by Dawn Brower
“Don’t be,” he breathed out the words. “You weren’t ready. There’s nothing wrong with doing what is right for you in the moment. It wasn’t meant to be then.” He smiled. “Perhaps now it is.”
“I’d like to think it is.” She glanced away from him. “There’s the bistro. Let’s eat.” She pointed to it.
Ian went with her willingly. This was what he’d wanted all those years ago. Why did it feel as if something was missing, or worse, something might destroy their fragile new beginning? If she didn’t want to discuss their past more, he’d let her change the subject. They had time.
Chapter 5
The late afternoon sun lit up her loft and helped Lila’s happy vibes grow exponentially. Today was Tori and Wes’s wedding day, and Ian would be there. He didn’t ask her to attend with him, and she had hoped he would, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t be able to spend time together. The past few days had been wonderful, and she believed for the first time that something good was about to happen to her.
She wasn’t the only one that suffered any consequences…
Sometimes it seemed as if the entire world was against her. Even when something good happened, she expected it to be followed with something so bad she wanted to curl up in a ball and hide. This time she wouldn’t think of the worst. She would allow Ian to be a part of her life, and if for some reason it didn’t work out—she wouldn’t give up on having a special person in her life; however, she’d be lying if she said that she didn’t hope with all her heart that Ian would be the one she spent her life with.
She had to get ready for the wedding. The happy couple would say their vows in an hour. Lila sat at her vanity. She brushed hair until it fell down her back in waves, then carefully applied her makeup. With that completed, it was time to slip on the dress she’d purchased for the wedding. She didn’t have too many occasions to wear a pretty dress and had splurged.
Her dress was a burgundy knee length dress with a V-neck. The skirt was a flow chiffon, and the bodice was embellished with lace and beading. It had a built-in bra and was partially backless. The lower half of the back was open and dipped low to the cure of her ass.
The shoes were gorgeous, but she knew her feet wouldn’t thank her for wearing them. They were peep toe sandals with a four-inch stiletto heel. They were burgundy at the base and strap, but around the toe area crystal gems decorated a clear strap. She felt decadent wearing the dress and shoes.
Would it be too much to hope that at the end of the night Ian stripped it off and made love to her?
Hell… wear had that thought come from? Did she really want that? Lila took a moment to consider it as she looked at herself in the full-length mirror. She never felt better about herself or surer of another person. Ian would be good to her. She wanted him to touch her, love her, and bring her pleasure she’d never felt before.
She blew out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, then grabbed the clutch that matched her dress. It was time to leave. She could revisit the idea of making love with Ian later. Lila couldn’t be certain if he wanted the same thing she did. She would have to approach the topic carefully. Even though they had a past, whatever was between them now…it felt new.
Lila slipped out of her studio apartment, locked the door, then left to go to the wedding. She frowned when she stepped out of her building. She should get a ride share. Walking any length in her heels would be difficult. She pulled out her phone and opened the app.
“Hello,” Ian said from behind her. “I thought you might need a ride.”
She glanced up and smiled. “How did you come to that conclusion?”
His lips tilted upward into a sensual smile. “I noticed you walk a lot,” he began as he stepped closer. “And while I think part of it is because you enjoy it…I do not believe that’s the entire reason.”
She chuckled. “You’re very observant.”
“I like to think I am.” He held out his arm. “My lady, your chariot awaits.”
“A real chariot?” She couldn’t help teasing him.
“No,” he said, then laughed. “That might prove too difficult to maneuver.” He led her to a car parked at the curb nearby. “I have my car. Hopefully, you find it acceptable.”
She lifted a brow. “Is there any reason I wouldn’t?”
“Well…no,” he said a little sheepishly. “But I do not like to assume.”
She kissed his cheek. “There’s nothing about you I would ever find wanting.” That was the absolute truth. Her heart was filled with so many emotions regarding him, and she might be falling for him in a big way. “Let’s go to a wedding.”
He nodded and opened her car door, then gestured for her to get inside. She slid into the seat and put her safety buckle on as he closed the door. Ian slid into the driver's seat, fastened his own seat belt, and then started the car. “Before I forget,” he said as he glanced at her. “You look so beautiful tonight it makes me ache to look at you.”
Her heart skipped a beat at his words. “You say the sweetest things.
“Only to you,” he told her, then shifted the car into drive.
It didn’t take long to reach the hotel where the wedding was to take place. The ceremony and reception would both be held there. A smaller room was set up for the wedding itself, and only a few select guests were invited to witness the vows. The reception would be much larger and elaborate. Wes and Tori had wanted a more intimate ceremony and Lila had been surprised she got an invitation to the wedding itself.
“Are you ready to go in?” Ian asked after he parked the car and killed the engine.
“Absolutely,” she said.
He exited the car and walked around to open her door. Ian had the best manners. He reached in and held out his hand to assist her out. She placed her hand in his as she put her feet on the ground outside of the car, then stood with his help. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure,” he said, then smiled. He held out his arm to her. “Let’s go witness these vows.”
Ian was glad he’d taken a chance and stopped by Lila’s apartment first. When she had stepped out of her building, the very sight of her stole his breath. It seemed as if every time he glanced in her direction; she grew more beautiful than the last time. The dress only enhanced what he already adored…which added up to absolutely everything.
Now, he stared at her as she talked with Emma and Colt. The wedding had gone by in a blur. Ian had not been able to pay attention to anything but Lila. The bride and groom were off getting pictures as guests started to arrive for the reception. Tori had been smart enough to sit Lila at the same table as Ian. She must have seen something no one else did. Ian had switched her name card, so she was next to him. He didn’t even want a few chairs separating them.
Ian crossed the room and stopped next to Lila. He grinned at Emma. “Don’t you have bridesmaid duties or pictures to take.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “No, thank God.” She wrinkled her nose. “I suffered through all that already. The photographer is only doing bride and groom pictures right now.”
“Where is the rest of the wedding party?” Ian asked.
“Ginnifer had to feed the baby,” Emma told him. “Dallas accompanied her. They don’t like being away from their little angel.” She sighed. “And there is Eric and Vivi walking in now.”
Ian remembered when their daughter, Montana Novak, had been born. The entire family had been in the waiting room, waiting for her to make her entrance into the world. He had been an ass to Lila that day, too. Ian couldn’t go back and change that, though. He could only move forward, and he intended to.
“Montana must be so big now,” Lila said.
“She’s almost a year old,” Emma said. “I love that little girl to pieces. She’s stolen all our hearts.”
“I can confirm that,” Colt said. He patted his chest. “If I didn’t already give Emma my heart, Ana would own it.”
Ian had forgotten that Tori had given Montana that nickname. “I’m sure she’s
beautiful. How could she not with a mother as gorgeous as Ginnifer?” He grinned. “When are you two going to have children?”
“Hey now,” Emma said. “Don’t be giving this one ideas.” She patted Colt’s shoulder. “He has his hands full with physical therapy. We do not need to add a baby into that mix.”
“I don’t know,” Colt said and flashed her a wicked grin. “I kind of like the idea of making a baby. It would be fun.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Making it would. Raising it would be hell.”
Ian chuckled. “I’m sure you don’t mean that. You’d love a baby.”
Did Lila want children? Ian would love to have a baby with her. He wanted to have everything with her. The idea of building a family with Lila filled his heart with so much warmth it might burst. He should find a way to get her alone and discuss their future. It was time she knew what he wanted, and she heard how much he cared about him.
Everyone started clapping, and they turned toward the doors. Tori and Wes walked in. The reception was ready to start. The band started playing music and Wes led Tori on to the dance floor. “Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Novak for their first dance as husband and wife,” the singer announced.
“Isn’t that lovely,” Lila said in a low tone.
Ian stepped next to her and put his arm around her waist. She leaned against him, placing her head on his shoulder. Was this what happiness felt like? “It is,” Ian agreed, but he wasn’t looking at Wes and Tori. His gaze was locked on her.
“Please grab a partner and join the bride and groom on the dance floor,” the singer announced.
Ian stepped in front of her and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”
She met his gaze and placed her hand in his. They walked to the dance floor and he drew her into his arms. Ian didn’t care who was around them or who might be watching. This woman in front of him had stolen his heart years ago. The past few days had only solidified it. He had to tell her he loved her, and he hoped when he did it wouldn’t push her away.
“Ian,” she said in a husky tone.
“Yes, Lila,” he said, his voice low and intimate.
“I don’t want to dance anymore.”
“No?” He lifted a brow, a little disappointed. Ian wanted to hold her for as long as she allowed. Unfortunately, it appeared she was read to dispense with the more intimate portion of their time together.
“No,” she said, then licked her lips. “In fact,” she began. “I don’t think I want to stay at the wedding at all.”
His heart sank. That was even worse than leaving the dance floor. “What would you like to do instead?”
She smiled shyly. “Do you happen to have a room at the hotel for the night?”
He did… “Why?”
“Because I’d like you to take me there if you do.”
Ian’s mouth dropped open. Had he heard her correctly? That couldn’t be… “Lila…”
“If you don’t want to, I understand.”
Ian did, but he didn’t want her to feel as if she had to join him. “I didn’t make the reservation to seduce you.”
She tilted her head to the side and studied him. “What if I want you to?”
Ian swallowed the lump in his throat. He had to handle this in the right way. He didn’t want to frighten her off. What had happened to her was in the past, but she still lived with it every day. “Do you?” Please say yes… “If you want to spend the night with me, I want you to be sure. We don’t need to do this now. We have time.”
“I think we have already wasted too much time,” she whispered. “I wasted it for us. Take me to your room.”
He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. It was a sweet kiss of lips on lips, then it turned to something more passionate. They stopped dancing and kissed. There was nothing but them, a kiss so passionate they were lost in each other, and a need that burned through them. Ian lifted his head and met her gaze. “I love you.”
She smiled. Her lips were plump from their kiss. “I love you too.”
Ian smiled. Yes, they had already wasted too much time. He wrapped his arm around her waist and led her from the reception. He’d give his regrets to the bride and groom later. Ian had plans for the night with the woman he loved, and that was all that mattered to him at that moment.
Epilogue
One year later…
Lila checked on the family in the waiting room. They were all gathered for the birth of Emma Novak’s baby. Colt was a nervous wreck, and by his wife’s side. He had made an amazing recovery and should be fit to play in the next season. Even if he wasn’t, Paxton had given the Starlings an amazing season as the quarterback.
“Are you going to give them the news?” Ian asked. Her husband smiled down at her. They had their own surprise they were keeping for now. She was three months pregnant with their first child. They started working on their family before they said their vows. They had only been married for a month. She couldn’t wait to tell the world they were expecting, but she didn’t want to jinx it.
“I am,” she said. “They’re an anxious bunch.”
“You can handle them.” He leaned down and kissed her. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“Only if you have time. I will never say no to having you with me.”
He laughed. “Then lead the way, Mrs. Ellwood.”
“You like saying that, don’t you?” She said, then giggled.
“Always,” he said. “I’ll never tire of it.” He hugged her against him. “I love you.”
“And I’ll never tire of hearing that.” She rested her head against his shoulder. “But we have a family waiting for news about their new addition.”
“All right,” he said, then sighed. “If you insist.”
She wished she had more time to stay there, in his arms, and basking in his love. “I’m afraid duty calls.”
They walked hand-in-hand to the waiting room. Dallas was on his feet immediately when they entered. This was different from the last time. Dallas had been the anxious papa to be. “Emma?” He was concerned about his baby sister.
“Is fine,” Lila reassured him. “She delivered a healthy baby boy.”
“I have a nephew,” Wes said, a little excited.
“And baby girl,” Lila continued.
“Wait,” Tori said and held up her hand. “She had two babies?”
Ginnifer looked at Lila, frowned, then glanced at Tori, “And I thought you would be the one to have twins.”
“Don’t you dare curse me like that,” Tori chastised her. “I thought you were my best friend.”
Ginnifer shrugged. “Well, you’re a twin. It made sense to me.”
Dallas shook his head. “God help them.”
“Amen,” Ginnifer said. “One baby nearly killed us. The lack of sleep…” She shuddered. “I’m not repeating that any time soon. I like sleep too much.”
“And I don’t plan on doing it at all.” Tori shook her head then looked at Wes. “You better enjoy baby time with you sister’s children. I’m not letting you put a baby in me.”
He walked over and hugged her close. “It’s all right, honey. I have time to change your mind.”
She glared at him. “You keep telling yourself that.”
Lila chuckled softly and stepped out of the room. They would continue to bicker like that, and she’d much prefer some more time with Ian before he had to return to his patients. She turned to him. “I hear there is an empty supply closet around the corner. Do you care to help me, um, take inventory?”
“As long as that is code for make out with my wife,” he began. “Count me in.”
They sneaked into the closet, secured the door, and then Ian pressed his lips to hers. Lila sighed and allowed the passion to wash over her. She never thought she’d have this with any man. Ian’s love helped her to realize she could have so much more if she allowed herself. She started going back to school to become a nurse practitioner, and in six months she’d have her first child. Ian was
the love of her life, and loving him gave her courage to be more than she ever thought she could be.
Afterword
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About The Author
USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.
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Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys into productive young men. There is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.
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She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To follow her or can find more about her check out her website for the pertinent information:
www.authordawnbrower.com
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