White Wedding for a Southern Belle

by Susan Carlisle

  “There’s dessert?”

  “Sure there is. What kind of host do you think I am?”

  She gave him a questionable look. “I don’t think you want me to comment on what some would consider kidnapping.”

  There was a tense moment as she registered what she had said. Surely he didn’t think she was putting him on the same level as the guy who had taken Lizzy?

  “You do know you can leave anytime you wish?”

  She nodded. “I do. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said that in light of what we had been talking about.”

  “I’ll get our dessert.”

  Opening the narrow French doors, she stepped out on the iron balcony hanging over the cobblestone road below. She eased into one of the cushioned wicker chairs with matching footstools. Crossing her arms across her breasts, Ashley put her feet up and rested one ankle atop the other. A foghorn blew again as a barge slowly moved over the water of the Savannah River in front of her.

  Kiefer joined her, taking the other chair. “Here you go.”

  She took the round plastic-covered disk he offered. “A praline.”

  “The best in the world are made here.”

  Ashley unwrapped it and took a bite of the sugary disk with a pecan in the center. “Mmm. Wonderful. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Looking out at the river, she said, “You have a great view.”

  “It’s the one thing I really like about living here. I spend what little time I’m home sitting out here.”

  “You don’t like the rest of the place?”

  “I got it in the divorce.” Disgust and resignation sharpened his voice.

  “Why don’t you sell it? This is prime real estate.”

  “At one time I wouldn’t do it because she wanted it. Now I need a place to live.”

  “So you live here out of spite.” Ashley glanced at him from beneath lowered lids.

  “The way you say it makes me sound rather small.”

  That wasn’t her intent but he obviously wasn’t moving on. “You said it, not me.”

  “Brittney left me for someone who could give her more prestige, fancier cars and a larger house.” He couldn’t keep the bitterness from his voice.

  Ashley sat forward and looked him straight in the eyes. “No, she didn’t. She left you because she is a self-centered, money-hungry, shallow person.”

  Kiefer sat back in the cushion of the chair as if she’d hit him with her outburst. “I’ve never really thought about it like that.” Somehow hearing it said with such authority made him believe it.

  “Well, you should.”

  “They were at the St. Patrick’s Day party. I saw them coming down the hall just as I was passing you.”

  “So that’s what brought on that kiss.”

  Kiefer looked at her. “I’m not proud of it but I used you. I won’t say I’m sorry I did because that kiss made my day.”

  She watched him for a moment before she said, “I’m getting tired. I think I’ll go lie down for a while.”

  Had he said too much and run her off? “You need a pain pill before you do.”

  Ashley struggled to stand. Kiefer hurried to place a hand under her uninjured arm to help her. She stepped away from him. “Thank you, Doc. I think I can take care of myself from here. I saw the medicine on my bedside table.”

  “Call me if you need me.”

  “I’m sure I won’t.” What would it be like if she let herself need and trust Kiefer? No, it might change her life forever. Relying on someone was more than she was willing to take a chance on.

  * * *

  It was late afternoon and Kiefer was again sitting outside on the balcony. He’d spent the last few hours looking over paperwork sent over from the clinic and making phone calls. The first of those had been to a couple of drug representatives whose companies had an indigent program for people who couldn’t afford care. Both had agreed to look into what they could do to help with providing medicines for the clinic.

  The next one had been to his mother. He’d listened patiently as she’d reminded him that he needed to visit more often now that he was closer. He’d promised he would soon. With her placated, he’d asked her about helping to raise money for supplies for the clinic. As always, his mother had been excited about having another project to focus her energy on.

  “So how do you like Ashley Marsh, honey?”

  “She’s doing good things in Southriver.”

  “That sounds like you’re evading the question.”

  “I’m not.”

  “You know Ashley attended my St. Patrick’s Day fund-raiser. Y’all didn’t happen to meet there, did you?”

  “We might have.” That was an understatement. Thoughts of their kiss still slipped in right before he went to sleep each night.

  “I would think that after seeing and speaking to her you would have more to say.”

  He did but they weren’t words to share with his mother. “She can be difficult, demanding and exasperating, but she really wants to help Southriver. She’s doing good things for the community. And, yes, she is attractive. And, no, Mother, I’m not thinking about getting married or having children.” Ever again.

  “She’s a pistol. I’ll give her that.” His mother sounded impressed.

  “Kind of reminds me of you.” Ashley and his mother did have a great deal in common. Almost uncomfortably so.

  “I’ll be by to check out the clinic sometime next week and see what I can do to help. I’ll call first.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I knew I could count on you.” Despite what had happened to his mother, she had not ceased her efforts to help the less fortunate. Again, not unlike Ashley, who didn’t seem deterred by what had taken place in her life. He seemed the one most shaken by both events. He still relived the horror of seeing his mother hurt anytime he saw or heard of a woman being threatened. Maybe that was why Ashley had got under his skin.

  Kiefer went to the kitchen for another cup of coffee. On his way back outside he stopped in to check on Ashley. She was still curled under the covers. Her dark hair was a mass around her head. It was the first time he’d ever seen her truly at ease. Did she wear that same look of peace after making love? He’d like to give her that and more. But Ashley wasn’t a good-time kind of girl. She would be all about permanence, something he wasn’t willing to try again.

  He backed out of the doorway. That was a place he had no business going. Based on the devotion Ashley showed her community and city, her relationships with men wouldn’t be shallow and short lasting. She would give her entire heart to the man she was involved with and, worse, would expect the same depth of commitment in return. He couldn’t give that. Wouldn’t take the chance on rejection again. Yet the more he was around Ashley the more he wondered if it might be worth the risk.

  Her statement about Brittney and Josh implied she had been angry on his behalf. Why would it matter to her how he had been treated? All he’d ever comprehended was that he had been betrayed under his nose by the two people he’d cared about most. Not why. He’d never thought that through. It wasn’t about him but them. They were the ones with the issues. He’d just got caught up in their selfish wants and needs. Why hadn’t he seen it that clearly before?

  The sun had sunk to the point it was brushing the buildings with gold when Ashley joined him on the balcony. He’d been aware of her approaching even before he saw her. It was almost as if his body was in tune with hers. What was it about Ashley that touched him on levels he didn’t understand? Didn’t want to.

  “Hey,” she said timidly, which was completely out of character for her.

  “Hi, there, sleepyhead. Feeling better?”

  She slightly moved her arm, still in the sling. “It’s pretty stiff.”

  “If you think s
o now, wait until tomorrow.”

  “Yeah, and I have the block party tomorrow.”

  “Join me.” He nodded toward a chair.

  Ashley slowly took the chair beside him. “I can’t get over how wonderful this view is.”

  “Isn’t there a place in Southriver where you have a view over the river or to the east?”

  She thought for a second. “Yeah, there’s one building but it’s so run-down... I’d love to see it bought and redone into lofts like yours. It would encourage new people to move in.”

  “Your mind is always thinking about how to make Southriver better. Do you ever think about yourself? About a personal life?” She looked at him. Was she thinking about how poor his relationship track record was?

  She propped her feet on the stool, getting comfortable. “I’ve had a personal life. My parents wanted me to live somewhere different. Raise their grandchildren where they wouldn’t have to worry about them. I almost married right out of college. But it turned out he wasn’t interested in my running for political office and he started running around on me. I decided then I was better off alone, doing my own thing.”

  “Not every man is disloyal.”

  She looked at him. “No, some just go around kissing strangers at parties.”

  “I explained that.”

  “You did.” She looked into the distance. “Women like to be wanted for themselves, not as a way to hide from ex-wives.”

  “Okay, I deserve that, but in my defense the next ones were all about wanting to kiss you.” He watched as pink found Ashley’s cheeks.

  She smiled and said quietly, “Thank you.”

  He’d put her on the spot enough. “Hungry?”

  “I’m fine. You don’t have to fuss over me. Is there any chance you’ll take me home this evening?”

  “Nope.”

  “You know you can’t hold me hostage forever.” Thankfully her tone was teasing rather than irritated. She didn’t feel threatened if she was making a joke.

  The last ray of daylight touched her face and the glow made her beautiful. He murmured, “You and I both know you could leave if you really wanted to.”

  Ashley shifted slightly in her chair but didn’t look at him. “I need to be home in time to get ready for the block party. We both have to attend.”

  “Not a problem. I’ll have you to your place first thing in the morning.”

  They settled into silence as the stars slowly began to come out. Kiefer couldn’t remember the last time he’d been completely comfortable not saying a word when spending time with someone. There was something special about that.

  * * *

  Arms held Ashley. She pushed at them. “Stop, stop.”

  A large hand shook her shoulder. “Ashley, shush. You’re safe. You’re just dreaming.”

  The bed shifted and she was pulled against something firm and warm. All her fear faded away. Snuggling against the wall, she found sleep again, feeling secure and protected.

  Suddenly awake again, she kicked at the covers, her foot making contact with a hard leg. At a loud “Ow!” her eyes flashed open. Kiefer rubbed his thigh.

  “What’re you doing here?” It was still dark. Ashley could barely make out his form stretched along her bed. Kiefer’s arm was under her neck and her cheek rested on his shoulder. His other arm was across her waist.

  He gently patted her hip. “You were having a bad dream. Now, hush and go back to sleep.”

  For a fleeting second Ashley started to order him to get out of her bed, but the temptation to snuggle back against his heat and continue to sleep was too great. She succumbed to that desire and closed her eyes once more.

  The next time Ashley woke she blinked against the sunlight streaming through the windows. She lay on her side with her bad arm supported by the bare midsection of a muscular male body. She looked down to see athletic shorts at his waist.

  He muttered, “Yes. You’re draped across me.”

  How did Kiefer know what she was going to say? She moved enough that she could look at him. “What’re you doing in my bed?”

  “Still asking the same old question? Don’t you remember me answering that last night? You had a bad dream. I came in to see if you were okay.”

  “And stayed.” Her body tensed and her tone questioned his motives.

  He shrugged, showing no shame. “Something like that.”

  Ashley jerked to a sitting position and groaned as pain exploded through her arm. She grabbed it and held it close. “What time is it?”

  Kiefer twisted to look toward the clock on the bedside table. “Six forty-five.”

  “We’ve got to go. I’ve a lot to do.” Ashley was already moving toward her side of the bed.

  A gentle hand circled the wrist of her uninjured arm. “Hold up a minute. I need to have a look at that bandage.”

  “It can wait. I need to get a bath.” She looked down at her clothing. “I need to change my clothes. I have to make my dish to take. I also have to be there to organize the tables and see that the media gets the story correct.”

  Kiefer put up a hand. “Whoa, whoa. You were shot the day before yesterday and you still need to take it easy. I’ll help you with what you need to do but your health comes first. I’ll cover the arm and you can get a shower. Then I’ll put a new bandage on it. I had Margaret send over some clothes for you, but I’m sure they aren’t what you want to wear to the block party, so after stopping by Home Cookin’ Restaurant for a gallon of potato salad, we’ll go to your place so you can change.”

  Ashley gave him a blunt look. “Are you about finished organizing me?”

  He dipped his chin and pushed himself up to lean back against the headboard, giving her an enticing view of male chest, enough that she almost lost her train of thought.

  “Yes,” Kiefer said.

  “I’d rather just leave now for my house.”

  “I’m the one doing the driving, so I’m the one with the plan.”

  She could argue further but it would only take up valuable time. Based on Kiefer’s body language and his tone of voice, things were going to happen the way he’d decided. “Okay, you win. Let’s get this arm ready for the shower.”

  She watched Kiefer rise lithely from the bed. “I’ll get a new bag and meet you in my bathroom.”

  That sounded sort of kinky. Why was she thinking that? Maybe because she’d awakened in his arms. She had to quit having such thoughts about Kiefer. She needed someone that would be with her for the long haul, a man she could trust to be there for her always. He didn’t want a long-term relationship and she couldn’t agree to anything less. He’d also made it clear he wasn’t impressed by Southriver.

  She must have made a face because he asked, “Problem?”

  The man was far too perceptive. “No,” she croaked.

  His look implied he didn’t believe her. “Okay, see you in a sec in the bath.”

  Ashley watched the half-clothed man go out the door as if he had no idea what he was doing to her. Ashley swallowed hard. There it was again. The suggestion, even in her mind, made her tingle all over. He probably wasn’t aware of his physical effect on her. For all she knew, he had women over all the time.

  She left the bed with a groan. Her arm was so stiff. Moving it gently, she worked some of the ache out. On bare feet she made her way to Kiefer’s room. His bedcovers looked as if he had been asleep and had thrown them back in a hurry. She must have cried out and alarmed him.

  “You’ll need to take that shirt off.” He entered the bathroom.

  She turned her back to him.

  “Come on. I’m a doctor. I’ve seen plenty of naked bodies.”

  Ashley removed her arm from the sleeve with a fair amount of pain. Pulling one side of the shirt over the other to cover her breasts, she p
resented her arm to him. “You’re not my doctor and you haven’t seen mine.”

  Kiefer met her gaze. “But I’d like to.”

  Heat washed over her and her knees went weak. That shouldn’t be happening. Kiefer wasn’t who she wanted. Certainly not who she needed. “Dr. Bradford, are you trying to take advantage of the situation?”

  “Maybe, but it’s the truth. Right now you’re hurt but I’m giving fair warning that after you mend I’m going to take advantage of every situation that comes my way. For now, let’s get this arm ready for a shower.”

  She looked at the top of his head and along his shoulders as he leaned over, positioning the bag and wrapping the tape. Blood still whipped through her veins at his words. He was mighty confident that she would be accepting his advances. Would she be able to fend them off? Did she want to?

  “I’ll leave you to your shower. Your clothes are on my bed. Call if you need anything. Meanwhile, I have a few phone calls to make.”

  She met his gaze. “Thanks. You really have gone the extra mile.”

  He shrugged. “Not a problem.”

  Maybe it wasn’t a problem for him. Helping people seemed a part of who he was. She had to ponder that.

  * * *

  An hour later they were both dressed and ready to go. She’d had to ask him for help with her shirt and he’d been very professional, even averting his eyes a couple of times. They’d each had a quick bowl of cereal and Kiefer was now helping her settle into the passenger seat of his truck.

  “I forgot one thing,” he said as he stretched across her to belt her in.

  Ashley looked at him in question.

  “A good morning kiss.”

  His lips found hers. They were sure and tender. She couldn’t resist pressing hers to his. Seconds later he pulled back, leaving her craving more of his touch. That had to stop. Anything extra might be detrimental to her heart. The life she planned.

  Ashley’s breaths were shorter than they should have been just from a simple kiss. What would it be like if he gave her a real one? Like their first one?

  He circled the truck and climbed in.

  Working to keep her tone light, she asked, “Is a morning kiss part of the ritual when a woman stays at your house?”