The Organized Bride (Billionaire Marriage Brokers Book 2)

by McConnell, Lucy

  Gabe pressed his fingers to her lips and she stuttered to a stop. “MaKayla, you can’t play with my heart. I love you. We are married in so many parts of our lives and we are good together. I know we’ll be good together in other ways, too.” He gave her that wicked little smile, and her knees almost gave out. Oh, heavens, how she wanted to see how good they could be. “But I don’t want this unless you love me.”

  Placing her hands on his cheeks, MaKayla kissed him softly and slowly. He didn’t press for more or deepen the kiss; he let her take her time, and with that one act of unselfish love, where he put his desire aside so that she could determine her heart, she knew that he would never let her lose herself, even in him.

  “I love you,” she said against his lips.

  This time her knees did go out when he kissed her.

  Chapter 20

  MaKayla handed Gabe the microphone and the starter gun. He looked more than good in his loose-fitting running shorts and tight black shirt. Memories of their kisses the night before made her blush as she said, “You should start the race.”

  Gabe slid his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. Though she wore running pants, her favorite baby blue top, and a zip-up jacket, she shivered with the thrill of being in his arms. “Why don’t we do it together?” He gave her a quick kiss and then let her go so he could flip the switch on the bottom of the mic. “Hello, racers!”

  The massive group of runners turned toward the stage as the speakers hummed to life and Gabe’s voice broadcasted over the park. MaKayla tried to step back to give him center stage, but he tucked the starter gun in his pocket and grabbed her hand.

  “I’d like to thank everyone who helped organize this event, starting with my wife, MaKayla.”

  To her horror, Gabe raised her hand in the air as the crowed clapped. Her grip tightened with nerves and he gave her a mischievous smile. “She’s worked tirelessly to bring this all together and I’m thankful for her efforts.

  “I’d also like to thank her staff.” He nodded in the direction of the sign-in tables. “As well as the many volunteers, some who have been here every year and helped to make sure none of you get lost.”

  There was a chuckle from the crowd.

  “Most of all, I’d like to thank you for taking time on your holiday to help the children who have been abused or neglected. Your race fees go toward providing education, safe homes, counseling services, and much more. With the sponsorship program, we’ve reached our goal of sixty thousand dollars and will be able to open the new location. I am truly grateful for your willingness to give.” He dropped MaKayla’s hand and pulled the starter gun from his pocket. “On your mark!”

  The crowed tensed and MaKayla could feel the pre-race adrenaline coursing through them. She’d tied her timer to her shoelace so she could run, but since she was on the small stage they’d brought in, it wasn’t like she could just jump into the crowd without hurting someone. Still, she leaned forward with the rest of them.

  “Get set!”

  Gabe fired the gun and the mass of bodies took off. MaKayla recognized a few of the faces that she’d seen at other runs, and she waved as they went by. Brooke was still a ways back in the group. At tagged races, they preferred to hang back at the start, so they could pick their pace and not be forced to run with the herd.

  Gabe put his arm around her again. “You’re dying to get out there, aren’t you?”

  MaKayla looked at the finish line and just beyond that to the reception tables where orange slices, cut bananas, and bottles of water awaited the runners. The volunteers were lined up at their stations, even though they had a good fifteen minutes before the first 5k runners made it back. Even Sharon was happily chatting with a group at her table, where those who wanted to enter the drawing could put their name in the jar. After the timed awards ceremony, she would draw the winners.

  MaKayla calculated that she had at least forty minutes of free time, and she was hoping to run the 5k in half that. She tapped her phone strapped to her arm. “If you need me, call me. I’ll cut through a neighborhood and be here within five minutes.”

  Gabe laughed as he pushed her toward the stairs. “Go.”

  She blew him a kiss, just as Brooke got to the starting line and as David arrived at the bottom of the stairs.

  “Are you ready?” Brooke asked.

  MaKayla eyed up David. “You sure you don’t want to run?”

  David smirked. “Not after the last run she took me on.”

  Brooke rolled her eyes. “Baby.”

  MaKayla sprinted forward. “Hey, Brooke, try to keep up, okay?”

  Brooke yelled, “Hey!” and ran after her. She didn’t let them get very far before saying, “You are such a cheater. I waited for hours for you to call me back last night and now I’m exhausted. That’s no way to win a race.”

  MaKayla’s cheeks flushed, and she hoped it just looked like she was running hard. “Don’t worry, I didn’t get much sleep either.”

  “What?” Brooke yelled loud enough that several runners around them stared.

  “I can still outrun you though.” MaKayla put on a burst of speed and started her intervals. Brooke tended to run at the same clip for the entire race, and Steve said MaKayla would have a better shot at beating her if she learned to run with bursts of speed sprinkled throughout her race. As she passed a couple in matching lime green running suits, she hoped it would work.

  This thing between her and Gabe was still precious, and she wanted to guard it—not to keep it secret, but to acknowledge the sacred feeling that they’d joined their souls together. She’d never imagined that surrendering could make her feel stronger; it didn’t diminish who she was, but magnified every good part of her and gave her the desire to improve at the same time.

  Her phone beeped, signaling that it was time to slow down, but she didn’t need to. She was running high on Gabe and had a feeling this was going to be a record finish.

  Chapter 21

  Gabe and David watched until MaKayla and Brooke turned the corner and disappeared from view.

  “Fifty bucks Brooke comes in first.” David held out his hand.

  Gabe lifted an eyebrow. He didn’t know about Brooke, but MaKayla had more energy than any woman he’d ever known, plus she was determined and driven.

  “You’re on.” They shook on the bet.

  “Let’s get to the finish line; I’ll need my money if I’m going to take Brooke out tomorrow night.”

  Gabe shook his head. David made good money, lived in a studio apartment, dressed professionally but not flashy, and drove a clunker. He either had a huge savings account or gambled it away online, which Gabe doubted. The guy talked big, but he was from a small town in Idaho and grew up herding sheep and riding horses. His dad would have killed him if he ever scratched felt. David wouldn’t do anything to disappoint his father. It was all that rolled up into a ball, and the cocky look in David’s eye, that made it easy for Gabe to take his money.

  “Do you want to double that bet and we can double-date—loser buys dinner?”

  David went red. “Shoot, I wasn’t supposed to make a big deal out of me and Brooke dating.”

  “What? Why?”

  “I don’t know, she was weird about it. She said something about how you and MaKayla might not last long, and she didn’t want us to get tangled up in your marriage.”

  Gabe harrumphed. He knew he’d need to come clean with David and soon, but first he and MaKayla needed to talk a few things out. They’d overslept this morning and barely made it out the door in time. He didn’t even shave. After the race, they had a big Thanksgiving dinner planned and MaKayla was going to be too busy with last-minute preparations to talk. Thank goodness she’d hired a caterer—he’d been the one to wake them up this morning. Maybe it would be better if they put off hanging out with David and Brooke for another week.

  Just as he was about to suggest they talk to the girls before making plans, Natasha jogged over, wearing workout clothes that mu
st have come from a lingerie store, and threw her arms around his neck. How was she not freezing?

  “Gabe!”

  Gabe wrapped his arms around her to stop them both from tumbling to the ground. Natasha planted a kiss on his cheek before leaning back. “I’ve missed you,” she said breathlessly.

  Gabe cringed, put his hands on her hips, and tried to push her away.

  She relented a little, but kept her arms around him as she pouted out her bottom lip. “Haven’t you missed me?”

  Gabe threw David a look that screamed help, but David put both hands in the air and took a step back. So much for friendship. “Natasha …” Gabe began, but before he got to say much more Natasha dropped her hands to her hips.

  “Are you really married?”

  Gabe sighed with relief. “Yes.” The first racers made it across the finish line to cheers of an enthusiastic crowd. Gabe tried to turn his attention to them, but Natasha wouldn’t have it and she pulled at his arm.

  Flipping her hair over her shoulder, Natasha said, “We were so happy together; what happened to us?”

  Gabe shrugged. “We grew apart. It happens.”

  “No, you changed.” She slid her hand up his chest and around his neck. “But it’s okay because I’m still the same me, Gabe, the same girl you fell in love with. Why don’t we try again?”

  “I’m married.”

  “To whom? I’ve known you for five years—you couldn’t have known her for long.”

  Gabe swallowed. The last thing he needed was for Natasha to find out about his impromptu wedding. It would be in the press right along with the Black Friday deals. “I haven’t known her long, but it’s long enough to know that I love her.”

  Natasha pouted again. “More than you loved me?”

  Oh man, how does a guy answer something like that without setting off a set of tantrums in a girl like Natasha?

  More and more racers streamed across the finish line, and there was a huge crowd gathering. He didn’t want to ruin all of MaKayla’s hard work by setting Natasha off and creating a scene. He needed to keep her quiet. She was such a drama queen and would love the chance to burst into tears in front of the hundreds of people milling about and make him look like an idiot. Keep her happy and get rid of her, both easier said than done.

  Turning his back to the finish line, Gabe said, “You’re right: you have’t changed a bit and I can honestly say MaKayla doesn’t compare to you in any way.”

  There was a gasp behind Gabe and he turned in time to see MaKayla’s stricken face, flushed from her run, before she turned and sprinted toward the water station. He went to go after her, but Natasha’s arm around his neck stopped him.

  “Let her go, sweetheart.”

  Gabe saw MaKayla glance back at him and then put on a big smile and hand a dripping water bottle to the older man in front of her. Her ability to maintain her poise when she was obviously distraught was just one more reason he loved her.

  “No.” Gabe forcibly pulled Natasha’s hands out from around his neck. She could cry, scream, rant, rave, and even hit him if she wanted, but he needed to get to MaKayla right now and explain himself. “Natasha, it’s over. We’re done.”

  “Sweetie, we could—”

  “No, Natasha. My answer will always be no.”

  By now, runners were everywhere. As Gabe tried to make his way to the water station, he was constantly jostled and had to stop for more than one stroller to cross his path. Judging by the smiles on people’s faces, the event was a success, but he felt like the ground was falling out from underneath him. The longer it took him to find MaKayla, the worse he felt. When he finally stepped into the recovery station, MaKayla was nowhere to be found.

  He went to the sign-up table for the drawing, but it was empty; not even the basket of names was there. The speakers boomed to life and Sharon’s voice filled the park. “We’re about to start the awards ceremony, if you’d like to gather around.”

  Making a beeline for the ceremony, Gabe was sure he’d find MaKayla handing out prizes to the winners. He breathed a sigh of relief as he came up alongside her on the stage. He tried to slip his hand into hers, but she transferred half the medals to that hand, kept her smile on her face, and refused to look at him.

  “MaKayla, please listen.”

  She shook her head slightly as she untangled the ribbons and handed the bronze medallion to Susan. “This isn’t the place,” she said through her teeth.

  Gabe sighed, but this time it was in resignation. She was right. There was just so much to say, and the longer it went unsaid, the more likely it was to cause a major problem between them.

  She handed the silver medallion to Sharon, who placed it around the winner’s neck. The crowd clapped.

  “We’ll talk on the ride home.”

  “I’m riding home with Brooke. She’s going to go with me to pick up a few last-minute things for dinner.”

  Handing the gold medallion to Sharon, MaKayla made her way off the opposite side of the stage. Gabe went to follow her again, but this time he was stopped by Sharon who shoved a huge basket full of names into his arms and told him to start picking winners. MaKayla disappeared into the crowed, talking on her cell phone, and Gabe’s heart dropped to his shoes.

  Chapter 22

  MaKayla finished up with the vendors, handing out checks and making sure they didn’t need anything more from her before she left. As long as she focused on her to-do list, her heart kept beating and the wave of hurt stayed back far enough that she could think and move and function. The longer she kept it at bay, the bigger it grew. There would be a tsunami of tears later, much later. She didn’t want to break down in front of Gabe, didn’t want him to know how badly he’d hurt her.

  She felt like such a fool allowing herself to fall in love with him, to trust him enough to let go of everything. She thought they’d shared something exceptional. And when he’d kissed her good night at her bedroom door, she’d felt cherished.

  In the light of day, he’d jumped back into Natasha’s arms the minute she’d pranced by in her barely-there sports bra. What a fool she’d been to fall for a man’s pretty words and steamy kisses.

  Once the vendors were all good to go, she went to find Brooke at her car.

  “Hey, thanks for giving me a ride.”

  “No problem. We just have to wait a minute for David.”

  MaKayla pulled the passenger door open and dropped into the seat, sinking as low as she could. Her phone rang and she checked it, hoping it was a vendor and not Gabe. It was Gabe. She sent it to voicemail and immediately got a text from him.

  I’m ready to go, can I drive you?

  MaKayla ignored that as well. He had a car and he could get home anytime he wanted. Home. She dropped her head in her hands and groaned. How could she go back there?

  David climbed in the back seat and Brooke slid behind the wheel. MaKayla needed to gain some perspective. Gabe had said he loved her and she wanted to believe him. But it was more than that: he’d shown her countless times how much he cared. So why would he hold Natasha like that? She wanted to ask him, but she was afraid she’d break down.

  The atmosphere in the car was heavy with her thoughts when Brooke asked, “You’re not going to rub it in that you won?”

  “Hmm?” MaKayla turned away from the window.

  “What’s up with you?”

  MaKayla glanced back and forth between Brooke and David. David! She turned so she could see him better and said, “All right, spill it. What’s up with Gabe and Natasha?” Yuck, saying their names together like that made her want to spit.

  David shrugged. “Nothing.”

  “Why was she here?”

  “I guess to run the race.”

  “Why was she, why were they …?”

  Her voice bordered on hysteria and the panic behind her words must have hit David. He was a quick study, and it took less than a blink for him to register what was going on.

  David cursed and grabbed the back of Bro
oke’s seat to lean forward. “Look, I was there when she threw herself at him, literally.” He ran his hands through his hair. “I should have stuck around, but she can cause so much drama I didn’t want to be near her.”

  “It looked like Gabe wanted to be near her.”

  “Trust me, Gabe wants nothing to do with her.”

  MaKayla studied her hands in her lap. “He said I didn’t compare to her in any way.”

  Brooke gasped. “He did not!” David laughed and Brooke tried to hit him around her seat. “That’s rude!”

  “If Gabe said you don’t compare to Natasha, it’s a compliment.”

  MaKayla’s heart leapt. “It is?”

  “Natasha’s a leech. If you knew half the crap she put Gabe through …” He settled back in his chair. “The girl is bat-crap crazy, and Gabe knows it.”

  He gave them a quick overview of Natasha’s thievery. With every word, MaKayla pieced together the puzzle she’d been trying to assemble since Natasha’s name first came up. The final image before her was of a man who not only was worth loving, but needed someone stable and trustworthy in his life. MaKayla wanted to be that someone.

  Brooke gave David a smile in the rearview mirror. “Where did you need to stop?” she asked MaKayla.

  “Can you just take me home?”

  “But I thought you needed to go to a store or something.”

  MaKayla shook her head. “I need to get home.”

  Chapter 23

  Gabe hovered on the front porch, unsure if he wanted to step into the empty house or not. He didn’t want to go in if MaKayla wasn’t going to be there, but he needed to get ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Since all of his shaving supplies and clothes were in the house, he’d eventually have to enter, but still he hesitated.

  He had spent the majority of the day tracking down the owner of the flower preservation shop, and then he’d spent a small fortune to get him to retrieve the bouquet from his closed store. It would be worth it, though, if the flowers would get MaKayla to talk to him.