by Lexie Davis
Dane lay back against his pillow, staring at her with sparkling green eyes. “Baby, I stand by everything I said. I want you in my life. I want you in my arms. I want you in my bed. I want to make you scream your throat raw with pleasure. I want to take your fears away and be there to comfort you when you need it. I want it all, Jenny. I'm not cutting you down. I'm merely pointing out what I observed. If what I say is not true, then please inform me why you get so pissed off with me after sex. Tell me why you get pissed off when we talk about your sister. I've got nothing but time, and I want some answers."
"You make me furious because of this. You're arrogant. I admit to using you in the beginning, but when you came here and said those things, I actually wanted to believe it could possibly be more. I wanted to trust what you said was true. That we wouldn't always be this way, that we could actually have a decent conversation and not argue about differences of opinions all the time.” She swiped at her eyes. “But I guess I was wrong to believe all that. You aren't different. You're a jerk like the rest of the men in the world."
Dane sat up and pulled Jenny into his arms. She fought him initially but stopped when she realized she wouldn't win. His arms tightened around her. He kissed her forehead and simply held her. His warmth surrounded her, comforted her unexpectedly. He kissed her cheek. “We can finish talking about this in the morning. Both of us are so tired we don't know what we're saying. I promise we'll fix this."
He let her go long enough to flip off the lamp. He pulled her back into his embrace, and she settled against him, resting her head on his chest. Maybe she was scared. She allowed herself to relax, completely mesmerized by the movements of his fingers against her back.
Everything would work out. It had to. As dreamless bliss overtook her, Dane breathed a sigh of relief and plotted his next move.
* * * *
Jenny writhed in sleep beside him, waking Dane from his two peaceful hours of slumber. His eyes felt like they'd been glued shut. He yawned and opened them to the bright light of morning, glancing over at Jenny's alarm clock. 6:30. The last thing he wanted to do was untangle his numb arm from her body, but it was inevitable. He lifted her shoulders slightly and removed his arm, immediately feeling as if a thousand needles were repeatedly pricking his skin. All he could do was smile.
After some feeling came back, he slipped the covers aside. The cold chill in the room made him shiver as he stood, looking around for his boxers.
"Where are you going?” Jenny rolled to her stomach, stuffing her pillow beneath her chin.
"Merry Christmas, baby.” He paused to kiss her before returning to his search. “I'm going to make some phone calls. Go back to sleep.” He found his boxers and pulled them on.
"Who are you calling?"
"My dad and Shawn.” He came to her and bent to kiss her forehead. “I'm solving my brother's problems with your sister and hopefully getting them to walk down the aisle."
"What are you doing?” She pushed up from her spot.
"I'm offering to go to the west coast instead. Shawn and Shelly can stay here, and everyone will be happy."
"You're offering to leave?” Was that sadness in her voice?
"It's temporary.” He leaned down to kiss her. “Of course, you could always come with me. We could live out our own adventures together."
She didn't respond. Jenny sat up and brushed her hair from her face. She was so beautiful in her sleep-rumpled state. No makeup. Her hair a complete mess.
"Look, I need to call my dad so we can get this wedding rolling.” He smiled, unable to read her expression.
"You would do that for your brother? Pack up and leave so he wouldn't have to?"
Dane sat on the side of the bed. “You know I would. I value family, too, Jen. Shawn is my only brother, and he's bailed me out of binds before. It's what we do."
She blinked. Dane wasn't sure what went through her mind. Last night his plan seemed like the perfect answer. Both he and Shawn grew up in the family business. It wasn't something he preferred, but it would work out. It was only a couple of years.
"I don't know what to think about you.” She bit her bottom lip. “You're the biggest jerk one minute and the sweetest guy I've ever met the next."
How's that for honesty. Dane smirked. “We don't have to leave until nine. Why don't you sleep a bit more?"
"I would if I could. I'm up now.” She slid her legs to the side of the bed. “Call your dad and Shawn."
He touched her bare thigh, a warm contrast to the cool air around them. “Do you have any idea where my pants are?"
She chuckled. “No clue. You came to bed naked."
He kissed her cheek. “True.” He stood and began looking for his pants.
"Dane?"
"Yeah?” He bent down and snagged his jeans from beneath the bed.
"Were you serious about my going with you?"
"Yeah, babe. I think it'd be fun. Dad's company is around Napa Valley, so vineyards are all around. If we play our cards right, maybe we could get free wine.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Could you handle living all the time with the biggest jerk and the sweetest guy rolled into one?"
She actually smiled. “I don't know. It's a lot to think about."
"So you are thinking about it?” He pulled on his jeans. “You're considering coming to California with me?"
"Call your dad, Dane. It's not a done deal, yet.” She came to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Her breasts brushed against his chest, her nipples stiff beneath her cotton shirt. She pressed her lips against his neck. “I'm still mad at you for all the stuff you said to me last night."
"Yeah, well, I love you, and it doesn't matter.” He cupped her cheeks and leaned down. “None of the small stuff matters, Jenny."
Jenny pursed her lips. “We have a wedding to fix. I'm going to call Mom and see if there's anything I can do."
She didn't say it back. Dane's heart sank to the pit of his stomach, even though he'd suspected it. He'd screwed up royally by opening his big, fat mouth. Now he'd devised the perfect plan to make his brother happy, one that would make his life total hell if Jenny didn't go with him.
He grabbed his cell from the living-room floor and scrolled through the numbers to find his dad's. His father picked up on the second ring. “Hey, Dad."
"Dane? Why on earth are you calling me at this hour? Are you drunk?"
He glanced at the clock on the wall. “No. Sorry. Shelly called off the wedding because she didn't want to move to California. I've been thinking and came up with a solution. I'll go to the west coast instead. Shawn can stay here with Shelly and live out their happily ever after."
"Have you talked to your brother about this?"
"No. I wanted to make sure it was okay with you first.” Dane watched as Jenny came down the hall, phone to her ear, chatting to Shelly about the wedding.
"It's fine with me if that's what you really want to do. But if Shawn is having problems with Shelly, I doubt it has anything to do with moving. Maybe you should let them work it out on their own."
Jenny stood at the stove, rubbing the toes of one foot against her calf as she tried to talk Shelly into going through with the wedding. She fiddled with cooking breakfast, not really paying attention to the food. The sight was so domestic it made him smile.
"It'll make everyone's life easier. I've worked for you ever since I got out of the Marines. I may not have the passion for the family business that Shawn has, but I'm not an idiot, either. You need someone to get this off the ground, and I can help. And if it helps Shawn and Shelly in the long run, then that's great."
"I don't care, son. If you want to go, I'm not going to stand in your way."
Dane thanked him and wished him a Merry Christmas and hung up the phone. Immediately, he dialed Shawn. He answered with a curt reply.
"Merry Christmas to you, too, bro.” Dane smiled at his brother's tone. “Look, I solved your problems. Dad gave me clearance to go to California so you and Shelly don't have to move."
"What?"
"You heard me. I'm going so you don't have to. Dad will leave you in charge of the east coast and I'll have the west coast.” Dane huffed a breath and glanced over at Jenny carrying two plates to the small breakfast table, phone to her ear. “Make up with Shelly, dude. I've eliminated the obstacle. Go make up with your fiancée and walk down that aisle today."
"I'm going to owe you for this, aren't I?” Shawn's voice perked up.
"Nah. Just paying you back for coming to Boston for me. We're even."
They hung up, and Dane went into the kitchen where Jenny sat picking at her food while she listened to Shelly talk. “Shelly, it's settled. Dane's going, not Shawn. Why aren't you happy?"
Dane kissed the top of her head and sat beside her. He ate the food she'd cooked, watching and listening to her talk to her sister. Shelly did most of the talking, while Jenny sat there, avoiding his eyes and listening to the conversation.
"Okay. Fine, Shelly. That's your decision.” She hung up and sat the phone to the side. “She's still calling off the wedding. I think she's scared, and he gave her the perfect opportunity to back out. She's also pissed at me for sleeping with you."
"Honey, she will always hate you for sleeping with me. Is that going to make you stop? Just because Shelly doesn't like me, does that mean you can't, either?"
"Dane, you promised. It's Christmas."
"Answer enough.” He stood and left the room, pissed at himself. His shirt was on the bedroom floor, and he grabbed it, pulling it over his head as he headed back to the living room. His jacket lay across the couch, something he grabbed, as well.
"You can be a tough ass and demand that I let you spend the night with me, and now you're just walking away."
"If I don't, we'll end up fighting, and it's Christmas.” He crossed the room to the door. “I'll see you at the wedding."
Jenny grabbed his arm to stop him. “Are you still going, even if they don't get married?"
"They'll get married. And as for moving, changes do some people good. I need a change."
He walked out the door with the chill of morning biting at him. Shawn and Shelly would get married if he had to drag them to the altar and forge their signatures on the marriage license. But Jenny, he didn't know what would happen between Jenny and him.
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Chapter Six
When Jenny arrived at her parents’ house, the place looked like a field of white roses had exploded all over the main floor. Bouquets of flowers sat on every surface. The banister was draped with flowers and covered with white paper for Shelly to walk on. Everything was ready for the impending wedding.
"Mom? Shelly?” Jenny sat her purse next to the door, dropping her keys on top.
Karen Myers met her daughter in the foyer wrinkling her nose at the bouquet Jenny carried. “Oh, there you are. What are we going to do with all of this? Everyone is making their deliveries, and Shelly is still determined to call everything off. I thought Shelly ordered red roses."
Jenny shrugged. “She wanted it to be virginal white."
Karen laughed. “The only one she's fooling is your father."
"Where is she?"
"Upstairs, sulking."
Jenny left her mother to find her sister sitting in the room they once shared, staring out the window. She wore a silky robe, and aside from her red-rimmed eyes, looked perfect.
"We've got a bunch of people waiting to see you and Shawn get hitched. Why don't I help you put on your dress, and get this ball rolling?"
"Jenny, it isn't happening."
"Why not? Shawn wants to spend the rest of his life with you.” Jenny unzipped the garment cover and slid the wedding dress from the hanger. “And, Shelly, you are so in love with him. Why are you insisting you shouldn't get married? You and I both know that's not what you really want."
"Because."
She held up the dress. “Because why? Dane called and made everything better. He's going to California so Shawn doesn't have to. The two of you can start your life together just the way you planned. What is your deal?"
"Dane is the problem. He doesn't get to make everything better. He's the ass of the family. You are sleeping with the ass of the family."
"Oh, please. My relationship with Dane has nothing to do with your marrying Shawn. And if it makes you feel better, he didn't do this for you. He did it for his brother."
"I can't be civil with him.” Shelly stood, fury rolling off her in waves. “I can't marry into his family. I can't stand my sister being with him."
"Grow up."
Shelly stopped and lifted her head. “What did you say to me?"
"You heard me loud and clear.” Jenny sank to the bed as everything Dane said pummeled her at once. “You don't get to run other people's lives."
"What? My opinion doesn't count now?"
"No, Shelly. Your opinion counts only when it's about your life. You're getting married to Shawn. Grow up and get dressed.” Jenny threw the dress on the bed. “You know, you're my little sister, and I've babied you a lot over the years. But I'm not about to stand by and watch you make the biggest fucking mistake of your life because of your stupidity. And I'm not about to let you ruin my life, along with yours. I like Dane. He actually told me he loved me, and you know what? I panicked. He's a good guy, and I keep pushing him away, mostly because I'm afraid of hurting you. I'm done. If he'll have me back, I'm going to be with him, and since he's moving, I'm willing to move with him."
Shelly gasped. “But—"
Jenny held up her hand. “I don't want to hear it. Get dressed."
Sudden relief came over her as she walked across the room. She wanted Dane. She almost craved his touch. And she feared she'd blown it.
Her dress was waiting in the blue guest room, a bright pink ensemble that made her look like a live Barbie. She stripped and stepped into it, zipping up the back by herself. Her hair was next, and she tried three times before she got it right. She pinned her long locks into a simple French twist that she dressed up with diamond hair pins. After that was her makeup, which she kept light and natural with just a hint of pink eye shadow and blush. She grabbed some pink lip gloss to finish off the look and stood before the mirror, taking everything in.
Did she really tell Shelly she wanted to move across the country with Dane? She smiled and began looking for her hot-pink shoes. Yes, she did. She truly wanted to be with him. She maybe even loved him. The thought stopped her mid-step, with one shoe on and the other off. He was so different than her previous boyfriends, ones she'd thought she loved, so how could she be sure?
She stepped into the other shoe and pulled the strap over her heel. She didn't deserve the patience Dane gave her, though he could cut back on his bluntness a little. All that would work out in the end.
Once she was satisfied with herself, she headed downstairs. The party was already in full swing. Dane and Shawn talked with each other in the library, sharing a laugh about something Dane said. She took a deep breath and headed there first.
"Don't worry about it. Talk to her, and everything will be okay.” Dane slapped his brother on the back.
"Yeah. Take your own advice.” Shawn nodded toward the door.
"Uh, sorry to interrupt.” Jenny shrugged. “I wanted to borrow Dane for a moment.” Jenny reached for his hand, happy he took it instead of shunning her in front of her future brother-in-law. “We'll be right back."
She led him through the house to the very back guest room, away from the chaos. After she closed the door behind them, she turned to face him. “I just want to say I'm sorry. I was wrong, and you were right. I want to be with you. I let Shelly control my life. I feel so stupid."
"Shh. We'll talk about this after the wedding.” He pulled her to him, careful not to mess up her hair. He smiled and kissed her. “You're beautiful, baby."
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you, Dane."
When they returned to the main room, Karen informed them the
wedding was on. Shawn had talked to Shelly, and they'd worked through their fears and finally agreed to proceed. Jenny parted from Dane and took her place at the top of the stairs where Shelly stood, beautiful as ever in the white mountain of fabric she called a dress. She still looked pissed, but Jenny didn't bother to say anything. Fighting with Shelly on her wedding day was the last thing Jenny wanted to do. Not to mention it was Christmas. The little stuff didn't matter, just like Dane had said. Everyone took their place, Jenny in front of Shelly.
"Mom told me you seemed happy with Dane. That you were holding his hand and smiling like you were in love."
"I am happy with Dane. And I do love him.” Jenny's heart swelled as she finally admitted the words out loud. “He makes me feel alive and special. He makes me see things from a different prospective, and I like that."
They started moving forward, and Shelly grabbed her sister's arm. “I'm making a request."
Jenny paused, glancing toward the wedding party that continued moving toward the steps. “I won't stop seeing him for you."
Shelly huffed. “Not what I was going to ask.” She hesitated for a moment before finally blurting, “Can you get him to stop calling me ‘Shutter Bug'?"
Jenny couldn't help the relief that swept over her. She wrapped her arms around her sister, trying really hard not to cry. “I'll try. I love you, Shelly."
"I love you, more.” She pulled away, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Now, let's go get me married."
* * * *
Dane wrapped his arm around Jenny's shoulders at the reception. He refused to sit in the designated best man's spot, choosing instead to sit by the maid of honor. Jenny seemed to be enjoying herself as she drank the sweet champagne and chatted with the guests. He couldn't have asked for a better ending to this disastrous event.