by Lisa Plumley
Janie handed her a scratchy paper napkin. "Blow," she ordered. "Can you tell me what's the matter?"
She shook her head and snuffled into the napkin. "I—I—"
"Is it Dylan?"
The world got waterier. Stacey took off her sunglasses and swabbed at her eyes with another napkin, nodding.
"That rat! I knew it," Janie cried, stabbing her coffee stirrer into her cup with a vicious frown. "I'll kill him." She brushed back Stacey's hair and set their foreheads together, looking into her eyes. "Or would you rather have him maimed?"
Janie's loyalty pushed a feeble-feeling grin onto Stacey's face. Trying to take her mind off her troubles, she fumbled to put the Bahamas pictures back in the envelope so they wouldn't get soggy, and took a deep, shuddering breath. She shook her head.
"Okay, not maimed, I guess. You big softie," Janie went on, smiling wickedly. "Financially ruined? Publicly humiliated? He deserves it for hurting you." She squeezed her hand. "You just tell me what you want, hon, and I'll make sure you get it."
Stacey thought over the past lonely week, remembered her weekend with Dylan and everything they'd shared. It had felt so real, so right, between them.
"All I want is Dylan," she said sadly.
She blurted out the whole story, right up to Dylan's confession that he'd been the one to arrange the honeymoon surprises. Janie nodded wisely, finished her second mocha, then narrowed her eyes.
"So he actually did quit telling you what to do," she said thoughtfully, stroking the side of her tall paper coffee cup. "And he actually did try to carry off the honeymoon charade your way. Right?"
Stacey nodded. "He only told me the truth because he thought I was going to confess everything and make all of you disown me bec—" Realization struck her. Dylan hadn't had to tell her a thing. He'd only done it to protect her, knowing how much her family meant to her.
And sacrificed himself in the process. Because he was in love with her. Deeply, crazily in love.
"Holy smokes! What have I done?" Stacey bolted to her feet, scattering coffee cups and swizzle sticks. "I've got to find him!"
Janie grinned. "Sit back down," she said. "I've got a plan."
Stacey was all ears.
Hell. The last place he wanted to be was the Atmosphere hotel. Dylan screeched his jeep to a stop beneath the glittering piazza, eyeing the hotel about as eagerly as he would a scorpion hunched in the desert waiting to sting the next unsuspecting idiot who stepped too close.
As though he wasn't hurting enough already.
Something happened with Aunt Geraldine's credit card, Richard had told him. The hotel wants payment for the honeymoon suite stay. The Parker's credit card, tapped to the limit after their Bahamas honeymoon, had already been refused.
Cash only, was the hotel's request. Today. Or things would get ugly.
Feeling responsible, Dylan had volunteered to drive to Vegas and straighten things out himself. Now he wished he hadn't. Memories of Stacey seared into his chest along with the heavy August heat as he tossed his keys to a valet and headed inside. The air conditioning brought less relief than he'd hoped, and walking past the noisy casino called up a hundred more details he didn't want to remember. The feel of Stacey beside him. The lure of her perfume. The cocky expression she'd worn challenging him to their pillow fight.
The sound of her voice when she'd told him she loved him.
Hell. Feeling surly and lost, Dylan stalked to the reception desk. "I'm here to pay for a stay in the honeymoon suite last weekend," he said, pulling out his wallet. "I was told you'll only take cash."
"The honeymoon suite, sir?" The same chipper, newlywed blonde he remembered from last weekend looked up at him. Her grin widened.
He frowned. "Yes. How much to—"
"Oh! It's you!" she interrupted, looking giddy. "The person you need to see about this is right over there," she said pointing toward the nearest row of slot machines.
The row of slot machines containing the one he and Stacey had won on. Great.
"Who?" he asked. "How will I know—"
"Oh, you'll recognize the person you need to see," she assured him, winking. Winking?
Feeling suspicious, Dylan put his wallet away and, grumbling, stomped toward the casino. The last last thing he wanted to do was revisit anyplace he and Stacey had been to together. Who'd set up this ridiculous system, anyway? He guessed he'd just have to watch for someone wearing a hotel uniform—and hope they had more facts at their disposal than the ditzy desk clerk. Then he could pay up and get the hell away from there.
He pushed through the crowds, nearing the familiar row of slot machines. The winning picture Stacey had told him about loomed at the head of the row, another Technicolor memory of the two of them decked out in kooky hats and blue goo, holding up their winnings. Another memento of all he'd lost.
Dylan frowned and looked away.
At the head of the row the scent of roses reached him, nearly overpowering in their sweetness. He felt just grumpy enough to dislike the aroma. Someone's perfume? They must have ladled it on, he groused as two gamblers swerved out of his path. The place smelled like a million roses.
The crowd parted. In the open space revealed along the gleaming slot machines, he glimpsed the roses—actual roses, masses of deep, rich red ones—and the woman holding them.
Stacey.
His heart slammed to a stop, then kicked into double speed. She hadn't spotted him yet, he realized. She gazed out over the huge bouquets, half-hidden by their spreading petals, nibbling on her bottom lip and rising on tiptoes to see over the crowd. Looking for someone.
Him?
Dylan walked nearer, his stride eating carpet in two-foot chunks. Stacey saw him. A tremulous smile spread over her face. He felt an answering smile light his own.
He'd been had, he realized. Lured here under false pretenses, just so Stacey could get her hands on him again. And he didn't care a bit.
"You came," she said when he reached her. Clenching the flowers tighter, she raised the whole quivering mass with a jerky movement of her arm. "These are for you."
They thrust into his face, thorns and all. "Ahhh!" Dylan cried, taking them from her hand. "You almost put my eye out!"
"Sorry," Stacey murmured, staring down at her feet. A blush climbed her cheeks, and her voice shook when she spoke. "I—I guess I'm a little nervous."
"There's no need to be." Smiling, he tucked his hand into the nape of her neck and drew her to him, his heart so filled with love and gratitude he couldn't wait to touch her. He nodded at the flowers and the casino surrounding them. "I guess this means there's no payment mix-up over the honeymoon suite?"
"No. Everything's fine." She gazed up at him, flushed and soft and adorably determined. "I'm sorry to bring you here like this, but I didn't know what else to do." Hesitating, Stacey bit her lower lip. "I'm sorry, Dylan," she whispered. "So sorry. I should've never let you go."
"Then don't." His lips curved into a smile as he kissed her. "Let's not let each other go, ever again."
"Never," Stacey agreed, melting against him with a smile of her own, probably unaware she was standing on his foot.
Dylan ignored the pain, too happy to squabble over little things like smashed toes. They'd heal ... and so would his heart, starting now.
"I love you," she whispered, linking her fingers with his. "I love you so much."
"I love you more," he said, grinning as he pulled her away from the slot machine and into the swelling crowd of gamblers along with him. "Much more."
"I love you times a million," she countered, hugging his arm as they walked. The roses flopped along in his other hand, bouncing in rhythm with their steps and sending a flowery scent into the air.
"I love you times infinity," Dylan answered. "Do you think the honeymoon suite is free? I think we might want it later."
"Might?" Raising her eyebrows, Stacey pulled something from her purse and pushed it into his hand. A hotel key card. "I already booked it."
"You're my kind of woman, Stacey Ames," he said, watching her bounce up on her toes to push the elevator button.
"Going up?" she asked.
"Not until you earn it," Dylan answered, swinging her into his arms along with the roses. "I'm carrying you over that honeymoon suite threshold as a real bride this time."
Not much later that afternoon, he did.
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From the Author
Thank you for reading this book! If you enjoyed it, I hope you'll share your enthusiasm by writing a review online, posting about this story on your Facebook page, Twitter account, or blog, or talking about it with your friends.
If you're curious about my other books, please visit www.lisaplumley.com, where you can read first-chapter excerpts from all my books, sign up for my new-book reminder service, catch sneak previews of my upcoming books, and more.
Best wishes,
Lisa Plumley
Like connected stories? Look for Lisa's series romances!
"Perfect" series
Kismet Christmas series
Morrow Creek series
All of Lisa's series books stand alone and can be read in any order. Remember, you can also visit Lisa's RomanceWiki page to view a list of books in the "Perfect," Kismet Christmas, and Morrow Creek series in reverse order (most recently published first).
More from Lisa Plumley: Mysteries
Lisa also writes cozy mysteries as Colette London. Her Chocolate Whisperer series (featuring chocolate expert—and amateur sleuth!—Hayden Mundy Moore) kicked off with Criminal Confections and now includes Dangerously Dark, The Semisweet Hereafter, and Dead and Ganache, all from Kensington Books.
Visit www.colettelondon.com today to find fantastic chocolate recipes, sign up for new-book reminder e-mails, and catch sneak previews of upcoming books in the Chocolate Whisperer series.
Praise for the novels of Lisa Plumley
MORROW CREEK RUNAWAY
"Plumley's Morrow Creek series continues to delight! The latest entry is a tale of love lost and found. It's funny, charming and full of sexual tension, complete with a fabulous cast of characters fans will love." —Romantic Times (4 stars!)
ALL HE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS
"Fourth in the Kismet Christmas series, All He Wants for Christmas is the perfect combination of naughty and nice. The Christmas spirit in a small town paired with steamy hot romance will satisfy all fans of contemporary romance this season. The witty banter will have readers laughing, and the sexy interludes will delight." —Romantic Times (4 stars!)
"In the charming fourth contemporary set in Kismet, Mich., (after Together for Christmas), a charismatic CEO falls unexpectedly for a store manager. Jason and Danielle have incredible chemistry—and very different ambitions that might drive them apart. Plumley paints a beautiful portrait of a town where the holiday spirit is felt all year round and gives readers warm glimpses of the couples from previous stories." —Publishers Weekly
NOTORIOUS IN THE WEST
"Plumley returns with a new novel in her Morrow Creek series: a western version of Beauty and the Beast. Opposites attract in this funny, loving battle of the sexes with strong characters and lots of witty banter. Readers are in for a sizzling treat." —Romantic Times (4 stars!)
SO IRRESISTIBLE
"Plumley delivers yet another witty romance with this fun read featuring likable characters and plenty of steamy scenes."—Booklist
"So Irresistible is a fun, sexy read with characters readers will immediately love. Their sexual chemistry burns up the pages."—Romantic Times (4 stars!)
THE HONOR-BOUND GAMBLER
"Welcome to Morrow Creek, Plumley's little slice of the West and a romance with heart and grit. Lively storytelling and a cast of engaging, delightful characters—from a rapscallion little boy to a conniving reverend to a hardened gambler and a preacher's daughter—are simply perfect for this tale. Love and redemption are the soul of this heart-tugging charmer."—Romantic Times (4 stars! + K.I.S.S. hero)
TOGETHER FOR CHRISTMAS
"Plumley makes her third trip to Kismet, Mich. (after Home for the Holidays) in this laugh-out-loud Christmas romp. This sweet romance tugs at the heartstrings from the beginning and doesn't let up until the final page."—Publishers Weekly
"This is a genuinely fun story, with complex, engaging characters and a thoroughly charming holiday atmosphere. No matter what, Lisa Plumley knows how to craft a terrific, heart-warming story with deliciously happy endings, and I definitely plan to go back and read her other books set in Kismet. At least that will give me something to do until her next book comes out!"—The Romance Reviews
MELT INTO YOU
"Plumley (Holiday Affair, 2010) has written another delightful story filled with everything her fans expect—likable characters, a great romance, humorous situations, witty dialogue, and a heartwarming story. "—Booklist (starred review!)
"This is a delightful story with a hero who could easily be a real jerk, but is quite a sweetheart, and a heroine determined to not be hurt by love again, yet can't help herself. Her mistrust of the hero is quite understandable, and his struggle to learn how to be good is entertaining. "—Romantic Times (4 stars!)
THE BRIDE RAFFLE
"Ms. Plumley knows how to make her characters real and relatable. We know these people. We have friends like this. This ability to create realistic characters makes Ms. Plumley's novels even more compelling. I loved every page of this book and found it hard to put down. I can't wait to see what Ms. Plumley produces next! "—Historical Romance Writers
"Lisa Plumley has penned a really cute, delightful tale with The Bride Raffle. Looking for something that is lighthearted and fun? Something that combines romance and humor? The Bride Raffle by Lisa Plumley is perfect for you! "—CataRomance (4 stars!)
MAIL-ORDER GROOM
"Everyone has a secret in this delightful tale from the Old West. The concept of the mail-order groom, rather than bride, is an entertaining twist on a standard plot. There's plenty of gun-slinging, bloodshed, and lovemaking going on from start to finish, which will keep readers turning pages until the very end. "—Romantic Times (4 stars!)
"Lisa Plumley has written a charming romance between two very appealing characters. An engaging novel with a heroine you won't soon forget. "—Love Western Romances (4 spurs!)
HOLIDAY AFFAIR
"Secrets and subterfuge add complexity and zing to this well-crafted, heartwarming story that features a wealth of engaging characters, including five remarkable, memorable children, and great sexual tension. A deliciously satisfying, cocoa-worthy holiday read."—Library Journal
"Lisa Plumley's latest holiday novel delivers. It has warm gooey holiday moments complete with happy children, Christmas traditions such as caroling and decorating Christmas cookies and, oh yeah, hot and steamy romance. Loaded with fun pop-culture references and witty dialogue, Holiday Affair delivers on entertainment!"—The Romance Reader (Five Hearts!)
MY FAVORITE WITCH
"In keeping with Plumley's tradition of lively romantic comedy (Home for the Holidays), her first foray into the paranormal witch world subgenre is quirky, sexy, creative, and hilarious."—Library Journal
"Humorous adventures and unexpected romance with a sprinkling of heartwarming moments will keep the reader well entertained in this delightful tale, skillfully crafted by the clever Plumley."—Booklist
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
"Lisa Plumley once again gifts readers with a Yuletide story sure to put you in a holiday mood. This is vintage Plumley. She's created a cast of characters that are a bit eccentric, quirky, and likeable and spun a story that will make you smile."—Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service
"A delightful secondary romance adds to the fun in this upbeat romp that is touching, hilarious, and lightly dusted with seasonal charm."—Library Journal
LET'S MISBEHAVE
"Once again, Plumley sho
ws her fine flair for comedy as Marisol learns that there is life beyond Rodeo Drive, and the Connelly triplets discover that they can't scare away every nanny. Full of witty dialogue and hilarious situations, this romp with a heart is certain to please readers."—Booklist (starred review; named one of the Top Ten Romances of 2007)
"Plumley not only delivers a fun-filled premise, clever dialogue and a delightfully sexy sports-loving hero, she brings to life a memorable, hilarious and utterly unique heroine readers will adore. This is pure romantic fantasy and an absolutely entertaining novel from start to finish."—Romantic Times (4½ stars Top Pick!)
MAD ABOUT MAX
"A cool cast of secondary characters adds much to the story as clever Plumley, who is already known for her entertaining romantic comedies, presents another winner in this humorous and engaging tale about a man who literally loses his shirt, but finds his heart."—Booklist (starred review)