13
The wedding was beautiful. Caroline looked gorgeous in what she’d called a mermaid-style, strapless, white dress with beads sewn into the material that sparkled when she walked. She looked like a fairy princess. Her husband had eyes only for her. They’d moved the reception to a converted loft in Melbourne Beach. The open room was just the right size for enjoying dinner and dancing. Luna had been a lovely maid of honor and had danced several numbers with Charlie, but now she was seated, chatting with Ken Lawson, who, it turns out, knew his new son-in-law.
The happiness of the day was a counterpoint to the wrecked feeling Jake had suffered in his gut since Soleil had left. Looking at her all day, taking pictures and smiling like nothing was wrong, like they’d never happened, killed him.
No one at a wedding was supposed to upstage the bride, but his gaze kept going to Soleil. She wore a long, flowing, layered blue dress, the same color as her eyes. Thin straps held it in place on her shoulders, and she wore tall, white sandals with chunky heels and wide leather straps. Of course, her bracelets jangled as she moved and big hoop earrings completed the look. She’d worn her long hair down, and all he could think of was how it had felt on his body when they’d made love.
His ex-wife sat next to him. “What a beautiful day. Our daughter makes a stunning bride.”
He lifted his bourbon to his lips and sipped. “She does indeed.”
“You’ve been awfully quiet—not mingling. Dare I say brooding in the corner?”
Jake refused to take the bait, so he remained silent.
Her gaze followed his to Soleil. “When you were in the hospital, I got the impression that something was going on between you two.”
He set his drink down. “You clearly have something to say, so get to it.”
Soleil glanced his way, then quickly turned to snap more pictures of couples dancing. His son walked over and said something to her. She smiled that bright smile that made his heart contract, set her camera aside, and put her hand in Charlie’s as he led her onto the dance floor. The D.J. played something with a steady beat, and Soleil moved her hips side to side to the rhythm. The singer sang about being in love and the shape of a woman’s body.
Jake drained his drink. God, it would have been better if the sniper had shot him in the head.
MaryAnn put her hand over his and said, “Whatever you did to screw it up, fix it. You’re a good man, Jake. You deserve some happiness.”
His ex stood and moved onto the dance floor. His attention returned to Soleil and his son dancing. The singer’s suggestive words tortured him as he watched her move, her hands above her head, her body swaying. His son’s gaze devoured her, even though she was a good twelve years older than him. MaryAnn tapped Charlie’s shoulder and broke in, giving Jake an opening.
Before Soleil had made it off the dance floor, he got in her path. “Dance with me?”
The song ended, and something slower played. Perfect. Because with his collarbone still decidedly broken, he wouldn’t be doing any bouncing around. He ached to hold her anyway.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Soleil said.
“It’s one dance, Soleil.”
He held out his hand. She stared at it for a moment, then put her hand in his. He twirled her and settled her against his chest while she was off-balance, and damn if he didn’t start to feel again. “You look beautiful,” he said.
“You look like hell,” she countered.
“Thanks,” he said with a laugh. “I didn’t sleep much last night.”
“At least you’re wearing your sling.”
“The doctor said he’s going to put me in a different brace next week that won’t immobilize my arm. He wants me to start using it again.” He pressed his hand to the small of her back, holding her close.
“Not that you’re capable of following a doctor’s advice.”
Jake sighed. He deserved that. “I’m sorry, Soleil. Sorry I didn’t tell you.” Because she didn’t respond or run, he continued. “I’m not used to consulting with someone. I see a situation and I act.”
She shrugged. “You didn’t have to tell me. It’s not like we mean anything to each other.”
He felt like she’d slapped him. “You know that’s not true.”
“I don’t, actually.”
She looked up at him and he caught his breath. Her face had changed. The expression he used to see in her eyes when she looked at him was gone. She saw him differently now.
“We spent a few nights together,” she said. “It was just sex. It wasn’t a relationship.”
“I asked you to stay,” he reminded her.
“To see where this could go?”
He nodded.
She laughed. “We both know the answer to that now because you showed me who you really are.” She tilted her head, and she looked at him as if she was seeing him for the first time. “I don’t want a man who feels like he knows what’s best for me—I don’t need to be taken care of or have someone make decisions for me, but I might want a partner. Someone who can share himself with me and treat me as an equal.”
“Soleil—”
“You want to settle down, you said so yourself. And I may never stay in one place. More than anything else, I need to be free—free to be myself and do what makes me happy.”
His chest constricted. His hand tightened on her.
The music ended, but she didn’t step away. Instead, she leaned in and kissed his cheek. Against his ear, she whispered, “I’ll never forget you.”
She took a few steps away. As she walked through the people around them, he lost sight of her. Panicking, he followed, trying to find her, but she was gone.