* * * *
Grace turned and glanced back once the door closed behind her. She could see Abigail staring after her. When her co-workers had gone to see Mrs. Montgomery, they'd all come back saying how accurate she'd been and several of the futures she'd predicted had been dead on. Of course she only used Tarot cards. Surely there was a margin for error, but somehow, Grace didn't think there'd been a mistake.
Something had been weighing heavily upon her lately. She'd been feeling restless and dissatisfied. Now that she knew the reason, she would have to make sure the rest of her days made up for living such a short life. First thing she would have to do would be to get Ada and Cybil in to see the gypsy woman. She wanted to know her friends would be well taken care of before she left this plane of existence.
* * * *
Grace sniffled and tried not to cry as Cybil walked up the aisle. As maid of honor, she needed to try and keep her wits about her. Instead, she found her gaze drawn to tall, dark sin. Josh's best man was so gorgeous she could barely focus on the wedding. If he had made it to the rehearsal yesterday afternoon, she would have at least been prepared for this siege on her senses, but no, he'd worked and now here she stood, in front of all of Cybil and Josh's family and friends, drooling like a babe.
Cybil had warned her Josh's friend and best man was strange and sad. How did she miss warning me how drop dead sexy he is? Perhaps Cybil was immune to brooding men with long, thick, black hair and eyes as endless and deep as the ocean, but she wasn't.
Josh moved and Grace looked back down the aisle. With a start, she realized Cybil had reached them. Oh Goddess, she'd almost daydreamed through the beginning of the ceremony. Grace accepted Cybil's bouquet and then turned to face the minister. Now she needed to focus on Pastor Trip instead of that gorgeous piece of male flesh named Dylan.
Even thinking his name sent shivers up her spine. And that wicked mouth of his. When he'd smiled at her earlier, Grace thought she'd cream in her panties. If he was even remotely interested in her, there was no way in hell she'd pass up the opportunity to rock his world.
The tuxedo was obviously his and not a rental because it fit like a glove and was well tailored. Other than his name, Cybil really hadn't said much about him and Josh had never mentioned him before. Does he have a girlfriend? Oh Goddess, he isn't gay, is he?
"Grace.” Cybil nudged her.
"Huh?” Grace blushed when she saw the minister, Josh, Dylan, and the others staring at her. “Ring?"
Cybil grinned as Grace pulled out the ring and handed it to her.
As the color on her face deepened, she heard Dylan chuckle. Oh, great. Does he think I'm a freak? Who'd blame him? Snagged daydreaming at her best friend's wedding. Grace sighed and turned to watch as Cybil made her vows and slid the ring on Josh's finger. When Josh did the same, she studied Dylan. His gaze was steady on the bride and groom, but as if he sensed her attention, he looked up. Their eyes met and held. Just like in the fairy tales, all the noise in the room faded as it suddenly felt as if it was just the two of them alone.
A man will be either your salvation or your destruction. As the fortune teller's words replayed in her mind, Grace wondered which one Dylan would be, because if she had anything to do with it, he was going home with her tonight.
Dylan's mouth curved in a sensual grin as if he read her thoughts. When he winked at her, the desire that had been smoldering in her belly spread through her like wildfire. Every nerve seemed alive and tingling and she swore she could feel a feather-light touch caress the nape of her neck.
Fighting back a moan, and trying desperately not to jump on Dylan during Cybil's wedding and handfasting ceremony, Grace looked away.
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur as the pastor spoke some more before pronouncing them husband and wife. The handfasting was something Cybil had agreed to for Josh's sake, but Grace had missed it when she'd been daydreaming. With a curse, she pasted a grin on her face and followed Cybil and Josh out of the church. At least now she could put some moves on Dylan.
The photographer snapped photographs in every conceivable position, but Dylan had disappeared after only a few pictures. Where had he gone and why?
By the time they were finished with pictures, it was time to climb in the limo and drive to the hotel for the dinner. The Dance! I get to dance with him. If he hasn't vanished completely. Grace bit back a moan as images of his body against hers made her wet. Who'd have thought I, of all people, would fall in lust at first sight? Well she did, and since she was going to die soon, she was going to live every day to the fullest. She'd start tonight with Dylan the devastatingly handsome.
As she climbed into the limo, Grace noticed Dylan was already inside. He had his face turned to the far side and was on his cell phone.
"I said to take care of it ... I am indisposed tonight. I gave you an order and I expect it to be carried out ... Ramirez, I expect your assignment to be completed by the time I get home tonight."
Grace climbed inside the car and slid onto the seat next to him while Cybil and Josh got in last. The driver shut the door, leaving them in the semi-darkness. Dylan was on the phone, and Cybil and Josh stared at each other like they were already alone. Between the anticipation and sexual tension radiating off the newlyweds, Grace was already strung tight as a bow by the time Dylan's thigh bumped hers as he turned to face them.
"Grace, this is Dylan, my best man and my best friend,” Josh said.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Grace.” Dylan offered his hand.
Grace met his eyes and put her hand in his. Instead of shaking her hand, he turned it and lifted it, placing a soft kiss on the back. Wide-eyed, she stared at him, trying not to shiver as his thumb brushed back and forth across her pulse.
"Dylan and I met at a retreat.” Josh smiled when Grace turned to look at him.
"Oh, neat. Are you Wiccan, too, then?” Grace asked.
"Um.” Dylan looked at Josh, then back again. “You could say that."
"Okay.” Grace sighed and looked at Cybil. “You make a lovely bride. The whole ceremony was beautiful. I couldn't have planned it better myself."
Cybil laughed. “You did plan it. But I agree. It was everything I wanted and more. Thank you, Grace."
"It was a pleasure. I hope you like the honeymoon accommodations I booked for you two."
"I really am grateful for all your help. I wish you had spent the money on yourself, but I think Josh and I will still enjoy the honeymoon.” Cybil hesitated, then slid close to Grace and whispered, “Please, please forget what that witch said. Enjoy yourself tonight. And stop thinking it might be your last night."
"Cybil.” Grace tilted her head toward the men trying to signal her friend to watch what she said. “You know how I feel about that. Knock it off, please."
Cybil sighed, but then smiled and sat back to lean against Josh. “I can't believe we're actually married. I can't believe I married a hermit."
Dylan frowned, but the others laughed.
"I told you that fortune teller knows her stuff,” Grace said.
"Then how could—"
Grace gasped, and Cybil stopped in mid-sentence.
"Looks like we're almost to the hotel. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us,” Josh said in the uneasy silence.
One thing Grace was grateful for was that she was no longer as horny as a teenager on prom night and now she was ready to help Cybil and Josh celebrate their future.
Grace and Dylan exited first. Grace was careful not to touch him as she climbed out of the limo and waited for Cybil. Soon they were ushered up the stairs to the Hotel Ranier and led down a red plush carpet into a room lit by candlelight. Josh had insisted on low lighting even though she had argued. Reluctant as she was to admit it, the effect was very nice and romantic. It would be perfect to showcase the ballroom dancers she'd hired as entertainment during dinner.
The next few minutes passed in a haze as the announcer introduced Josh and Cybil and they made their way to the
table at the far end of the room. Dylan grabbed her arm, but fortunately there was no shiver of appreciation as there had been when they'd walked up to the altar and while they'd left the church.
After they took their seats, the band began to play. A waiter handed them glasses of champagne and servers set food down on the table. As soon as the servers stepped to the sides, the dancers entered the center of the room and the band began a waltz.
A fox trot and cha-cha later, Grace needed to visit the restroom. Some people had finished eating, but most were content to watch the dancers. Satisfied no one would miss her right away, she slipped out to find the bathroom. The directions led her past an alcove filled with smokers to a large ornate restroom. She slipped inside the room and was grateful no one else was inside.
Grace dropped onto a chair and put her head in her hands. Don't cry. Please don't cry. It will only smudge your makeup and not make one bit of difference anyway. So what if this isn't your wedding and you aren't likely to have one before you die? You haven't found anyone special to share your life with anyway. So far Abigail Montgomery has called them all right. Your co-workers and both Cybil and Ada. Your days are numbered, chica, but at least go out with a bang.
A door slammed shut and Grace looked up as several women walked into the room. She didn't recognize them, but then Cybil's wasn't the only wedding in here tonight. Grace slowly walked back to the ballroom.
"There you are,” Cybil said as she grabbed Grace when she entered the room. “Dylan wanted to start the toasts, but I told him we had to wait for you."
"Sorry. I had to run to the ladies’ room.” Grace leaned over and met Dylan's penetrating gaze. “Sorry to keep you waiting, go on. Roast Josh and Cybil, I mean toast them."
Josh and Cybil laughed, but Dylan smiled and winked at her. Grace swallowed and blinked to break the connection. She pulled her napkin onto her lap and began to smooth out the creases in the linen while Dylan cleared his throat and rose.
The deep timbre of his voice washed over her as he began with a story about Josh at a retreat. As he continued, she lost the ability to concentrate as his husky voice sent her into a delicious fantasy where it was just him and her alone in this room doing the tango with no holds barred. His hands on her as they moved swiftly and gracefully across the floor while everyone else vanished. When he dipped her, he would remove the rose from her mouth with his, and then things would go one step further. He would kiss her like there was no tomorrow. A kiss that would scorch her to her very toes, knock the silk stockings right off her. When his warm hands ran over her body, she would tremble in desire and grow so wet he would be able to smell her arousal, feel it when his thigh slid in between her legs to rub against her in a way that made her feel naked and exposed. The predatory grin on his face would steal her breath as he swooped in for another devastating kiss before he ripped her dress off and made mad, hot, passionate love to her right there on the ballroom floor.
"That must be some daydream,” Dylan whispered in her ear.
Grace screeched and blushed as she leaned back in her chair and looked up. Dylan stood behind her, grinning at her as if he knew what thoughts had been running amok in her wayward mind.
"It's time for our dance,” he said as he held out his hand.
"What!” she screeched. Grace cleared her throat and tried again. “What?"
"Our dance. Whatever that dream was about, you missed the rest of the toasts, and well, a lot."
"Oh.” Grace glanced around the room relieved to see that not many were even paying attention to them. Who cared to watch the best man and maid of honor dance anyway?
She placed her hand in his, and Dylan tugged her out of her seat. Grace took a deep breath as his other arm snaked around her waist and held her close while he led her onto the dance floor.
"Care to tell me what was so fascinating you missed most of the wedding and part of the reception?"
Grace groaned as the blood rushed to her face again. Will he keep me blushing all night long? Goddess, no, I hope he makes me scream his name before the night is through. I want to hear him scream my name as I come with him thrusting deeply inside me—
"Grace?"
She looked up into Dylan's face and realized they were in the center of the room. “Sorry,” she apologized as she faced him and placed one hand on his waist, the other he still held.
"Josh told me the dancers who were in here performing during dinner are all from a class you are taking at a local school."
Grace nodded. “I love to watch ballroom dancing but I think my favorite of all the dances are the Latin ones. Of course I like them all. And so far I've learned a few. Our teachers like us to go out and perform before audiences to build our confidence up, but I've yet to perform."
"Why?"
"I don't know them as well as the others. I have trouble loosening up on the dance floor. I'm so self-conscious, always worrying about what everyone thinks about me. Why am I saying all this? Goddess, shut me up."
Dylan laughed. “Everyone tells me I am so easy to talk to. I love listening to you, Grace. Your voice is so sexy."
She sighed and put a little space in between them, but Dylan pulled her closer.
"Oh.” It came out as a squeak, so she cleared her throat again.
"I find ballroom dancing so sexy. My favorite is the tango."
As he said it, her insides melted into a puddle of jelly. It was as if he'd invaded her thoughts and seen her fantasy. But no, they'd been discussing dancing. It was just a coincidence.
"Yes, the tango is a very sexy dance. I haven't learned that one yet.” It was a lie, but fortunately it tripped off her tongue easily enough. Grace looked around the room wondering how much longer the dance would last.
"What a shame.” His voice purred in her ear as he tugged her so close she was pressed against his chest.
Moisture pooled between her thighs and her knees weakened. Grace wrapped her arms around Dylan's neck to keep from falling.
"Mmmm. You smell delicious. What scent is that?"
"Um.” Grace licked her lips and tried to remember what perfume she'd put on tonight. Hell she'd been in such a hurry she didn't even remember if she had put on perfume.
"What ever it is, it smells really good on you.” Dylan's hands shifted on her back until they rested just above her ass. As he swayed to the music, his erection pressed against her stomach. Grace stumbled in shock, but Dylan kept her upright and pulled her tighter. “Sorry, I didn't mean to make you nervous. I promise I won't hit on you anymore. That is, unless you want me to."
"Hit on me?” Grace stuttered. He's hitting on me?
"I've always been a sucker for a blonde. You remind of sunlight. Both your personality and your looks are like rays of the sun illuminating my dark soul."
"And you must be a poet. Or a really corny man."
They both laughed, and her defenses, what little there were, crumbled faster than the blink of an eye.
Dylan buried his face in her neck and inhaled deeply, sending shivers up her spine. Grace moaned and arched in his arms. Embarrassment flooded her, but his hands tightened before she could pull away.
The band switched to a different song, but Dylan held her close, refusing to let her go when she tried to move back.
Shit. Things are moving so fast. I never dreamed he'd want me. He wants me. Goddess, his desire is digging into my abdomen and, Lady, but does it feel huge. Please don't let me mess up this chance. I want him. I want this. And I will not chicken out this time.
"Mmm.” Dylan moaned against her neck sending more chills racing through her. She leaned back as he lifted his head and met her gaze. “I'm going to kiss you, Grace. If you don't want this, then you better stop me now. I don't think I've ever met a woman who's made me feel as reckless and impatient as you have. I need to taste you, to feel you respond to me in a primitive manner."
Grace opened her mouth to speak, but all that came out was a sigh. She focused on those luscious red lips mere inches from he
r own. His tongue peeked out between his lips, then disappeared quickly. Lifting her gaze to his, she stared into those fathomless eyes and whispered, “Yes."
Dylan swooped in on her mouth before she even finished the simple word. She melted against him mindlessly as his tongue darted into her mouth and traced along her teeth before dancing a tango with hers.
One hand moved daringly low on her backside, but Grace was beyond caring what anyone thought. She wanted Dylan even if it was just for tonight. Whatever the consequences, she would face them later. He would be worth it. She could tell.
The kiss seemed to go on forever, but Grace wasn't complaining. She was a little lightheaded, and her panties were saturated with desire, but damned if she didn't want him to continue. Was it possible to come from a kiss alone?
Dylan pulled back and glanced around the room. “Shit, I got so carried away that I didn't hear the music speed up."
Grace laughed as she noticed the couples around them bumping and grinding to a fast beat. No one was even looking at them. Either they'd been oblivious long enough that the curiosity died out, or the music had just changed.
"Are you thirsty? I think they're about to cut the cake, and Cybil still has to toss the bouquet."
"I could use a drink,” Grace agreed as Dylan led her off the dance floor. And a chance to cool off. Even though I want him more than anything else, this is moving way too fast.
"What would you like?” he asked as he paused next to a waiter.
"Water would be nice. I'd like to keep a clear head."
Dylan grinned and leaned close to whisper, “That's a good idea. Then when I take you home and make mad, passionate love to you all night long, you can't blame it on the alcohol."
Grace stared at him with no idea of how to respond. Finally, she blurted, “That sure of yourself, are you?"
Tarot Card Anthology: Synchronicity Volume 1 Page 12