What the Heart Wants

by Kelli McCracken

  “Ah, come on,” Layne protested. His eyes darted to Dylan when Heaven shook her head. “Come check out the place. Dylan will join us.”

  Heaven’s cheeks tingled. She stole a glance at Dylan, wondering why his brows were so tight. He probably didn’t want to risk the paparazzi finding them, again. One day of being front page news was bad enough.

  When Dylan’s eyes met with hers, she shifted them to Layne. “Thank you, but I don’t feel up to the walk; especially in these heels. You guys go have fun.”

  Faith would love that answer.

  Layne should have, too, but why did his smile wane? Heaven was giving them the privacy they needed to go do whatever people like them did.

  Did he want an audience?

  No, thanks. Heaven wasn’t into that freaky stuff.

  “Oh, well,” Layne said, drawing his shoulders upward. “We’ll catch up with you later.”

  Hopefully, Faith remembered to wipe the dirt off her knees before she came back. Or make sure her panties weren’t in her hand.

  Heaven grabbed her glass, hoping to wash away the thought.

  * * *

  Dylan tapped his fingers on the table as he watched Faith and Layne disappear into the crowd. Shocking that Layne had waited this long to make his move on Faith. At least Layne wasn’t pulling the wool over the eyes of some naïve girl. Faith could probably teach Layne a few things.

  He didn’t realize he was laughing until Heaven looked at him.

  “They’re obvious, aren’t they?” she asked.

  At least she had a sense of humor about the whole thing instead of wanting to kill Layne.

  Whoa…

  Every time those eyes met his, he stopped breathing. His stomach felt weird. Not like he would throw up. More like something pulling him forward, toward Heaven. His chest tightened. If his heart beat against his chest any harder, it would bruise.

  And there was the breathing part. His brain was begging for air. Funny how he got so wrapped up in her that he forgot to breathe. Or maybe she took his breath away.

  He inhaled deeply, taking in sweet sandalwood. The scent refreshed his lungs, rejuvenating his soul. He wanted to feel her arms around his neck, feel the warmth of her body pressed to his.

  How could you want a person this much after knowing her for a day? Granted, he knew of her for longer, but did dreams really count?

  He managed to flash a smile, but inside a war of logic versus desire raged on. Logic kept him planted in his chair, debating his next move. Desire begged him to touch her. To scratch the itch of his wanting fingers.

  Victory slipped further from logic and in the end, desire won.

  He offered her his hand. “Would you dance with me?”

  Her eyes hesitated on his, dropped to his lips, then down to his hand. If she refused…

  “I’d love to.” She pushed her chair back from the table and stood. Her silky skin touched his, making his heart soar.

  When they made it to the dance floor, another song was beginning. The tempo hinted at another slow song.

  Perfect.

  He would have the perfect opportunity to be close to her…and all the reason in the world to touch her.

  * * * * *

  CHAPTER 11

  Dylan let Heaven set the boundaries before they started dancing. He didn’t know if she wanted to be close or at a respectful distance.

  If it were up to him, they would be close. So close, he wouldn’t know where his body stopped and her body began.

  But it wasn’t about him. It would never be just about him, anymore.

  When Heaven’s hands came to a rest on his shoulders, his pulse boomed in his ears.

  Christ…

  He wanted her so much.

  Not a lustful craving. His soul wanted to intertwine with hers. Each beat of his heart increased. He did his best to focus on playing it cool, but every fiber in his body fought against the limitations his mind was setting.

  Satin soothed his palms as he placed his hands at her lower back. A few sways later, they were dancing.

  Heaven’s eyes flipped between his and the couples dancing around them. But Dylan couldn’t take his eyes off her. His chest squeezed when her lips rose at the corners.

  When he finally got his emotions in check, he brandished a smile.

  Time for conversation.

  “Why didn’t you want to tour the grounds with your sister and Layne?”

  He already knew the answer, but what else was he supposed to say? Hi. I’ve been dreaming of you for months. Possibly longer. Will you be my girl?

  Yeah, right.

  “I didn’t go because I know my sister. She wants to be alone with your friend.”

  “Oh,” he chuckled. “I see.”

  “There was a message inside her invitation. She wants me to keep Hope from hunting them down.”

  He jabbed a brow toward the ceiling. “Do you think Layne will be safe with her?”

  Yeah, he sucked at teasing, but he’d do anything to get those lips to curve.

  The sweet melody of laughter filled his ears. “Not a chance,” she told him. “Layne’s a goner. Just write him off.”

  “Layne who?”

  Curls bounced about her shoulders as she shook her head, her body jiggling with a chuckle.

  Seriously. Who was Layne?

  She possessed his thoughts.

  The magnetic force pulled at him. Keeping his distance was tough.

  “So,” he began, wishing his voice didn’t sound shaky. He cleared his throat and continued, “Did you happen to see the paper today?”

  Damn, he loved that color in her cheeks, yet guilt spread like ice in his veins. He’d embarrassed her.

  The tile floor seemed to interest her.

  “Yeah, I saw that. I’m sorry.”

  She was apologizing to him?

  “You’re sorry?”

  “Yes. I’m the reason you were on the front page this morning. They are trying to connect me to you, and I know that’s probably frustrating to you.”

  His stomach clenched. Did she think he was ashamed to be seen with her? Is that why she was acting so strangely?

  “Heaven, don’t worry about that article,” he whispered, waiting for her to look at him, again.

  She didn’t.

  Dylan placed a finger under her chin, forcing it up until she raised her eyes to meet his. “That article doesn’t bother me. If anything, I’m proud. Being seen with a knockout like you. It’s like staring at Beauty and the Beast.”

  Finally. One of those lip curls he loved so much. His heart seemed to sway with the piano’s melody.

  “You are far from being a beast. And if anyone should be proud, it’s me.”

  “Why? Look at you.” His voice lowered as he slipped a hand up to hers. “It’s hard to believe someone hasn’t put a ring here.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  He cocked his head to the right. “You’re the full package. You’re beautiful inside and out. I’m sure tons of guys are begging to go out with you.”

  A burst of laughter echoed over the dance floor. Both gazed in the direction of the sound. Brooke and Jerry. Goofing off as usual. Jerry loved showing off his dance moves any chance he got.

  Heaven met his gaze, again. “I wouldn’t know if anyone was interested in me or not. I’ve slacked off from dating for the last six months.”

  “You haven’t dated anyone in six months?”

  His skin prickled, as though a million needles were poking him. Was it a coincidence that he’d started dreaming of her six months ago?

  “Yes. Six months. My last relationship was…weird, so I swore off dating for a while and focused more on school.”

  Did the room get smaller?

  Was she ready to get back into the dating scene?

  He said a silent prayer. The thought of her not being interested in dating…it was like a kick in the groin. Maybe she was ready to date, again.

  He hoped.

  And he wasn�
��t wasting another second to find out.

  “Are you not interested in seeing anyone right now?”

  Heaven drew in a deep breath, then let the air trickle out. “I don’t know if I’m ready.” Not the answer he wanted. “Relationships take a lot of work, both consciously and subconsciously. After my last boyfriend…I feel confused about relationships in general.”

  That wasn’t an answer. Should he continue to test the waters?

  Why not?

  “What if the guy was laid-back. Didn’t let much bother him. Put your needs before everything else in his life?”

  “Um…” When her eyes drifted past his and toward the curtain wall, his gut twisted. “I haven’t found that guy, yet. Part of me isn’t sure if I want to.”

  This couldn’t be happening.

  “I hope you reconsider.”

  He needed her to reconsider. Now that he knew she existed, there was no going back.

  Every other sound in the room disappeared. The only thing Dylan heard was his heartbeat. Heaven had taken a step closer to him. The heat of her body scorched his.

  Had she changed her mind? The way her eyes burned into his, he wondered if she was reading his thoughts.

  His wrist flexed as he pressed his fingers against her back.

  She leaned in closer.

  He sucked air when her breasts brushed his chest.

  How much could a man take before his resolve snapped like a twig? She wasn’t making this easy. It wouldn’t take much to lean in and see just how soft those lips really were.

  And when she shifted, another inch between them disappeared.

  Was this it? Was this the moment when all the pain and suffering caused by the dreams, finally became worth it?

  He willed her lips to meet his. An ache surged to his core. It was going to happen. He was going to kiss her. Excitement combusted inside him as she worked her lower lip inside her mouth. When it returned, wetness glistened in the light.

  Holy hell. The urge was brutal.

  Coconut rushed through his nose. Her breath like a steamy night in the tropics.

  Time was up. He couldn’t wait, anymore.

  It was now or never.

  His lips drew closer. He could feel the heat from hers.

  And then Heaven’s body stiffened under his hands. She pulled away.

  Dylan’s heart hit the ground like a neglected scoop of ice cream.

  Heaven didn’t want him. It was obvious.

  Instead of standing there, looking like a complete jackass, he leaned toward her left cheek and gave it a peck. “Thank you for the dance,” he whispered.

  He couldn’t look her in the eye.

  Thankfully, he didn’t have to. The song ended.

  As did his hope.

  * * *

  “What the hell just happened?” Heaven asked the question of her reflection. Her legs quit working the second she walked into the bathroom.

  Had she heard Dylan right?

  She recanted their conversation word by word. His voice as plain as day, the way he asked if she wasn’t interested in dating. And his eyes…talk about intense. Had he blinked during their stare down?

  What if the guy was laid-back. Didn’t let much bother him. Put your needs before everything else in his life?

  Was he talking about himself?

  Of course, he was. Why else would he have asked her to reconsider dating?

  She stuck to her word. On not getting involved with a musician.

  So why didn’t she feel good about her decision?

  Instead of pride, her heart sank and her lungs struggled to take in air.

  Was she suffocating?

  Chelsea and Emma were right—about Dylan’s interest in her. Those eyes, the ones that held so much mystery since she had met him, told a story loud and clear. He wanted her.

  Her stomach flipped.

  No man had looked at her the way Dylan did. Not even Mick.

  But his life was in the public eye. Could she handle that? Could she handle countless fans throwing themselves at him?

  Could she handle the spotlight?

  Maybe if she hadn’t spent most of her life stepping into the shadows for Faith, she could handle attention better. She didn’t want the guys Faith wanted. She didn’t want anyone. Even Mick pressured her into going out with him.

  What a mistake that had been.

  Psycho.

  A guy that would put your needs before anything else…

  How could he make a claim like that? He had duties. To his record label. To his fans. To his band.

  Refusing him was the best for both of them. Yeah. Definitely the best.

  So why did she feel like a part of her was missing?

  Her mind was so full of confusion; she didn’t hear the restroom door open behind her.

  “There you are.”

  Heaven turned toward the door, her eyes taking in Hope.

  Great. She looked pissed.

  How did she not hear the door open?

  Hope stepped inside the bathroom, the door creeping to a close behind her. “I was looking all over the—what’s wrong?”

  “I either made the best decision of my life…or the worst.”

  “What in the world are you talking about?” Hope leaned her back against the sink, grasping the counter with her hands. Her eyes roamed Heaven’s face.

  Heaven turned back to the mirror. She gazed at her reflection, letting out a long sigh before recapping what had happened during her dance with Dylan.

  As each word spilled from her lips, her stomach twisted like a pretzel. Hope’s gaping mouth didn’t ease the feeling.

  “I, um, I don’t know what to say, Hev. I don’t understand why you can’t give the guy a chance.”

  Heaven shrugged her shoulders. “You know what kind of life he leads. He’s out on the road, touring, meeting fans, dealing with the paparazzi. Where would I fit into all of that?”

  “You get to know him while we’re here in L.A. If the relationship works, then you go on the road with him. Be by his side when he meets fans. Hire a bodyguard. Learn to tune out the press.”

  Whose future was Hope planning? Her own or Heaven’s?

  “Some things are easier said than done.”

  “You can make it work, if you want to. Those celebrity breakups you always hear about are couples who are too busy for each other. You’re not famous, or busy.”

  “But I have dreams of my own. Do I give those up for a relationship?”

  Exactly how would she travel abroad if she was with Dylan? She couldn’t. Her mind wouldn’t be on studying. It would be on him. Wondering what he was doing or who was trying to do him.

  “No one’s saying you can’t have your own dreams. Put them on hold a little longer.”

  Heaven sighed. She brushed the curls from her face and clenched the counter in front of her. “Forget all of that for a second. What’s so special about me? Dylan could choose any girl he wanted. Why me?”

  “It’s the law of attraction. No one understands it. We just give into it and take our chances.”

  And if you were afraid to take a chance…

  Heaven played with the chiffon layer of her dress, “When I broke things off with Mick, I told myself that I wasn’t going to get into another relationship.”

  “You can’t let what happened with Mick decide the rest of your life.” Hope’s hand was warm on her shoulder. “He was crazy, Hev. Don’t let one bad apple ruin the whole bag. You might miss out on true love.”

  “Are you saying Dylan is my true love?”

  Hope’s grip tightened. “All I am saying is you should try to find out.”

  The door to the restroom opened and the music from outside filtered in.

  Heaven gazed at the little old woman walking toward them.

  “Such a beautiful wedding.” Her voice rattled with age. Heaven tried guessing how old she was.

  At least eighty.

  “It was very beautiful,” Heaven added, as Hope nodded.


  “It’s so hard to find that special someone. It was the same way in my day, but it gets tougher with each generation.”

  That was an understatement.

  Memories of her paternal grandmother haunted Heaven. Maybe it was the old woman’s black framed glasses that brought up images of her Grammy. Or the fact that she towered over her like a giant. Had it really been five years since she passed?

  Grammy would have loved Dylan.

  God, why did she keep doing this to herself?

  Hope’s voice burned the memories away like the sun burned away fog. “How long have you been married?”

  “It would have been sixty-five years in August. My Jonathan passed last fall.”

  Heaven’s heart pinched. The news was a brisk slap in the face.

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” she told her.

  “Thank you. I still have many fond memories to keep me happy until we’re together again.”

  “How did you know he was the one?” Heaven asked.

  Did Hope really have to stare at her like that? It was rude. Then again, so was the question.

  “I didn’t at first,” the woman chuckled as she turned on the faucet. “It took him pursuing me for a few months before I realized he was the one.”

  What was it about hearing older people talk about their past? Was it the fact that they were great storytellers? Heaven wanted to know more.

  “Why did it take so long?”

  The old woman’s eyes twinkled as soap lathered between her hands. “Because I was a stubborn fool. I thought I had more important things to do with my time.” That sounded familiar. Heaven knew she had a stubborn streak buried inside her. She wanted to laugh, but didn’t.

  “I was supposed to go away to college the year I met my Jonathan. We courted from spring to fall. Right before I was supposed to leave for college, he asked me to marry him.”

  Hope beat Heaven to the punch with the next question. “What did you tell him?”

  Silence fell as the old woman walked over to the towel rack. Her eyes looked distant as she dried her hands. “I told him no. And it was the biggest mistake I ever made because it hurt him so badly.”