Promised Gifts

by Elena Aitken

  She shook her head and handed him a list. “Here’s the agenda for the morning. We’ll start with the scavenger hunt and then finish with tug-of-war.”

  “And the teams?”

  She handed him another list. “They’ve been assigned.” Marissa did her best to keep her voice neutral. She hadn’t failed to notice how a handful of Jenny’s single and eligible cousins had been put on Nick’s team. She also hadn’t failed to notice how they’d been sitting in the corner, giggling and pointing at Nick since he’d arrived.

  It shouldn’t bother her, but it did. She made a point of turning away from the cousins as she consulted her own list. “I’m going to gather my team,” she told Nick. “I have Jenny’s brother and his wife. She looks strong, so we’ll definitely win.” She tried to sound casual. “Will you be ready to get started in a few minutes?”

  “Sure.” He looked up from his list and nodded. Marissa turned away to leave, but Nick grabbed her arm. “Hey,” he said. “Maybe we could...I don’t know...work on our speeches later?”

  “Speeches?”

  “You know, for the reception. We both have to give speeches. I thought maybe it would be kind of fun to bounce some ideas off each other.”

  She watched him for a minute, trying to find something in his eyes that would give her an indication of why he might be trying so hard to spend time with her. If she didn’t know better, she might think that maybe he was interested in her. But that was ridiculous.

  Was it?

  Even if it wasn’t...

  “Okay.” She said yes before she realized what she’d said. “That would be fun.”

  It would? She really needed to get away from him before she declared her undying love for him next.

  “I should...” She gestured to the group of family members. “Get my...” She shrugged, aware that she probably sounded like an idiot.

  “Go,” he said, excusing her. “Get your team ready and let’s get this started.”

  She nodded and moved away, silently cursing herself. What was it about the man that made her so tongue-tied? It was ridiculous.

  “Ready for this?” Marissa’s dad patted her on the back and slipped the list from her hand. “I think I have most of our team assembled and they’re excited.”

  She laughed, successfully distracted from the effect of Nick. “You’re really getting into this, Dad.”

  “Damn straight. Your mother seems to think that Nick is going to lead them to victory, but I believe in you, Marissa.”

  She shook her head and laughed again. “Whatever you say, Dad. But it will be a team effort. Go gather the troops. I’ll get the lists ready.”

  A few minutes later, her father had rounded up the team and Marissa gave the instructions. “Okay,” she said to her small assembled group. “It’s a photo scavenger hunt. Dad is passing out the lists.” She gestured to her dad, who was happily handing the papers out. “Use your cell phones to take pictures of everything on the list and for every team member we have who completes the list, we get a point. Make sense?”

  Everyone nodded their heads, excited to get going.

  “Great,” Marissa said. “Let’s meet back here in twenty minutes to add up the points. Have fun and go Team Bride!”

  There were a few hoots and hollers as everyone dispersed with their cell phones and lists.

  She couldn’t help but notice that Nick’s team had already disappeared. Normally, she wasn’t a very competitive person. Maybe it was the situation—maybe it was Nick? Whatever it was, she wanted desperately for Team Bride to wipe the floor with Nick and his group.

  She waited until everyone had happily scattered in various directions and consulted her own list to see what she could take care of quickly.

  A picture of the wedding site.

  She could do that. It was right around the corner by the little pond and waterfall.

  A wedding guest meeting someone new.

  That was easy enough.

  Cousins together.

  Super easy.

  Members of the bridal party kissing.

  Marissa rolled her eyes. No doubt she was going to see more than she ever wanted of her brother kissing his new bride. Not that it wasn’t great that he was in love—that was great. But she could definitely do without watching her big brother swap spit.

  With a sigh, she tucked the list in her back pocket and headed off to get some of the easier pictures first.

  It didn’t take Marissa long to knock off the first few items off her list. She was just headed over to the ceremony site to take care of that one, when she heard voices. It looked as if half the guests were gathered there to get the photo, and maybe with a little luck the bride and groom—who had mysteriously disappeared right before the scavenger hunt had started, no doubt to make it hard to score the last shot—would be there.

  But Jake and Jenny weren’t there.

  Instead, Nick was there, sitting on the rocks by the water with a few of Jenny’s cousins, who were fawning all over him.

  “Give up already?” she asked with a roll of her eyes. Marissa lifted her phone and took a picture of the ceremony site.

  “On the contrary.” Nick had jumped up and was standing next to her when she lowered her phone. “I was just waiting for the winning picture.”

  “The what—”

  Before she could finish her question, Nick wrapped his arms around her, and his mouth was on hers in a deep and completely unexpected kiss.

  It took her a moment to realize what was happening, and by the time she did, every nerve ending in her body was on fire with the electricity coming from Nick’s lips and the hottest kiss she’d ever had. Instinctually, Marissa slipped her hands around his back and kissed him right back.

  * * *

  It only took Nick about five seconds to forget what the purpose of the kiss was supposed to be. Only five seconds because as soon as he put his lips on her soft, sweet mouth, he was completely lost in her.

  His body remembered eight years ago, a very similar kiss that had completely lit him up. Only this time, when Missy slid her arms around his back and deepened the kiss, Nick had no intention of pushing her away. And the very last thing he would do was laugh.

  Because all he wanted to do was keep kissing her.

  As long as possible.

  A hoot sounded from somewhere nearby, but Nick didn’t care. He slipped his tongue between her lips, in an effort to deepen the connection even further. Instantly, he wished he hadn’t, because the spell was broken.

  Missy’s hands came up to his chest and she gave him a shove.

  As he stumbled back a few steps, Nick was intensely aware of the absence of Missy in his arms. A few seconds later, he was also acutely aware of the way she was staring at him.

  “What the hell, Nick?”

  He had to think quickly. If he told her, right there, in front of everyone, how he’d wanted to do that from the moment he’d seen her in the dining room the night before, she’d get upset.

  Hell, if he told her the truth—how he’d wanted to do that every day for the last eight years since their first and last kiss—she might kill him.

  Nick shrugged and tucked his hands into his pockets. “We needed a kiss from members of the bridal party.” He nodded his head toward Jenny’s cousins, who stood nearby, holding their cell phones rather dumbly.

  “A photo?”

  He nodded and hated that he was lying to her. Because even though it was actually the truth, that had been the plan. Not to kiss Missy exactly, just anyone he saw first. He still hated the fact that he was diminishing what had just happened between them.

  Because the truth was, it was more than just a photo for a contest. Way more. And he was a jerk for pretending that’s all there was to it.

  “And did you get what you needed?”

  Audrey, Jenny’s oldest cousin, nodded. “We did. Thank you. Now we have the whole list.”

  “Speaking of which.” Nick made a show of looking at his watch. Anything to ke
ep from looking at Missy. “We should get back. It’s time to tally up the points.”

  She didn’t look happy, but maybe she was still a little dazed from being kissed. Lord knew, Nick was more than dazed. He was completely shattered after that. It took all the focus he had just to put one foot in front of the other.

  He waited a moment as Jenny’s cousins left, headed back to the courtyard, before he turned to Marissa. “Hey, about that...”

  “What?”

  He shook his head. She was not going to do that thing where she pretended nothing happened, was she? Because something had happened. It most definitely had.

  “You know, the...well, the...”

  “The kiss?” She laughed and tossed her head back. “You got your point,” she said. “And I guess you got one up on me. But Team Bride will still kick your ass in the tug-of-war.” She flipped her hair back and started to walk away.

  “That’s not really what I meant,” he called after her. It was lame and he knew it, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself.

  Missy stopped and turned around slowly. “What did you mean then?”

  “Well...” He crossed the distance toward her and took her cell phone from her hand. “It’s not really fair that we got the picture and you didn’t. Let’s get you one.”

  A look of horror crossed her face. She snatched her phone back before she stuffed it in her pocket. “I’m good, thanks. Like I said, we’ll get you in the tug-of-war.” And then she was gone, walking much faster than she had before, in the direction of the courtyard, away from him.

  And his offer for another kiss.

  He shouldn’t feel rejected. After all, it was ridiculous and he’d covered up his intense desire with such a stupid guise. Not that it could be anything different.

  Amazing kiss or not, Missy was still Jake’s little sister.

  And that was never going to change.

  He took one more moment to pull himself together and followed in the direction the others had gone. He couldn’t allow himself to get caught up in these feelings. After all, he still had best man wedding duties to perform.

  That’s what he was going to focus on. Because Jake deserved the greatest best man ever. Not one who was lusting after his little sister.

  Chapter Five

  She wasn’t sure how she survived it, but somehow Marissa got through the rest of the day and the games. Even without her scavenger hunt points, Team Bride came in first place with enough completed lists. The tug-of-war was a closer match, but Team Bride took it as well. She tried to meet Nick’s eyes to gloat, but he kept his gaze averted.

  In fact, for the rest of the day, he wouldn’t look at her.

  And he definitely didn’t talk to her.

  Even when they competed against each other in the three-legged race, he wouldn’t make eye contact. After the bean bag toss, she stopped trying. And when Team Bride took the entire competition, squeaking out a slight victory after an intense arm wrestling match between her dad and Nick, she didn’t even bother looking to him to gloat.

  It was probably better that he didn’t look at her anyway.

  It was bad enough that every time she caught a glimpse of him, her entire body burned with the memory of how his mouth had felt on hers.

  Damn.

  It had taken eight years to get the memory of their first kiss out of her mind, and now she was going to have to start all over again.

  Why had he done that? Why had he kissed her?

  For the game. At least that’s what he’d said.

  That’s all it was. She’d been telling herself that all day. And she’d keep telling herself that, too. At least until her brain believed it to be true.

  There was nothing behind that kiss.

  You’re such a liar.

  She was, too. Because there was definitely something behind that kiss. At least, there had been for her. The moment his lips touched hers, it was just like eight years ago. And as much as she tried to deny it, all those feelings she’d worked so hard to push down for eight years flooded back to the surface.

  “Marissa.” Jenny came up beside her. “Are you coming to dinner with us? I think we should toast our win, don’t you?”

  Marissa scanned the little group that had gathered. It was a mixture of family and friends, cousins and other wedding guests. There was no sign of Nick, but that didn’t mean anything. No doubt he’d be close to Jake, or maybe Jenny’s cousins.

  The flicker of jealousy surprised her and she quickly shook it away.

  “I don’t know,” she told Jenny. “It’s been a big day and there’s still more to come. I should probably get some rest.”

  Jenny pulled her into a quick, but tight hug. “I totally get it,” she said. “I know that these weekend weddings can be intense, and I really do appreciate all your work on it. It means so much to have you here with me. After all, we’re going to be sisters.”

  Marissa smiled and gave Jenny another hug. She really did like her sister-in-law to-be. She almost changed her mind to join them for dinner, Nick be dammed, but then she remembered she still had to work on an amazing Jenny-worthy speech for the wedding reception and that sealed the deal.

  “I’m happy to do it,” she said to Jenny. “But I think I’m just going to order some room service tonight and work on my speech. I want to make sure it’s perfect.”

  “I’m sure it will be.” Tears sprang to Jenny’s eyes, but she was quick to wipe them away. “Everything about this wedding is going to be perfect.”

  Marissa couldn’t help but think that was a lot of pressure to put on one day, but it definitely wasn’t the time to say anything.

  “It will be fantastic,” she said instead. “Especially if I can go get to work.” She grinned, and with one more quick hug, Jenny sent her on her way.

  After a quick stop at the bar to order a chicken salad to be sent up to her room, Marissa was in the clear.

  At least she hoped she was. There was a slight chance that Nick hadn’t gone to the dinner either, but it was only a slight one. Nick never passed up a free dinner. Especially if there were beautiful women involved.

  Again, the flare of jealousy lit in her gut, but she pushed it down again. She had no time for such petty thoughts. She’d promised Jenny an amazing speech, and that’s just what she was going to get.

  Marissa didn’t even realize she’d been holding her breath as she opened the door to the suite, but as soon as she walked in, she exhaled.

  Empty.

  She didn’t waste any time grabbing her laptop, pouring herself a glass of wine from the bottle in the fridge and setting up on the little balcony with her feet up. The view was breathtaking and definitely enough to inspire her. Besides, the Lodge was teeming with love and romantic vibes. It wouldn’t be hard to write a heartfelt speech.

  Soon enough, Marissa was completely immersed in her work. She didn’t even notice the knock on her door, or the click as the door opened, or the footsteps that followed.

  It wasn’t until Nick stood directly in front of her, holding the room service tray in his hands, that Marissa noticed.

  * * *

  “What are you doing here?” Missy jumped up so fast her laptop almost went flying. Fortunately one hand caught it while the other flew to her chest.

  “It’s my room.” He shrugged. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” And that was the truth. The last thing he’d meant to do was scare her. In fact, he’d been trying to avoid her. Nick’s plan had been to sneak away from the group and back up to the room so he wouldn’t have to torture himself by being so close to Missy. At least for one night.

  He definitely hadn’t planned to run into the room service guy, who stood dumbly in the hallway outside their room, holding a tray. Nick had no choice but to accept it and deliver it to Missy.

  “I was bringing you your dinner.” He raised the tray a little bit to make his point. “Which begs the question, why aren’t you eating with the others?”

  She put her laptop on the table next to
her and reached for the tray, but Nick pulled it back, just out of reach while he waited for the answer.

  “I could ask you the same question, you know?”

  “You could,” he conceded. “But it doesn’t change the fact that I’m looking for an answer.”

  She sighed and pulled her hair back from her face before letting it fall around her shoulders again. “I’m working on my speech for the wedding,” she finally said. “Jenny has some pretty high expectations. I wanted to make sure I met them.”

  Nick handed her the tray, which she placed next to her laptop on the table. “I can understand that,” he said. “That’s actually the same reason I’m not at dinner.”

  It wasn’t entirely true, but it also wasn’t really a lie, either. Not that she needed to know that.

  “Of course,” she said, as if it was a perfectly reasonable explanation. “You’d have a speech as well.” She moved closer to the tray on the table and lifted the lid for her meal. “Do you mind if I eat? I mean, you’re welcome to stay...that’s stupid. I’m sorry—it’s your room, too. I just...”

  “I know it’s strange.”

  Missy put the tray down again and turned to face him. “No,” she said. “Do you know what’s strange?”

  He shook his head, although he could definitely think of a few things.

  “That kiss,” she said. “That kiss was strange. Why would you do that? And don’t tell me it was for the scavenger hunt.”

  “But...” He drifted away because he didn’t know what else to tell her. Of course it was for the scavenger hunt, but it was mostly for him. Because ever since he’d set eyes on her again, the taste of her lips on his was the only thing he could think about. But he couldn’t tell her that.

  Or could he?

  “It was for the scavenger hunt,” he started to explain. But when he saw the disappointment that flashed in her eyes, just for a second before it disappeared, he grew bold. After all, there was nothing else to lose. “But it was mostly because from the moment I saw you yesterday, I’ve been wondering what it would be like to kiss you.”