by Lynda Rees
Later after a light lunch by the pool discussing wedding plans, Kelle, deliriously happy and appropriately excited, blissfully napped on her balcony chase with a bridal magazine flopped on her chest. Tisha quietly departed the suite to ensure everything had been readied for the perfect wedding and reception.
Managing details of Kelle’s wedding anchored Tisha keeping her grounded. Grateful for hectic requirements of the impending nuptials, Tisha determined to give Kelle the incredible wedding she deserved.
Inspecting the chapel first, she talked with the minister performing the ceremony, checked floral arrangements and the bride’s room where they would prepare for the ceremony. Everything needed for any last-minute emergency had been made available.
Tisha dutifully met with the banquet caterer for the small group ordering from the restaurant’s regular menu. Tisha gave them a credit card to cover the bill, so Kelle wouldn’t be required to deal with formalities. She chose Kelle’s favorite champagne plentiful and iced.
Checking the reserved private dining room, it was lovely. A round table set with china, crystal and linens in yellow and mango colors perfectly coordinated with Kelle’s bouquet. A blossom and vine covered arch along one wall presented the perfect wedding photos setting.
Tisha had seen to it everything had been arranged in order. Speaking briefly with the hotel’s photographer, she ensured he’d take specific shots Kelle requested.
Kelle’s Dad Cory strutted into the room as they finishing. Tisha adored Cory, who had always treated her well. She greeted him with a warm hug.
Cory’s strong arms went around her tiny waist and drew her against him lifting Tisha off her feet. Grinning, he spun her around and gently placed her around with a warm peck on the nose. “How’s my lovely Tisha?” His eyes beamed showing off pale baby-blues against a golf tan. Exceedingly handsome, Kelle’s dad, Cory, was middle-aged at best, not looking older than forty. A thick mane of silky brown hair flew up as he’d spun her then settled gently with every lock in place. Grey had begun painting glorious streaks at his temples adding to his charm. The charismatic gentleman held a special place in her heart.
“Absolutely perfect now you’re here.” Teasing shamelessly, they play-flirted in good fun, like always. Quick to laugh and an enjoyable conversationalist, the doting father enjoyed her friend Tisha. Oddly Cory had never remarried after losing Kelle’s mom to cancer a few years back. “I’d have assumed some splendid widow would’ve snatched you up by now.”
“Not a chance. Gems like you roam free.” He winked and his arm settled across her shoulder. “What’re we doing? Checking on last-minute details?”
“You’ve got it.” Tisha chuckled into those blue eyes reading her innermost thoughts.
The photographer trekked toward them. “Would you folks mind posing by the flower-covered arch where vows will be recited? I need to take a few shots to ensure my camera is well-focused.”
“Sure.” Cory led Tisha to the spot and hugged her to him possessively around the waist as the cameraman shot several poses. She leaned into his shoulder and smiled brilliantly.
The photographer checked his work. “Perfect. Thanks for helping out.”
“Our pleasure. I want copies of those shots.” Cory shook hands with the man before he left. Then he gave Tisha a quick peck on the cheek, lifting her chin with a finger. “It was definitely my pleasure. See you soon, sweetheart. Save a dance for me.” Smiled broadly, he exited the glass door toward the gardens.
Tisha headed toward the hallway. A man in a black tuxedo leaned against the door jamb with his arms crossed. His head hung as he slumped watching her intently. She couldn’t tell from the distance, but something felt familiar about the staff member waiting to speak with her.
Who had she forgotten to check in with?
She walked closer. He wasn’t hotel staff.
CHAPTER 28
How long had Sam been watching? Startled and unsure what to do, she slowly sidled toward him silently, head held high and shoulders back.
Sam stood straighter and smiled meekly. “You moved on quickly.” He nodded toward where Cory had disappeared then ambled toward her. Stopping in her tracks a few feet from Sam, she resisted the inclination to run.
“What business is it of yours?”
He grimaced, glanced away then back. Sam had witnessed Tisha and Cory’s embrace and kiss.
Good. If it bothered him, he deserved it.
“I didn’t stop living because our brief affair ended. Did you? It was purely sex—a fling.” Tisha would be dammed if he’d see her squirm. “Go home, Sam. Your family needs you.” She tried controlling anger anxious to infect her words.
“I hoped you’d pine a wee bit for me.” Sam’s rakishly grinned placing a thumb and index finger together tilting his head. The lethal dimples flashed her way, and Tisha’s insides melted to mush. “How long have you been with this guy?” He nodded toward the garden.
“It’s none of your business, but I’ve known Cory fifteen years. He is a wonderful, honorable man.” She emphasized the word hoping to injure as he had her. Sam’s honor was in question.
Sam bowed. “Touché. Tisha, don’t you think Cory too old for you?” Sam spat each syllable of Cory’s name.
“I don’t need your advice on my love life.” She spoke slowly and clearly, trying to hide her guts twisting painfully.
“You don’t love Cory. You love me.” Sam’s voice expressed measure and confidence.
“You’re a cad.” Tisha shot forward attempting unsuccessfully to get past him. He blocked her exit.
“You’re a breathtaking vision.” He sighed. His hungry eyes drank her in, and he seemed taller, more manly and stronger, as though gaining strength from the sight of her.
Tisha didn’t react visibly but spoke stiffly trying to keep her voice from trembling. “Thank you, Sam. Why are you here? What do you want? How can I convince you to leave?” She folded her arms hugging her waist and tapped a toe.
“I had to see you—try to stop you.”
“Are you out of your mind? You and I had a fling. It’s over. Leave me alone. Go away.” Tisha tried to pass by him in the wide double doorway. Sam’s aura filled the compact entryway and moving sideways, he blocked Tisha’s exit. He sucked air from the room. Tisha could hardly breathe. He had nerve seeking her out this way, intruding and trying to spoil the perfect event she’d worked hard to arrange for Kelle.
For what?
To start their illicit affair over again?
Not happening. All the work, planning and soul-searching she suffered through getting a grip on her emotions and Sam ruined everything.
Sam stepped toward her. “I won’t do it.”
Her fist balled, and tears flowed. The anger she’d built up and slammed a punch into his abdomen. He doubled over as shock glazed his eyes. Tears threatened to engulf Tisha as she tried to not act ruffled. She wouldn’t let him spoil this special, important time for her and Kelle. “You wasted your time.” She sped past him and into Cory’s arms halfway down the hall.
Cory eyed the man trying to regain function of his lungs and shot a glare sending daggers Sam’s way. He circled Tisha with a protective grasp and hurried her away from the man causing her tears. Her body quaked, and she sniffed as she strolled in the comfort of Cory’s embrace, wanting to distance herself from Sam at all cost.
Safely in the elevator, Cory released her holding her by the shoulders. “What’s wrong, Tisha? Who’s the fella?”
She snickered, wiping tears with a hanky from his pocket. “Thanks, Cory. He’s my last heartache.”
“Damn the dumbass. How could he hurt someone as sweet as you?” Cory hugged her against his chest, and she rested her head on his shirt.
Pulling away, she grinned through moist eyes. “Thanks for rescuing me.”
“Tisha, I’d stand between you and a raging lion if necessary. You’re a remarkable woman and deserve a guy who treats you well. I’m a bit older than you. Once you’re over this
broken heart, accept my dinner invitation? I’d love getting to know you better. I promise not to break your heart like the dude did.”
Her mouth opened wide, and she studied Cory as a man for the first time. “Seriously, Cory, I’ve sworn off men for a long while. I’ve been exceedingly terrible at choosing men in the past. I need a breather.”
His hands went up. “I hear it. Not a problem. You’ll be whole again. Consider it. You know how to reach me.”
Cory, ever the gentleman, surprised Tisha with his interest in her as a woman. It was a considerable compliment.
“We’re moving forward with things as though this never happened.” He stroked her arm. “No worries.” The elevator bell rang and Cory stepped off on his floor. “See you later.”
“No worries.” She nodded smiling as the doors opened.
CHAPTER 29
The phone blinked as Tisha entered her room. A message had recorded soon after she’d left for the day with Kelle.
“Hey, Tisha, it’s your incredible granny calling. Honey, I may’ve miss-stepped. Your Sam fella came by. I let it slip you flew to Sin City for a wedding. He might have gotten the wrong… . idea. I … ah … , wanted you to know. I … ah … oh, hell.” The message clicked off.
Explains how he found me. Why? Even if Sam believed Tisha was getting married, didn’t she deserve the same happiness he enjoyed as a married man?
Man, he has gall.
If he knew the location of the wedding, she couldn’t avoid him. She couldn’t allow him to break up the ceremony on some stupid quest. She’d best take the bull by the horns and ride it for a full eight seconds—the way to get rid of Sam for good. Regretting she hadn’t had the balls to face him when she fled Kentucky, she phoned the front desk.
“Do you have a Sam Finch registered?”
“Yes, Ma’am. He checked in a while ago. We can’t give out his room number. Would you like to leave him a message? May I connect you to his room?”
“Yes, please.” Some beeping and clicking signaled. Then a recording came on asking for her message. “Sam, you’re here, so let’s get this over with. We need to talk. I’ll meet you in the breakfast lounge on the lower terrace. Meet me there at three p.m. If you don’t show by three-thirty, I’m gone and expect you out of my life for good.”
Taking a deep breath, Tisha readied to stand her ground. Head held high, hands on hips she strutted to the elevator, working on keeping her head straight. On a mission, she must avoid a bridal catastrophe no different from arranging flowers and seeing to other details.
Yeah, right?
Seated at a dark corner table far away from other customers, she ordered two coffees and waited prepared to confront the man she loved and lie to his handsome face. God help her. She still loved the cad, but saw him for what he was.
He shamelessly, mercilessly accosted her out of the blue. He obviously lacked morals, putting them on for show to convince her to sleep with him and bare her soul. Why desire him so strongly? He wasn’t worth the effort.
Sam walked in with his blank lawyer’s face on. He strode purposely toward her table. She indicated for him to sit, and he did.
“You don’t deserve my time.” Tisha spat the words with venom, angrier by the second. At the same time, she found his striking face appealing and ached to kiss those lips that knew how to pleasure her. Instead she glared, nauseated at her weakness for Sam in his presence and failure to get over him.
“I understand. I’m sorry I hurt you, but don’t clearly understand how I did it.”
She shook her head staring to the side then faced him. “Yeah, I suppose you wouldn’t. I came to the office and saw you with your family.”
A perplexed look came over his face as his brow wrinkled and he squinted. “I don’t know what you saw, but you’re wrong about me.” His voice expressed pleading. “It isn’t at all what you think.”
She couldn’t keep her eyes from lingering on those delectable lips. The eyes filled with lies. So she avoided them.
“Yeah well, so you say. My eyes don’t lie. I saw you with your daughter and wife. You did it knowing how Simon betrayed me?” Tisha spat. “How the hell did you find me?”
A sorrowful expression came on his gorgeous face. “Lola said you came here for a wedding. I hopped on the first plane from Kentucky. Please, Tisha, don’t marry the guy without hearing me out.”
“Say what you must. Then I want you gone. You’re not ruining this, after everything I’ve done to ensure a perfect wedding.”
“It would be perfect if you married me.” Sam sniffed taking a deep breath.
A banner advertised the Donnie and Marie show playing at the hotel. A distant ringing of slot machines registered from the casino. The inviting tone spoke of joy and fun beckoning Tisha to run and escape from Sam, not wanting to hear his sordid story. Her head spun.
“How dare you involve Gran in our lucid affair? You’ve got to accept it’s over.” Tisha asked disbelieving.
“You refused to see me. Kelle told me to get lost and leave you alone. I actually convinced Lola to talk with me.” He chuckled snickering. “She couldn’t run away.”
“No. She could’ve clubbed you with her walker.” Tisha glared down her nose. “Kelle? You talked to Kelle?” She could hardly believe her ears.
“I called the gallery.”
“She didn’t say a word, but she knew I didn’t want to see you.”
“Why did Gran help you? I told her how you deceived me. She would never betray me.”
“She didn’t betray you. Honestly, I think she led me to believe you were getting married, so I’d leave you alone. I couldn’t.”
Gran would never hurt Tisha. In a stunned trance, she glared at the love of her life in disgust. Aching to hold him tight, waves of desire washed over her, wanting Sam beyond anything else.
Sam didn’t deserve it. His presence suffocated her. She’d lost her mind and couldn’t control sensations surging through her in Sam’s orbit.
Sam gently lifted her hand. It trembled. The power sent a shock wave through her system tightening her belly and astounding her. Tisha shook her head clearing cobwebs.
“You hounded me mercilessly and have the impudence to track me down. Stalking is illegal. You’re a lawyer and know it. Do I need a restraining order? I never suspected you for the desperate stalker type. Are you dangerous?”
“Tisha, please listen.” His frantic voice begged.
“This is a happy occasion. I don’t need this, Sam. Leave me alone, please.” Pleading did no good. The easy way hadn’t worked. Sam needed her to tell him face-to-face to go to hell. She’d allow the jackass to explain himself then get on with her life, done with Sam forever.
Sam gripped her hands in his. She attempted to resist, giving up after a brief try. She willed herself stop tittering in her seat and calmly listen.
“Tisha, I love you.”
Tisha bristled as the words stung, but forced herself not to respond—not yet. Sam released her hands. She tugged no longer able to bear it.
“You have five minutes. Don’t waste them lying. Get to it.” Tisha spat the words.
“I’ve been desperate without you. I had no idea what happened causing you to disappear without explanation. You were in danger due to your family’s criminal ties. I worried terribly. The nonsense doesn’t bother me, but your disappearance did.”
Tisha silently listened, determined not to let his desperation bother her. She stared at the wall, unable to tolerate Sam’s face. Willing him not to get to her, stone-faced listened with crossed arms.
“Work became impossible in my confused state. Your business decisions don’t concern me. You matter, Tisha.” Sam acted emphatic.
Tisha stiffened wordlessly.
“I couldn’t forget you. You say we’re over. Why? We were amazing together. I love you, and you care for me too. The way Kelle talked you hate me, but I can’t comprehend why. We never fought. What came between us? I had to know.” Sam inhaled a cleansing b
reath watching as though gaging Tisha’s reaction.
She fumed silently.
“I visited Lola in Kentucky. She was livid. They must not allow weapons at the retirement community. I have no doubt she would’ve shot me if she had a pistol in her apartment. She shouted and raged, throwing things. I’ve never heard so many cuss words in one setting. She has quite a vocabulary.”
Tisha couldn’t control the laughter, envisioning the scene. Sam was right about the gun. Good thing Tisha confiscated the pistols.
“Gran told you I discovered you deceived me. You allowed me think your single, but you’re married with a child. I saw you with them myself. You let me think we might have a future. You’re the worst kind of villain.”
“No, you did. You saw me with Clara and Sara in the office. The blonde beauty was my sister, and her adorable daughter, my niece. Thinking I lied about being married, I’m surprised you didn’t gun me down yourself.”
“Don’t think I didn’t have the urge.” She snickered wanting terribly to believe Sam. Did she dare? “Clara? Your sister?” Experiencing slight hope, a tiny seedling of anticipation birthed and with it bloomed a yearning for healing and forgiveness.
“Yes, Clara is one of my five sisters. She tried getting me to her house for dinner while I was in town. Busy with work and spending as much time as possible with you, I finally gave in and joined them. I would’ve invited you; but didn’t want to subject you yet to my crazy, interfering tribe. I wanted you to myself for a while longer.”
Sun finally began shining on Tisha’s world again. She’d misjudged Sam. Wrong about her shot at love after all?
“Yes, Clara is part of the female herd who thinks they rule my life. At least they try to. I have three brothers and the girls. With her a year older, we’re close. I adore her wonderful family—the sweetest, little girl in the world, Sara and husband Ben—one of my best friends.”
The best she’d felt in over a week, Tisha sought clarity. “So you are not married?” She should’ve asked weeks ago. Seeds of guilt started growing in her heart along with compassion.