No Better Man

by Sara Richardson

  “Avery!” Van barked from over by the catering tent. “Get back to your post!” She threw up her hands. “You have one job. One job! Greet the guests. Charm them into parting with their millions, capiche?”

  “Capiche!” she answered with a snarky salute. She never missed a chance to mock Van when she was running an event. The woman transformed into a drill sergeant, barking out orders, pointing her finger, clapping her hands as she ordered people to move, move, move!

  Her friend flipped her off.

  “I love you!” Avery called in response, then resumed her position beneath the arbor that curved over the patio’s entrance.

  A mixture of nerves and excitement swirled in her stomach, making her crave one of those delicious cupcakes she’d seen the baker setting out. This could work. This really could work. She’d gotten a huge response to the media interviews she’d done. In addition to the money she’d come up with after liquidating her own assets, they’d already raised twelve million through online donations. Another lucky thirteen, and Bryce just might be able to outbid her father…

  Around the corner, voices drifted on the night air.

  Here we go. She smoothed the bodice of the shimmering blue gown that Vanessa had insisted matched her eyes perfectly, and smiled like she had Vaseline slathered on her teeth. Honestly, the whole act was starting to wear her out, but benevolent rich people always expect an overly gracious greeting from the host. If she had any hope of bringing in enough money, she couldn’t disappoint.

  Instead of yet another wealthy concerned animal activist or philanthropist, Paige and Shooter sauntered through, followed by Sawyer and his cute wife, Kaylee, then Meg and her fiancé, Nelson. “You’re here!” she cried, clapping her hands. Hiking up her gown, she rushed to greet them all with a hug, even Shooter. “Thanks so much for coming everyone.”

  “Don’t mention it,” Shooter murmured to her cleavage. At least he’d cleaned himself up, though. He actually looked nice in a tux.

  Paige glanced around the room with wide eyes, looking like a little girl who’d stepped into a fairy-tale land. She smoothed her red, strapless gown and glanced at Avery. “We’re not in Kansas anymore.”

  Avery laughed. “You fit right in. That dress is perfect on you.” The second she’d seen it hanging on the rack a few down from her own dress, she knew she had to buy it for Paige.

  “Yeah, but this Spanx thing is gonna kill me.” She gripped at her dress, twisting it and shimmying it up. “Seriously. It’s reducing the oxygen to my brain. I can’t even think straight.” She leaned in close. “Just make sure I don’t do anything stupid, like hook up with Shooter. Okay?”

  “Got it,” she promised. “But…you do realize you don’t need Spanx, right? You’ve got a great figure.” Paige was small, yet still toned and athletic.

  “That’s not what my love handles told me in the mirror,” Paige insisted, loudly enough that the whole group laughed.

  Avery admired the dress again. Red fit the woman perfectly, fiery and vivacious, eye catching. And she definitely seemed to be catching some eyes from across the room.

  “Where’s the food?” Shooter asked, resting a hand on his belly.

  If anyone could use the assistance of Spanx, it was him.

  She pointed to the tables near the catering tent. “Over there. Just make sure you leave some for the rest of the guests.”

  “Can’t make any promises,” he said with a jovial smile, then plodded away.

  “Personally, I like to start with alcohol,” Sawyer joked, and everyone else heartily agreed.

  “The bar is that way,” she directed them past the bubbling stone fountain.

  “Perfect.” Sawyer linked his arm through Kaylee’s. “We’ll catch up with you guys later.”

  “I’m with them,” Meg said, dragging Nelson away.

  When they were gone, Paige adjusted her Spanx again, grimacing and twisting. “So is Bryce here?” she asked casually, even though she knew there was nothing casual about Avery’s feelings for him. She’d pretty much told Paige every ugly detail.

  “No.” The happy, alive feeling she’d had only minutes before dulled. She’d thought about inviting him, but every time she got out her phone, she chickened out. It would be torture for her to see him, knowing she had a flight to L.A. early the next morning. “I never told him.”

  “Why the hell not?” Paige demanded with one hand on her hip and her usual amount of sass.

  “It’s better if he doesn’t come,” she answered firmly, if only to remind herself. He’d made it clear how he felt, and she didn’t want him to think she was doing this to manipulate him into changing his mind. That wasn’t what this was about.

  “Sorry, Avery.” Paige snagged two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and handed one to her. “I know how you feel about him.”

  Instead of answering, she sipped champagne. The thought of losing Bryce forever made her want to retreat upstairs and bury her face in a brand new carton of Cheesecake Brownie comfort. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. So she put on a brave face. “Hey, what about you? Do you have a date?”

  “Evening, ladies,” Benjamin Noble drawled from the other side of the garden arch. “This where the party is?”

  “Hi!” Avery hadn’t meant to shriek, but Ben Noble had a reputation for being quite the generous benefactor, and they were in need of some serious generosity. “I’m Avery King.” She extended her hand and he shook it warmly. “Thanks so much for coming.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.” He grinned, and even she had to admit he had one of those all-American smiles that had the power to make a woman forget her last name. Except his grin wasn’t directed at her; it was aimed at Paige, who stood still and silent, her cheeks nearly matching the color of her dress. The woman smoothed her hands down her sides self-consciously.

  Hmmm. Avery eyed her. She wasn’t usually the self-conscious type…

  Ben waved a check in the air. “Where do I turn in this baby?”

  While she couldn’t see the amount, she did glimpse a whole lot of zeros. Oh, wow. She fought the urge to throw her arms around him. Not appropriate for a first meeting. Besides, she didn’t want to steal Paige’s thunder. The chemistry in the air was so palpable she was almost blushing, too. “Checks go over there.” She pointed out Vanessa, who was posted by the catering tent, meticulously eyeing every tray that came out. “Paige?” She elbowed her lightly. “Would you take Ben over and introduce him to Vanessa?”

  “I’d sure appreciate it,” he drawled, holding out an arm like a true southern gentleman.

  “Of course,” Paige practically gasped, then linked her arm through his, giving Avery a bewildered look.

  Happiness bubbled through her as she watched them walk away. Those two would be so cute together…

  “Hey, Avery.” Logan’s voice startled her. She turned in time to see him saunter under the arch.

  “Logan!” She reached out to hug him, then stopped, unsure if he even wanted her to. “What a surprise.”

  His quick grin broke through her awkwardness. He leaned in to hug her. “Vanessa invited me. Hope that’s okay.”

  “Of course it’s okay.” It was more than okay. He deserved someone like Vanessa. “It’s so good to see you.” She meant it. He looked great, as optimistic and happy as ever.

  “So is Vanessa here?” He glanced around and stuffed his hands in his pockets, which she happened to know he only did when he was nervous.

  “Why, yes she is.” She couldn’t hide a smile. Feeling like Cupid, she pointed him to the catering tent. “She’s over harassing the waiters.”

  “Thanks,” he said. “I’m sure you’re busy right now. Hope we can catch up later.”

  “Definitely.” She waved him away. “There’s a great band here tonight. You should ask her to dance.” Logan had some crazy fun dance moves. Come to think of it, so did Vanessa.

  He only smiled as he sauntered away, hands still deep in his pockets.

  At least i
t was turning out to be a magical night for some people, she thought as she went back to her job as greeter. When the traffic slowed, she left her post, mingling and schmoozing with the best of them, all the while keeping an eye on Ben and Paige, who were dancing near Meg and Nelson. Shooter was at the bar chatting up one of the waitresses—unsuccessfully, judging by the scowl on her face. Then there were Vanessa and Logan, engaged in deep conversation on the outskirts of the party. Her friend no longer looked stressed, only happy and engrossed in whatever they were talking about.

  She waited for a lull, and when Logan walked away from Van and headed for the bar, she hurried over, brandishing a wide smile. “How’s it going?” She swiped a lamb lollipop topped with mint pesto from another passing waiter.

  “Okay,” her friend replied, but her happy expression went flat. “Except…” Her head bent and her fingers tapped the screen of her trusty iPad. “Avery…the donations have stopped coming in.”

  A sinking feeling weighted her stomach. Suddenly the lamb lollipop wasn’t so appetizing.

  “I wish I had better news.” She switched off the iPad and tucked it under her arm. “But even with the online donations, we’re only at sixteen million.”

  It felt like someone had stabbed the heel of her stiletto right into her chest, then twisted it for good measure. That wasn’t enough. Not even close.

  Eyes burning, she tossed the half-eaten lamb lollipop into a nearby trash can. She couldn’t cry. Not there. Not in front of all of these people.

  “You did everything you could,” Van insisted with an uncharacteristic quiet.

  “But it wasn’t enough.” The burn in her eyes intensified until she couldn’t see, but she bit into her cheek and froze her face. One wrong move, one small twitch, and she wouldn’t be able to stop crying for a very long time.

  “Crap. Why’d the music stop?” Van glared at the stage. “I have to go check in with the band.” She gave her a lopsided hug. “Sorry, girl.”

  Still silent, still frozen, Avery waved her away like it was nothing, like her heart wasn’t broken for Bryce, but those tears built with a vengeance and started to spill over, probably dragging her mascara with them. All she needed was to walk around the rest of the night looking like a blond Marilyn Manson.

  With nowhere else to hide, she put her head down and elbowed her way through the crowd, then ducked into the ladies’ room. Leaning over the sinks, she inspected her face. At least her mascara was still intact. If she could just make it through a couple more hours…

  Inside of her beaded purse, her phone chimed and announced an incoming text. She ignored it and blotted a Kleenex under her eyes, but it chimed again. And again.

  Leave me alone. She unearthed it from the mess of receipts, mints, and tampons ready to click it into silent mode, but his name lit up the screen.

  Bryce Walker.

  Hey, Avery.

  It’s Bryce.

  Watcha doin?

  Her heart tumbled into a free-fall. He didn’t know? How could he not know? Sure, she hadn’t told him, but she’d figured he’d find out. All of his friends were there. And of course there were the media interviews…

  Okay. Not important. What really mattered was…he cared what she was doing?

  Her fingertips buzzed. What should she say?

  Nothing important, she sent back, then regretted it. Nothing important? How could she lie like that? This might’ve been the most important thing she’d ever done. Even if she’d failed.

  The phone chimed again. Slowly, she raised it to eye level, almost afraid to look.

  You’re pretty dressed up to be doing nothing important.

  She looked left, then right. Yeah. Like he’d be standing in the ladies’ room at The Knightley! He must’ve heard…

  You look beautiful.

  Blue is your color.

  Love the flower in your hair.

  Heat snaked through her veins and made her heart feel like it would burst. He was there? He’d seen her?

  More important…he thought she was beautiful?

  She sank to the flowered bench in the corner because her knees had quit working, just like that. He’d come. How could she have missed him? How did—

  The door opened and Bryce sauntered through like he walked into ladies’ rooms every day.

  “Hey.” He stopped a few feet away. “Can we talk?”

  Talk? Yeah, right. She couldn’t utter a word. One hundred percent pure infatuation tangled her throat. He stood there in a tux. A tux! And his hair…God, his hair. He’d tamed it into waves that made her fingers long to feel them, to glide through their softness. He looked so…well, the sight of him was enough to make a nun feel lust.

  His eyes connected with hers and her heart floored it, because this was the same way he’d looked at her right before he’d made love to her, his gaze steady and sure, mesmerizing.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, still two feet away from her. That was her fault because she still hadn’t answered his question. But how could she when her tears were welling up again? Because he was there. In the ladies’ room. With her.

  She dipped her chin to her chest so he wouldn’t see her cry, but then he got on his knees in front of her, holding her face in his hands and looking straight into her heart.

  “Walking out on you was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done, Avery. And I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff.”

  She shook her head against the regret in his voice. “You were right. I could’ve done more. I should’ve.” The tears did fall then, because it was the truth. “I could’ve stopped it.” If only she’d been paying attention. She’d would’ve seen what her father was planning to do.

  “Hey.” His thumbs stroked her cheeks, wiping away those unrelenting tears. “None of this is your fault.” He inched closer; his elbows resting on her thighs, his face drawing so near that her body ached for him to pull her into his arms.

  “We didn’t raise enough money,” she whispered, because he should know that before he made another mistake. “Not even close.” Waves of her sadness rippled through the words. “I can’t stop the auction.”

  “Avery.”

  She closed her eyes at the way his lips formed her name, with great care and tenderness.

  His hands lowered and swallowed hers. Under his protective hold, her heart picked up and found a new rhythm.

  “It doesn’t matter.” He smiled, still holding her hands in his, still looking at her like no man ever had, open and defenseless. “You were wrong. You are enough.”

  The words reached the hollows of her heart, those empty places carved out by loss and disappointment, filling them until they brimmed over.

  Bryce moved his hands to her face and brought it in line with his. “You’re so different. So strong. Compassionate. Vibrant.” He shook his head. “God, I’m so in love with you, Avery,” he uttered with a helpless vulnerability. “I didn’t even know it could be like this.”

  “Me neither,” she murmured, peering into his eyes, letting him see the truth because she couldn’t hide it anymore. She couldn’t pretend. She couldn’t walk away. Somehow her heart had found its true home in him. A surge of emotion tangled her throat. “I feel like I’ve loved you my whole life.”

  Still on his knees, he inched closer, until his upper body pressed against hers, until not even air could fit between them. “When I thought about my life without you, I couldn’t picture anything.” The words were rough, almost frantic. “I don’t need the ranch. I need you. I’m sorry it took me so long to figure it out.”

  But she wasn’t sorry. Without the last couple of days, they wouldn’t have known. They wouldn’t have caught a glimpse of life apart. They wouldn’t have discovered that they belonged together. She tugged his face closer, watching his eyes carefully the whole way, feeling that sharp, beautiful sting of anticipation spiral through her. “I’d say you figured it out just in time,” she whispered, right before his lips melded to hers. The warm softness of his skin spread through her, looseni
ng her joints, brewing a heated desire in the deep recesses of her soul.

  His hands glided up her bare arms, then cupped her jaw, the manly roughness of his fingers scraping her in a lovely, tingling way.

  He pulled back, his shameless gaze seeming to take in the details of her face, moving over her lips and her nose and her forehead.

  “You combed your hair,” she whispered, because she couldn’t resist.

  “Don’t get used to that,” he said with a sly, heart-stopping grin.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.” She tangled her fingers in his soft waves, mussing his hair just enough that he resembled the real Bryce. The one she’d fallen for. “There. I like it better this way, anyhow.”

  Bryce pushed to his feet and pulled her up, bringing her close against his body, sliding his hands down her back, stopping them on the curve of her hips. “Don’t go to California, Slugger,” he begged. “Stay with me.”

  And even though her feet were technically touching the ground, her body threatened to float away. She stood on her tiptoes so his lips were within reach. “Okay.”

  It was the simplest decision she’d ever made.

  “Okay,” Bryce repeated before his lips teased hers, then sank in, silencing the rest of the world, drowning her in a warm rush. He wrapped her in his arms, bringing their bodies closer, caressing his hands down her back. His lips were solid and demanding, so dominant over hers that her lungs ached with a groaning breath. Grinning against her mouth, Bryce backed her into the wall, pinning her body with his, working his lips down her neck…

  Creak.

  The door whooshed open.

  Avery froze, trying to focus past the blur of passion in her eyes. Under the doorframe, a white-haired woman gasped and clutched her chest. “Oh, goodness! I’m so sorry,” she called as she hurried out.

  Laughing, Bryce rested his forehead against hers. “I guess we’ll have to hold that thought.”