by Calista Fox
Jane laughed. “Trust me, there will be plenty of photos for you to admire the dress to your heart’s content.”
“Please,” Shana scoffed. “I’ll be wearing it twice a week for dinner, I’m sure.”
“Drake will appreciate that,” Yvette said. “Though I guarantee he’ll get his money’s worth when you walk downstairs.”
“Indeed,” Jane chimed in. “Let’s go marry you off, Cinderella.”
She lifted Shana’s train and followed her out of the room. Yvette had brought the bouquets upstairs. All three were perfectly round sculptures made of red roses and tied with shimmery, sheer ribbon. Shana wore no jewelry other than her new ring and a pair of diamond studs, not wanting anything to detract from the dress. Her long hair was styled in plump curls and secured away from her face with diamond-encrusted clips Jane gave her as a wedding gift. The strands cascaded down her back, revealing the shoulders left bare by the cut of the bodice.
As she stepped onto the landing at the top of the sweeping staircase, her breath caught at the transformation in the casita. Large hurricanes with glowing candles sat in the corner of every other step that led to the first floor. There, more of the hurricanes created a walkway with red rose petals scattered along it. Candles and floral arrangements were strategically placed around the living room and kitchen, softly illuminating the dimly lit rooms and scenting them with a sensual aroma. A Spanish guitarist sat on a stool in the far corner, strumming a romantic tune and murmuring words that sounded sweet and sexy at the same time.
Through the open doors, she saw the devilishly handsome man she loved standing on the patio, looking drop-dead gorgeous in all black, as he’d been the first time she’d laid eyes on him. He wore a stylish dress shirt opened at the neck, pants and boots. His blue eyes were dark and smoldering as he took her in from head to toe. His mouth gaped as he sucked in a sharp breath. Shana’s toes curled in the dainty shoes that had been included with the dress.
Finn whistled under his breath, openly admiring her. Yvette snickered and whispered, “Yeah, he’s getting it tonight. Not.”
Shana would have laughed, but she could barely breathe. As she reached Drake and he took her hand, twining their fingers together, she felt a ripple of excitement down her spine.
He seemed incapable of taking his eyes off her. He leaned close and said in a low voice, “You couldn’t be any more beautiful and I couldn’t be any luckier.”
Emotion swelled in her throat, but she kept the tears at bay.
Anxiety was now a distant memory for Shana and not a hint of apprehension or uncertainty tainted this special moment between her and Drake. For once, she reveled in pure, unadulterated happiness. She knew what she wanted most in life and she was about to get it.
Him. Forever.
After they’d said their vows and they’d danced and dined and drank with their friends and the reception was over, Drake lifted her carefully into his arms and carried her upstairs. He made core-shaking love to her on a bed covered with rose petals in a room lit by candles and filled with sultry music.
Just as Jane had predicted.
About the Author
Calista Fox in a multi-published, award-winning author of contemporary, suspense and paranormal erotic romances. She began her professional fiction-writing career in 2004, following a successful career in PR, where she specialized in writing speeches and Congressional testimonies. Her books have received rave reviews and she is also the recipient of a Reviewers Choice Award for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Novella.
Calista is a member of Romance Writers of America and two of its Phoenix Chapters, Desert Rose and Valley of the Sun Romance Writers. She has served on the Board of Directors, been the newsletter director and chaired the annual Golden Quill Contest for the Desert Rose Chapter. She is also a member of Passionate Ink, RWA’s erotic romance chapter. In addition, Calista gives presentations and workshops on writing novellas.
Calista attended college on a Journalism scholarship and has worked on newspapers as an editor and reporter. She holds degrees in General Studies and Communications. Calista lives in Arizona, but travels frequently to places like Mexico, Europe, San Diego and Washington, D.C. She has traveled the country by Lear Jet, always with her laptop in tow, and is a spa aficionado!
Calista welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Also by Calista Fox
Backseat Mistress
Body Scenes 1: Stroke Me
Body Scenes 2: Melt Me
Devil’s Kitchen
Devil in Texas
Forever in Her Eyes
Jaden’s Wicked Witch
Thunder and Lightning
Until Jake
Print books by Calista Fox
Better with Age anthology
Passionate Peridot anthology
Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.
www.ellorascave.com