“We are much better.”
He squeezed her hands softly before releasing them and moving to the door. “So, our marriage will take place a week from today on Valentine’s Day. Alright?”
“Yes. That works.”
He left her apartment feeling a little differently about this one-year adventure. At least he knew that if he made her upset, he’d be able to ease her worries. And he really needed to remember to watch his words. Think before speaking...
After all, he was a lawyer. He’d been taught to think about his words. So then why did he feel like tossing the rulebook right out the window with Rayne Kennedy?
THE WEDDING WAS SUPPOSED to be small. Quaint. Only a few family members and some friends. Rayne hadn’t even invited Eddie. She worried that seeing his sad eyes would break her heart and she’d want to back out. But when she’d arrived at her own wedding with her cousin and a few of her friends from work, Rayne was aghast at what Calvin had done.
Of all places to hold a wedding ceremony... why was it on Calvin’s father’s yacht? Decorations of white and silver were everywhere, and for the flowers... yellow roses. Other colors of roses were also sprinkled around the yacht – blue roses represented joy and harmony, pink for a positive attitude. But red? Why were there red roses at their wedding? Red represented passion! There would be no passion in her marriage, so why did Calvin want that color?
Acting like the happy groom, Calvin slipped his arm around Rayne’s waist and introduced her to his brothers and sisters and their spouses. He introduced her to his best friends – five of them – and their dates. It surprised her that his mother wasn’t here, only because Rayne knew the woman was still alive.
It was difficult for Rayne to pretend she was happy about her wedding day, but she must play the part, just as Calvin was doing. Now she was relieved she’d asked Eddie to stay away from the wedding.
There were things she needed to adjust in her life during the next twelve months. She would have to sub-lease her apartment, which thankfully, her landlord understood. Not seeing her apartment every day wouldn’t upset her as much as not seeing Eddie every day or talking to him on the phone. Could she really go through with this?
As they waited for the justice of the peace to arrive, Rayne tried to unobtrusively study Calvin. He was dressed in a light-blue buttoned shirt that was open at the neck, white casual slacks, and white canvas slip-on shoes. She’d chosen to wear a white strapless summer dress that buttoned down the front, and white sandals. The dress was one of her own creations and had a slanted pattern on the heart-shaped bodice. She’d loosely pulled back the sides of her hair and used a diamond-studded hair comb to hold her hair in place.
She noticed that whenever Calvin looked at her, his green eyes darkened, and a lazy smile touched his handsome face. Rayne really wished her heartbeat wouldn’t speed up during those times. And when he took her hands into his, she felt the tips of his fingers slide softly along her palms. He did this on purpose, she just knew it.
The justice of the peace arrived and their guests took their seats. Still holding her hand, Calvin leaned closer to her ear. His warm breath sent shivers over her, and his musky scent of pine weakened her legs.
“You look adorable today,” he whispered.
Oh, heavens... why had his words left her breathless? “You... don’t look half bad yourself.” She smiled.
Chuckling, he winked at her before leading her toward the bow of the yacht. As the ceremony started, she could hardly pay attention to the words being said by the justice of the peace. Instead, Calvin’s gentle stroke of his fingers along her fingers and palm distracted her more than she was prepared for. She swallowed several times, hoping to get rid of her dry throat.
Suddenly, she heard her name and was asked to join hands with Calvin. Her heart hammered faster as she faced Calvin and took his hands. As the justice of the peace began the vows, she repeated them. “I, Rayne Marie Kennedy, take you, Calvin Jay Gates, to be my lawfully wedded husband...”
When Calvin repeated his vows, she couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. She was lost in his gorgeous, smoldering eyes. She’d met many handsome men in her life, but they were never memorable. Calvin Gates was definitely someone who would stay on her mind for a long, long time.
“By the power vested in me,” the justice of the peace said loudly, “by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The middle-aged man’s smile widened, and he rocked back on his heels as his gaze shifted to Calvin. “You may now kiss your bride.”
The kiss! Rayne’s breath stilled. How had she forgotten that they were going to kiss... and in front of the wedding guests?
Her mind quickly replayed the passionate moment in the elevator. Yes, she could do this in front of these people she didn’t know, especially if she was able to do it in front of Rona.
Slipping his arms around her waist, he gave her a teasing grin. Her hands shook when she rested them on his chest as he pulled her closer. Once he bent his head toward her, she closed her eyes and waited...
The second his lips touched hers, fireworks erupted inside of her head, booming loudly in her ears. Or maybe the noise came from their cheering guests. Either way, it was noisy, but it didn’t take her mind off the way his mouth slid back and forth over hers, and oh, so incredibly tenderly that she could hardly breathe.
This kiss was so very different from the one they’d shared in the elevator. Her body immediately melted against him as her mind screamed at her to stop. The longer they kissed, the more she gradually pushed away the negative thoughts and concentrated on their first passionate kiss as husband and wife.
He was the first to pull away, but he kept her close against him as he smilingly gazed into her eyes. He’d put her under a spell. That could be the only reason why she was unable to look away. If it hadn’t been for his friends coming to congratulate them, who knows how long Rayne would have kept them in this position.
Embarrassment crept over her as she politely shook hands with the wedding guests. For someone who wasn’t happy about being married to Calvin Gates, she sure wasn’t acting like it now. Shame on her!
And yet, she enjoyed the way his arm stayed around her waist as though he didn’t want her moving from his side. And when he kept looking at her with so much emotion in his eyes as if he thought she was so pretty he couldn’t look away... Heavens, no man had ever made her feel so special or so lovely.
Inwardly, she groaned. What had she gotten herself into? How was she going to make it through the next twelve months and still want to marry... um... what’s his name? Eddie, yeah, Eddie – after being with such an attentive man as Calvin Gates?
This marriage was truly going to play havoc with her nerves. Perhaps she’d be the one losing her mind once all was said and done.
SIX
Calvin held Rayne’s hand as they walked toward his condo. They’d been quiet during the drive from the yacht to his place. His mind spun with plans to exist for the next year with his beautiful bride, knowing that her heart belonged to another man, but there was only one decision to make. She was his wife now. He needed to show her his sweet and tender side.
He stopped at the front door and looked down at her. “So, Mrs. Gates,” he said, with a hint of laughter in his voice, “should I carry you across the threshold?”
Chuckling, she rolled her eyes. “Seriously, Calvin. You don’t need to keep up the pretenses.”
He shrugged. “But I’m not pretending. I was just married. So were you. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, we were married to each other.” He motioned toward the door. “So why can’t I carry you inside? Isn’t that what happens when people get married?”
She opened her mouth to reply, but then she quickly closed it. Her gaze darted between him and the door. She sighed and nodded. “Fine. Carry me across, husband.”
She lifted her arms to wrap around his neck as he lifted her. Balancing her with one hand, he used the other hand to unlock the door. She slipped, and
he quickly caught her. Together, they laughed at the silliness of it all. Finally, he opened the door, kicking it wide as he carried her inside.
He kept her in his arms until he closed the door and locked it. Staring into her brilliant blue eyes, he gradually released her. As her body slid down his, her quick intake of air was noticeable, but he didn’t comment on it. Probably because he was also breathing irregularly.
Rayne stepped away from him, wringing her hands against her middle. He couldn’t believe how gorgeous she looked today. True, all brides were beautiful, but it was different with her. She didn’t have to get all dressed up for her wedding – a wedding she hadn’t really wanted. But she arrived at the yacht, looking as beautiful as any bride he’d ever seen. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t wearing a traditional white wedding gown, but the dress she wore fitted her personality. And it definitely hugged her slender curves. A few times during the evening, his friends asked if they could date her after the year was up and Calvin was divorced from her. He’d wanted to punch them in the face for even thinking such a thing about his bride.
Finally, she tore her gaze away from him and looked around the room. She stepped to one of his many waterfalls inside his home and watched the water trickle from the top rock to the one just below it, and the one below that until it reached the small pool encircled by a group of rocks.
She then moved toward another one in the other corner of the room that was made of metal, in the shape of two trees. The water ran from one leaf to the next until it gathered at the bottom of the sculpture.
“These are lovely, Calvin.” She glanced at him over her shoulder. “I’m surprised, though. I would never figure you for a guy who likes waterfalls.”
“I love to watch them. They’re calming. I love to listen to the trickling water when I’m stressed.”
“Yes, they are calming, and...” she shifted from one foot to the other, “they make me want to go to the bathroom.”
He laughed out loud and pointed down the nearest hall. “First door on your right.”
She hurried past him and down the hall. He grinned and moved into the kitchen. He took two wine goblets down and placed them on the long counter, but then paused. Perhaps she didn’t want any more to drink. He’d noticed she had quite a bit of champagne during the wedding.
Changing his mind, he returned the goblets to the shelf and brought down two porcelain cups and saucers. Maybe she’d be more in the mood for some hot cocoa tonight. It was still too early for bed, and he didn’t want to leave her side yet. He’d fixed up the guest bedroom for her, knowing that there was no way she’d want to share his room and bed.
“You have a really nice place, Calvin.” Rayne walked into the kitchen and sat on a stool behind the long counter.
“Thanks. It’s still new to me. I’ve only been here for about six months.”
“Where did you live before that?”
“In an old rundown apartment. That’s where I lived while getting my law degree, and even after I’d gotten the job at the firm.”
“How long have you been working at the firm?”
“One year and two months.”
“I assume you’re very successful there.”
He rested his elbows on the counter and leaned closer to her, smiling. “I’m doing okay, but it’s my goal to be my own boss or even partner with a top-notch lawyer.”
Her smile softened. “Yes, I’m sure that is every lawyer’s dream.”
“And what, my lovely wife, is your dream?”
Her gaze dropped to the counter and her smile wavered. She appeared to be thinking hard, but why would she have to think about her dream? Wasn’t that something that came naturally to everyone?
She shrugged and raised her luminous eyes back to him. “Like you, I’m going in the right direction for my dream. I own a shop and make my own designs, but...” She sighed and her smile disappeared.
“But what?”
“I’d really like to have more people notice my work. More famous people. Is that silly for me to want that?”
“It’s not silly at all. You’re shooting for the stars.”
She chuckled. “Yes, for the stars... like the ones in Hollywood.”
He stroked her hand lying flat on the counter. Thankfully, she didn’t pull away. “Everyone needs a dream. It gives us something to live for – something to fantasize about every day. So, don’t ever let anyone take yours away because if you do, you’re letting them control your mind, and believe me, that’s not a good way to live.”
“Thanks, Calvin. I’ll remember that.”
He could stare at her eyes all night. Well, maybe not all night. Sometime during that time, he’d want to take her in his arms and kiss her. He couldn’t stop thinking about their first kiss as man and wife. In the back of his mind, he tried to convince himself she was just playacting like she’d been doing on the elevator where they’d met, but part of his heart wanted her to feel the same passion he’d felt.
Calvin really needed to stop thinking this way. He’d only set himself up for a heartbreak. After twelve months, he knew what was going to happen.
“I was thinking,” he pulled away and took hold of the coffee cups. “Would you like to have some hot cocoa with me? I figured you probably wouldn’t want any more alcohol tonight.”
“You’re right. I think I drank too much as it was.” She rubbed her forehead. “I think some hot cocoa would be nice.”
“Great.”
He filled the cups with water and placed them in the microwave. Next, he took out the drink mix and marshmallows. When he showed her the bag, her eyes widened, and she nodded vigorously. He laughed and prepared everything for when the water was hot.
When their cups of hot cocoa were ready, he carefully slid hers along the counter in front of her. He stayed standing across from her. It was easier to look at her this way.
He held his cup up. “I’d like to toast to the strangest – yet very surprising – Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had.”
She laughed and held up her cup. “I’ll agree to that.”
They gently clinked their cups together and she lifted it to her mouth and drank.
“Hmm...” She closed her eyes and smiled.
His heart did a happy flip, knowing he’d brought her some happiness.
“This is really good.” She looked at him. “I don’t think I’ve ever tasted this brand before.”
“It’s the best.” He raised his cup in a silent cheer before taking another sip.
She flipped her hair over her shoulders before taking another sip. He could now see more of her white dress, and the irresistible heart-shaped bodice – and especially how well it fitted her. She was slender, but not so skinny that it looked like she had starved herself. From the shape of her arms, he could see that she liked to work out. He’d have to invite her to go running with him the next time he went.
“Calvin?” she asked but kept her stare on her cup. “Why did you go all out for our ceremony when you told me we would have a small gathering?” Hesitantly, she peeked at him from under her long eyelashes.
Confusion filled him, and he shook his head. “I didn’t go all out.”
She smirked and cocked her head. “Calvin, there were ribbons and flowers all over the deck. Oh, and let’s not forget it was on a yacht.”
He nodded. “Exactly. It was a small gathering, just as I promised.”
Slowly, her smile stretched across her face. “Am I to understand that you’ve never been to a wedding?”
He rolled his eyes. “Of course, I’ve been to weddings. My brothers and sisters are married, and I can assure you, our wedding was nothing like theirs.” He shook his head. “They had thousands of people, and although they were married in a church, their reception was held at my father’s mansion. They had servants serving their guests, and they even arrived – and left – in a horse and carriage, which looked like freakin’ Cinderella’s coach, if you can believe that. I swear, my sisters were probably tr
ying to outdo the Prince of Wales’ wedding.”
Her laughter started out as a small chuckle and then grew. Color bloomed brightly in her cheeks.
“Oh, Calvin. No wonder.” She nodded. “Now I understand why you thought our wedding was small.”
“It was small.”
She touched his hand and immediately he twined his fingers with hers. He liked that she didn’t try to pull away.
“Yes, I guess it was small.” She sighed. “But I’d actually expected something even smaller – like at the justice of the peace’s office at the courthouse.”
Disgust ran through him and he cringed. “Eww. Why would I want my first marriage like that? And why,” he gently stroked the pad of his thumb along the knuckle of her thumb, “would you want your first marriage like that?”
“Because, Calvin...”she paused and studied his face, “we were marrying in name only. Weren’t we?”
“Yes, but we were mainly marrying to get our inheritances.”
“True.”
“But,” he quickly continued, “we were still getting married. I didn’t want my designer wife to have to look at plain walls in a courthouse.”
“Thanks for thinking of me, and remembering this was my wedding, too.”
“Did you like the yacht and the decorations? What about the roses? Did you like the yellow ones?”
Her gaze narrowed on him. “Of course, I liked them. But... who was the one who ordered the other roses?”
“I did, of course.”
Distrust crossed her expression, and he panicked.
“I’m assuming,” she said slowly, “you know what the red rose represents.”
“Passion.”
“And yet, you wanted them at our wedding?”
He now realized why she was so hesitant about everything. Then again, she was a smart woman. He should have known she’d figure it out.
Calvin shrugged. “I’m sorry that you didn’t like them. I was just trying... well, you know... to help things out.”
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