Rock Solid

by Lisa A. Olech

  “I’m just in this for the lifetime supply of coffee and muffins. I’ll be expecting the first payment the minute you get back from your honeymoon.”

  He pulled Emily into his arms and held her for a long moment. “You know, all this changes nothing. You’re still my best friend.”

  “Lucky me.” She kissed him then used her thumb to wipe the lipstick from his cheek.

  Jeremy gave her that smile that would forever catch at her heart. “No, lucky me.”

  The ceremony was breathtaking and went off without a hitch. Even the tiny ring bearer behaved and to the delight of the assembled three hundred guests skipped down the aisle. The church overflowed with flowers and candles. A string quartet accompanied the bride and her father down the aisle. As predicted, the groom was blown away by the sight of her.

  The vows were said, the “I do’s” exchanged, and when Jeremy McCloud kissed his wife for the first time, the guests broke into applause and the bells in the steeple rang.

  At the reception, Emily set her bouquet of full-blown peony blossoms in the silver vase waiting by her place setting. It was engraved with her initials, and each bridesmaid at the table received one. With this many attendants, the head table would have looked like a bubble gum train. Instead, the happy couple decided on a lovely sweetheart table for the two of them with their bridal party and their significant others filling the five round tables behind them.

  Em glared at the empty seat next to hers. According to Bridesmaid Number Ten, the original Number Six had a fiancé, and the seating plan had been made before she broke her ass. Couldn’t she find anyone for her “plus one”? Guess, George Clooney didn’t get his invitation. She should have asked Max, not that he’d have come. God, she missed him.

  What had Jeremy said about an open bar? Actually, there were three. One at both ends of the hall and one outside on the wide patio overlooking the ninth green. Emily opted for the one outside. The line was shorter. “Champagne cocktail, please.” She dropped a few bills into the tip glass and carried her crystal flute to the far end of the patio.

  After the heat of the hall, the gentle breeze felt good. A few more hours and this day would be over, not that she believed anyone would miss her if she slipped out early. Sipping her wine, she thought of Max. What was he doing tonight? It had been two days since they’d last been together. Parts of her ached for him. Instead of talking herself out of telling him how she felt—maybe it was being surrounded with pink love all day—she was more determined than ever to tell him she loved him. And more than a little worried he wouldn’t share her feelings.

  “Ms. Baskins!” Uncle Lester and Phillip startled her out of her thoughts. “You are a vision today.”

  Emily smiled at the men who looked as if they had stepped out of a copy of GQ in their black tie. “Gentlemen, you’re quite handsome yourselves. How are you enjoying the wedding?”

  Lester leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Lovely ceremony, just lovely, and such a beautiful couple, but frankly we’ve been anxious to talk to you. We bring good news.”

  Phillip raised his cocktail to her. “We spoke to our friend Margo last night and texted the pictures of your work. She is extremely interested in talking to you about participating in the show. Isn’t it fabulous?”

  “That’s great news.” Em lifted her glass. “I can’t thank you enough for contacting her.”

  “It’s our pleasure,” said Lester. “Like I said last night, we love discovering new talent and we have a good feeling about—”

  Beside him, Phillip gasped.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Lester followed his line of sight. “It’s can’t be…”

  Emily peeked back over her shoulder just as Phillip sighed, “Vega.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Emily pressed a hand to the sudden flutter of her stomach. Maximo was here? Maximo was here! Looking more handsome than any man had a right to be. Someday someone would bronze that tuxedo.

  “Emily, you scamp,” Phillip scolded, “Why didn’t you tell us he was coming?”

  She started to say she knew nothing about it, but watching Max walk toward her had made her speechless. His eyes bored into hers.

  Uncle Lester rushed to extend his hand in greeting. “Mr. Vega, what an honor it is to meet you.”

  Max broke his gaze upon her to briefly acknowledge the man. Emily introduced them. “Maximo Vega, this is Mr. Grimm and Mr. Bosworth. They’re great admirers of your work.”

  “Grazie, buona sera.” He shook the men’s hands and returned his heated gaze back to her. “Mi scusi, gentlemen. I need to speak with Ms. Baskins, if I may.” He didn’t wait to hear their answer before he took hold of her elbow and began to lead her away.

  Lester and Phillip fell over one another moving aside. “Certainly, certainly.”

  Emily gave the two gaping men a quick smile before Max pulled her toward a shadowed end of the patio. “What on earth are you doing here?”

  “When I saw you just now, you stole my breath away.”

  She was having trouble breathing herself. “That doesn’t explain why you’re here.”

  Maximo ran the back of his finger along her cheek. “I’m trying to tell you how stunning you look.”

  People had been telling Emily how nice she looked all day, but somehow hearing him say the words, she was finally able to believe it. Warmth flooded her cheeks. “Thank you.”

  He ran his gaze down the full length of her and back again. “So beautiful.”

  Inside the hall, the orchestra began to play. Emily laid a hand on his lapel. His dark eyes looked almost black in the shadows. He was watching her mouth. The spicy scent of his cologne wrapped her in its subtle seduction.

  “I-I still don’t know why you’re here.”

  His gaze dropped lower as his fingers trailed down her arm. “I’ve come to dance with you.” His eyes met hers again.

  Each look, each touch sparked along her skin. “What?”

  “I couldn’t stand the idea of groomsman number six holding you in his arms, dancing the night away.”

  Em grinned. “Groomsman number six is only seventeen, and I believe he brought his own date to dance with.”

  “You see, it’s a good thing I came. You can’t play the wallflower looking as gorgeous as you do. Come.” He raised her hand, kissed the backs of her fingers and started to lead her out of the shadows.

  “Wait.” She hesitated. “Are you sure you want to go in there? There must be a half-dozen society photographers capturing every second of this wedding. You hate photographers. They’re sure to recognize you.”

  “Let them.”

  The dance floor filled the center of the room. Jeremy and Cynthia’s table sat at one end. A dozen other couples were already dancing. As the song ended and another began, Max faced her, slipped one hand behind her back, and grasped hold of her right hand with the other.

  The orchestra started playing “Unforgettable” and he drew her toward him. Her body pressed against his. She loved this song. The rest of the room melted away as he led her around the floor.

  Emily finally found her voice. “He can dance, too,” she teased.

  “And she isn’t as clumsy as she proclaims.”

  “I said I was a klutz. I never said I couldn’t dance.”

  He put his cheek next to hers and her eyes fluttered shut. His breath tickled her neck and shoulder. “Where is he?”

  “Who?”

  “The idiot who let you get away.”

  “Oh, Jeremy? He’s with his wife. You can’t miss her. She’s the one in the flowing white gown and veil.”

  Max raised his head. “Ah, yes. Found him. He’s shorter than I imagined.” He sounded immensely pleased by that small fact.

  Emily was stunned. Could he be feeling insecure? Maximo Vega jealous? “Is that why you’re here?”

  Max put his cheek back against hers and drew in her right hand to hold it against his chest. “I told you why I’m here.” He tightened his hold on her an
d whispered in her ear. “Would you rather I left?”

  Parts of her body were turning liquid. “No,” she said in a rush.

  Max shifted so his leg rested gently between hers. His knee pressing against her thighs made her breath catch. He murmured against her hair. “Good, we haven’t finished our dance.”

  “What happens after that?”

  “We could dance some more, eat some cake, or…”

  He’d captured her. She was lost to anything but him. She would go and do whatever he wanted. He could suggest they juggle rattlesnakes and she would happily agree. “Or?”

  He dipped his head and kissed the top of her shoulder. “Or I could take you somewhere else. A private little restaurant? A walk by the lake? My place?”

  “And then?” She sighed.

  “Then I’d work on getting you out of this beautiful dress.”

  Emily missed a beat and stepped on his toe. A knowing warmth flooded her. “Do you think of nothing but work?”

  His laughter tickled her ear. “Some say I work too hard.” His hand moved lower and he pressed against her.

  Emily felt his erection against her hip and gave a tiny gasp. “I’ve heard you’re tireless.”

  “I can be,” he whispered, “especially when the inspiration is flowing and the piece begins to sing beneath my hands.”

  The sexy rasp of his voice made her tremble. “I…I can’t sing, only dance.”

  “Not true. I’ve heard you sing. My favorite note is the tiny little whimper you make when my fingers trail up the silky skin of your thigh and I tease that sweet spot.” His tongue traced the edge of her ear.

  A jolt of pleasure shot through her limbs. “Ah…”

  “Yes, that’s the one.”

  They continued to sway against one another. Emily’s knees weakened at the images racing through her mind. His fingers unzipping her dress ever so slowly, sliding the satin over her skin. Thank goodness he had a tight hold on her.

  “Max?”

  “Mmmm?”

  “We need to stop.”

  He pulled back and searched her face. “Why?”

  She glanced around at the other dancers leaving the floor. “The song ended.”

  “I’d say it’s only just begun.” And he kissed her.

  Flash bulbs exploded around them. People spoke his name as they passed and began to recognize him.

  Emily shielded her eyes. “I think you’ve blown your cover, Mr. Vega.”

  “I think you’re right.” He tucked Emily against his side and led her off the dance floor. “We should say good-bye to the bride and groom before we leave. Unless you’d rather stay?” He indicated the towering five tiers of pink frosted wedding cake they passed. “We could wait for cake. It looks delicious.”

  Emily wiped her lip gloss from his mouth. “You look delicious.”

  He smiled at her and again the cameras caught the moment. Taking her hand they approached Jeremy and Cynthia.

  “Maximo Vega?” Jeremy raised his eyebrows at Emily.

  Emily made the introductions. “Max, this is my friend, Jeremy McCloud, and his bride, Cynthia.”

  “Mr. and Mrs. McCloud, congratulazioni! I didn’t think I was able to accompany Emily this evening, but my plans changed. I hope you will forgive my late intrusion.”

  Cynthia glanced back and forth between Emily and Max with a bright smile. “Not at all, Mr. Vega. You’re not an intrusion. We’re delighted you could join us.”

  Max kissed Cynthia’s cheeks. “I fear my presence may be a distraction, however. Your photographers have forgotten the beautiful bride is the most important person in the room tonight. This will not do. Mi dispiace. I’m sorry. I think it would be best if I leave.”

  “Oh no, you mustn’t go. We’ll speak to them.” Cynthia gave a pleading look at Jeremy.

  “Nonsense. It’s your time to celebrate. You should be dancing. Enjoying your special night. I’ll slip out unnoticed.” He lifted Emily’s hand and kissed it. “Would you mind if I stole Emily away with me?”

  Jeremy looked like Max had just suggested they all go rob a bank. He shot Emily a sharp stare. “You’re leaving with him?”

  She shrugged. She didn’t want to be rude. He had a point. This was his wedding and she’d promised. “If you need me to stay, I’ll stay.”

  Cynthia placed her hand on Jeremy’s sleeve. “Emily, you’ve been an absolute blessing to us all day. To both of us. I can’t thank you enough. It’s fine. You are officially off duty. Go. Enjoy yourself. Have fun.”

  Emily hugged her tight. “Thank you, Cynthia. Have an amazing time in Greece. Watch out for this one. Ouzo makes him think he’s Superman.” She tipped her head toward Jeremy. He was still giving Max a cold glare.

  “Don’t forget my parents are hosting the after party tomorrow. You should both stop over.” To Max she said, “There’ll be tons of food and drinks and, I promise, no photographers.”

  Emily hugged Jeremy and asked in a quiet voice. “You don’t mind, do you?”

  “I just want to see you happy.” He sounded sulky.

  She straightened. “Look at me. Don’t I look happy?” She flashed him her best smile.

  He conceded. “You really do.”

  “See, you can stop worrying. You better call me the minute you get back from your honeymoon. I’ll be in serious need of coffee by then.”

  Jeremy hugged her again. “I love you, Ems.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Max settled into the deep leather seat next to her as the driver closed the door. Two photographers had followed them out of the reception, but their flashes stopped as soon as the darkened windows of the car interrupted their shots.

  “You hired a limo?” Her voice sounded hushed in the rich cocoon of black leather and polished burl wood.

  “It came with the tuxedo.” He pulled her toward him and kissed her. “Where do you want to go?”

  Her first instinct was to tell him to take her home to his bed, but then her stomach rumbled and she remembered she’d never eaten her meal, or had cake for that matter. He owed her. “Skip’s Burgers?”

  He grinned as he picked up the phone to talk to the driver. “Yes, the lady would like to go to Skip’s Burgers. Thank you.” Max hung up the phone and pulled her onto his lap. As the limo slipped along the road leading out of the country club, he kissed her.

  Emily wound her arms around his neck. “This is like a lovely dream. I still can’t believe you came tonight.”

  “I missed you. The studio was empty without you. Everywhere I looked, I saw you, but you weren’t there.” He played with her hair. “I needed to see your face.” He brushed her lips with his. “Also, you said you were uneasy about your friend’s wedding. I was concerned for you.”

  She stroked his handsome cheek. “It wasn’t as bad as I imagined. The ceremony was beautiful. The flowers were amazing, and there were a million candles. I was glad to see Jeremy marry Cynthia. I know they’ll be together forever.”

  He watched her intently. “You love him.” It wasn’t a question.

  There was that tone in his voice again. “Are you jealous?” Just the idea he might be gave Emily a bit of a thrill.

  “Perhaps I am.”

  She smoothed her hand over his hair. “Don’t be. Jeremy’s more of a brother to me now. We grew up together. He’s seen me through some rough times. I do love him. I think I always will, but not in a romantic way. That part was over for both of us a long time ago.” Emily tried to read his face in the dim light of the car. “Were you worried?”

  “Not about you.” He took her hand from his cheek and laid a kiss in its palm.

  “You’ve nothing to be worried about.”

  A quick frown darkened his look. “There are things I want to say to you. Things hard for me to say, but I want to enjoy our night first.”

  Em nodded. “There are things I want to say to you too. Maybe if we say them together, the words won’t be so difficult.” A little rush ran through her at t
he thought of him telling her he loved her too. Since her conversation with Suzanne, she’d been practicing just how she’d tell him. This was going to be a night she would never forget.

  The car pulled into the parking lot of Skip’s and stopped. The phone next to Max beeped. He spoke into the receiver, “Yes?” Covering the mouth piece, he asked, “What would you like?”

  “Besides you?” She raised a sassy eyebrow at him.

  “Yes, besides me.”

  “Cheeseburger, no onion, fries…lots of fries, and a strawberry milkshake. Pink seems to be my color.”

  He grinned and repeated her order to the driver. “Double that and get something for yourself. Add everything to my bill.” He hung up.

  A short time later, the driver brought their food and they talked and ate. Emily told Max about the pillow-flinging ring bearer and thirteen women getting dressed in the same hotel room. She shared her good news regarding Lester and Phillip’s friend Margo and talked about the upcoming show at the school. Max was excited to see everyone’s reaction to her ribbon piece.

  After, they took a drive over to Highland Lake. Holding hands, they walked along the water and kissed in the moonlight. It was a perfect night.

  “What should we do now?” Max murmured as they walked back to the waiting limo.

  “You do have work to do.” Emily slipped her arm through his.

  “I have?”

  “Yes, you mentioned it earlier. When we were dancing? Something about working on getting me out of my dress?”

  “Ah yes, I do remember. You could help me with this?”

  She broke away and teased him over one shoulder. “I am qualified.”

  He tugged her back into his arms and kissed her. “It may require we keep at it until dawn. Are you up to the task?”

  “It takes great dedication to work as hard as you do, but I’ll try to keep up.” The driver opened the door for them and Max held her hand as she entered. She paused and looked back at him. “If we get too tired, I could always sing to you.”

  Later, Max needed no help working the zipper of Emily’s gown. He sang a song of his own when he saw her lace-topped stockings and tiny panties. Lying in his arms in the afterglow of their lovemaking, she brushed his skin with her lips and whispered against his chest, “Ti amo.”