by Rachel Cross
Melanie rolled her eyes. “Nonsense and you already told me that you both agreed not to discuss the interview.” She pressed her lips into a determined grimace. “You’re inviting him to my wedding or else. Don’t let me go bridezilla on you. One more seat won’t hurt.”
“I’ll ask, but don’t be surprised if he says no.”
“You’re afraid to ask him?”
“Of course not.”
But she was. Not because he would say no, but because they would have to travel together and book a hotel room. Would it be one or two rooms? A king or two queens? Her heart revved like a souped-up engine. Nathaniel hadn’t pressured her for sex. But from the bulge that constantly pressed against his pants during their make-out sessions, he seemed ready.
Mel interrupted Tiana’s mini freak-out. “Can you pass me your phone? I forgot mine in the room and want to check something on the Internet.”
Tiana dug her phone out of her jeans pocket. “Sure, here you go.”
Grabbing it, Mel hummed as she clicked and clacked on the screen and then returned the phone. “There. Problem solved.”
Tiana’s heart dropped to her stomach. “What problem?”
“The problem of you being too much of a ’fraidy cat to ask your man to come to the wedding. I know you, T. You want to jump his bones. What better day to break the seal than on your best friend’s wedding day?”
Tiana’s phone dinged.
Of course I’ll be your man candy, Peaches. Send me the details.
You’ll be more than my man candy, Nathan. Tiana had decided it was time to give him everything.
• • •
Tiana inhaled a deep gulp of breath as she walked down the pink-and-cream-marbled aisle. Clutching the bouquet of lilies, eucalyptus pods, berzelia berries, and cotton, she surveyed the wedding guests.
Her eyes collided with Nathan’s, and the heat of his stare robbed her senses. Dark, midnight eyes reflected craving, sensuality, a promise. A promise that if they weren’t in a room with two-hundred-plus guests and a pastor, he would strip her naked.
And she’d let him.
He smiled and winked. Those dark eyes glinted with humor.
She shook her head and tore her gaze from his. Finally reaching the archway of flowers where Damien proudly waited for his bride, she pivoted and took her place opposite him.
Scanning the crowd again, she saw a familiar and unwelcome face, and her breath caught. Greg. Sitting on the side of the bride. Just how in the hell did he get into my best friend’s wedding?
The pearl buttons embedded on the satin-wrapped stalk of the bouquet nearly popped under the pressure of her hands. His smooth, cultured voice whispered in her head. “She’s just a dalliance, sweetling. Every powerful man has one.”
Coal-black eyes swept her frame, and an army of fire ants marched across her spine. The asshole had the audacity to smile and wave.
Like magnets, her eyes sought Nathan, who must have noticed her distress. His dark eyes now turned concerned and confused.
She pasted on a smile as the music began. Chords that sounded like a knock demanded everyone’s attention. The R&B singer’s soulful voice drifted across the venue. Tiana’s breath caught in her throat again. This time, due to a vision in white. Her best friend. The smile on her face became genuine and thoughts of happiness and love replaced those of her brandishing her bouquet over Greg’s head.
Mel, in a fitted lace-and-crystal-encrusted dress, looked stunning. Tamed curls hung loosely down to her waist.
The music stopped, and Mel’s father pulled back her veil. Her brown doe eyes were filled with joy, contentment, and love. The beautiful bride smiled as the groom reached for her hand.
Tiana’s attention darted to Damien, and she smiled. Mel had been right. He was a handsome crier.
Chapter Twenty-One
“You look so beautiful, Mel.” Tiana smiled at the bride as photographers snapped pictures of Damien and his best man.
“You don’t look so bad yourself, Ms. Holliday. I saw a certain somebody staring you down.”
Tiana’s blood pumped. She’d hoped her best friend hadn’t seen Greg. “I’m sorry, Mel. I don’t even know why he came.”
The bride scrunched her face. “I took your phone and invited him to come, silly,” she said in a “no-duh” voice. “Speaking of which, he’s coming up behind you.”
Tiana turned. Her blood pumped again, but this time for the sexy man-candy striding her way.
He bent down, grabbed her waist, and gave her a deep, toe-curling kiss. “Damn, Peaches. I’m glad I didn’t see you in that dress before you left our room.”
Smiling, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “And you look very handsome.” She smoothed the lapels of his black tux and then stepped away.
Nathan pulled Tiana close again and rested his chin on her head, his chest to her back. “Melanie, you look absolutely stunning. Damien is a very lucky man.”
The lucky man walked over and shook Nathan’s hand. “Glad you could make it.”
The mother of the bride rushed over. “The wedding guests are having cocktails in the reception area. Time for us to hustle over, introduce the Mr. and Mrs., and get this party started.”
Tiana chuckled at Josephine. The high-society queen rarely used slang. Must’ve been the excitement of seeing her only child married to the love of her life.
After helping introduce the bride and groom and then the wedding party, Tiana scanned the ballroom. She hadn’t spotted her snake of an ex again. Was it my imagination?
A few glasses of Chardonnay later and after the first course was served, she’d begun to relax. When the DJ invited guests to dance, Nathan stood, grabbed her hand, and twirled her onto the dance floor.
Laughing, she grabbed his shoulders and squeezed. He pulled her close and held tight. “Gotta let these guys know you’re with me,” he said in his late-night radio voice that was not appropriate for daytime listening.
Leaning her head against his chest, she swayed along to the music. “Would you like me to wear a sign around my neck?”
Nathan chuckled. “I’d rather you wear—”
“May I have this dance?”
The hairs on Tiana’s neck stood. Slowly, she turned to a familiar voice. A well-practiced and intelligent one that belonged to a man she’d once been eager to please.
Moving away from Greg, she shifted closer to Nathan’s arms. He grabbed her shoulders and tucked her into his large body. “No. Her dance card is full.”
She ignored Nathan’s he-man response, wanting answers of her own. “What in the hell are you doing here?” Her body shook with rage.
Nathan gave her shoulder a double-squeeze and gently nudged her behind him. “Who are you, and why are you upsetting my woman?”
“I’ve got this, honey.” She stepped to Nathan’s side, crossed her arms, and focused on the intruder. “Answer my question.”
Greg had the audacity to look affronted. His caramel sun-kissed face scrunched and prominent eyebrows drew together. “I saw the announcement of your friend’s engagement in the paper. As you know, my uncle is a co-owner of the Laraby.”
Tiana’s temperature spiked. “No, I did not know, nor do I care. Just because he owns the place doesn’t give you the right to crash the wedding.”
“Tiana, sweetling, we need to speak. I don’t like how you left me.”
Nathan’s arms tightened around her shoulder again, and his fingers splayed across her collarbone. This time, it wasn’t for comfort. She felt claimed. Possessed.
“You’re upsetting my woman. You need to leave.”
Her ex huffed a breath as his shifty eyes scanned Nathan. He gave them both a tight, hand-screwed smile and composed himself. “Tiana is my fiancée, and I have the right to speak to her.”
“Fiancée!” Tiana’s voice squeaked. “Are you out of your damn mind?”
Nathan stepped closer with his hand outstretched for a shake.
Greg looked down, hesitated, and then shook her boyf
riend’s hand.
Is everyone going crazy?
Nathan grinned, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I apologize. Didn’t realize who you were. I want to shake the hand of the man who didn’t recognize the prize he had. Because you were a cheating ass who couldn’t appreciate a beautiful, loyal, and intelligent woman, I got my chance. So thanks, but she’s good here. I’m not dumb enough to squander my good fortune.”
Greg’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. “I . . . I . . . ”
“Leave. My mother is Renita Lawson, editor in chief of Chic Bride Magazine. I would hate to have your uncle’s venue blacklisted for their lack of security . . . allowing strangers to crash weddings.”
Turning beet red, her ex spun on his heels and stormed off the dance floor.
Pulling Tiana into his arms again, Nathan resumed their dance as if the confrontation was a normal occurrence. “You’re so lucky to have me.”
Nathan spun her around and surprised her with a dip. His eyes twinkled with merriment as he pulled her up.
“And here I thought you appreciated a beautiful, loyal, and intelligent woman.”
Cupping her jaw, he kissed her hard and deep and wet.
Tiana moaned into his mouth and gripped his tux.
Nathan bent down and whispered, “I guess we’re both lucky.”
• • •
Nathan tossed the plump shrimp cocktail in his mouth as he scanned the room, searching for his runaway bridesmaid. After a few songs on the dance floor, she’d excused herself to powder her nose.
She was probably stressing herself out over their confrontation with her spineless, asshole ex.
What in the hell had she seen in him? He was the type that had more products, shoes, and clothes than his woman. Someone who stared in the mirror and kissed his reflection. And he was damn cowardly—the guy that, when walking with his woman, would walk on the inside instead of the outside of the sidewalk near the road. The type to save himself first instead of cherishing and protecting his lady. Not that he’d actually be able protect anyone. The man was softer than a Dr. Scholl’s gel cushion.
Nathan glanced down at his rose-gold watch and furrowed his brows. Tiana had been gone for nearly twenty minutes. She’s probably outside.
Tired of guessing, he stood from his seat and searched for his date.
Opening the double doors, a blast of cold air blew into his face. A group of older men in tuxes and expensive cufflinks that reeked of wealth stood near the edge of the terrace. He recognized one as Melanie’s father since he’d walked her down the aisle. Another group of men, much younger with ill-fitted and untailored suits, hung near the steps. He’d spoken to a few of them earlier during the cocktail hour; most were reporters from Melanie’s old job in Atlanta.
Where in the hell is she? “Excuse me, gentlemen,” he said as he pushed past them and stepped into the garden maze.
After a few minutes of walking, he nearly gave up and doubled back to the venue. That is, until he heard Tiana’s angry voice.
“Why are you following me, and why haven’t you left? I came out here to clear my head, not muddle it with your lies.”
Nathan quieted his steps and moved closer to the conversation. He turned the corner and spotted Tiana and the limp noodle in the middle of the garden. Although Christmas lights strung across the garden spotlighted the arguing duo, the tall shrubbery had also given them privacy from other guests.
“I didn’t get a chance to properly speak to you. Your barbarian wouldn’t let me.”
“Don’t you talk about my . . . about Nathan that way.”
“It’s true, sweetling, you deserve someone better.”
“Oh yeah, and let me guess, that someone better is you?”
“Of course.” Greg smoothed the lapels of his tux.
“Riiiiight. Thanks for the feedback, but you know what? I’ll take my chances with the barbarian.”
Greg shook his head and snorted. “I’m disappointed in you, Tiana. I thought you were above your baser needs. I know you grew up in a poor neighborhood, but—”
“I’m sorry, what did you just say?” Tiana advanced, fists squeezed at her side.
He waved his hands as if swatting a fly and continued. “I was wrong about Stephanie, and I’ve broken off the engagement, but sweetling, you didn’t give me a chance to explain before you left. I’m choosing you to be my wife. I want to mold you. Make you better. It wasn’t your fault that you grew up that way and, honestly, I was surprised when you eventually told me. But after you did, my affection for you grew and I knew you were the one for me. I can turn you into a masterpiece.”
“Oh my God. You have literally lost. Your. Damn. Mind!”
“Oh, Tiana,” he said in a you-poor-unfortunate-soul tone. “You’re attracted to this Nathan fellow. He acts as if he has no home training. I’m sure that’s what you were used to seeing.”
He’s worse than spineless. He’s a damn fool! Nathan’s anger spiked from mildly pissed to Hulk smash. Tiana’s fists clenched and unclenched as she advanced forward.
Nathan moved from his hiding place. Tiana didn’t register the movement. She was too focused on her target. But the limp noodle saw him and stretched his beady eyes. He shivered like a candle in wind and took three big steps back.
Too late, asshole. He wanted to tell Tiana that she was more than her upbringing. That she was already a masterpiece. Priceless. And he was damn proud of her.
But he was too angry for words. He quickened his stride, moved past Tiana, and cocked his fist. Only to be stopped by a soft hand.
“Nathan, please . . . ” Her hazel beauties looked into his eyes, pleading. The ringing in his ears cleared. His hands itched to hurt the lightweight, but looking into her eyes instantly calmed the raging fire.
“Fine,” he grumbled. His gaze swung to Greg, who looked relieved.
“Thank you.” She smiled and stepped in between the two men. Reaching for Greg’s shoulder, she pulled him in and lifted her knee to his groin.
“Ah!” Greg clutched his stomach, stumbled, and fell to the grass.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She shrugged. “Guess I can’t control my baser needs.”
“Damn, baby. I thought you were non-violent?”
Tiana stepped back and winked at Nathan. “I know you’re a trained fighter and all, but he needed a woman’s touch.”
• • •
“Here we are.” Tiana nervously slid the keycard to unlock the hotel room.
She surveyed the two queen beds and gulped. Somewhere in between the confrontation with Greg and Mel’s tearful sendoff, she’d decided tonight was the night. She would make love to Nathan. She grew warm, remembering his words. Beautiful, loyal, and intelligent.
Squeezing her shoulders, he kissed her forehead. “I’m going to take a shower.” He grabbed his black bag and walked toward the bathroom.
“Nathaniel?” Tiana asked before he could close the door.
“Yes, beautiful.”
“I never thanked you. For standing up for me to Greg.”
Nathan stalked back into the room, tossed his bag on the floor, and sat on his bed. “Tell me one thing. How did you end up with a guy like that?”
She sighed and shook her head. “He was sophisticated, established, and safe. Everything I thought I wanted in a man.” Sitting beside him, she toed off her heels. “You know, it’s clear now what a jerk he is. But back then, I was young and in love.” She looked into Nathan’s eyes. “Have you ever been in love?”
He gulped and looked away. “I haven’t been in a real relationship until you.”
“Falling in love is easy. But falling out of love . . . ” She blew a breath. “It’s devastating because as you’re falling out of it, a part of you still hopes that all the pain is just a bad dream. That you’ll wake up beside the person you love and laugh because that could never happen. But when it doesn’t happen, when you’re actually awake and that is your reality, it’s a slow death. And ever since
Greg, I’ve been living half a life.”
Standing, she began to pace the carpeted floor. “Melanie once said I’ve been acting like a ghost. And she was right.”
She hadn’t realized then his betrayal had run even deeper than just cheating with Stephanie.
Tiana turned to face Nathan. “I was broken and scattered. I see that now. I ran away from anything that would cause me pain. And when I moved to New York, I’d hoped to start over. No more dating coworkers.” She laughed, and Nathan chuckled.
“And I . . . I promised to never let anyone in.” She stepped away, backing into the desk near the door. “I thought I had nothing else to give. Greg took it all. And I’ve been running and running from anything that could cause me pain. Until you.”
“Come here, Peaches,” Nathan demanded from the bed.
Tiana shook her head. “Let me finish. You challenge me. Exasperate me. You make me happy and regularly piss me off. But you make me feel alive.”
“Come. Here. Peaches.”
She stood rooted in place, heart pounding in her ears. Where was this emotional diarrhea coming from?
“Fine. I’m coming to you.” He rushed into her space. With his hand behind her neck, he tilted her head. Her mouth parted at his sudden intensity, giving him an opening to latch his firm lips onto hers and, with his tongue, coaxed a moan that was beyond physical . . . It was a surrender of something deep within her soul.
“I need to shower.” Breathing hard, he stepped away and held out his hand. “Join me.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Palms still open, Nathan patiently waited for her answer. Tiana licked then trapped her bottom lip between small, even white teeth.
C’mon, baby.
This was the final and most important step she had to take. To trust him. To trust herself.
The fragile mask she wore slipped and crumbled. Flecks of browns and greens and golds shone brightly from her eyes. Her hands shook as she drew closer, hovering just above his palm. A battle raged in her pretty head as long silky lashes fluttered shut, barring him from her soul-baring resolution.
His heart ka-thumped. A protest. A revolt. No secrets and no lies and no fears would be squeezed shut and hidden beneath her eyelids.