CHAPTER TWELVE
Jeremy must have seen her body sway because he left his father’s side and was at hers within seconds, holding her arm steady. His eyes were full of concern as he helped her to a seat. “Are you okay? Your face is flushed, and I thought you were going to keel over.”
“I…I…felt woozy for a moment. Maybe it was the day on the boat, or just doing too much. I don’t know…” Her gaze swept away from his to check on Michael. Oh God, oh God, oh God!
“Can I get you something? Water?” He had a hand on her shoulder and followed her line of sight.
“No, I’ll be fine. Michael’s getting me a drink,” she whispered, knowing her voice was shaky.
“Michael’s an ass. Why isn’t he here taking care of you instead of flirting with your girlfriends?” His voice was rough, his shoulders rigid.
“It doesn’t mean anything,” she said defending him—for what reason, she didn’t know.
“I’m not saying it does, but still…”
“I shouldn’t have kissed you today,” she said breathlessly. “It was wrong.”
“You didn’t.” He relaxed his stance, his face softening. His eyes caressed her face and lingered on her mouth. “I kissed you,” he said quietly.
“It went both ways.” She couldn’t look away. Feelings rushed in that she had no right to feel.
Light-headed, she saw her life speeding out of control—she was on a collision course, but couldn’t apply the breaks. She needed to distance herself from Jeremy so she could think logically.
Her pulse raced, her cheeks were flushed. “I can’t do this. My stomach’s doing cartwheels.”
“I’ll get Michael over here. And some water. It’ll do you better than wine.”
“You’re probably right, but I need the drink. I feel like I’m falling apart, in the throes of an emotional crisis.” She tried to smile but her lips felt stiff. She sucked in a breath and released it slowly. “I’ll be fine. I’ve got to be. This evening cost your mom and dad a fortune and I won’t mess things up.”
“You’re not the one messing anything up. It’s that idiot of a brother.” He marched off and grabbed his younger sibling by the shoulder. He said something to him that got him on his feet.
With two drinks in hand, Michael weaved his way between the tables and the chatting couples to the table where his bride-to-be sat alone. “Here you go. What’s your problem? Jeremy thought you were upset.”
Nadine accepted the wine and took a large sip for courage. Her eyes never left his. “Have you slept with her?” She ran her fingers up and down the stem of the glass, surprised to see how steady they were.
“What?” Michael sat beside her, moving his chair in so they were elbow to elbow. “Why would you ask something that stupid?”
She blinked and tears sprang to her eyes. He was calling her stupid? “I’m not blind.”
“You are definitely seeing things and you’re way off base here. Just because you and my brother are falling all over each other, don’t mistake your sins for mine.” He leaned close to her and his eyes were angry. Dangerous.
Nadine shrank backward, touching the expensive Rolex on her wrist. Would he give her presents every time he misbehaved? Had the ring at Christmas been because of another indiscretion? “Where were you last night? Not with me, I know that much. And what about this morning? Why weren’t you snorkeling with the rest of us?”
“I told you I had things to do. And I’m not sure what you’re griping about but I don’t like what you are insinuating. I don’t have to account for my time. We’re getting married tomorrow, and I won’t have you questioning my every move.”
She swallowed hard, then picked up her wine glass once more, taking a careful sip. She was seething, but this was not the time for accusations or a full-fledged fight. “Just answer me honestly. Have you slept with Melody?”
“Never ask me that again.” He stood up. “I’m going out for some air. Is that all right by you?”
She didn’t answer him knowing that he was furious. But she was too. If he’d gone to bed with her bridesmaid, her friend, she’d never forgive either one of them. She sucked in a breath and released it, trying to appear calm. She took another sip of her drink, and looked again at the gold watch on her wrist. Was it a gift to hide his guilt, or an act of love? And what about the fact that they’d just had great sex? After the way he’d kissed her and loved her deeply, how could she doubt his feelings?
Perhaps she’d misread their body language. Maybe she had been wrong. She had been overly emotional lately. Reluctantly she stood, and taking her wine, went to sit by his mother and father. She gave them an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry, but Michael and I had some angry words. I was mad at him this morning for not making the snorkeling trip. But that’s no excuse for ruining this wonderful evening. It’s such a perfect setting, and I really appreciate you doing this for us.”
“That’s all right, dear. It’s pre-wedding nerves. Happens to all of us.” Mary patted her hand. “He’ll apologize, I’m sure he will, and tomorrow you can put it all behind you.”
John made a coughing sound. “I’ll go have a word with him, but his mother is right. Every couple has doubts and with all the worry over the past few weeks, emotions are going to run high. I’m sure no one knew that the two of you were arguing and your secret’s safe with us.” He smiled. “Mary and I still fight like cats and dogs, but we love each other very much.”
“Thank you.” She watched John as he joined Michael on the outside deck. Then she turned away. “I’m so embarrassed,” she said to her prospective mother-in-law. “I know he loves me, like I do him, but I want us to be together all the time and he doesn’t feel the same. He told me this afternoon that I should continue working for a few more years. Says I’d be too much of a distraction while he’s on tour, but I don’t want him out there alone.” She pushed her hair off her shoulder. “There’s going to be millions of young attractive groupies hanging around, like every other sport. I almost wish he hadn’t won the Honda Classic.”
His mother smiled, and shook her head. “No, you don’t. I do understand your worry, hon, but he’s a good man and I’m sure he’ll be a good husband to you.”
She wasn’t as sure, but she nodded. “Pre-wedding nerves. That’s all it is. I wish my mother was here,” she blurted out, surprised when tears filled her eyes.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, dear. Of course you do.” Mary batted back tears too. “Why don’t you go see your father? Looks like he and Anna are enjoying each other’s company.”
“Yes. I will.” She wiped her tears with a tissue, and stood up. “He told me this morning that he hopes to see her again, once the wedding is over.”
“How do you feel about that?” she asked softly. “That could be part of your distress.”
“It doesn’t help,” she agreed. “But I like Anna, and if it makes him happy, then I guess I have to be on board with it.”
Excusing herself, she left Mary and joined her dad and Anna at the far end of the bar. “Hey, Dad, hello Anna. This is an awesome place,” she said, gazing out the window to look for Michael. He leaned against the rail, talking to Jay and his dad.
“I’m glad you like it,” Anna said. “It’s one of my favorite restaurants, for the view and the food.” She smiled at her. “The menu tonight is a choice between lobster or prime rib. There’s a salad or soup starter, plenty of side dishes, and of course Key Lime pie or chocolate mousse. You’re seated with Michael and his parents—where they’re sitting now, next to the window.” Anna glanced at her dad. “If you don’t mind I placed myself next to your father, who is seated next to you.”
“Why should I mind?” Nadine attempted not to think about her mother who really should be sitting there. But her mother was gone. “I haven’t seen my dad smile this much in a long time.”
He kissed her cheek. “Thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome. Oh, what about Cameron?”
“I placed him at the table with the girls. Looks like a good decision.” Anna nodded at the group seated a few stools away. Cameron was clearly enjoying the attention of the three hot-looking girls. They were drinking shooters and laughing as he told them stories.
“Guess so.”
Michael came into the dining room and found her at the bar. He gave her a quick kiss, and slid an arm around her waist. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” he whispered.
Her father gave him an approving look before he and Anna slipped away. He took the bar seat next to her and rolled it to face her. “I’m sorry. I’ve been a jerk. I don’t know why I’ve been so distant, but I intend to make it up to you. Starting now.” He took her hand, lifted it to his fingers and kissed them one by one.
Her heart lightened. She didn’t know exactly what he was apologizing for, but right now she was willing to let it go. The fact was they were to be married tomorrow and he wanted to make up for any wrong doing. It was easy to say yes, she forgave him, knowing she had also crossed the line. Hers might be worse because feelings were involved. But she didn’t want to think about that now, or ever again. Jeremy was her past. Michael, her future.
“I like the sound of that,” she told him, leaning in his direction, giving him a warm kiss. When the kiss ended, she was surprised to feel her turmoil slip away. If there had been a choice, she’d made the right one.