“What?” Ryan frowned and sat on the chair between her and Nathan.
“A wedding day miracle.” Nathan held up his snow cone cup.
They all chuckled and clinked their cups together.
Britt danced away the next hour. Dad, Nathan, Dylan, and Kevin kept her dance card busy. While she enjoyed each of her partners, she hoped Ryan would collect on the dance he had wanted her to save. After another half hour, he had yet to ask. She’d feel slighted if he asked other women, but he didn’t go near the party-goers who were shaking their groove in the middle of the hall. Ryan only moved from the table to take Hershey outside or to buy a round of drinks for the table. He was as subdued as Hershey, who had crawled under the table to take a nap.
Maybe Ryan wasn’t well. Like her, he now sipped on a glass of soda. She waited until they were alone at the table to voice concern. “Are you feeling okay?”
“A little tired. It’s been a long day.” He met her gaze. “You must be exhausted.”
“The satisfaction of seeing the end result and Kevin and Cara’s smiles makes the fatigue bearable.” She wanted to check her reflection in a mirror to confirm if the minimal makeup she had applied concealed dark shadows of fatigue. “You’re not drinking or dancing?” His lack of dancing bit at her curiosity.
He shrugged. “I’m on Dylan duty tonight. My brother was to be the designated driver, but as soon as the bridesmaids surrounded him at the bar, the plan took a sudden turn. Hershey and I will be dragging Dylan’s sorry butt home.” Ryan swallowed a mouthful of soda. “Dylan’s good looks and irresistible charm will get him into trouble someday.”
Lost in her own thoughts, she tuned out his explanation of Dylan’s lack of motivation. Ryan is totally avoiding my question. Britt glanced over his shoulder to the center of the hall. Ryan’s parents, Dylan, and Cara were holding hands and dancing together. Why was he missing this special family moment?
She turned her attention back to Ryan. He was still chattering about Dylan. She drew her eyebrows inward, uncertain as to why his meddling mother hadn’t dragged him to the floor, or why he hadn’t danced with Cara. An obvious answer popped into her thoughts. “You don’t know how to dance.” His earlier request to save a dance had been politeness, not to actually collect upon.
“One time when Dylan—” His gaze met hers. “I…umm…what?”
Britt hadn’t meant to blurt her findings. “You can’t dance.” Damn, I did it again.
He stood and called Hershey. The dog appeared from under the table. “I should take him outside.”
Ryan’s sudden departure didn’t stop her from catching a glimpse of the deep crimson staining his cheeks.
Chapter Eight
“What did you do?” Nathan returned to the table, his stare shifting from Britt to Ryan exiting the hall.
“I stuck my big foot into my mouth.” She covered her face. How could she be so dense? Her thoughtless statement clearly embarrassed Ryan. She grabbed her purse. “I have to talk to Ryan.” Britt almost made it to the door before a man wearing a dark gray pinstriped suit blocked her path.
“Ms. Wells?” He held out a hand and smiled. “I’m Derek Jones, general manager of the Ridgecrest Golf Club.”
“Nice to meet you.” She shook his hand. “I hope you’re not worried about a mess. I assured your assistant that every decoration would be gone in the morning. There won’t be a single shard of candy cane or glimmer of tinsel to be found once my cleaning crew works their magic.”
He tapped her hand. “No, my dear. I have no concerns over the clean-up. I’d like to discuss your magic.”
“Pardon me?” She slipped her purse under her arm.
“This magic.” Mr. Jones spread his arms wide, gesturing to the decorations. “We’re a private club, which means the reception hall is mainly used for the board’s exclusive events or special requests from members. We’ve decided to open the hall to more than just members and accept reservations for all events.”
“That’s a great idea.” The room was ideal for small events, but with the right decor, it could also comfortably accommodate larger affairs.
“Do you cater weddings only?”
Hoots and whistles caught Britt’s attention as a group of women gathered in the center of the hall. She inhaled a breath. Cara stood with her back to the crowd of single ladies anxious to catch the bouquet. From the corner of her vision, Britt saw Nathan and Dad waving their hands. Don’t think so. She wasn’t going anywhere near that bouquet of fresh-cut, pale pink roses. Besides, leaving in the middle of a conversation would be terribly rude. She released the breath then turned, ignoring her father and best friend. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jones.” She glanced toward the group of desperate women, blaming them for her brief distraction. “You were saying…?”
“I love the work you’ve done here. You’ve transformed this room into a winter fantasy. I was wondering if your business handles more than just weddings.” He waited for the squeals to subside before continuing. “Since opening the hall to non-members, we’ve received several calls for reservations. We’re booked through summer and into the fall with retirement parties, anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings. I want one associate for all occasions. Someone who can do this.” He waved a hand back and forth. “Someone I can trust to preserve the integrity of the club’s reputation. Would this business venture interest you?”
She entwined her fingers, squeezing them tight to control the rush of excitement spreading from head to toe. A contract with Ridgecrest would be a perfect way for her and Rachel to get their business off the ground. Rachel’s constant persuasion may have worked. “I’m very interested.” The words slipped effortlessly from her tongue. “I manage a variety of events, but I’d have to speak with my business partner before committing.” What am I doing?
Mr. Jones slipped a hand into his jacket pocket then passed her a business card. “I’ll be anxiously awaiting your call.”
The room erupted with loud shrieks. Britt turned and followed Mr. Jones’ gaze. The bouquet soared above the heads of the frantic women. They leaped in the air, unaware or not caring about their skirts taking flight, as their fingertips stretched upward to get their hands on the superstitious symbol to end their single status. Their enthusiastic attempts were lost as the bouquet vanished from reach. The room went silent. All gazes were on her.
Britt could no longer hear the cries of disappointment. She saw the women’s mouths moving, screaming something, but the noise didn’t penetrate the rapid pounding between her ears. Oh no! The out-of-control bouquet raced toward her. She sucked in a breath as quickly as one left. The flowers blurred against her vision. Panic controlled her senses. I’m about to pass out.
The sound of a click and the word fetch were music to her ears.
A brown bear suddenly appeared and jumped high into the air.
Britt placed a hand on her chest.
Hershey opened his mouth and easily caught the bouquet between his large, white teeth. He landed on all-fours in front of her, wagging his tail.
She freed the breath she had been holding.
The group of pouting women returned to their tables.
“Good boy.” Ryan reached for the cluster of roses. He patted Hershey’s head and gave him a treat.
“Just when I thought this wedding couldn’t get any better, you bring in animal tricks.” Mr. Jones stroked Hershey’s back. “So, does this mean you or your dog is next to get married?” He laughed then turned to Britt. “I look forward to your phone call.” He left to speak with Mr. Jerome, who was a long-time member of the club.
The band began their last set.
“Thank you.” She bent and wrapped her arms around Hershey’s thick neck. Standing, Britt placed a hand on Ryan’s arm, avoiding the beautiful arrangement of flowers. The bouquet didn’t scare her, but the pressure with catching it did. “Thank you, too.”
“A crazy, yet very beautiful, lady once told me she’d rather shoot her foot than walk down an aisle.” He n
udged her shoulder.
He remembered, and very lucky he added ‘beautiful’ to his statement. “Crazy, huh?” She pushed his arm. Ryan’s smile calmed the nerves that had been close to exploding. Britt remembered the reason Ryan had stormed out of the hall. “I’m so sorry.”
“For what?”
“I shouldn’t have said anything about you not knowing how to dance. I didn’t mean to be tactless. You asked me to save you a dance, but you didn’t collect. I guess I was confused and hurt, but then I noticed you weren’t dancing with anyone.” She was babbling like an idiot again. A heat warmed her cheeks.
Ryan chuckled, capturing her hand in his. “I’m the one who needs to apologize. I over-reacted. My lack of rhythm on the dance floor is a touchy subject.” He pointed to the guy gyrating his limbs. “My brother got all the moves.”
She giggled. “You definitely don’t want to learn how to do that.”
The band played a slow ballad.
“Well, I have yet to dance with my date, so if you’ll excuse us.” She tapped her leg for Hershey to follow her back to the table.
Nathan had been snatched by one of the bridesmaids, and Dad was dancing with Nathan’s mother.
Britt placed her purse on the chair. She tapped her chest.
Hershey stood on his back legs, his front paws in her hands. Their dance lasted a minute.
Britt was about to return to the table, but Hershey stopped her, blocking her path. He trotted to his owner and grabbed Ryan’s pant-leg between his teeth. He dragged a hesitant Ryan to the dance floor. She held out a hand, wondering if Ryan would run or stay.
He took another slow step forward, his stare filled with terror. “I want to, but can’t. I don’t know how.”
She reached for his hands, pulling him closer. “Trust me.” Parting her feet slightly, she rocked from side to side. “You don’t even have to move your feet. Follow me. Just sway back and forth.”
He mimicked her stand and movement. Ryan squeezed her hands, grinning from ear-to-ear. “Am I dancing, or making a complete fool of myself?”
“You’re dancing.” She wanted to drown in the excitement in his eyes. I made him feel that way. Unfortunately, the song ended too soon.
The wedding guests shuffled about the room, saying goodbye and giving hugs.
Ryan kissed Britt’s cheek. “I have to find Dylan. Promise you’ll wait.”
“Promise.” Walking to her table, she held a hand to where his lips had just been.
Nathan draped a sweater over his mother’s shoulders. “Need a ride?” He passed Britt her purse. “Mom’s driving.”
“I’m good.” She only had the one drink a few hours ago. “Dad’s coming. We’ll stop by tomorrow to get his car.” She picked up his jacket hanging on his chair.
“I can ride with Olivia if you have other plans.” Dad nodded to the other side of the room where Ryan was talking to his parents. “You and Ryan looked pretty cozy.”
She was surprised anyone had noticed her short-lived dance with Ryan. “The cleaning crew arrived, so my plans consist of driving you home and going straight to bed. I’m exhausted.” She slipped an arm through her father’s.
Ten minutes later, everyone gathered in the parking lot. Britt pressed the button on her keychain, unlocking the car doors. She glanced around for Ryan. She’d hoped to say goodnight before leaving.
A truck stopped and parked behind her car. Ryan jumped out. “I missed you inside.” He reached for her hand. “Getting Dylan in the truck wasn’t easy. Some of the guests are continuing the party at a lounge downtown, and my brother thought he’d go, too.”
Dylan waved from the passenger’s seat. His lop-sided grin and glossy eyes confirmed one drink too many.
“I’m waiting for Dad.” Britt pointed to her father who had stopped to chat with Kevin’s parents. “He doesn’t drink very often, so a couple make him tipsy.”
“Thank you for looking after Hershey tonight.” Ryan shifted from foot to foot. “And for earlier.” He inhaled a breath. “Maybe we can continue lessons. You’re a great teacher.”
“You’re a fast learner, and I’d like that.” She smiled.
“You would?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I?” She stalled a breath. Had he guessed the reason behind her distance at the church?
“I got the impression—”
“Of for goodness sake, just kiss her already.” Dylan leaned his head out the open window. “If you don’t, you know I will.”
Ryan’s deep blues made her knees wobble.
He moved closer.
Finally, he’s going to kiss me! She should stop him. Earlier today, she’d wanted to end their budding relationship, but she didn’t, and now she couldn’t wait for this connection.
His lips teased across her mouth. The soft, yet determined, caress stole her breath. Any doubts were gone. A delicious scent of musk filled her nostrils. She pressed her heels into the gravel, stopping herself from slipping to the ground. Time froze. She had no idea if seconds or minutes had passed. Then, like their first dance, their first kiss came to unwanted end.
Ryan took a step back, still holding her hand. “I…umm…”
His words did not register. Britt couldn’t think straight. She blinked, waiting for the moon and stars to stop spinning. Someone coughed behind her. She released Ryan’s hand and turned. “Dad.” Had he witnessed the kiss?
Ryan jumped backward and jammed his hands in his pants’ pockets.
“Ready to go?” Dad walked to the passenger door. “Good night, Ryan.”
Yup, he’d seen them. She wondered if a lecture would be the conversation on the drive home. Or maybe she’d receive the bees-and-flowers talk. That speech never got old. Dad’s take on how babies were made was the same version as when he first told her the story at age five. She had asked him the question, and instead of sending Britt to her mother, Dad sat beside her on the front step and explained how the bees and flowers have a symbolic relationship. She loved that story. “I’d better go.”
“Me, too.” Ryan turned to the truck.
Hershey poked his head out the driver’s window, his tongue dangled from his jaw. Dylan leaned out his window, grinning and raising two thumbs.
“I see a fun ride home with those two clowns.” He rolled his eyes.
Giggling, she reached for the door handle. “Good night.” Britt couldn’t wait to dream about their kiss.
“Hey.” He reached for her arm. “Will I see you in the morning?”
“A promise is a promise.” She opened her car door and slipped inside. Britt started the engine and watched in the rear-view mirror as Ryan drove away.
“Remember the story I told you about how the bees depend on the flowers for food and the flowers need the bees for pollination?” Dad began his story.
****
Ryan stood on the deck, sipping his coffee. Exhaustion bit, but he had no one to blame but himself. Or he could attribute last night’s lack of sleep on his brother. Once Dylan spotted the new pool table in the family room, he wouldn’t let Ryan rest until they played game after game, after game. His brother loved to use the—no-one-wants-to-play-with-me-today—youngest sibling card. Ryan didn’t have energy to argue with a spoiled five-year old in a grown man’s body.
Getting home at midnight, playing pool until three, and setting his alarm for six, hadn’t allowed him at lot of time for sleep. However, those few hours of slumber were pleasantly filled with images of Britt wrapped in his arms.
A stroll through the woods with Hershey, a shower, and a breakfast consisting of toast and coffee had Ryan awake and ready for Britt’s arrival. Surviving Dylan’s snoring from the day-bed in the family room was another situation. Ryan regretted turning the spare room on this floor into a temporary den. A re-arrangement of rooms would be necessary.
“Hershey, come.” He tapped the wooden railing.
Hershey glared at a snickering squirrel high on a branch in the spruce tree. The rodent gripped a peanut he�
��d stolen from the bird feeder, his reward of winning another round of cat-and-mouse.
Ryan chucked. If Hershey could climb trees, that squirrel wouldn’t be celebrating. “Let’s go, boy. Britt should be here soon.”
The dog darted across the lawn and up the deck stairs. Funny how the mention of Britt’s name made both Ryan and Hershey jump to attention.
He closed the screen door to the balcony and entered the kitchen. Ryan bent on one knee to reach into a bottom cupboard. “You’ll get him next time.” He tossed a bone in the air.
Hershey caught it with ease then pranced to his bed in front of the fireplace.
The doorbell rang.
He checked his watch. Nine on the dot. Right on time. The woman was punctual. When she said she’d be somewhere at a particular time, she was unwavering to her word.
Hershey beat Ryan to the door. He would normally bark when the doorbell sounded, but this morning, he wagged his tail at super-speed. Funny how they were both excited to see the person who stood on the front step even before opening the door and confirming the identity.
Ryan nudged aside Hershey to open the door, but the dog came back with a body-check against his leg. The dog clearly wanted Britt’s attention first.
She bent to receive a paw in her hand and slobbery kisses across her chin. “Hi, Hershey.” Britt scratched behind the dog’s ears. “How’s my big bear?” She grabbed her purse, secured it to her shoulder, and stood. “Good morning.”
Beautiful, chocolate brown eyes met Ryan’s gaze. He knew he was ogling, yet couldn’t remove his stare from Britt’s bouncy ponytail perched high on the back of her head, to the pink sleeveless top tucked into her tight blue jeans. Should I kiss her? Damn, he sure wanted to. Last night’s kiss had been the best, and he couldn’t wait to press his lips against those wild cherry stained lips again.
Hershey tugged Britt’s purse, drawing her inside.
“I’m sorry.” Ryan stepped aside. “Good morning.” He shook his head. “My dog has better manners.”
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