Xanadu XOXO (Ticket to True Love)

by JB Schroeder

  He held out his arm. She grasped his bicep lightly and looked up at him. His green eyes sparkled. “I’ll protect you.”

  She ripped her gaze away and lurched forward. He matched his steps to hers.

  “Smile,” he whispered.

  “Right,” she said. And breathe.

  The ceremony was simple and short, yet so real, so heartfelt, so emotional that she was sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

  After the vows, Jonah reached around her and handed her his handkerchief. She gulped. Hot as sin and thoughtful.

  This wedding—Darcy and Jeremy’s obvious devotion and happiness? Well, it made a girl long for things she’d swore she’d never risk and never choose.

  And Jonah caring for her with his solid, reassuring presence? Standing so close she could feel his heat? So near all she could smell was him—warm male, crisp starch, and a hint of cinnamon swirling among a classic aftershave?

  It made her want to throw caution to the wind.

  13

  A whole slew of beautiful children—Darcy’s many nieces and nephews—dashed on and off the dance floor created at Valeska’s Inn, although in the way of young ones never in a straight line. That didn’t stop the adults, however, and Jonah found himself dancing alongside Kalpani. He’d been seated with her, of course, and basically, since they’d walked down the aisle together, he felt like they’d been on a date. A very long, very fun date.

  The reception celebration was lively all the way through with numerous toasts, flowing alcohol, delicious food, and the music—wow. The music was killer. Of course, Jeremy being Jeremy had picked this venue in large part because of Jory’s amazing talent and the vibe he would provide. Jonah would bet anything that Jeremy had already asked him to come play at Vine.

  The group Jonah and Kalpani had been dancing with retired one by one, a slow song came on, and next thing he knew, she was pressed against him.

  Had he reached for her or had she come to him? He wasn’t sure who had moved first; he only knew it felt mutual. He also knew their pelvis-to-thigh, lips-to-neck, hands-in-hair routine was getting waaaay too hot for this scene. “We’re pushing the limits here,” he said in her ear.

  “I don’t care,” she said.

  He was gratified to see that her eyes were heavy-lidded. As always, her lips beckoned as she looked up at him.

  “Almost,” she said, and pushed back enough that air flowed between them. “I almost don’t care.”

  He smiled. “How about another drink? Or some water?”

  She nodded. He looped an arm around her waist and escorted her off the dance floor and to the room where there was a small bar set up.

  The celebration was winding down. Many of the older folks had already retired, and the bride and groom were sitting with Jake and Sadie and some cousins.

  Jonah and Kalpani both requested water, as they’d had plenty of alcohol.

  “Want to get a little air?” He held out his hand.

  She slipped her hand in his and let him lead her to the back of the inn. The room was largely windows and looked out over the yard and a garden he was sure would be spectacular in spring. It was hemmed in by hedges, and he wished this were like Sohel’s party—warm enough weather to go out and kiss madly behind a tree again.

  “What a beautiful night,” Kalpani murmured.

  He nodded. She looked so gorgeous in the moonlight that he didn’t trust himself to speak.

  Kalpani looked at him over the rim of the glass as she drank some water, and her big eyes still held plenty of heat.

  “You know what they say about the water in this town,” Jonah said with a teasing smile.

  “Mmm,” she said. “I’ve heard some rumors.”

  “Both my brothers believe there’s something to it.”

  “Darcy, too.”

  “And look at them now.”

  “It’s ridiculous, though. A bunch of nonsense.”

  He laughed. “You’re right,” he said. “I mean, look”—he took a big gulp then raised his free hand—“nothing.”

  She laughed. “Are you issuing a challenge, Walker?”

  “Me? Never.”

  She raised an eyebrow, tilted her glass, and downed the rest of the crisp liquid. She titled her head side to side. “Nothing.”

  “Because you don’t believe.”

  “Don’t tell me you do?”

  “I believe in happy endings. But not magic.”

  A shadow crossed her face but was gone so fast that he thought maybe he hadn’t seen it after all. She smiled and took a step toward him. “And here I thought you thought that drinking the water would make me tumble right into your arms.”

  “Nah,” he said, “I was hoping for that long before the water.”

  Her eyes were pools of rich brown as they locked on his, and she took another step forward. Jonah’s whole body was taut with expectation, strung with longing as soul-deep as that jazzman’s notes.

  She was close enough now to need to tilt her head up, and Jonah’s eyes locked on her mouth.

  “You have no idea how badly I want to kiss you,” he said quietly, and pressed his thumb against her soft lower lip.

  “Actually, I do,” she whispered.

  He grasped her hips, she reached for his face, their mouths fused—and his brain exploded with pleasure. She tasted like bliss, felt like perfection against him, and he couldn’t help but pull her even closer.

  In this moment, this was everything he wanted and needed—and yet not nearly enough. He ground against her and then forced himself to stop. She whimpered into the kiss, pushing her pelvis hard against him.

  He dropped his lips to her neck. “Not here,” he said, and was shocked to hear how ragged his voice sounded.

  “Your room,” she said.

  He raised his head and pulled back enough to look her in the eye.

  “I’m dead serious,” she said.

  Ho-whoa. He grabbed her hand, and they got all the way to the bar before he halted—a semblance of reason sinking into his head.

  “Should we say good night, pretend maybe we…?” He shrugged. He wasn’t that coherent.

  “Let’s just go,” she said.

  He glanced into the main room. He didn’t see his mom, and Jake’s back was to him. Jeremy, however, caught his eye and flicked his hand in the direction of the stairs.

  Jonah didn’t have to be told twice. He spun and tugged Kalpani along with him. Under her breath, she murmured, “Waheguru.” Wonderful God. If she hadn’t been at risk of tripping in the long bridesmaid dress, Jonah would have taken the stairs two or three at a time.

  At the end of the hall, he pushed inside his room and locked the door behind him. This was a small bed-and-breakfast-type place and they knew all the other guests. “We’re going to have to be quieter than I’d like to be.” He put a hand behind her neck and leaned in to kiss her, but she straightened an arm and pushed against his chest.

  “Wait, I have some rules, too.”

  He slid his hand over her shoulder, down her arms, and covered her hand with both of his on his chest. “Okay.”

  She took a deep breath. “One night only. It goes no further.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t believe in happy endings, remember?”

  “That is a sad, sad way to live, Kalpani Desai.”

  “I just want this”—she waved between them—“to have its happy culmination. I don’t want to be tied down by anyone. Not now, not later, not ever. So you have to accept that and agree—or I walk away right now. Because I don’t want any pressure or some big, messy extraction. No tamasha.”

  No drama, he knew she meant. “You’re talking to the king of laid-back, remember?”

  “That look in your eyes is the farthest thing from chill,” she said.

  He tried to tamp down the attraction he felt for her, but it was impossible. He’d wanted her since the moment he saw her at Sohel’s party so long ago. That urge had only grown as he’d gotten to know h
er. She was challenging and sexy and gorgeous and amazing. He couldn’t turn it off. “Sorry, but that’s how badly I want you.”

  Her elbow bent, and he felt the rush of her breath against his neck. The tingle traveled down his spine.

  “I want you, too. Badly,” she said. “I want a happy ending to this physical need I ache with. But that’s all it can be. Just phenomenal sex. No stupid water or sappy wedding is going to change that. One night only—and then we walk away.”

  Jonah’s thoughts fired double-time.

  Sex so fucking phenomenal she might just want more of it.

  Water that the populations of True Springs—and my brothers—swear helps true love along.

  A romantic wedding, a private room, a whole night…

  “Are you in or out?”

  She looked up at him and—that mouth. He put his thumb against the plump pinkness, and she parted her lips instantly. He focused there, so that she couldn’t read his eyes.

  “You are offering me—a guy who’s had a raging hard-on for you all weekend—one night of mind-blowing sex, no strings?”

  She took a deep breath. “Yes.”

  It hurt, playing it this way when he wanted so much more from her. He wouldn’t think about it now—he wanted her enough to ignore the bigger picture—but yeah, he had high hopes she’d change her mind, that this was only the beginning.

  “Hell yes. I’m in.”

  Her mouth was warm, wet, and willing, and his mind raced ahead to how she’d taste and feel in other places.

  He was all in, all right. Whether he’d walk away without fighting for her was another question altogether.

  Kalpani came awake at predawn in Jonah’s arms with a smile. Despite little sleep, she felt amazing. Perfect, content, happy. She smoothed a hand along the lean muscles of his back and wished she could stay here until the noon checkout.

  “I wish we could no-show,” Jonah murmured as he nuzzled her neck and traced a finger under her breast. He meant the Sunday morning post-reception breakfast at the Sweetwater Inn.

  “Me too. But I’m not too keen on being seen in my bridesmaid dress this morning, either.”

  Jonah’s deft hands smoothed from her shoulder, along her back and butt, and, well…

  She’d already discovered that sex with Jonah was epically good. His hands were magic, his mouth left her panting, his body was all hard male perfection, and her needs came first for him. But best of all were his green eyes. They held hers, binding them even deeper than their bodies could. She had never felt this connected during sex. He seemed to worship her, even cherish her—and that was a powerful, powerful thing.

  Needless to say, the desire to experience it once more before sneaking away was too tempting.

  An hour later, early morning light had crept into the room. They lay on their sides facing each other, and Jonah was threading her long hair through his fingers intently.

  “What are you smiling about?” she asked.

  “Your hair.”

  She already knew he liked it—wrapped in his fist, fanned out over his thighs, curled around her breasts…

  He said, “It shines. In this light, with purples and reds.” He tore his eyes from her hair to her face. “I’ve been working on a new piece of art, maybe a new line, but I’m not sure yet. And now I see that it’s too black, too flat. It needs more color.”

  “I’m glad I could be of assistance.”

  His smile grew, as if he had a secret, but then he glanced at the ever-brightening sky.

  She had the urge to put off their parting, and said, “It’s cool with me if you keep coming to work upstairs.”

  He froze for a second then shook his head with a grin. “It was you who left me that food.”

  She smiled back. “You looked like you needed sustenance.”

  “Why didn’t you boot my ass out?”

  “I like your ass just as it is.” She grinned and slid her knee along his thigh.

  “Lucky me.”

  “You can come in the daytime. I cleared it with Lou. It shouldn’t even be that loud now.” If he came in the daytime, she might see him again after all.

  “Thanks,” he said. “I appreciate that. I am looking for space, but so far…” He made a face, and she understood that everything he’d seen had been crap.

  They both looked at the window.

  She said, “Hate to say, but…”

  He nodded, his expression serious. “It’s time.”

  They rose, cleaned up, and dressed, Jonah in jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt that looked just as good as that tux; her in her dress and heels from the wedding. She had a coat downstairs in the front closet, at least. This early in the morning, winter frost would coat everything, and Jonah insisted she wear his fleece over her dress as well.

  She looked at the gorgeous room—all bright colors and gleaming wood with a Mexican pattered bench and gauzy drapes—and then at the tangled sheets. Her heart clenched. She wasn’t fooling herself. Phenomenal sex wasn’t all she’d miss. Jonah was an ideal combination between fun and sweet. Somehow, he managed to make things exciting and yet keep them low-key. Never sappy, yet always thoughtful and considerate. He was a good guy. Truly, a good guy.

  He’d even offered to wait in True Springs with her until Monday, when the part for her car arrived from the auto repair. But she’d known that he was driving his mom back. And although surely Rita could have gotten another ride, Kalpani loved that Jonah was so attentive and close to Rita. She’d noticed yesterday that he kept one eye on Rita all day—gauging her well-being at what surely was a day of mixed emotions.

  Kalpani had also declined Jonah’s offer to stay because she’d said one night, and she’d meant one night.

  Jonah tilted her chin up for a kiss. Soft, sweet, yet intimate—a kiss that promised so much more. So much that she wouldn’t let herself have. She shut her eyes against the swift pang of hurt and breathed deeply of his warm, unique cinnamon scent.

  “Ready?” he said.

  She nodded and turned toward the door. But no—no, she wasn’t ready to walk away from Jonah at all.

  14

  It had been almost a week since the wedding and Jonah was starting to think he’d dreamed the amazing night with Kalpani. Monday he’d had other places he had to be, but Tuesday midday, he went to “work” upstairs at her salon. He didn’t feel like he could show too early or stay all day. Lou seemed cool about the new arrangement, so Jonah kept the same schedule Wednesday and Thursday, arriving after lunch and staying until eight or nine at night. He kept hoping Kalpani might stop by after work.

  Mornings he went to the gym or took a run. Once he’d played basketball with his brothers but had endured so many questions and ribbing about Kalpani that it was torturous. No problem if he’d had answers—but he didn’t. She hadn’t texted—even after he’d reached out on Monday afternoon.

  Hey, it’s Jonah. Hope your car is good and you made it home no problem. Wish we were still holed up together at that inn. Back to reality is not that fun.

  He’d thought he’d hit the right note: somewhere between I’m not pressuring you and I can’t stop thinking about you. He’d thought he’d left her a lot of room to handle it however she wanted. She could have written back in any number of ways:

  Hey, I wish we were, too. How about a booty call?

  Hey, I’m rethinking my rule. Want to have dinner?

  Hey, car’s fine, no trouble. Thanks for asking.

  But she hadn’t even responded, which stung. There was no way she hadn’t felt what he had. They’d connected on a far deeper level than just sex. He was sure of it.

  Thursday evening, he realized he was being completely unproductive. He was moving the mouse, but his ear might as well have been pressed to the floorboard. Lou’s subs had packed up a couple of hours ago. Jonah finally closed up his work and decided to head to The Wanderlust to eat. His mom would still be there, maybe Jake and Sadie, too, although he could never be sure of their schedule.

>   When Jonah entered, Rita was in the middle of showing some clients pictures of the wedding on her phone. Jonah chuckled. She probably hadn’t stopped talking about it all week.

  She waved to him and soon enough met him in the kitchen, where he chatted with Benny, their longtime alternate chef, and Sal, tonight’s dishwasher. Jake and Sadie did indeed have the night off.

  Rita began with her usual question: “Have you eaten?”

  “I got him, Mrs. W,” Sal said.

  Rita had eaten already but joined him in a booth away from the other customers to visit.

  “So,” Rita said, “you and Kalpani were quite cozy at the wedding.”

  Luckily, he’d just taken a big bite of chicken parmesan.

  “Are you going to ask her out?”

  Jonah forced himself to swallow and wiped his mouth. “I don’t know, Mom. She told me from the beginning she wasn’t interested in dating.”

  “Why?”

  He shrugged. “Don’t know.”

  Kalpani hadn’t offered a reason or explained at all. Other than the fact that she didn’t believe in happy endings, he knew very little. Didn’t she see what was right in front of them? Had she not attended the same wedding as the rest of them? Jeremy and Darcy definitely checked the happy-ending box.

  “I saw—everyone saw—how she looked at you.” Rita crossed her arms over her chest. “She might be saying one thing and wishing for another. And you’re a catch.”

  Jonah rolled his eyes. “You are more than a little biased, Mom.”

  “Any girl would be lucky to have you, Jonah.”

  He appreciated the vote of confidence, and he’d certainly fielded plenty of interested females over the years. But by his age, Jake had gone so hard as a trader in New York that he owned a Manhattan loft and felt secure enough to walk away, and Jeremy had already opened his own music club and was making it work. Some women—maybe women as motivated as Kalpani—might consider Jonah a slacker. She’d alluded to as much, at first, anyway. He thought she’d gotten over it, but who knew.