Love Me Two Times (Rock Royalty Book 8)

by Christie Ridgway

  “But where will we have it?” Cilla asked. “Our new house is spacious, but too small to hold the number invited.”

  The answer was obvious to Beck. “Cilla, love, what was it that Gwen always said? When life gives you the Lemons…make lemonade.”

  They believed, God help them, that Beck could pull it off. It was three days of chaos, and without Honey it would have been impossible, but the oldest of the Nine did put together a wedding for the youngest and the second oldest.

  The weather even cooperated, though that wasn’t much of a worry. Still, sunshine and temps in the seventies were going to make a late afternoon outdoor wedding at the Velvet Lemons compound beautiful as well as memorable.

  And in a move that took away his voice and breath, Cilla had asked him to escort her down the aisle.

  “I don’t need to be given away, but I wouldn’t mind an arm to hold onto while 300 people watch me walk wearing a bridal gown and three-inch heels.”

  So there he was, standing with the bride and bridesmaids on the other side of a knoll on the property. Flower petals delineated the pathway that would take them to the top of the rise and then down onto the flat stretch of grass where three hundred white chairs were filled with excited guests.

  And where the groom awaited his love. Honey had found a florist who went all out—including creating an arch that dripped with thick clusters of white, blue, and pink flowers. The sight of it had caused Cilla to gasp in pleasure.

  The woman who ran Ren’s London office, Raina, had flown in on the red eye to make it to the wedding. Now she appeared at the top of the hill and gave them the thumbs up signal.

  Cilla looked at Beck, her smile radiant. “It’s time?”

  “It’s time.”

  And then to confirm it came voices harmonizing in song—four friends of Cami’s performing The Mamas and the Papas’s “Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon).” In succession, each bridesmaid climbed the knoll, the hem of her long pastel dress fluttering in the slight breeze. Alexa, Cleo, Rose, Honey, and Ashlynn. Finally, Cami took her turn, with a last fond smile over her shoulder for Cilla.

  “You’re up,” Beck said, as they lost sight of the other woman.

  “Let’s go get him,” Cilla replied with a roguish grin, and started off.

  The voices kept singing about young girls and good mornings and changes happening inside a person. And as Cilla moved toward the man who was her future, Beck felt as if he was approaching his own destination.

  Home.

  He was finally coming home.

  With a kiss on the cheek, he delivered the bride to her groom. He reached out to shake Ren’s hand, but the other man drew him close and they hugged, slapping backs.

  Yeah, coming home.

  He took his place with the other groomsmen—Eamon, Walsh, Reed, Bing, Brody, and Payne—and then finally had a chance to inspect the rows of seated guests.

  It was the one standing to the side near the back that caught his eye.

  Her dark hair tumbled to her shoulders in loose waves. The sleeveless dress she wore was printed with purple and blue flowers, and she had a circlet of similarly colored ones on her wrist.

  Two small matching blooms were somehow pinned in the dark curls of their daughter. She sat secure in the curve of her mother’s arm, wearing a pale blue dress with a fluffy pile of skirt.

  His chest ached at the beauty of her.

  Heart full of Soul.

  He’d had no chance for a quiet visit with mother or daughter over the last days. Wedding details had consumed him, and he knew Jewel had taken on her own share of tasks. But once the “I do’s” were done, he was going to tell her of his decision to establish a home base here. Near their child.

  He didn’t know exactly how it was all going to work, but he was determined to keep close to that little anchor.

  How Jewel would react to that, he wasn’t sure.

  She was in love with him.

  For the first time in days, he let that thought truly sink in.

  And again, though his conscience told him he should feel regret or remorse, some kind of negative emotion, he only felt warmth fill him. And promise. A promise to her that he’d be the father their daughter deserved.

  That Jewel and Soul would always view him as a good man in their lives.

  Memories of his and Jewel’s first affair had flitted through his head during the last few days. The timeline was nearly completely filled in, from his smitten reaction to her at the bar the night they’d met, to his persuasive seduction and the blistering heat they found in the bedroom. But he had also recalled more innocuous moments—her demonstrating to him how to slice onions—and him kissing the inevitable tears off her gorgeous face. Watching one of those funny-videos shows together on her couch and arguing over whether it was okay to laugh at a person launching themselves into the side of a house. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on the sand and in silence watching the sun slip into the Pacific.

  She’d been an engaging and interesting companion. A fit-him-like-a-key-to-a-lock lover.

  And yet, though he couldn’t quite recall their last goodbye or his final moments in LA, he’d walked away—proving he was that ultimately unreachable man he knew himself to be.

  Unable to care deeply enough to stay.

  Fucking Lemons.

  Commotion beneath the flowered arch drew his attention. Was the event over and he’d missed it all?

  Not quite, he thought, as he saw a pair dressed in white kneel on either side of the arch. They pried tops off two large boxes.

  To the surprised exclamations from the crowd, butterflies surged into the air, flitting and flying over the heads of the wedding party and the guests.

  Cilla stared at them round-eyed, and he grinned when she turned that high-wattage smile of hers his way. She blew him a kiss.

  Yeah, she liked his little surprise.

  He shifted his gaze to determine what Soul thought of the spectacle and saw her attention riveted by the winged insects. She tried to catch one hovering nearby with her little hand, but it darted away and headed up, up, into the deep blue sky.

  A memory slammed into him. Blue sky. Out the window of the plane he was boarding that would take him away from Jewel.

  The film reel in his mind stuttered a moment, then spun back. There he was. At the airport. He leaned over to kiss her goodbye where she sat behind the wheel, her eyes dry, her mouth curved in a determined smile.

  Then he was out, crossing the sidewalk with his gear and on shoes that seemed to stick to the concrete as if he had stepped in gum. Next was the inspection line, followed by the wait for his flight to be called, during which he’d tried blanking his mind by staring at the TV screen at the gate.

  Finally, it was time to head down the gangway. He could see the tips of his boots as he took each deliberate step. When he found his row, he glanced out the small window, and that was what did it.

  He’d bought her the bouquet of blue balloons because she’d told him her favorite color and why. And when he handed them over he’d said he would never look at the sky again without thinking of her.

  In that moment on the plane, his fingers had tightened in a death grip on his pack and he’d realized that he’d done it. He’d fallen in love with Jewel Malone.

  So why the hell am I leaving her? he’d thought.

  Then another passenger bumped into him, and he’d stepped into his row and finally sat down, considering how best to proceed. Logic reminded him he still had a professional obligation, so he’d decided to go to Africa and speed through the expedition. And dumbass technophobe that he’d been then, he’d decided to wait and tell Jewel what was in his heart in person—so he could see the expression on her face.

  See her surprise, her pleasure, the love she returned to him.

  Because he’d been as certain of that as his own feelings.

  Cheering interrupted his reverie, and he automatically joined in the applause as Ren and Cilla kissed and were intro
duced as husband and wife. Then he filed down the aisle between the guests as proscribed and followed the rest of the wedding party to the area where food, drink, and tables were ready and waiting.

  The reception began, but he was tied up taking photos for what seemed like hours. When they were finally released, he went searching.

  And couldn’t find Jewel and Soul.

  He climbed to the top of the knoll for a better look at the crowd, but dusk was starting to settle and he still couldn’t pick her out. Frustrated, he turned in a circle and then spotted her coming from the direction of the gates, without their daughter.

  She’d taken the baby home, he guessed, and though he was disappointed, it would make for a conversation less likely to be interrupted.

  He hurried toward her. “Jewel.”

  Her feet stopped and her head came up. At the sight of her beautiful face, emotion welled in his chest, cutting off his air.

  Heart full, indeed. In the past weeks, he’d fallen in love with her all over again.

  Her brows rose in question, and he slowly blew out his breath. Took another in.

  “I couldn’t find you.” Then he grimaced as a parallel presented itself immediately. “It must not have been easy on you when no one could find me.”

  “But now you’re back.” She began to move again, and he caught at her arm to halt her. Her feet tripped a little, and he tightened his grip to steady her.

  “Sorry,” he said.

  “Sometimes I can be clumsy. Heels. My one leg that’s a little weaker than the other especially after a lot of standing.”

  He’d not thought about her injury enough too. “You’re all right now, though.”

  “Yes, of course. I told you I don’t even remember the accident or being in the hospital.”

  When he just stared at her, she frowned. “Really, Beck.”

  “Do you think it was Fate?” he asked, running a hand through his hair. “That I was the one who nearly lost you and then—”

  “Lost me? You likely saved me.”

  Ren had said the same. “So has Fate brought us back together again?”

  “What’s with this kind of talk?” she asked. “What’s really on your mind?”

  He smiled a little. “I’m trying to come up with something that will make my case for me. Something bigger than the two of us that will tie us together forever.”

  She looked at him out of suddenly wary eyes. “We’re tied together through Soul.”

  “Yes, but—”

  All at once, the fairy lights flicked on in the shrubs and around the trunks of trees. The paper lanterns hanging from their branches began to glow.

  “Oh.” Jewel looked all around the compound. “It’s lovely.”

  Then she made to walk past him again. “I want to find Cilla and Ren to congratulate them.”

  This was going nowhere, he thought, frustrated once more. Because he was stalling, which only gave the old voices and doubts and conceptions of himself an opportunity to drag him back into the shadows.

  When it was time to truly step into the light.

  “Jewel.” He caught her hand. “I remember everything now.”

  She stilled, her gaze turning watchful. Oh, his girl, so guarded.

  “You do?” she whispered.

  “Yes. I remember that I fell in love with you that first time.”

  “No.” Her head shook slowly.

  “Yes.” In the distance, a band started playing a romantic ballad. Good, because from the skeptical expression on her face, he could use a persuasive soundtrack. “I was planning to return from Africa as soon as possible and tell you, but then…”

  “Maybe that was Fate,” she said. “Your accident.”

  “No.” He forked his hand through his hair again. “Or maybe yes, or maybe that’s just life. All I know is that I came back and got to fall in love with you. That makes it two times. I figure that means something.”

  She swallowed. “Like what?”

  “That thanks to you, I’ve finally learned how to love. And that ability stuck. Is sticking. I’m going to be here for you and Soul.”

  “Here?”

  “Where else would I be except with my tribe and my daughter and the woman I love?”

  “You really love me?” she whispered.

  “I do.”

  He saw her begin to tremble. “You wouldn’t just say that to be…”

  “Nice?” He finished for her. “You know I’m not nice. I’m too bossy for nice. And on that note, say you believe me.”

  Her gaze searched his eyes. “I want to believe you. And I want you to stay. If you did, it would be everything to me. I want everything.”

  “Me, too.” He cupped her face with his hand. “Do you trust me? Do you think that I can take care of you and Soul?”

  “Of course I do.”

  And he realized she’d said that to him more than once since he’d returned. She did trust him. And he so needed that.

  God, she was perfect for him. “Be my love?” he asked.

  “I do love you.” She glanced around. “But is this really happening? I’m not dreaming?”

  He drew her into his arms. “Don’t I feel solid enough? Now kiss me.”

  When his accommodating woman obliged, he felt satisfied, horny, happy.

  “Be my wife?” He even managed to make it sound like a request.

  A little smile curved her luscious mouth, as if she knew he’d rather have ordered her. “That seems like a good idea.”

  “It’s a great idea.” He loved the way she leaned into him, her expression now suffused with joy. “How about next Saturday?”

  Her eyes flared wide.

  He laughed, then lifted her off her feet and into the air. A butterfly flew by, then circled them. An omen of all the happiness to come.

  “Next Saturday?” Jewel laughed at him.

  “I’m serious,” he said. “I hear there’s a wedding out there with your name on it.”

  And laughing again, she threw back her head and let him twirl her around and around until they were both dizzy. Until they needed another kiss to ground them.

  Then, arm-in-arm, they returned to her grandmother’s to fetch Beck’s anchor, now cozy in a fuzzy pair of pajamas. He took Soul back to the reception in his arms, and she snuggled against him. His promised bride crowded his other side, her fingers on the crook of his elbow. She’d surprised him—and touched him—by removing the flower bracelet she’d been wearing to reveal that underneath was the strip of cotton he’d wound around her wrist.

  I needed to know you were there, she’d said to him that day.

  He took her hand now and pressed it to his mouth. “I’ll always be here for you,” he promised, as they moved toward the celebration.

  Toward family.

  The Rock Royalty had taken to the dance floor. Cilla and Ren swayed in the center, their heads close together, bodies barely moving. Bing and Alexa moved with intricate steps, like maybe they’d been practicing for their own upcoming wedding. Cleo and Reed had her boys with them, and the kids’ expressions signaled this dancing business might not last much longer. Payne had his two big hands planted on Rose’s ass as they spun, and she was trying to tug them up to her waist but he wasn’t cooperating. Walsh and Honey were laughing as they danced, sharing some private joke. Brody and Ashlynn were sucking face, ignoring the catcalls from Cami who passed by them in Eamon’s arms.

  Smiling, Beck glanced up at the stars just beginning to peek out from the dark blue velvet of the sky. Yes, Gwen. Everybody’s home.

  # # #

  Dear Reader:

  Thanks for reading! Beck has regained his memory and found a family with Jewel and Soul and the rest of the Rock Royalty. I hope you enjoyed your glimpse of Ren and Cilla’s wedding, too! This is the eighth book in the Rock Royalty series and it’s a pleasure to write these emotional and sexy stories.

  Interested in sharing your thoughts with other readers? I hope you leave a review for the book here.


  Currently available in the series: LIGHT MY FIRE (Rock Royalty Book 1), LOVE HER MADLY (Rock Royalty Book 2), BREAK ON THROUGH (Rock Royalty Book 3), TOUCH ME (Rock Royalty Book 4), WISHFUL SINFUL (Rock Royalty Book 5), WILD CHILD (Rock Royalty Book 6), WHO DO YOU LOVE (Rock Royalty Book 7) and LOVE ME TWO TIMES (Rock Royalty Book 8).

  Intrigued by Ryan Hamilton, Beck’s friend, and his March dilemma? His story (ONE LOOK) is on its way! And continue on to read excerpts from the first books in two of my other sunny, sizzling series, TAKE ME TENDER (Billionaire’s Beach Book 1) and MAKE HIM WILD (Intoxicating Book 1). Sign up for my newsletter to be informed of it and future releases and to receive other information about upcoming books and specials. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or visit my website.

  Enjoy!

  Christie Ridgway

  Excerpt – TAKE ME TENDER

  Billionaire’s Beach Book 1

  © Copyright 2015 Christie Ridgway

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Sabrina fair

  Listen where thou art sitting

  Under the glassie, cool, translucent wave,

  In twisted braids of Lillies knitting

  The loose train of thy amber-dropping hair…

  —JOHN MILTON, COMUS: A MASQUE

  One

  A good cook is like a sorceress who dispenses happiness.

  —ELSA SCHIAPARELLI, FASHION DESIGNER

  Slowly threading through the tables of the darkened restaurant, Nikki Carmichael refused to let a single tear fall. No, she wasn’t going to cry, though the night’s last entree had been plated and served two hours before and the last patron escorted out the door thirty minutes ago. For the final time, she’d heard the clear-bell clink of the wineglasses greeting their partners as they were slid into their nightly resting place in the rack over the bar. The kitchen’s enormous stock-pots that had simmered broth all through the dinner service were now clean, their steam no longer able to corkscrew the baby hairs that escaped her braids.