Chapter 21
On Tuesday morning, Rylie was a nervous wreck. Tonya and her fiancé were scheduled to arrive today, four days before their wedding, and Rylie was hoping that the two of them would mesh as well in person as they did over the phone and via e-mail.
Someone rapped on her door, and she got up from her chair with a grimace. Her foot was still sore and she prayed that it would be completely healed by the time Saturday came around. She didn’t want to be limping down the aisle.
Not to mention she was hoping to dance with Dustin at the reception.
She knew it was crazy to think about that. She’d woken up on Saturday to find him gone, and she’d driven herself into work to meet with Kelly and a new bride. Besides a few text messages, she hadn’t heard anything from Dustin until he’d come into work yesterday, acting as if everything was same old same old between them.
The man was driving her crazy and it was her own damn fault for seeing things that weren’t there.
When the person knocked again, Rylie realized she’d gotten lost in thought and called, “Come in.”
The door opened and Dustin stepped inside, dressed in a green dress shirt and khakis, the most casual she’d ever seen him in the office.
Also, the sexiest, in her opinion.
I need to stop. I slept in the same bed with the man for almost a week and he didn’t even try to cop a feel. Obviously, he’s over whatever was between us.
“I figured you were probably nervous and thought you could use something to calm your nerves. And since you don’t like wine, I figured this would be way better,” Dustin said.
He held up a bottle of whisky and two glasses, and she gasped. “Are you crazy? I’m not drinking before meeting our client for the first time!”
Dustin set the stuff down on her desk and took her shoulders in his hands. “You need to calm down. Everything is going to be fine.”
“What if she gets here and hates everything?”
“She okayed it via e-mail, so why would she do that?”
“I don’t know. Because she might be one of those crazy celebrity kids?”
He pulled her against him, rubbing his big hands down her back. “Breathe.”
She let out a shaky breath and relaxed against him, her body suddenly tingling with every stroke. “That’s really nice.”
Rylie waited for his dirty comment but it never came. Her eyes flew open and she pulled away, staring up at him in bewilderment. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Yeah, why?”
She frowned. Since she’d gotten hurt, Dustin had been her rock, and it was wonderful, but he’d stopped treating her like a woman he desired and it bothered her.
Why? I wanted him to stop coming on to me and after our fabulous night together, things were supposed to cool off. This was a good thing.
But if she truly believed that, then why was she so frustrated with their current relationship?
Rylie’s cell rang before she could ponder her flip-floppiness further, and when she saw the caller ID, she grimaced. It was the second time Will had called her, and she needed to talk to him, to let him know that she just wasn’t interested, but with Dustin standing there she didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. Like she was turning down the date for him.
“Is that your boyfriend?” Dustin asked.
Rylie’s startled gaze jerked up to meet his. “Yes. I mean no. He’s not my boyfriend.”
Was it just her imagination, or did he look a little put out?
“Go ahead and answer it. I’ve got plans tonight, so can we make our dinner with Tonya and Blake at six instead of seven?”
“Um, sure.”
“Great.”
He walked out of her office as if he hadn’t just dropped a giant bomb on her, and her chest tightened. What were his plans? Now that she wasn’t living next door was he having overnight guests again?
She answered Will’s call, swallowing past the lump in her throat. “Hey, Will.”
“Hey, Rylie. I know you’re at work, but I was thinking about dinner. Do you prefer chicken or beef?”
Rylie had no idea what he was talking about at first and then it struck her. He’d called her on Sunday when she was still half asleep and asked if he could come over and cook her dinner on Tuesday.
Which was tonight.
God, she was a complete jerk. “Oh, Will, my client is flying in today and we’re supposed to go to dinner. I am so sorry I forgot.”
Silence stretched across the line and she checked to make sure he hadn’t hung up. “Will?”
“Yeah, I’m here. You got a work thing. I understand. But just so we’re clear, are you asking me for a raincheck? Or is this your nice way of blowing me off?”
She hesitated, but she needed to be honest with him. “No, I don’t think so. I mean, I’m not blowing you off or asking for a raincheck. I like you—”
“There’s really no need to give me the it’s not you it’s me speech. I get it. Some things just aren’t meant to be.”
The bitter, almost angry tone was out of character, but then again, she’d probably hurt his feelings.
“I’m so sorry,” she said.
“Yeah, me too. Bye, Rylie.”
He ended the call and she stared down at her phone. It was the right thing to do, for both of them, but she still felt queasy. She didn’t like causing anyone pain.
Another knock on her door and she turned, jumping when she recognized Tonya.
“You’re here!”
“Rylie.” The gorgeous young African American woman had long, wavy hair and smooth, beautiful skin. She crossed the room in no time, and wrapped Rylie up in a tight hug. Rylie had studied everything about Tonya, but had forgotten that she was six foot one without her heels. When she pulled away, Rylie had to look up at her. “I am so happy to finally meet you.”
“Likewise. How was your flight?”
Tonya released a tired breath. “Long, but worth it. I was so excited to get here and see in person everything you and Dustin have planned.”
“Where is your fiancé?” Rylie asked.
“He went on ahead to say hello to Dustin. I only caught a glimpse of him, but whoa. That is one good looking man.” Tonya tapped her finger to her red lips. “That’s just between us though.”
Rylie smiled, although the mention of Dustin brought back the sick feeling again. “Do you want to go and rest? Dustin arranged for you and Blake to stay at Castle Vineyards, in the honeymoon suite. Or we could walk the grounds and show you where everything is.”
Tonya smiled sheepishly. “To be honest, I’d love to grab a drink and get to know you. I love Blake, but talking wedding stuff with him is like him trying to talk sports with my mother. Nothing but blank stares. Unless you’ve already gotten started without me?”
Rylie cocked her head at Tonya’s grin and followed her gaze….
To the whisky bottle on Rylie’s desk.
Rylie’s cheeks flamed and she stammered, “That’s…um… It’s not mine. Dustin thought I was too nervous about meeting you and tried to give me something to relax.”
“Oh, honey, I’m just playing. I prefer margaritas anyway.” Tonya looped her arm through Rylie’s and led her out of her office.
“What is this hitch in your giddy-up?”
Rylie realized Tonya had noticed her limp. “I cut the bottom of my foot last week, but it should be fine by Saturday.”
“Ouch! What a terrible place to get sliced.”
“Yeah, it’s definitely been a hindrance.”
They bumped into Blake and Dustin in the hall, and although Rylie had only seen pictures, the six foot seven basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers was seriously smoking hot. He’d retired at the end of last season at thirty-five, nine years older than his fiancée, but Rylie thought he looked the same age.
“Tonya, this is Dustin,” Blake said, holding his hand out to Rylie. “And you’re Rylie?”
“Yes. Good to meet you, Blake.” Giggling as his hand engulfed hers, she added, “I gotta say, you are so much bigger than you look on television.”
The wide smile revealed even white teeth. “I get that a lot.”
Tonya squeezed her arm and waved her free hand in a shooing motion. “Well, we’re going to have some girl time, and will meet you two for dinner later.”
Blake threw up his hands, addressing Dustin. “See, didn’t I tell you? She’s sick of me shrugging when she asks if I like ivory or white better.”
“No, I just know in four days I’m going to have you all to myself for two whole weeks.” Tonya leaned up and gave her fiancé a long, lingering kiss. Rylie looked away, only to catch Dustin’s gaze. He smiled at her and there was something warm in his blue eyes, something she’d never seen before.
“Have fun, baby,” Blake murmured.
“We will.” Tonya took her by the arm and led her out the door.
* * * *
Hours later, Dustin sat next to Rylie at Bow Ties Italian Restaurant. It was torture to be so close to her and not touch her.
Across from them, Blake and Tonya held hands, kissed, and practiced being as nauseating as possible. He liked them, especially Blake, who he’d always admired… But it just reminded him that he couldn’t have what he wanted.
The past week he’d been her friend, her support system, and her champion, three things he’d never been for any other woman. He had no idea why or how it had happened, but for the first time in his life, he wanted to be a boyfriend. It was weird to even think about that; he’d never experienced envy when he was around couples, but today, as Rylie was leaving with Tonya, he’d wished he had the right to kiss Rylie good-bye.
He knew that Rylie didn’t feel the same way and it completely stumped him. Every woman he’d ever met had wanted more from him, yet the only woman he’d ever thought twice about was perfectly content to just stay friends.
It was maddening.
Their food arrived, and Rylie took a bite of her gnocchi alla vodka and made that little moan he loved. “God, if I could eat anything forever, it would be this.”
“What is that?” Tonya asked.
Rylie waved her fork. “Try it.”
Dustin chuckled as Tonya hesitated. He’d been the same way when Rylie had offered to share food with him.
After a few seconds, Tonya stabbed one of the potato nuggets and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes went wide, and she pointed her fork at Rylie’s plate. “I should have gotten that.”
“Want a bite?” Rylie asked Blake.
“Nah, I’m good.”
Rylie got a generous bite on her fork and turned toward Dustin. “Have you tried it?”
He shook his head and when Rylie held the fork out to him, he closed his lips around the utensil, staring into her eyes as he chewed. The spicy sauce set his mouth on fire and he reached for his wineglass before taking a healthy swallow.
Rylie giggled. “You’re not a fan of spicy?”
“Not in my food.”
Rylie’s cheeks turned red and his lips curved into a smile as he chewed. Did she wonder what kind of spicy he did enjoy?
He sure hoped so.
He caught the look Blake and Tonya shared, and froze. Crap.
The last thing Rylie needed was their clients mentioning to Kelly that they thought there was something going on with Rylie and Dustin. Dating within the company was frowned upon.
“So, Rylie, are you seeing anyone?” Tonya asked.
“Not at the moment.”
“That is crazy. You are so gorgeous.” Tonya focused on Dustin. “Don’t you think?”
“Without a doubt.”
Rylie slyly poked him in the side and he grabbed her wrist, running the pad of his thumb over the inside. She pulled away, but not before he’d felt her tremble.
Tonya took a sip of her water, seemingly oblivious to what had just transpired. “So, why are you single, Rylie?”
“Babe,” Blake said warningly.
“What?” she asked.
Rylie waved her fork at Blake. “No, it’s okay. I broke up with someone a little over a month ago.”
Tonya looked contrite. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. It was a good thing. I do have a new man in my life though.”
“Oh?”
“Yep. His name is Raider and he loves belly rubs,” she joked.
“Okay then,” Tonya said with an awkward laugh.
“She’s talking about her rescue dog,” Dustin said.
“I figured it was a pet,” Tonya said. Rylie pulled out her phone and turned it so Tonya could see the picture. “Oh, what happened to him?”
“Some mean people set him on fire. I still think he’s handsome though.”
“He’s definitely got character. Love his smile.”
“Thank you,” Rylie said, putting her phone away.
Then Tonya addressed him. “How about you, Dustin? Anyone special?”
He debated how to answer and ended up going for honesty. “There is.”
Rylie stiffened next to him and Tonya leaned forward, completely ignoring her dinner. “Really? What’s she like?”
“Special.”
“That’s it?” Tonya asked.
“Tonya…” Blake growled.
She held her hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. You don’t want to talk about her with a total stranger. I get it.”
He could feel Rylie shooting him glances, but he didn’t meet her gaze. It was one thing to want her, but it was another thing to tell her that. Especially when she was still making plans with that Will guy.
They finished the rest of their meal, and by the time the check came, the happy couple was yawning. Dustin grabbed the bill before anyone else could and when they all protested, he waved them off.
“Please, this is a small thing. You two just go back to your suite and relax. We’ll meet you at the winery for breakfast, and take a tour of the grounds.”
“You’re right, he is bossy,” Tonya said to Rylie.
Rylie laughed at his incredulous look.
“You told her that?” he said.
Tonya winked at him. “Oh, she wrote about you a lot in her e-mails.”
Rylie’s whole face turned red and Dustin was suddenly dying to know what was in those emails.
They all walked outside, and said their good nights. Before Rylie could escape, Dustin called out to her. “Can I get a ride back to my car? I came with Blake.”
She nodded as she unlocked her doors. “Of course.”
Dustin got in and when she’d put the key in the ignition, he teased, “You know, I find it a little sexist that you didn’t open my door for me, and yet, I always get it for you.”
“It’s a sexist world, my friend. You could always stop getting my door.”
He put his hands over his heart, as though she’d offended him just by suggesting it. “But I’m a gentleman. It’s engrained.”
“Harrumph.”
The rest of the ride was silent, until Rylie parked next to his car.
“Have fun with your plans.”
Dustin rotated in his seat and watched her expectantly. “Why do you say it like that?”
“Like what?”
“As if I’m not actually doing something now.”
“Oh, I believe you’re doing someone.”
Dustin stared at her for several ticks and then threw back his head, laughing with masculine pride. Rylie was jealous. She thought he was going out with someone else and was pissed about it.
Maybe she wasn’t as okay just being friends as he’d thought.
“Actually, dirty girl, my brother and I are meeting Luke Jessup and some of his friends for a poker night.”
He couldn’t tell if she was blushing, but she looked apologetic. “Oh.”
Dustin reached up to turn on the dome light, and caught the tail end of her embarrassment. “I gotta ask though… Why were you so upset when you thought I was hooking up?”
“I wasn’t.”
He clucked his tongue. “Good little girls shouldn’t tell lies.”
“I’ve got to get home. Raider is waiting for me.”
Dustin took her hand off the keys and brought her fingers to his lips, kissing them. “I think you miss me.”
“What? I’ve seen you almost every day for three months. How could I miss you?”
“Fine, I think you miss this.”
Dustin caught her by the back of the neck with his other hand and brought her mouth to his. He traced his tongue along the seam of her lips and when they parted with a sweet little sigh, he slid his tongue inside. She tasted of the peppermint candies they’d grabbed as they left the restaurant and he was tempted to press deeper, to completely lose control.
Give her a taste and make her want more.
He pulled away and watched her dazed expression with satisfaction.
“If you get lonely, all you gotta do is text me.”
Without giving her a chance to recover, he got out of the car and shut the door with a thud.