Dreams: A Curvy Girl Holiday Romance Collection

by J. S. Scott

  His wedding was headline news.

  After watching Amy at various wedding parties, I guessed she wasn’t too fond of all the fanfare. She apparently didn’t like crowds, and almost came across as reserved.

  She’s anything but.

  I chuckled to myself as a quiet inner voice reminded me of how forward she’d been in my recent dreams.

  I paused.

  When in the hell had I decided that Amy was definitely the woman in my dream fantasies?

  I checked my watch. We were missing the bride, bridegroom, and a couple of bridesmaids. Amy wasn’t anywhere to be found, which probably meant she was fulfilling her maid-of-honor duties behind closed doors.

  Eventually, Jackson and I waited at the altar as his dream materialized before our eyes. He somehow held it together, until Dad stood in for Hayden’s father, and escorted her to the altar.

  It was too much even for a bastard like me to watch, and not be totally unaffected.

  Hayden’s parents were deceased. I didn’t know all of the details about her mother and father, but I knew enough. It mattered that my dad was walking her down the aisle.

  As for the wedding, it was pretty much perfect, just the way my brother’s wedding should be.

  I looked at Amy, but her eyes were shuttered.

  I had to wonder whether she was hoping to hell Jackson and Hayden would stay happy in the future, just like me.

  I was fairly certain that she was because she was so damn sweet. I hadn’t fallen for her façade of indignation or indifference to me. Not that I was arrogant. Well, not really. I felt the connection, so she must be feeling it, too.

  My mind’s eye refused to let go of past dreams. In those dreams, a curvy woman with soft skin and fragrant hair always left a lasting impression, an impression that often left me in a painfully rigid state the next morning.

  I tried not to think about tangling the sheets with one voluptuous woman, a woman who shivered when I called her gorgeous, when I ran my fingers across the precise, yet gradual, slant of her neck.

  Fuck!

  Trying to talk myself down, I released a slow and steady breath, but couldn’t tear my gaze away from the most beautiful woman in the room.

  Mine! She’s all fucking mine.

  I shook myself, wondering where those possessive instincts had come from. I was coolheaded, calculating, a businessman who sure as hell didn’t go caveman over any woman.

  Still, those unexplained emotions were there.

  Amy didn’t seem to notice that I was clenching my fists, thinking about what would happen if any other guy tried to hit on her, and maybe it was for the best. We needed to get through Jackson’s and Hayden’s ceremony, and the media was ever-present.

  As if Dad realized I wasn’t living in the present moment, he cleared his throat as he walked away from the bride to join Mom, and the other wedding guests.

  I stood a little straighter, and pulled my thoughts away from the woman in my dreams.

  Maybe I was making too much of this. Maybe my brother’s sister-in-law wasn’t my girl.

  Bullshit.

  I couldn’t stop staring at her, no matter how hard I tried.

  She’s the one. I fucking feel it.

  Soft piano music played as the bride and groom followed the minister to a candle lighting ceremony. The groomsmen and bridesmaids turned to watch Jackson and Hayden. While more promises were made and sentiments exchanged, I focused on the woman in my direct line of vision.

  She had silken hair that fell past her shoulders, a sweet smile that warmed my previously cold heart, and an easy confidence that was all the more noticeable when she held her head a little higher.

  Jackson and Hayden were pronounced man and wife. My brother kissed his bride and the guests erupted in applause. I escorted Amy as we followed the newlyweds out of the chapel.

  “You look beautiful today,” I said, chastising myself when my gaze dipped to the sweet swell of her voluptuous chest.

  Eyes up, asshole! You’re interested in a hell of a lot more than her perfectly formed breasts.

  “All the bridesmaids look the same today,” she mentioned, pausing for a cousin’s child who knelt down to pick up rose petals before moving on.

  I leaned over and said, “I didn’t give all the bridesmaids a compliment. My attention is completely on you.”

  “Flattery and words don’t impress me, Levi.”

  She tried to speed up, but I deliberately slowed my gait. If this was the only moment I had to convince her that I was more than interested, I sure as hell was going to draw it out.

  “Apparently you’ve never heard the right words. And maybe you haven’t been flattered by the right man.”

  “Trust me. I’ve heard it all.” She gave me a quick sweep that looked a little sinful and a bit dismissive all at the same time. “And the right man would know it takes more than flattery to seduce a smart woman.”

  So she wanted seduction, maybe a little romance in the mix? I could do romance. Sure, I’d never really tried it, but if it meant getting her in my bed, I’d be the most romantic guy in the world.

  I also loved a challenge.

  As we reached the main chapel doors, I tightened my grip and spun her around to face me. “Tell me what impresses you, gorgeous.”

  She jerked, but seemingly thought over a response before she said, “Honesty. I like truthful men, and since I haven’t met a lot of those, I’ve made a pact to avoid them.”

  “Men in general or dishonest men?”

  She made a low and throaty grunt. I’d never heard anything sexier or seen anyone more beautiful than Amy when she was annoyed, but I still let her slip away as she went to congratulate the happy couple.

  As she chatted with the newlyweds, I suddenly made up my mind…She could run from me, but she wouldn’t get very far. It was seven-thirty, and the night was just beginning.

  By midnight, I’d definitely know if Amy was the woman in my dreams. Maybe I already knew the answer. If so, I’d give Amy a dose of honesty that she’d never forget.

  Chapter Three

  Amy

  “He. Won’t. Stop. Staring.”

  I wasn’t oblivious to the fact that Levi’s eyes were constantly on me. I just wasn’t sure…why.

  “Since when is it a crime to watch a beautiful woman?” Demi answered, her tone a little mischievous. She’d recently joined our veterinarian practice, and had rapidly become my new partner-in-crime. We were a lot alike, and became fast friends. Whenever we had a free moment, we met for lunch and power walks. I valued her opinion, which was why I paid attention when she added, “Besides, he’s handsome, and he’s obviously into you.”

  “He’s probably into any woman with cleavage.” I pulled up the material of my dress, covering my chest. “These plunging necklines are almost indecent, and the slit up the side? What was Hayden drinking when she picked these out?”

  Truth was, I wasn’t all that comfortable in my gown.

  I didn’t wear dresses unless it was an absolute necessity. Weddings qualified. The gowns were overstated with the rhinestones along the straps, and the rich, royal blue color. They were regal, elegant, and sexy. The groomsmen were instant fans—thanks to all the skin we were showing. Of course, they were looking at the more attractive, and much more delicate bridesmaids.

  Only one was looking at me.

  Obsessively.

  Like a damn predator.

  “You look gorgeous, and your legs look great in that dress. Flaunt it, sister,” Demi teased, admiring a man across the room who seemed to be equally interested in her.

  Demi had grown up with a houseful of brothers and sisters. She had a bouncy style, a loveable personality, and found a roomful of friends wherever she went. Her friends of choice were four-legged critters, but that was part of her charm. She could carry on a great conversation with humans or beasts.

  At the thought, Levi wasn’t exactly a beast, but he was brooding like one.

  “You like him,” D
emi observed.

  “No.”

  “He’s charming.”

  “Ha. That’s exactly what Hayden said, but you haven’t really had a conversation with him.” I quickly reminded myself that Demi wouldn’t say one thing and mean another. She obviously liked Levi. “Once he opens his mouth, his looks go right out the window.”

  “Right,” she said, definitely amused. “Let me guess, he sounds boring and uneducated?”

  At that precise moment, a couple of women crooned at something Levi had said. A gnawing sense of curiosity made me turn. Levi laughed easily as he charmed two of Hayden’s bridesmaids.

  I had to wonder why his actions irritated me so much.

  “See there? He’s completely full of himself,” I told Demi, annoyed.

  “I think he’s adorable,” Demi said, turning her back on the quartet of women now surrounding Levi. “I see a charming man who could probably spend the night with any single woman he chooses. Unfortunately, he’ll probably sleep alone since he seems quite fascinated by you.” She twirled a curl around her finger and appeared to be lost in thought as she added, “But what do I know? He’s probably dull…”

  Doubtful.

  “Inexperienced.”

  Unlikely.

  “An awful lay.”

  I’d like to find out.

  I blinked. What was I doing? What am I thinking?

  All the single women in the room seemingly kept Levi in their sights. They migrated toward him while socializing along the way.

  “You’re right. Forget about him. He’s probably a player.” Demi leaned closer. “Bet he loves ‘em and leaves ‘em before they figure out he’s not all that bright.”

  “Definitely not a keeper,” I said, unwittingly disturbed by that possibility.

  “Okay, so now that we’ve pretended that he’s not all that, and he’s not all that into you, let’s move on.” She rolled her eyes. “Amy, before you judge him by who he is, and what he’s accomplished, why don’t you talk to him? Get to know him. He’s interested in you. You’ve always said that your dream man was going to be the most intelligent guy in the room. Based on what I’ve heard about Levi, he’s probably your guy. Besides, not all wildly successful men are pigs.”

  “If only I could agree.” In my world, wildly successful men weren’t interested in me.

  As for the pigs, I’d had plenty of chances with men who used me to plump up their egos so they could leave as soon as a better deal came along. The worst one was the most recent, and my longest running relationship.

  Darren had moved out right after Thanksgiving, and my damn broken heart was probably just trying to replace him.

  “Go talk to him,” Demi urged, resetting her sights on Levi’s and Jackson’s best friend Mac Davis. “I’m seconds away from closing a deal with a Miami banker, but I want to be sure you can hold your own before I give the banker a run for his money.”

  “Of course I can,” I said, waving her away. “At least one of us should have a good time.”

  “It could be you,” Jackson drawled, startling me because I hadn’t even seen him approach.

  Demi ambled away in pursuit of a man reputed to have backed so many profitable ventures that he himself became the hedge fund.

  “Are you eavesdropping, brother-in-law?”

  “I don’t need to snoop. You have my brother’s eye. Is there a reason why you aren’t returning the interest?”

  “He’s a busy guy,” I said, nodding as another woman joined the harem surrounding him.

  “He isn’t too busy for you.”

  “Your brother’s a player.”

  “He’s really not.” Jackson watched Levi with admiration in his eyes before he reluctantly said, “You wouldn’t know it by looking at him now, but he used to be the best football player in college ball. His career ended because of a knee injury. It was devastating because he was in line for first round draft picks when a bowl game ended his career chances. But I guess Hayden probably already told you that.”

  I had a déjà vu moment. Why did the knee injury, in conjunction with a bowl game, sound familiar? Shaking off the thought, I said, “She hasn’t said much about it. I guess that’s why he has a slight limp?”

  Jackson’s eyes darkened, and he slowly shook his head. “That was from another incident after his football career ended. He had a run-in with a tire iron, and it wasn’t just his leg that was injured that time, but you probably already know about that, too.” He searched my eyes then. “No? Well then, I’ll leave the story for Levi. It’s healthy when a man can revisit his more heroic days. Ask him to tell you about it.”

  I was curious, but didn’t press for more.

  “Give him a chance, Amy,” he said, a thoughtful expression on his face. “My brother’s a great guy.”

  “You don’t have time to play matchmaker tonight, Jackson. It’s your wedding day!” I steered him back to his bride, gave my sister a hug, and ended up at the champagne fountain...again. It seemed to be my favorite place to hang out tonight. If only I could find the answers to my questions, along with the man in my dreams, at the bottom of a champagne glass.

  Instead of helping myself, I snatched a glass from a waiter in passing. Hayden had found the man of her dreams. Sure, their relationship was a bit unconventional, but it was love all the same. Maybe there was hope for me yet.

  “You aren’t planning to jump, I hope.”

  Startled, I quickly turned, and faced Mr. Gillette, Jackson’s and Levi’s dad. Before I could respond, Mrs. Gillette joined him, latching onto her husband’s arm in a loving hold. “Don’t tease her, darling. She doesn’t know how to take you yet. We can’t scare her away by telling her that she’s likely to be our daughter-in-law.”

  Mr. Gillette instantly patted her hand. “Now look who’s scaring her away.”

  They both looked a little tipsy, but they’d been the life of the party. Everyone in Houston seemingly knew and adored the Gillette family.

  I painted on a smile as I realized more than a few drinks had probably played a role in their confusion. “I’m Amy. Your daughter-in-law is the one in the white gown.”

  The pair exchanged a peculiar look, and Mr. Gillette said, “Anyone would be lucky to have you and your sister for daughters.”

  I blinked, wondering just how hammered they really were.

  “Thank you,” I said earnestly, playing along, and watched with relief as they were pulled away for a photo.

  I met Hayden’s gaze, and we shared a smile. I was so thankful that she had the Gillette family to call her own.

  Tipsy or not, Jackson’s family was exactly like the kind of family Hayden and I had always dreamed of having ourselves when we were young.

  Hayden finally has a family she could call her own.

  The Gillette family had welcomed her in with open arms.

  I wonder if Mom and Dad would have been proud if they were here now?

  I wasn’t sure where that thought came from, but I cringed.

  My eyes swelled with tears as I thought of our childhood days with a hypercritical mother and father who had no idea how to dish out unconditional love. I was so damn glad that Hayden now had what she missed as a child. I remembered that ever-present tone in Mom’s voice when she’d say, “No cake and no booze. Thick girls can’t eat whatever they choose.”

  It had been my mother’s mantra, and it had hurt.

  As I shook off my negative thoughts, I went to the banquet table and filled my plate with a wide variety of healthy snacks, and enjoyed every last guilt-free bite as I took in the crowd. I drowned my worries in the festive foods, and refused to feel sorry for myself and my single status.

  I wasn’t that girl.

  I wasn’t the kind of woman who hoped for a lifetime of happiness while wallowing in a house filled with past insecurities. I also wasn’t the type of person who waited for things to happen for me.

  I’d dodged Levi at the rehearsal dinner, but that was in the past.

  Today was
a new day.

  It was time to find out who was playing around in my bed…or at least my head…night after night. I spotted Levi across the room, and charged him like a mad bull.

  It was probably the champagne.

  Regardless of my ignited bravery, I needed to know if Jackson’s brother was the man from my dreams. Which meant I had to talk to him. Someone out there knew my secrets, my deepest desires. If that someone was Levi, I wanted to know.

  “Slow down there, gorgeous!” Levi placed his hands on my shoulders to steady me, and perhaps even protect himself. “Where’s the bomb?”

  “No bomb, but I can be deadly when provoked.” Okay so maybe that was a little overkill. I regrouped before trying again. “This is important.”

  “Shoot.” His liquid brown eyes looked like melted chocolates. I couldn’t tell if he was amused or concerned.

  “Careful. I might be tempted,” I muttered.

  He curled his hand around his champagne glass, and even that looked sexy. “What can I do for you, Amy?”

  My mouth dried, and I almost helped myself to his drink. How in the world could drinking champagne look like an intimate act?

  As if he’d read my mind, he brushed his thumb across his lip. “I’m all yours. What’s on your mind?”

  I’m all yours. Say it.

  I blinked at the memories from my last illicit dream. “You...”

  “I’m on your mind? I’m honored.” His grin was the most sinful thing I’d ever seen.

  “That’s not what I meant, and you didn’t let me finish.” I held his gaze, even though I really wanted to run, and get as far away from him as possible. “I think you’re in my head, and I want to know why.”

  Yes, too much champagne had scrambled my brain, but I still had a nagging suspicion about my dreams and Levi that I couldn’t explain.

  His eyes flickered with awareness, and a slow smile crept across his lips. “That’s an interesting accusation. Care to elaborate?”

  “Don’t try to analyze me. I’m not a research project at your engineering firm. I won’t be probed like I am.”