“I didn’t know she was pregnant. She never told me. I may not have been innocent, but I was ignorant.”
That gave Emma pause.
“We were about to be married,” he continued. “You owed me ten lousy minutes to explain.”
She wiped at her damp eyes. “You’re right.”
Her admission gave him pause.
When he spoke, his hoarse voice betrayed him. “I couldn’t believe you threw everything away like you did.”
“I loved you so much, but I couldn’t go through with the wedding. Not with that woman in the church and everyone talking about her. Talking about us.”
“I understand that. It’s the leaving town I can’t get over.” Can’t forgive, he mentally added.
Her demeanor softened. “I’d change things if I could.”
He studied her intently and asked the question that had haunted too many of his nights. “Is that your only regret?”
“What does it matter?” She shook her head. “We can’t go back. We can only move forward, which includes getting through the wedding and reception.”
At that moment, Leonard, Candy and the reverend entered the atrium from the hall.
“Good news,” Leonard announced. “Reverend Sands and his wife will be joining us for dinner. Nick, can you drive them?”
“Absolutely.” He forced a smile. He’d wanted to continue his conversation with Emma, but it wasn’t to be. Not tonight anyway.
During the drive to the Roundup Steak House, Reverend Sands entertained them with stories of his more amusing wedding services. Nick tried to listen. Instead he kept thinking about Emma and her admission that, given the chance, she wouldn’t have left town quite so quickly after Laurel’s appearance.
Against his better judgment, a small spark of hope ignited inside him.
* * *
NICK HAD SEEN right through Emma. Then again, he always could. The rehearsal had been difficult on her. Their exchange in the atrium afterward, devastating. The dinner wasn’t going any better. Not for her anyway. While the restaurant was different—she and Nick had hosted their considerably less lavish rehearsal dinner at the Mistletoe Café—there were still too many similarities not to tug at her heartstrings.
She remembered sitting at the table beside Nick, gazing at his handsome profile and thinking she was the luckiest bride in the world. How right she’d been. Emma hadn’t been truly happy since the day of her almost wedding.
Not to say there weren’t moments of contentment. Now, for instance, sitting with her mother and Leonard, so obviously in love, Emma experienced a rush of pleasure. Not, however, genuine happiness. It was as if that part of her emotional psyche was forever damaged.
“What can I get for you?” The waitress had finally made her way down the long row of connected tables to Emma.
“Um...” She peered at the menu, realizing all the time she’d been holding it, she hadn’t so much as glanced at the selections.
“I can recommend the prime rib.” The young woman held her pencil in midair above her pad.
Emma had no appetite, not after her conversation with Nick. “Do you have a Caesar salad?”
The waitress’s features collapsed. Apparently diners who frequented a steak house didn’t order salads for their main entrée. “It comes with a grilled chicken breast.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
Emma nursed her wine, not in the mood for alcohol, either. Leonard had insisted on celebrating and ordered several bottles for the table. Emma assumed a toast would be made at some point. A minute later, Gladys dinged her fork against her wineglass, pushed back her chair and stood.
“It’s customary for the best man to make a speech at the reception. And I promise not to steal your thunder.” She grinned down at Carl. “But I couldn’t let the evening pass without saying here’s to family and friends.” She raised her glass. “Thank you all for coming and for making Leonard and Candy’s special day even more special. It wouldn’t be complete without you sharing in their joy.”
A chorus of, “Hear, hear,” followed as the group clinked glasses. Emma’s brother leaned over and gave their mother a loud, smacking kiss on the cheek.
“Love ya, Mom.”
Emma noticed several pairs of eyes, including her mother’s, dart in her direction. Did she appear that fragile? Apparently.
Nick wasn’t one of those casting her surreptitious glances. He sat at the other end of the table, near the reverend and his wife, and didn’t seem to be having any trouble with his appetite.
“Are you packed yet?” Gladys asked Emma’s mother.
“Not quite. Imagine, going to the beach in December. Finding clothes to take hasn’t been easy.”
Leonard was flying them to Florida for their honeymoon. One mention of “I’ve always wanted to see Miami,” sealed the deal. Leonard had arranged the entire trip, and they were leaving the Monday after Christmas. That was also the day Emma would return to Austin. Especially now that she had a job interview waiting for her.
“All that sun and sand.” Gladys sighed wistfully. “While we’re stuck in the snow.”
“Speaking of which, has anyone seen the latest weather report?” the reverend asked.
Leonard’s brow furrowed with concern. “They’re predicting a blizzard. The kind that only comes around once in ten years.”
“But not till Christmas.”
Several of the guests assured Emma’s mother the blizzard wouldn’t dare disrupt her wedding.
Dinner continued, with the conversations loud and lively. No one seemed to notice Emma’s lack of participation, and the glances in her direction tapered off. After another hour, the guests wound down. She grabbed her purse, swiped some ChapStick across her lips and waited for her mother and Leonard, who were delayed with all the goodbyes and well wishes.
Nick came up beside her. “I’ll drive you home.”
“It’s okay.” What in the world had possessed him to offer her a ride? “I’m going with Mom and Leonard.”
“No room. They’re taking Carl, Megan and her kids home.”
“Why?”
“I didn’t ask, Emma. But I can march over there and demand an explanation from Leonard if that will satisfy you.”
“I’m not being difficult.” Yet that was how he’d made her feel. “Simply curious.”
“Holly could drive you.”
Emma actually debated which was worse and settled on the lesser of two evils. “Let’s get this over with.”
“It’s a ride home. Fifteen minutes. Not a death sentence.”
Once more, he was making her feel like a petulant child. That, or the slim chance she was acting like one.
* * *
“I’M SORRY IF I put you on the spot earlier,” he said. “Or made you uncomfortable.”
They drove slowly down Main Street. The magnificent array of lights was almost blinding from the passenger seat of Nick’s truck.
“You’re not really going to bring that up again.” She gazed out the window, her face so close, her breath fogged the glass.
“I guess once a day is enough.”
There it was again, that hint of amusement in his voice. Did he have to pick now to lower his guard? That charm was why she’d fallen so hard for him in the first place. The reason she hadn’t gotten over him or found anyone else.
Her phone chimed. Emma read the text and slumped in her seat.
“Problem?” Nick asked.
“It’s Mom. She’s staying at the ranch tonight.” Emma didn’t tell him the rest of the message, that this was her mother’s last chance to spend time with Leonard before the wedding. Like many people, she believed it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride the day of the wedding until the chords of “Here Comes the Bride” played.
<
br /> That left Emma and her brother home alone. No, wait. He was going out with Carl and some friends, then staying at his buddy’s again. Closing her eyes, she let her hand slide into the pocket of her coat. The mistletoe charm was still there. She’d all but forgotten about it. Another of her mother’s superstitions. Would it bring Emma luck? Maybe this new job would be the one that clicked. And when she left Mistletoe after the wedding, she’d finally be able to leave Nick behind for good.
Her glance darted to his profile, unreadable in the dark. Nope. Not even the most powerful magic would help her get over him. She’d have to manage that feat on her own.
At her mother’s house, Nick stepped out of his truck.
“What are you doing?” Emma demanded.
“Escorting you inside.”
“You have got to be kidding.” She grabbed her purse off the seat and slammed the passenger door shut. “This isn’t a date.”
“Just seeing you home safely, Emma.”
She dug the spare key her mother had lent her from the side pocket of her purse. “I’m safe. Obviously.”
He persisted and accompanied her up the walkway. Drats. Why hadn’t her mother left the porch light on? It was pitch black on the stoop. She fumbled with the key, which once inserted, didn’t turn.
“Let me,” Nick offered. He stood calmly behind her, his hands at his sides.
“I’ve got it.” Only she didn’t. After another awkward thirty seconds, she moved aside. “You win.”
He jiggled the key once and the lock opened. She cursed silently.
“Just takes the right touch.”
“I could easily hate you,” she grumbled.
“We both know you don’t.”
His tone took on a low, husky quality that sent a zing coursing through her. Emma steeled her defenses.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, more shakily than she’d have liked. There were still a ton of last-minute preparations for the reception.
“Probably.”
Why didn’t he leave? Why didn’t she go inside? She put her hand on the doorknob and twisted, only her feet remained rooted in place.
“Nick. We... You...” She lifted her gaze to his.
Huge mistake. The hunger burning in his eyes struck her full force and rendered her weak-kneed. He may not love her anymore, but he desired her. That much was obvious.
He gripped her upper arms hard, his fingers digging into her flesh through the fabric of her coat.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“Kiss me.”
“No. Are you crazy?”
“Without a doubt.”
Nothing could be gained by this, and so much could be lost. She considered wrenching herself free of his hold.
Considered? She was actually thinking about of letting him kiss her?
“There’s no mistletoe.”
He lowered his head. “I don’t need any.”
“You don’t even like me.”
“Where did you get that idea?”
Oh, that voice. It stirred something inside her impossible to resist or ignore. Just like when they were younger. Only now Emma was well aware of how Nick was able to back up those sexy promises with actions—and how deeply he could wound her.
Realization dawned. The real reason she’d stayed away all these years wasn’t embarrassment or shame or pride. Her unwavering love for him left her vulnerable. And afraid.
She should run. Bolt inside and lock the door. Instead she stood on tiptoes, the force of her feelings for him too powerful to resist. This, she told herself, would definitely, positively be the last time she kissed him.
“I don’t suppose you’ll leave until I relent.”
His answer was to cover her lips with his.
CHAPTER SIX
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT was a blur. One second, Emma and Nick were kissing. The next, he was opening the front door—using only one hand—and the two of them tumbled inside. A small light atop the piano she’d played as a little girl provided the only illumination.
He found her mouth again and, lifting her in his arms, carried her across the living room to the couch. She tore frantically at his jacket with fumbling fingers. So much for exercising better judgment. At last, the stubborn snaps gave, and she attacked the buttons on his shirt.
Too long. That was her only coherent thought. Six years she’d waited. Not for something like this, for exactly this. Nick. Hard. Demanding. A release for the desperate need pent up inside her.
He laid her on the couch. More like dropped her in his haste. When he straightened, she cried out, “No! Stay.”
It wasn’t just the sex or a random physical connection. Emma needed Nick. In ways she wasn’t ready to admit.
“Trust me, I’m not going anywhere.” Shrugging out of his jacket, he tossed it aside. His cowboy hat was next. After that, he finished the job she’d started on his shirt. Peeling it off, he stood before her, wearing a white undershirt.
“Don’t stop there,” she insisted, watching with fascination and delight as he tugged the undershirt from his jeans.
His boots hit the floor with a thud. His socks landed soundlessly. Yanking on his belt, he undid the silver buckle. She smiled as he stepped out of his jeans, his erection evident through the fabric of his navy briefs. Whatever transpired between them, she just knew was going to be good.
“What are you doing?” she asked when he went down on his knees before her.
“Getting you naked.”
She liked the sound of that, and toed off her shoes. “I’ll help.”
Nick had always been fearless and confident in bed, even when they were young and had little experience. In Emma’s case, zero experience. He’d been her first. In more than one way. The first man she’d made love to and the first man she’d fallen in love with. To this day, the only man she’d ever loved.
If her feelings for him weren’t still so strong, she wouldn’t be here now, letting him slide her jeans down her legs. Drawing in a startled breath as he pushed her knees apart.
There would likely be regrets come morning, the worst being that this might only be temporary. She wasn’t dwelling on those now. In fact, her mind emptied of everything save Nick and his fingertips skimming the bare skin of her belly.
She moaned softly and lifted her hips. Taking her cue, he removed the thin wisp of material she dared to call panties, then went perfectly still.
“Cripes, Emma. You’re beautiful.”
The look he gave her went straight to her heart. “Touch me,” she whispered, and arched beneath him, eagerly awaiting his next move.
A slow grin spread across his face. “I’m going to do a lot more than that.”
* * *
THEY LAY TOGETHER on the narrow couch, exhausted and utterly sated. Memories of earlier, similar times returned, but Emma welcomed them rather than resisted them. In this moment, all was right with them. With the entire world. Were she just a little more sure of herself, she’d tell him.
Instead she said, “Mom isn’t coming home tonight,” as her fingers explored the familiar territory of his chest and stomach. “Or Cole.”
“I’m not leaving. You’re stuck with me for the rest of the night.”
“I’m glad. But what if Leonard notices you don’t come home?”
“Pretty unlikely. I don’t live at the ranch. Haven’t for a long while.”
“Oh.” He didn’t? She’d assumed he stayed in the bunkhouse as when they were younger.
“I have my own place just outside of town. Three-bedroom house and small barn on some acreage.”
“Sounds nice. I’d like to see it.”
He pushed up onto his elbow to look at her, their faces inches apart. Despite the lack of light
, she could discern every tiny detail of his attractive features. A small hint of doubt clouded his eyes.
“Are you serious?” he asked.
“Yeah, I am.”
Emma couldn’t be sure of her feelings at that moment. And she wasn’t making any commitments past spending the night with him and seeing where he lived.
“For now, let’s forget about the past and not worry about the future.”
“All right.” He smiled, and his features relaxed.
Emma fell a little more in love with him.
Eventually, they abandoned the couch in favor of the bed. They’d slept together before, but only during stolen moments. As they lay entwined in each other’s arms, on the verge of sleep, happiness bloomed inside Emma. All her constant moving from job to job, place to place, she’d been searching for this. And here it was, the whole time, waiting for her.
* * *
FUNNY HOW QUICKLY one could fall into old habits. While showering together in the morning and getting dressed were new for Emma and Nick, their easy banter, laughing and teasing weren’t. It gave Emma hope. Could this new, tentative relationship of theirs work? Was it too soon to tell?
“We’re already late,” she cautioned when he interrupted her brushing her hair to steal another kiss. “Leonard will definitely notice you’re not at work.”
“After last night’s dinner, I bet he’s sleeping in, too.”
“Mom’s expecting me.”
Emma’s job today, besides picking up her mother at the ranch and bringing her home later, was to oversee the many deliveries. Floral arrangements from Merrick’s Mistletoe Farm. Gowns and tuxes from I Now Pronounce You Wedding Attire. Dishes, stemware and flatware from the caterer. She also needed to meet with the DJ and review the playlist, making sure it included her mother’s favorite song for her and Leonard’s first dance as husband and wife. Emma was already drained just thinking about everything.
Lack of sleep didn’t help. She and Nick had awoken early, but then one thing had led to another. A brush of his lips. A silky caress. Shivers cascading along her skin as his mouth and tongue tasted every inch of her body. Yes, indeed, Nick was a talented lover.
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