“Stop pulling on your tie.”
“Can’t.” Luke ran a finger around his collar. “It’s too tight. I feel like I’m suffocating. I am suffocating.”
“You’re just nervous.” Aaron watched his younger brother.
Sitting on the sofa, Blue grinned at Luke. “Just think, everyone will be there watching you, waiting for you to trip and fall on your face.”
Luke glared at him.
“Don’t,” Aaron advised. “Dad will be upset if you two start wrestling like kids.”
“I wasn’t going to jump him,” Luke denied.
Aaron just looked at him steadily while buttoning the cuffs of his white shirt.
“Okay, I was, but he’s being an arsehole.”
“Can you just imagine Mikki’s expression if you face-plant?” Blue needled.
Luke fiddled with his tie. “I’m not going to face-plant.”
“He won’t face-plant,” Aaron confirmed.
“Aw, look, big brother is looking after his little brother.”
“I’ll be his only brother in a minute if you keep this up.” Luke pulled at the knot of his tie, jerking it loose before collapsing on the sofa with a sigh. “This is killing me. I’m a wreck. I don’t want to do this. Is it too late to elope? I want to elope.”
“Never too late,” Blue said.
“I’ll find you,” Aaron stated calmly. “You’ll be fine. Mikki will be there, family and a few close friends. Nothing big.”
“Because she saw you start to hyperventilate when the wedding plans first started,” Blue put in. “There’s no way she’d risk you fainting by even being late. Now quit worrying.”
“After what you just said?” Luke’s head dropped back against the sofa. “I can’t do this.”
“You can,” Aaron said firmly. “You will.”
“Easy for you to say.” Luke waved one hand in the air. “Strode down the church aisle like you owned it, waited for Shea, watched her come down the aisle, had that Zen thing going, married her, didn’t stumble, fumble or crumble. Pretty much what anyone would expect of you.”
“Yep.” Blue nodded. “Now Luke, we’d expect him to wander up the aisle with shit on his shoes from fertilizing the garden, a bit of hay stuck out of his hair, and smelling like a sweaty armpit.”
The corners of Aaron’s eyes crinkled in amusement.
Luke’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that actually an expression on your face?”
Blue peered at his oldest brother. “By Jove, old bean, I do believe you are right. Mr Zen himself is almost cracking a grin. I do believe…” He squinted. “Yes, there is the faintest of curves.”
“Maybe it is a day of miracles.” Luke yanked at his tie again.
Aaron surveyed Luke. “This is for Mikki.”
“Yeah. I’m in a tie, aren’t I? I wouldn’t do it for anyone but her.”
“This is her day, this is your day. Family and a few friends. Marrying the woman of your dreams.”
Luke thought for a minute, nodded, eased back on the sofa. “You’re right. It’s all good.”
“You know everyone. It’s just like standing up at the Christmas party and reciting family anecdotes, except you’re dressed a little better and repeating vows. That’s all.”
“Okay.” Luke took a deep breath. “I’ve got this. You’re right.”
“Want a Coke or something?” Blue asked.
“Then I’ll want to piddle. Better not.”
Stretching out his legs, Blue crossed his ankles and surveyed his shoes. Polished, black, dressy. He wondered what Charley was going to be wearing. At Mikki’s request, she’d taken her dress and left to meet Mikki, Izzy and Shea at Mikki’s Aunt Elspeth’s house. Last night she’d been wearing-
“So, you and Charley on the motorbike last night,” Aaron stated in that spooky way he had of somehow seeming to read people’s thoughts.
Leaving his tie alone, Luke grinned at Blue. “Oohh, yeah. You and Charley.”
Blue nodded.
“So, just how did you manage to get her to go out on the motorbike with you?”
While he loved stringing Luke along, Blue cut him some slack. The poor bugger was nervy, never did well at fancy dos, and was going to be one of the two stars at the wedding. Wouldn’t hurt to divert his mind for awhile - at least long enough to calm down and stop jerking around the bloody tie. “Just had to ask, that’s all.”
“Really?” Luke was sceptical. “Because Charley doesn’t like motorbikes.”
“She likes mine.” That was stretching the truth a little.
In fact, he’d had to coax her onto the motorbike in the first place, doing up her helmet while smiling reassuringly into her big-eyed face. He certainly hadn’t needed to remind her to hold onto him when he’d patted the seat behind him. She’d clung like glue to him as soon as they started down the street.
It had been good actually, the powerful engine throbbing beneath him, Charley pressed so hard against him he could feel every delicious curve, the warmth of the apex of her thighs pressed tight against his bum, those rounded thighs along the outside of his, her arms tight around his waist and that bountiful bosom pressed against his back.
Shame she’d only clung to him because she’d been a nervous wreck. Heck, if he’d put her expression last night beside Luke’s of just a few minute’s ago, they’d have looked identical.
“I saw you ride past the office,” Aaron said. “You couldn’t get a toothpick between your bodies.”
“Heh heh.”
Luke shook his head. “That’s sad. That’s sick. The only way you can get a girl to hang onto you is by scaring them.”
“Charley was hanging on because I’m a bad boy bikie.”
Aaron just looked at Blue.
Luke hooted.
“She trusted me.”
“I saw the panic on her face when you went past,” Aaron said.
“What, did you spend the evening hanging out of your office window watching for us?” Blue asked. “You didn’t have anything to do? Hunting some terror cell, or retrieving someone from some Godforsaken country, or recusing a damsel in distress? Creeping through some jungle dressed in black? Or whatever other shady shit you do at times?”
Aaron smiled slightly.
“I hear that you and Charley were all over each other on the lawn in your backyard,” Luke announced.
“Cole has a big mouth,” Blue replied. “So what? Jealous?”
“No. I’m worried about the lawn. Don’t kick around on it too much in this hot weather, you don’t want to expose the roots to the heat.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“No. This heat dries the lawn out.”
“That’s what you’re worried about? The lawn?”
“What’s your problem?”
“That’s what you got out of Cole’s little dobbing session? The lawn?”
“Listen, gardening is a serious business. I busted my arse on your gardens and lawns, I don’t want to see them damaged.”
“Why? Because it’ll upset you?”
“Hell yes. Plants are not to be trifled with.”
Blue looked at Aaron. “Can you believe this shit?”
Aaron nodded.
“That’s sad. That’s really sad.”
“Be sadder when your lawn starts to die,” Luke muttered.
“Let’s change the subject.”
“Why? Just because you’re not mature enough to appreciate a good lawn-”
“Try not to slip while going up the aisle in front of everyone, okay? You’ll embarrass Mikki. And us.”
Luke scowled.
Aaron laughed softly.
Mr Wells appeared in the doorway, Jason right behind him with Cole hovering in the background. His gaze swept across his three sons, a smile of pride on his lips that only grew when he glanced at Jason behind him before including Cole.
Jason smiled back, a full-on smile that most people rarely saw.
Mr Wells nodded, then his gaze went to Luke. “How you holding up, son?”
“Blue’s trying to rattle me, but I’m good.” Luke stood up. “Nothing can rattle me. Look, cool as a cucumber.” Holding out his hand, he spotted the slight tremor. “Shi-crap. Okay, maybe a little nervous, but all’s good, right, Aaron?”
“He’s fine.” Aaron clapped a hand on Luke’s shoulder.
Luke wobbled slightly at the knees.
“Careful,” Blue said. “He needs all his strength for the honeymoon.”
“And the brains for the wedding service,” Jason added.
Luke flipped his cousin the bird.
“Okay, boys.” Mr Wells stood aside. “Time to head for the church.”
Blue, Aaron and Cole followed Jason out. As expected, Mr Wells stopped Luke, spoke softly to him. Blue took a quick glance, watching his brother’s face soften, the way he listened intently to their father, the quiet pride in Mr Well’s eyes, and Blue sure as heck didn’t miss his brother give their father a sudden hard hug.
As he walked out onto the veranda, Blue cleared his throat.
Jason gave his shoulder a squeeze.
“Let me guess,” Blue said. “Dad gave you a talk, too, on your wedding day?”
Jason nodded.
Blue glanced at Aaron, who nodded.
“Don’t worry.” Aaron herded the two younger men and the teenager, who happened to be his really young brother-in-law, off the veranda towards the waiting cars. “You’ll get your turn.”
With Charley? The thought popped unbidden into Blue’s mind. Possibly. Maybe. Damned good chance of it. He certainly wasn’t going to dwell on it, though. It was early days in their relationship, time enough for serious stuff later. Right now it was Luke’s wedding day.
He settled into the back seat of Aaron’s car, Cole sliding in beside him as Jason took the passenger seat. Aaron started the car and backed out of the driveway as Luke and Mr Wells came out of the house, both of them heading for the freshly washed and polished car that Mr Wells only brought out of the garage for special occasions.
Today was definitely a special occasion.
At the church the men waited until Luke and Mr Wells arrived, then Luke and Aaron disappeared into the church while Jason, Mr Wells, Cole and Blue stood around waiting.
Sure enough it wasn’t long and Izzy’s little car pulled in. Jason immediately opened the driver’s door, helping Izzy out and kissing her cheek as soon as she straightened. She smiled up at him sweetly.
Blue had to admit that Izzy had been good for his cousin, just as Shea had been good for Aaron. Or maybe that should be the other way around, he thought, as he noted Cole help Shea out in a similar manner to Aaron’s.
The thoughts disappeared as soon as he opened the door for Charley. Taking his proffered hand, she got out and straightened with a smile.
God, she took his breath away. The dress she wore skimmed her lush curves to swirl around her knees, a soft yellow with tiny pale lilac flowers all over it. Her sandals were the palest lilac, her small clutch the same colour. The thick honey-blonde hair was pulled back in a neat chignon, several little curls dancing loosely around her cheeks. He couldn’t hep but glance at her ears - yep, tiny pale lilac studs. His woman did like to match everything.
But hell, she’d look good in a sack, especially with those big brown eyes smiling up at him, open admiration in her eyes as she looked him up and down.
“My, don’t you scrub up well.” Then, going up on tiptoe, she surprised him by placing a kiss on his cheek in front of everyone.
The barest brush of silken lips, the softest touch of skin to skin, her faint floral scent swimming through his senses.
He had the sudden insane desire to grab her, pull her against him, feel those lush curves and taste those sweet, sweet lips.
Sweet woman, sweet smell, sweet smile, sweet clothes. Sweetness overload, yet never overload enough. Definitely never enough.
With effort he stamped down the insane desire, for now was certainly not the time to dwell on decadent thoughts. Resting his hand on the back of her waist, he drew her close and kissed her with admirably sedate gentleness on the cheek. “Looking gorgeous, Sunflower.”
Maybe he hadn’t hidden his desire as well as he’d thought. Her cheeks were definitely pinker when he straightened, but her smile was firmly in place, the pleasure at seeing him unfaded.
Another car swung in beside them, and Jason muttered. Izzy said something quietly and he sighed.
Blue knew exactly why his cousin had been slightly disturbed. His mother - Blue’s Aunt Lora - had arrived in the company of Jim, her boyfriend. Her big bruiser of a boyfriend who was an ex-prize fighter with a cauliflower ear, broken nose, and an old scar through his left eyebrow down to his left ear. By no means could he be called handsome, or even passably good-looking, the smaller scars pocking his face ensuring that. Big, swarthy, with a trim, muscular figure going a little soft, Jim now drove a delivery truck which included flowers. He’d met Aunt Lora where she worked as a florist.
Jason had a smile on his face - faint, a little pained, a little forced - as he shook Jim’s hand. Considering what he and his mother had gone through with his father, it was no wonder he viewed suspiciously any man with the slightest interest in his mother. Regardless that Jim could have beaten him to a pulp with one hand behind his back, Jason had fronted him up and threatened him with dire consequences if he so much as breathed wrong on Aunt Lora. Jim respected that and remained unfazed by Jason’s forced friendliness.
Besides, if Jim had done one thing to upset Aunt Lora, it wouldn’t be just Jason fronting him up - he’d have the four Wells men breathing fire as well.
Still, as time had gone on, it became clear Jim was besotted with her, and his gentleness was a true indication of his nature. Strangely at odds with his previous profession, but nevertheless his background with women, children, animals and anyone smaller than himself was impeccable. Aaron had quite shamelessly had him investigated without his knowledge - or Aunt Lora’s.
Blue would have yanked Jason’s chain for amusement except that he knew how hard it was for his cousin to step back and let his mother make her own way. His childhood had left definite scars.
Blue greeted Jim pleasantly, gave his aunt a kiss on the cheek, introduced Charley to Jim and then stepped back to wait while everyone exchanged pleasantries.
“Is Jason okay?” Charley whispered.
“He’s fine. Just a little overprotective of his Mum.”
“Oh. Okay.”
He squeezed her waist slightly. “Another day.”
“It’s fine. Not really my business.”
But it would be if she was going to be part of their family.
Before Blue could even contemplate the words that had formed unbidden in his mind, other cars started to arrive. From there it was a whirlwind of Mikki’s numerous family members. Brothers and sisters piled out of cars, happy chatter and the scents of perfume and aftershave filling the air. After the initial greetings everyone went into the church, automatically going right or left.
By the time they were seated, Blue gave Luke an encouraging grin. His brother appeared calm, Aaron obviously having worked some Zen magic on him. Even his tie was straight.
“I’d have thought that with so many sisters, Mikki would have had more than one bridesmaid,” Charley whispered.
“Mikki detests big events,” Blue murmured. “Mrs Horton, her mother, wanted a big wedding with the works but Mikki refused. Said it was her and Luke’s wedding and if they couldn’t have it their way, they were going to elope.”
“Ohhh, bet that made waves.”
“A bit. But she got her Aunt Elspeth on-side.” Blue nodded to the thin, sprightly woman sitting beside Mikki’s mother and father in the front row of the bride’s side. “Elspeth might look airy-fairy, but the woman has a mind like a steel trap. Mikki’s her favourite, so what Mikki wanted, Mikki got. Elspeth rolled right over Mrs Horton’s objections and before you knew it, Mikki and Luke planned the wedding their way.”
“Good on them.” Charley’s expression was admiring.
Blue glanced down at her. “You want a big wedding?”
“No way.”
“I thought all girls wanted a big wedding. Frothy dress, fancy cake, all the trimmings.”
“Mikki’s a girl and she didn’t want all that.”
“True. But Mikki’s odd, we all know that. You do know she goes ghost hunting with her aunt, right?”
“I bet Aaron and Jason didn’t have big weddings.”
“Well, no.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Does that mean the Wells men are all odd, too?”
Blue thoughtfully scratched his jaw. “I guess so. Worried now?”
“Nah. I reckon I can handle weird.”
“Good to know.”
“I’ve already had practice with you.”
Amused, Blue bumped her shoulder with his. “Cheeky chit.”
She bumped him back. “Weirdo.”
He had to bite his lip to stop the laughter.
The organ music started, Luke looking suddenly alert, his gaze going towards the church entrance. As one everyone stood, turned, and there was a collective sigh of appreciation.
Mikki walked slowly down the aisle on her father’s arm. Mr Horton looked as proud as punch while she smiled through the thin veil. She looked beautiful. The bodice was fitted, the dress flowing down from her waist to trail behind her, the simple neckline accentuating her breasts without being vulgar. The veil was held in place with a small, elegant tiara. The thick red hair was piled up in some kind of elegant knot on the back of her head, little tendrils curling onto her cheeks.
Luke looked, well, stunned. His gaze was fastened on her, the love and pride plain to see. He didn’t seek to hide it, wasn’t ashamed, and the protective way he took her hand from her father’s, the way he looked down into her upturned face, left no one in any doubt how deep his love was for her.
Blue couldn’t help but grin when he saw Luke mouth, “Looking good, Red.” Mikki winked back up at him.
The service was simple, sweet, and it didn’t seem to be long before Mr and Mrs Luke Wells were leaving the church.
Outside was a whirlwind of noise and laughter, the photographer and his assistant organising everyone and snapping off shots. Photos of family, photos of several close friends, mixed photos, and it wasn’t only Blue who made sure Charley featured in some of them. Mikki dragged her into place and Shea laughingly steered her beside Blue.
“Sorry, honey.” Blue flung an arm around her shoulders, pressed a kiss to her temple. “This is what it’s like to be part of the Wells family.”
A little flustered, she mumbled, “But I’m not family.”
“Sure you are. Via me.”
Aaron quirked an eyebrow knowingly while Shea murmured, “It’s in the stars.”
“What does that even mean?” Charley queried.
Shea winked. “I know things.”
“What kind of things?”
“Come to my shop during the week, I’ll tell your fortune.”
“You’re a psychic? Really?”
Aaron and Shea shared a warm glance before Shea replied, “Never doubt the mysteries of beyond, Charley.”
Aaron’s eyes twinkled.
The wedding was lovely, no doubt about it, but Blue was glad when the photos were finished and everyone left for the reception. Standing around being arranged wasn’t his idea of fun, though he’d enjoy looking at the photos later.
But the reception, this was fun. The hall was big enough to fit family and friends for dining and dancing. Tables were set around the room, the bride and groom’s at the head. One of Mikki’s brothers was in charge of the music, and Aaron and Mikki’s bridesmaid each gave a toast. Mr Wells followed, as did Mr Horton, and Luke gave a very short toast because, as he plainly put it to everyone’s amusement and agreement, he was buggered when it came to speeches.
From then on the atmosphere relaxed. Music played softly, a buffet was set at the back of the room, and the room was filled with laughter and warmth.
Sitting at one of the tables with Shea, Cole, Charley, Jason and Izzy, Blue looked around. Family, a few close friends, everyone sharing in a happy time with the newly-wed couple. It was a million miles away from the Iraqi base, a million miles away from dust and sweat and nerves, the rumble of male laughter, cursing, jokes, camaraderie, quiet times missing home. A million miles from his Army mates.
So much happening here, so much happening there.
As if Charley could sense his suddenly pensive mood, she patted his knee comfortingly. Smiling, he rested one arm along the back of her chair, liking the way she leaned slightly towards him.
“Times are changing,” Jason murmured.
“They sure are,” Blue agreed.
“But in a good way,” Shea said. “Time can’t stand still.”
“Deep,” Cole said.
“What would you know about deep?” his sister asked. “You go through girlfriends like a revolving door, and your idea of a fun time is hacking.”
“Which Aaron won’t let me do anymore.” Cole sighed.
“No, but he lets you do things on the computer for him that I wouldn’t have the faintest idea of.”
“Yeah.” Cole’s face brightened. “Oohh, look. Mikki’s sister is pretty cute, huh? Wonder if she needs a hand.”
Jason slanted him a look.
“A nice hand,” Cole amended. “I’m nothing but a gentleman, I assure you.”
“Because you have such good examples to follow in the Wells men.” Izzy winked at Jason. “And the Dawson cousin.”
He winked back.
“It sounds like the Wells never had fun,” Cole said. “But…”
“But is right.” Blue laughed. “Man, I remember shoving Luke head-first into a mud puddle when we were arguing about who got the most scores in football.”
That got Cole’s attention. “Luke said it was you who got shoved into the mud puddle.”
“He’s lying.” Blue took a mouthful of crayfish. “As usual.”
“Really? Because he was really into the detail.”
“Of what? The state of the grass after the winter rain?”
Shea laughed.
“He said he’d beaten you by five points,” Cole stated.
“I beat him by six points.”
Jason studied Luke at the wedding table. “I remember Aaron telling me about this.”
Blue calmly kept eating. “Just remember, Luke goes on honeymoon and I’m still here.”
“I’m pretty sure it was Luke who went headfirst into the mud puddle.”
Cole looked suspiciously at Jason.
“Scout’s honour.”
“You weren’t a Scout.”
“And there you go.”
Cole shook his head, smirking.
The evening drew on, the food being cleared away. Luke stood and held out a hand to Mikki, drawing her up out of the chair and leading her to the dance floor.
“Mikki said he was worried about this waltz,” Charley commented. “He doesn’t look worried.”
“For good reason.” Leaning back in the chair, Blue rested his hand atop Charley’s on his thigh. “Luke has something special up his sleeve.”
Privy to the secret, Jason nodded.
“What is it?’ Izzy asked.
“Ah, you’ll have to wait and see. Trust me, you’ll love it.”
“Trust me,” Blue repeated, “every woman here will love it. He’s setting a new standard.”
Mikki’s brother took the microphone. “All righty! Everyone ready for the bridal waltz?”
There were some whoops and clapping.
Mikki’s attention was on Luke waggling his eyebrows at her as he took her in his arms. She didn’t look so certain then, whispering something to which he nodded seriously.
“I think Mikki’s more nervous than Luke,” Izzy whispered.
“Because she knows how nervous he was,” Shea whispered back. “But there’s something going on here…”
“What?”
“Look at the way Luke’s standing, his posture. He’s full of confidence.”
Charley shot a curious glance at Blue but he didn’t give out Luke’s secret. She and everyone else would soon know.
“Now I know you had the music all picked out for the wedding waltz, Mik, old cheese,” her brother announced cheerfully, “but Luke changed it to something else.”
Mikki’s groan was so loud that a ripple of laughter went around the room.
“Trust me, Red.” Luke winked at her.
“Bit late now not to,” she replied ruefully.
Placing his mouth close to her ear, he whispered something that made her smile dreamily and look up at him with so much love.
“Mikki, this song is from Luke, and it tells you everything, tells everyone everything. This is his song for you, sis. Listen closely.”
The music started as the lights dimmed, bathing the couple in soft illumination.
“She’s Everything” sung by Brad Paisley filled the room as Luke swept Mikki into a slow waltz, his steps effortless, guiding her, sweeping her around the dance floor.
“Oh my,” Charley breathed. “I think I’m going to cry.”
Jason pulled his chair close to Izzy, his arm around her shoulders drawing her against him as he whispered something in her ear, something that made her kiss him softly before resting her head on his shoulder.
It was a romantic country song, no doubt about it, and watching the couple dance around the floor, Luke’s protective stance, the love on his face, the wonder in Mikki’s, the glimmer of a tear in her eye as she was swept past them, the beautiful gown billowing around her ankles, Blue knew that Luke had made the perfect choice for his public declaration of love.
Luke might be a right drongo at times, always cracking jokes and making fun of his fiancée’s - no, now his wife’s - ghost hunting, but he loved her with all his heart, all his soul, and the song was perfect for them.
There weren’t many dry eyes in the room when the music stopped, the lights staying dim for several seconds while Mikki and Luke hugged, kissed, before they broke apart, Luke holding her hand to whirl her away and back into his arms before they both took a bow to a thunder of applause.
“Can’t believe it.” Blue grinned at Jason. “The dork actually did it with style.”
“Should do,” Jason replied. “He made me practise with him this morning for one last time and I had to be the woman.”
“What? Why didn’t you ring me?”
“You’d have done it instead?”
“Are you kidding me? No. But I’d have given anything to see it.”
“It was so romantic,” Charley sighed.
Shea and Izzy agreed.
“Come on.” Standing, Blue held out his hand to Charley. “Let’s hit the floor.”
“Umm…I’m not the best dancer,” she parried, getting slowly to her feet.
“Neither are most of the people here, but you don’t see them holding back.” Leading her out to the dance floor, he swung her into his arms as the music changed tempo, pounding out a rhythm. “Just follow my lead, Sunflower, we’re going to burn up some shoe leather.”
She glanced around at the laughing couples throwing themselves enthusiastically into the beat. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
It surprised him that she really was dubious, the uncertainty in those big brown eyes very real. “You don’t dance much?”
She shook her head.
“Really?”
“That surprises you?”
“You’re pretty confident in some things. Most people dance.”
“I’m one of the group that doesn’t.”
“Any particular reason?” He tapped his foot to the beat.
“I have two left feet and no sense of rhythm.” Uneasily, she took a deep breath.
The uncertainty touched him, the vulnerability on her face as she squared her shoulders. At least she hadn’t refused, but he guessed that was more good manners. “Leave yourself in my hands, Sunflower. I’ll have you dancing like a pro in no time.”
“Unless you’re a magician, I sincerely doubt that.”
He grinned. “Let’s go.”
“Your funeral.”
“No. Luke’s wedding.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, not the right thing to - whoa!”
He didn’t give her time to think, sweeping her into a rousing dance step, expertly guiding her between the couples, giving himself up to the beat of the music.
He loved music, liked dancing, and having the woman of his heart in his arms was just perfect. Even though he soon found that she had spoken truthfully.
The woman couldn’t dance.
At all.
He burst out laughing the first time she trod on his foot, kissed her horrified expression away, and kept right on dancing, bringing her with him. With dexterity he avoided her wayward feet, used his arm around her to keep her close to him, guiding her with his body even when her body apparently had other ideas and her legs couldn’t figure out which direction to go in.
“Oh my God!” She cringed as he pulled her away from Mr Wells and Aunt Elspeth dancing beside them, just in time to avoid a collusion. “I told you!”
“Do I look mad? Upset?”
“You’re laughing. I’m not sure what you - eek!” She whirled away at the end of his hand, whirled back as he pulled, slammed against his chest.
“Sunflower, I’m enjoying having you in my arms. You’re here with me, we’re with family, some of them dance like monkeys with a wild bout of fleas, but do you see anyone caring?”
She glanced around in time to see one of Mikki’s sisters prance past with her partner, the sister completely out of step with the beat but having such a wow of a time that she was waving her arms around in the air.
Cole was doing some sort of wild man dance with Mikki’s youngest sister who was thrusting her hips around and doing her best to impress him.
Charley smiled slightly. “Okay, I get your point.”
“Let go, Charley. I’ve got you.”
It didn’t happen immediately, but over the course of several songs she loosened, losing her self-consciousness, giving herself up to the music and trusting Blue to help her.
By the time Luke cut in, all she threw at him was, “I can’t dance!”
“I know!” Luke yelled back above the music. “I saw! I don’t care!”
Blue didn’t have time to watch because Mikki grabbed his hand. “Luke stole your plus one, so I’m stealing you.”
“Honoured, Mrs Wells, ma’am.” Blue snapped a salute, grabbed her in a bear hug, and then boogied with her to the music.
Mikki was a way better dancer, as were several other girls who took their turns, but Blue much preferred dancing with Charley, especially when he spotted her on the other side of the dance floor dancing with Cole, both of them hopeless, both laughing so hard.
Charley was enjoying herself with no idea that her infectious laugh, her happiness, was drawing people to her. In fact, she had no idea that people liked her.
She certainly had no idea that she fit right into the Wells and Horton mob perfectly.
And as Blue watched her, she slipped right into a special corner of his heart.
By the time she was back in his arms, she was having so much fun she didn’t care that she stepped right onto his foot and almost unmanned him with a wayward knee.
Laughing, shaking his head, Blue just gathered her close and enjoyed being with her.
As the evening went into night and grew late, the music toned down until the last dance was called by Mikki’s brother.
Resting his cheek on top of Charley's head, liking the way she leaned into him, Blue swayed gently, knowing he’d take this memory back to the Army base when he left. But he refused to dwell on the separation, living for the moment, knowing the time to part would come but living in the present, knowing he had a few weeks left to spend with her.
For the first time in his life he realised he had one regret about going back to his military life, and that was leaving Charley behind. He hadn’t worried too much with his other girlfriends, had kissed them goodbye and flown out, but Charley was different.
Different because she was just…Charley. His little Sunflower.
Closing his eyes, he continued to sway, holding her close, inhaling deeply of her light, floral scent. Her soft curves fit so perfectly against his harder, bigger body.
Never going to let you go, Sunflower.
~*~
Kicking off her shoes as she walked into the house, Charley stooped to pick them up before continuing to pad through the hall in bare feet.
Kitty appeared around the corner of the kitchen, tail up, eyes wide as she gave a beseeching meow.
“Okay, baby.” Charley stooped to pat her. “I’ll come and give you something to eat.”
Behind her, Blue shut and locked the door. “Yes, starving because she hasn’t been fed since before we left and I only left one big bowl of biscuits for her.”
Charley flashed him a grin over her shoulder. “Maybe she just fancies some fish.”
“That cat has a fish fetish.” He rubbed the tabby and white behind her ears, rewarded by her purr. “I can feed Kitty if you want to go to bed.”
“No, it’s fine. You gave her brekkie, I’ll do tea.”
“In that case, I did a morning snack as well.”
She sent him a mock frown. “Does that mean I have to give Kitty a midnight snack?”
“Very possibly.” Blue stroked down the cat’s back, feeling her arch in enjoyment.
“I’ll just make sure to fill the biccie bowl to the brim.” Charley disappeared into the kitchen.
Pushing upright, he worked the knot on his tie loose, wandering into his bedroom to pull it off. Folding the tie, he neatly put it away in the drawer before removing shoes and socks, wiggling his bare toes in the carpet. Nothing like being free after being dressed in Sunday best. Or wedding best. Whichever.
As he unbuttoned his shirt, he could hear Charley talking to Kitty, the muted sound of the pantry door closing.
Having Charley in his home made it more, well, homey. Coming home was different now. Two weeks and already she was as much a part of his life as Kitty.
Kitty lay on his bed. Kitty shed cat hair on his clothes. Kitty had more fancy food in the pantry than any cat Blue had ever known - except for Izzy’s Arnie and Mikki’s Duchess, and oh yeah, Shea’s three ginger miscreants. And Luke’s dog, Dog.
Okay, so Kitty was in good company. The various pets were all a little spoilt. But they deserved it, in his opinion.
“Are you coming back into the kitchen?” Charley called.
“Nope.” He peeled off his shirt.
“I’m closing up, then.”
“No worries.” He angled the door a little so she wouldn’t see him undress, more for her modesty than his.
The hallway went dark, her shadow passing his door as she entered her room.
Hands on the waistband of his pants, Blue listened. A soft sound, a swish of possibly material, the wardrobe door. Her shadow passed by the crack of his door again, the light from the bathroom flicking on, the door clicking shut behind her.
Geez. Here he was standing in his bedroom eavesdropping. He shook his head. Opening the window, he welcomed the breeze, the cool gust shifting the curtains.
Outside all was quiet. The street light shone just outside his yard. The house across the street had the lights on, the house beside it in darkness. It was late, no doubt most people were tucked up watching TV, reading, sleeping.
Making love.
Unlike him, even though Charley was in the house and - not going there.
Straightening, he let the curtain fall back into place, flicking on the bedside lamp before turning off the main light.
When she left the bathroom, he took his turn to clean his teeth, noting the scent of toothpaste and her lavender soap filling the air after a quick shower. Returning to his room, he noticed Charley’s light showing through the small crack of the door which she left partially open for Kitty.
“’Night, Sunflower.”
“’Night, Blue.”
For several seconds he hovered in the hall wishing they’d been together longer, were a little closer, close enough that he could push the door completely open and walk in, slide into that bed beside her, reach for her and - not going there, either.
Entering his bedroom, he got out of his pants and draped them atop the shirt to be cleaned. Replacing the jocks with a cotton pair of boxers, he folded back the quilt and sheet before dropping onto the mattress. Propping several fat pillows behind him, he took the book from his bedside drawer and settled to read.
So very conscious of the woman across the hallway - so near and yet so far - it was hard to concentrate at first, but gradually he relaxed as the enthralling thriller unfolded.
An hour passed before he closed the book. About to turn off the lamp, he was distracted by Kitty running in, stopping to stare at him and running back out. Seconds later, she peered around the door at him and meowed.
“Come on.” He patted the mattress.
Wondering what she wanted when she simply sat and kept meowing, he got up and padded to the door, opening it fully to step out.
Leaving her room at the same instant, Charley whispered, “Goodness, Kitty, what is wrong?”
Kitty darted past her into the bedroom.
Shaking her head, Charley glanced up and spotted him. “Sorry, did I wake you?”
“I was reading.”
And now he was drinking in his fill of her. Jesus, did she have any idea how she looked right now? The lamplight from behind her outlined her curves beneath the thin nightie. Little glints flecked in her hair, the thickness bundled into a ponytail at the nape of her neck. The nightie skimmed her body down to her knees, the thin straps over her shoulders, the soft swell of her breasts pressing against the material when she moved.
Need hit hard, the warmth that had been inside him at the sensation of her in his arms for all those hours, hearing her laugh, watching her eyes sparkle, heated to a hot core.
Desire, hot and urgent.
Instinctively, Blue took a step forward, his eyes locked onto her.
Charley moistened her lips, the simple gesture hitting him low in his belly, bringing a misting of heat dancing along his skin.
He hadn’t even touched her yet.
He half expected her to retreat, to mumble an excuse and retire behind the safety of her door, but instead she watched him. Yes, she was nervous, it was evident in the way she linked her fingers together, twisted them, but when he took another step forward, bringing them almost toe to toe, she suddenly reached out to lay her hand in his.
Wrapping his big hand around her much smaller one, Blue looked down at her steadily, letting her see the desire he felt, the need. The want. Giving her a chance to change her mind, though he’d probably fall to his knees if she did, his shaft already hardening, his blood thickening at just the sight and scent of her.
“Charley?” The question was almost a deep growl in the hallway.
“Yes.” Her hand trembled for a fraction, but her eyes didn’t waver.
He saw the answering desire in the soft depths of her irises, didn’t miss the deep breath she took that lifted her breasts to reveal the tight buds of her nipples pressing against the thin material.
Lowering his head, Blue captured the plump lips offered up so decadently.
If his need had been hot before, the touch of those silken lips, the warmth of them, the way she opened to him so readily, eagerly, ramped the heat up hotter, fiercer.
He meant to kiss her slow, gentle, draw her passion out.
He kissed her hard, deep, claiming her without hesitation.
Charley swayed against him, his arms closing around her waist to press every lush curve to his hard frame while his tongue danced along her lips before sliding deep to taste her, shifting through her honeyed mouth, drinking her in, taking everything her mouth could give and demanding more.
A lighter kiss, a stroke of his tongue, shifting the angle of his head to taste her again while one hand pressed flat on her derriere, fingers spreading over the lush dome before biting in firmly to yank her hard against him, his thigh sliding between hers, tipping her back against the wall to capture her wrists and draw them up above her head, holding her prisoner as he left her mouth to trail his lips down the silk of her cheek to the satin of her throat, tonguing the pulse that beat with erotic erraticness in testimony of her responding passion.
Placing his nose against her throat, he inhaled her scent - freshness, lavender soap, warmth and woman. Nuzzling her, his tongue flicking out to dance along her skin in hot, wet probes.
“Blue…” Her voice was ragged.
Without releasing her, he pulled her from the wall, turned, crowded her backwards by the simple process of walking forward, backing her through the door into his bedroom and towards the bed, stopping only when her knees hit the mattress.
In the revealing lamplight, satisfaction filled him at the sight of the ripe plumpness of her lips, the swollen redness from his kiss. Her eyes were dark with desire, shimmering with passion.
Her thumbs hooked into the waistband of his boxers, drew them down to drop around his ankles, and he stepped out of them without breaking their gazes, his own fingers sliding beneath the straps of her nightie to draw them down her softly rounded arms.
When the bodice of the nightie slipped down to tremble on the peaks of her breasts, she swallowed, a flicker in the passion of her eyes, a pink flush filling her cheeks.
No idiot, Blue knew exactly what troubled her. “Don’t,” he said, darkly tender. “Don’t hide yourself from me, Sunflower. You’re beautiful. I love every curve, every dip and valley of your body. You’re a woman, Charley. You’re unique. And you’re my woman.” Keeping their gazes locked, he slowly drew the nightie free from the hard peaks, letting the delicate material drop to her waist before it skimmed down curvy hips to pool at her feet. “Trust me.”
She nodded, a touch of shyness in the movement, a hesitancy in the way she allowed him to catch her wrists and hold her arms wide to the sides.
Stepping back, he looked at her. Admired her. The curves, the softness, the hidden valley between her thighs, the roundness of her thighs, the dip of her waist, the generous breasts tipped with pink nipples that made his mouth water.
That made his shaft harden, lengthen, curving up to rest unashamedly against his hard abdomen.
He didn’t hide the reaction of his body from her, pleased when her eyes widened slightly at the burgeoning evidence of his arousal, the proof of her affect on him. It was what she needed to see, to know, and when she lifted her gaze to meet his it contained no shyness, only a heat that sparked his own so very hotly.
He didn’t expect her to step forward, to pull her hand from his, but when her fingers wrapped around his shaft, tightened and then pulled just every so slightly, fire roared through him, heat scorching along the base of his spine as she pressed her thumb to the slit at the end of his shaft.
Bracing his stance, thigh muscles locking, he spread his legs and released her other hand, watching her.
Feeling her exploring him, studying him in turn.
The palm of her other hand rested on the middle of his chest, traced over his pecs as she moved forward to place her lips against his skin, her tongue flicking out to trace along the rock-hard swell of muscle.
Teeth clenched, he watched through half closed eyes the silky hair that glinted in the lamplight as Charley’s mouth moved to the left, his muscles bunching as that hot little mouth closed over one male nipple, small teeth clamping on it erotically but without pain before she pressed the flat of her tongue against the small male bud and massaged it.
“Jesus!” His head fell back when her hand, which had vanished from his chest, slid between his thighs.
Cool fingers traced across the tight sac, sending a tumult of tingling heat needling through his balls, up higher to tickle along his spine in dragging, erotic pricks.
Eyes clenched tightly shut, he gritted his teeth when her palm cupped his sac, a growl escaping his lips when she rolled the delicate balls along her palm while sliding her other hand down his shaft and back up, lightly dragging the skin covering his shaft.
Need boiled up, hot and hard, fierce, his hips thrusting his shaft into her hand in a helpless jerk.
If she touched him much longer, he’d blow his load right then and there.
Not. Going. To. Happen.
Teeth gritted in an effort to maintain control, he tipped his head forward to look at her out of eyes he knew must be practically burning with lust. He felt like every part of him was on fire, his libido almost ready to rage out of control at the continued touch of her hands.
Catching her wrists, he pulled her hands from him and slid them behind the small of her back, making her arch against him, bowing her back so that she was forced to meet his gaze.
He’d expected her to protest, maybe whimper a little.
What he didn’t expect was her sudden smile, the gleam in her eyes, the pleased knowledge that she’d almost pushed him beyond his normal control.
“Witch,” he accused raggedly.
Satisfaction flashed in her eyes.
Low and dark, his laugh wrapped around them both.
He kissed her hard, yanking the tie from her hair so he could fist the silken tresses, angling her head so she could only accept his invasion of her mouth. He held her firmly, fingers ungiving, but not once did he hurt her, aware all the time of the treasure he held in his arms.
His lover.
But nor did he give her freedom.
If she wanted to tease him, test him, then she’d find out that he could give as good as she gave - and she’d take it. Every hot, wet bit.
He shoved, tipping her back onto the bed, dropping to his knees and grasping her thighs in hard hands, dragging her, gasping, across the mattress towards him, her thighs forced to spread to accommodate the width of his wide shoulders.
“What are you- Blue! No, I don’t think- ahhhh!”
Her shocked protest was lost in a cry of startled pleasure when, without any forewarning or play, Blue’s tongue swept ruthlessly along her perineum.
A cry that escalated as his tongue seared through the tender flesh once protected by her labia but now bared to his mercy by her decadent position.
A cry that turned to a moan when his lips fastened on her clitoris and he sucked gently but without pause, making the bud firm beneath his ministrations.
She arched, twisted, but couldn’t get away from his hold, especially when he held her prisoner by the strength in his arms pressing down across her thighs and his hands clamped on her hips.
Over top of her mound, he watched with hedonistic satisfaction as she writhed beneath his onslaught, helpless, forced to take the heat, the sweet, erotic torture of his mouth and tongue, to have that flame of ardour curl strongly inside and lash out in a hot, silky, fiery rope as he pushed her up and over that cliff of eroticism.
Her back bowed as the climax shook her.
Blue feasted on her cream, taking her desire before lifting his head to watch those full breasts shaking and trembling, the heaving breaths that tore through her, the raggedness stoking his own flames at the pleasure he knew she felt.
His turn.
Pushing to his feet, he practically ripped open the bedside drawer, delved under the book, found the strip of condoms. Moving fast, determined, need pumping through his shaft, the head weeping in angry anticipation of taking that lush, sweet, hot, needy body, he tore the packet open, rolled the condom on, then slid his arm beneath her knees to swing her around onto the bed properly.
She was still panting, still caught in a grip of pleasure when he swung over her, nudged her thighs apart, arm hooking behind one soft knee to bend her leg. His shaft slid between the labia, lodged at the slick entrance to her body.
Coming over her, he looked down into her face. “Open your eyes.”
She moaned softly.
“Open your eyes, Charley.”
The long, thick lashes fluttered.
“Look at me.” His order was harsh, hoarse.
She obeyed, eyes hazy with pleasure, the aftermath of a strong climax.
It was all he wanted, needed. Poised, he waited for recognition to appear.
As soon as it did, he drove into her.
Drove in hard and deep, burying himself to the hilt, feeling the tight passage part before his hardness, the walls clasping his shaft erotically as he tunnelled forward.
She whimpered, her neck arching, head tipping back as he withdrew, generous breasts swaying with his next hard thrust and the next.
God, he could drown in her - her scent, her touch, her skin, her heat and body.
Desire rode him as hard as he rode her, slamming into her, balanced on one forearm, biceps and triceps bulging as they took his weight, his other hand clamped on her thigh, gripping her, holding her beneath him as he pounded deep.
Sweat slicked down his spine, fire burning in his blood, a wash of heat that flooded his body, arced and spiralled, molten lava spilling through his sac, roping through his shaft.
Harder he pounded, rewarded by her other leg lifting, bending, giving him greater access, giving him silent permission to continue the punishing pace.
Charley didn’t cry out in protest, didn’t try to stop him, her cheeks flushed with fiery passion, her eyes hot and wild, nails scratching along his back to dig into one hard buttock and pull in silent command to continue the hedonistic rutting.
Rutting? Making love? It was different and yet the same.
His heart was pounding with the ferocity of the sex, his blood on fire from arousal and something more, the roughness tempered with the knowledge that it was his Charley, his Sunflower, in whom he was buried, but it was the same knowledge that kept his hips thrusting vigorously.
The tide built, ardour boiling up, a hot release of seed that shot forth, caught in the latex even as the orgasm shook him.
Pushed up on one hand, muscles bulging, fingers hooked into the sheet, Blue threw his head back, teeth clenched, fingers of his other hand digging into Charley’s thigh as his hips stopped pistoning, shaft buried deep within the shivering walls of her hot, clasping sheath. He strained, back arching as the storm hit, fire pouring through him, sucking him into a furnace of fire and heat before spilling him out in a rush of desire, further out into a wildness before he was rolled under in a splintering shower of spent desire.