From Your Heart

by Shannyn Schroeder

  When she stared at the glass, he said, “I’m designated everything tonight. No way will Jimmy relax if no one is sober to keep people safe. I have to make sure no one fights, falls overboard, or drives home drunk.”

  Kathy had never thought about how sexy responsibility was, but Kevin had certainly introduced the idea. He guzzled his water, slammed the glass back on the bar, and said, “I gotta go. Time for entertainment. You coming?”

  “Nah. Not my idea of entertainment, but thanks for asking. You go have fun. I think I’m going to go for a walk out on deck. Tell Moira to text me if she needs anything.”

  Kevin made a quick announcement to the partygoers and then led a large group to a private room. From where she stood at the bar, she could see Jimmy grumbling and giving Kevin dirty looks. Moira, on the other hand, threatened that if there was nothing for her to enjoy, he was in trouble. Jimmy grabbed her ass and whispered something in her ear that made her pale skin go red.

  Although the crowd around the bar and on the dance floor had thinned, there were still a lot of people. Kathy needed a break from all of them. The cruise would be over soon. They’d already taken their turn to circle back, so she wanted to go outside to enjoy the fresh air and the view of the city from the lake.

  She walked out and leaned into the rail, closing her eyes and raising her face to the wind off the lake. When she reopened her eyes, she looked up at the moon and sighed.

  “Couldn’t imagine a more beautiful sight.”

  She spun at Kevin’s voice. “I thought you were doing the entertainment.” She cringed. “That sounded bad, but you know what I meant.”

  “I had to get the entertainment started, but a moonlight walk alone with you sounded much more appealing.”

  She licked her lips. For as much as she’d thought she wanted to be alone, she liked the idea of being with him. “There’s not far to walk.”

  “We can do a circuit or two of the deck.” He reached for her hand, and they walked in silence toward the back of the boat.

  When they got there, they were alone in the shadows, the only sound the sloshing of the water against the boat. The scene was perfectly romantic, and Kathy’s heart thundered in her ears.

  “Heart and mind still at odds?”

  “More than ever.”

  “I know I said I’d give you time, but I’m an impatient man. So unless you tell me not to, I’m going to kiss you now.” He released her hand and moved it to her cheek, using his thumb to tilt her chin upward. Staring into her eyes, he waited a beat, cocking one eyebrow in question.

  She should stop him, but she wanted to feel his mouth on hers, so she said nothing.

  He moved in slowly, using his other hand to shift her body and pull her flush against him. He kept his eyes open and on hers as his lips met hers softly, a gentle stroke. He parted his lips, and she felt his breath whisper across her mouth before their lips reconnected.

  Kathy wrapped her arms around his back, anchoring him to her, as she closed her eyes and angled her head, inviting more from him.

  He took the cue and stroked his tongue into her mouth, a quick sweep that left her seeking more. She darted her tongue out to meet his, so he would feel how much she wanted this. And for long moments then, the gentle sway of the ship rocked their bodies together. Pressed together, they became reacquainted, sharing breath, sighs, and moans.

  They were so close, Kathy couldn’t feel where she ended and he began. Yet Kevin’s hands hadn’t moved other than to stroke her cheek, her neck, tug at her hair. The hand at her hip did nothing more than flex and hold her.

  The kiss spoke of intimacy they no longer had, but there was comfort mixed with the desire.

  When he finally pulled away, a chill ran through her. She attributed it to the cool breeze and not the absence of his warm mouth on hers. Leaning his forehead against hers, he breathed slowly. She opened her eyes to find him staring again.

  “Wow,” he whispered.

  “I remember you being really good at that. Glad to see that hasn’t changed.”

  “You’re fucking amazing. I’m harder from one kiss with you than I would’ve been watching three strippers get it on.”

  She halfheartedly rolled her eyes.

  “I’m serious.” To prove his point he yanked her body close, grinding her hips to his.

  There was no mistaking the hard ridge prodding her. As if she hadn’t already been turned on enough. The feel of him being hard for her made her want more. Her body thrust even closer to him and he groaned. His fingers gripped her hips hard enough to leave fingerprints.

  She moaned and lifted her mouth to his again, but he stepped back.

  “I can’t do what I want to do. Certainly not here. And not until you’ve decided to take a chance on me.” His hand found hers again and linked his fingers in hers. “Just know I want this.”

  Her body screamed at her to do this. Tell him yes and go back to his apartment with him, but her mind prevailed and she inhaled slowly, filling her lungs with lake air.

  “I think we should tour the other side of the deck now before I have to go back to the party and embarrass myself,” he said.

  A laugh bubbled up and Kathy’s whole body shook.

  “I don’t think it’s that funny.”

  “It’s only fair that you suffer a little too. My mind has been dancing in circles tormenting me for over a week.”

  “I can handle a little discomfort as long as I know you’ve been thinking about me.”

  She nudged him with her shoulder as they turned the corner and headed back to the party. “Always making it about yourself.”

  “Uh-uh. This discomfort is all about you.”

  Kathy found herself laughing yet again as they rejoined the party and all of their guests. The boat was getting ready to dock and Kathy was sad to know the evening was coming to an end. Even though this still wasn’t a date with Kevin, she felt closer to him. Like maybe she should give him a chance. It wasn’t like they were getting married. They could date and see how it went.

  For the first time in days, she felt optimistic about her life. Kevin stepped away to say good-bye and get people safe rides home if necessary. They had a week until the wedding. She could use these days to cool off and make sure her decision was not solely a lust-fueled one, but that she really wanted to date Kevin.

  Her heart and mind settled.

  Her body, on the other hand, rioted.

  Chapter Eight

  Kathy’s week blew by in a blur. Between a couple of big orders that came in and getting ready for Moira’s wedding, which included talking her friend down from the ledge a few times, Kathy hadn’t had time to breathe much less talk to Kevin.

  After the haze of lust faded, she still wanted to give him the chance he sought. They’d sent a few texts throughout the week. He’d flirted incessantly with her, but she wasn’t going to tell him via text that she wanted to go out with him. That was definitely a face-to-face conversation. Mostly because it might not stop at talking, and she was looking forward to that.

  But today was the day—not only for Moira and Jimmy’s wedding, but also for Kathy and Kevin to figure things out. Moira and Jimmy had made it to the church on time and everything ran as smoothly as possible for a long Catholic church wedding—mass included to make Mrs. O’Leary happy.

  They made it through the wedding ceremony, and Kathy only needed to dry her eyes a couple of times. When she walked down the aisle of the church to leave with Kevin at her side, she smiled at him as she looped her arm through his. “You did a very good job as best man.”

  “Easiest job I ever had.”

  “Jimmy wasn’t nervous?”

  “Nothing rattles him. He doesn’t make a move until he’s sure about what he wants. He never had any doubt. Not about Moira.”

  At the back of the church, they were separated again to line up and take more pictures. Kathy’s face ached from all of the smiling. And they’d been genuine smiles because Kevin kept everyone laughing with
stories about his brothers.

  By the time they made it to the reception hall, the entire wedding party wanted a drink. Moira, or more likely, her older brother Ryan, thought ahead and made sure the bar was open early. Bottles of beer and glasses of wine were set out waiting for them. Moira and Jimmy thanked them all for being part of their wedding. They had a brief break, enough to finish their drinks, before it was back to work for Kathy. She stood beside Moira and collected gifts and cards while her friend greeted her guests.

  Kathy’s stomach grumbled and when they finally lined up for the introductions before dinner, all she could think about was food. She and Kevin strolled in together and he held her chair at the head table. When she sat, he lowered his mouth to her ear and said, “In case I haven’t told you, you are absolutely stunning in that dress.”

  She’d been lucky that Moira hadn’t been a bridezilla. The bridesmaids’ dresses were beautiful short, strapless numbers that looked good on all of them. Unlike so many bridesmaids’ dresses, this one could be worn again to a fancy cocktail party—like the ones Kevin went to. Smoothing her hand over the dark blue satin, she said, “Thank you. You look pretty good in a tux.”

  He sat beside her and food was served. She didn’t taste a darn thing because Kevin kept giving her heated looks. When servers came to remove their plates, Kevin leaned close and said, “I can’t think about anything but kissing you again.”

  “As tempting as that is, you better get your head on straight. Don’t you have to make a toast?”

  “Damn it.” He turned and clinked his fork against his water glass and stood. Everyone quieted. He cleared his throat, and Moira stiffened. Kathy reached over and patted her friend’s hand.

  “As best man, I’m expected to make this special toast. I know Moira assumes I’ll say something to embarrass her.” He paused. “And I probably could, but I won’t. Moira and I have known each other since first grade. We spent more years in the same homeroom than not, and since teachers prefer alphabetical seating charts, I spent my childhood looking at the back of her head.”

  A few people chuckled.

  “Moira was the bane of my existence. She was always smarter, definitely prettier, and she wouldn’t give me the time of day. She thinks I tormented her because I hated her, but the truth is, I bugged her because I liked her and I could never beat her. It drove me crazy.” He turned to Jimmy. “And now, she gets to drive you crazy.”

  More people laughed.

  Kevin tucked a hand into his pocket before continuing. His face was serious. “Most of you know that the O’Malleys had a tough time. Our mom died when we were all young. My dad was a cop and worked crazy hours. At ten years old, Jimmy managed to hold our family together. He took care of us, taught us everything we needed to know, and kept us mostly in line. Part of that he enjoyed because he’s a bossy control freak.”

  The O’Malley siblings all laughed, but Kathy didn’t. Kevin threw in the line to be a smart-ass, but she’d never seen him so serious.

  “But no ten-year-old should’ve had to carry that weight. And Lord knows, we didn’t make it easy for you. There is no way for us to ever thank you enough or repay you. I’m glad you found Moira. No one deserves happiness more than you.”

  He choked a little on those last words, and Kathy’s eyes filled. If she hadn’t already decided to give him another chance, that speech would’ve done it. She’d never heard anyone speak so clearly from the heart.

  Jimmy stood and pulled him into a tight hug, thumping him on the back. They exchanged words too quiet for anyone to hear.

  When Jimmy stepped back, Kevin brought the microphone back to his mouth. “Moira, baby, welcome to the family.”

  The crowd erupted in cheers and Moira stood to hug him. He whispered something to her too, and she looked up at him with a huge smile. With his arm still around her shoulders, into the microphone, he said, “All I had to do to finally get a hug was give a speech. Who knew?”

  When he sat, he handed Kathy the microphone. “You better go now before any of the rest of the family grabs it. You’ll never get a chance then.”

  She took it and stood. “Whew. I knew I should’ve gone first. Tough act to follow.” She licked her lips. She’d prepared a speech, but it seemed too simple and generic now. So taking Kevin’s lead, she spoke from her heart.

  “Moira and I met in college. She was my first friend.” Kathy paused. “Not my first college friend, my first real friend. She’s more of a sister than a pal. She taught me about living and taking chances. And in all honesty, I thought she was crazy for liking Jimmy. He’s bossy, and she doesn’t like to be told what to do. The man barely speaks, and Moira loves to talk.”

  “That’s why they’re a match made in heaven,” Kevin announced. The crowd laughed.

  “I never held much stock in fairy-tale endings, but seeing Jimmy and Moira together is magical. Moira taught me that true love is possible.” Kathy picked up her glass and held it high. “To a long and happy life together.”

  She took a sip and set the microphone down so she could give Moira a hug. While in her arms, Kathy said, “I told you you could trust Kevin.”

  “Yeah, yeah. The night’s still young.”

  But when she pulled back, Moira was smiling.

  After Kathy sat, Moira’s brother Ryan took the microphone. Kathy was just relieved to be done with her speech.

  Kevin leaned close and although Kathy tried to pay attention to Ryan’s words, Kevin’s nearness distracted her.

  “You don’t believe in happy endings?”

  Tilting her chin toward the bride and groom, she said, “They make me believe it exists. For everyone? That I’m not so sure about.”

  “I never pegged you as a pessimist. You’re a florist. It’s your job to sell happiness.”

  That was exactly why she’d become a florist. Flowers made people happy. “Yeah, I sell it. It doesn’t just happen because you want it to.”

  “Hmmm. That’s a sad view on life.”

  She angled her head and looked into his eyes. “My view seems to be evolving.”

  He reached over to her lap and took her hand. Then they both returned their attention to the speeches.

  * * *

  Kevin tapped his foot impatiently as the DJ started the first song for Jimmy and Moira to dance. At the halfway point, the rest of the wedding party was supposed to join in. That’s why he was impatient. Other than holding Kathy’s hand during the speeches—for once he was grateful for long-winded people—he’d had no reason to touch Kathy. It had been torture sitting beside her in that dress, her hair down over bare shoulders, makeup done perfectly.

  But now, she would be in his arms for at least a couple of minutes. If he played it right, he’d talk her into another dance. Their duties as best man and maid of honor were mostly done at this point. There was still the bouquet and garter thing, but they were otherwise free to enjoy their night.

  And Kevin wanted to enjoy every possible moment with Kathy.

  “The bride and groom would like the bridal party to join them now,” the DJ announced.

  Kathy was standing at his side, so he took her hand and walked her out onto the floor. He kept his hands in respectable places, one held hers, and the other rested on her hip. She curled her arm around him and brought her chin near his shoulder.

  “I’ve been looking forward to this.”

  His feet stumbled. “You have?”

  She nodded. “I’m done thinking. I wanted to talk to you, but I thought it should be in person.”

  Kevin tried to play it cool. A million thoughts scattered through his head, but his stomach filled with dread. If her answer was no, she would’ve sent it in a text, right? Then again, she might’ve been worried that if she shot him down before the wedding he’d do something to piss off Moira.

  “My answer is yes.”

  “Yes? As in you’ll give me another chance?”

  Another soft nod against his shoulder.

  “It was the spe
ech, right? I wore you down with my fabulous best man speech.”

  “In all honesty, if I hadn’t already decided, the speech would’ve sealed it. Instead, it was icing on the cake. It was a damn good speech. But my decision was based on everything. The way you’ve approached the entire situation, the way you talk to me, the fabulous kiss last week. I never really had a chance, you know.”

  “Yeah, I do.” He slid his hand across her lower back and pulled her closer. “This is turning out to be a better night than I’d hoped.”

  He held her through the rest of the song and instead of talking her into another, he pulled her off the dance floor. She’d agreed to give him another chance, and he wanted it to start now.

  “Where are we going?”

  “To grab a couple of drinks and then find a quiet spot.” He didn’t really have a plan, but he knew he wanted to have her to himself. At the bar, he asked, “Wine?”

  “Cosmo, please.” She still gave him a puzzled look.

  He ordered, stuffed a five into the tip jar, and handed her the glass. Still holding Kathy’s hand as if she might run away, he led them around the perimeter of the banquet hall. He looked in the lobby where there were a few people milling around, but there was an unoccupied bench tucked in the corner near the bathrooms. Not the most romantic setting, but they’d be alone.

  When they sat, he said, “To a fresh start.” He clinked his bottle against her drink.

  They both drank. Then she asked, “Why did you drag me out here?”

  “I wanted be alone with you. You just gave me the best news I’ve had all week. Maybe all year.”

  “It’s probably a good thing that we talk. I’ve never been in this kind of situation before.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The whole second chance scenario.” She waved a hand between them. “Usually when something’s over, it’s over. I never consider looking back. I don’t know how we’re supposed to proceed.”

  He lifted a shoulder. He didn’t have a fucking clue if there were rules or guidelines for this. “Why would it be any different than starting a new relationship?”