Kissing the Maid of Honor (16 page)
“I didn’t. You were just lost in thought. Thinking about anything in particular?”
She nudged him away with her elbow. He knew damn well what she was thinking about. “Keep your distance with the cake.”
“I’ll skip the cake, then.”
Oh my. How on earth was she ever going to get over him? “Shouldn’t you be taking pictures?” She watched Hayden put the first piece of cake in Vanessa’s mouth without a drop of frosting out of place.
“Good idea.” He switched to photographer mode, snapping pictures and angling for the best shot.
Vanessa took a huge piece of cake and smeared it all over Hayden’s mouth. The guests whooped and hollered, all in favor of Vanessa’s display. Hayden grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close for a kiss. She didn’t protest, kissing her husband back and laughing at the same time.
Sela stepped away from the action.
“Hey. Where are you slinking off to?” Erin asked, hands on her hips.
“Just the ladies’ room.”
“Oh. Okay. Don’t be too long.”
“Won’t be.” She turned on her painful heels and took off for the house.
Once inside the guest bathroom, she shut the lid on the toilet seat and plopped down.
Her shoulders fell and her chin dropped. How was it possible to be so happy for her best friend while so miserable for herself? A small, gold-scalloped frame with a picture of Luke, Vanessa, Erin, and Teague sat on the marble countertop next to the sink. She flipped it over, then buried her face in her hands.
“The ache in your heart will go away. The ache in your heart will go away,” she muttered.
Someone pounded on the door.
“Sela. Get your butt out here right now!”
She jumped up and opened the door. “What is it? What’s wrong?” Vanessa’s urgent tone scared the crap out of her. She’d only been gone a few minutes. What could have happened?
Vanessa took her hand. “You know that year we watched the Emmy’s and the lead actress winner was in the bathroom when they announced her name?” She dragged Sela out of the house and back toward the reception.
“What are you talking about?”
“Your attendance is required. Like
now
.”
“Did I win something?” Sela scrunched up her nose. She didn’t know about any prizes being awarded. Must be something the band had planned.
Vanessa gave a quick look back. “Yes. Yes you did.”
The second she walked through the flaps of the tent and saw Luke up on stage, her stomach plummeted to her feet. His eyes locked on hers as Vanessa led her to the dance floor. She felt every other eye at the reception on her, too, and tried not to shake.
He held a piece of paper in one hand, a microphone in the other.
“Now that the maid of honor is here, it looks like I can start my speech.” Luke turned his gaze on the hundreds of guests. “Thank you all for coming today. I know it means the world to my parents and sister to have family and so many friends share this special occasion with them. When Vanessa told me I needed to give a speech as the best man, I had my doubts as to whether I could do it justice. But then inspiration hit. A beautiful inspiration that I’ll get to in a minute.”
Sela gulped. Luke shined up on stage, like the brightest star in the galaxy.
“First, I’d like to take this opportunity to say what an extraordinary day it’s been. Mom, Dad, you really outdid yourselves. Lets have a round of applause for Paula and Reed.”
Luke glanced at his piece of paper. “Next, I’d like to acknowledge that both sets of parents have done an excellent job raising two amazing people. Vanessa, you are gorgeous inside and out and Hayden is a very lucky man to have you. Hayden, I couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our family and know you’ll take good care of my sister.
“To the ushers, it’s been a pleasure getting to know you. To the bridesmaids, you look lovely. Erin and Teague, you are especially appreciated. Thank you for everything you’ve done to make this a special time in Vanessa’s life.”
His eyes scanned the crowd and then landed back on Sela. “There is one bridesmaid, however, who I need to address personally. With Vanessa’s permission, I have something I’d like to say to the maid of honor in front of all of you.” He let go of the paper in his hand so it floated to the stage floor. “And I didn’t need to write it down because it comes straight from my heart.”
Sela wobbled, butterflies filling her head. She was pretty sure everyone could see her heart practically pounding out of her chest.
Hear it, too, since the room had gone dead silent.
“Sela.” Oh God. Just her name on his lips and she was a goner. “I didn’t do right by you ten years ago when I lied and said some awful things. The truth was your kiss knocked the wind out of me. It still does. And I didn’t set things right when my words were twisted in a recent newspaper article.
“The truth is when we touch it’s better than anything I’ve ever known. When I’m with you, it’s like a tidal wave—widespread and overwhelming emotion crashes over me and I want nothing more than to put a smile on your gorgeous face.
“You challenge me and excite me. You make me want to put down roots. You make me want to be a better man. The best man I can be. I want to be your favorite ‘good morning’ and your only ‘good night.’”
A tear slipped down her cheek.
“I have fallen madly, deeply in love with you, and I hope you don’t mind that I included most of Cascade in my declaration.” He handed the mike to the bandleader, jumped off the stage, and headed toward her.
Joy, surprise, and elation collided inside her and more love than she’d ever imagined pulsed through her veins.
Amidst applause and shouts of good wishes, she met Luke in the middle of the dance floor. He kissed her like no one else was in the room.
“Damn you’ve got an irresistible mouth,” he said, coming up for air. That mischievous gleam sparkled in his impossibly green eyes. “You should hold it against me more often.”
She laughed and followed him as he tugged her out of the reception, his hand firmly wrapped around hers. Behind her she heard the announcement for the bouquet and garter tosses. Grateful the wedding marched on without a hitch, she hurried to be alone with Luke.
He took her to the dirt pathway that led to the front of the house. Shrubs filled with yellow flowers on either side of the narrow walk gave them some privacy.
“I have something for you,” he said, letting go of her hand and pulling a box out of his pocket. “I’ve had it for a few days.” He opened the box and dropped a ring into her palm. The thin band with aquamarine stones matched the style of the others she wore.
Emotion choked her.
“I asked one of the nurses when Liam’s birthday was,” he said with warmth and compassion.
Sela slid it on. “Luke, it’s perfect.” She looked up. “You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You know what else is perfect?” She traced a finger down and up the inside of his vest.
“God, I hope you say me.”
The corners of her mouth lifted. “You.”
He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Does that mean there’s a you and me?”
“Definitely. I love you. I love you so much.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed along his jawline. “We’ve got some things to figure out, though. For starters, I’m scared, Luke. Scared that you’ll get hurt again. But I know life is short and I’d rather spend the rest of mine loving you than not.”
“I’ve been thinking about that and I’ve got a few ideas.” God, she loved the way he held her close. He could throw out any idea he wanted and she’d agree from this position. “First, I’m thinking about opening a studio here. Watters Photography.”
She pulled back slightly. “Really? Are you sure?”
“I made my escape from Cascade when I needed to. And I’ve made a name for myself, away from any family influence. But now my world is where you are. The sun wakes and the moon sleeps with you. Home is you and I
have
missed it here.” He lifted his hand so his thumb grazed her cheek and her heart did a jig.
“What else are you thinking?” she asked.
“Well, when I travel for a gig, there’s often a medical professional included as part of the team. It wouldn’t be on every job, but I’m all for a certain nurse being at my side whenever possible.”
Sela bounced up and down. “That would be fantastic.”
Luke laughed. “I’m glad you think so.”
“I’ve got something to tell you, too, but you have to promise to keep it a secret.” She glanced around to be sure nobody was lurking in the bushes. In a small town like Cascade, and gossip a favorite hobby, Sela couldn’t be too sure.
“Afraid someone’s eavesdropping?” Luke whispered, canting his head so his lips grazed her neck.
Flutters erupted inside her.
“I’m passing Jane on,” she said softly. “To Candace Brewer.”
“Interesting,” Luke said in a gentle tone before smiling and adding, “You know what this means, don’t you?”
She shook her head.
Luke scooped her up. She giggled and once again put her arms around his neck. “It means you are all mine, Miss Sullivan, and whatever daring, crazy, naughty, inappropriate, wild things you want to do, I’m all yours.” He kissed her then, slow and sexy, and the words Vanessa said to her that day at the wishing well floated through her mind:
Your heart’s got to be in it, or it definitely won’t work
. Sela thanked her lucky stars that the wishing well’s guardian knew her heart had always belonged to Luke.
CASCADE GAZETTE
Extra!
July 7
th
Luke Watters and Sela Sullivan caught in the act again, this time during the Fourth of July celebration.
The twosome can’t seem to get enough of each other.
Can an engagement be far off?
Rumors say a winter wedding could be in the works.
Others say the two plan to elope.
Whatever they do, rest assured you’ll read it here first.
In other news… Did you notice Shane Sullivan and a certain waitress getting cozy during the fireworks display? To which we say, friends our *ss.
Acknowledgments
Huge thanks to my awesome editor, Stacy Abrams, who scooped me up and made me hers. I am so blessed to write for you. You know I stick for life, right?
Thank you to my fantastic associate editor, Wendy Chen, who knew exactly what I needed to make this story better. It’s such a pleasure working with you!
Thank you, Julie Gardner, for reading, supporting, talking, laughing, and listening. Your friendship means the world to me. To my fellow Entangled author, the funny and wonderful Samanthe Beck, thank you for your kind words, your smarts, and your incredible support. I will forever treasure your friendship. To another fellow Entangled author, Hayson Manning, thank you for reading my first draft and falling in love with Luke, for giving me feedback in just the right places, and for always making me laugh out loud. You are a gem and your friendship is a precious gift.
Many thanks to the whole Entangled gang, in particular my publicists, Tara Gonzalez and Kym Roberts, and the incredible group of authors whose support is unmatched and truly makes me feel a part of something special.
Thank you Stella Balogh and Jennifer Jovis, the winners of my Goodreads “Name a Character” giveaway. Stella Muloway and Mrs. Witt (Tildie) are two characters made so much more special because of your input. Thanks, ladies, for your support and kindness.
Thank you Leilie Javan, MD, for answering all of my medical questions—and being a great cheerleader. I appreciate it very much.
Really, there are no words to do this next thanks justice. Hugs, kisses, and special thanks to my husband for his amazing support, love, and confidence in me. You are my hero.
And to everyone who has read my books, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Mwah!
About the Author
Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and crazy-cute mini Labradoodle, Harry. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also loves to run, hike, and dip her toes in the ocean. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real. She is also the author of
Worth the Risk
and
Yours At Midnight
from Entangled’s Ever After line.
Visit her online:
Find your
Bliss
with
Real Men Don’t Quit
by Coleen Kwan
His warm breath stirred the hair at her temples. “I’m uncontaining right now.” Lifting his hand, he brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek. “And all because of you.”
His feathery touch had her tingling. She gulped, amazed he could affect her so much with so little. The spark in the depths of his black eyes hinted he was experiencing the same response. She leaned back, moistening her lips, waiting for the inevitable—for him to lower his head and kiss her.
But he didn’t. Instead, he trailed his fingers through her hair, lifting the strands one by one. “Your hair…I’ve been racking my brain trying to find the right description for it. It’s like fire and marmalade and cranberry. So soft, too…”
His caress transfixed her, the sight of him fondling her hair more erotic than she could have imagined. “Um, most people just call me carrottop.”
“Huh. That doesn’t do you any justice.”
He tangled his fingers around the back of her hair, tipping her face up. He gently skimmed his lips down the length of her exposed neck. She caught her breath as hot sensations rolled through her, the feel of his lips exciting her. With his body pressing up against hers and his fingers twined through her hair, she was at his mercy, but instead of using his advantage, it seemed he wanted to tease her, tantalize her, control her and the situation.
She wasn’t used to the man calling the shots. If it had been anyone else, she would have tired of the game and taken over. But Luke was different. With him, it was exciting to allow him the upper hand. As he continued his leisurely exploration of her neck and earlobes, she felt herself melting, giving in to him. She coasted her hands over his chest and shoulders, aching for his mouth to crush hers, but willing to let him set the pace, for now at least.
Using his hips, he nudged her into a better position and wrapped his free arm around her waist, bringing the full length of his body against hers. She traced the outline of his torso, relishing the tautness of his muscle until her hands rested on his hips, the urge to pull his shirt out of his waistband almost irresistible. Luke licked the underside of her jaw, the wet flick drawing a gasp from her.
“What are you doing to me?” she whispered, her desperation growing, her rules against making out now a distant memory. “The way you’re nuzzling my neck, I could swear you’re a vampire.”
He chuckled, mouth still nestled against her throat. “Tyler, you have a very kissable neck. It’s enough to turn anyone into a vampire.”
She squeezed his waist. “I have other kissable parts, you know.”
Straightening a little, he gazed down at her, eyes brilliant as jet. “Are you telling me where I should kiss you?”
“Only if you’re looking for directions.”
“Angel, I’m not lost. I’m taking the scenic route.”
