From the Start

by Cheryl Etchison

  “He didn’t think you could do it.”

  A smile overtook his entire face. “Exactly. He said I was too soft.”

  “So you never intended to do all of this when you joined the army?”

  “Nope. Not really. I assumed I’d end up working in a VA hospital or a base hospital treating running noses and stuff. But what can I say? I’m competitive.”

  Without any warning, Michael tossed the photo album onto the coffee table, and retrieved the pink bakery box. He lifted the lid and smiled the moment his eyes landed on the cannoli dipped in chocolate chips and dusted with powdered sugar. “I’m really glad you came over.”

  She felt herself smile back. “Me, too. And I wanted to share my good news with you.”

  “And that is . . .” He plopped back down in the couch next to her and immediately pulled one of the desserts from the box.

  “I went for my final fitting today and my dress fits perfectly.”

  “Do you have it with you? In your car, maybe?” he asked around a mouthful of cannoli. “I want to see you in it.”

  “Why on earth . . .”

  “Because I had a hand in it. I helped whip you into shape.” He licked the powdered sugar from his fingertips. “That’s like letting a man train a horse to run but not allowing him to watch it race the Kentucky Derby.”

  Kacie snorted because he was just so ridiculous sometimes. And he knew it.

  “Well, I’m sorry to keep you from your derby. You can, however, be my date at the wedding if you want.”

  She froze, suddenly realizing the words that had just left her mouth. Although she’d been considering it at the bridal shop, she hadn’t decided definitively to invite him. But it was too late to take it back.

  “It’s no big deal or anything, but you might have fun. Maybe. Probably not. On second thought, just forget I said anything at all.”

  He put a hand over mouth, shushing her. “Sunshine, I’m looking forward to it.”

  Then he flashed a mischievous smile and held the cannoli out to her. “Do you want a bite?”

  “That kinda negates all my hard work, doesn’t it?” She backed away from the temptation but he just kept coming at her. “Just because I fit into my dress today, doesn’t mean I’ll fit into it next week if I go hog wild.”

  Her answer didn’t deter him. Instead, he leaned even closer and skimmed her lips with the tasty dessert.

  “I think you’ll be just fine,” he whispered. “After all, I know a great way to work those calories off afterward.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  It was a typical hot and humid summer day in Savannah as Michael made his way down the palm-tree-lined street, suit jacket in hand. When he reached the front of the historic Methodist church, he shrugged into his coat and straightened his tie as he climbed the front steps to the entrance. The moment he stepped inside the heavy wooden doors, he was greeted by a man quite a bit younger than him but several inches taller and nearly double his size. Since he was wearing a tuxedo and offering a program, Michael assumed he must be one of the groom’s friends.

  “Are you a friend of the bride or the groom?” the man asked.

  Michael took the program from his hand. “I’m a friend of the maid of honor actually.”

  “Sam’s sister? Nice,” the guy said with an approving nod and smile. “Do you want to sit up front with the bride’s family, then? There are a few spots left.”

  Michael glanced around the sanctuary. Despite his arriving twenty minutes early, the church was nearly full. “I’ll just grab a spot in the back, thanks.”

  As he started for an empty seat the usher quickly stepped in front of him. “I really think I should show you to the family seats up front. I wouldn’t want Sam to be upset you ended up all the way in the back.”

  “I can assure you, it won’t be a problem,” he said, keeping his voice low. “I’ve never even met their family.”

  Michael waited for the guy to step out of the way; instead, his eyes widened in surprise.

  “You mean to tell me you’re meeting the entire family for the first time today?” The guy smacked Michael’s shoulder with the back of his hand. “Have to say you’re braver than most. Or crazy. One of the two.”

  “Great. Thanks,” he said without humor. “I appreciate that.”

  The guy finally moved, allowing him to make his way to an empty seat in the back row on the aisle. As the preservice music from the massive pipe organ reverberated throughout the church, he sat quietly, hands folded in his lap, much like his mother taught him when he was young. Of course, after she died, they rarely attended church, aside from going to Christmas Eve and Easter Mass with Bree’s family.

  As he took in the chapel’s Gothic architecture and elaborate stained glass, he wondered if this was the church Kacie had gone to growing up, or if her sister booked it because it would look pretty in the wedding photos. How odd that as much time as he and Kacie had spent with each other, he really knew very little about her. He knew how she liked her coffee and he knew how to make her come, but he didn’t even know if she was a practicing Methodist. Then, upon realizing he was thinking about sex with Kacie while sitting in church, he immediately offered a prayer of apology and asked for forgiveness.

  Obviously, that small Catholic boy in him hadn’t vanished completely.

  It wasn’t too long before the groom’s parents made their way down the aisle, followed by the same usher he spoke with earlier now escorting the bride’s mother. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel a twinge of nervousness knowing he’d be meeting her entire family following the service. Especially since he couldn’t remember the last time he’d met any woman’s family. And then there was the fact she likely hadn’t told them anything about him, just as he’d said very little to Danny about her. However, he’d been promised one hell of a party afterward and that was reason enough for him to attend. Which was a complete and total lie. But if anyone asked, that’s what he’d say to avoid looking like some lovelorn puppy.

  From a side door, the minister entered along with the groom and his groomsmen, all of whom made the usher look small. Then the doors in the back were opened and one by one came the dwarfs from the bachelorette party, wearing different styles of dresses in the same pale blue color and carrying white flowers. A few smiled at him as they passed and he wondered if they recognized him from the night of the party. Or maybe they regarded weddings the same way many single groomsmen did—a prime hookup opportunity?

  Either way, there was only one bridesmaid he was interested in. And it felt like a lifetime before she appeared through the double doors. But when she did, she simply took his breath away. Her hair was piled on top of her head, minus a few curly tendrils. The dress she had complained about, cussed, and nearly convinced him was the handiwork of Satan himself looked absolutely gorgeous on her. As if it was made for her.

  He continued watching her, patiently hoping she would look in his direction. Not until she was right in front of him did she notice him standing there. But once her gaze locked with his, he gave her a little wink and her cheeks flushed pink in response.

  What he wouldn’t give to take her in his arms and kiss her right there in front of God and everyone. It had been three days since he’d last tasted her, touched her, held her. Stupid last-minute wedding preparations and family stuff. Instead, he was forced to settle for smiling at her before she continued down the aisle, finally taking her place across the way from the groom.

  Although the music changed, signaling the entrance of the bride, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He even found himself frustrated when his view of Kacie was blocked by Sam and their father as they made their way down the aisle.

  As the minister began to speak, Michael’s mind began to wander. Would he get to have Kacie all to himself once the reception was over? He’d made provisions just in case that were to happen. What kind of food would they serve at the reception? Would there be an open bar?

  “Do you, Bryce Edward Elliott, t
ake this woman, Samantha Renee Morgan, to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

  Something about the groom’s name piqued his curiosity, so Michael pulled out his phone and as discreetly as possible did a quick Google search. Sure enough, Kacie’s new brother-in-law was a former Heisman Trophy–nominated quarterback and, at one time, the pride of Georgia. At least that explained why most of the groomsmen looked like an offensive line standing at the front of the church.

  Thankfully, the ceremony was short and sweet and before he knew it the organ was blaring a cheerful tune as the newlyweds practically skipped down the aisle. They were followed by the entire wedding party, the parents, the grandparents, until the guests began filing out. But instead of following, Michael remained at the back of the church just as Kacie had suggested so she’d know where to find him afterward.

  Five minutes later, she tapped him on the shoulder. “Waiting for someone?” she asked.

  “As a matter of fact,” he began, turning to find her staring up at him with those green sea-glass eyes and that bright smile. “One of the bridesmaids asked me to meet her here. Hopefully she won’t be too long.”

  Kacie narrowed her eyes at him. “Very funny.”

  “I thought so.” Since they were alone in the church, he placed one hand on her hip and tugged her closer, wanting to kiss her. But she quickly lifted her flowers between their faces.

  “No, no, no. You can’t ruin my lipstick. There are still pictures to be taken.”

  Michael grumbled under his breath and she took hold of his hand as she lowered her bouquet.

  “I’m glad you came through,” she said, her thumb caressing his knuckles. “Thank you for being my date.”

  “Anytime, sunshine.” Lifting her hand to his mouth, he pressed a kiss to her palm and another to the underside of her wrist. “You look beautiful by the way.”

  “And my dress?”

  Still holding her hand, he guided her in a slow turn, appreciating her, not the dress, from all angles. Then, once she faced him again, he leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “I think it’d look better rumpled up on the floor.”

  With a laugh she shoved at his shoulder, putting some distance between them. “We’re standing in church in case you’ve forgotten.”

  “Kinda hard to miss.”

  Her gaze followed the arched ceilings to the front. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? We weren’t big churchgoers growing up, but Bryce’s family are devout Methodists. So he and Sam compromised and agreed to have the wedding in Savannah as long as they were wed in a Methodist church.” Kacie turned back to look at him. “The minister actually baptized Bryce when he was little.”

  “Speaking of, you never once said who your sister was marrying. It was a little surprising when all these guys who look like they could bench-press a car walked in.”

  “I know, right? Sam said they’re the reason they decided to go with a buffet at the reception. I’ll be surprised if there’s any food left. But they’re all really nice.”

  He folded his arms over his chest. “Are they now?”

  “And very young,” she quickly added.

  “As opposed to . . .” He arched an eyebrow, baiting her.

  “Being very old?” She laughed, then gave his hand a tug. “Come on. Let me introduce you to my parents.”

  As the photographer went to work, Michael returned to a seat near the back of the church so it wasn’t long before the bridesmaids spotted him sitting all alone in the mostly empty sanctuary. As soon as the wedding party was dismissed, the whole flock of them moved in his direction to say hello.

  Kacie kept one eye on the situation at hand and was vaguely reminded of the Discovery Channel. The sharks were circling and Michael was the chum.

  “Who is that in the back?” her sister asked.

  “That’s Michael.”

  Sam craned her neck, even squinted her eyes as if that would help her get a better look.

  “Remember G.I. Joe?” Kacie added, keeping her voice low. “The guy I went home with the night of your bachelorette party?”

  “Seriously?” Her sister’s words were a harsh whisper. “Why would you invite him to my wedding?”

  Slight irritation churned in her gut. She hadn’t just invited some random guy to be her date, she’d invited Michael. And he was nice. And fun. And sexy as hell. But even if he had just been a random guy, why should that bother her sister?

  “We ran into each other at the coffee shop and shared a table. Since then we’ve become friends.”

  The photographer directed them to all look at her and Kacie struggled to relax her face and give a genuine smile.

  “You’re friends now. Really?” Sam asked, as the photographer added more family members to the group.

  “We go for runs together. We hang out.”

  “You never just hang out,” Sam said accusingly. “Is that who you were really talking to when we went to Atlanta?”

  Kacie nodded.

  Sam leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “Are you friends who have sex?”

  “Will you knock it off?” Kacie glared at her sister. “It’s nothing serious. He knows I’m moving to Durham next month. We’re just having fun.”

  She didn’t think it was possible, but Sam’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head. “Oh. My. God. Are you kidding me?”

  “Isn’t that what you wanted me to do?” Kacie answered in a harsh whisper of her own. “‘Let your hair down, Kacie. Have a fling, Kacie.’ Hell, you’re the one who sent him after me!”

  “Hey, sweetheart?” They both turned to look at Bryce. “The photographer is wanting the two of you to quit arguing and smile for the camera.”

  They both apologized profusely, then gave their best smiles as the photographer took his final shots. Finally, they were dismissed and Kacie headed toward the back of the church, prepared to fight her way through a sea of dwarfs. But Michael saved her the trouble, politely excusing himself and meeting her halfway down the aisle.

  Kacie looked past him to the crowd of women now watching their every move. “Looks like my fellow bridesmaids kept you company. Were you having fun?”

  “Not really.” He stepped into her line of sight, forcing her to look up at him instead. And when their eyes met, he flashed her that charming grin, the one that allowed him to get away with almost anything. “Can I give you a ride to the reception?”

  She had to hand it to him—the man was smooth.

  “I just need to grab our things from the bridal room first.”

  He offered to go get the car and meet her by the side entrance, and she headed downstairs, where she exchanged her heels for a pretty pair of sandals. There was no way she’d make it through the reception wearing stilettos. She stepped out the side entrance just as Michael pulled into a spot along the sidewalk. Ever the gentleman he popped the trunk and quickly hopped out, taking her things and stowing them away.

  “You shrunk,” he said while opening the passenger door for her.

  Kacie lifted the hem of her dress and revealed her new shoes. “Traded heels for comfort.”

  “Smart cookie,” he said with a wink.

  Once she and her dress were safely tucked inside, he closed the door and circled around to the driver’s side. Instead of shifting the car into Drive, he leaned on the center console, staring at her with those dark blue eyes. “Would it be okay if I mess up your lipstick now?”

  Kacie laughed. “Absolutely.”

  He reached for her, cradling her cheek in his hand as he pressed a tender kiss to her lips, followed by another and another. There was no rushing him as he teased her with the gentle kisses, then coaxed her lips open and savored her with his tongue. It was the sort of kissing that made her heart race, made her feel dizzy, and left her wanting more.

  But the spell was broken when a police car sped past, siren blaring.

  Michael watched to see where it went, and when he finally looked back at her, she noticed the smudge of lipstick on his face. Using her thumb, she car
efully swiped away the little bit of pink.

  “Is it not my shade?” he asked, his eyes full of amusement.

  “Not really.”

  She couldn’t help but smile as she continued touching him, tracing the edge of his lip and caressing his smoothly shaved chin.

  “I have to say I’ve really missed you these past couple of days.”

  From the way he looked at her, she knew he was telling the truth. He wasn’t being funny, wasn’t implying that he’d missed their sexapades.

  And suddenly she realized she felt the same way.

  “I’ve missed you, too.”

  He smiled and pressed one more kiss to her lips.

  “Ready?” he asked while buckling his seat belt.

  “As you are,” she replied.

  But as he pulled away from the curb and they headed across town, she wondered if she really was ready—ready to either admit her feelings for him and effectively changing their relationship or ready to let him go for good.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Once the dinner was served, the wedding cake sliced, and the first dance for the newlyweds complete, the guests filled the dance floor. But Kacie headed across the ballroom to the French doors that led outside instead, in the hopes of claiming a spot in the gazebo near the water’s edge and stealing a moment with Michael, who was at the bar getting them drinks.

  “Kacie.”

  She jumped, then winced upon hearing the familiar voice behind her. Her heart began to race as she turned around, hoping all the while that her mind was playing tricks on her.

  Unfortunately, it was not.

  Her ex had never been one for subtlety, so it shouldn’t have surprised her that he’d shown up here, uninvited, wearing his dress blues, putting all his ribbons and medals on full display.

  Mike extended his hand to her. “May I have this dance?”

  “I’d rather not.” Kacie took a step back, not going as far as placing her hands safely out of reach behind her back, although she really wanted to. “What are you doing here?”