What the Heart Wants

by Kelli McCracken

  Another lie.

  She wasn’t just going to hell. She would be a VIP.

  Suspicion blazed in Hope’s eyes. Lovely. Hiding anything from Hope was like trying to hide an Adam’s apple on a drag queen.

  Impossible.

  Heaven leaned against one of the wooden craft tables. She needed something to give her support, especially when she thought about Dylan. Why did thinking of him make the room spin?

  “I told him that the paparazzi wouldn’t harass me because I’m nobody special. Unlike him. He’s someone important.”

  “Did he respond to that?” Emma asked.

  “He told me I was wrong…that I’m beautiful and that I turned every head in the room when we met.”

  Stupid cheeks. They stung like a sunburn. It was Dylan’s fault. He’d made her stomach knot with those words.

  “See!” Emma’s laugh reverberated through the room as she tapped Heaven's shoulder. “What did I tell you? He was flirting with you.”

  “Save it, Em. I’ve been trying to convince her of the same thing since yesterday,” Chelsea said as she adjusted the tiara on her veil. “Hev’s not interested in a musician.”

  “Why not? They’re romantic.”

  Emma’s wriggling brows made Heaven want to laugh. She bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself.

  She didn’t come to L.A to be fixed up with anyone, let alone a musician. And after her last relationship, dating in general was as appealing as driving needles under her fingernails.

  No, thanks.

  But when her mind shifted to Dylan, her belly flipped.

  Darn it.

  Motion from the right caught Heaven’s attention. She turned to see the door opening. She hoped it wasn’t Kyle, trying to get a glimpse of his bride-to-be. Brooke would beat the crap out of him. She double-checked the vanity where Brooke and Faith were making last minute adjustments. Both were caught up in the reflections staring back them.

  Good. If Kyle were on the other side of the door, he was safe.

  For now.

  But it wasn’t Kyle. Light green eyes stared into the room. A six-foot frame of pure muscle accompanied them. He wasn’t as well built as Dylan, but the guy definitely took care of himself.

  Who in the world?

  “Um, I think we have a creeper,” Heaven whispered as Chelsea spun toward the door.

  “That’s not a creeper. It’s Zeke,” Chelsea answered. “I wonder what he wants.”

  “Zeke?”

  “Yeah, he’s the drummer in Kyle’s band. Geez, Hev, you knew who Kyle was. How do you not know his drummer?” Chelsea teased. She waved at Zeke, motioning him to enter the room.

  Thin lips peeked out from a neatly trimmed goatee and turned upward. He ran his fingers through scraggly brown hair before walking over to them. Heaven wondered how he got anything through that mess on his head. Each strand seemed to have a mind of its own.

  Not like Dylan’s hair. Dylan’s dark tresses were perfect. Every now and then, his long bangs would fall into his eyes, but when he shook them away…

  Good, God, she was doing it, again. Allowing Dylan to control her thoughts.

  This had to stop.

  She refocused on Zeke, who now stood in front of them.

  He wasn’t bad-looking, but not really Heaven’s type. Did she have a type?

  Dylan.

  No, not Dylan.

  She didn’t realize how loud she had exhaled until Zeke met her gaze. Something about the way his eyes pierced her had Heaven wishing she had a shawl. Not just to block out the chills his staring gave her, but to prevent his eyes from roaming over her skin.

  She took a deep breath when he refocused on Chelsea.

  Zeke’s smile outshined the Hollywood sign. His eyes wandered up and down Chelsea’s body, which increased Heaven’s discomfort level.

  “You are absolutely stunning. Kyle is such a lucky man.”

  “Thanks, Zeke. You’re such a sweetheart.” Chelsea laughed.

  Gag.

  What was so amusing about a guy undressing you with his eyes? A guy that you weren’t about to meet at the end of the aisle?

  “Just being honest,” he said as his eyes paused on Chelsea’s breast. Heaven swore she saw him lick his lips.

  “Are you sure you want to marry Kyle? I don’t think the pastor would mind a last minute change in grooms.”

  Chelsea burst into laughter as she turned toward the mirror. “Of course, I’m sure. You’re such a jokester.”

  Gross. How could her best friend keep her cool?

  As if reading her mind, Zeke glanced at Heaven before flashing his creepy grin in her direction.

  Can you say Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland?

  “Hello, beautiful. I don’t believe we’ve met before. I’m Zeke Landon, and you are?”

  Did she really have to talk to him?

  “This is my best friend from Ohio, Heaven Lewis.” Chelsea answered, giving Heaven a wink. “The cutie beside Emma is her sister, Hope. And their other sister, Faith, is across the room with Brooke.”

  “Enchanté,” he said as he leaned in to kiss Heaven’s and Hope’s hands.

  Heaven fought the urge to vomit on Zeke’s feet when his lips touched her skin. She mustered a smile for Chelsea’s sake.

  “It’s…nice meeting you, too.” No sense in worrying about the lies. She’d already sealed her spot in hell. “Sorry, Zeke, but you’ll have to excuse us. It’s almost time for the wedding.” She pointed toward the door. “You should go find your seat.”

  Zeke backed away. He raised his hands like white flags of defeat. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to take up your time. I will see you lovely ladies in a few.” He shot Chelsea another glance. Or was it a wink? “You are beautiful…too beautiful for Kyle.”

  “Good riddance,” Heaven mumbled when Zeke disappeared behind the door.

  “What’s wrong, Hev?”

  Was Chelsea really asking her that?

  “He should change his name to Clark. He has X-ray vision mastered.”

  “That’s just Zeke. He’s a flirt.” Chelsea chuckled.

  No kidding.

  “Seriously, Hev. Zeke’s a big teddy bear.”—More like grizzly bear—“Don’t waste your time worrying over him.”

  Another knock on the door had Heaven on the defense. If Zeke stuck his cocky little head in the room, again, Heaven swore she’d toss one of her heels at him.

  Thankfully, it was Mr. McConnell, Chelsea’s dad.

  Time for the wedding.

  * * *

  Rose petals blanketed the taffeta aisle runner. Something that beautiful didn’t deserve to be walked upon. Heaven did so reluctantly as she followed Brooke down the aisle. Many unfamiliar faces stared back at her from the pews.

  Just what she wanted. More attention. Were they curious as to who she was? Worse, had they read this morning’s edition of Truth Newspaper?

  Her eyes dashed up the aisle in search of Dylan.

  Oh, my.

  If seeing him in t-shirt and jeans hadn’t made her heart race, seeing him in a tux would have.

  Her heart took an extra beat.

  This plan to keep him at a distance and away from her heart wasn’t working out well. The more he entered her mind, the longer he remained there. And seeing him added more ammunition to her daydream arsenal. His gaze was a shot to her heart.

  Would one date hurt?

  No…

  Yes!

  She had to be strong about this. If only her stupid legs would stop shaking.

  Dylan diverted his gaze to Kyle. Finally. His eyes were off her. That’s what she wanted. Right?

  So why did it feel like someone had punched her in the stomach?

  Heaven looked over at Elizabeth McConnell. At least one familiar face stood out in the crowd. She enjoyed the warmth of Mrs. McConnell’s smile. Until she noticed Zeke’s beady little eyes peering at her. Why was that creep sitting on the bride’s side of the church?

  Her gaze fell dow
n to her dress. She was still wearing it, right? It hadn’t slipped off? Nope. The tight bodice squeezed her breasts when she breathed.

  Zeke’s creepy stare…the man was screwing with her.

  She continued down the aisle until she reached the altar where Kyle and Dylan were standing, as were the rest of the guys. But Heaven had barely noticed anyone but Dylan. So he was the best man. She wasn’t expecting that.

  Why wouldn’t he look at her?

  She stepped to the left, wedging her body between Brooke and the steps to the choir pews. Giving Hope and Faith an approving smile, her eyes went to Dylan once more.

  Coffee, anyone? Yep, those espresso eyes were fixed on her, again. Well, maybe. His eyes darted to Zeke for a second, then back to her.

  Was he frowning?

  Dear, God, he didn’t think she was interested in Zeke, did he?

  Yuck.

  Finally. A smile. Amazing how such a little gesture could make her skin blaze.

  At least the wedding march cooled the inferno spreading across her skin.

  Heaven’s eyes went back to the archway she’d passed through moments ago. Chelsea stood there, looking like she’d stepped out of a fairytale book and into the present. The pride on Mr. McConnell’s face matched his wife’s.

  Glancing around the church, Heaven watched as every face locked on the father-daughter duo.

  Except one.

  And for the first time since meeting him, she didn’t mind that Dylan’s eyes were glued to her.

  * * *

  No fairytale wedding would be complete without a grand reception. Chelsea and Kyle had picked the perfect location. An estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

  Chelsea said Kyle came from money. As did his family’s friends. And this friend was generous enough to offer his home for the reception.

  Heaven gazed out the curtain wall at the Pacific Coast. Each rolling wave stole her breath. She would go play in those waves before this trip was over.

  She looked back into the ballroom, her eyes falling over the clover tablecloths and lemon candles. Mr. McConnell had spared no expense for Chelsea’s wedding.

  He owed her that much.

  The delicate scent of daffodils lingered in the air. How appropriate to use a flower that represented the triumph of hope over despair.

  Heaven shuddered at the thought.

  Poor, Chels. If her despair had overtaken her all those years ago…what a horrible thought. Thank God, she had survived the heartache. Funny how secrets hurt the people they were put in place to protect.

  Chelsea had her own secret. One Heaven would take to the grave, if needed, but she couldn’t help but wonder if Kyle knew.

  On to better thoughts, like this lavish estate.

  Glancing at the place cards on each table, Heaven finally found hers at the table next to Kyle and Chelsea’s. Why had her best friend seated her and Faith at the same table?

  At least she wouldn’t have to sit right beside Faith. Layne would be there, instead. And to her left…

  Just seeing his name made the butterflies dance. Their blazing wings scorched her belly.

  Exactly when had her common sense gone missing? Somewhere between he-has-no chance-in-hell to God-he’s-flipping gorgeous.

  Short of a few long gazes and saving her butt from a paparazzi nightmare, what made her think he was actually interested in her? Because Chelsea had said so? The woman who had just married the man of her dreams? She was high on life. Even a nuclear meltdown wouldn’t have fazed Chelsea.

  Sure, Hope and Emma backed Chelsea’s assumptions, but it wasn’t enough.

  “Are the plates that interesting, or are you practicing telekinesis?”

  Speaking of tall, dark, and sexy.

  Heaven struggled to find her voice. This man had her mind so twisted, she didn’t know if she would speak or sputter.

  She had to play it cool.

  “Um, practicing telekinesis,” she answered.

  Dylan started to walk around her, but paused to lean in closer. His voice was feather soft as it brushed her cheek. “Good to hear. I would have worried if the plates interested you that much.”

  He continued around her, pulling out the chair in front of her placeholder. Heaven’s eyes dropped to the seat.

  Yep. He was a gentleman. Score one point for team Dylan. But would he make enough points to win her heart?

  “Please tell me there’s an open bar. I so need a drink.” Faith said as she flopped down in her seat.

  Layne came up behind her. His fingers wrapped around the back of her chair as he leaned in beside her ear. “Tell me what you want. I’d be happy to get it.”

  “I’m in the mood for something different. What do you recommend?”

  “An orgasm…the drink, of course.”

  Faith looked like the proverbial cat with the feather sticking out of its mouth. “Oh.…darn. I guess that will work.”

  “Maybe we can work on the other later.” Layne tried to whisper it. At least Heaven thought he did.

  What the hell was wrong with people? First, Zeke’s eerie stare. Now Layne was a few seconds from taking Faith right on the table. Did weddings cause a surge in hormones?

  Thankfully, Hope hadn’t heard the comment. She and Scott were taking their time getting to the table. But even they looked cozy. The way she batted her lashes and touched his shoulder. Was Heaven the only one who hadn’t lost her mind yet?

  Yet…

  She turned to look at Dylan, but his eyes were looking across the room. Heaven followed his gaze to the table where Emma and Sebastian sat. Why was he looking at—oh. He wasn’t looking at his friends. He was staring at the green-eyed devil whose gaze was fixed on her.

  Zeke.

  * * *

  What the hell was Zeke’s problem? The thirty-minute staring session was getting old. Zeke hadn’t even bothered watching the cake cutting. But when Heaven gave her maid-of-honor speech, Dylan fought against the urge to go over and pummel him.

  She wasn’t some trophy Zeke could add to his collection. Did Zeke think he had a chance with her?

  Not as long as Dylan was alive. Unless Heaven was actually interested in Zeke.

  He gave her a sideways glance.

  Okay, she was looking at Zeke. But the way she kept looking down at the table or the way her brows caught above her cute little nose…nope, she wasn’t interested.

  Good thing Zeke gave up and focused on his date.

  Dylan flinched when a violin hummed to life. How had he not noticed the stage or the instruments when he had first arrived? Was he that engrossed in Heaven? When mellow chords of the piano joined in, he gazed out to the open floor.

  Guess it was time for the couple’s first dance as husband and wife.

  He stole another glance in Heaven’s direction. Would she go out there with him if he asked? He opened his lips. But before he could get the words out, Emma and Brooke walked over.

  “Don’t they look great together,” Emma asked as everyone turned to watch the newlyweds.

  “It makes you believe in fairytales. Maybe there is someone for everyone,” Brooke added.

  Dylan had never seen Brooke cry, but it sure looked like her tear ducts were filling to the brim. One blink and her face would be flooded.

  Women and their fairytales. He couldn’t count how many times his mother had talked about soulmates. According to her, everyone had a special someone meant just for them.

  But what if his mom was right?

  Could Heaven be his soulmate?

  Was it safe to consider such a crazy idea? She hadn’t given any indication that she was interested in him. She had barely looked at him at the rehearsal yesterday. And earlier, when she walked down the aisle, she couldn’t hold his gaze.

  Maybe she was upset about the newspaper article.

  Damned Sid Baker…

  Dylan knew he’d have to make the first move. He’d never have answers to any of his questions if he did nothing. If he couldn’t get Heaven off hi
s mind before they had met, how would he be able to now? He had to do something.

  He sucked at talking to women. Never felt the need to before now. Heaven had changed that. He had many needs when it came to her. The need to be near her. The need to touch her. The need to taste her lips…

  Dylan didn’t realize how lost in thought he was until the song switched over. One by one, everyone else began to enter the dance floor. Emma and Sebastian. Brooke and Jerry. Even Scott held his hand out to Hope.

  This was his chance to ask Heaven.

  If only he could find the nerve. And stop his palms from sweating.

  * * *

  Heaven watched Faith toss back her fifth shot. Great. Not a good sign on how this day was going to end. Looks like she and Hope would be babysitting Faith.

  Lush.

  “This place is enormous,” Faith said as she glanced over at the curtain wall. “The coast looks gorgeous from here.”

  “There is an overlook, out on the grounds,” Layne told her.

  “I wouldn’t mind seeing that.”

  Faith’s intentions were obvious…to Heaven. How many times had she watched her sister get three sheets to the wind and start flirting with the closest guy? Not that Faith needed liquor to flirt. She was doing a great job at the rehearsal yesterday, sober.

  The way Faith’s eyes raked over Layne’s body made Heaven want to blush. Layne didn’t seem to mind.

  “I can show you around. I’ve been here before,” Layne said, his smile just as devious as the one curving the corner of Faith’s mouth.

  “Sounds like fun.” Faith cast her eyes at Heaven. “You wanna tag along?”

  Politeness didn’t really work for Faith. There was nothing genuine about the way she had asked the question. At least Heaven didn’t think so. But it was easy to see through Faith’s façade.

  Faith wanted alone time with Layne. She couldn’t care less about any scenic view of the ocean. It was easier to keep a fox out of the hen house than it was to keep Faith out of trouble.

  “Thanks for the invite, but I have to pass.” Heaven answered, glancing down at the flute of champagne sitting in front of her. Her finger circled the rim before she grabbed the glass and took a drink.