on the cheek.
“G'night.”

Cecelia watched him leave and felt the sting of loss. It wasn't
as if she was all that close to Liam, but he'd been kind to her and made
conversation so easy. Sighing, she stole a glance in Nick's direction and
decided to make a quick stop by his table. She rose and walked toward him.

He nodded as he saw her coming. “Hey, Cecelia,” he said and
tipped his hat. “You know Nate Crawford, don't you?” he asked.

“Of course,” she said. “How are things?”

“Pretty good,” Nate said and smiled, then his eyes widened in
recognition. “Hey, are you the one who made Nick become a matchmaker?”

Cecelia took a quick breath and fought a surge of
self-consciousness. “Oh,” she said and forced a smile. “That could be me. He's
been determined to match me up for a while.”

Nate nodded. “How's that working out?”

She wiggled her shoulders. “No jackpot quite yet.”

Nate chuckled. “Good sense of humor,” he said.

An attractive brunette stepped in front of Cecelia. “Nick,
where have you been lately? I've called and called you. I have dinner and some
cuddling waiting for you at my trailer.”

Nick looked a little startled. “Uh, hi, Brenna,” he said.

Cecelia looked at the pretty, curvy brunette with perfectly
coiffed long hair, false eyelashes and makeup that made her look like a movie
star. Her jeans looked as if they'd been painted on. She poofed her lips in a
perfect moue and wiggled her backside. “I've missed you, baby.”

Cecelia felt her stomach turn. Nausea rolled through her. “Uh,
I think I need to head back to the rooming house. It's been a long day. You guys
have a nice night,” she said and headed toward the door.

“Cecelia.”

She heard Nick call her name, but she'd reached her emotional
tipping point. She just couldn't handle their secret relationship any longer.
She couldn't handle Nick's harem, either. She was going back to Thunder Canyon.
It was just a matter of time. She knew it in her head, but hated it in her
heart. Until then, though, she was locking her bedroom door and putting cotton
balls in her ears. She couldn't give in to her desire for Nick anymore. It was
hurting her more than it was thrilling her.

* * *

Nick called after Cecelia, but she kept walking away.
Then Brenna waved her hands in front of his face.

“Baby, when are we getting together?” she asked and gave
another pout.

Why was she calling him baby? he wondered. He'd taken care of a
few handyman issues in her apartment and shared a beer with her. That had been
the extent of their relationship. “Sorry, but I'm booked up right now. There's
just too much going on. But take care of yourself,” he said in a kind but
dismissive tone.

Brenna left and Nick sighed in relief, but he was still
bothered about Cecelia.

Nate chuckled. “You're a busy man. Between your carpentry and
all these women.”

“There aren't really that many women,” Nick said, his
irritation ratcheting upward.

Nate shrugged. “Looks like a lot to me. And the way you were
staring after Cecelia? You say you're trying to fix her up with a man, but it
looks to me like maybe you want to get together with her.”

Nick sat down. He was losing patience with this evening. “What
did you want to talk about with me?” he said in a voice that he knew was a bit
cool.

Nate paused and lifted his hands. “Sorry. Sounds like I hit a
sore spot.”

“It's just been one of those days. What do you have on your
mind?”

“Okay,” Nate said. “I want more custom cabinets at the lodge.
I've been looking at what you've done with the cabinets in the public areas, and
I've liked them so much that I want to add them to some of the exclusive suites.
They give this great feeling of warmth and luxury. Our guests are going to love
them. After they spend a night in these suites, they're going to want to stay
there forever.”

“Sounds expensive,” Nick said, but he appreciated Nate's
enthusiasm.

“For the guests?” Nate asked. “Or for you to do more
cabinetwork?”

Nick laughed. “Both, of course.”

Nate shook his head. “You've reeled me in with the stuff you've
already done. I have no choice. Let's negotiate a price,” he said.

They hammered out the schedule and financials. Nate extended
his hand. “Good to do business with you.”

“Same here,” Nick said. “Glad to hear the whole project is
coming together so well. This is going to be great for Rust Creek Falls. I hope
you don't mind excusing me, but I've had a long day today and I'm bushed.”

“Not at all,” Nate said. “Part of the reason you're beat is
because of how hard you're working on the lodge. But before you leave, I was
wondering. Have you heard about a strange old man named Homer Gilmore who was
found wandering in the woods outside Rust Creek Falls? I hear he's telling
whomever he meets that he is the Ghost of Christmas Past.”

“That is strange,” Nick agreed. “The name is familiar, but I
can't place it. I wonder how he ended up here.”

“I don't know,” Nate said. “It's the big unsolved mystery right
now.”

“Hmm,” Nick said, thinking he had a few unsolved mysteries of
his own. “Well, I'm gonna head on out. Take care, now,” he said and walked out
of the bar. He had a bad feeling about Cecelia. The expression on her face
haunted him. He had felt a part of her pulling away from him for a few days now,
and he didn't like it. He wanted her to give herself to him with complete
freedom and abandon.

At the same time, Nick gave all of himself to no one. So why
did he feel vulnerable? Why was what he felt for Cecelia so different from what
he'd felt for any other woman? That thought scared the hell out of him.

He strode toward the rooming house and climbed the steps to the
second floor and then to Cecelia's room, which from the hall looked totally
dark. He tapped lightly. No answer.

“Cecelia,” he said in a quiet voice.

No answer.

His gut clenched. She had never refused him. He tapped one more
time, but she still didn't answer.

He was either officially in the doghouse or permanently out the
door.

Nick barely slept that night. He arose the next morning and
felt more cranky than during his worst hangover. Striding downstairs, he tried
to push thoughts of Cecelia from his mind. Other women wanted him. Why should he
be concerned about her rejection of him?

Because he wanted her. Not those other women.

He walked downstairs to get a cup of coffee and something he
could carry with him to his first assignment. If he met up with Cecelia, though,
all bets were off. He was going to talk with her. He was going to convince her
that they had a good thing going.

Grabbing his coffee, Nick noticed that Cecelia was nowhere in
sight. Melba shoved a muffin in his face.

“I need to talk to you for a minute,” she said and gave a sharp
shake of her head. “Come on in the den.”

No one turned down Melba when she spoke in this tone, so Nick
followed his landlord to her den. “Good morning, Melba,” he said, focusing on
politeness.

“Not for you,” she said and put her hands on her hips. “Cecelia
gave me notice this morning. She's moving out in two weeks.”

His gut clenched. “What do you mean?”

“I mean she's leaving,” Melba said. “So you need to figure out
how to keep her here. You need to step up your game.”

“I don't know what you're talking about,” he said.

“Then you're a fool and you're going to lose her,” Melba said
and brushed her hands together. “I've warned you,” she said. “I've done my part.
I've got things to do. Move along, now,” she said and stepped around him.

Second snub of the day, he thought and started to feel a bit
nervous. He wasn't ready to let go of Cecelia. He needed to figure out how to
keep her with him, but she seemed completely disenchanted.