“He told me about the accident.”
John’s eyebrows rose. “He did? He never talks about it. It wasn’t his fault, and they were hit by a drunk driver.”
“He misses his wife and said I remind him of her.” She faced him. “He also thinks you’re in love with me.”
John smiled. “Good old Rob. He’s good at reading people.” He turned his gaze to Melody. “He’s right.”
Melody didn’t know what to think, because he’d mentioned it before, but not so decisively. “But you said you could fall in love with me, not that you were in love with me.”
“I wanted to break it to you slowly. In my business, if you want to keep a friend, you have to act fast and tell them how you feel before you jet set off to another match. Otherwise, you’ll never see them again. You can call them, but it’s not the same. Rob learned that with his wife and I’ve learned that the hard way with my parents. I didn’t keep in touch and now we don’t see each other much at all.”
She took it all in, but knew in her heart she couldn’t let him fall for her. She removed his arm from her shoulders and took a step away from him, feeling the sadness in her heart and the tears forming in her eyes. “I can’t let you destroy your life like this. I’m not the one for you.”
“Destroy my life? I’ve never been so happy! What are you talking about?”
She lifted her eyes to his, the teardrops threatening to fall to her cheeks. “I’m bad news, John. I’m not the one for you. I have baggage and it’s not pretty. Just move on and find a beautiful girl who worships you.”
The elevator doors opened and she walked out, her arms crossed. Elise, who was waiting for her at the door, grabbed her elbow and pulled her into the hallway. “I was just coming up there to get you. What’s taken you so long?”
She glanced back at John, who didn’t look very happy.
“May I have a word with Melody?” he asked Elise, taking Melody’s other elbow.
“But the rehearsal is about to start.”
“Just one word. We’ll be in the back and you can start the rehearsal.”
“Fine.” Elise walked down the hall, while John and Melody followed behind.
He leaned down to her ear. “You’re very wrong because I did find a beautiful girl and I’m glad she doesn’t worship me. I don’t care about any baggage you might think you have. I can make it all go away. I have the means and have that degree in law. I can get you out of whatever mess you’re in, even if it’s your father. I could sit for the bar exam today and would pass it, just for you, to take care of your problems.”
She kept walking down the hall. “Don’t do that for me. I’m not worth it.”
He stopped, grabbed her shoulders and spun her toward him, his eyes studying hers. “You are worth it. You’re a person, too, and I promise I will fight for you. I don’t want a beautiful girl who worships me, but just a sweetheart who’ll stand by my side and keep me in her heart. Just like you’re doing right now. You’re not bad news, but the best news I’ve ever had in my entire life. You like me for me, and not because of who I am or what I do for a living. Ever since I met you, I’ve realized that.”
She was shocked. But she put herself in his shoes and for what she’d presented to him; she was a real catch. It wasn’t that she was egotistical, but she’d put her best foot forward and he fell for it. She had to make him realize she wasn’t for him. That would be very difficult to do, because he was exactly the type of man she’d love to have for her own. He was such a nice man, and considering the chemistry between them was incredible and his kisses electrifying, he was perfect.
She sighed and they walked into the rehearsal, already in progress. She was the last bridesmaid to walk down the aisle, which made the whole thing out of order, because she was to be the first one, standing at the very end away from Elise.
She took the bouquet and took the steps down the aisle, just like she’d done so many times before. It was easy being a bridesmaid, because she’d done it for all her friends back home.
As soon as she got to the front, she saw the other women whispering and pointing. “That’s John Spencer,” one woman said.
“Why is he here? Does he know Elise?” another one said.
“Why didn’t she marry him instead of Chuck?” the third one replied.
Melody just sighed, turned around and watched Elise walk down the aisle with her father. Her mother had left them about the same time Melody’s mother had died, which is what had cemented their friendship early on. They’d relied on each other for everything, especially for things a mother would do for them. And now, her best friend from high school was getting married. Melody was the only one left in town who wasn’t married or dating, which was frustrating.
She glanced over at John, his eyes and his smile watching her. She offered him a grin, and as soon as Elise got to the front, a woman ran up and stared at everyone.
“For those of you who got here late,” and the woman stared at Melody, “I’m the wedding planner. You take all instructions from me. Understood?”
Everyone nodded while Melody swallowed hard. This lady didn’t like her, and it was all Melody’s fault.
The woman stared once again. “Miss late girl, you need to move over a bit.”
“Miss late girl?” Melody said.
“Well, I know everyone else’s name, because they got here on time.” She glanced over at John Spencer and smiled. “Oh, I see why you were late. You’re a groupie.”
“A groupie?” Melody asked in confusion. “I’m hardly a groupie!”
“Well anyone who reads the inside gossip knows John Spencer doesn’t date. So you must be a groupie.”
“Told ya,” John muttered, staring at Chuck. “And ma’am, I do date, but it doesn’t make the press. Now, don’t pick on Melody like that, please?”
The bridesmaid standing beside Melody put her hand on her hip and faced her. “He’s with you? A little hick like you from the backwoods? He chose you?”
Melody was speechless but had to answer this woman. “We’re friends, yes.”
The girl threw her bouquet to the ground. “I’ve been writing to him for three years now, and he’s been after you?” She grabbed Melody’s hair and got into her face. “Let him go! He’s mine!”
Melody was stunned, trying to get away. She’d done nothing, and this woman had become a witch. Someone ran toward her, removed the woman’s hand from Melody’s hair and pulled her away. Melody looked up and saw Dennis standing in front of her. She felt a hand on her waist, and she was moved toward the chairs set up for the wedding. She turned to the side and saw John’s determined face.
“Are you okay?” he whispered into her ear.
“Sure. Want me to fight back?” She glanced toward the woman, being held by Dennis, as she smoothed down her hair, her roots sore. “I wasn’t sure what I should do, because it doesn’t seem like the right thing to do here.”
He chuckled then sat her in a seat beside him. “No, don’t fight back. Let Dennis handle this.”
Dennis stood in front of the woman, his arm still on her arm. “We don’t behave like that, ma’am. I’m tempted to press charges against you. You assaulted Melody.”
“I did not. I just pulled her hair,” the girl answered. “Besides, she’s nothing and can’t sue me anyway.”
“No, but I can,” Chuck said.
“Me, too,” Hank answered. “I’m the sheriff back home and I’m sure I could find lots of friends up here who’d love to take care of this.”
The girl huffed, then ran out the back of the room.
“No! Don’t go!” Elise yelled, running after the girl.
“It’s my fault,” Melody said, standing. “I’ve ruined the wedding and it hasn’t even started yet. I’ll take care of this.” She headed toward the back of the room, but Dennis stopped her.
“No. You stay here. I don’t want to have to follow you into a ladies’ room or anything.”
“But I have to fix this.”
“He’s right,” the wedding planner said. She thrust out her arm to shake Melody’s hand. “I’m Louise, by the way, and I think I misjudged you.”
Melody shook the woman’s hand. “You did?’
“You didn’t fight back, and I’m sure it’s because you’re not a groupie. You’re John’s friend, and it’s obvious to me.” She glanced over at him, then leaned forward and began to whisper. “He loves you, you know.”
Melody shook her head. “No, he doesn’t,” she whispered. “He just thinks he does. It’s a problem.”
Louise began to laugh. “I’ve seen couples in love before, and you’re not fooling me. If you were any other woman, they’d be falling at his feet with infatuation, but with you two, it’s the real deal.” She handed Melody her card. “Call me when you’re ready to marry him.”
What was wrong with all these people? Was there something in the air in New York? They were all insane.
Elise brought the girl back to the room, and the girl stopped when she got to Melody, crossing her arms with a glare toward Melody. “You’re just friends and I forgive you for that.”
“You forgive me for being John’s friend?”
“Sure,” the girl said with a smile. “You’ve given me a way to meet him and after you go home to your redneck state, he’ll be mine.”
Melody just sighed. There was no way John would want this woman. She turned to see Ted behind her, just shaking his head while standing at the door. Dennis was talking to John and finally stood up to join Ted.
Louise clapped her hands. “Enough drama for the evening. Let’s get this done.”
The women all walked back to their places and the rehearsal continued. They got to the end, and Elise and Chuck walked out first, arm in arm. Following them were the maid of honor and the best man. The next two ushers took the arms of the remaining two bridesmaids, leaving Bobby to walk with Melody. She took his arm, and as soon as they started to go down the aisle, he leaned over, stopped the two of them, took her in his arms and kissed her, hard. It happened so fast, Melody didn’t know what was going on. Dennis and Ted ran to them from the back, while John ran from his seat. Dennis grabbed Bobby, pulling him off Melody.
She was stunned and couldn’t move. Why was she being picked on, anyway? Between the woman who wanted her dead and Bobby who wanted to kiss her, she was in trouble. But what should she do? If she fought back, she was no better than they were.
John moved beside Melody and put his arm over her shoulders, facing Bobby. “What are you doing?”
“Something she’s wanted since she was twelve.”
“What?” Melody answered. “I never wanted you!”
Louise walked up to the two of them, her mouth agape. “In all the years I’ve been doing this, I’ve never had these types of problems.” She faced Melody. “Are you dating either one of these men?”
“No, ma’am,” Melody answered.
“Which one do you want to date?”
She glanced back at John, who was waiting for an answer. She turned and saw the woman who’d pulled her hair standing in the back, also waiting for an answer. She couldn’t say either way, because she’d either hurt John’s feelings and save her life, or be killed by the evil hair-pulling lady.
“Well?” Louise asked. “Let Bobby know so he can move on.”
Melody looked back at the hair-puller. The woman’s face looked angry, while making fists with her hands. “I can’t say,” Melody answered, feeling the tears once again. She wasn’t sure what was going on with her head, but she seemed very emotional. If her daddy were there, he’d be whippin’ her for crying.
“So you do want me!” Bobby said, grabbing her shoulders. John’s arm was still on her shoulders and he removed Bobby’s hands from Melody.
“Back off, or I’ll have you arrested,” John warned.
“I don’t want you,” Melody said to Bobby. She glanced at John, apologizing with her eyes. Tears poured down her cheeks and she moved away. She couldn’t do this anymore. She truly cared about him and wanted him for her own, but was she willing to take on the entire population of women who wanted him, too? She ran out of the back of the room and toward the elevators.
A man was standing beside someone with a camera. “There she is!” He pointed at Melody, and she stopped dead in her tracks. She looked for some way to get out, but it seemed that other reporters were heading toward her, surrounding her only escape. She was doomed!
~~~~~
Chapter 4
“Melody Gray. You’re from West Virginia, right?” one reporter yelled.
A cameraman lined up a shot of her and took a picture. She was sure she looked stunned. “You’re gorgeous. Are you in love with John Spencer?”
“Are you here for a modeling job?” another one asked.
She was alone with these wolves, and had to get back to the room where everyone else was waiting. As she turned, she saw Dennis approach, then put out his arm to hide her from the cameras. “No pictures. Let the lady alone, please?”
“Are you her bodyguard?” another reporter asked. “If she’s not with John Spencer, why does she need a bodyguard?”
John appeared at Melody’s side, took her hand and leaned down to her ear. “This is my fault. Let me deal with this. You’re not staying here tonight.”
Camera lights lit the lobby, taking pictures of John whispering to Melody. Ted walked behind the two of them, and ushered them all into the elevator, standing in front of them and hiding them from the cameras, once they got inside. Dennis was holding back the crowd from the other side of the door as the doors went shut.
John leaned down and wiped a tear from her cheek. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I didn’t know they’d be there. They surprised me.”
“Not as much as Bobby kissing you surprised me. What’s the deal there?”
She shook her head and stared at the elevator numbers on the wall, because Ted was watching them. “That’s Elise’s brother. He’s had a crush on me since I was twelve. He wanted to rape me, but Elise and I beat him up instead. When my father found out, he had him arrested, but it didn’t stick because the kid never was able to do anything. So, my father went to their house with a baseball bat and threatened Bobby. Elise’s father stopped my father from doing any damage and had Daddy arrested for trespassin’. My father spent the night in jail, and I was alone the whole night. It was scary, because my brother’s friends knew I was there, and they kept throwing rocks at the house and telling me I was a whore and nothing more. It was their little rhyme.”
“Where was your brother?”
“He was with the gang of boys. That’s why I don’t have a lot to do with him.”
John pulled her to his chest and she started to cry. He rubbed her back and stroked her hair. “It’s okay now.”
She backed off from him. “Now you know about some of my baggage. I’m not good enough for you, John.” She glanced over at Ted, who sported a small smile as he nodded. “You need someone like that woman in line.”
“The one who pulled your hair? She’s a groupie. There’s no way I’d touch her with a ten-foot pole.”
“But she’s in love with you,” Melody said.
He leaned his forehead on hers, his adorable gaze meeting her eyes. “And so are you. Don’t deny it. I saw what was going through your head down there, and I can’t blame you for not answering the wedding planner.”
She swallowed hard, feeling so close to him, her heart beat faster and she didn’t want to breathe or have the moment end. She just wanted to be with him. But she had to back away. Ted scared her.
The doors to the elevator opened and she realized she had to go back to reality. Reporters crowded around, while Ted pushed out of the elevator and through the group, with John and Melody close behind. The reporters yelled questions, but John and Melody ignored them.
As they walked to the door, John held out his hand
to Melody. “The key?”
She reached into her pocket and handed it to him, watching the reporters spew their questions and accusations. John opened the door and moved her inside with one arm, then joined her while Ted held back the crowd and shut the door behind them, staying in the hallway.
John pulled out his cell phone and pressed a few buttons. “This is John Spencer. Where is security?” He listened for a few moments, his face turning angry. “Tell them I’m not happy. They were to be guarding this place for me, and we’ve just been surrounded by reporters.”
The banging on the door got louder. The door opened and Ted slid into the room, shutting the door while trying to keep the reporters out.
“Call the cops. I can’t get out of the Presidential Suite.” John ended the call and pushed another number on speed dial, turning toward Melody. “Pack some clothes. We’re getting out of here.” He turned back to the phone. “Dad, it’s John.”
Melody repacked all of her things in her suitcase. Her bridesmaid’s dress had been hanging up since she’d first gotten to the room. She walked to the closet and removed it from its hanger, laying it on the bed while John talked to his dad.
“No, your security guys weren’t doing the job. I’m stuck up here in the Presidential Suite.” He glanced toward Melody. “Yes, the upgrade, and yes, she is something very special.”
Melody spun toward him with a confused look on her face. Was he crazy?
“Fine. We’ll be waiting.” He ended the call and sat down on the bed. “Nice dress. Is that the one for the wedding?”
“Yes, it is. I wanted to get the wrinkles out of it. Elise sent it to me in West Virginia to make sure it would fit.”
“Leave it here. You can come back to get dressed before the wedding, so you won’t get it messed up in the car.” He faced her, worry filling his eyes. “Dad’s coming over.”
“Your father? Why?”
He took an extra moment to answer, as if he was thinking of how to word it. “He wants to meet you.”
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