by JoAnn Durgin
“Lexa would think you’re sexy in a brown paper bag.” He fastened the cuff link on one wrist. “Winnie has a thing about cuff links. Go figure.”
Sam shot him a grin as he slipped into his vest while Josh did the same, standing behind him in front of the full-length mirror.
“You’re blocking my view.” Josh stepped to the right.
“Only because you’re too short.”
“Only an inch shorter than you, but you’re an Amazon.”
Sam chuckled. “I thought Amazons were women.”
“I have no idea,” Josh said. “Okay, then you’re a freak of nature.”
“Hardly tall enough to qualify as the runt on most NBA teams.”
“But just the right height to fit your gorgeous wife in the crook of your arm.”
Josh caught a glimpse of the smile lines.
“That’s all I need,” Sam said.
“How does this look?” Josh fiddled with the tie but still couldn’t get it right. “Will I pass muster with the caterers?”
“I think you’ll pass inspection except for the tie. Take my advice on that one. This should be fun tonight, but be forewarned, they’ll keep us hopping. Thanks for being such a good sport. Not many guys would jump in to help once let alone twice.”
“Anything to help the ladies. My visit with Winnie last night was a little on the contentious side, so anything I can do to get in her better graces is to my advantage.”
“Understood, but don’t read too much into it if either Lexa or Winnie bark at you. In fact, they might both bark. Trust me, they don’t mean anything by it. You put two highly emotional women in a tense situation after being in the kitchen all day long and anything can happen.”
“I don’t mind if they bark,” Josh said. “If anything, I’ll use it to my advantage.”
“Come again?” Sam’s expression was curious, tinged with amusement.
“I’m sure if you use that active imagination of yours, you can figure out what I’m talking about,” he said. “I’m not referring to the whole bark-being-worse-than-the-bite thing. It’s simply called leverage, and a little leverage in a relationship never hurt.”
Sam nodded. “Right you are, my friend. Ready to go?”
Josh squared his shoulders. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Lead the way.”
Chapter 25
Lexa’s deep sigh said it all as she stood by the kitchen window, peering at the sky with a frown. Sam walked behind her, kissing the top of her head and wrapping his arms around his wife at the same time Winnie finished wrapping the last of the entrées in foil. She tuned out their words, but based on Lexa’s body language and the way she visibly relaxed, she’d need to add master soother to the list of Sam’s attributes.
“Got any more of those little pecks to go around, handsome?” Marta asked. They all laughed as Lexa swatted her with a dishtowel. Sam headed outside with the first load and the other girls followed to the waiting Volvos—Sam’s late-model station wagon and Lexa’s SUV. Josh came through the doorway and swooped one of the largest trays off the butcher block before heading outside.
“Cassie, keep an eye on the sky and let Sam know if you see the first drop of rain,” Lexa said, meeting her husband at the door with another tray.
“Will do,” Cassie said with a salute.
“Marta, can you get that tray of appetizers on the counter?” Winnie asked, pulling out the trays of refrigerated desserts. Sam came back in the kitchen to help with the heavier items and the larger trays. She barely glanced at Josh as they passed each other coming and going but felt his eyes on her. Like it or not, the sight of him was enough to keep her heart singing a good long while. If she stopped and took a good long look, she might not get much accomplished. But she had too much to do and it couldn’t happen.
“Winnie, Josh needs help with his bowtie.” Sam nodded toward the hallway as he hurried past with yet another tray.
She frowned. “I just saw him go outside—”
“He did, but I sent him back in here to get his bow tied right,” Lexa said, shaking her head. “We can’t have sloppy servers no matter how handsome. It wouldn’t be good for our image.”
Any excuse would do with these two, it seemed. Might as well humor them. Passing by with another wrapped dish, Gayle bit her lip as it trying not to laugh. Great. Now they had the hired servers—TeamWork friends or not—involved in their little matchmaking scheme.
“I don’t know the first thing about tying a bowtie.” Winnie tossed Sam a glare. “Being of the male persuasion, I’m sure you’re much better at it than me.” From the corner of her eye, she caught Lexa’s smile, but her excuse didn’t deter him.
“Okay, then,” he said, digging out his wallet. “How about you give him this card?”
Taking the card, she glanced at it. Doyle-Clarke Catering. “He can get one of these—”
“Winnie, just get out there already!” Lexa’s patience limit had apparently expired.
She had no words. The Lewis Love Agency was in full-speed-ahead mode tonight. With a sigh, she pushed through the swinging door. Josh stood in front of the mirror, making an attempt to tie the bow. At least it wasn’t entirely a ruse. He turned as she walked toward him and gave her one of his signature smiles.
“Josh, have you ever thought of going into politics?”
“Never say never.” He raised a brow. “That’s an intriguing question. What makes you ask?”
“Not sure. It’s just the first thing that popped into my head. I guess it’s because you have a certain quality.”
He chuckled. “That’s what makes life so interesting with you. If I did decide to run for public office, it would be with specific goals in mind.” He fumbled with the tie before loosening it and dropping his hands to his sides with an exasperated sigh. “And this is why the clip-on bowtie was invented.”
“Tell me about these goals. And no flirting allowed. Turn around, please, and let me see what damage I can do.” Straightening the tie, Winnie frowned as she made a first attempt.
“Increased funding for special education programs, social and economic reforms, environmental incentives. Need I go on?” His smile changed from incredibly charming to nothing short of devastating in the span of a couple of seconds.
She could barely concentrate but Winnie made another attempt at tying the bow. “I think I get the picture. Just something to think about.” Fair or not, this man could get a large percentage of the female vote based on looks alone. She stood back and turned him toward the wall mirror. “There. That should do it. What do you think?”
Looking at their mirrored reflection, Josh smiled. “We look good together, don’t you think? Tell me, where did you learn how to do that?”
Thankfully, he ignored her momentary inability to breathe. Good grief, she probably looked like she was in a stupor. Recovering her senses, Winnie giggled. “Is that a compliment?”
“No.” He ducked as she swatted him.
“I told them I didn’t know how to tie a bowtie,” she said with a mock frown. “Sorry. You’re going to have to get Lexa to do it, if she can stand still long enough. No man in my family ever had a reason to wear one of these things.”
“I was only teasing,” he said, taking another look in the mirror. “It’s actually not bad at all, but if you think I should get it redone, maybe one of the other girls can do it.”
“Not on your life.”
“Oh?” He raised his brows.
“Turn around, Josh.” Without hesitation, he did as she asked.
Winnie’s breath caught. “You look—”
“Like a penguin? It’s okay, you can tell me the truth. I’ve never been overly fond of wearing a tux, anyway.”
“You look. . .” She broke out in a big smile.
He tilted his head. “Really good? Or maybe patriotic?”
“Right. All of it.” Those words didn’t begin to cover it, but she wasn’t sure what the word was. Maybe she should ask Chloe. She’d probably just take o
ne look at him and call him a prince again. If Amy was here, she’d be having a field day.
With a slow smile, Josh slipped his arms around her waist. Scary how effortless it was for him, how easy for her to allow it. Knowing she should push him away, she had no willpower whatsoever. “Gorgeous. Now that’s a word.” Borrowed from Marta, perhaps, but true nonetheless.
“I’d prefer irresistible,” he said, leaning in for a kiss.
Winnie pushed him back. “Thanks for taking such good care of Chloe today. I’ve heard all about the park, the lunch, the ice cream.” She met his eyes. “I’m glad you were able to spend time with each other.”
“She’s the best, Winnie.” His hold on her tightened. “My compliments to her incredible mother, but Lexa’s going to send a search party—or worse yet, Sam—if we don’t get back out to the kitchen. Not that I want to leave, especially standing here like this with you.”
Planting her hands on his chest, she ran her finger over the pattern of the vest. Even though borrowed from Sam, it fit him well. “Did our talk the other night have any impact at all on that dense brain of yours?”
His lips curled. “You tell me. You’re the one in my arms with your hands on me.” He captured her hands when she attempted to remove them. “Listen, I want you to feel free to boss me around as much as you want tonight. Let me be your servant.” His lips were a heartbeat away. “I’m waging my own personal campaign here, you know.”
“Oh, what are you doing to me?” Playfully turning him around, Winnie marched him toward the kitchen. “Your first command is to help us finish loading everything into the cars.” That conversation in her apartment must have been a figment of her imagination. When it came to a man like Josh, even the most steadfast resolutions were meant to be broken.
“What a taskmaster,” he said, clearly in jest, “but since you’re so beautiful, I suppose I can tolerate it.”
“About time,” Lexa said under her breath as they moved back into the kitchen. Her expression belied her words. “Good thing Sam’s watching your backs or I’d have hauled you both out here a long time ago.”
“Easy now, Mrs. Matchmaker,” Winnie said as Josh helped Sam with the last of the trays and they headed out to the cars.
Lexa leaned in for a quick hug. “Are you okay, sweetie?”
Winnie nodded. “Yes. Fine, thanks.”
“I have the feeling tonight is a turning point.”
“I’ve thought the same thing all day, in more ways than one.”
After another quick hug, Lexa took off to give Joe’s babysitter some last-minute instructions as Winnie checked off items on her list. With one last glance around the kitchen, satisfied they had everything, she walked outside. Cassie’s Saab was loaded with supplies and she pulled out of the driveway first. Marta was driving Lexa’s SUV and had Gayle with her. They waved to Winnie as she met Josh and Sam at the station wagon.
“Guess you’re stuck with me,” Josh said as Lexa scooted into the passenger seat and Sam lowered his lengthy frame behind the wheel.
The arrangement was a little too convenient. Winnie raised a skeptical brow when she glimpsed the boxes, trays and other supplies in the back. No way could she and Josh both fit without her practically sitting on his lap. She bit her lip and looked the other way. What am I thinking? She climbed in first but then thought better of it. “Since I don’t want to be knocked out by a flying hors d’oeuvre, I’ll just hop in the SUV and keep Marta and Gayle company,” she said, starting to scoot back out again.
“Get in already!” Lexa said, but Winnie caught the amused glance between the two in the front seat. “Cassie’s already gone and Marta and Gayle just left. You two will have to make do back there.”
Somehow, they managed to squeeze in together, but it was a tight fit. Winnie thought she’d go out of her mind with Josh sitting so close. She didn’t look at him but sensed his amusement with this whole scene.
“So, how long do we have to ‘make do’ together?” he asked, his voice low for her ears only as Sam pulled out of the driveway.
“Depending on traffic, it should take about twenty-five minutes,” Winnie said, settling on the seat, trying to ignore the way his thigh lined up beside hers. The most innocuous touch from this man sent her reeling. Oh, yes, she was pathetic in the worst way when Josh was anywhere in close proximity.
“So, Sam tells me you ran Chloe home after her nap,” he said, his breath warm on her cheek. “Is Dottie watching her tonight?”
“No, she wasn’t available. One of the teenage girls from the church is at the apartment with her.”
He frowned, looking none too pleased. “How old is this girl?”
That question surprised her. “Jessica’s about fifteen.”
“You’re not sure? She might only be thirteen and too young to be watching a child Chloe’s age. Has she had lifesaving training? Know CPR?”
She stifled her giggle. “Relax, Papa. They’ll be fine.”
Papa? Well, it’s true, after all.
“Children put things in their mouths,” he said.
“Chloe’s almost four years old, Josh. Besides, I’ve never had to worry about her in that way. Trust me, she’s fine.”
“But she could eat something and choke while Jessica’s yakking on the phone with her girlfriends. It might have been better to take Chloe to Jessica’s house if her parents are there to supervise.”
“Jessica’s watched Chloe several times before. She’s a mature, level-headed, extremely responsible young lady. I know her parents and her mom is one of my closest friends at the church. We don’t have to worry.” She shook her head, realizing what she’d just said. We. For so long, the sole responsibility for Chloe’s well-being and safety rested on her shoulders. This was all happening so fast.
Relief etched itself into Josh’s expression. “If you’re okay with it then I suppose it’s all right. No offense to Jessica, but you can’t be too careful. Teenagers are highly distractible.”
Speak for yourself. Reaching for his hand, Winnie laced her fingers through his. “You’re a very sweet man. And very protective.” She yawned and noticed the ever-darkening skies, praying they’d reach the hotel before the rain began. At least the back entrance to the small ballroom had a covered loading area. Her eyes felt heavy, and even though the man beside her stirred all her senses, she was already tired and the event hadn’t even begun. Closing her eyes, she said a silent prayer.
~~**~~
“Winnie? We’re almost there.” Groggy, she opened her eyes when she felt a slight nudge on her arm. A loud clap of thunder made her jump. She lifted her head, her eyes widening as she realized she’d been resting on Josh’s shoulder. His very broad, solid shoulder. I hope I didn’t drool on him. Yawning again, she struggled to sit up. “I’m sorry. Did I fall asleep?”
“No, your head just needed a resting spot and your eyes decided to go on holiday for fifteen minutes.”
“Sorry. Hope I didn’t snore.” Her cheeks felt warm and she smoothed her fingers over the top of her head.
“No.” Josh chuckled. “You’ve already put in a full day and obviously needed the short break.” He nodded toward the front seat. “Lexa took a catnap and Sam and I talked. She just woke up, too. Must be internal caterer radar that we’re getting close or else the thunder woke you both up.” He looked at her through heavy lids.
“Josh?”
“Yes?” His warm breath tickled her ear and she shivered.
“You’d better not do that.” Lexa and Sam were engaged in an animated discussion—something about Joe, from the sound of it. Thankfully, neither one paid them any attention. On the other hand, it was possible she and Josh might need a chaperone. “You can’t help yourself, can you?”
“It’s been almost five years, Winnie, and it’s only because it’s you. If you had any idea how much I want to kiss you, you’d understand. You blocked my pass in the hallway, you know.”
“Okay, I’ll grant you one kiss.” Realizing her pun, s
he giggled.
He cocked his head with an enticing grin. “An appetizer, you might say.” His brows drew together. “Okay, that was corny, even for me. I have no excuses, woman. You make me crazy.”
“Stop it, already,” she snipped in mock irritation. “By the time I’m done with you tonight, you’ll run all the way back to Baton Rouge on your own speed.”
“Oh, I beg to differ. By the time I’m done with you tonight, you’ll beg me to stay.” Josh’s voice was low, those lips impossibly close.
“So arrogant,” Winnie whispered as she raised her face to his, meeting those irresistible lips. Warmth—not the slow-burning kind but an all-out burst of fire—shot through her. So much so she had to suppress an out-and-out moan. Oh, my. It was the most remarkable kiss—tender but passionate, caring yet hovering on the edge of inappropriate. Although it only lasted a few seconds, it left her satisfied but wanting more. Leaning her head on his shoulder, she suspected Josh Grant knew exactly what he was doing.
Chapter 26
Saturday Evening
Sam opened the back door to the hotel kitchen and ducked his head outside. “At least the rain held off.” He closed the door and came back inside. “An hour into the party and so far, so good. Enjoy the breather while you can. It’s going to get pretty crazy in the next half hour. Our girls have done a remarkable job on such short notice.”
Josh smiled at the inference. “Bring it on.” A server came through the door, bringing with her the sounds of muffled laughter and music from the jazz quartet in one corner of the room. He caught a glimpse of Winnie near the door. The flash of golden blonde hair and the split-second sight of how great she looked in her uniform with that cute little Doyle-Clarke Catering apron got his heart pumping. The sound of her voice as she instructed one of the servers to take more coffee to table fifteen made him want to rush to do her bidding. Her ability to direct the staff and coordinate such a big event was nothing short of amazing. He’d rather handle five back-to-back mergers or acquisitions than tackle something like this.