by Susanna Carr
“Maybe she’s not trying to stop the wedding,” he argued. “She could think she’s protecting Brittany from Heidi and Robin. I’m sure she knows all about how miserable they made her in college. Or she’s showing how indispensible she is to Brittany.”
“That’s possible.” Angie bit down on her bottom lip as she considered his argument. “She’s in charge of all the details.”
“And she is in the perfect position to clear away any evidence.” Cole motioned at Robin’s place setting.
“Brittany doesn’t strike me as the kind of woman who picks up after herself,” Angie muttered. Her shoulders tensed. “Uh-oh.”
“What?” He placed a protective hand on her arm.
“Patrick is coming this way,” she said via the side of her mouth, “and he’s got that look on his face. That is not a good look.”
“Angie?” Patrick looked away and nervously rubbed his hand over his mouth. “I really hate to tell you this. I’m sure it’s temporary. Just until Brittany calms down.”
“Just spit it out, Patrick.”
Patrick took a big breath. “Brittany wants you to leave,” he said in a rush.
Angie showed no emotion and gave a short nod. “I can do that. Not a problem.”
“And...” Patrick’s face turned bright red. “You’re banned from the wedding.”
16
“BANNED!” ANGIE SHOUTED as she entered her apartment. She threw her keys on the small table by the door. “Me? I’m banned?”
“I know,” Cole said as he followed her into the loft. He closed the door and leaned against it as he watched Angie pace. “You’ve been chanting that since we left.”
“Banned!” She ripped off her jacket and threw it on the ground. “No one bans Angela Lawson. No one!”
“Brittany has.” He pointed out as he watched her kick off her shoes.
Angie balled her hands into fists. “The nerve of that woman.”
“It’s not just Brittany. Patrick is backing her up.” He hated to mention it but he felt it was necessary. Patrick was going to take Brittany’s side from now on. Angie needed to adapt or risk losing her friend.
“Can you believe it?” She furiously tugged at her ponytail and a second later her hair tumbled free. Cole noted the long tresses as they fell around her neck and shoulders. “He has known me for twenty years. And he sides with that woman.”
“I’m sure everything will be cleared up and all will be forgiven,” he murmured, distracted at how soft and shiny her hair looked. His stomach clenched as he remembered how it felt against his hand and how it swept down his body when Angie was on top.
“Oh, no.” She pointed at Cole. “I am not forgiving her. Or Patrick. And to think I bought them a good wedding present.”
“Look at the big picture,” he suggested, thrusting his hands in his pockets as he watched Angie’s angry strides. “You don’t have to be a bridesmaid anymore.”
She stopped and turned around, her hands on her hips again. “Why aren’t you angry? My best friend just kicked me out of his wedding.”
“I’m happy you’re out of the line of fire.”
“Nothing was going to happen to me,” she insisted, walking up to him. “But don’t you want to go find out if Cheryl is behind this?”
“I can’t prove she did any of it,” he said, quietly watching the emotions flicker in Angie’s eyes. “I have no motive and no weapon. The woman is smart.”
She didn’t budge an inch. “I bet you she’s been poisoning Brittany’s mind about me. It’s because we’ve been asking questions.”
“Or Brittany just doesn’t like you.”
Angie nodded as she considered that. “Yeah, there’s that, too.” She clucked her tongue. “You know, she was right. I am envious.”
“What?” His heart stopped as jealousy, hot and bitter, seized his rib cage.
She gave him a curious look. “Not because she has Patrick. Oh, God, no.”
“Good to know.” He was tempted to rub his knuckles against his chest to ease the pain. “Then what?”
“I’m envious about what she and Patrick have.” She looked away as a bittersweet smile tugged at her mouth. “You and I used to have that. I miss it. I miss having you in my life.”
“I’m here.” He wasn’t going anywhere. But would she believe that?
Angie narrowed her eyes as she looked at the door. “You know what? I’m going to crash it.”
“Crash what? The ceremony?” Was she kidding? Please let her be kidding. But he saw the look in her eye and the stubborn tilt of her chin.
“That’s right.” She pumped her fist. “No one can keep me from my friend’s wedding.”
“I can,” he said. His harsh tone caught her notice.
Angie watched him carefully. “You won’t.”
“I’m looking after you until this wedding is over.” He cupped his hands on her stiff shoulders and made her face away from the door. She protested as he pushed her farther into the room. “Consider me your personal bodyguard.”
“I don’t need one.”
She dragged her bare feet on the floor but it wasn’t enough resistance to keep him from moving her. “I’ll decide that.”
“I’m not a bridesmaid anymore,” she said, the anger evaporating from her voice. “I’ll be fine.”
“We’re assuming this is related to the wedding,” he said as he stopped next to the bed. “It could be for a different reason. I’m not taking any chances.”
She sighed. “Go home, Cole.”
He shook his head. “Not unless you’re coming with me.”
“I can take care of myself.” Her voice was quiet but steady.
“I know.” Angie was strong and capable. She knew it and so did he. Yet he wanted to help her. He wanted to be there for her and prove to her that she wasn’t on her own. “But I want to take care of you, too. If anything happens to you...”
“Cole, I’ve had a bad day.” She rubbed her hands over her face. “I’m tired, I’m upset and you need to go before I do something stupid. Like lose my temper. Or cry. At this moment, it could be both.”
Did she not want to show that side of herself? Was she worried he would leave if she showed too much emotion? “Go ahead. Let it all out. I don’t mind.”
“You don’t get it, do you?” She met his gaze. “My restraint is almost gone. I don’t want to lean on a friend tonight. I want something more. I want everything.”
He tried to squelch down the hope building inside him. “What are you saying?”
“I can’t be friends with you. Not anymore.”
The hope instantly transformed into panic. What did he do wrong? He had been on his best behavior. Whatever she needed, he would do it. Anything to keep her in his life. “Why not?” he asked gruffly.
“I need more from you.” She flattened her hand against his chest. “I need to know that you’re there for me no matter what.”
He swallowed hard, not sure if he heard correctly. “I’m with you all the way.” Even if she gave up on him, even if she moved on. He would be there for her whenever she needed him. She didn’t have to ask.
“You have always been the most important person in my life,” she said. “And I knew that I was your top priority.”
“You still are.” She put him above everyone else. In some ways he knew that. She showed it in every choice she made.
“It’s not enough,” she said. “I want it all back. I want to share my life with you. Have a future together.”
This was more than he’d ever expected. He was afraid to make a move. If he said or did something, he could break the spell.
“I get that you can’t make a commitment.” She slid her hands up his chest and looped them behind his neck. “After the hell you went through...I understand that now. But I don’t want to be mere friends. Or friends with benefits.”
He was certain that she could feel his heart beating hard. “You want another try.”
She nodded. “I want what
we had, Cole. I’m not going to ask for anything more, but I refuse to ask for anything less.”
He cautiously wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her closer. “Are you sure?”
“I love you, Cole.” Her voice was clear and full of confidence. “I haven’t stopped loving you.”
He couldn’t look away from her eyes. “How can you? When all I’ve ever done is disappoint you.”
She pressed her lips against his. “I asked too much of you.”
“No, you haven’t.” His hands shook as he caressed her back. “Tell me what you want and I’ll get it for you. Your happiness means everything to me.”
“You know what would make me happy right now? If you took me to bed. Let me show you how much I love you.”
“No, Angie,” he said as he began to unbutton her shirt. “Let me show you how good we can be together.”
* * *
COLE REMOVED HER clothes in record time. She stood before him naked and aroused, throbbing with desire as he reached for her. She gasped in surprise when he playfully tossed her onto the bed.
“Come here,” Angie said, her arms outstretched.
“Soon,” he replied as he discarded his jacket. She noticed his hands were unsteady as he undid the buttons on his cuffed sleeves.
“Let me help you,” she offered as she moved to rise.
“No.” Cole slipped off one shoe and then the other. “Start without me.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
His darkened expression reflected pure passion. “Touch yourself,” his said in a husky voice, “and let me watch.”
Her breath hitched in her throat. “Do you mean like this?” she asked as she cupped her breasts and pushed them together.
“Yeah,” he said roughly as he dragged off his socks. “Just like that.”
“But I like it best when you touch me like this,” she said as she rubbed her palms over her nipples. “It feels so good.”
“What else feels good?” he asked as he clumsily yanked off his tie.
“When you do this.” She pinched her nipple and the heat, thick and addictive, scorched through her veins. She moaned and arched her spine to accommodate the flash of pleasure.
“I didn’t catch that,” Cole said as he unbuttoned his shirt. His teasing tone didn’t match the tension vibrating in him. Or the way his skin tightened against his features. He was getting aroused, hard and fast, as he watched her.
“It was something like this.” She pinched her nipples harder. Angie gasped from the tingling sensations and rolled her hips. She focused on Cole through hooded eyes and her skin prickled when she noted the raw lust in his gaze.
“What else do you like?” he asked as he tugged his shirt off.
“Hmm...” She glided her hands along her chest and neck before sinking her fingers into her long hair. The warmth had invaded her body. Her arms and legs felt heavy. Her breasts felt large and full. And her hips...
“Show me,” Cole commanded. His hands on his belt buckle.
She smiled, boldly, as she skimmed her hands along her sides. One hand stayed on her pelvic bone before she splayed her fingers over her mound.
“What would you like me to do?” he asked as he slowly unbuckled his belt.
She felt a wave of shyness and hesitated. Cole seemed mesmerized by her brazenness, but she didn’t want to be too aggressive. She knew better than to ask for too much.
“Angie,” Cole said as he slowly unzipped his pants. “I want to know. Don’t hide from me.”
She didn’t want to. Not anymore. Hiding caused misunderstandings and mistakes. It meant holding back when she wanted to live and love fully.
Her pulse raced as she slid one hand over the slick folds of her sex. She glided her fingers slowly as she watched Cole’s reaction. And she raised her other hand over her head. She moaned, rocking her hips as the pleasure coiled tight in her belly.
“Oh, Cole.” She drew out his name. “I want you deep inside me.”
Without hesitation, he shoved off his remaining clothes. Angie couldn’t help but be aware that he was rock hard and already breathing deeply.
“Take me now, Cole.”
Instantly, he held the backs of her knees and pulled her toward him. Cole hooked her legs over his hips. Her bottom was raised and her hips tilted up. She was totally at his mercy.
He eagerly explored her body with his hands. “Like this?” he asked with a wicked smile as he palmed her breasts. She arched into his touch, enjoying the pressure and friction.
“Yes-s-s,” she assured him. She bit her lip, holding back a deep groan as he teased her nipples. “More,” she muttered as she moved her head from side to side.
“What about this?” He drew one hand down her abdomen and cupped her mound. Her heart skipped a beat at his possessive hold. She undulated when he pressed her swollen clit.
“I want everything,” she said wildly. “I want it now.”
Cole put his hands on her hips, his fingers holding tight as he surged into her welcoming heat. The breath stuttered from her throat as he filled her. Cole stilled and closed his eyes as he savored this moment.
Angie stretched her arms out, surrendering to him. Her body accepted Cole and drew him in deeper.
Cole shuddered as he tried to control his most primitive instincts. “No,” he warned. “I want this to last.”
“I can’t help it,” she said as she bucked against him. “I want you so much.”
He let out a feral growl and sank into her. Heat blanketed her skin as each strong thrust went deep. She rocked against the bed, bunching the sheets in her hands as the pleasure rippled through her.
She watched Cole and saw the sweat gleam along his ruddy skin, his muscles straining each time he withdrew.
“I love you, Cole,” she said as the burning, growing pressure inside her burst. She shut her eyes as the white-hot intensity of her orgasm claimed her. Again and again it came in crashing waves as Cole climaxed.
Angie kept her eyes closed. She wanted to remember this heightened moment, this all-consuming pleasure. But she couldn’t ignore the fact that Cole didn’t say any words of love. And while she felt protected and desired when she was with him, she knew he may never say those important words to her.
17
COLE STARED AT the small stone church as he got out of his car. It appeared quaint and picturesque but he knew danger lurked beneath bunches of white flowers and pink luminaries. Guests were already entering the building and he heard the strains of organ music from where he stood. He hoped he wasn’t too late.
He fished his phone from his pocket and checked his messages. Nothing. He tried to take a deep breath but his chest was tight with worry. Cole punched the screen and redialed Angie’s phone. He felt like throwing his phone when he immediately got her voice mail.
“Angie, why don’t you have your phone on? Call me when you get this.” He hung up and rubbed his aching head. When he found her, he was going to make sure she never left his side.
He grabbed his suit jacket and shoved his arms in the sleeves. His movements were choppy and forceful as the panic swelled inside him. Where was Angie? Why wasn’t she picking up her phone? Was she hurt? Was her phone dead? Or was she ignoring his calls?
It was bad enough waking up alone in her apartment, but his stomach had made a sickening twist when he found her note explaining that she was back in the wedding.
Back as a bridesmaid, possibly as maid of honor. Either way, she was back to being a target.
His phone rang. Cole checked the screen and saw Angie’s number. He felt weak, almost boneless, as the relief poured through him. He immediately answered. “Angie?”
“Hey, Cole,” Angie replied cheerfully as if she didn’t hear the urgency in his voice. “I’m sorry I missed your call. And your texts. All twelve of them.”
“Where have you been?” he demanded.
“Didn’t you get my note? I put it where I was sure you’d see it. I didn’t want you to worry
but I had to leave quickly this morning.”
“Yes, I got the note,” he said through clenched teeth as he straightened the knot of his necktie. “You should have taken me with you.”
“I tried to wake you up. I really did, honest. I guess I wore you out.”
He heard the smile in her voice but he wasn’t amused. “What are you doing at the wedding? You were banned.”
“Patrick texted me early this morning. He and Brittany want me to be in the ceremony.” She lowered her voice. “I have a feeling it’s really Patrick who wants me there but—”
“Why did you accept?” The frustration rang in his voice and he didn’t care.
“Patrick is my friend,” she reminded him, “and I know he fought hard to keep me in the wedding. What else could I say?”
“I can think of a few things just off the top of my head. For instance, the bride has it in for you.” He ignored the woman in the floppy hat who gave him a sharp look. “And her assistant is bumping off bridesmaids.”
Angie scoffed. “We don’t know that.”
“Also, Patrick should never have allowed Brittany to speak to you in that manner,” Cole continued as he took the steps to the church two at a time. “You tore up your bridesmaid dress in a fit of rage and can’t possibly participate....”
“I would never destroy this dress no matter how trashy it is,” Angie said breezily. “You have no idea how much it cost.”
He entered the church and looked around the vestibule. He saw a few guests. The men wore dark suits while the women looked like exotic birds with their brightly colored dresses and oddly shaped hats. He didn’t see Angie. “Where are you?”
“I’m outside the bridal room. We’re still getting Brittany ready for the ceremony. It’s not going well. The woman is on the verge of a breakdown.”
Cole frowned as the phone connection crackled. “We?”
“Robin is here. The hospital released her late last night.” He heard the relief in Angie’s voice. “She doesn’t have a lot of energy and she looks really pale, but she’s determined to see this through.”
“That’s great,” Cole said. “I’m glad she’s okay.”
“She must really want to be in this wedding,” Angie said. “I think they want me here as backup if Robin can’t perform her maid-of-honor duties.”