“You kissed me, too,” he countered.
“No, I didn’t...” Her chest fell as if all the air had been let out of her body. “Okay, yes, I did. I really did.”
She put a hand to her forehead in a very damsel-in-distress type of way. Xander wondered if she was going to pass out, which would be a first for him. Although, something very masculine inside him reveled at the idea of his kiss giving her that reaction.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She dropped her hand. “Of course I’m okay.” Her jaw worked as she clearly tried to make sense of something he couldn’t quite understand himself. “I have to go,” she said abruptly.
“What?” He blew out a whoosh of air. “I hardly think you need to leave just because we—”
“Don’t say anything.” She began searching the space, turning in circles.
“What?” he repeated. “Grace, there’s no need to be embarrassed.”
She whipped back to him. “I’m not embarrassed. One little kiss is barely enough to make me feel uncomfortable.” She grabbed all of her belongings.
“Then why is your face red?”
“Because...it’s hot back here. That’s why. And, anyway, your face is flushed, too. Maybe you’re the one who’s embarrassed.”
He jammed his hands in his pockets. “I wouldn’t say that’s how I’m feeling at the moment.” What he was experiencing was an extreme case of lust. He wanted a woman who until very recently he’d despised—and he could have sworn she felt the same way.
Or maybe he’d wanted her all along.
Everything was all mixed up. He was beginning to see how hard she worked at her career. He’d watched her defend herself. He knew how loyal she was to her friends. Basically, his initial impression of her being some kind of princess with unrealistic views of the world had completely changed.
Xander took a moment to remember the first time they’d met. It had been in this very bar near the front door. He’d almost run into her and he’d been speechless. He’d met plenty of stunning women in his life, but there was something about Grace that jumped out at him.
Naturally, they’d started fighting before they’d even been properly introduced. And they hadn’t stopped until they’d made out a couple minutes ago.
“I have to get out of here. I have work to do.” She was scrambling now with her belongings.
“Grace, wait. You don’t have to leave.”
She paused at the door, yanking on the doorknob. He crossed to her and lifted the fallen coatrack, which was blocking the door.
“We haven’t finished our planning,” he said in a desperate attempt to keep her there. And why did he even want her to stay?
“I think we need a break. We did a lot tonight.” Her gaze flicked down to his lips and she let out a shaky breath. “I’ll email you more details.”
When she made a move to open the door, he stopped her with a hand to the door. He kept his arm anchored there and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I don’t think a break is what the two of us need.”
After a moment of silence, she turned to meet his eyes. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
With that, he removed his arm and she shot out the door. Xander watched her flee the bar, making eye contact with Jack, who threw him a questioning look. Xander shook his head.
He meant what he’d said to Grace tonight. They didn’t need a break, but damn if he didn’t want to admit what they did need.
She said she was afraid. He knew the feeling.
After having a taste of Grace Harris, he knew he needed more. And that scared him more than anything.
Chapter Seven
Grace was furious. She stomped up the steps that led to the front door of her town house. Heat permeated every inch of her body and she knew her temper was barely contained.
She jabbed her key in the lock and let herself in. Then, as if suddenly deflated, she sunk back against the door.
She placed a finger to lips that were still tingling. Closing her eyes, she replayed the kiss. The amazing, wonderful, mind-blowing kiss.
“No,” she said adamantly. “No, no, no.”
Even if Xander Ryan had the best damn lips on the East Coast, there was absolutely no reason for him to kiss her like that.
Or had she kissed him? She guessed they’d kind of kissed each other.
More like they’d sort of dove for each other.
She groaned and banged her head against the door. Now everything seemed so blurred. First they’d been planning, then they’d been fighting, next they’d been banished and finally their lips had locked together like there was no tomorrow.
She shook her head. It didn’t matter who started it. What mattered was that it had happened. She detested Xander. He was pessimistic and snarky and—and...totally different than what she’d originally thought.
After all, he’d paid attention to her while they talked about the shower. He offered good suggestions. Maybe not the hypnotist, but the vegetarian options for sure.
And he’d complimented her. On her job.
Of course, then he’d thrown in that comment about her looks. They always did.
“Ugh.”
The two of them were complete opposites and they had no business making out. She would just have to make sure that it didn’t happen again. Ever. In fact, she would take over Emerson and Jack’s shower completely. Surely if Emerson knew how worked up she was, she’d understand. Totally. She was her best friend.
Determined, Grace entered the town house and began stomping up the stairs to their living area. Except for the shower and the wedding, she would never have to be in close proximity to Xander Ryan again.
“I can’t step foot in the same room with that man ever again. He’s horrible...”
Her words trailed off as she turned the corner into the living room. Emerson was sitting on the floor, tears streaking down her face. She held her cell phone in one hand and a tissue in the other.
Any and all thoughts of Xander, kissing or anything else, simply slipped out of her mind at the sight of her friend in distress. “Oh, my god, Em. What is it? What’s happened?”
Emerson waved her phone in an erratic manner. “Winery. We lost it. They had a flood and they’ll be closed for events for over a year.” She hiccuped as another tear fell.
Grace dumped her purse and tote on the nearest chair and slid down to the floor to join her friend.
“One more time,” she said encouragingly.
“The flood and the rain and now I can’t get married.”
She ran a hand down Emerson’s hair, trying to soothe her. “Everything’s going to be fine, Em.”
With that, another round of tears began and Grace jumped up to grab a box of tissues from the bathroom.
She rejoined Emerson on the floor, pushing the tissues at her. Then Emerson handed her phone over and Grace saw that Emerson had been reading the Washington Post. She scanned the article but wasn’t getting why it had made Emerson so upset. It was about a vineyard that had flooded due to the recent heavy rains they’d had.
The DC area was notorious for getting the tail ends of Atlantic hurricanes, which meant buckets of rain. Because of that, the vineyard where Emerson was set to hold her wedding had flooded. The article described massive damage that would take months, if not years, to fix.
Emerson sniffled. “I randomly saw the article so I called Michael at the vineyard. He confirmed it. The place is in ruins. The main structure will need to be rebuilt.”
Emerson buried her face in a tissue.
“They’re estimating a year to fix everything enough to meet health codes and inspection. That means they’re pushing all events back. The earliest we could get in would be almost two years from now.” She slapped a hand on the floor. “Two years! Gracie, I don’t want to wait two years to marry Jack. I’d marry him tomorrow if w
e could.”
“I know, I know. I understand.” A bevy of ideas began taking shape in her mind. She reached for the notepad and pen they always kept on the end table close by and began scribbling.
“Here’s a list of the other venues you liked.”
Eyes still watering, Emerson perused the list. She pointed at one of the names. “They’re booked solid for the next year.”
Grace tapped her pen against another name on the list. “And this one won’t work, either. Remember, the setup didn’t mesh with what you wanted.”
More tears leaked out of Emerson’s eyes. Grace hated seeing anyone in pain, but especially her best friend. Emerson had always been more like a sister, and after everything she’d been through, she deserved the best wedding imaginable.
“Don’t cry, Em. We’re going to fix this. I promise. Just give me some time.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Call in the troops. We need backup.”
An hour later, Jack, Emerson’s sister, Amelia, their parents and even Xander all sat in their living room as Grace explained the situation. Emerson was still weepy and Jack kept his arm firmly around her shoulders.
“Is there any recourse we could take?” Mr. Dewitt asked.
Grace shook her head. “Not really. Not against Mother Nature. Besides, the vineyard is trying to make it right with all of their clients.” Grace had spent twenty minutes on the phone with them to make sure she completely understood the situation.
“Then our options are to either wait two years to get married,” Jack said as Emerson let out a gasp, “or to find a new venue.”
Grace pointed at him. “Right. I say we go with option two.”
“There’s always the bar,” Jack said, more to Emerson than the rest of the group. “I know it’s not the most romantic place in the world but I’m sure we could make it work. And we met right behind it.”
Emerson kissed him lightly. “I love you,” she whispered. “I guess the bar could work, but I’m not sure our whole invite list will fit.” She sighed. “It’s—it’s just not what I had I mind.”
“The wedding was going to be beautiful,” Mrs. Dewitt said from across the room with a sigh.
“And it still will be beautiful and wonderful and magical,” Grace said. She didn’t like the use of the past tense or the way everyone’s faces had fallen. “We only need to find a place.”
“But, Gracie, we both know how vineyards fill up months in advance.”
True, but she wasn’t ready to throw in the towel.
“You really want to get married in a vineyard?” Xander asked.
He’d been silent since he’d arrived with Jack. Grace had done everything in her power to ignore him. Because each time she so much as glanced in his direction, she remembered the feel of his lips on hers and her heartbeat sped up.
Emerson nodded and Xander rose from his spot on the couch. “I know a guy. Give me a minute.” He walked out of the room and headed toward the kitchen, his cell held firmly in his hand.
Jack let out a small laugh. “He always knows a guy.”
Someone brought up the idea of a boat and they discussed a couple of the hotels in Old Town. Grace was watching Emerson’s face and she could tell that each suggestion was met with less enthusiasm than the one before. All Grace could do was stay positive and keep everyone’s spirits up while she tried to figure out what to do.
“We’re all set. I have a solution,” Xander said with a grin as he walked back into the room. Every head turned in his direction.
“You’ve saved our wedding?” Emerson asked with doubt in her voice.
“You bet. Isn’t that the best man’s job?”
Not really, Grace thought. Although, now that she was thinking about it, she was impressed that he’d come over. He didn’t need to be here. In fact, with his distaste for weddings, it was shocking he was trying to help at all.
“Has anyone ever heard of a vineyard out in Virginia wine country called Hart of the Hills? It’s out past Front Royal.”
Grace exchanged a look with Emerson. Of course, they’d heard of Hart of the Hills. It was one of the best vineyards in Virginia. The grounds were stunning with amazing views. They offered tastings, but never events.
Xander continued. “I happen to know Max Hart.”
“How do you know the owner?” Jack asked.
“I handled his divorce two years ago.”
Grace rolled her eyes and Xander took notice.
“I will have you know that Max is much happier now. He reconnected with his high-school sweetheart. They’re living together and running the vineyard.”
“How does this pertain to our wedding?” Jack asked.
“Max agreed to host your wedding at the vineyard.”
Silence fell upon the room for a long moment. It was broken by Emerson’s high-pitched squeal of joy.
Everyone began talking at once. Finally, Grace jumped up and shouted above the crowd.
“What are you talking about, Xander? Hart of the Hills never does events. I check in with them every couple of months.”
“And they’re not going to do any events in the future. Max is making a special allowance for you.”
“Why would he do that?” Emerson asked.
“Because I explained your situation to him. I told you, he’s a friend of mine.”
Emerson ran to Xander and launched herself in his arms. “Oh, my god, thank you, thank you, thank you, I love you, I love you, I love you.” She plastered a loud, smacking kiss on his cheek.
Jack laughed before grabbing her hand and tugging her back to him. “Hey, hey, I get the kisses.” He grinned at Xander. “But for making her happy, I might have to get up and make out with you.”
“Then I shudder to think what you’ll do when I tell you this next part. Max isn’t asking for any money for using the space. He would just like you to give a donation to his favorite charity.”
Grace’s mouth had fallen open. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. An absolutely perfect wedding venue for free. Not to mention, her best friend’s tears had dried up and she was smiling again. Xander had saved the day.
Jack wasn’t the only one who wanted to kiss him. Grace gulped. But the kind of kissing she wanted to do definitely required an empty room.
Xander pushed a hand through his hair, his smile fading a bit. “There is one hiccup.”
“Uh-oh,” Amelia said, sitting forward.
“It’s not too bad, I promise,” Xander said. “Max and his girlfriend, Betsy, are taking the trip of a lifetime. They’re going around the world. So they won’t be around for your wedding date. But they did have an alternate date.”
“Great, we’ll make it work,” Emerson said.
“I like the positive attitude, Em,” Xander said. “They offered up the place for this weekend.”
Grace blinked. Emerson’s mouth fell open again. Mrs. Dewitt put a hand to her mouth.
Grace broke the pregnant silence of the room. “You did tell them this weekend was a little too soon, right?”
Xander leveled a look at her that read as a big, fat duh. “What do you take me for? Of course, this weekend is too soon.”
A collective sigh of relief filled the room.
Xander’s chest puffed up. He looked prouder than a four-year-old who’d colored inside the lines. “That’s why I told them three weeks would be fine.”
“Three—three? Three weeks to what?” Emerson asked.
“Three weeks to the wedding.”
Jack sat forward. “As in, we’ll get married three weeks from this weekend?”
Xander grinned. “You. Are. Welcome.”
Oh. My. God.
Emerson put her head between her legs. “I’m gonna throw up.”
Xander’s face fell. “What’s wrong? I tho
ught you would be happy.”
Jack was rubbing Em’s back. “Dude, I don’t know much about weddings and even I know you can’t plan one in three weeks. That’s a really tight time frame.”
Xander looked hurt. Hurt and confused. Grace would have hugged him if her heart wasn’t beating a million miles a minute at the prospect of planning a wedding in three weeks.
“But...you’ve got the whole team together, don’t you? Grace is a wedding planner and Emerson’s an event planner and Mrs. Dewitt owns a bridal boutique.”
Emerson smiled weakly at Xander. “I love that you’re trying to help us, but three weeks really isn’t enough time.”
Just as Xander began to nod his acceptance of the statement, Grace stepped forward. Her mind was moving at lightning speed. She tried to sort through a list of items to do, like flowers, centerpieces, getting a caterer, the wedding cake... A plethora of possibilities began to come together in her mind.
“Actually, it might be,” she said.
Everyone turned in her direction.
“Might be what?” Xander asked.
Emerson once again lost the color in her cheeks. “No way, Gracie. Three weeks.”
“Three weeks and a handful of days. I think we can do it,” Grace said confidently.
Mrs. Dewitt stepped forward. “I agree with Grace. We have to work together. There’s going to be a lot of late nights and a lot of favors called in.”
“Mama, you can’t be serious.”
“See, Em? Even your mom agrees.”
Amelia stepped forward. “What about you, Grace? Don’t you have a ton of weddings right now?”
Fall had become a prime time for weddings in recent years. The truth was she did have two weddings between now and what could be Jack and Emerson’s wedding date. Mrs. Dewitt mentioned late nights and Grace definitely saw herself pulling some serious all-nighters.
She glanced at Emerson, who was watching her with a mix of expectancy and hope. She’d do anything for her best friend.
“I have a couple of weddings, but most of the legwork is done.” She bit her lip, took a deep breath and addressed the room. “We can do this. Like Mrs. D said, we just need to work together.”
The Wedding Truce Page 8