by Maggie Way
She shook off that thought, knowing not having her twin there for her biggest day ever would have broken her heart.
When she heard the door to Clarissa’s room close, Maddie barreled back in to find Clarissa out of bed, tying a knot in the plush robe the hotel provided. “What does this mean? Are you back together? Please tell me you’re back together.” Because if they were back together, that meant Matt was coming home.
Clarissa shook her head. “Nothing has changed. He’s still going back to the Army and I’m still staying here. It was just one night.”
“I hate you,” Maddie pouted, crossing her arms to keep from flailing them about in a full-blown tantrum. “And I hate him. Why’d he have to join the stupid army, anyway? Everyone he loves is here in Lilac Ridge.”
“It’s his dream,” Clarissa sighed.
“I know,” Maddie sighed. “What about you and Chase?” she asked. They’d only gone out a couple times, but Clarissa was bringing him to the wedding.
Clarissa shook her head. “I told Matt about him. It’d be rude for me to cancel on him at the last minute,” she said.
“You little slut,” Maddie teased.
Pinning Maddie with a look that would make a lesser person cower, Clarissa shook her head. “I’m not sleeping with him. Obviously, I have to break things off. I’ll do it after.”
“After what?” Maddie asked.
“After the reception.”
This was a disaster in the making. “Do not bring any drama to my wedding,” Maddie warned.
“When have you known me to create drama? That’s your job.”
Maddie laughed. “Good point. Okay, enough sad stuff. I’m getting married. Get showered so we can grab breakfast and hit the salon.”
Three hours later, Clarissa stared at the red satin dress Maddie knew her friend didn’t want to wear, but since it was Maddie’s wedding day, she wasn’t willing to make any special accommodations just because Clarissa hated dressing up.
“Stop scowling at it and put it on,” Maddie teased. “But first, zip me.”
When Clarissa turned, she gasped. Maddie’s dress was a simple, strapless gown with a beaded waist “Oh, Maddie. You look like a princess.”
Maddie stood in the beaded strapless gown that hugged her curves and flared out at the bottom.
Maddie’s smile was contagious. “And today I’m marrying the man of my dreams.”
“He’s going to pass out when you walk down the aisle,” Clarissa teased as she eased the zipper up.
“Which I’m never going to do if you don’t get your dress on. You know when Matt sees you in it he won’t be able to resist you.”
Clarissa rolled her eyes and stepped into the bathroom. A knock on the door in Clarissa’s room pulled her away. If Rissy needed help, she’d ask for it, but Maddie doubted she’d hear from her until the dress was in place.
She pulled the door open to find her brother decked out in a tuxedo, a big smile on his face. “You clean up good,” she laughed.
“You, too,” he responded. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “Missed you, Mad-dog.”
“Missed you too, Matty,” she said, hanging on.
“I can’t believe you’re getting married. I’m sure there are men out there you haven’t dated yet.”
She looked up at her brother, her smile matching his. “Darren’s the one. I don’t need to keep fishing,” she insisted.
“I can’t wait to get to know him,” Matt said.
Maddie wasn’t sure how that was possible with Matt only being in town for a few days.
“Where’s Riss?” he asked.
Maddie nodded toward her room and before Matt stepped off, he planted a quick kiss on her cheek. She tried not to think about how the two of them were going to hurt each other and thankfully she as saved by her dad coming into the room.
“You’re as beautiful as your mother was the day we got married,” he said, wrapping her in one of his fabulous bear hugs. “I’m proud of you, Mad.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“You ready?”
“I was born ready,” she affirmed. Holding her dad’s hand, she dragged him into the other room. “Come on people, this girl is ready to get married.”
Minutes later, Maddie descended the grand staircase in the Hale, the wedding march echoing in the grand hall and Darren smiling at her from the altar in front of the windows overlooking the White Mountains.
“You take my breath away,” Darren said when he took Maddie’s hand.
Dressed in a tuxedo with a simple bow tie, he took her breath away too. She wasn’t one to blush, but the heat and love in Darren’s eyes sent a rush of heat from head to toe.
As the minister started, Darren didn’t take his eyes off her and though every detail of the ceremony was planned to her exact dreams, she couldn’t wait to get through it and be pronounced husband and wife … and celebrate with a piece of chocolate cake.
About the Author
Big dreamer and certifiable overachiever Susan Ann Wall embraces life at full speed and volume. She’s a beer and tea snob, can be bribed with dark chocolate, and the #1 thing on her bucket list is to be the center of a Bon Jovi flash mob.
Susan is a multi-genre author of racy, rule-breaking romance, women’s fiction, and erotic fiction (her erotic titles are published as Ann Victor). Her bragging rights include more than 15 books in multiple series, three perfect children, two amazing rescue dogs, and a happily ever after that started while serving in the U.S. Army and has spanned two decades (which is crazy since she’s not a day over 29).
In her next life, Susan plans to be a 5 foot 10, size 8 rock star married to a chiropractor and will not be terrified of large bridges, spiders, or quiet people (shiver).
Photo by BLC Photography
* * *
You can find Susan online at:
www.authorsusanannwall.com
Facebook: Author Susan Ann Wall
Twitter: @susanannwall
Rhythm
(A Heavy Influence Novella)
by Ann Marie Frohoff
Chapter One
Grace
The light stroke of his hand swept my cheek sending tendrils of warmth crawling through me, yet I resisted his pull. I smiled, backing away from him and he gripped my shoulder. A tight smile formed on his handsome face and his dark wavy hair swayed as he nodded. Time had only made him better looking. He stuffed his hands into his pockets. Before I realized what was happening he leaned down and kissed my cheek, lingering, whispering. I felt the drag of his stubble against my skin as he moved away.
“I’ve never stopped loving you, Gracie.”
I couldn’t breathe for a split second. I swallowed and gave a little laugh, suddenly feeling cynical, saying, “I’m sorry about that.”
Our eyes danced and he said hoarsely, “And I’m sorry about your husband.”
I wasn’t shocked that he’d said it, but felt confused and replied, “Me too. Um, thanks for walking me home.”
His green eyes dulled and his jaw tightened before a sad smile spread to his face. My heart raced at the uncertainty of what was to come. He’d either pull me to him or walk away. The heat around us was undeniable, rapidly melting the glacier that was our past. Then just as quickly, a theoretical icy wind blew, separating us.
“Take care of yourself, Gracie,” he said, turning away.
“You too,” I answered after a few beats to his retreating back. He waved over his shoulder, not looking back.
I wasn’t sure why I was shaken. I knew I felt desire between us but the yearning for it, him, was almost maddening. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt like that.
Earlier in the day an intimate tension pulsed between us and it was unquestionable. I sighed. It was so long ago, how could I possibly feel this way? Walking through the door of my home in Hermosa Beach, California, the home I’d shared with my late husband and now just our son, Ethan, it almost felt like Kai and I never happened at all.
What I was most shocked about was running into Kai in the first place, at Jake’s band practice. Kai had been hired as a fill-in drummer for Jake’s solo tour. The music industry was a small world, that I shouldn’t have been surprised. The legends percolated to the top and floated in and out of each other’s lives randomly with collaborations and the sort. Jake Masters was the frontman of a world famous band known as Rita’s Revolt, forever to be embedded in music history. Jake was the first guy to ask me out since my husband died tragically nearly three years prior. Introduced by mutual friend, Jake and I developed a special bond. Our time together was more a product of loneliness and healing than anything else (Jake was ten years too young for me). We were just friends and Ethan now had special “crazy-uncle” figure in his life. Jake was on his way to his happy ending with the love his life, Alyssa, who broke tradition by asking him to marry her.
My thoughts drifted back to Kai.
What were the odds?
Kai.
Mordechai Burton, I corrected myself, the swoon-worthy drummer of another notable band and one of the sexiest to ever exist.
My ex.
When I snapped out of my musings, I caught myself cupping my cheek, the cheek he kissed and the cheek that still felt the sensation of his stubble.
He was the sexiest drummer to ever exist.
I groaned inwardly, shaking off the thoughts. I listened for any movement, any sound. The house was quiet. Walking into the living room, I found Ester, the sitter and housekeeper, quietly reading a book.
“Hello,” I greeted.
“Hi, Ms. Grace,” she said closing the book on her lap. “Ethan just went to sleep. He’s getting a little fussy about his bedtime lately.”
I nodded. “I know. I’m hoping when he starts school he’ll be pooped enough to pass out.”
She chuckled and whisked her fingers through the sides of her short hair. “Yes.”
Ester stood and stepped quickly into the kitchen grabbing her coat from the back of a chair and her purse from the table.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
“No, no worries.” She smiled and beamed saying, “I’m happy you’re home early. My grandkids play soccer early in the morning.”
I walked Ester to the door as we said our goodbyes. As soon as I locked the door behind her my phone chimed, a text message. Before I could get to it, it rang four times and another text alert came through. I heaved in a deep breath, suddenly feeling wine-tired and mentally exhausted. It was too late to answer anyone. Work could wait, thinking of the self-imposed 9 PM deadline I’d missed. I didn’t really miss anything. The music label just wanted the album cover proofs as soon as possible. I was basically done designing them and I said I’d try to have them delivered early – I didn’t expect the Kai factor.
The adrenaline of the day had finally depleted. I took my purse with me up the stairs, dropping it on my bed before peeking in on Ethan. He was asleep in blue footy pajamas with his knees tucked under him and his butt in the air. I fought the urge to go and snuggle him. My heart swelled with pride and love, feeling so fortunate to have him. He looked so much like his dad, Phillip. My beloved husband would live on through Ethan. The thought of Phillip made my nose burn and I pressed my fingers to my lips holding back the tears, but they came anyway. I felt so guilty moving on. Every time a little bit of life came back to me the shame of wanting to feel alive again, when Phillip never would, hammered it back down. Tears of heartache dripped down my cheeks as I shut the door to Ethan’s room.
I missed Phillip so much, his laugh, his touch, his warmth and the strength of his love for me. He truly did love me.
Phillip loved me how men are supposed to love women.
As I prepared for bed I reminded myself of Phillip’s love as I pushed away thoughts of Kai. Kai was nothing but a player no matter how you sliced it. I prayed for another man like Phillip to come my way some day in the future.
“When Ethan’s grown it will be my time for love.” I said into the dark, patting down the blankets around me. “You know, we talked about this. We always said if one of us were to go first, we’d bring just the right person to love us better.” I sighed staring into the blackness. “Keep men like Kai away from me. You promised.”
Speaking to Phillip when I was alone was a common thing. I truly believed he watched over us.
Chapter Two
Kai
Hungry after band practice I suggested grabbing a bite to Jake. I needed to talk to him, so I offered to drive him back home to Manhattan Beach. Shellback Tavern, a local dive bar one street up from the pier, was where we found ourselves.. The interior was dark, old and wooden with exposed beamed ceilings. Flags, surfboards, and banners hung from the rafters. The only new things in the joint were the large flat screen TV’s mounted to the walls and behind the bar. There was even a vintage, punch-key cash register, still in use. Shellback Tavern was a museum of beach volleyball history in its own right, the history of the sport and town could be traced by the pictures lining the walls.
Jake ordered an iced tea while I ordered a pitcher of beer. I was going to need it with what I was about to say.
“I can’t stop thinking about her.” I admitted, throwing my hands in air like I was surprised by my feelings for Grace. I never got over her. Ever.
“Man, sorry about that.” Jake shrugged and looked at me thoughtfully. “Did you ever call her?”
I shook my head. “I only sent a text.”
“Okay, and what did your text say?” Jake asked me slowly and in a tone like he was my mom or something.
I leered at him half laughing. “Fuck you.”
He smiled. “You’re all wound up like a girl about this.”
I picked up my beer and took a gulp, looking out the window at the palm trees then said, “I just thanked her for letting me walk her home and some other stupid shit.”
“Like what stupid shit?”
“I don’t know, man, like that she was still the most beautiful woman in the world and that if she ever wanted to go out to give me a call.” I blurted it all out and it sounded just as stupid as I thought it did the first time, a month ago.
Jake’s mouth hinged open and then clamped shut. He looked like he was about to laugh.
“That bad, huh?” I asked miserably.
“Nah, man. It was sweet.” He snickered. “I have just never seen you like this. I mean, not that I have ever really seen you any sorta way about a chick, but you know what I mean.”
“Yeah.”
“Small world. I still can’t believe you and Grace. It makes me feel weird that we almost hooked up. Glad it didn’t happen.”
I threw Jake a lopsided grin. “It’s not like we were best buds. How were you supposed to know? I was married with a kid.” I looked around the bar and grabbed the pitcher, refilling my glass. “Speaking of kids. What’s going on with yours?”
His eyes lit up and he smiled proudly. “He’s fuckin’ awesome.”
Jake had gone through more twists and turns in his young life than I ever had. He’d battled addiction several times. His best friend died tragically, driving Jake to a scandalous relationship with his friend’s widow, which resulted in a son he hadn’t known about for three years. It made me think of all the years I missed with my daughter. My gut burned and my heart ached. I took another gulp of beer. “Glad to hear it.”
The light in Jake’s eyes faded. “What’s the story?”
I sighed. “What part?”
Jake looked at the time on his phone. “I’ve got time if you do.”
That meant from the beginning. I slapped my thighs. I did want to talk, right? “Met Grace when I was nineteen.”
Jake smiled saying, “Sounds familiar.”
“You know, as I get older, I see some of my friends gettin’ divorced. I’m thirty-six now. Most of us have young kids. I see these friends gettin’ together with their childhood crushes n’shit, for the second round, blending their families. Grac
e is basically that girl for me. She was always the one. I thought about her when shit was goin’ south with Stacia. Shit, I thought about her even when things were good.”
My head hung, heavy with regrets.
Jake shrugged. “Well, that was the case with Alyssa. I never gave up though. No one ever held a candle to her.”
“You’re still young. Maybe things woulda been different if you’d found out about Jackson sooner.”
“Nope. I didn’t love Sienna and she got pregnant by me on purpose. She planned it.”
My eyes bulged. I didn’t know the story. “Shit.”
“Yeah, crazy train. But I don’t wanna talk about me.”
I nodded, continuing, “Anyway. Yeah. I knew it. I fucked-up, never crossed my mind that it would happen, being young and dumb. Stacia and I were just fucken around at the time and she blindsided me with the pregnancy. But I dug her enough, you know? I really did love her. I cared and tried to do the right thing. Grace was always on my mind though.”
“So you got married.” Jake said flatly.
“Yep. She was pregnant, that’s why Grace left me alone.” I shook my head, sickened by the memory of Grace’s crushed reaction. I gave a deliberate nod to Jake. “Grace and I weren’t together at the time. We were, for a couple years, but we broke up because I was touring eight months a year. We didn’t want to try and make it work like that, but we always managed to find our way to each other when I was in town, or she’d come visit me. Shit, we were only twenty-two.”
Jake looked at me strangely. “I’m doin’ the math here.”
“Yeah, it’s not adding up, is it?” I cleared my throat and shifted my ass on the wooden stool, uneasy with what I was about to share. “Stacia and I got married and six months later our son Mavrick was born, stillborn.”
Jake’s face turned white. My throat tightened and I swallowed hard trying not to get emotional.