Work Like You Don't Need the Money (26 page)

Pete stood and turned the music on. He offered her his hand, “Dance with me?”

She stood and stepped into his arms, “I suppose we should make sure we're up to scratch for our official duties.”

It took him a moment to realize she was talking about the wedding. He just wanted to dance with her, hold her close and move to the music. He smiled, “I was thinking more along the lines of one of your CEO fantasies.”

She met his eyes as he crushed her to his chest, “Surely there's one about dancing with the CEO?” He ran his hand down her back, “One where you dance with him before he makes love to you on the dining room table?”

“There is now.”

                                                           **********

Holly was struggling to hold back the tears. She was lying in his arms, in his bed, in his house, in his life. For the last time.

“Talk to me, Sweetheart?”

She shook her head. He held her closer. She loved being surrounded by, enveloped in the warmth, the power, the presence that was Pete. She didn't want to step back out into the cold little world that was her life without him.

“Say you'll take the plaza project?”

Here it came. She'd hoped he wouldn't want to talk about that tonight. But she'd known he would. And she knew she couldn't do it. Not after seeing that Jade woman today. The thought of Pete with her...

“No.”

She felt him tense. “No?”

“I can't do it, Pete. I have to make it a clean break.” She turned over so they were lying face to face, naked bodies pressed together. His eyes were that deep violet color. She kissed his lips and melted  against him as he held her tight.

“Isn't something better than nothing at all?”

“Not for me. I realized that today. It would be torture, Pete.”

His brows came down. “What happened today?”

“I just realized I can't do it, that's all.” He didn't look convinced, but he didn't need to know about her encounter with Jade and Mia, ugh! And their, 'We know what the boys like.' She shuddered.

“Tell me what happened.”

Damn, his eyes were boring into her, demanding the answer. How did he do that? “I saw something that made me understand just how hard it would be to be around you and not be with you. And I'm not prepared to do it, Pete. It would hurt me too much.”

“What did you see?”

She took a deep breath, he obviously wasn't going to give up. “Jade.”

His face clouded, eyes hard now, “I don't want Jade.”

Holly shrugged.

He looked angry. “You've got to know I don't want her. I want you!”

Holly couldn't bite back the bitter little laugh. “Yeah and in your world, according to your plan, that means you can keep seeing her right? But not me.”

“Sweetheart, I can't just see you.”

“No, but you can see her!”

“I haven't seen her in months! What did she say?”

“Oh, Pete, it really doesn't matter. Let's not do this, Let's not spoil what we have left.”

His eyes softened and his lips brushed hers, his mouth soft as he kissed her slow and sweet. He lifted his head. “I want you, Holly. That's why I can't do that with you. It's not enough. I can't offer you what we both want.”

“I know, Pete. It wouldn't be enough for me either. So when we say goodbye, it'll be goodbye.”

He rolled her onto her back and positioned himself between her legs, his eyes intense as he slid inside her, filling her. She brought her arms up around his neck as her body surrendered to him. His mouth came down on hers as they moved together. Tears filled her eyes even as the tension built inside her. He filled every part of her body and soul as he drove into her over and over again until he carried them both over the edge, bodies melding together as he found his release.

                                                        **********

She wondered if she'd ever walk on the beach again without thinking of Pete. They'd woken early and made love again. One last time. They'd brought coffee mugs down to walk the beach as the sun came up. In a white T shirt and denim shorts, he was as handsome as she'd ever seen him, chiseled features softened by a wistful look, tan skin glowing in the early morning light .

He'd stopped and turned to her. Reaching into his pocket, he smiled. “I got you something.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“Promise me you'll wear it?”

“Perhaps I should see it before I make any promises?” she teased, but she knew whatever it was she would treasure it always.

He held out a flat, black velvet box. As she reached for it he snatched it away, laughing. “You have to promise.”

She laughed with him. “Okay, I promise.”

He put an arm around her shoulders and gave her the box. As she opened it, she swallowed hard. She could not cry. Would not cry. He was watching her closely. It was a bracelet, a much more delicate version of the one he wore himself. She knew what was engraved on it before she looked, 'Work.' She blinked away the tears as she looked up at him.

“Like you don't need the money, Sweetheart.”

She didn't dare try to speak around the lump in her throat while he fastened it onto her wrist.

“It's time for you to spread your wings, Holly. I just wish I could be around to see it. I hope that wearing this will help you, the way mine has helped me. To keep pushing. Keep your eye on the goal. To remember that it's about so much more than money. It's about building your life, not just your business, becoming all you can be.” She bit her bottom lip as he wrapped his arms around her. “And I hope, maybe, sometimes, when you look at it you'll think of me, remember this. Remember us.”

She felt the sob well up and buried her face in his chest, believing she'd never forget this, forget him. They stood that way for a long time before she trusted herself to look up at him. “I'll always remember you, Pete. Remember us.”

He held her eyes, searching them with his own, then nodded, saying nothing.

Chapter Eighteen

It had been such a beautiful wedding. Emma looked sensational. She'd glowed as her Gramps walked her down to the little dock where the gorgeous Jack waited for her to say their vows. Pete stood by Jack's side, looking devastating in his tux. Devastated was how Holly felt and, from the way Pete looked at her, he felt the same.

Somehow she'd made it through the day, through her official duties. All that remained was the first dance. She could do this. She could hold it together for a few more hours. She watched as Jack led Emma onto the floor for their first dance as man and wife. She was so happy for her friend, that she'd found her happiness. She blinked back the tears, hey, she was allowed to cry at her best friend's wedding. They were happy tears for Emma, or so she tried to convince herself. She felt Pete behind her the moment before he slid his arms around her waist. When Emma and Jack's song ended, the wedding party would join them on the dance floor.

“You ready for this, Sweetheart?” He spoke next to her ear, his warm breath fanning her neck. She'd never be ready for this. She nodded. He took her hand and led her out. Missy and Dan, and Laura and Ben joined them. Four beautiful couples moving around the floor.

Pete held her close. She didn't dare meet his eyes, just rested her head against his shoulder, wishing she could melt into him. The song ended and she let go of him, still not brave enough to look up at him.  All the bridesmaids and groomsmen were to trade partners at this point, opening the dancing for everyone. His hand lingered for a moment on the small of her back as she turned toward Dan. When she felt the warmth of his fingertips finally slip away, she felt as though all the warmth and light from her world went with them.

Dan stepped in as the song began. He led her beautifully. She looked up at him, surprised.

“You'll be okay, Holly.” He was smiling at her reassuringly. She bit her lip, unable to reply. “What you and Pete have doesn't come along too often. And you know, with us guys, the smarter we are, the longer it can take us to see the obvious.”

Holly gazed up at him. She hadn't expected anything like this from Dan. “Thanks, Sweetie, but we're over.”

Dan smiled as he led her around the floor. “You two are far from over. Just look at that face.” He nodded his chin towards Pete who held Missy stiffly as their paths crossed. He moved beautifully, but his face was set, his eyes fixed on Holly as they glided by.

Missy dug Pete in the ribs. “At least try to smile. You'll frighten everyone off the dance floor looking like that, not entice them onto it.”

Pete dragged his eyes away from Holly and smiled at Missy. “How's that?”

She laughed. “We don't need the megawatt toothpaste commercial variety. Just try to look like you're enjoying yourself. It is Emma and Jack's big day.”

“Sorry.”

“So you should be, you're being a complete idiot, you know.”

He could always rely on Missy. “Thanks, old friend. I thought I was doing a good job today.”

“Well of course you are. You've been the perfect Best Man. No one would know, if they didn't know. But to those of us that do, it's obvious that you are being a great big idiot!”

He frowned down at her. “How so? What do you mean?”

“Don't give me that shit! I mean Holly, and you know it. If you let that woman get away, you're a fool.”

He blew out his cheeks as the song came to an end, ready to get off the dance floor and go and get himself a drink. Missy tightened her grip on him. To say she was so tiny and delicate looking, she had some strength.

“Don't try to walk away from me, Mister, just ‘cause you don't want to hear it. You need to hear it!”

Pete gave in and led her into the next dance. “Don't give me a hard time, Miss. I'm doing well enough at that by myself. Aren't old friends supposed to help you through the tough times?” For a moment he let her see all the pain he was feeling.

Instead of easing up on him though, giving him the support he'd hoped for, she frowned at him. “I am trying to help you, stupid. It's only a tough time ‘cause you're making it one.”

“Dammit, Miss! It's not in the plan. I like her too much.”

“You and your goddamned plan. Get over it, Pete.”

“I can't, Miss!” Dammit, he didn't need this! He let go of her and stalked off the now crowded dance floor. He needed that drink.

Holly picked her way through the guests. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. If she kept moving, she could get away with a quick smile and hello here and there and not have to stop to talk to anyone for too long.

A beautiful, older woman sitting alone at one of the long tables smiled and beckoned to her. Holly made her way over and sat down beside her.

“You've done a wonderful job, dear.”

Holly liked the woman immediately, she was incredibly elegant, yet laid back at the same. “Thank you, I've had a lot of practice,” she smiled back.

“Your time will come, and in the not too distant future, I'm thinking.”

Holly shook her head. “Not for me. I have officially given up. You know what they say about always the bridesmaid? Well, after this weekend, I have to face the fact that I will never be the bride. Wouldn't even want to be.”

The lady's face fell, “Oh, don't say that dear, that would make me very sad. I'm looking forward to getting to know you.” She covered Holly's hand with her own. “Say you'll have lunch with us tomorrow?”

What a sweet lady! It seemed everyone up here was so friendly. “I'm sorry. I have to leave in the morning.” She liked this woman, wished she'd be spending more time in Summer Lake and could get to know her.

“Then you must come back to see us soon. My husband will adore you.”

Holly smiled sadly. “It's been lovely to meet you, but I don't think I'll be back here anytime soon.”

The woman looked stunned. “But...”

“Mom?”

Holly looked over her shoulder to see Pete standing with an older man. If she wanted to know what Pete would look like in forty years, she need only to look to his left. His father was still a handsome man.  Slowly her brain clicked. The woman she was talking to was the person he was calling Mom?

“Pete, dear. I was just getting to know Holly. You must bring her out to see us. We're going to be great friends.” She patted Holly's hand.

Panic was starting to unfurl in Holly's chest as Pete looked between her and his mom. “I.. I have to..” She scrambled to her feet and backed away. “It was lovely to meet you, Mrs., err…Sorry.” She turned and fled.

Pete stared at his Mom. “Have you upset her, dear? She said she's leaving in the morning, but I thought you were coming for lunch?”

Pete could hear roaring in his ears. He wanted to go after Holly. She'd looked so hurt and confused. But he couldn't, his Mom had taken hold of his hand. “I think you'd better sit down and tell me about it, Peter.”

Oh, shit! Not what he needed to be doing right now.

“Peter, are you making a mess of things with that lovely girl?”

He sat down heavily in the chair next to his mom. Why had she said she was leaving in the  morning? He'd arranged for Smoke to take them on the last trip back to LA in the evening.

“What's going on, Son?” His dad was looking at him now, too. For God’s sake, much as he loved them, he did not need a parental inquisition at this point. He looked at them both. “We dated for a while. We're done. Nothing more to it, okay?”

He couldn't believe it when his dad burst out laughing. “No way is that done, Son. There's a lot more to it, even if you won't admit it yet.” He turned to his wife. “Leave it, Anne. The boy's not seeing straight.”

His mother patted his hand with an indulgent smile. “Off you go then, dear. Lunch at one tomorrow, if we don't catch you later.”

Pete stood without a word. He scanned the guests, but couldn't see Holly anywhere. Screw it. He headed to the bar they'd set up down by the water's edge. Now he really needed that drink. He knocked back a whiskey then took a long swig of cold beer. What the hell had his mom been playing at? He guessed that Holly had no idea who she was until he'd appeared. He couldn't shift the hurt in her eyes. He took another drink of his beer as he swept his eyes over the party, searching for her. She wasn't on the dance floor. Where was she?