About halfway through Tyler’s speech, which was interspersed with insults from Chase, it became apparent to Ric that it was a little skit that the two of them had cooked up. It was hilarious and everyone had tears in their eyes from laughing so hard.
Kate’s instincts about their ceremony and reception had been spot on and Ric knew that he wouldn’t be enjoying himself nearly as much as if they’d had a traditional wedding. The food was delicious and it was amusing to see everyone wearing huge bibs so they didn’t get barbeque sauce all over their clothes.
When the time came for the dancing, Chase hopped up on the temporary band stage and took one of the mics. Ric and Kate had asked him to sing the song for their bride and groom dance. He’d agreed, but only if he was allowed to pick their song. They’d agreed to his terms and had been curious about what Chase was going to sing. However, no amount of pleading had convinced Chase to reveal his choice.
“Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” Chase asked.
One of the band members gave him a stool and his acoustic guitar while the crowd quieted. He situated himself on the stool and said, “My granddaddy was the smartest person I’ve ever met and he used to say that sometimes it takes a while to find true love, but that most people eventually get there if they’re smart enough to pay attention.” He strummed softly on the guitar as he spoke.
“Granddaddy told me that there might be some bumps along the way and maybe you’d get bogged down by troubles and sorrow a couple of times. But he said that the day would come when the sun would come out and light your way to the path you were meant to go down.
He smiled at Ric and Kate. “You two have run into some pretty big bumps in the road and hit a couple of patches of heartache, but it’s my firm belief that on the day y’all met, the skies cleared, the sun came out, and pointed you down the path to everlasting love. Which is why I chose this as your bride and groom dance song.”
His picking turned into the introduction of Rascal Flatt’s, Bless the Broken Road. The hair stood up on Ric’s neck as he realized just how perfect the song was for them. He saw that Kate was thinking the same thing.
In an old-fashioned gesture, Ric bowed to Kate and kissed her hand, before pulling her into his embrace. When Chase started to sing, Ric felt the words pierce him because they so accurately said what he felt for Kate.
His love for Lizzie had blinded him to the possibility of there being someone out there who would want and love him. Someone who would completely give him her heart and heal the wounds in his. Kate was a woman he could build a life with. They were a team. Working together, learning to compromise, and most importantly giving each other unconditional love. He never thought he’d find his soul mate but when he’d least expected it, the love of his life had found him and she’d taken away the pain of his past.
*****
Kate closed her eyes and rested her head on Ric’s shoulder as she listened to Chase sing.
Although she hadn’t been able to see it at the time and she still might not completely understand why, Phil hadn’t been her true path. She’d loved him with all of her heart and she believed that they would’ve been happy.
But, for whatever reason, he hadn’t been the one she was meant to spend her life with. She doubted she’d ever reconcile why he’d had to die, but Ric’s understanding and compassion had helped heal a lot of her anger and had showed her that his love was worth risking another broken heart.
She lifted her gaze to Ric’s and thought about how Robert had thought he’d heard Phil the day she’d fallen. Maybe he really had and Phil was the one who’d led her to Ric. Could he have wanted them to meet because he’d known they would be perfect for each other? Knowing Phil, she wouldn’t put anything past him. She broke into a smile as Ric mouthed the last verse to her.
It amazed her how two people who’d lived through such tragedy had found their way to each other. What had started out as just a casual fling had fast become so much more. In each other, they’d found healing and love, joy and their best friend. They’d found the strength to pull out of the pride-filled rut they’d gotten stuck in and push through their hurt feelings so that they could reach a compromise.
As the song ended and Ric pressed a kiss to Kate’s lips, sunshine flooded her soul, erasing any lingering cracks in her heart. That light stayed with her throughout the rest of the reception and, from the loving looks and smiles he sent her, Ric felt it, too.
It wasn’t long after they’d tried to smear cake into each other’s faces and had eaten their fill of cake that they decided to leave for their honeymoon. Just as they’d gone for a nontraditional wedding, they’d opted for a different kind of honeymoon. They’d rented a cabin in the Rockies for a couple of weeks and planned to go hiking and fishing.
The Beast had been tricked out in pink and camo streamers and a sign saying, “Just Hitched” had been hung on the back of it.
There was one thing Kate wanted to do before they left. She got everyone together and threw her bouquet. She heard the squeals and when she turned to see who had caught it, her heart lifted when she saw Brooke with one hand gripping the stems while Robert held the satin ribbon. Now that could be a good pairing.
“You did that on purpose,” Ric teased.
“Sometimes love needs a helping hand.”
“That it does,” and Ric handed Kate up into the vehicle and made sure that her dress wouldn’t get in the way of the door before shutting it. Then he hopped up in it and turned the ignition. He and Kate hung out of the windows, waving at everyone for a minute before they started down the driveway, heading towards a lifetime of adventures.
*****
Chase watched the newly married couple drive off and the happy face-mask he’d worn all night slipped.
“Don’t worry, Chase, you’ll be next. Two down and one to go,” Tucker said as he thumped Chase on his back as he went past.
Everyone had been saying that to Chase all evening.
He wouldn’t be next. There would be no happy family for him. Once women learned he couldn’t have children they fled. It was safer to stick to his party girls. They simply wanted him for his money and body. He was okay with that because that’s all he had to give.
He stood watching until the Hummer drove out of sight. He took a swig from his beer bottle and turned to go in and help Ty clear up.
*****
Read on for a snippet from WANT ME (Coopers Creek book 3)
Sneak Peek at Want Me, Coopers Creek #3
Chapter One
Pulling into a visitor’s parking spot in front of the office building, Anna Spencer wondered if she’d gotten the wrong place until she saw the huge Horizon Enterprises sign on the side of the small skyscraper. Unlike other office buildings in the area, the windows were tinted different colors. The sun glinted off the glass surfaces, creating a rainbow effect.
Anna looked at the windows and then at the Horizon logo. It depicted a low mountain range with the sun rising over one of the peaks. Anna had to smile at the way the colorful rainbow accentuated it. Leave it to Chase McIntyre to create a marketing advert from an actual building. She got out of her Honda Accord, grabbed her briefcase from the backseat, and headed for the door.
Anna was surprised when she had to submit to a metal detector test, but cooperated. The guard pointed her to the elevators and she thanked him. Stepping onto one, she straightened her light gray power suit and hoped that she wasn’t sweating like a pig. She was nervous enough about meeting Chase without the added stress of worrying about bad b.o.
She got off on the eleventh floor and checked in with Chase’s secretary, a middle-aged woman with dishwater blonde hair.
“Hello. I’m Anna Spencer from Innovative Graphics. I have an eight o’clock appointment with Mr. McIntyre,” she said, smiling.
“Oh, yes. He said to bring you upstairs. My name’s Ginger.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ginger,” Anna said.
Ginger led her back to the elevator and
punched the button that said “roof”.
“Why are we going to the roof?” Anna asked, tucking a few strands of wavy auburn hair behind her left ear.
“Because that’s where Chase is,” Ginger said simply.
“Oh. Okay.”
Anna didn’t question the woman any further, but she wondered why the meeting would take place atop a skyscraper.
Ginger said, “Now, I should warn you about Chase. He’s not like other executives. He’s a little unusual.”
“So I’ve heard.” Anna smiled. “I’ve done my homework on him.”
Ginger nodded. “Good. Then I don’t need to tell you any more.”
Presently, they arrived at the top and the elevator doors opened. Anna blinked and thought she’d entered an alternate universe. What looked like a tropical island lay outside the elevator.
Ginger laughed. “I’m sorry, but I just love seeing people’s reactions when they see it for the first time. This is what Chase calls the Roof Top, his boardroom slash…well, you’ll see.”
They stepped out onto what looked like short grass and walked along a meandering path through tall plants and a few small tropical trees. Anna looked back and saw that the elevator doors had been painted to resemble a bamboo gate.
Ginger led her out of the foliage to where a long wooden table sat, shaded by a large green-and-white canopy. Wicker chairs with thick green cushions were situated around it and a laptop and cellphone lay at the head of the table. The outdoor setting was as nice as anything she’d ever seen at a resort.
“Chase!” Ginger called out. “Your guest is here!”
Anna wasn’t sure what to make of being called a guest, but she refrained from commenting.
“All right! Be right there!” a man shouted back.
“Shake a leg, Chase! People don’t have all day!” Ginger groused.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Ginger shook her head. “I swear being his secretary is more like being his mother. He’ll be along. Good luck.”
“Thank you,” Anna said with a tight smile.
Ginger got back on the elevator, leaving Anna alone standing next to the table. She’d seen pictures of Chase and his work for Horizon, so she knew that he was gorgeous. Looking down at herself, she grimaced at her rather plain attire and wished she would’ve worn something a little sexier. Knock it off. You’re here for a business meeting, not a date.
“Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Spencer.”
Anna jerked her gaze from her shoes up to meet the most gorgeous eyes she’d ever seen. They brought to mind dark chocolate and the rest of the man was just as delicious. A slightly aquiline nose led down to utterly beautiful male lips that were made for kissing. His strong, angular jaw was clean-shaven and he smelled like rain and tropical fruit.
He wasn’t overly tall, maybe somewhere around six-foot, but he seemed larger than life to Anna. His broad, brawny shoulders and wide chest tapered down to trim hips. Although his cargo shorts hid his thighs, they must be powerful judging by his muscular calves. His light caramel skin tone perfectly complemented his eye color and long, dark brown hair.
He held a large pitcher of some sort of fruit juice and a tray of glasses. “Just let me sit these down.”
Anna took the opportunity to compose herself when he turned and placed the tray and juice on the table. Facing her again, he smiled and Anna felt on the verge of swooning. What’s the matter with you? Get a grip!
He held out a hand. “Chase McIntyre at your service, Miss Spencer.”
His hands were the most beautiful male hands Anna had ever seen. They looked strong and masculine, yet they were nicely shaped. Anna could imagine what they’d feel like on her skin.
Anna put her hand in his and was surprised at the warm, almost intimate way he shook it. He closed his fingers around hers and met her gaze with those incredible eyes that held equal amounts of kindness, humor, and confidence.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Mr. McIntyre.” Anna hoped that he didn’t notice that her voice was a little breathy.
“Likewise.” He released her hand and motioned towards the table. “Have a seat. Make yourself comfortable. The rest of the gang will be along in a bit, but I thought it would be good to talk privately at first.”
Anna tried to get her pulse under control as she walked over to a chair next to the head of the table, where his things sat. She was surprised when he helped seat her. It had been a long time since a man had done that for her.
“Thank you.”
“No sweat.” Chase sat down and proceeded to pour two glasses of juice, sliding one over to her. “Mango, avocado, and pineapple. I just blended the fresh fruit. Great for vitamin C and antioxidants.”
“Thanks.”
Chase took a healthy swig and sat his glass down. “So, how are you today?”
“I’m fine and yourself?”
“Well, I had a great surf earlier and Lola had a great swim, so I’d say that the day is off to a good start,” Chase replied.
The image of Chase rising from sea in only tight swim trunks made Anna choke a little on her juice. He was not the type of man she would normally lust after. Rich and powerful men—well, she’d been there and done that and only just lived to tell the tale.
Chase reached over and patted her on the back. “You okay?”
“Yes. Sorry.” What on earth was wrong with her today? Horizon, or Chase McIntyre was an important client. Her boss, and the other three members of the firm’s staff were counting on getting this job. Tom’s last words to her were to do whatever it took to impress and get the business. When she’d asked what he meant by ‘whatever’, Tim’s face left her no doubt that he did actually mean anything. The firm needed this money. She needed this job.
She needed the money to stay one step ahead of her ex. The restraining order only went so far. She knew the police had done all that they could.
Chase grinned. “So, I’ll bet that you have some stuff for me to look at.”
Anna picked up her briefcase and pulled out the mock-ups she’d brought for business cards, brochures, and other promotional material. Horizon had decided to outsource those products and Innovative Graphics was in the running for the contract. Tom was relying on her to impress Chase and she’d worked hard on the designs. He should be impressed.
She slid them over to him. “As you can see, I—”
Chase held up a silencing hand. “Not to be rude, but just let me get a first impression of them. Sort of like looking at art. No explanation, just let me feel the emotion.”
His southern accent slid like silk across her nerves. “Okay.”
While Chase perused the materials she’d brought, Anna looked around to keep from staring at him. She wondered what was beyond the outdoor boardroom. It was hard to tell with all the tall foliage blocking her view.
“Um, I’m sorry, darlin’, but none of these are gonna work,” Chase said.
She tried not to let the word ‘darlin’’ annoy her. Anna’s mouth dropped open as she turned her attention back to Chase. “Excuse me?”
“I don’t think Tom understood what I told him on the phone last week,” Chase said. “Did you do these?”
Heat suffused Anna’s cheeks. “Yes. I spent a lot of time on them.”
Chase nodded. “I thought so and they’re fantastic, but not for Horizon. I know several firms that these would work for and I’ll be happy to recommend you to them. I told Tom that we’re rebranding and that we’re after something different, something friendlier. We don’t want to be one of those boring old, stuck-up investment companies anymore. We want people to feel like we’re their friends, not their brokers and bankers.”
She’d done her research and read him all wrong.
She’d thought he’d be like any other rich, handsome playboy. The glitzier and the more glamorous the style, the better. Where had she gone wrong? Had she let her experience with her ex blind her?
Mortified, Anna started packing up her samples as sh
e inwardly fumed. Tom should have given her more details. “I’m so sorry for wasting your time, Mr. McIntyre. I had no idea that was the direction you were going in.”
He gently took hold of her wrist to stop her. “What are you going to do with those?” He pointed to her storyboards.
“I…well, I’ll throw them away.” Her heart skipped a few beats at his touch. She was about to pull her hand away but he let his light hold go.
“No, no. I’ll put them in our mixed-paper recycling,” Chase said. “I make our employees recycle everything. Bottles, plastic, cans, and paper all get recycled. Our planet is dying, but I’m gonna do my part to keep it going as long as possible.”
He had to be one of the strangest playboys Anna had ever encountered and he put her on edge. She hated not being able to read him.
“Fine. You can have them.” Most rich men only thought about themselves. That made them easy to handle because she knew what to expect. Reading Chase was like being blind and trying to read a normal printed book.
Chase put them in a neat stack to the left of his laptop. “Thanks.” He got up and held out a hand to her. “Now, take a walk with me and I’ll show you what Horizon is really about.”
*****
“A walk with you? Why?”
She was like a skittish foal—interesting. Chase gave her a disarming smile and watched Anna’s shoulders relax a little. He felt bad for her and wanted to put her at ease. “So you can get a sense of who we are now and start over. You still want the job, don’t you?”
Anna nodded curtly. “Absolutely.”
“Awesome.” He stood up and let out a whistle. “Lola! C’mon!”
A huge Bernese Mountain dog came trotting out of the shaded tropic garden and looked at Chase expectantly.
“Lola, say hello to Anna,” he said.
Lola barked as she looked up at Anna.
“Hi, Lola. Gosh, she’s big,” Anna said, bending down to pet her head a shade tentatively.
Heal Me (Coopers Creek Book 2) Page 17