by Herron, Rita
Oh, good God. Would she drop the act about the chapel?
“Maybe if I’d set out more sachets and had fine china cups to entertain with, and listened to Aunt Dottie about being a lady, it might have worked.”
What did china cups and sachets have to do with her marriage? “I’m afraid I’m not following.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have shared that,” she said, clamming up. “I don’t want our clients to think that I don’t believe in happily ever after.”
But she was hiding out here living a lie.
Still, he couldn’t resist giving her hand a squeeze. Because she sounded so forlorn. He had a feeling that once upon a time, she had believed in everything she was trying to sell.
“Well, I’m sorry it didn’t work out, Izzy. You deserve a good guy.” And Ray LaPone wasn’t a good guy.
“I was young and foolish,” Izzy admitted. “I left home thinking I’d show the world, and got swayed by pretty words and promises of a better life, of nice houses and traveling, promises that were nothing but lies.”
Levi measured his words. “What did he lie to you about?”
“Everything,” Izzy said.
“Where’s your husband now?”
“Far away.” She blinked back tears. “Now enough about me. This is your big day and I don’t want to ruin it.” She hung the jacket back on the hanger, then reached for the measuring tape. “Let me take your measurements so we can make sure the slacks and jacket fit.”
He sucked in a sharp breath as she knelt and ran the measuring tape up his inner thigh. Good God almighty.
The sexy little vixen was torturing him with her touch. How was he going to extract information from her when his mind was filled with images of her stripping his damn jeans and running her hands up his naked thighs to cup his sex?
CHAPTER EIGHT
The sight of Levi’s broad shoulders filling out that black western coat reminded Izzy of old cowboy movies and tough men and . . . sex.
By the time she finished measuring Levi’s inseam, she was close to hyperventilating. His breath hitched as she ran the measuring tape around his waist, his masculine scent triggering images of naked bodies sliding together in a dance between the sheets.
Or up against the wall. Or on the floor.
And not just any naked body—his body gliding against hers. His lips on her mouth and breasts. His tongue trailing down her naked torso. His sex between her legs, thrusting inside her.
Desperate to banish the images and control her raging hormones, she fanned her face and lifted the measuring tape from his waist. Who would have thought taking his measurements would have been so erotic?
Poor Elsa was going to have her hands full with other women throwing themselves at Levi. No wonder she wanted to rush him down the aisle.
Not that a ring on his finger would matter if he decided to stray.
Just because Ray was a two-timing jerk didn’t mean Levi was. He seemed completely devoted to Elsa. Part of her was anxious to meet the woman who’d stolen his heart.
Another small part was jealous. What would it feel like to have a man devoted to making her happy like Levi was devoted to Elsa?
“Are we about finished?” he asked, his voice low. Hoarse.
“Just one more.” She stretched the measuring tape across the width of his shoulders. Heat suffused her, and her fingers itched to remove his jacket and shirt and run her hands over the corded muscles of his chest. To feel his naked skin beneath her fingernails.
Did he have a matt of dark chest hair? Would his skin grow hot to the touch?
He shifted, seeming restless, and she jotted down his measurements, relieved to finish that task. The urge to jump his bones had nearly overwhelmed her.
But that would be a mistake on so many levels. Aunt Dottie’s rules on being a lady played like a moral compass in her head. Rule number eight: Never get involved with a married man.
And Levi was almost married.
Levi silently cursed himself. Hell, he’d enjoyed Izzy’s hands running all over him so much that he’d had to think about mundane things like roping a calf or mucking stalls to stifle his hard-on.
He had to get a grip. He couldn’t screw this case up just because he was a sucker for a pretty woman with blue eyes.
And Izzy looked beautiful today. That short, black dress hugged her body, and those red heels elicited images of the two of them making love with her wearing nothing but those wanton shoes.
Voices echoed from the coffee corner. Two of the ladies he’d overheard gossiping at Lulabelle’s Diner were buying cinnamon rolls and turnovers. They gave him curious looks. Daisy leaned over the glass display case and must have explained who he was, because both women waved at him and giggled as they paid for their pastries.
Izzy led him over to a white-laced table tucked in a private corner and separated from the coffee area by a folding screen adorned with ribbons.
An assortment of appetizers filled a tray, and white candles in silver candleholders glowed from the center of the table. Two place settings of silver-trimmed white china awaited along with champagne glasses filled with bubbly.
Feeling awkward, he claimed the groom’s chair, tugging at the collar of his shirt, which suddenly felt so tight it was choking him. Those damn roses smelled sickeningly sweet, too.
“We’ll start with the appetizers,” Izzy said. “Then move on to the main entrée, wedding cake, and desserts.”
Levi nodded and took a sip of the champagne to settle his nerves, but his vision blurred, and for a millisecond he envisioned kissing Izzy.
His gaze met hers, heat sizzling between them. Her lips parted slightly on a shaky breath, and he imagined tracing his tongue over her mouth and claiming her as his.
Background music flowed through speakers, some ridiculous romantic tune that made him think of riding horseback at sunset or taking a boat ride in the moonlight.
Izzy scooted her chair closer to his so their arms were almost brushing, then raised her glass for a toast. “To you and Elsa.”
He nearly choked on the champagne. “Right. To me and Elsa.”
Izzy licked her lips. “Since you didn’t request a special menu, Daisy prepared a variety. Those are bacon-wrapped scallops, crab-stuffed mushrooms, and shrimp bruschetta. She also made barbecue sliders and Texas caviar in honor of your and Elsa’s home.”
Levi’s mouth watered at the delicious smells. “They all sound good.”
“Do you want a sit-down dinner or buffet?”
Levi shrugged. He had no idea. “What would you do?”
“Both are nice, but I prefer the idea of the buffet with a choice of at least three food stations,” Izzy said. “Of course, we can have a server offer trays of appetizers and drinks while you finish pictures. We can also open up the stations so guests can serve themselves and start eating while you and Elsa enjoy some alone time. We’ll prepare you and Elsa a private table so you can eat before you greet everyone.” A mischievous look flickered in her eyes. “You might even want to slip away for a quickie to consummate the marriage before joining the party.”
The idea of a quickie with Elsa was so ludicrous he couldn’t help but laugh. But he choked on a mushroom, and started coughing.
Izzy jumped up and pounded his back. “Are you okay, Levi?”
He caught her hand, her warm palm eliciting erotic thoughts of how her hands could pleasure him. And how his hands could pleasure her.
Tension stretched between them as he looked up at her. An image of rushing somewhere private to have a quickie with Izzy taunted him.
She would be a tiger in bed.
“Levi?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” He dropped her hand, and gulped down his water.
Thankfully, she had no idea where his imagination had led him. So she took her seat again and they returned to business. He sampled salmon in a white wine sauce, prime rib, shrimp and grits, pulled pork, and a southern chicken dish.
/> “Any preferences?”
“Everything is delicious, but my favorite is the prime rib and pulled pork.”
“Just as I expected,” Izzy said with a smile. “But you might want to give the guests a choice.”
There weren’t going to be any guests.
“How about either the shrimp or salmon to go with the prime rib and pulled pork?” Izzy suggested. “Surf and turf.”
“Perfect.” Although hamburgers or barbecue sandwiches and coleslaw would work for him.
Daisy swept over, removed the food trays, and brought dessert.
“This one is Decadent Chocolate Kahlua cake,” Izzy said as Daisy bustled away. “It’s my favorite, but you probably want to offer a traditional white cake as well. Maybe one with a cream or raspberry filling.”
Lulabelle had talked about Daisy’s chocolate cake.
Izzy scooped up a bite and held the fork to his lips. Mesmerized by the sensual glow in her eyes, he closed his mouth around the cake, hungry for her instead of food.
Izzy’s gaze met his again, and something wicked and wanton flickered between them. Need and desire surged through him, overriding his good sense, and he leaned toward her.
Her lips parted on a breathy sigh, and he closed his mouth over hers.
One taste and his heart pounded, his body hardening with need. God help him, but he wanted Izzy Sassafras.
Izzy sank into the kiss, her pulse fluttering as need spiraled through her.
Levi tasted just as strong and heady as she’d imagined. His mouth moved against hers. His tongue probed her lips apart, teasing her and deepening the kiss.
She made a low, throaty sound, and threaded her fingers in his thick, dark hair, pulling him closer. His fingers trailed over her arms, then he cupped her face with his big, wide hands. Hands that looked masculine, like they’d done hard work, but hands that felt gentle and loving as he stroked his thumb along her cheek.
Hunger and passion exploded inside her. She’d never kissed a man who made her feel so needy. The kiss grew more feverish, more passionate with each second, and her toes curled beneath the table.
Yet she felt something scratch at her foot, and realized the kitty was nipping at her toes. Maybe the feline was smarter than she was.
Suddenly a noise bled through the haze of desire. “Izzy, what are you doing?”
Daisy’s voice.
Levi tore his mouth from hers, pushed his chair back and strode toward the front door. Izzy stared after him, still lost in the bliss of the moment, but Daisy tapped her arm.
“What’s wrong with you?” Daisy hissed. “He’s the client, and he’s engaged to another woman.”
Her breath rasped out in sporadic puffs, her ears ringing with Daisy’s accusations.
Tears burned the backs of her eyelids as she glanced down at the candles, the wedding cake, and champagne flutes.
The setting had been so romantic she’d gotten caught up in it.
Or maybe she’d just gotten caught up in Levi. Or the illusion of his romance with . . . another woman!
“I’m sorry.” Was she destined to fall for men who were already taken?
“Sorry?” Daisy sounded close to tears. “I thought you wanted this to work for Aunt Dottie. That maybe you’d changed.”
Izzy pressed her hand to her chest, Daisy’s verbal blow hitting her hard.
She did want the shop to work so her sisters wouldn’t think she was a screwup. But she had just screwed up.
“I’ll fix it,” Izzy said, panicked. “I promise, Daisy, I’ll fix it. Just don’t tell Caroline.”
“Don’t tell her what?”
Izzy’s stomach plummeted as she swung around and saw Caroline staring at her. “What did you do now, Izzy?”
Heart pounding, Izzy glanced at Daisy, silently pleading with her not to tell.
Daisy scooped up the plates and began stacking them. “That Izzy forgot to ask Levi about what kind of entertainment he wants.”
Relief surged through Izzy, and she mouthed the word thanks to her sister. Daisy still looked unhappy with her, though.
And she desperately needed to straighten things out with Levi. Apologize.
Make sure his wedding to Elsa was still on.
Levi cursed himself as he left the shop. The bells jingling as he closed the door might as well have been announcing his failure.
He stalked across the street to the park, desperate for some distance to clear his head.
What the hell was wrong with him? When he’d kissed Izzy, he’d imagined her in a wedding gown, the two of them tying the knot, then rushing to bed and making love all night.
No, sex wouldn’t be quick with Izzy. Well, maybe the first time. But they’d do it over and over and over . . .
He inhaled the chilly mountain air, his body still hot from Izzy’s response. That little moan in her throat had nearly undone him.
He slumped down on a park bench and knotted his hands together, fighting the urge to go back and repeat the kiss. Maybe the mountain air and high altitude were affecting his brain.
The afternoon sunlight was fading, winter storm clouds gathering as if it might snow, casting shadows across the park and street. The door to One Stop Weddings opened, and Izzy appeared outside, her expression tormented.
She scanned the street, spotted him, crossed at the intersection, and walked toward him like a woman on a mission. The urge to take her in his arms and soothe that worry off her face seized him.
But if he did, he’d want more.
So he kept his butt on the bench and renewed his resolve to finish this investigation, then get the hell out of Matrimony.
The wind tossed her hair in disarray around her face, making her look wild and wanton, and riddling him with hunger.
When she reached him, she slid onto the bench beside him. “Levi, I’m so sorry. I . . . that was completely unprofessional of me.”
“It’s not your fault.” Dammit, that was the truth. “I started the kiss.”
Silence vibrated between them, thick with regret and unspent passion.
“It was simply the atmosphere, the candles and champagne,” Izzy finally said. “You were probably imagining Elsa there beside you.”
Hell no, he wasn’t. “Yeah, that was it.”
She touched his arm, then pulled her hand back as if she’d been burned. “It won’t happen again,” she said in a shaky voice. “I know what it’s like to be cheated on, and I would never do that to another woman.”
The warble in her voice sounded so sincere that guilt nagged at him. “I wouldn’t cheat either.”
“Good, because I don’t want to hurt Elsa.”
His gut churned. “Like your husband hurt you?”
She emitted a low sound of pain. “Yes, like he hurt me.”
He wanted to pound Ray’s head in. “I’m sorry, Izzy.”
She shrugged off his words. “Let’s just forget what happened. You aren’t angry with me?”
“No.” In fact, he wanted her more than ever. And, in spite of his suspicions, he was actually starting to like her.
And believe her.
“Because if you’d prefer that Daisy or Caroline handle the plans, I’ll step aside.”
“No, we’re both professionals. We’ll finish what we started.” Not the kiss, though. Because if they started that up again, he wouldn’t be able to stop with a simple kiss.
Not that kissing Izzy had been simple. It had evoked a tangle of emotions inside him, confusing him to the core.
His phone buzzed with a text. Elsa.
“I guess you should answer that,” she said.
“Yes, it’s Elsa.”
Her eyes flashed with some emotion he couldn’t define, then she brushed her hands down her dress. The scooped neckline offered him a sweet glimpse of her creamy flesh. And the memory of those fingers on his thighs as she measured his inseam sent another jolt of awareness through him.
The neckline of his own shirt suddenly felt tight, choking. “Maybe we can discuss the music tomorrow?” Surely by then Elsa would have some concrete evidence against Ray, and Levi could end things in Matrimony.
She agreed, and started back across the street, her hips swaying seductively as she walked. Needing a distraction, he checked the text. Elsa wanted him to call her, so he punched her number.
“Please tell me you have something.”
“What’s wrong—that little town getting to you?”
No, but the wedding planner was. “Just fill me in, Elsa.”
“Man, you’re a grouch.”
“That’s because I’ve been trying on monkey suits.”
Elsa chuckled. “Doesn’t make you want to tie the knot for real?”
Hell no, he didn’t want to walk down the aisle with Izzy, just walk her to bed. He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, his lungs fighting for air. “Hardly. Now what do you have?”
“All right, all right. All work and no play.”
He’d been playing too damn much already.
“I spoke with three women from the country club, and all of them denied having an affair with Ray. In fact, they raved about him being a gentleman, said that he gave them great comfort after their husbands passed away.”
Her comment raised more questions. “All of them lost husbands?”
“Yes,” Elsa said. “And all three admitted that Ray had done business with their spouses before they died.”
“Did he ask for money from the women?”
“No, that’s the odd thing,” Elsa said. “They claimed no money was exchanged. That he simply consoled them in their darkest hour.”
Levi scrubbed a hand through his hair. He didn’t believe that for a moment.
“I also interviewed some of the neighbors. One of them said Izzy set the bedroom on fire one night, that she tried to burn down the house for the insurance money.”
Levi jerked his head up and stared across the street. Izzy was just stepping back into One Stop Weddings.
Was Izzy the devious one, not Ray?
There was one way to find out.
He cleared his throat and made a snap decision. “It’s time we move this investigation along.”