by Lacey Wolfe
Chapter 19
“I think the dress is perfect,” Allison said.
“It isn’t too flashy?” Darcy asked as she stared at herself in the full-length mirror. She wore a white lace dress that in some ways looked almost sheer. It sat on the ends of her shoulders and hugged her body all the way down to her knees. It was a stunningly beautiful dress, but was it too much for an engagement party?
“Right now in your life, you’re supposed to outshine every woman at each party, event, whatever. And this dress says ‘Back off, ladies, he’s mine.’”
Darcy turned to the side and looked at the dress from each angle. She really liked it. “I should get it?”
Allison grunted. “Yes!”
Darcy grinned. “Okay, I will. Now do me a favor and unzip me.”
Allison pulled the zipper down. It wasn’t nearly as fun as when Steven did it, but tomorrow night after the party, Steven would be doing the unzipping. A chill went up her spine in anticipation.
“Now we have to find you a dress. You are, after all, the maid of honor.”
“I can’t afford a dress. And if this was real, I would totally splurge, but I hope you understand.”
“I’ll buy you one then.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I want to. Besides, since The Apple Orchard is backing my bakery, the money I’ve been saving is all mine. And I want to buy you a dress for tomorrow evening. Give your boyfriend, Jake, a piece of candy for his arm.”
“You sure?”
Darcy pulled her shirt over her head. “Allison, don’t make me hurt you.”
Once her pants were back on, she grabbed her dress and walked up front, asking the sales lady to hold it for her while she helped her friend find a dress. Allison had dirty blonde hair with streaks of auburn. Maybe purple or a navy blue.
Darcy and Allison walked around, looking at the different dresses on a rack when Darcy noticed that Allison kept going back to the same dress.
“Do you like that one?” Darcy asked as she walked up. “It is pretty.”
“It’s too much though.”
Darcy looked at the price tag. It was pricey, but she knew it would make her friend happy, and Allison had always been there for her. “Try it on.”
“What? No.”
“Let’s not do this back and forth charade again. Go try it on.”
Allison removed the dress from the rack and Darcy followed her back to the dressing room. When Allison came out in the dress, Darcy knew it was perfect for her friend.
“You’re beautiful.”
“I love it.”
“Good. Then you shall have it.”
“I’ll pay you back….for some of it. Promise you’ll let me do that.”
Darcy nodded, not really agreeing. She just wanted to make sure Allison left there with that dress, and she would do whatever it took to make it happen.
Darcy checked out and couldn’t believe the amount she had just spent on two dresses, then they headed for the shoe store. After all, new dresses meant they needed new décor for their feet.
* * * *
Later that evening, Steven waited for Darcy to get home. He’d taken the day off since after the party, work was going to be hectic. Not that it wasn’t already. His grandfather was basically gone since his collapse but he still popped in occasionally to remind everyone he wasn’t dead yet. Steven reminded him that no one thought that, but then he realized that leaving the company was going to be tougher for his grandfather than he thought.
He’d been talking about Annie, Steven’s grandmother, a lot more lately. He missed her, and with retirement finally happening, the old man must have realized that the things he’d wanted to do all these years, he’d be doing alone. Maybe he could get a girlfriend, old people were doing that nowadays. In fact, Steven had heard the craziest story on the news the other day about eighty-year-old women getting boob jobs. Why in the world did they want to do that to themselves at that age? He shrugged, perhaps the elderly were kinkier than he realized.
The buzzer on the oven dinged. Time to pull the roast out. Steven didn’t know how to cook, but one thing he knew how to make was a roast. It was pretty simple. A slab of meat, potatoes, onion, carrots, and then spices. Toss it in the oven, cook for a few hours, and you had a delicious meal. Add biscuits, and it was perfect. Shit, he’d forgotten biscuits. Well, sandwich bread and butter would have to work.
The front door closed and he heard the familiar sound of shopping bags hitting the floor. A few seconds later, Darcy came around the corner into the kitchen.
“It smells amazing in here, what it is?”
“I made you dinner. Figured you’d need it after shopping all day.” He handed her a glass of wine.
“You cooked for me?”
He nodded. “You do for me all the time.”
She took a sip. “Wow, I feel special. I’ve never had a man cook for me.”
He was glad to be the first. Steven wanted to be the first of many things. He’d fallen in love with her. He knew he liked her, but all day today he found he was giddy about tomorrow’s party. He wanted it to be a real engagement party. After that, they could start planning the wedding of their lifetime. But it wasn’t real…yet. Steven had decided he could make this real. If Darcy fell in love with him also, they could make this last. He had a good feeling she liked him, now to turn that into love.
“Go have a seat. The table it already set. I just need to bring the food out.”
“You’re spoiling me.”
“It’s the least I can do with everything you’ve done for me. I know how much your life has changed. I appreciate it.”
“Don’t forget, I am getting paid.”
He smiled. “My bank account reminds me of that.”
She giggled and then went to the dining room. The first step in getting her to fall in love with him was to stop talking about this as a business deal. Maybe then her feelings would start to change.
Steven set the dish down in the center of the table. He held his hand out for her plate, and put some food on it. After he filled his as well, he sat down and opened the bread bag. “Want a slice or two?”
“Bread and butter, it’s almost as classic as soda.”
“I’ve got more soda if you prefer it over your wine.”
“No, no. My feet are sore from all the shopping. This wine might help ease the ache.”
“I’m good at foot rubs, if you’re interested.”
“I had planned on taking a long, relaxing bath after dinner.”
Steven took a bite of his potato, trying not to imagine her in the tub naked, bubbles engulfing her. “If you still ache afterward, let me know.”
“Will do.”
As they ate, she told him a little about her day with Allison and ideas for the bakery. He enjoyed listening to her talk. Typically when a girlfriend would talk about random things, he tuned them out. But he really wanted to know everything that Darcy said.
At the end of dinner, she stood, grabbing her plate.
“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked.
“I’ll do the dishes.”
“I don’t think so. How about I refill your glass and you go take that bath?”
“I don’t know what I did to deserve this, but I’ll take it. You’re going to make some woman very happy one day.”
“Right now you’re the woman I want to make happy.” He looked deeply into her eyes, hoping she might catch what he was trying to imply. Her face flushed, and she turned quickly with her glass in hand and went into the kitchen.
Part of him wanted to follow her, tell her he loved her. But not yet. Maybe at the party tomorrow he would tell her how he felt in front of everyone. Then again, that might seem like a show. In private, he would pull her aside and tell her how he really felt about her and that he wanted to actually spend the rest of his life with her.
Darcy came out of the kitchen with her glass refilled. He expected her to keep walking but she didn’t. S
he set her glass down. “Are you sure I can’t help?”
“I’m positive. Go relax. Tomorrow is going to be more stressful for you than me.” He stepped closer to her. “Just know, I’m here for you. And if your mom bothers you, come get me. I’ve seen how manipulating she can be with you.”
“You’ve noticed?”
“Why do you think I wouldn’t leave the kitchen the night of our dinner party? Of course, she still found a way to weasel you away.”
“She is my mom, and I need to learn to stand my ground with her.”
He reached out and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “And you did with this party. I’m proud of you.”
Not being able to resist her a moment longer, he pulled her face to his and let his mouth meet hers. Her lips opened right away, letting his tongue slid in. Her hands gripped his waist, shoving his growing manhood into her stomach.
He could have her right now if he wanted and she’d allow it. But although his other head might hate him for it, the next time he made love to Darcy, he wanted her to know how he really felt about her. Thankfully, he didn’t have long to wait—tomorrow would be there before he knew it.
After he pulled away, she gazed up at him. “Want to join me?”
God, he hated having to say it. “Not tonight.”
“You sure?”
No, no he was not. “Yes.”
Darcy stepped back from him, took her glass, and slowly walked toward her bedroom.
Why in the world had he just passed up the chance to be naked and soapy with Darcy? Oh yeah, for this thing called love.
Chapter 20
It was the day of the big event. Darcy took deep breaths in and out. Her mom had called multiple times that morning, assuring Darcy everything was going just as it should and not to stress. Her mother was a pro, how could she forget. Of course she had this under control. Darcy was the one who wondered if she needed a shot of whisky.
Opening a cabinet, Darcy rummaged through until she found the liquor bottles. She took one out and moved the other bottles around, wondering if this was where the shot glasses were kept. When she didn’t find one, she sighed loudly and decided to look in another cabinet.
“Can I help you?” Steven asked as he entered the kitchen. “Shot glasses are in the cabinet above the fridge.”
“That’s an odd place to keep them.”
“I do it purposely. That way when I’m feeling the way you are, by the time I get to them I’ve usually calmed down.”
She glared at him. “That’s not happening today.” She opened the pantry door and pulled out the step stool. “One shot, that’s all.”
Steven shrugged. “No problem. I’ll have one with you.”
She pulled out two glasses. “Why? You seem cool and collected.”
“One should never drink alone.”
Darcy smiled and set the glasses in front of the whisky. Steven unscrewed the top and filled both glasses. He handed her one. “On the count of three. One. Two. Three.”
Darcy pressed the glass to her lips, tipped her head back, and chugged down the warm liquid that stung in her throat. They both set their glasses down and laughed.
“Okay, we can do this,” Darcy said.
“We certainly can. I have a gift for you before we go.”
“What is it?”
“You’ll soon find out.” He left the kitchen.
* * * *
Darcy checked her appearance one last time in the mirror. She was very happy with the way she looked. The dress was stunning and she was so glad she’d spent the money on it. The only thing she was missing was a pair of earrings. None of hers seemed to work.
Picking up her phone, she sent a quick text to Allison to see if she could help. Not sure what earrings to wear. Attaching pic of necklace and bracelet. Thoughts?
She snapped a picture of the items and then sent the message. As she waited, she picked through what she had again and found a pair she thought might work. But she’d wait until she heard from her friend.
“Darcy,” Steven called through the door.
“Come on in,” she said loudly.
He came in, a hand behind his back. “Wow, you look gorgeous.”
She grinned. “Thank you.”
“You look the picture of a bride. The white dress is a nice touch.”
“If I may say, you look handsome as well. You clean up nicely.” Her gaze traveled the length of his body, taking in the dark suit he wore. His hair was combed, yet still had that perfect messy look to it. And of course, he had his usual smile with the dimple in his cheek.
“I have something for you.” He walked closer.
Her phone dinged and she wanted to reach for it and see what her friend had to say, but she waited. Taking deep breaths, she stared at Steven as he slowly removed the hand from around his back and held out a red velvet box in the shape of a square. It wasn’t the size of a ring box, a little bit bigger.
“This is for me?” she asked, feeling nervous.
“Yes, I wanted to get you something for tonight.” He held the gift out to her.
Darcy took it from him and opened the lid, revealing a pair of diamond stud earrings. Absolutely perfect for tonight. “Oh my gosh! They’re beautiful.”
“Do you like them? They are sorta plain, but they fit you perfectly.”
“Does that mean you think I’m plain?” She giggled.
“Oh G-God,” he stuttered. “No, that isn’t at all what I meant.”
She touched his arm. “It’s okay. I understand what you meant. And you’ve solved my dilemma. I had all my jewelry picked out except for my earrings. Thank you.” Darcy leaned forward and planted a light kiss on his lips.
She’d love to take the kiss a little farther, but her hair and makeup were complete and she didn’t have time to re-do them. Pulling away, she laid the box on her dresser.
“I’m going to go take care of a few more things. Are you almost ready?” he asked.
“Yes, I’ll be there in just a moment.”
He left the room, closing the door behind him. She picked up the box again and gazed at the beautiful jewelry. She couldn’t believe he had gotten her a gift. Taking in a deep breath, her heart warmed. “I think I’m madly in love with that man,” she whispered.
Picking up the phone, she snapped a picture of the earrings still in the case and sent it to Allison, not even looking to see what she had said. She no longer needed the help from her friend.
* * * *
As they walked into the party, a little late, everyone clapped. Steven felt Darcy’s hand squeeze his. He rubbed a light circle with his finger on the outside of her palm to try and calm her nerves.
Brenda came rushing over, acting like Mother of the Year. Darcy was practically yanked from his grasp and Brenda hugged her. Mr. White walked over, shaking his hand, and his parents followed. Next, a young woman walked up, holding two flowered leis in her hand, and put one around each of their necks. What the heck? Glancing around, he noticed everyone had one on and some women wore grass skirts over their attire.
Oh yeah, this was a Hawaiian themed party. He had hoped to make his way back to Darcy, but she was shuffled into the crowd of people who were ecstatic to see her. All he heard was “Oh, Darcy, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you!” Must have been family and people she’d been avoiding this past year.
“How are you, son?” his father asked.
“Good. Ready to get this day over.”
He chuckled. “You’ve still got a wedding to get through.” He leaned close. “Your future in-laws are a bit over the top. Might be something to consider.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know, is this really what you want to marry into?”
Steven looked over at the Whites. Then he looked at Darcy. She was nothing like them. And besides, was his family really any better? “I’m sure, Dad.”
“This woman has really stolen your heart.”
Steven nodded. Darcy had certainly done
that. And he was in the process of capturing hers as well—he hoped.
As he walked around, chatting with different people, he finally caught Darcy alone at the refreshment table. He wished he had someone to bet with, because right now he’d wager that she was about to chug down a glass of champagne.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said as he came up behind her. She spun around and stared up at him, a glass of what he’d suspected in her hand. “Is that for me?”
She handed it to him. “Sure, and this one is for me.” She picked up another one.
He took a sip and set the glass down. Champagne had never been his thing. “Think they’ve got any beer around here?”
“Doubtful. My mom was in charge. Beer is too low-class.”
He slipped a hand around her waist and pulled her snug against him. “I hope I’m not too low-class for you then.” He placed a kiss on her cheek, wishing he could kiss her lips the way he wanted and not the polite way he had to do with a room full of eyes watching their every move.
She sighed in response, and he took it as a sign she was feeling the same way he was right now.
Against his will, he released her and picked up the champagne, taking a long gulp. “God, this crap is nasty. At our wedding, we’re having beer.”
Darcy laughed. “Don’t forget the soda.”
He joined her in laughing. This woman was something. “Screw the beer, only soda. Every flavor we can get.”
“What has you two laughing so hard over here?” Allison asked as she walked up with a man.
Darcy hugged her friend and gave a slight nod to the man. Steven had a feeling Darcy didn’t like this gentleman, whoever he was.
“Steven, you’ve met Allison, and this is her boyfriend, Jake.”
“Nice to meet you,” Steven said.
“Likewise,” Jake responded.
Allison pushed Darcy’s hair back from her ears. “Wow, those look even better in person.”
The two girls chatted, and Steven took a moment to feel pride that Darcy liked her earrings enough that she’d already told her friend about them.
A few minutes later Darcy’s mom announced that it was time to eat. He took his fiancée’s hand and led her to the area where the tables were set up. There were name cards—of course—at all the seats. He found his and Darcy’s at the table with both sets of parents and his grandfather. Come to think of it, where was his grandfather? He hadn’t seen him at all.