by Hazel Taylor
That was a year ago, and while I got the occasional text from her, she left me alone for the most part except for Valentine's Day when she sent me flowers. Strange when you think about it.
I laughed off his comment. “Enough about me, tell me about you two.”
As they told me how they met and came together, somewhere deep inside I pushed down the pain of loneliness. No sense dwelling on what could never be.
We drank and talked and drank some more. “Here she is. Lily, how are you dear?” Paige stood up to embrace a tall woman wearing a flowery dress, her blond, straight hair seeming to float around her.
“Oh, my goodness, I can't believe you are getting married, Paige!"
Her smile was dazzling I wouldn't improve anything about that; it was perfect. Mentally punching myself, I was reminded of the vow I’d made to not pick anyone apart during this trip.
“I know, right? This is Donovan, my fiancé, and Cameron, an old high school buddy of his.”
When she turned, twinkling eyes greeted Donnie, then me. She excited me on many levels: her looks, her voice, even her height, which was usually a turn-off for me.
“It’s nice to meet you Donovan, Cameron.” Her grip was delicate but firm, the look of an angel with the strength of a lion. My tiger was on the loose.
She sat down beside me, conversing with Donnie and Paige about their wedding, nearly forgetting all about me, so I figured it only polite to remind her. “So what do you do?”
When her eyes returned to mine, they seemed to dance merrily. “I work at a bank. What about you?” The intensity of her stare should have been seductive, but after so many years, I was unaffected.
“Plastic surgeon.”
"Oh, wow, one of those awful doctors that convince women to have risky surgery to make themselves more beautiful or perfect?" She tossed her hair behind her back. "I suppose you could tell me what needs fixing on me, right?"
It was funny how Donnie and Paige seemed to disappear into the background. My skin felt hot as my eyes held hers. I wasn’t sure why, but this woman was like friction on my skin, abrasive but enjoyable in a wicked kind of way. “Everyone has something that needs fixing,” I told her. “Besides, not every surgery is risky.”
Her eyes continued to twinkle in a haughty way that made me want to show her a thing or two.
“Well, before you start reciting my flaws, I will save you the trouble. As a man, I am sure you can understand, even if the plastic surgeon in you cannot." She leaned back in her chair, crossing her long legs one over the other, bringing hot and sweaty visions to my mind. "I am perfectly imperfect just the way I am and any man who can't see that doesn't deserve me."
Oh, she was haughty, all right. At that moment I wanted to break that strong will with long seductive kisses that made every thought in her head disappear except for me and my touch. It excited me beyond anything I had ever known for a long time.
For so many years, women had been throwing themselves at me, and even though I wouldn’t admit it to myself, let alone anyone else, it was boring. This goddess with her sultry eyes and imperfect perfection might be just what I needed. I’d promised myself that this weekend was supposed to be a time to figure out how to best approach this problem with my partners, but I might be able to squeeze in the enticing of one goddess.
“Confidence, I love it. You have no idea how refreshing that is.” Glancing over at Donnie and Paige, I was greeted by two amused looks.
Paige waved a finger at me. “Lily is my maid of honor, Cameron, and you’re Donnie’s best man. I hope the two of you will be able to get along for this weekend.”
Oh, we were going to get along well, if I had any say about it.
Lily gave a light laugh. "Not a problem, Paige, we are both adults here. We will both do what is expected of us. Now if you will excuse me, everyone, I want to freshen up." She kissed Paige and Donnie, barely glancing my way to say good night and tossed her blond hair over her shoulder as she floated away.
It was all I could do to stop myself from following her into the elevator and cornering her at her door. Oddly, when I looked over at Donnie whose one eyebrow was arched upward, I knew that he knew. He shook his head no.
2
Lily
I couldn’t stop smiling as I made my way up to the 4th floor. Paige had warned me about Cameron, Donovan's best man. What she hadn't told me was how devastatingly handsome he was. His brown hair was short with a spikey feel to the top. Clean-shaven, he sported jeans and a tight-fitting T-shirt that hugged his chest and made me want to shiver.
I didn't usually judge people, but for some reason, he seemed to ruffle my feathers the second he opened his mouth. The fact that he was a plastic surgeon was commendable on one hand; he wanted to help people feel better about themselves. On the other hand, it was awful to make such insane amounts of money off making people think they needed to change something to be perfect.
I wasn’t looking for a man, so he wasn’t going to be a problem. Paige, however, seemed to be of the impression I might meet someone this weekend. I wasn't about to go down that road. Six months ago Michael had run off with his secretary that he had been secretly dating behind my back for a year—right before our wedding too. I didn't need another headache, thank you.
Instead, I would focus on my work and getting my animal rescue facility off the ground. With a barn full of cats and dogs that no one wanted and an empty bank account thanks to countless spay and neuters, I had to figure it out soon, before I lost the home I’d purchased two years ago.
After a shower and a candy bar from the vending machine, I settled in to catch up on Facebook while the TV blared in the background. The softness of the bed lulled me to slip down beneath the covers, tossing my phone aside and turning the TV off. It had been a long day, and I just needed sleep.
Moments later, a knock sounded at the door. Throwing back the covers in a huff, I made my way to the door dressed in tiny shorts and an old skimpy tank top and threw the door open. “Yes.”
His grin startled me, handsome in that devil-may-care kind of way. “Wanted to see if you needed anything, a drink, something to eat?”
“Did you give up your day job and start working for the hotel?”
“No.” His eyes wandered the length of me, making my legs weak. But I knew better than to let that get to me.
"Well, in that case, good night." I tried to slam the door, but his hand reached out and prevented it, sparking my anger. “What is it?”
The intensity in his eyes was startling. I could see a caged hunger behind his easy-going control. “Are you always this rude to people?”
I felt threatened. I wasn’t trying to be rude or offensive. I couldn’t help but raise my chin. Despite being tall, he and I were almost eye to eye. “Not usually, I just don’t appreciate men who think that every woman will fall at their feet just because they look devastatingly handsome.” Holy hell, I couldn’t believe that just slipped off my tongue.
The smile that reappeared was dazzling, to be sure, as my words likely made him want to preen like a strutting peacock. "Well, I am taken aback." His hand still planted on the door, he stepped forward so we were inches apart. “You know, at first glance I started to pick you apart like I do everyone, assessing what I could fix.”
His fingers traced the line of my jaw, then dipped down my neck and ran along my collarbone. I could feel long-ignored desire, as well as anger burning my blood, and I didn't know if I wanted to strangle him or kiss him. "I don't care what you think I need to fix. It's men like you that ruin women, with your playboy attitude and good looks. You make a fortune appealing to the insecurities of women.”
His fingers rested on my shoulder as his breath mingled with mine, his expensive cologne tickling my nose and setting fire to my skin everywhere. “I love women, every last one of them.” He bent his head to kiss my shoulder, and damned if I didn’t shiver.
“I know. That’s the problem: too much love, not enough devotion.” I couldn’t s
tand it anymore. Playboy or not, if I didn’t get him out of my doorway and shut the door fast, I was going to drag him in. Not good. Then I would just end up down the same path as before.
With one hard shove, I sent him back a step, just enough to slam the door in his face and lock it. Leaning against the door, I allowed my knees to go weak as I slid down to the carpet. Heaven help me, I couldn't wait for this weekend to be over so I could get back to my normal life, peace, and quiet.
"Good night, Lily. Until tomorrow then. Rest well, cara mia."
Hearing his words through the door, I wanted to roll my eyes in the back of my head. Oh, he was good, for sure. A little too good. He might even outdo Michael in the playboy department.
3
Cameron
I had a hard time sleeping that night. Like a kid anticipating Christmas, I couldn’t wait to see her, talk to her, ruffle those gorgeous feathers. As I lay in bed, the TV blaring in the background, I reexamined every part of her.
Her long, sleek, blond hair that at first, I thought needed a curl to it. Her height would have made her a fantastic model. The blue eyes that seemed to twinkle at everyone but me. The genuine and bubbly smile that she bestowed on everyone, withholding it slightly when she looked my way. A body that at first appeared less than perfect. The attitude that refused to give me any regard whatsoever.
At first, it turned me off, but when she had accidentally revealed how handsome she thought I was, that changed things entirely. What I found even more exciting was the fact that despite that attraction, she was still able to push me around like she felt nothing, like she could take me or leave me. For the first time in many years, I felt truly desirous of a woman, and not for the obvious reasons. It was a nice change.
I was set to meet Donnie for a fitting, and Paige had a fitting scheduled with her bridesmaids. By the time I got a look at Lily again, it was in the lobby as all the ladies hurried in to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.
“She doesn’t like you very much. That must be a surprise.” Donnie’s voice brought me out of my stupor as I stood looking her way. She was dressed in a simple pair of jeans and a pink blouse that made her cheeks glow. Glancing sideways, I was met with that grin.
“At first, but when I went to her room last night to see if she needed anything she managed to slip up and tell me how handsome she thinks I am.” Watching her again, I waited, as if willing her to look my way. When she glanced my way she didn’t smile, merely looked me over from head to toe, returning to my eyes before getting on the elevator with everyone.
“What a surprise that must have been. What did you do?”
“Nothing. She shoved me and slammed the door in my face shortly after.”
If looks were words, his humored expression would have spoken volumes. I, of course, chose to ignore the obvious. "You're done for, Cam."
"Not happening, man. I am a bachelor at heart. No woman, not even that one, is ever going to snag me."
“So how’s work?”
We walked side by side to the elevators. It surprised me how Donnie had seemed to change since I last saw him, before he met Paige. He seemed calmer, more relaxed, even happy. He smiled more, he laughed more, he was just different. I wondered what had happened.
“Awful. The partners want me to get married because I am giving them a bad reputation and it’s affecting clients and business.”
“Well, you’re not young anymore. Why don’t you get married, pick one of those lovely ladies who adore you and get married?”
"No way. I will find another solution. Maybe I will branch out and start my own practice."
He nodded his head at the idea, clearly thinking. “When Paige and I first met she was my fake girlfriend for a short time to get Mom off my back. Never would have thought I would be getting married.” He walked beside me, looking thoughtful. “Did I tell you Paige’s friend Lily is looking to fund an animal rescue facility?”
“No.”
Donnie had been a problem-solver since we were kids. He always had a knack for getting right to the heart of an issue and solving it for you. At this moment I was truly thankful to him because he had.
Thanks to him, a plan was formulating in my mind. After we parted ways, as I cleaned up and dressed, my mind kept wandering to the elusive Lily, with all that haughty fire.
As I entered the church for the rehearsal, I caught sight of her. Strangely, as I got closer, I couldn’t think of anything to say, which was unusual for me. “Evening, Lily.”
“Cameron.” She smiled slightly. “You’re late.”
Not easily ruffled, I just smiled. Donnie had arrived with me, so I technically wasn’t late. “You’re looking lovely.” I stepped an inch closer just to see her reaction. Just as I thought, her eyes met mine in a challenge as she twisted her hands together in front of her. She seemed to visibly squirm beside me.
“Thank you.”
“Before dinner, I want to discuss something with you."
4
Lily
His request left me thoroughly confused. We hardly knew each other. I could only guess what he wanted to discuss.
The rehearsal went smoothly. All seemed to be in place for what would be an extravagantly elegant wedding for two people who appeared to adore each other completely. For me, it had been difficult to take Cam’s arm as we walked up the aisle. Strangely, when I did it felt right to stand beside him, holding on to his arm. That type of comfort usually meant a heartache.
I had to admit I was a bit jealous. Being two years older than Paige, I still hadn't found my partner in crime, and by the looks of things, it was doubtful I ever would.
As I entered the restaurant, I caught sight of him and felt frozen in place as he slowly made his way over to me, those intense eyes locked on mine.
"We have a few minutes before dinner is served. Let's go sit at the bar a moment; I need some privacy." Gone was the playboy, replaced with a serious man who was all business as he sat beside me at the bar.
I ordered a wine and he a lager. “So, what is it that you need to talk to me about?”
“I understand you are looking to start an animal rescue.”
Unsure what this had to do with anything, I decided it was okay to talk to him about my passion. “Yes. For a few years I have been taking in unwanted dogs and cats. After I moved out of the apartment with Paige, I left the city and bought a run-down farmhouse with a big old barn. I keep them there; I chip away at expenses for medical care and other needs and work to find them families.”
Animals were my secret passion, something I didn't readily share with anyone unless we were close. The fact that this handsome man with the playboy attitude knew made me a bit uncomfortable. Something else for him to likely pick apart.
5
Cameron
Somehow the vision of her caring for animals seemed to fit as I drank my beer. “Very thoughtful and dedicated.”
This time her smile dazed me; it was like a punch in the chest. “Thank you. I love them all. I hate the thought of animals getting euthanized because no one will adopt them.”
“Do you have any funding beside yourself?”
She made me laugh as her hand waved around in the air like some unnoticed schoolgirl. “Me, myself and I.”
Smiling inside, I knew this was my perfect opportunity. “What would you say if I was willing to fund your project in exchange for your services?”
It wasn’t until she choked on her wine that I realized I might have worded that the wrong way. “What?”
I offered her the nearby napkins and waited for her coughing to settle down. “Not those kinds of services, although I wouldn’t be averse to that. I’m looking for something else.”
“I can’t imagine what.”
“Let me explain.” I spent the next half hour explaining my situation to her. During a few moments, I felt disgusted with myself for the way my life appeared to look, judging by the reactions she gave.
“Are you serious? Why me? Why not some
beautiful woman who comes into your office, or sits on the beach or something?”
“Well, frankly I didn’t think of it before I left, but I think you would be perfect. I need someone smart, beautiful and a bit outspoken and rude, which will work out well when I announce a divorce at some point down the road." I regretted my words as soon as I spoke to them.
“So I am rude?”
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
"I know what you meant." She swirled her wine around in her glass before setting her easy terms. A boatload of money, she would fly back to my house, move in after our so-called quickie Vegas wedding and pretend to be my wife for no more than a month, at which time I could announce an annulment or we could just separate for a time.
I had to admit she was brilliant. In a matter of less than an hour she had planned the whole situation out to a T. I was amazed.
“Do we have a deal then?” The bangles that hung from her ears sparkled around her face, making her look like an angel on earth. My heart skipped a few beats.
"I need those funds desperately, but I get my own bedroom."
“You will keep all your stuff in my bedroom and the bathroom, but you can sleep wherever you like. Unless, of course, you decide to sample the goods." Throwing her my most dazzling smile, I was rewarded with an elbow to the ribs.
“What about affection, kissing, touching?”
Resting my hand on hers, I slid my fingers slowly up and down her arm. I could see the storm building behind those blue eyes. "That shouldn't be a problem. We have chemistry. Here, let me demonstrate." She seemed frozen in place watching me.