Sweet but Sexy Boxed Set

by Maddie James

  “I’m not hurting.”

  “Not physically. But something is bothering you.” Adam reached up and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

  She enjoyed being taken care of. She’d been on her own in Chicago for so long, she almost forgot what it felt like to have help. George was there but he wasn’t family and had his own life.

  Her emotions fought within her body, forcing her to leave the warmth of her bed. The carpet rough against her bare feet with every step she took pacing across her brother’s line of sight. Behind the bathroom door, she made out the sounds of her grandmother digging through her make-up bag. Since home and rooming with the woman, Allison knew her morning ritual by heart. Shower. Make-up. Blow dry hair. Get dressed. “Nonsense, she told her. I don’t wear anything I have to shove my head through. Besides, I like to blow dry my hair naked. I get too darn hot.” After the brief conversation, Allison made a mental note to never question her about anything ever again. Trying to erase the images of the woman fixing her hair were enough to cause chills along her spine. But her quirks were what made Allison love her more.

  “Come on Al. Talk to me before Grandma comes out and makes me leave.”

  She stopped pacing and resolved to fidget with her fingers. “Okay. But you’ve got to swear on your future children to not say a word to anybody, not even Sarah.”

  “That’s a little ext…”

  “Swear it,” she snapped for the second time since he’d crawled into her bed.

  “Fine. I swear.” Adam sat up in the center of the bed with all the sheets and covers pooling around his lap.

  Allison slowly moved to the edge of the bed and sat down. To keep from playing with her hands, she tucked them beneath her thighs. Was she really going to do this? If there was anybody she could trust with her darkest secret, it’d be him.

  ****

  Allison and Audrey opted to do their own hair for the wedding instead of going to the salon like the remainder of the wedding party. Allison’s reason was she hadn’t booked an appointment in time and Audrey said no one knew her hair better than she. Instead of riding in the limo with the girls after their updo’s were done, Allison and George rode with her brother to the church.

  “Getting nervous?” Allison asked to break the silence in the car. After her confession Adam left her alone. He didn’t say anything indicating how he felt about her news. Her biggest fear? He hated her. She hoped he admired her honesty, even though it came a few days late.

  “Yes and no. I mean, I’m not nervous about whether I made the right choice. I’m nervous about whether she thinks she made the right one in agreeing to be with me for the rest of our lives. It’s really scary.”

  “Oh come on. You know she is head over heels in love with you. Always has, always will.” Allison said matter of factly.

  “You think?” A thin line of sweat broke out across Adam’s forehead. At each stop sign he rapidly tapped his fingers against the steering wheel to a beat that wasn’t playing in the car. His nerves were getting the better of him and driving Allison nuts.

  “Adam, calm down. Everything will be fine. Look.” She pointed at her chest. “I’m even wearing the right dress. So just take a deep breath.”

  “I get it.” George chimed in from the back seat. “You know what you’re thinking and you understand what she’s said about your love but you’re not sure what she’s thinking. And maybe I’m wrong and I’ve only known you a few days, but you can see the love between you two.”

  Adam’s hands gripped the steering wheel. He looked up into the rearview mirror at George and for a split second, Allison saw a challenge in his eyes. But as quickly, it vanished along with the tension creased along his forehead. He loosened his hold on the wheel. “Thanks. I think you’re right. I know how she looks at me and she doesn’t look at any other guy the same way.”

  Allison knew his words were meant for her. Was he daring her to say differently? Did he want George to know he knew? That the gig was up?

  Her stare begged him to look her way and when he did, she silently pleaded with him to not say a word. She resisted reaching across the center console to touch his arm. Instead, she said, “Listen to me carefully and repeat after me. I love Sarah and she loves me. We are getting married and will live happily ever after.” And carry your secret to the grave, she wanted to add.

  Adam hesitantly repeated his sisters words back to her.

  “Do you feel better?”

  They pulled into the church parking lot and took notice of the black stretch limo parked in front of the church. “I do a little. Thanks.” Adam parked his car and sat staring out the front windshield as if he were driving. He focused on something Allison couldn’t see. She noticed the tension leaving his face as he wiped a steady hand across his brow. He turned to his sister and a soft smile blossomed on his face. Allison could only describe the look as happiness. Peace. “I’m so glad you’re here. You have no idea how much that means to Sarah and myself.”

  Even with a huge secret hanging between them, she wouldn’t change a single moment if it kept the look of happiness on her brother’s face.

  “Now, this is your day. Let’s go get you married to the woman of your dreams.” She gave his hands one last squeeze before they exited the car. George followed behind, adjusting a dark pair of aviators over his eyes. He looked sharp. Black coat and jacket. White shirt and somehow he’d managed to bring a blue tie matching her dress.

  The sun shined down glittering off the rhinestones wrapped around Allison’s wrist. She weaved her bare arm through her dates, snuggling close to fight the light fall breeze blowing. Her dress billowed around her legs as her shoes tapped against the asphalt.

  The couple followed Adam up the cement stairs to the patio and then through the front door. Inside, people bustled around adding final touches to the decorations. Sarah’s mother pointed out areas needing adjustments followed by Allison’s mom, nodding with each change.

  Keeping her brother close and avoiding any accidental spotting of Sarah, Allison pulled her brother through the vestibule and into the sanctuary. A few guests waited for the wedding to begin while altar boys moved around lighting candles and placing books on the podium.

  Allison patted her brother’s arm once they entered the church. She tugged on their interlocked arms down the center aisle, thankful for his support even though he was the one getting married. Her stomach flipped a few more turns before she stopped in front of the lectern. “Okay, I want you to go back in the little room to wait. There should be something to drink and snacks in there. Relax a bit.” She opened the door to find the rest of the groomsmen waiting. All eyes looked up when they entered. A pair of dark brown ones held her attention first, halting her steps. Air caught in her throat at the sight of Ryan in a tuxedo. She couldn’t deny how he made her feel looking like he stepped from a men’s fashion magazine. His dark hair slicked back away from his strong structured face. His eyes were hooded as if the sight of her did funny things to his train of thought.

  “He’s here,” a few of the guys said in unison.

  “Yes. And I expect you all to take good care of him.” Allison paused for a minute before she said her next words, which she directed at one person. “I’m counting on you.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Allison pulled George to a quiet corner.

  “I told my brother about us.” Her thumb inched closer to her face, begging to be chewed. She resisted noting how nice her nails looked painted in the soft blush color.

  “I’m not surprised. As close as everyone says you two were, I half waited for Adam to call us on our story the moment we walked through the front door.”

  “Yeah, well, I think he wanted to save us the embarrassment.”

  George’s hands gripped her shoulders, making sure she focused her attention on him. “Can we please end this and tell everyone so you can make nice-nice with Ryan?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?” His voice begged for understandin
g.

  Allison pulled her body from his hold. She loved the friend standing before her and the thought of one ounce of embarrassment falling on his shoulders because of her was unacceptable. No matter what was at risk. “Because I started this mess and I’m going to see it through as long as you’re with me.”

  “I’d do anything for you but I hate knowing what the alternative is.”

  “No worries. We only have until tomorrow and then home sweet home.”

  Her conversation with both Adam and George replayed in her head when the first strums of Pachelbel’s Canon in D echoed through the church. The music section consisted of an organ, violin, vocalist, piano and flute. The marrying of notes and melodies flowed through the aisles and up to the wooden doors as they opened wide to reveal Allison and Ryan locked arm and arm. Allison’s body warmed by the touch of his polyester suit. She felt the strong lean muscles cording beneath her fingers.

  As the next stanza of music played, the couple took their first steps toward the altar. Her brother faced the door. His legs bounced up and down. His hands remained clasped in front of him. A pleasant smile rested on his face.

  “He’s trying to keep a straight face,” she leaned into Ryan and whispered.

  “I think he’s only fooling himself.”

  Allison looked at guests as she walked by. Her mind couldn’t process the names and faces with Ryan attached to her side. How many times as a teenage girl had she imagined walking anywhere with him let alone down a church aisle?

  Ryan touched the hand wrapped around his arm as they reached the end of the runner. He looked deep into Allison’s eyes, squeezing her hand before allowing her to pull away and walk to her designated spot.

  The music continued along as the remaining wedding attendants took their places in the front. The back doors closed after the maid of honor and best man walked through. The wedding march began when the doors opened with a flourish. The crowd blocked Allison’s view of the bride. Instead, she snuck a peek at Adam. His smile grew bigger as a tear escaped down his cheek. Allison’s mother patted a white handkerchief to her face. George stood beside her grandmother. He shrugged his shoulders, motioned toward Ryan and smiled.

  The final note of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March vibrated in the air, pulling Allison’s attention to the present. Sarah’s father kissed and passed his daughter off to Adam who unsteadily accepted her hand. They climbed the few steps to the top of the altar where they were greeted by a priest dressed in a cream-colored Cossack detailed with gold thread. He stepped forward as the music ended with a held note from the organ before the ceremony began. Allison snuck one last look down the line of attendance and immediately zeroed in on a pair of familiar eyes. He smiled, tipped his head and turned his attention back to Adam and Sarah. Allison offered her own pleasant look and followed his lead as the priest began with greeting the guests and happy couple.

  The ceremony lasted an hour. The newly married couple finished things off with a kiss. Allison laughed at the spectacle her brother made by scooping Sarah up in a bear hug, planting a wet kiss on her lips, spinning her around before he yelled a yeehaw. The crowd erupted into applause before the couple and bridal party darted back down the aisle to Kool and the Gang’s We Are Family.

  During the receiving line and photos, Allison spent her time by Ryan’s side. Neither said anything except an “excuse me” when one needed to scoot by or I’m sorry, if a foot got stepped on. The long limo ride around town from one photo opportunity to the next brought the two close together without many words. She didn’t dare strike up a conversation, worried any verbal exchange would lead to longer looks giving her true emotions away. She wished George sat at her side, holding her hand and keeping her secret easier to deal with.

  For the hundredth time in two days, Allison hated herself for the kiss she and Ryan shared outside of the city coffeehouse. A kiss that still permeated her mind. Why did she do it, she wondered again? More importantly, why did she keep dwelling on it when she knew there wasn’t a future for them when she was still tied to George? Maybe torture was her only way of getting over her high school crush and moving on. But Ryan’s words plagued her thoughts. He’d hoped she’d attend the wedding alone. Unattached. Free to see if something could happen between them. Instead, trying to keep her mother’s scrutinizing eye at bay, she brought George. Ever faithful.

  If only life had a rewind button.

  Once pictures were done, the limo wound the party through curvy country roads lined with trees losing their leaves. Tan hillsides met them along the way to the reception. Sarah’s family rented out a local vineyard’s facility to hold the reception. Fall became the peak season for wine tours and visitors. Even with the busy time of year, the winery agreed to close early to allow the wedding to use their facility later in the afternoon and into the night.

  Sarah and Adam loved wine. After a long weekend trip to Sonoma California, the couple became hooked on the lifestyle. Adam still loved a beer out with the guys or apparently shots with his sisters, but he and Sarah shared a love and respect for a great bottle of wine. To them, it was their thing. What they enjoyed together.

  The winery sat miles away from the Missouri River and nestled between two valleys. The fall foliage and early evening sun set the backdrop; a canvas of colors for their guests to enjoy as they sipped chilled glasses of red or white wine.

  The limo dropped the wedding party off at the front of the vine covered front porch, with the charm of peeling white paint and white rocking chairs. Wedding guests milled around with their glasses of wine and plates of bacon wrapped scallops, spinach stuffed pastries and fruit cups. Most set their stuff down to applaud when the newlyweds exited the cars. Cameras clicked and whistling rang out. It was more like a paparazzi sighting of a super star than a wedding party’s arrival.

  Inside, wooden planks beneath their feet creaked. Floral fragrances lingered behind the scent of grilled beef medallions, roasted vegetables and potatoes. Round tables scattered around the room with white tablecloths and assorted candles in mason jars burning on the tables proving an intimate rustic charm. Empty wine bottles served as vases towering over the candle jars with daisies and baby’s breath erupting from their circular openings. A walkway provided a cleared path from the door to the head table where the wedding party took their seats. More applauds spread among the small gathering when the bride and groom entered.

  A smile broke out across Allison’s face. Heat filled her cheeks when Ryan placed his hand at her back, ushering her to a chair. When he slid into the seat beside her, she looked away, hoping he didn’t notice how he affected her.

  “What color would you like?” A brush of air kissed along her bare neck.

  She turned and met chocolate brown eyes. Her fingers itched to brush aside the stray lock of brown hair falling across Ryan’s face. Who was she kidding? Getting over him proved harder than she thought.

  “Um, what?” She realized after a few seconds he’d asked her a question. His smile never left his face and his eyes never left hers. The world fell away leaving them alone in a candle lit room. Applause and clinking of glasses dimmed to a soft roar.

  “What color wine would you like? Red? White?”

  “Oh, I’m sticking with water tonight.”

  One eyebrow rose questioning her response.

  “I’ve had enough…alcohol for a while. I need to remain level headed.” The soft smile playing across Ryan’s lips begged Allison to explore further, but if one kiss from the other day made her feel the way she did currently, she couldn’t risk a round two. Instead of making the situation worse, she looked away, hoping the color in her face returned to normal.

  After a few minutes, everyone took their seats and the wait staff bustled around with silver trays of salad to serve as the first course. A soft murmur settled across the room as quiet conversations and eating took place. Light jazz music filtered through the air along with the aromas of the dinner to come.

  After dinner, when the last bite
was eaten, dishes were cleared and a few tables were moved aside to make room for a dance floor. The room was a tight fit for a DJ service so the couple opted to hook up a prerecorded playlist on a MP3 player.

  More photos followed with the wedding party, families and guests. Sarah and Adam made a trip around the room, greeting folks. A large gathering of people found the bar that lined one entire wall of the room.

  Allison discovered her grandmother and George standing at the bar. Her grandmother held a short glass in her hand.

  “Hitting the sauce already?” Allison asked. A tray of red wine filled glasses sat atop the bar. Changing her mind, Allison grabbed a glass, sniffed the bouquet and enjoyed a small sip. The drink offered a smooth tang of berries and a hint of peppery spice. A nice touch after a beef meal.

  “It’s free isn’t it?”

  “I guess you could say that. But don’t drink too much. I don’t want you dancing on the tables or anything,” Allison added.

  “No, I’ll leave that to you.” The woman winked before she enjoyed a sip from her glass. “Which reminds me.” She nodded at a group of guys hanging out by the bar. Most were from the wedding party, dressed in matching tuxedos. Allison noticed Ryan among the men. “I plan to have a good time tonight so if you don’t mind acting as my wing girl with the fellas.” She finished the amber liquid from her glass.

  “Grandma,” Allison snapped before she covered her laughter with her hand. “I am not going to help you get lucky tonight.” Allison followed suit and finished her glass of wine. Using grandma and lucky in one setting caused a burning in her stomach.

  “Fine. I’m on my own then.”

  Allison watched her grandmother saunter toward the men and couldn’t help but shake her head at the older woman. She wondered what she’d be like in Florida with her own friends. Did she flirt with all the older gentlemen?

  A man holding a microphone announced that Sarah and Adam would be cutting their cake. The crowd erupted in laughter when the bride and groom smashed cake in each other’s faces. Allison waited against the bar watching. A tear burned the back of her throat in happiness for her brother as well as sadness for herself.