by Codi Gary
Blake threw up his hands, addressing Dustin. “See, didn’t I tell you? She’s sick of me shrugging when she asks if I like ivory or white better.”
“No, I just know in four days I’m going to have you all to myself for two whole weeks.” Tonya leaned up and gave her fiancé a long, lingering kiss. Rylie looked away, only to catch Dustin’s gaze. He smiled at her and there was something warm in his blue eyes, something she’d never seen before.
“Have fun, baby,” Blake murmured.
“We will.” Tonya took her by the arm and led her out the door.
* * * *
Hours later, Dustin sat next to Rylie at Bow Ties Italian Restaurant. It was torture to be so close to her and not touch her.
Across from them, Blake and Tonya held hands, kissed, and practiced being as nauseating as possible. He liked them, especially Blake, who he’d always admired… But it just reminded him that he couldn’t have what he wanted.
The past week he’d been her friend, her support system, and her champion, three things he’d never been for any other woman. He had no idea why or how it had happened, but for the first time in his life, he wanted to be a boyfriend. It was weird to even think about that; he’d never experienced envy when he was around couples, but today, as Rylie was leaving with Tonya, he’d wished he had the right to kiss Rylie good-bye.
He knew that Rylie didn’t feel the same way and it completely stumped him. Every woman he’d ever met had wanted more from him, yet the only woman he’d ever thought twice about was perfectly content to just stay friends.
It was maddening.
Their food arrived, and Rylie took a bite of her gnocchi alla vodka and made that little moan he loved. “God, if I could eat anything forever, it would be this.”
“What is that?” Tonya asked.
Rylie waved her fork. “Try it.”
Dustin chuckled as Tonya hesitated. He’d been the same way when Rylie had offered to share food with him.
After a few seconds, Tonya stabbed one of the potato nuggets and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes went wide, and she pointed her fork at Rylie’s plate. “I should have gotten that.”
“Want a bite?” Rylie asked Blake.
“Nah, I’m good.”
Rylie got a generous bite on her fork and turned toward Dustin. “Have you tried it?”
He shook his head and when Rylie held the fork out to him, he closed his lips around the utensil, staring into her eyes as he chewed. The spicy sauce set his mouth on fire and he reached for his wineglass before taking a healthy swallow.
Rylie giggled. “You’re not a fan of spicy?”
“Not in my food.”
Rylie’s cheeks turned red and his lips curved into a smile as he chewed. Did she wonder what kind of spicy he did enjoy?
He sure hoped so.
He caught the look Blake and Tonya shared, and froze. Crap.
The last thing Rylie needed was their clients mentioning to Kelly that they thought there was something going on with Rylie and Dustin. Dating within the company was frowned upon.
“So, Rylie, are you seeing anyone?” Tonya asked.
“Not at the moment.”
“That is crazy. You are so gorgeous.” Tonya focused on Dustin. “Don’t you think?”
“Without a doubt.”
Rylie slyly poked him in the side and he grabbed her wrist, running the pad of his thumb over the inside. She pulled away, but not before he’d felt her tremble.
Tonya took a sip of her water, seemingly oblivious to what had just transpired. “So, why are you single, Rylie?”
“Babe,” Blake said warningly.
“What?” she asked.
Rylie waved her fork at Blake. “No, it’s okay. I broke up with someone a little over a month ago.”
Tonya looked contrite. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. It was a good thing. I do have a new man in my life though.”
“Oh?”
“Yep. His name is Raider and he loves belly rubs,” she joked.
“Okay then,” Tonya said with an awkward laugh.
“She’s talking about her rescue dog,” Dustin said.
“I figured it was a pet,” Tonya said. Rylie pulled out her phone and turned it so Tonya could see the picture. “Oh, what happened to him?”
“Some mean people set him on fire. I still think he’s handsome though.”
“He’s definitely got character. Love his smile.”
“Thank you,” Rylie said, putting her phone away.
Then Tonya addressed him. “How about you, Dustin? Anyone special?”
He debated how to answer and ended up going for honesty. “There is.”
Rylie stiffened next to him and Tonya leaned forward, completely ignoring her dinner. “Really? What’s she like?”
“Special.”
“That’s it?” Tonya asked.
“Tonya…” Blake growled.
She held her hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. You don’t want to talk about her with a total stranger. I get it.”
He could feel Rylie shooting him glances, but he didn’t meet her gaze. It was one thing to want her, but it was another thing to tell her that. Especially when she was still making plans with that Will guy.
They finished the rest of their meal, and by the time the check came, the happy couple was yawning. Dustin grabbed the bill before anyone else could and when they all protested, he waved them off.
“Please, this is a small thing. You two just go back to your suite and relax. We’ll meet you at the winery for breakfast, and take a tour of the grounds.”
“You’re right, he is bossy,” Tonya said to Rylie.
Rylie laughed at his incredulous look.
“You told her that?” he said.
Tonya winked at him. “Oh, she wrote about you a lot in her e-mails.”
Rylie’s whole face turned red and Dustin was suddenly dying to know what was in those emails.
They all walked outside, and said their good nights. Before Rylie could escape, Dustin called out to her. “Can I get a ride back to my car? I came with Blake.”
She nodded as she unlocked her doors. “Of course.”
Dustin got in and when she’d put the key in the ignition, he teased, “You know, I find it a little sexist that you didn’t open my door for me, and yet, I always get it for you.”
“It’s a sexist world, my friend. You could always stop getting my door.”
He put his hands over his heart, as though she’d offended him just by suggesting it. “But I’m a gentleman. It’s engrained.”
“Harrumph.”
The rest of the ride was silent, until Rylie parked next to his car.
“Have fun with your plans.”
Dustin rotated in his seat and watched her expectantly. “Why do you say it like that?”
“Like what?”
“As if I’m not actually doing something now.”
“Oh, I believe you’re doing someone.”
Dustin stared at her for several ticks and then threw back his head, laughing with masculine pride. Rylie was jealous. She thought he was going out with someone else and was pissed about it.
Maybe she wasn’t as okay just being friends as he’d thought.
“Actually, dirty girl, my brother and I are meeting Luke Jessup and some of his friends for a poker night.”
He couldn’t tell if she was blushing, but she looked apologetic. “Oh.”
Dustin reached up to turn on the dome light, and caught the tail end of her embarrassment. “I gotta ask though… Why were you so upset when you thought I was hooking up?”
“I wasn’t.”
He clucked his tongue. “Good little girls shouldn’t tell lies.”
“I’ve got to get home. Raider
is waiting for me.”
Dustin took her hand off the keys and brought her fingers to his lips, kissing them. “I think you miss me.”
“What? I’ve seen you almost every day for three months. How could I miss you?”
“Fine, I think you miss this.”
Dustin caught her by the back of the neck with his other hand and brought her mouth to his. He traced his tongue along the seam of her lips and when they parted with a sweet little sigh, he slid his tongue inside. She tasted of the peppermint candies they’d grabbed as they left the restaurant and he was tempted to press deeper, to completely lose control.
Give her a taste and make her want more.
He pulled away and watched her dazed expression with satisfaction.
“If you get lonely, all you gotta do is text me.”
Without giving her a chance to recover, he got out of the car and shut the door with a thud.
Chapter 22
Rylie stepped out of her car the next day and stared out across Castle Vineyards. The main house sat on top of a hill, and below it were acres of grapevines, stretching across the rolling hills. In front of her were the guest quarters, the main event hall, and the honeymoon suite—big cedar buildings with green roofs. It was beautiful, the perfect rustic setting for an outdoor wedding ceremony.
The sun sparkled across the surface of a large pond, and Rylie tried to imagine growing up in a place like this, surrounded by beauty. With room to run and play. Her dad had let her go to the Sweetheart community park sometimes with friends, but that was nothing compared to this place. Dustin had been so lucky.
Then she remembered the crisscross scars across his back, and took back her opinion. Nothing was ever perfect.
Rylie heard gravel crunching behind her and the sound of an approaching vehicle. She turned to find Dustin pulling up alongside her car in a yellow Jeep. Her whole body hummed thinking about the kiss from last night, and then she remembered she was mad at him. That kiss was unexpected and inappropriate and disturbing.…
And God, she wanted more of it.
When he climbed out, she shifted her glance between them and the shiny new car, then laughed.
“When did you get that?”
“I own it. I usually only drive it in the winter, but it felt like a Jeep kind of day.”
Rylie scoffed. “Must be nice.”
“It is.” He stepped up to her and tapped the end of her nose with his finger. “If you ask me really sweetly, I might let you take it for a spin.”
“I’m always sweet,” she said.
“I remember.”
Rylie’s heart slammed at his deep murmur, and every rational reason for why she was angry with him flew right out of her head as his head dipped. His mouth drew closer and her eyes fluttered closed, waiting…
“There you two are!” Tonya called.
Rylie’s eyes flew open and she jumped away from Dustin. Tonya stood just a few feet away with Moira Kent.
Dustin’s mother.
Oh, God, what if she saw that and got the wrong idea?
What, like maybe I’ve fallen in love with her son?
That thought scared the hell out of her. Falling for him was just asking to have her heart broken. He was so far out of her league in means and experience… There was no way he’d be happy with her long-term, even if by some insane chance the feeling was mutual.
And there was no way Kelly would be happy about two of her employees dating.
“Hey, Tonya. Hello, Mrs. Kent,” Rylie said, praying her voice sounded steady.
Moira was beautiful, with golden blond hair and the same gorgeous blue eyes her son had. Dressed in a powder blue dress and cream pumps, she wore a rope of pearls around her neck that looked very real. She screamed money and sophistication, two things Rylie lacked.
“Good morning,” Moira said, her warm voice at odds with her cool appearance.
“Hey, Mom. Tonya. Have you eaten yet?”
“No, we were waiting for you two. Hello, Rylie. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.” Moira stepped forward and pressed her lips against Rylie’s cheek, surprising her. “You look lovely.”
Rylie ducked her head, intimidated by this incredibly classy woman. She’d put on a simple floral blouse and black pencil skirt. She’d forgone her usual heels in lieu of a pair of comfortable Toms, and standing next to Moira and Tonya, who looked like a million bucks in a yellow maxi dress and strappy white sandals, she was regretting the decision.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“Is Blake inside?” Dustin asked.
“Yeah, he couldn’t wait. He was pretty hungry this morning.”
There was something about Tonya’s smile that told Rylie she was the reason for her soon to be husband’s voracious appetite, and Rylie almost tittered. She liked the fact that Tonya wasn’t stiff and fake like some of the celebrities they handled. She was genuine and nice.
“Well, let’s go join him.” To Rylie’s surprise, Moira linked her arm through hers and walked alongside her up to the lodge. “I must say, I am so excited to see what you and my son have been doing for Tonya’s wedding. She has told me about everything.”
“I really hope she’s as thrilled with the finished products as she is the mock-ups,” Rylie said.
Tonya bumped Rylie’s shoulder. “I’m right here and I know I will be.”
Rylie looked over her shoulder at Dustin, who was walking slowly behind them. He shrugged. “Oh, don’t mind me. I’m just here to smile and look pretty.”
“That’s right, dear,” his mother said, winking at Rylie.
This was not what she’d expected. She’d hardly spoken to Dustin’s mother, besides a passing hello, but she’d always imagined she’d be stuck-up and cold.
How wrong she had been.
They walked into the dining area, and Rylie greeted Blake, who was shoveling a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
“Baby, I swear, sometimes I think you were raised in a barn,” Tonya said, sitting next to him.
Blake oinked at her, and everyone laughed. Moira sat at the head of the table and Dustin pulled out the chair next to her for Rylie.
“Thank you.”
“One thing I can say for my son is I did raise him with halfway decent manners,” Moira said.
“Thanks, Mom.”
Dustin picked up the dishes and served Moira, Tonya, and Rylie. Blake pointed his fork at Dustin. “You’re making me look bad, man.”
“Why don’t you pour the orange juice then?” Dustin said.
Tonya held up her glass. “I’m waiting.”
More laughter before eating became their top priority. Rylie snagged one of the raspberry scones, and took a bite, humming in approval.
“Who made these?”
“I did,” Moira said.
“They are delicious! I’d love to get the recipe. My scones aren’t bad, but these are so much better. They are almost creamy.”
Moira’s smile widened. “Well thank you. It’s a family recipe though. I’m afraid you’d have to become my daughter-in-law in order for me to share my secret.”
Rylie choked on the piece of scone in her mouth. Dustin thumped her on the back and the hunk flew out onto her plate. It was completely mortifying and she refused to look at Dustin.
“Subtle, Mom.”
Moira turned innocent blue eyes past Rylie, and she suddenly knew where Dustin got that I-wasn’t-implying-anything look.
“What? I have four sons and not one of them has gotten married. It’s bad enough that two of them moved away from me, but they don’t even give me the consolation of daughters-in-law and grandchildren.” She shifted her gaze between Tonya and Rylie. “Now, I ask you, girls… Is that fair?”
“Okay—new topic,” Dustin said.
Rylie finally met his gaze and realized
that he was blushing. She’d never seen him do that, and it made her smile.
Sorry, she mouthed.
Dustin shrugged.
“When is the rest of your wedding party showing up?” Rylie asked.
Blake took a long drink of orange juice before answering. “My boys are driving up from L.A. and should be here Friday.”
“And I’m picking up my two cousins and best friend Thursday night from the airport,” Tonya said.
Rylie nodded. “Well, we did what you asked. Tuxes will be ready to be picked up, and the bridesmaids’ dresses are going to be perfect.”
“I’m sure they will be,” Tonya said.
“How do you like working at Something Borrowed, Rylie? I will admit, my son doesn’t talk about it much,” Moira said.
“I love it, Mrs. Kent. I love the details and the dresses. And someday I want to open my own bakery and hopefully bake all the cakes for Something Borrowed’s weddings. I’m basically banking my entire future on the success of it, and I would do anything to help it continue.”
Abruptly, Dustin stood, looking a little pale. “Would you all excuse me a moment?”
He left the dining hall at a rapid pace, and Rylie watched him with her mouth hanging open.
What did I say?
* * * *
“Yeah, I know what I said, but you’re just going to have to tell them I backed out.”
Dustin had walked out below one of his favorite oak trees to make the call to his literary agent in New York. David Brown was a bulldog, and Dustin had liked that about him when they’d first met.
Now? Not so much.
“You want me to pull a book that we’ve been offered seven figures for? Are you crazy?”
Dustin scrubbed his hand over his face. He could understand David’s frustration. When he’d first pitched him the book about a bridal party for hire business that catered to the stars, he’d been intrigued, but when Dustin had pitched it as an exposé, David couldn’t send off the proposal fast enough. That had been fine when he hadn’t really known Kelly, or Marley.…
Then Rylie had happened.
And even though he wasn’t taking any money for being a professional groomsman, violating the confidentiality clause would ruin Something Borrowed. Rylie deserved to have her bakery, Marley deserved to have her wedding venue and Kelly, well, she had gone from being a shop girl in a bridal boutique to having her own company. It had hit him like a ton of bricks that if he did this, he would be ruining their lives, and Rylie would never forgive him.