Mel wasn’t usually one to go in for all that self-help, motivational crap. She was far too pragmatic. But look at how far she’d come in just a few short weeks, both with her makeover and with Adam. And while a tiny part of her brain still clung to her old fears—that there was no way he could be seriously considering a long-term relationship with her, that he would ever be with someone like her, that she’d never be enough for him—she’d effectively shut out those negative voices and continued to move forward. No sense in stopping when what she wanted was so close. And yes, the deadline for their deal was lurking, too, with James arriving the day before her birthday. It felt like now or never.
She squeezed her eyes shut against a sharp pang of anxiety. She’d met her original goal. She’d lost her virginity with Adam, the man she’d wanted for as long as she could remember. Did she dare ask for more? Did she dare tell him the truth about how she felt?
Did she dare say those three little words?
Warmth flooded through her as she remembered the last night Adam had been over. She’d woken up with her head on his chest again, over his heart, and lain there in the predawn gloom, savoring his heat and scent and the weight of his arm strong and protective around her waist. Tingles of need spiraled though her before her rational brain doused them.
In truth, she didn’t know where he stood. As far as the good people of Point Beacon were concerned, Adam was still the town playboy. Lord knew the rumors about him were still flying too, rumors about the new groupies hanging out at Victory Vets and which one Adam would take to bed next. It shouldn’t matter, but it did. His words from their first conversation that night in her kitchen looped through her mind.
I don’t do love.
Did she dare believe he’d changed that much, for her?
One week until James returned. One week until their deal was over, and life would go back to the way it had been before. Mel would have her books and her cat and her privacy. No more fear of gossip, no more potential big-brother blowups if he found out about their affair.
No more Adam.
Shoulders slumping, Mel jabbed a hunk of lettuce from her salad with her fork and shoved it in her mouth, chewing without really tasting anything, her appetite gone.
“Oh. My God!” Lilly nudged Mel’s arm with her elbow, pointing excitedly at the image of a deep burgundy knee-length silk chiffon dress with a halter neckline and a full circle skirt. Red was Adam’s favorite color, and he always told her she had the best legs in town. This cocktail dress ticked all the boxes.
Lilly grinned. “It’s perfect! You’ll look like a ripe, luscious berry. Adam will love it.”
Mel froze, glancing around to make sure none of her nosy volunteers had overheard. Thankfully, they all seemed to be busy with their tasks. She hissed, “No names, not here. Remember?”
“Whatever.” Lilly brought up the size options for the dress. “If you’re going to go down in flames, might as well look gorgeous doing it, right? C’mon. I might disapprove, but I can see you’re gaga over him.”
“Will you shut up?” Heat flamed in Mel’s cheeks as she glared at her best friend. “How I feel about Adam is nobody’s business.”
“Are you two making wild, hot monkey love every night?”
“What?” Mel’s eyes widened in mortification. “No. Yes. I mean, that’s none of your business either. It’s good, but not like that. I mean—”
“You can’t tell me he’s awful in bed,” Lilly said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “He must have something going on between the sheets to keep the ladies coming back for more, if you know what I mean.”
The knots in Mel’s stomach tightened. Adam’s wicked ways were the last thing she wanted to think about right now. “He’s fine.” At Lilly’s flat stare, Mel amended her statement. “Okay, he’s more than fine. He’s amazing, but that doesn’t change the fact that this could be the last weekend we have together. I want to look nice, that’s all. And whether I’m gaga over him is beside the point.”
“Uh-huh. Sure.” Lilly went ahead and typed in Mel’s size and credit card information, then hit purchase. She handed Mel back her card and narrowed her gaze. “If you say so.”
Mel snatched the card from Lilly’s hand and shoved it back in her purse, glancing once more at the dress onscreen. It really was gorgeous—simple, classic, yet sexy at the same time. All the things Mel hoped she was now, too. Not overdone, but with a touch of youthful whimsy. A month ago, she’d have bought the thing, then hung it in her closet, taking it out to admire but never daring to wear it in public. Now she’d be on full display while spending the weekend with Adam. Her confidence wavered. “Are you sure it’s okay?”
“Of course.” Lilly frowned. “The color’s perfect, and you definitely have the figure for it. Adam won’t be able to keep his eyes, or hands, off you.”
“Hmm, well, I guess it’s too late to change my mind.” Mel closed her plastic lunch containers and shoved them back in her quilted bag. “Speaking of changing your mind, you’re still coming next weekend, right? You’re supposed to be taking pictures of James’s homecoming.”
Lilly’s wide smile faltered. She stood, looking a tad flustered as she tossed her trash into the nearby bin. “I, uh, I’m not sure. Maybe. I’ll have to check my schedule and let you know. I’ve got that meeting with the mayor’s office coming up, and I need to update my portfolio and all that before then. We’ll see.”
“Come on.” Mel closed down the computer then pushed to her feet. “I could really use the moral support.”
Lilly tucked a stray curl of her dark hair behind her ear, and Mel would’ve have sworn her friend’s fingers were shaking slightly. “I’ll do my best, but I can’t promise anything. It’ll be weird having James back in Point Beacon again, permanently.”
Permanently.
The word clanged through Mel’s head like a warning bell.
Ugh. She didn’t look forward to the conversation with James. He’d already worked out what was going on with her and Adam, and he’d have been stewing over that information for a while. By the time he got back in town, he’d be itching for a fight. Depending on how things went this weekend, Mel would either have to tell him to suck it up and deal with it, that she and Adam were a couple, or she could stop worrying because Adam had moved on.
Either way, it was sure to be difficult.
“I’m late for a consultation on a new wedding shoot. I need to go.” Lilly hugged Mel quickly before rushing for the door. “Call me when the dress comes in and I’ll help you pick out shoes and accessories.”
Once Lilly was gone, Mel went back to checking out materials for customers, her mind still whirling with thoughts of all the loose ends waiting to be tied.
She loved her older brother, had always looked up to James and respected him, but she also knew how he could be when he thought he was right. He needed to get over himself.
Mel finished up with her current customer, then waited until the man had walked out before dropping her head into her hands. She shouldn’t care what her brother thought or how he’d react. But she couldn’t get around the fact that she did care. Too much. Not to mention everything on the line for Adam if they did decide to go forward with a relationship.
Dread slithered through her, settling deep in her gut. No. If Adam didn’t want her, didn’t want to risk a future with her, then she’d have to let him go.
No matter how it might break her heart.
Chapter Fourteen
Adam stood in the ballroom of the luxurious Lakeshore Hotel on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue on Saturday evening and stared at all the opulence surrounding him. He’d known Camille’s family had money, but he’d never guessed anything like this. From the enormous fresh floral arrangements decorating all the tables at the reception to the tasteful small orchestra playing softly in the corner of the gigantic space, it was all like something straight out of a millionaire’s dream, with a little Tijuana flair thrown in for flavor—there was even a mariach
i band roaming around among the guests, playing festive music between sets for the orchestra. All of the decadence was so far from Adam’s reality he wouldn’t know how to find this experience again without a map.
Not to say he wasn’t fully enjoying his time here. He was, more than he’d ever imagined.
First had been the ride up in Mel’s Camry. Once they’d been outside Point Beacon, it was as if the restraints had fallen away again. They could act like a normal couple—holding hands and kissing and cuddling in public. She’d seemed somehow freer and more carefree, and he’d been able to leave his playboy past behind at the town line and just be a normal guy. A guy who very much enjoyed hanging out with his girl.
After checking in at the hotel, they’d unpacked, choosing to spend the time alone, away from the rest of the festivities for a little while longer. They’d gotten room service and watched some silly superhero movie on pay-per-view, then spent the entire night in bed, making love, talking, or just holding each other, because it felt so damned good.
This morning, they’d woken at the crack of dawn following a call from the front desk, summoning them to join reality again. After showering together, he and Mel had headed downstairs to the hotel restaurant to enjoy a pre-wedding breakfast with Miguel and his fiancée and their families, then hung around to hear Miguel’s sister Gina bark out orders to the caterers and the wedding planner. The yelling seemed to have paid off, because the ceremony had gone off without a hitch and everyone was now enjoying themselves at the reception.
From where he stood near the wall, Adam watched Miguel twirl his glowing bride in an elegant underarm turn to the bittersweet Mexican waltz they’d chosen for their first dance. Her traditional Latin-style wedding dress was white satin and fitted through the top and hips, then flared out at the bottom, with the hem and train embroidered in bright pink and red flowers. Her baby bump showed proudly, and she’d kicked off her shoes long ago to dance barefoot. Adam didn’t think he’d ever seen his buddy Miguel look happier.
Camille’s laughter filled the air, and both she and Miguel seemed to have eyes only for each other. Their special day had been full of smiles and love and laughter, and Adam hated to see it all end as the reception started to wind down.
Envy mingled with joy in his chest. He was so happy for his friend. They’d been through tough times together in Afghanistan, and no one deserved a good life more than Miguel and Camille. But at the same time, Adam couldn’t help noticing the deep chasm in his own life.
Much as he hated to admit it, Mel had filled that space for him like a charm. His days now brimmed with sunshine and hope and light, but soon that would come to an end. He’d be back to his ordinary life, his solitary days and meaningless nights. A few weeks ago, he’d have looked forward to it, but now the appeal and freedom of his old playboy life wasn’t there anymore. He took a long swig of his beer and swallowed hard.
Time to face the truth.
Despite all his determination to the contrary, he’d fallen hard for Mel—his gorgeous shining star, the one woman he’d always love but would never deserve. He’d known better, and yet he’d gone right ahead and tumbled over the cliff for her anyway.
All the more reason to cut ties and run, just like he’d planned.
No way could he be that guy for her, her knight in shining armor. He had no idea how. He was a player, a bad boy, nothing but poor white trash. He wasn’t worthy to kiss the ground she walked on, let alone her.
Still, his gaze was drawn to Mel through the crowd. She stood near the edge of the dance floor, looking so beautiful it sucked the air from his lungs. Her hair was up again tonight, in a messy topknot that revealed her long, graceful neck. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement, and her eyes sparkled as she watched the happy couple kiss. Last night, their lovemaking had seemed almost desperate, with Mel taking charge, demanding her pleasure, the memory of her soft cries still setting his body tingling. Afterward, she’d craved tenderness, snuggling against him so close he thought she might never let him go.
But he would do what she couldn’t. Later, once they were back in Point Beacon.
Camille came up beside Adam and grabbed his arm, pulling him from his thoughts. He hadn’t even noticed her leaving the dance floor he’d been so distracted.
“Come on.” The bride tugged him toward the center of the room. “Time for a group dance.”
“Aw, no.” He tried to pull away, to no avail. “I don’t really dance unless I’m drunk.”
“You will tonight.” Camille yanked Adam onto the floor and into the middle of the gathered circle of friends and family. Mel was there, too, waiting for him. He stood next to her, putting his arm around her waist and the waist of the person on the other side of him, swaying gently to the strains of a Spanish melody he hadn’t heard before.
Miguel took the mic from the orchestra conductor, grinning at everyone. “Thank you all for being here to celebrate the union of me and my beloved Camille. It wouldn’t have been the same without all of you.” His dark eyes brightened with an unexpected sheen of tears as he glanced as his beautiful bride. “And, Camille, corazón, you look exquisite.”
Camille shook her head, laughing. “You lie well, mi esposo. I look like—”
“The beautiful mother of my child.” Miguel dragged his wife up on the dais and into his arms and kissed her soundly. Then he raised a glass of champagne in a toast. “A todos nuestros amigos, les deseamos amor, salud, dinero y tiempo para disfrutarlos. To all our friends, we wish you love, health, money, and the time to enjoy them. ¡Que vivan!”
The crowd cheered.
“And you, my friend.” Miguel pointed at Adam once the applause quieted. “You’re next.”
Adam backed away. “Hey, dude. I love you like a brother, but I ain’t kissing you.”
Laughter filled the ballroom.
“Funny,” Miguel said. “No. I mean finding a wife, getting married. You’re the best man I know, and you deserve every happiness. I wouldn’t be here today if you hadn’t gotten me through those terrible days during the war. I owe you more than I can ever repay. Thank you.”
They shared an awkward bro hug as Adam swallowed hard around the lump in his throat.
He caught Mel’s eye, and his heart tripped at the glittering affection in her warm brown gaze. His body tensed with his feelings for Mel, and the second he let Miguel go, Adam tugged her into his arms. Her warmth made him yearn for privacy, so he could remove that frothy bit of nothing she called a dress and pleasure her until he didn’t know where she ended and he began.
They might not have a future, couldn’t have one, but they had this one last night.
Camille took Mel’s arm, pulling her away. “Come get a drink with me, chica?”
Adam watched them walk away, amazed once more at her new look, her new confidence. Still, a part of him would always love the quirky, buttoned-up geek who dressed like his grandmother and snort-laughed. The lonely girl who’d sorted M&M’s with him in her kitchen.
Miguel moved in beside Adam once more as the crowd dispersed. “She’s great, man. Congratulations. What did James say when you told him?”
Heart skittering, Adam glanced over at Miguel. “Uh…”
“Oh, crap!” Miguel’s eyes widened. “He doesn’t know? But James comes home Friday.”
“He knows enough,” Adam ground out. “This is just a weekend thing anyway.”
“Uh-huh,” Miguel said, gaze narrowed. “Sure.”
The ladies returned, each carrying two cups of nonalcoholic punch from the buffet table. Camille thrust one of hers into her new husband’s hand with a smile. “Drink up.”
“Bossy, bossy.” Miguel raised a dark brow. “What if I’m not thirsty?”
“You will be.” She downed her punch in one long shot. “After you dance with me.”
Miguel took Camille’s hand and led her back out onto the dance floor as a lively cha-cha started playing.
Mel set the drinks in her hands aside, then grabbed Adam�
�s arm. “Dance with me.”
By the time they weaved through the people, the music had switched to a sweet, slow ballad. The words were in Spanish, but the angst translated just fine. Adam pulled Mel into his arms, body pressed to body, and swayed slowly in time to the rhythm. The scent of her sweet perfume, combined with the thoughts pounding through his head, messed with his concentration, causing his steps to falter. She giggled and cuddled closer, her curves a delicious distraction.
They fit together so perfectly, not just in bed, but out of it, too.
How will I ever let her go?
Adam closed his eyes.
You will because you have to. You can’t have it both ways. You knew it all along.
He lost himself in the moment and the woman and the music, wishing this would never end and knowing all along it would. His pulse beat like a countdown clock, signaling the impending doom of their time together.
One more night. One more night. One more night.
“This weekend’s been amazing,” Mel whispered into his ear, forcing him back to reality.
“Yeah.” He leaned back slightly to gaze into her eyes. “Let’s go upstairs.”
“Okay.”
Adam stroked his finger down her cheek before pulling her off the dance floor and through the crowded ballroom. The elevator ride passed in a blur, as did the walk down the hallway to their corner room. Anticipation coiled deep within his belly. Everything had changed. He wanted Mel body and soul; he wanted to give her a night so passionate and perfect she’d remember him long after she’d left him behind.
With every touch, every look, every word, the spring inside him wound tighter. Tonight, he refused to think about tomorrow, refused to think about James and the garage. Refused to think about anything except how much he wanted to savor each and every last second with Mel.
Tonight, they’d make love. Afterward, she’d fall asleep in his arms. He could get used to that. Except he couldn’t. It wasn’t allowed. They’d made a deal. They’d had a fling. He’d gone into this with his eyes open, knowing how much he stood to lose. Mel was forbidden territory. She deserved more than he could ever be.
How to Seduce a Bad Boy Page 14