Love Happens

by Claudia Burgoa

It’ll plummet.

  MIA

  Friday flies by in a blur with all of the last minute wedding preparations and unexpected running around. Before I knew it, Luke was pointing at his watch and reminding everyone that it was time for rehearsal. Fortunately that went smoother than the rest of the day and by the time we arrive at Spiaggia, a swanky Italian place in Chicago, I’m exhausted. And I’m not even in the wedding party!

  “What a day, huh?” Luke places a quick kiss on my cheek after he pushes my chair in. “Imagine what tomorrow will bring.”

  “I’ve already decided that if I ever get married, I’m going to elope.” Who needs all this chaos anyway? I’m pretty sure a wedding is supposed to be a celebration of a couple’s love for one another, not outdoing the last Lake Forest nuptials.

  “Yeah?” Luke’s hand finds my thigh and a rush of goose bumps races across my skin. All day, he’s showered me with little gestures of affection that seem more sincere than they do put on. I’m probably wishful thinking—or maybe I’ve let myself get caught up in the excitement of the weekend—but I don’t think that I am. And that’s both exciting and terrifying.

  Ignoring the fear, I lean into Luke’s ear and whisper, “I don’t need extravagance to show my man how I feel.”

  He groans at the same time his fingers tighten on my leg, but any chance to respond is cut short when his father stands and calls everyone’s attention for a toast. It’s for the best, because flirting with my pretend boyfriend—for real—probably isn’t my smartest decision.

  An hour, a delicious meal, and two glasses of wine later, I excuse myself to the ladies’ room. The chardonnay certainly hasn’t helped my awareness of the man sitting so close beside me and I need just a few minutes to get my head straight before we return to the Donovan’s and the bed Luke and I will share for a second night.

  I take my time and decide that a few dabs of cold water on the back of my neck will do me wonders. Only, when I exit the bathroom stall, Jamie stands at the sink, reapplying her lipstick. Any hope I had of cooling off goes up in flames.

  “Fancy meeting you in here,” she purrs as her gaze locks on mine in the mirror.

  “Oh, I’m sure.” Instead of letting her get to me, I wash my hands and do a quick make-up check of my own.

  “You know, I’ve known Luke for a long time.”

  “And?” What’s it going to take for this woman to get a clue?

  “You’re not his type.”

  Oh, this is going to be one of those conversations, is it? I cap my gloss and drop it back into my purse. “And I suppose you think you are. It’s what fairytales are made of, right? The hunky older brother falling for his little sister’s best friend.”

  Jamie narrows her eyes and I just chuckle. I’m not a spiteful person and I despise confrontation, but this woman rubs on every one of my nerves. I can’t not stand up for myself.

  “This isn’t one of Cecilia’s romance novels, Jamie. Luke is with me.” At least for a little while.

  “No one actually believes that, by that way. Even Grace thinks that Luke suddenly showing up with a girlfriend no one’s heard about is damn convenient.”

  “In what way?” I cock my head to the side, truly curious. “Is there a family rule somewhere that requires him to share an up-to-the-minute, blow by blow of his personal life? Because if there is, I should probably know about it. I mean, we are sleeping together. I don’t need my sex life posted in the family bulletin.”

  “Yeah, well you should probably keep it down then. I heard the squealing you did in bed last night. Hell, I’m sure the neighbors did, too.” She rolls her eyes and I bite back a laugh.

  “Oh, Jamie, jealousy will get you nowhere. But since it’s obvious you want a piece of Luke you can’t have, I’ll give you this …” Leaning in, I lower my voice. “He’s got this cute little birthmark on the inside of his left thigh. Looks like a miniature sword and when I lick it …” I use my hands and mouth to mimic a silent explosion that makes her shudder. “Take that back to the peanut gallery, Jamie. Or keep it for your spank bank, if that’s what you’re into. Just know that Luke? He’s never going to be your happily-ever-after.”

  “You are such a bitch.”

  “Only when provoked.” I laugh and head for the door only to round the corner and run smack into Cecilia.

  “Oh!” she gasps, her hand clutched to her chest. “I’m so sorry, dear.”

  “No worries.” I offer a smile much sweeter than any I’d given Jamie and excuse myself back to the dining room.

  I don’t catfight for men. I don’t let them buy me either, but apparently where Luke is concerned, I’m full of exceptions.

  Exceptions that are starting to scare the hell out of me.

  LUKE

  One look at Mia’s pink-tinged cheeks tells me she’s shaken up about something. Then, I see my mom and Jamie trailing closely behind and I can only assume something must have taken place in the bathroom. Angry, I push out of my seat and rush to Mia’s side, pulling her close so I can whisper in her ear.

  “You okay?” I ask, already knowing what her response will be.

  “Not really.” Her voice breaks and rage burns deep in my belly. Jamie’s sneer catches my eye and it takes everything I have not to lash out at her. I hate knowing she may have broken Mia’s feisty spirit. I also know that if Mia wants to breakdown and cry, I certainly don’t want to give Jamie, or anyone else for that matter, the satisfaction of watching it take place.

  “You ready to get out of here? There’s something really big I’d like to show you.”

  “Luke. I swear on everything holy if you’re referring to your mighty sword again I will smother you in your sleep.” She sniffs and I can’t help but chuckle at my own expense.

  I lean down and whisper in her ear. “That wasn’t the big thing I was referring to, however, you know where to find me later if you should change your mind.”

  She stills in my arms and for a second I worry I may have taken our teasing too far. I grasp her chin between two fingers and capture her trembling lips with my own, hoping like hell she understands the meaning behind my gesture. When the kiss breaks, neither of us pulls apart. She peers up at me with questioning eyes, but at the moment all I can offer is a simple smile.

  “Let’s go, baby.” I’m not sure where the term of endearment came from, but I won’t lie, it felt pretty damn natural slipping off my tongue. Mia sinks against my body and I tighten my arm around her and nod goodbye to my mother on the way out.

  Normally, in September the beaches start to clear out, but this year it’s unseasonably warm and tonight there’s quite a bit of activity taking place. When we reach the sand, we both take off our shoes and carry them in one hand while using our free hand to hold onto each other. We’re far enough away from my family that we don’t have to, but we do anyway and I love it.

  We walk along the beach, passing a group of teens playing volleyball, and I find myself smiling each time Mia squeals with delight when the cold water washes over her bare feet.

  “Wow,” she tries smiling while her teeth chatter. “That water is really cold but it feels amazing.”

  “You’re freezing,” I shrug out of my sport coat and drape it over her shoulders.

  “Thank you,” she whispers breathlessly before slipping both arms around my waist. We resume walking and when Mia presses her cheek against my chest I feel my heart beating faster.

  “You want to talk about what happened back there?”

  “Do I have to?” she mumbles.

  “No, but I have a feeling that someone said or did something to upset you and I’d kinda like to know what it was,” I admit.

  Mia stops and peers up at me with a pained expression on her face. “Does it even matter? I mean, really. Why should I let some snooty bitch doctor get under my skin? After all, this is all just pretend, right?” Mia steps back and wraps her arms protectively around her middle.

  “Hey,” I reach forward and caress her cheek. “Our relati
onship may have been exaggerated, but those kisses we’ve shared. The way you look at me when it’s just the two of us … To me, that’s real. If anyone has hurt or upset you in any way, I want to know about it so I can try and make it better,” I confess before pressing my lips to hers. When I pull back her eyes are all watery.

  “Now that I think about it, it’s a little embarrassing. I might have told a little white lie …”

  “You?” I feign surprise. “Never.” She raises a hand to smack my arm but I catch it and draw her knuckles to my lips. “Babe, what happened?”

  “Oh, God,” Mia hides her face in her hands. “This is so embarrassing, but in my defense she totally had it coming. That woman is a bitch, with a capital B. Anyhow, she was spouting off about how everyone heard me squealing during sex and—”

  “Wait. They thought we were having sex?” I don’t bother trying to hide the smirk on my face.

  “Yes!” she exclaims. “But that’s not even the worst part. I might have let is slip that you have a little sword-shaped birthmark on your inner thigh. And …” she cringes, “you go crazy when I lick it.”

  “Is that so?” I ask through choked laughter. “There’s only one problem. I don’t have a birthmark, sword-shaped or otherwise.”

  “Pfft,” she waves me off. “The area I was referring to would only be visible if Jamie’s seen you naked or in a Speedo.”

  Realization sets in and I give her a nudge with my elbow. “Maybe I should consider getting a little sword tattoo right here,” I point to the space located just to the left of my nut sac. “Then it wouldn’t really be a lie.”

  “Shut up,” she rolls those caramel eyes. “Tattoo or no tattoo, I’m not licking your inner thigh.”

  By now we’ve stopped walking and even though I know that I shouldn’t, I just can’t help myself, I love the way my teasing makes her blush. “Sure. You say that now. But I know for a fact if I had one you wouldn’t be able to help yourself. Admit it. You’d find my little sword to be irresistible.”

  “Little being the operative word, here,” Mia smirks.

  “Sweetheart, I can promise you there is nothing little about my sword,” I whisper suggestively.

  Holy hell. This conversation turned dirty really quickly. All this talk about my sword leaves my dick twitching like he’s about to receive some long overdue attention. To ward off any sudden unwelcome appearances, I silently run through some of the old dirt bike trails I used to follow back when I used to ride.

  “So, where is this big thing you wanted to show me?”

  “Right there,” I angle her body in the direction of the pier and the gasp she lets out tells me that bringing her here was the right decision.

  “It’s so beautiful. That’s Navy Pier, right?” I nod yes. “I’ve always wanted to see it in person. I love Ferris wheels, Mia gushes.

  “Well, then, come with me, my lady,” I loop my arm through hers. “I’m about to show you how beautiful Lake Michigan looks from 196 feet above the water’s surface. Plus, you have the added bonus of seeing it at night when everything is all lit up.”

  “Mmmm. Sounds very romantic.” She tips her head back before toeing up to meet my lips. “So, does this mean you’re going to kiss me under the stars?”

  “Oh, there will definitely be a lot of kissing,” I promise as our mouths come together once again.

  By now I’ve lost track of how many kisses we’ve shared, but I think it’s safe to say her lips are one thing I’d never grow tired of.

  Later, after riding the Ferris wheel four times and walking the entire pier, we take a cab back to my parent’s house. Mia’s head rests on my shoulder and in her hand she’s clutching the stuffed bear I won for her while playing a shooting game. Normally, I wouldn’t waste money on those silly games, most of them are rigged so you won’t win, but the way her eyes lit up when she saw that pink bear had me pulling out my wallet in seconds flat. Hell, I’d have stayed there all night and spent every dime I had if that’s what it would have taken. The kiss she rewarded me with after winning made it all worth it.

  Our time together is about to come to an end and we’ll go back to the way we were before that day in the diner. There’s a small part of me that wishes I could just stop time and keep everything the way it is right this second.

  If Sunday didn’t come then Mia wouldn’t turn back into a pumpkin and none of this would have to end.

  MIA

  I’m possibly the worst wedding guest ever, because I spent more time admiring Luke in his tux than I did Grace in her wedding gown. Yes, she was a vision walking down the aisle on her father’s arm and then standing beside Todd as they promised their lives to one another, but, after last night, I’m more interested in what’s happening between Luke and me.

  Several times during the ceremony I caught him watching me too. He even blew me a kiss as he escorted Jamie to the front of the church. I enjoyed the sentiment for obvious reasons, but the fact that he did it front of several hundred people did a little something to my heart, as well.

  Is this what it would feel like to be Luke’s girl full-time? For more than four days? I won’t pretend that I’m not curious and, if given the opportunity to take things further, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Life is too short and guys like Luke don’t come into my diner every day.

  “Such a beautiful ceremony,” one of Luke’s aunts says as we follow the crowd out of the big cathedral. The bridal party disappears to take pictures and find myself mixed in with his cousins and childhood friends. Everyone seems to have a funny story to share about Luke as a kid, usually involving some kind of accident. From starting a small forest fire while camping to driving his first dirt bike into a lake, he’s done it all and, the more I hear, the more I’m intrigued.

  By the time he returns, ready to move on to the reception, I’m already counting down the minutes and hours until we can be alone again.

  “Miss me?” he asks, sneaking up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist.

  “Horribly. I haven’t touched you in two hours.” Tipping my head back, I pout up at him and he remedies my deprivation by placing a series of soft kisses down my neck. I shudder and close my eyes, enjoying his brand of sweet torture.

  “It’s a good thing we’re taking the limo to the reception,” I confess quietly. “Otherwise, I might kidnap you and demand more of this.”

  He groans in my ear and I’m pretty sure that’s not a flask pressing against my backside. “I could definitely go for more,” he murmurs, tipping my chin up so he can kiss me properly while a sleek white limo pulls up to collect the wedding party.

  “If you promise to dance with me, I think I could arrange some secret alone time.”

  His hungry laughter rolls from his body to mine as he walks to the limo, still standing behind me and confirming my suspicion—I’m definitely not the only one turned on right now.

  After helping me into the big car, he tangles our hands and the fun begins. Todd breaks open a bottle champagne and the group cheers, but Luke and I are in our own little world. Even two hours into the reception, the buzz that surrounds us doesn’t dissipate. Things have definitely changed between us and I have no idea what, if anything, it will mean for Luke and I when we return home.

  As the sun goes down over Lake Forest, the music begins and I watch from the sidelines as Luke twirls Jamie around the dance floor. I know he’s expected to do this with her at least once, but I won’t pretend that it doesn’t sting a bit, knowing she’s his first dance of the night. There’s solace, however, in knowing I’ll be his last.

  “Feel like humoring an old man?” One of Luke’s uncles sidles up beside me and waggles his eyebrows. I laugh and give him my arm without hesitation, appreciating how welcoming this family has been. I could get used to this.

  Five dances later, I finally spot Luke making his way over to me. He’s carrying two glasses of champagne and an apologetic smile.

  “I’m sorry, babe. My aunts are a bunch of crazies and they
wouldn’t let me go until they’d squeezed and patted every last inch of me, I swear.”

  “Oh, I saw, believe me. So did your uncles, who expressed endless gratitude that you’d taken the focus off of them for a while.” I accept a glass of bubbly and take a sip. “You really have a lovely family, Luke. Thank you for sharing them with me.”

  He tips his head to the side and a crease forms between his eyebrows. “You okay?”

  As okay as I can be, I guess. I never expected to feel this way, but I’m not looking forward to tomorrow. To going back home to my mostly empty apartment, knowing that the chances of having this again with Luke are slim to none. Yeah, we like each other, but if he were the dating or relationship type, he wouldn’t have found himself in this mess in the first pace. He made it clear that he’s not ready for anything beyond the kind of arrangement we have and I’m not foolish enough to think that a little chemistry with me is going to change that.

  I have to be cautious, but sometimes there’s a fine line between being smart and being stupid. Luke is mine for the next twelve hours and I intend to make the most of it.

  “So, did you save a dance for me, Mr. Mighty Sword, or do I need to hit up another of your elderly male relatives?”

  He laughs, sets both of our glasses of champagne aside, and tugs me out onto the dance floor.

  I melt into him like it’s the last time I’ll hold him and, from his racing heart, I’m willing to bet he’s thinking the same. What’s next for us? And how bad is it going to hurt?

  We dance and mingle intermittently and finally, as the crowd begins to thin out, Luke ducks down and whispers in my ear. “What would you say to me grabbing us a hotel room tonight? All of this holding you close has made me greedy and I don’t want to go back to the house and have to share you.”

  A hot wave of anticipation slides down my spine and I answer without thinking twice. “I’d say it’s the best idea you’ve had all weekend.”

  His grins hitches to one side and, faster than I can conjure up any fantasies about what exactly might happen in this hotel room, he’s made the rounds and said his goodbyes.