My Favorite Mistake

by Wendi Zwaduk

  “I’m happy for them. They’re good for each other.” He grasped her left hand. “Then will you marry me?”

  “Did I just half-assed ask you that same thing when I mentioned Vegas?”

  “You did but you deserved the real thing.” He cupped her jaw in both hands. “I will marry you if you will marry me. I love you, Molly Louise Neff.” He needed to get his grandmother’s ring out of the safe deposit box. He’d do that after they’d hit the museum. Until then… He slid the ring he wore on his middle finger past his knuckles. She’d made him the piece of jewelry back in college and he hadn’t been able to part with the ring. “It’s too big but it’s my most prized possession.” He kissed her left hand. “I’ll get you a little better one as soon as possible, but Molly, will you be my bride?”

  “You’re being all formal.” Her blush stretched from her hairline to below the neckline of her shirt. “Of course I will.”

  “Hot damn.” He kissed her hard on the lips and bit back the whoop. No more mistakes. He had the woman of his dreams in his arms and she was about to become his wife.

  “We should unlock the door and go.” Molly winked. “The faster we clock out, the faster we can hit the museum then have dinner. Whatever happens afterward…I’m game.”

  “That’s the best idea I’ve ever heard.” He patted her ass as she left his lap. He zipped and helped her gather up her electronics. Austin followed her out of the office then stopped in his own to grab his computer and tablet.

  Molly waved then headed out to the reception room.

  Austin locked his office and when he turned, Mr. Lee stood in the hallway.

  “Can I have a word with you?” Mr. Lee bowed his head. “Austin?”

  “Sure.” He stopped and gripped the strap of his messenger bag. “What’s up? I heard about Molly.”

  “It’s best for all of us. She wanted to move on and wasn’t happy here.” The boss looked him in the eye. “How long will it be before you go, too?”

  “I don’t plan on quitting, unless you’re going to fire me as well.” He gripped the leather a little tighter. Fuck. Was he about to get his pink slip, too? He didn’t care but he really didn’t want to look for another job.

  “Oh no. I’d like to keep you on.” Mr. Lee nodded and stood taller. “This will settle you down, I believe. Working with her was good, but you needed to get out of her shadow. This will help you do that.”

  “I agree. I do have a request, though. I’d like to use the remainder of my vacation time.” Austin held his breath. This would be the moment he got the axe. He just knew it.

  “Oh? I trust I’m not losing you to another Aura campaign.” Mr. Lee rocked on his heels.

  “Since Molly’s got time off, I’m taking her to Vegas to get married.”

  “That’s wonderful. I knew it would happen and hoped you’d both realize you were meant for each other.” Mr. Lee clapped his hands and laughed. “What do you need? Two weeks?”

  “If you’re serious, then yeah.” That should give him plenty of time for a decent honeymoon after the wedding. His heart hammered. He was about to get everything he’d ever wanted. Holy shit.

  “Deal and congratulations.” Mr. Lee shook hands with him then waved. “See you when you return.”

  Austin watched his boss stroll the rest of the way down the hallway before he moved. Holy hell. He’d never heard of being given that much time off, besides the fact that Mr. Lee wanted him to stay on with the company. Was Mr. Lee thinking straight? Not that he’d argue with his boss. He pumped his fist. Fuck yeah. He couldn’t wait to tell Molly. He bounded out of the building and down the stairs to the parking garage. Molly waited beside his sedan.

  “What took you so long?” She grinned. “Seriously, what happened?”

  “I got two weeks off. Mr. Lee told me about your leaving and informed me he wanted to keep me on. I mentioned getting married to you and he basically said, ‘Duh. We all knew you’d get married.’ He gave me extra vacation time so we could go to Vegas.”

  “Then it’s settled. We check flights tonight and break the news to your mom and brother.” She clapped her hands then settled on the passenger seat of his car.

  Austin rounded the hood. He couldn’t wipe the smile from his face if he’d tried. A man couldn’t get that lucky, but he’d managed to score Molly as his wife, keep his job and would have the life he wanted to lead. Hells yes.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Austin sighed and his stomach finally settled. He hadn’t expected his nerves to go out of control on his wedding day. Coming to the tiny club had been a stroke of genius. They could have a party but without the hassle of a gigantic mess. He liked simple and easy and so did Molly. Right now, he didn’t care about anything but Molly. He’d made her his bride that evening and once they returned to the hotel suite, he’d make love to her all night long.

  He sipped his whisky and cola and gazed at his bride. Molly danced with Remy and laughed in his arms. Austin’s brother, Dylan, stood beside him and leaned against the bar.

  “She’s really happy,” Dylan said. “Mom came up with the perfect dress, too. Looks like you scored twice.”

  Austin drank in the image of Molly once again. The simple ivory-colored dress hugged her curves in all the right places. The thin halter straps and deep ‘V’ accentuated her cleavage, and the way the silk gown fell around her hips blew his mind. He loved how the corset emphasized her hourglass figure, too.

  “I hit the jackpot.” He soft-punched his brother in the arm. “You and Remy. Looks like you scored, too.”

  “It wasn’t planned. Hell, we couldn’t seem to make connections. He’d be out or didn’t have his phone when I called and I was always working. Can’t really have a relationship when neither one of you is available.” Dylan held up his glass of vodka and lime to his boyfriend and Molly on the dance floor. “I get you married her and I’m honored to have her as my sister-in-law, but you’re sure you won’t fuck her over?”

  “Ouch.” Austin sipped his drink again and the whisky burned down his throat. He’d had the question coming. Until he’d sorted out his life, he would’ve been the one to dump the relationship. Not now. “I’m not the same man I used to be. If you’d have asked me six months ago, I wasn’t ready for a relationship with her. Back then, I wasn’t in the right mindset. I am now and have been since she turned my thinking around.”

  “Good.”

  “What about you?” He focused on his brother. “Until I showed up at the store, you and I weren’t exactly on speaking terms. What made you change your mind about me and coming along? The trip to Vegas?”

  “Remy was a pretty good reason, and so was Molly. She and I bonded when she was at the store. She’s a sweet woman with a big heart. Her confidence is in the toilet, but I bet you can help her fix that. She’s devoted to you.” Dylan turned his back to the dance floor and placed his empty glass on the bar. “Just appreciate her the way she should be. She’s not fragile but she’s been kicked around too much. Let her know every day that she’s the center of your world.”

  “You bet your ass I will.” Austin leaned on the bar beside his brother. He’d missed so much with Molly before. He’d missed a lot with his brother, too. The rift between them had been huge, and all because of attitudes. He bowed his head and looked at Dylan. One of them had to bend a little more. He’d be that man. “I’m sorry we haven’t talked.”

  “We could’ve.” Dylan clasped his hands together. “I’m just as much to blame as you are. I didn’t try, either. Life got in the way, then different boyfriends. My life was a mess for a while.”

  “Yours was a mess? You should’ve seen mine. I couldn’t keep a relationship to save my life. Besides that, I was jealous of you.” He glanced sideways at his brother. The weight of his confession threatened to kill his good mood, but damn it, he’d get this off his chest. “Everyone liked you better. You were the sweet one. You got along with the girls. Your grades were better than mine by a mile. I had this neurotic belie
f I had to compete with you. Mom certainly seemed to like you better.”

  “Austin, you’re my brother. We’re equals—especially to Mom. Why would you think that?”

  “Mom always talked about you like you were God. Whenever I was within earshot, that’s all I heard about was you and I let it get to me.” He rubbed his forehead. Maybe it was childish to feel second best to his brother but that’s how he’d grown up. Dylan was the better brother. Shutting his family out of his life had made things easier for Austin. Less complications meant he could screw his life up in other ways. “I didn’t talk to you for the last three years because I didn’t think I could. I’d pick up the phone and lose my confidence.” Admitting that truth cut him deeply. “Sucked.”

  “Really? I’m that scary?” Dylan frowned. “Austin.”

  “I know. You’re not—it…it was just before I left for college, then three times when I came home, I kept trying to convince Mom what I wanted to do with my life wasn’t a mistake.” He turned long enough to glance over at Molly. She didn’t see him, but damn, she made him happy.

  “I’m sorry that happened and even more sorry I didn’t know. Mom’s very proud of you. I’m sure she never thought one of us would go into advertising, but I bet you she never expected me to get into fashion, either.” Dylan clinked the ice against the side of his glass. “When you called her asking for help with Molly and the ball…she was in her element. She liked being needed by you. She gave Molly that special necklace. I don’t think she’d have ever given Carole one like that. She might not say it all of the time, but whatever we do, she’s proud. We’re equal and that’s that.”

  “Really? She didn’t like Carole?” Austin had an idea his choice for his first wife hadn’t been the best, but he hadn’t known his mother disliked her that much. “Why didn’t she tell me?”

  “You weren’t ready to hear it.” Dylan shrugged. “They clashed about as much as you and Carole did. She called Mom a lot, asking for help and how to get through to you. That’s part of why Mom took a step back. She had no idea how to help Carole—but then no one did. You two were so far apart in personality, temperament and I’m surprised it lasted two years.”

  “I am, too.” The Carole years had been pretty hard on him. He should’ve seen how he’d used Molly during that time. He might not have waited so long to get to her.

  “I’m glad Carole left and you finally tried to get Mom back into your life. If you want me there, I’m here for you. I’m not your rival or your problem. You’ve got your strengths in life and I’ve got mine. I forgive you for whatever you’ve done and whatever you think you’ve done. It’s over.”

  “Thanks. I’m not your rival, either. I forgive you, too, even if I’m not sure what all happened.” He waited as the bartender filled his and Dylan’s drinks, then Austin turned his back to the bar. “So she likes Molly?”

  “Let’s just say she’s got grandchildren on her mind.” Dylan bumped shoulders with Austin. “Take your time. You’ve got tons.”

  “I do.” Just not tonight. He needed her more than the air he breathed.

  Molly and Remy strolled up to them, Molly flushed and glowing. Remy stuffed his hands into his pockets and averted his gaze.

  “To what do we owe what appears to be a greeting card moment?” Molly asked. She took Austin’s drink and sipped. “Whew, this is strong.”

  “He’s been making them with a lot of kick.” Austin rested his arm around her waist and held her to his side. “What happened with Dylan was just brother stuff.”

  “And me begging him to let you shop at the store for all of your fancy galas at the museum.” Dylan wriggled his eyebrows.

  “You never said that, but it’s a good idea,” Austin replied.

  “It is a good idea and I will. Absolutely.” Molly kissed Austin on the cheek. “Thanks.”

  “Remy. You’re quiet.” Dylan tugged Remy’s neck tie. “Already bored? Or just wanting to be upstairs instead?”

  Remy met Austin’s gaze. His blush ran from his hairline to below his collar.

  “That’s a yes.” Dylan downed the rest of his drink and whistled. “It’s a good thing we’re staying here tonight or I’d be in trouble.” He turned to Remy. “You’re taking me home, right?” He wriggled his brows again and whispered something into Remy’s ear.

  Remy blushed but didn’t say a word.

  Dylan grinned. “Goodnight. See you whenever we surface for air or when we’ve got to be at the airport to head home—whichever comes first.” With Remy beside him, Dylan left the club.

  “That’s our cue to leave, too.” Molly squeezed Austin’s ass. “It is our wedding night and I don’t want to dance or drink any longer.”

  “Our wedding night.” He couldn’t get over those words. Hearing them sounded so good. As he left the club, a voice grabbed his attention and it wasn’t Molly’s. He looked over at the television by the bar. Iris Sommerville’s face flooded the screen. He shuddered and Molly wrapped her arms around him.

  In the next clip, Iris stood on the red carpet with a twenty-something man at her side. Austin snorted. The guy was handsome in a classic way—probably all created at Iris’ request.

  Iris mugged for the camera. “To me, loyalty is everything. Each of my models and boyfriends understands that. I’ll make you a star if you’re a team player.”

  The red carpet reporter interrupted Iris. “Is that what happened to Austin Dean? He seems to have vanished at the cusp of stardom.”

  Nah. He simply figured out what he wanted from life and who he wanted in that life.

  “You can teach a man to look hot, but I couldn’t teach him to model.” Iris waved her hand. “Besides, I don’t take no for an answer or accept anything less than complete devotion. Look for the next Aura campaign. Douglas will be front and center. He’s a natural in front of the camera and understands the price of loyalty.”

  “Loyalty, my ass,” Austin murmured. The poor bastard probably wanted to be famous and saw her as his ticket to the top. Good for him. Austin turned his attention back to Molly.

  “She has no idea what genuine loyalty is.” Molly rubbed his forearm. “Did you really want to model for the rest of your life?”

  “No. I wanted to try it, to do it with you and maybe make some money. I did that and now it’s time to move forward—with you.” He escorted her out of the club to the elevator. “Mrs. Dean.”

  “Mr. Dean,” she said as the doors opened. “I like the way that sounds. Mrs. Dean.”

  “I love it.” He gathered her into his embrace and stepped into the car. “This is oddly how I saw our wedding going—you, me and a zillion lights. By the way, you look fantastic.” He removed his tuxedo jacket and draped the garment around her shoulders, then pinned her to the wall of the car. He cupped her breast and nipped her neck. “Want to fuck you right here in the elevator.”

  “We can’t—God only knows where the cameras are and I don’t want to get arrested.” She smiled and kissed him. “You look good, too.”

  As the car ascended, she wobbled into him. Her eyes widened and her lips parted. Within seconds, the bell dinged for their floor.

  “That went fast,” she whispered.

  “Not fast enough. The card is in my front pocket. Inside.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her down the hallway. He stopped outside their door long enough for her to swipe the card then carried her into the suite and set her on her feet. Molly scrambled over to the bank of windows overlooking the strip. She clasped her hands together.

  Austin locked the door. He had one more surprise up his sleeve. “Molls? I forgot my wedding present for you.”

  “You can do it when we get back to Ohio,” she said. She smiled at her reflection in the dark windows. “I didn’t have the chance to get you anything.”

  “It’s here, not in Ohio.” He dug through his bag for the flocked box then eased up behind her. “Once I give this to you, I’m kissing every inch of you and staking my permanent claim.”

&nbs
p; “Didn’t you do that already?” She faced him and rested her arms around his neck. “The whole Mr. and Mrs. thing?”

  “Oh, so you don’t want to make love to me now that we’re married?” he joked.

  “I can’t wait.” She toyed with the hairs at the base of his skull. “I figured we’d be naked already.”

  “You deserved a reception of sorts.” He owed her a better one, but that would have to happen later. He opened the box and eased the delicate chain from the velvet. “I had Remy make this. It’s braided silver and one of a kind. May I have your wrist?”

  She yanked the sleeve up for him. “What does it say?” Once he affixed the jewelry on her arm, she turned the oval plate over. Molly & Austin 8/29. She met his gaze. “Austin, it’s beautiful. I feel guilty for not getting you anything.”

  “You gave me a hundred chances and never gave up on me. That’s the best gift I could ever get. Like the clasp?” he asked.

  She turned the bracelet around. “It’s a lock.”

  “Now that we’re together, nothing can tear us apart—no mistakes or bullshit. You belong to me and I’m yours forever.” He eased the jacket down her shoulders until the piece of clothing landed on the floor. “Now, about making love to you…” He grasped her hand and led her to the bed. He couldn’t get her naked fast enough.

  Austin mashed his mouth down on hers while he opened the fastener holding the straps of her dress in place. When she broke the kiss, the front of her dress drooped, revealing her lack of a brassiere.

  “No bra?” he blurted and met her gaze. How’d he missed that?

  “I couldn’t under this dress.” She tugged the zipper at the side of the bodice. The gown slipped down around her ankles, baring her body to him.

  “No panties. Hells yes.” He gasped and slipped his hand over her thigh. He stroked the hairless patch above her pussy and slid his middle finger between her cunt lips.