by Susan Arden
“Come on.” Sam pulled her into the private dressing room. “Your dress is over here.”
“I need something to drink. Not alcohol.” Carolina suddenly realized that she was terribly thirsty.
Sam shut the door. She cracked open a bottle of water and Carolina focused on the glug-glug until her cousin pivoted around.
Sam held out the glass of water with a knowing look. “Tell me. The jig’s up.”
Carolina glanced at the glass of water and licked her lips. “What are you talking about?”
“Mmmm.” Sam took a sip of the sparkling water.
Carolina’s mouth was drier than sun-baked dirt. “Blackmail? On your wedding day? It’s bad luck, you know.”
There was no argument on the power of attraction, especially first impressions. Matt had the sort of charisma that crept up on a woman and spelled danger with a capital ‘D.’ A coil of longing swirled in her core.
“You’re such a terrible actress. I know something’s up!” Even so, Sam held out the glass. “Take it, before you drop over. Then I’ll never get it out of you.”
Whether it was primitive sexual compatibility or the way Matt’s molten stare had consumed her on the spot, he’d ripped apart her lifelong resolution to avoid men who promised a heavy dose of unrestrained trouble. A shiver rippled up Carolina’s spine and she fought to rein in her self-control.
She downed the water so fast, droplets dribbled down her chin and splattered on her chest. Wiping her mouth, Carolina shrugged. “It’s nothing, Sam.” She kicked off her sandals, then stepped out of her sundress. “Less than nothing, actually.” How could she explain it? She needed a nanosecond to collect her thoughts.
“Bull,” Sam returned. “You’re as red as a tomato.”
“This is your day. You’re projecting. It must be nerves.”
“Don’t use your medical mumbo jumbo on me. Spill the beans, Caro. If you don’t, I’ll go get your mother to help you dress.”
Carolina unzipped the silky green gown on the hanger. She smiled and shook her head. “It was this guy.” She paused as a heat wave billowed over her whole body. “Oh, this is so silly.”
“What guy? Rob has so many good-looking relatives. Who’d you meet?”
“You’re jumping the gun. I didn’t meet anyone from his family. He was just sitting there—”
“So, you did meet a man. Outside? I knew it!” Sam laughed.
“Not exactly. It’s so messed up.”
“You’re not giving me much to go on! What’s the guy’s name?” Loud knocking broke their conversation.
“Sam, is Carolina in there with you?” Her mom was on the other side of the door.
With her eyes, Carolina beseeched her not to open the door as she changed into fresh lingerie.
Sam nodded and raised her hands. “Yes, Tia. Give us a minute. Please.”
Sonya sighed in exasperation. “A minute. It’s time. Your father is in the receiving room, waiting for you.”
“We’ll be right out, Mom. I promise.” Carolina grimaced, stepping into the silky gown.
“Mija, thirty seconds. I’m not joking, Caro!”
“Talk fast.” Sam came over and arranged the gown on Carolina’s shoulders.
“Oh, Sam. It’s crazy. I woke up and there he was in his car.”
“What’s so odd about that?”
Carolina twisted her fingers. “He was cursing and drinking—”
“Sounds like someone forgot to take his meds.”
Carolina flinched and Sam stiffened. Christopher Rodriguez, her dad had been killed by a client off his meds. Self-medicated on street drugs, the young man had been diagnosed as schizophrenic, homeless, and out of touch with reality. That was fifteen years ago, when she and Sam had been in fifth grade.
“I’m sorry, Caro…I didn’t mean it.”
“Hush,” she said to Sam. “This guy isn’t off-balanced. He’s a businessman with an off-beat sense of humor. And I crashed into his car.”
“You what!” Sam shrieked incoherently, tugging up the zipper on the dress. She let go so quickly, Carolina stumbled forward. In a rush, they faced one another.
“I hit the front of his hood. Actually, it was the bumper. When I heard that he was upset, we kinda faced off. I never imagined I’d hit his car.”
Sam grabbed her hands. “Are you all right? Seriously?” Sam’s eyes were wide as plates, searching Carolina’s face.
“I’m fine. But, there was definitely something about the man.” While she tried to explain, a swarm of confused butterflies took flight inside her stomach. Carolina couldn’t stop thinking about Matt’s animal magnetism. It was primal, wordless. Without asking, their chemistry took hold, deep inside Carolina, drawing out a sizzling ache she never imagined actually existed within her body so near to the surface.
Jeff had left her a vacuum, depleted and empty. It had taken months, maybe longer, to wake each morning without questioning herself about being remote as he had accused her of being. The big ‘O’ so far was a mystery to Carolina. Without trust, there was no intimacy. In the end, she’d understood her mistake by looking the other way: Jeff had used her, nearly up.
Sam narrowed her eyes. “Caro, what are you saying? You know you can’t make rash judgments about any man. What you feel is what you bring to the table. If you think he needs to be saved, it’s because that’s what you’re looking for. We both have learned a lesson.”
“What do you mean? You’re about to marry a man you fell in love with on your first date. That’s the absolute opposite of your advice.”
“Wrong. The first time I met Rob, I thought he was a player, and someone who would hurt me if I allowed him to. I wasn’t ready to accept him. I saw a user instead of my soulmate. So, it’s exactly the same thing. Just be careful that it’s not some secret hidden judgment that you’ll try and make come true. The Pygmalion effect is not something I thought up, Carolina. You’re still attached to Jeff or the shadow of what he’s done.”
“I’m over him and his lies. For good. Today, right outside this church, I finally said goodbye. So there. Today is a day of new beginnings. I was hoping you’d share in my joy.”
“I am, Caro! Hallelujah. All I’m saying is keep your eyes open. Listen to yourself. A man who’s so passionate about his work but has got a bad boy flavor, isn’t that a theme song that you’re attracted to. If you can’t see it, then you aren’t ready to face it. Either way, it’s still part of your life and will eventually rear its ugly head.”
“Don’t rain on my parade.”
Sam frowned. “I’m not. Just hope the guy in the car isn’t a closet bad boy. It’s your libido sparking, nothing else. And speaking of rebels, here!” Her cousin held out a gift bag.
“Is there any bad boy kryptonite in here?” Carolina teased, pushing aside the tissue paper. “Oh Sam. It’s my favorite. Thank you!”
It was a bottle of Gabrielle from Chanel. She spritzed some on her wrists and rubbed them together. A beautiful bouquet of ylang-ylang, jasmine, orange and tuberose.
“It suits you,” Sam whispered. “A rebel at heart just like Coco Chanel.”
Carolina smiled. “This isn’t desperation on my part. But I hear what you’re saying. On the first of never am I going to fall for a complete stranger, at your wedding! Give me a couple of minutes to get ready for the marriage of the century. A mascara moment. You’re so beautiful, Sam. Rob will be stunned senseless when he sees you coming up the aisle.” She hugged her cousin.
“Let’s hope not. I’ve waited four years for the man to come to his senses. Don’t worry, Carolina. Your prince charming is on his way. Just keep the faith.”
After Sam opened the door, Sonya burst through with a slew of their family. Carolina applied a coat of mascara, then pinned up her hair in a chignon while the women chatted in Spanglish. Isabella, Sam’s young daughter came over to the table.
“Hey, baby doll, you look so pretty,” Carolina said
. “Give me a besito.”
The little girl with ginger-colored hair was the spitting image of Rob. She puckered her lips and kissed Carolina’s cheek. “Caro, c’mon.”
They joined the group of women surrounding Sam. A bottle of champagne was going around. Someone pushed a glass into Carolina’s hand. They all toasted the bride. Carolina came over to Sam, setting down her champagne flute.
“Here, let me straighten your train.” Carolina gently shook the material and settled the gauzy lace over the carpet. “Mom, where’s Sam’s bouquet?”
“Right here,” Sonya said.
Sam’s father, Randall Cainwright III, stood at the door. They all walked forward, a cloud of perfume, voices, and laughter. Sonya met Randall’s gaze and lifted her chin. The animosity between her mom and her uncle had gone on forever and worsened when Sam’s mother passed away. Today, a truce was in place. Yes, today was a day of newfound starts.
“You look beautiful, Cynthia,” Uncle Randall murmured. “A vision. You remind me of your mother, dear.”
“Thanks, Daddy.” Sam’s eyes welled with tears.
Carolina grabbed a handful of tissues and pressed them into her cousin’s hand.
“You’ve done a marvelous job, Sonya. Thank you. Isabella would be so happy,” Uncle Randall said gruffly, speaking of his deceased wife. Sonya’s sister and Sam’s mom.
“Yes, I think so.” Sonya smiled and kissed Sam on the cheek. “Cynthia, you’re no longer a little girl with large eyes. Yes, so much like my sister and it’s time. You’re ready, mija.”
Sam squeezed Carolina’s hand. She turned, and they looked at each other. No longer were they little girls, waiting on the threshold of their dreams. Today would be the first day of the rest of their lives, altering both of them forever. Sam would cleave to a man and Carolina would learn to stand her ground come what may. Or else.
“Dad, looks like I’m ready,” Sam said.
Randall came forward, took hold of her arm, and awkwardly kissed his daughter on the forehead. “Me too,” he replied.
The music changed to Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” the song for the bridal party to begin their procession into the church.
Chapter Four
The groomsmen had already gone down the aisle. The pews were decorated with garlands of fresh eucalyptus leaves, baby’s breath and white roses. Carolina slanted over slightly to glimpse Rob at the front of the church. Her cousin’s soon-to-be husband was handsome in his black tux.
The bridesmaids moved down the aisle, ten young women, friends and cousins, hair styled and dressed alike. Carolina held a fragrant bouquet of white roses, tulips, and peonies. She smiled at Isabella holding a basket of rose petals.
Before stepping forward, Carolina glanced over her shoulder at Sam and Randall. The photographer was snapping photo after photo. Carolina set off down the aisle, keeping pace with the movement of the women ahead. One bridesmaid to go and then she was at the front of the church. Carolina looked to the side of the altar. Dark blue entrancing eyes met her gaze. It was him. Matt’s full lips quirked.
Her breath hitched, and she missed her step. The sight of Matt dressed in a tux, hair combed back was perfectly accentuated by the devilish smile that he wore. It sent another spark over her skin. Sonya’s whisper to move reminded Carolina to stop staring like a fool and take her place. Seeing Matt here left her smackdab in a fight-or-flight battle. Carolina grappled to appear calm and collected as Sam approached the front pew.
Randall joined Sam’s hands with Rob’s. In a dither, Carolina recalled her maid of honor duties. Her arms trembled as she set her flowers on the altar rail. Robotically, she straightened her cousin’s bridal train.
Carolina struggled to focus on the bride and groom. Yet no matter what she did, it felt as if Matt branded her with his gaze. She returned to her place at the altar and gripped her bouquet to keep from openly trembling. Yet the harder she fought to stop shaking, the more tense she became. Her body quivered like an arrow ready to take flight.
Good God, this was too ridiculous for words. Her over-the-top reaction was fueled by her imagination. It was just as Sam had advised. Over and over, Carolina reminded herself that Matt was only a man. He didn’t possess any special powers. She repeated it like a mantra. Until she glanced up and met Matt’s piercing blue eyes. They seemed to burn a path all the way to her toes.
Once again, her face was on fire. He was like some virile masculine magnet. Every molecule in her body aligned toward Matt and she melted under his gaze.
“You may kiss the bride,” the minister said.
Rob pulled Sam into an embrace before they passionately kissed. The minister pronounced them, ‘man and wife’ then the organ played and everyone in the church clapped. Yet, it was Matt’s quirked brow that sent Carolina over the edge.
Thank God, it was time. Finally, she could make her exit, far away from the altar and that cowboy.
Rob’s best man presented his arm. “Ready?” He didn’t have to ask twice.
Wordlessly, Carolina practically tugged him down the aisle in her haste to get away. “Thanks,” she huffed and let go, ready to bolt out the church doors that led to the parking lot.
Keys? Carolina had to think. That’s right, they were in the dressing room. She spun around, intent on one course of action: find her keys. Then she’d hop into her van and drive herself to the reception. No way was she sharing a limo ride with him!
Halfway across the nave, Carolina slowed in her mad dash. The photographer called for the bridal party. “It’ll only take a minute.”
What next? Carolina skittered to a stop, foiled in her exit plan. Okay, just a few photos, nothing to come undone over. She heaved a breath, feeling as if on fire from the inside out. Beads of perspiration erupted on her brow. Jesus, Joseph, and Mary! She’d dealt with scores of untamed beasts in the past. Clearly, Matt was part bull.
As a vet she had one option. When met with a charging animal, she’d learned to dig her size-seven feet into the dirt. Only by staring down the beast and standing her ground had Carolina learned to negotiate large animal veterinary medicine without getting gored.
Dealing with a handsome businessman in a tux was no different. Why was she so riled? Hello? She had to get hold of her wayward imagination. That’s all this was. Carolina lifted her chin. Sam and Rob were just ahead. She walked over and hugged them. “Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Graham!”
“We’re married!” Sam sang out as they were bombarded by family and friends.
Carolina heard Matt’s baritone voice at her back, silky, low, and deep. Desire spiraled in her belly and made her knees weak. Oh his words were innocent enough, but their power was purely decadent in how her body responded.
Well, there was no use running for the hills. Carolina turned around. He was three feet away talking with Randall. Incrementally, Matt’s body squared to hers even though he still seemingly gave her uncle his full attention.
There was a break in their conversation and he smiled into her face. “Excuse me, Randall. I wanted to say hello to someone.” Matt did off the cuff so smoothly, but she wasn’t fooled.
She’d say hello and get the greeting over. It was just a case of too much fantasy and tension. Then afterwards, she could relax. It was really quite simple. But as she neared, she inhaled the scent of his cologne. It was like a jolt to her senses, provoking an answer to a question without language. This was not her imagination: Matt’s power was undeniable.
Uncle Randall smiled. “Caro, you look lovely.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
“Thank you. Well, it’s official. They’re married.”
Uncle Randall chuckled. “I’m so happy. Hard to believe a wedding can bring so much joy.”
“This one has,” Carolina replied.
Her uncle squeezed her arm, taking his leave when Sam and Rob called to him. They ushered him to the exit. Unlike the man to Carolina’s side. She couldn’t help notice that Matt’s br
oad shoulders were outlined by the light pouring in from stained glass behind him.
“So, we meet, again, Mr.—” Carolina faltered, unable to recall his last name.
“Did you think we wouldn’t?” he asked wryly. He held out his hand. “Maybe we can begin again. I’m Matthew McLemore.”
Her pulse pounded in her temples. This simply wasn’t possible. How many McLemores existed? Evermore Ranch, her newest client, was owned by McLemores. She gaped at Matt’s face. The complexity of sharp angles came together forming a strong square jaw. Unlike before, he wasn’t frowning. Relaxed and partly smiling, his cheek was dented by a deep dimple. Just one was enough. Speechless, Carolina took hold of his hand and firmly shook. An electrical pulse jettisoned up her spine.
“Dr. Carolina Rodriguez, Mr. McLemore. A pleasure.” She released his hand, praying this was all a coincidence.
“Dr. Rodriguez, you’re not by any chance a vet, are you?”
“I am.” The bottom of Carolina’s stomach dropped. No wonder he was bronzed and hard-bodied. If anyone would resemble a rancher it was Matthew McLemore. With what felt like sand in her mouth, Carolina said in a hushed whisper, “And you’re the ranch owner who has cattle concerns.”
Matt reached into his pocket and removed a billfold. His long fingers were masculine, ending with buffed square nails. Tan strong hands that were meant for pleasure…Business! Carolina chided herself.
“One of the owners,” he corrected her. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get to Miami before today.” Matt proffered a card.
“Evermore Ranch,” she read aloud. Confirmed, this was the coincidence of the century. “Well, it was nice meeting you.”
He frowned. “We had an emergency at the ranch. I couldn’t get away as I’d planned. If you have a moment, perhaps we can talk.”
That didn’t put a dent in her plans. Most large animal cases were of the emergency sort. Her clients didn’t just sit around and gab on the phone. They were movers and shakers for the most part. Time was a commodity.
“I had a question myself,” she said, not elaborating. She had wanted to see if Evermore would mind pushing back the start date so she could drive to Texas rather than fly. Evermore had already sent her a plane ticket, but now was not the moment to sell him on her driving finesse.