Chapter 25
Mrs. Craig Peterson.
Kelly gazed down at the wedding band secure on her ring finger. The shiny gold, representing she’d pledged her life to Craig. She’d been giddy with nerves since she woke this morning. Excited nerves, anxious to start their life together. The bridal jitters everyone expected had not surfaced. She’d finally made him hers, for keeps. A rush of happiness settled in her chest as she glanced up, finding adoration shining in his magnetic blue eyes.
“I feel like this is a dream.”
“A dream come true?”
“Are you really mine, Craig?”
“I’d better be. Because you, make no doubt about it, belong to me. Only to me. I take care of what is mine.”
“Umm. That I do know.” Generous in his love making, Craig took care of her very well.
“You do, do you?”
“Uh-huh. I sure like the way you take care of me.” She flirted and made her desires known with her eyes. And read the same signals in his.
“Is that so?” Craig leaned down, placing a kiss in the hollow below her ear. “You enticed me the instant I saw you in that shower.” She unconsciously leaned into him, tingles of awareness reminding her of that day.
“Okay, you two. This is the reception. Not the honeymoon,” Dennis pointed out.
Craig raised his head, but his gaze remained on Kelly. She’d nearly forgotten for a moment, but they stood in the middle of a crowded room. Craig had a way of being the sole focus of her attention.
“Dennis. I believe your duties as best man are officially over.” Craig told him, while keeping his heated gaze focused completely on her.
“Well, then. How about some advice from a dear friend?”
Craig kept one arm at her waist as he turned to Dennis in wonder. “And that is?”
“If the two of you keep that up, everyone here will witness your honeymoon.” With a smirk and a wink, Dennis tipped his champagne glass to his lips.
“I guess I should thank my dear friend for pointing that out.”
“I have a better idea,” Kelly angled into her new husband’s side. “Let’s leave,” she whispered suggestively, “and start the real honeymoon.”
“Kelly,” Dennis cried in a mocking tone of shock. “I’m surprised at you.”
A tall, gorgeous blond placed her hand on his arm. “Am I interrupting anything?”
“Legs all the way to her shoulders,” Kelly mumbled where only Craig could hear. She recognized the woman and her heavy perfume scent from the boutique. She wondered if Dennis had also heard, for his gaze snapped to her and he gave a smirking grin.
“Pardon me?” the stacked blonde asked.
Dennis turned on his usual charm. “Effie, my love. Have you ever seen a happier bride and groom? Let me introduce you to the happy couple. Kelly, Craig, this is Effie.”
Dennis often used endearments in his flirting, so the use of ‘my love’ measured up to his normal, easy-going self.
“Congratulations. You make a stunning couple.” Effie seemed sincere in her compliment and she had a pretty smile.
Craig took Kelly’s hand, raising it to his lips. “Kelly is a beautiful bride. And I am the luckiest man alive.”
“Too much cooing for me. I think I’ll head back to the bar.” Dennis held his arm out to Effie. “Care to join me?”
“It was nice meeting you,” she said.
As the two walked away, Craig asked, “What was that comment about legs?”
“I remembered her from when Dennis took me shopping. He made a comment, ‘Legs all the way to her shoulders’. Actually, he was speaking about the brunette. Anyway, I was just letting him know I remembered.”
“You two are something else.”
“Can’t help it. We’ve been friends a long time. He may be a special friend,” she said as she rested one hand on his divine chest, “but you are my universe.” Craig’s blue eyes darkened to scorching sapphire, melting her bones with their intensity.
“Kelly?”
Her breathing labored, she jerked at the sound of a new voice bringing her back to her surroundings.
“Gina. I’m delighted you came.” Gina was the one who had legs up to her shoulders. Kelly shook off the thought.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t make the wedding. I took my grandmother to my brother’s and was late getting back.”
“At least you made it to the reception,” Craig said. “We’re happy you’re here. Let me get you a glass of champagne.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary. You’re the groom.”
“Nonsense. I’ll be right back.”
“You look beautiful,” Gina said, as she scanned Kelly’s gown.
“Thank you. You look spectacular yourself.”
“You’re the bride. No one should be looking at me.” Gina glanced around the room and Kelly wondered if she was searching for Dennis. She hoped the sight of the stacked blonde on his arm didn’t upset Gina. As if he had extrasensory perception, Dennis suddenly emerged behind Gina. Alone.
“The loveliest woman has arrived.”
Casanova was alive and back in action.
When Gina’s smile went to megawatt bright, Kelly remembered her reaction on the boat. Something about his posture and his manner had Kelly’s instincts on alert. As Dennis chatted with Gina, he exhibited more care than charm. His eyes lingered, probed. He seemed more interested in the girl than her alluring assets. Kelly knew of Gina’s interest and her hopes. Could it be that Dennis had more than a fondness for Gina?
Kelly had been so lost in her imaginings, Craig surprised her when he handed a flute to Gina.
“What has you so entranced, my love?” he whispered, close to Kelly’s ear.
“I think Casanova has been bitten. And she’s the legs—”
“Kelly!” Sandi cried with excitement. “It’s time to toss the bouquet.”
“I’ll explain later,” she said to Craig as Sandi grabbed Kelly’s arm and tugged.
Females gathered around, some laughing with excitement, some deadly serious, with every intention of catching the bridal bouquet. Kelly hoped no one got hurt in the shoving. She tossed the bridal bouquet high over her head, then spun to see who got it. A squealing Sandi bounced on her feet, waving the floral arrangement in victory. With Kelly so involved in planning her wedding, she was way behind on gossip with her friends in Virginia. Sandi had not brought a date, but she spent her time with Mike, Kelly’s former boss. Kelly wondered if there might be something serious going on between those two.
Gail clapped her hands and danced in excitement right along with Sandi. Kelly had noticed Gail and Pete rarely left each other’s side these past weeks. Looks like Pete had finally made a commitment.
Kelly glanced toward Pete, his gaze firmly fixed on the squealing females. She smiled, happy for Gail. Next to him, Mike also watched the melee. His gaze followed Sandi the way a man would study a woman who intrigued him.
“What are you thinking?” She felt Craig’s arm on her lower back. One touch and her entire body heated. She leaned into his strength.
“Just wondering if there’s going to be another wedding.”
“Let’s get through this one first.”
Dennis slapped Craig on the back “Looks like it’s your turn.”
“Anxious to catch the garter so you can be next?”
“Not me, man. I’ve got my groove back since Kelly moved out. I’m not about to move another woman in.”
Before Kelly could protest, Craig laughed. “That’s what they all say. Until you’re hooked.”
Her husband.
Kelly sighed. Her wonderful, adoring, spectacular husband directed his gaze to her, conveying his love, his desire and longing. She read every emotion surging in his heart. Would she ever look at Craig and keep her senses, without plummeting into the depths of his enticing blue eyes?
“Thank you,” she murmured close to his ear.
Without loosening his hold or missing a dance step, he leaned back to see her face. “You’re welcome. I’m the one who is indebted. Thank you for being you. Thank you for giving yourself to me. I meant my vows and I will treasure you, always.”
It was a good thing his arms were around her, or she may have melted into a puddle at his feet. She swayed to the music, lost in the sincerity of his gaze, spellbound by the depth of his love.
“You make my toes curl when you talk to me like that,” she whispered.
“I’ll do more than make your toes curl when we get out of here.” His sensual lips vowed what his gaze assured.
“Promise?” He had to see the yearning he’d created.
“I promise,” he answered huskily, just before he devoured her mouth in a kiss. How quickly everyone around them disappeared and there was only the two of them. When he finally allowed her to come up for air, she’d forgotten something important she wanted to tell him.
“That’s enough for now, or we’ll have our honeymoon on the dance floor.”
“When can we leave?”
“Say the word,” he growled and nuzzled her temple.
“Don’t you want to know what I was thanking you for?”
“Doesn’t matter. I’d give you anything. Everything I have.”
She glanced to the couple standing by the champagne fountain. “I don’t know how you did it. But I know you did.”
“You give me too much credit. Your parents were happy you invited them.”
“They didn’t have time for me when I was growing up. I can’t imagine how you convinced them to attend my wedding.”
Craig captured her gaze and spoke seriously. “You’re their only daughter.”
“Which they seem to forget. Or they just don’t care.”
“Wipe away those worry lines.” He drew her in tighter. “I thought it would make you happy.”
“You make me happy.” She gave him a smile, full of love and devotion. If he didn’t know already how much she loved him, she would spend the rest of her life showing him just how much. “It was thoughtful, and I love you for the gesture.”
“Then smile,” he said, and twirled her around, spinning her so fast she tightened her grip on his neck to keep from falling.
They danced and partied for another hour, then Kelly slipped upstairs to change. Dennis caught her just before she closed the chamber door.
“You’re beautiful Kelly. I’ve never seen you look more radiant.”
“Thank you. I’m so happy.”
“It shows. I agree with Craig.” He took her hand and placed a soft kiss across her knuckles. “He is the luckiest man alive.”
Kelly could hardly speak from the tears clogging her throat. She threw herself into his arms. “I love you, Dennis. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.”
“I love you too, Kelly.” He released her and raised a fist to lightly bump her chin. “You’ll always be my best girl.”
“One day,” she swiped at the corner of one eye. “One day I hope you’ll be as happy. I hope you find someone who means to you what Craig means to me.”
“I’ll tell you a secret that will bring a smile back to your lips.” His teasing grin was back in place. The stinker. No wonder women fell for his irresistible charm.
“A secret?” Dennis constantly teased her, keeping her on her toes. But something about his expression piqued her curiosity.
“A special secret. One I think you will like.”
“Come on. Don’t keep me in suspense.”
“Gina.”
Kelly tried to hide her excitement. She knew it.
“What about her?”
Dennis hesitated. Not so much drawing out the suspense, more like he wasn’t sure if he should speak his thoughts out loud.
“We always tell each other our secrets,” she coaxed. “What is it?”
Finally, he softly admitted what she’d suspected. “She may be the one.”
Kelly sucked in her breath. He couldn’t resist yanking her chain. Kelly studied him closely. And realized he was serious. “Oh my God,” she whispered in a harsh breath. “Are you for real?”
“Don’t go making any announcements,” he said as he held up his hands. “I’m not ready for a commitment, or for the world to hear what I’d rather keep private.”
“I’m thrilled for you.” Before he could scold her any more, she hurried on. “I understand. Really, I do. Take the time to enjoy your new feelings. Don’t fight them.”
“I really like her.”
“I know she really likes you.”
He seemed surprised at her words. “You think so?”
“I know so.”
“You don’t think she believes I’m a player, do you? Casanova and all that? I’ve had my share of women.” His insecurity gripped her heart. Dennis was a good man. He deserved a love of his own.
“If you care for Gina, and you want to see only her, you’ll have to convince her that you’re serious.”
“I don’t know about serious.” He hedged, and Kelly saw him back-pedaling, reconsidering his feelings.
“Dennis. Take it one day at a time. One move at a time. Just enjoy her company and see where it leads. If she needs convincing, you’ll know, and do what needs to be done. If that’s what you want.” She hugged him again. “She’s perfect for you. Now, get out. I have a husband to get back to.” She shooed him to the door. “Keep me posted.”
With a wicked gleam in his eye, he winked. “I’ll call you every night while you’re on your honeymoon.”
“You do and I’ll—”
“I think I’d like my bride back now.”
Neither of them had noticed Craig standing in the hallway. My bride. She sighed with delightful pleasure, loving his possessive tone.
“She’s all yours,” Dennis said and quickly escaped.
Craig closed the door and leaned back against it, pulling her into his arms. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think my best friend was trying to steal my girl.”
“Not a chance,” she said, falling into his kiss. Tongues tangled and bodies meshed. The kiss smoldered, stealing her breath. She gasped for air while Craig’s lips skated over her neck.
“I can’t wait to kiss every inch of your body. We need to leave now, Kelly. Are you hearing me? Now.”
“How can I move when you have me crushed against you?”
With a growl that must have come from his toes, he shoved her away. “Last chance. Change. Five minutes. Then we’re leaving no matter what you’re wearing?”
“You’d drag me out of here half naked?”
Another growl. “Don’t tempt me.” He ran a frustrated hand through his inky black hair. “Woman, when I get you alone again, you won’t see another soul for days. Maybe I’ll keep you locked in our bedroom for a week.”
Her heart fluttered wildly. “You’ll not hear me complain.”
He shoved back his tuxedo sleeve and glared at his watch. “Four minutes.”
She kicked off her heels and raced for the bedroom. She’d never dressed so fast in her life. Her wedding gown, flung over a chair, and her other belongings would be gathered up by Sandi after they were gone. With a quick glance in the mirror, she grabbed her purse and flung open the connecting door.
There he stood. The man of her dreams. In the flesh. Rousing her with his blistering blue eyes.
“Are you ready?”
She gave her answer. “I’m ready to spend the rest of my life with you.”