by Elks, Carrie
“I’ve been calling them in left, right, and center for this wedding.” Caitie sighed. “Some I wasn’t even owed. I’ll be repaying people until 2030 at this rate.”
“You can repay me for as long as you’d like,” Breck whispered, his voice thick and low, when they were alone. Martine was in the corner, measuring the chairs.
“You think I owe you something?” Caitie replied, smiling. He loved that she was back to her old, happy self. He’d done the right thing not burdening her with his own problems. She didn’t need to know that every time he looked at a Christmas cake he wanted to smash it with his hands.
“I don’t know,” he said, pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose. “Do you?”
“What I’ve got for you is freely given,” she replied, grinning. “Isn’t it better that way?”
She had this way of talking that made every cell in his body tingle. Caitie was naturally sexy, and the fact she had no idea of her allure only made her sexier. Every time he was with her he wanted to touch her. And every time he touched her, he wanted more. “Shall we go to bed?” he whispered.
“It’s only five o’clock.”
He grinned. “All this talk about weddings has tired me out.”
“You’re crazy,” she said, though the smile on her face told him otherwise.
Not caring what anyone else thought, he kissed her softly. “Crazy about you.” And he was. Over the top in love with this girl. And damn if that didn’t make him scared and excited all at the same time.
* * *
The next morning, the two of them were laying in the long grass atop a blanket. Breck’s body was curled around Caitie’s, his arms wrapped around her torso. In a few hours she’d be leaving for New York again. She was dreading it.
“So what do you think?” Breck murmured against her hair. “Are you ready for the wedding?”
“Just about,” she said. “Martine’s a real gem. She’s got everything under control. There’s a few things we need to iron out over the next couple of days, but apart from that, we’re there.”
“Lucas owes you a lot,” Breck said. “Ember, too.”
She smiled. “I owe them, too.”
“What makes you say that?” He stroked her arm with soft hands. Her skin tingled as his fingers trailed from her shoulder to her wrist. That’s what he did to her with the slightest touch. Set her on fire until there was no way to douse the flames.
“Because organizing this wedding led me to you. If I hadn’t come to Lucas’s engagement party, we might not have met again. And we definitely wouldn’t have gotten together.”
“Oh, we would have.” Breck sounded so sure. “We were meant to be. I knew you were who I wanted as soon as I saw you at the Beach Club. Actually, I didn’t even know it was you. All I saw was a beautiful girl who took my breath away the moment she smiled at me. The rest was history.”
He took her breath away, too. She closed her eyes, letting the winter sunrays warm her skin. The air around them was completely still, not even a blade of grass moved. “I knew it was you the moment you turned around,” she told him. “I’d been staring at your back, trying to figure out who you were, but as soon as I saw your face, I knew.”
He moved her hair, pressing his lips to the side of her neck. They were warm and soft, leaving a tantalizing trail on her skin wherever they touched. “So, what are we going to do about this?”
Her breath caught in her throat at the sensations he was causing. It was toe-curlingly good. “Right now, I’ll do whatever you want.”
Breck laughed, his lips still moving against her throat. “If only you were that easy to control. I’d kidnap you and keep you at home with me.”
She liked the sound of that. Or she would if it wasn’t for the beach bungalow. That would be too much. “Harper’s been talking to real estate agents. There are a few places she thinks might work for us in L.A..”
His mouth stilled against her skin. “Oh yeah?”
It was strange how talking about this was making her chest feel full. As though her heart was pressing against her ribcage. “Yeah. We talked about it last week. She’s been wanting to move to L.A. forever. And now that I’ve got the contract, it just makes sense.” And it would be closer to him. She wondered if he heard the subtext in her words.
He pushed his hand inside her blouse, pressing his palm against her skin. Goosebumps broke out across her flesh. She could feel his excitement pressing against her. “That would make me the happiest man alive,” he told her.
“Only a couple of hours from Angel Sands,” Caitie said, trying to ignore the desire pulsing inside her. “You could visit me. I could visit you. I’ll be free most weekends.”
“Fridays have never sounded so sweet,” he said, turning her head so he could kiss her lips. “I’ll take whatever I can from you, sweetheart. I’ll never get enough.”
Nor could she. Not now, and not ever. Her need for Breck felt like a piece of her, a part that ran so deep she couldn’t avoid it if she tried. She’d move mountains to fulfill it, cross continents, face her biggest fears. Right now it seemed she was doing all these things, and it was as effortless as breathing.
“I love you, Caitie Russell,” he whispered against her lips. “More than you’ll ever know.”
She tasted the sweetness of his words, swallowing them with her kisses.
Only ten more days until the wedding, only a few more mountains to climb. For the first time in her life, she felt as though she would be able to reach the summit, and finally be able to enjoy the view.
Like this man holding her in his strong arms, she knew it would be breathtaking.
23
“It looks beautiful, darling.” Deenie hooked her arm through Caitie’s as they walked over to the lit-up Christmas tree. It had pride of place in the ornate hallway of the hotel, towering over everything. Caitie had flown back into California the previous night, and Deenie had driven up first thing in the morning to meet her. With only one day left until the wedding, the hotel was in chaos. Staff were carrying in deliveries of flowers and food, decorations and furniture. Everywhere they walked they had to dodge another piece of wedding décor.
“Well it will be,” Caitie said, crossing her fingers behind her back for good luck. “As soon as we have it all in the right place.” She was beyond tired after all of her cross country flights. She couldn’t wait to be based in one place. Maybe then her muscles would like her again.
“We’re so proud of you, and Lucas and Ember are so thankful. I can’t believe my little girl managed to do all of this.”
It was just the two of them there, mother and daughter. The rest of the crowd would be arriving later to attend the rehearsal dinner, before the craziness started the following morning. Caitie was thankful to have her mom there to help, while Ember and Lucas prepared themselves back in Angel Sands.
This was finally happening. Caitie’s veins fizzed with anticipation. Could she really pull this off? She couldn’t help but feel like everything was finally coming together. Her career, her brother’s wedding… and Breck. Her chest felt full of it all.
“Do you think they’ll like it?” Caitie asked her mom. It was exactly how she’d want her own wedding, and this hotel was perfect for the theme Ember and Lucas had chosen. The tree was swathed with deep burgundy ribbons and ivory pearls, lights twinkling in the branches. The color was matched wherever they went, with the flowers that spilled out of oversized vases, on the seat covers the staff were already fixing in the ballroom, and the berries on the garlands overhanging every door.
No detail was left out. If Lucas and Ember wanted a Christmas wedding, that was what they were going to get. She only hoped they liked it as much as she did.
“They’re going to love it. It’s so elegant and sophisticated. When Lucas said they wanted a Christmas theme, I imagined waving Santas and stuffed reindeers, but this…” Deenie waved her arm around. “This is magnificent.”
“I don’t do waving Santas,” Caitie said, fin
ally letting a smile curl her lips. “I’m all about glamor.”
“Yes you are.” They sat down at the table closest to the tree. The staff had brought drinks and pastries out earlier for them. Deenie stirred her green tea, still smiling at Caitie. “So tell me, how’s it going? It feels like it’s been a long time since we got to have a chat. How are you?”
“I’m fine. Well, I will be when the wedding is over.” Caitie took a sip of her coffee, followed by a bite of the pastry. It was warm and full of cinnamon. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought of it. She and Breck could finally relax and tell people about their relationship, instead of keeping things on the downlow to avoid drama. It felt stupid, keeping something so important from her mom, but she wasn’t going to steal the spotlight from her brother. Not on his big day.
And then there was Lucas’s stupid ‘bro code.’ It was going to take some sweet talking from Breck to show he wasn’t taking advantage of Lucas’s sister.
“You’re glowing. All lit up like that tree.” Her mom inclined her head toward the giant fir.
Caitie felt warmth rushing through her. “It’s been a good year for me. The contract, the wedding, it’s all come together beautifully.” And Brecken Miller, the star on top of her own tree.
“I hear you’re looking at apartments in L.A.,” her mom said, taking another sip of tea. There was a twinkle in her eye.
Caitie tipped her head to the side. “Who told you?”
“Harper, when I tried calling you last week. And I’m sure you can guess what my response was.”
“Hell has finally frozen over?”
Deenie laughed. “Yeah, something like that. So what gives? I thought you were New York through and through.”
“It feels like the right time. With the new contract, and Harper getting some studio work, it seems like a good plan.”
“I don’t have to tell you how pleased I am. As much as we love visiting you in New York, it’s going to be wonderful having you a few hours down the road.”
Caitie looked down, a small spike of shame shooting through her. She never had as much time for her family as she’d wanted. “It’s going to be great,” she agreed.
Guests began to trickle in throughout the afternoon. Ember and her family and friends arrived at three. Caitie was waiting for her in the lobby, and as the bellhops whisked their luggage straight to their rooms, she walked over to them with a smile, hugging Ember tight.
“How are you feeling?” she asked her.
“Nervous,” Ember admitted. Her dark hair was shiny beneath the glow of the chandeliers. “But not as nervous as I’d be if you hadn’t swooped in to save us.” She lifted her head to look around, taking in the elegantly festive décor, her lips curling into a smile. “It looks amazing,” she said, hugging Caitie again. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am. I owe you big time.”
“It’s been a pleasure,” Caitie said. Her throat felt thick with emotion. All the craziness and the cross country flights were worth it to see her sister-in-law-to-be’s face. “When you get settled, why don’t we all meet in the atrium? I’ll arrange for some drinks and we can go through the itinerary together, make sure there’s nothing we’ve missed. After that you can start greeting your guests, and I’ll make sure everything’s ready for the rehearsal dinner.”
Half an hour later, Caitie was looking out the glass walls of the atrium when Ember arrived. Next to her was her mom, Laura, and her sister, Chelsea. Brooke and Ally, Ember’s close childhood friends, were right behind.
Along with Rachel Foss, Ember’s work friend, who’d be walking down the aisle on Breck’s arm.
Caitie tried to keep the smile painted on her lips.
“Hi everybody. Who’d like a drink?” She beckoned the waiter over. He took their orders and walked back to the bar.
“This is beautiful,” Ember’s mom said to Caitie as the waiter served their drinks. “You’ve done such a wonderful job. Ember and Lucas are so lucky to have you.”
“It really is gorgeous,” Brooke agreed, smiling at Caitie. “You’re so talented. And Ember told me you won the contract you were hoping for. That’s great news.”
“Thank you.” Caitie smiled at her. Ember’s friends were lovely. “I just want to make their day special.”
“You have,” Ember said, smiling softly at her. “You really have.”
“So, let me talk you through the plans for today,” Caitie said, clearing her throat. “Did you manage to check the seating plan for the rehearsal dinner?”
“Yes we did,” Ember said, nodding. “We had to make a couple of adjustments, I hope that’s okay. First of all, my Great Uncle Stan called this morning to say he could make it after all. So we’ve put him at the table with Frank Megassey and Lorne Daniels. He should be happy there, they’re all a similar age and know a lot of the same people.”
“That’s fine.” Caitie made a quick note to order an extra meal from the kitchen.
“And we’ve moved Rachel next to sit with Breck,” Ember said, shooting Rachel a smile. “She doesn’t know many people here and asked if she could be near him. That’s okay, isn’t it?”
Caitie ignored the way her chest contracted. “Um, yeah, that’s fine.” Just one more day. Two at the most, and she wouldn’t have to pretend any more.
“Thank you.” Rachel smiled at her, and Caitie immediately felt bad. She was nice, all Ember’s friends were. Caitie couldn’t help but feel like she was lying to her, even though she hadn’t said a word.
“I got a text from Aiden,” Brooke said. Breck’s boss, and the director of Silver Sands was also her boyfriend. “The guys are about five minutes away.”
“I should go and meet them,” Caitie said, standing up. “I’ll point them in this direction once they’ve checked in. You ladies can stay and finish your drinks.”
“Do you need any help?” Ember asked her.
“No, it’s all covered. Try to relax as much as you can.”
On her way to the lobby, Caitie dropped into the kitchen, and asked the chef to make an extra meal for Ember’s Great Uncle Stan.
“No problem,” he said, scribbling on the paper in front of him. “While you’re here, can we go through the allergies and special requests for tomorrow’s food? I want to make sure nothing goes wrong.”
“Of course.” Caitie leaned over him, talking through the list, pointing out the gluten-free requirements, the peanut allergies, and the guests who’d requested vegetarian meals. She was so absorbed with the chef, that when two hands grabbed her from behind, she almost jumped out of her skin.
“So this is where you are.” Lucas said, his voice warm. “We’ve been looking all over for you.” Behind him were Griff and Jack. At the back of the crowd she spied Breck, leaning on the counter, a half smile on his face. It was directed straight at her. Caitie’s body relaxed for the first time in days. Seeing him was like taking a deep breath of fresh, cool air.
Before she could say anything, one of the sous chefs walked into Griff, sending five aluminum trays clattering to the floor. The chef fell to his knees, scrambling around to pick everything up, while the rest of the kitchen staff was laughing.
“Um, we should probably get out of here,” Caitie suggested. “If we want to eat this evening we should leave these guys in peace. Have you all checked in and gotten your rooms?”
“All done. We were heading to see Ember and the others,” Lucas said, releasing her from his bear hug. “I wanted to see you first and thank you for everything. Are you sure there’s nothing you need me to do?”
“No. It’s all under control.” Caitie smiled at her big brother. “Save your energy for the rehearsal dinner and tomorrow. You’ll be exhausted by this evening.”
“Not too exhausted I hope,” Griff said, winking. “He’s got work to do all night.”
Caitie rolled her eyes.
“Can it,” Lucas said, good naturedly. “Or I’ll make you wear that Santa suit down the aisle.”
“Oh no, anything b
ut that.” Griff pretended to swoon. “Come on, let’s go and get ready, leave your sister in peace.” He raised an eyebrow. “She’s going to need all her energy to dance with me tomorrow.”
Over his shoulder she could see Breck watching them, a speculative expression on his face. Was he jealous of Griff? A tiny piece of her hoped he was, at least a little. The same way she felt about Rachel.
She couldn’t wait to be in Breck’s arms again. They hadn’t talked about their holiday plans – she’d been too busy planning the wedding to think any further ahead than the twenty-third, but now that it was getting so close, the only thing on her mind was the aftermath. Finally being able to relax for a few days, after such a frantic fall and winter. If she had her way, she’d spend the rest of her vacation in bed with Breck, laying in his warm embrace. There was absolutely no place she’d rather be.
A loud discussion had broken out at the back of the kitchen, between the sous chef and a waiter who was giving it as good as he got. “I think that’s our cue to leave,” Caitie said, herding Lucas and the others out into the hallway. “I’ll give you a quick tour, then point you in the direction of the atrium.”
“Aren’t you joining us?” Breck asked. The look he shot her was warm. Enough to make her want to throw herself into his arms.
Only a couple more days and they could be together without having to hide their emotions. That was if the secret didn’t kill her first.
* * *
Breck only had eyes for Caitie as she led them through the hotel, taking them into the rooms reserved for the wedding the following day. Her face was flushed, and her eyes flashed with happiness as she talked Lucas through the plans. When he congratulated her on the beautiful decorations, thanking her for her efforts, she positively glowed.