He wanted to argue–to tell her it most definitely was not a mistake–but…he couldn’t. She was engaged to his brother and that made him the lowest kind of individual. With a curt nod, he took a step back and mumbled an apology. With nothing left to do, he motioned for her to go ahead of him so they could head to the house. Neither spoke, but as soon as they stepped onto the front porch, his mother greeted them with smiles and hugs and then proceeded to talk nonstop as she led them to the dining room.
Daniel had never been so relieved to hear mindless chatter in his entire life.
There wasn’t a moment’s peace because the food was ready and on the table, and even though Josie mentioned that Tyler wasn’t going to make it, no one seemed the least bit bothered by it.
Weird.
Over his mother’s famous lasagna–which happened to be his brother’s favorite–his mother practically badgered Josie with ideas for the wedding. It would have been pointless for him to mention that Josie was a successful wedding planner and probably didn’t need his mother’s input, but…he kept it to himself.
“How many attendants do you plan on having, Josie?”
Daniel looked over at her and saw she had a mouthful of food and wondered how long she’d chew to avoid answering.
A solid minute.
“Um…we haven’t decided yet,” she finally replied. “But we’re thinking small and intimate. Nothing big and splashy, so…maybe just one attendant each.”
“Oh, you can’t do that!” his mother cried. “You know you have to have both your best friends stand up at the altar with you and then Tyler is going to definitely want both Daniel and Elliott with him!”
“Wait, what?” Daniel asked. “Why?”
“Of course you’ll be a groomsman,” his mother said as if he were dense. “You’re the brother and you’ll be included in the bridal party.” Pausing, she smiled. “You’ll make a very handsome groomsman, too. Plus, I’ll get to finally have a picture of my two boys all dressed up!”
“Mom, we’re grown men, and…”
“Nonsense. You’ll always be boys to me.”
“Don’t argue with your mother,” his father said wearily. “You’ll never win.”
These were the things he hadn’t really missed while on active duty for the last fifteen years–the family dinners, the lackluster conversation, and how his mother always seemed to get her way.
Even when she was wrong.
By the time dinner was done, he could tell that Josie reached her breaking point on wedding talk. When she excused herself to go to the ladies’ room, Daniel took the opportunity to speak to his mother.
It felt a little like walking into a battle, but instead of enemy forces, he was dealing with a middle-aged mother with an agenda.
“Hey, Mom,” he said sweetly as he walked into the kitchen. She was putting the last of the dishes in the dishwasher and smiled at him.
“Hey, Sweetie. Did you enjoy dinner? Are you full?”
With a hand on his stomach, he nodded. “It was delicious and I couldn’t eat another bite.” Pausing, he waited until she was done and facing him. “Listen, I’m not sure you noticed but…Josie seems to be…”
“She’s sad that your brother isn’t here,” she said solemnly. “I know.” With a small sigh, she continued. “I thought talking about the wedding would cheer her up, but the poor thing must not want to make plans without him. It’s actually very sweet.”
Daniel wasn’t so sure he’d describe it quite that way, but…whatever.
“Would you mind very much if we called it a night?” he asked carefully.
“But…I bought ice cream. I thought we could make sundaes for dessert,” she argued lightly.
“I just think that maybe…you know…she’s worked all day and then Tyler bailed on her…maybe she’d rather go home and relax instead of having dessert.”
Plus, he knew he owed her a cupcake, so he wasn’t exactly robbing her of dessert.
With another sigh, his mother nodded. “Maybe you’re right. We’ll just have to try again another night. It’s just so hard with her schedule and Tyler’s. Who knows when we’ll all be free on the same night?”
All he could do was shrug.
Ten minutes later, they were saying goodnight and heading back to his SUV. Josie didn’t say a word until they were on the road.
“Thank you.”
“For?”
She laughed softly. “You’re the reason we were able to leave, right?”
“Maybe,” he said evasively, but he couldn’t help but grin.
Beside him, she laughed a little more. “I think your folks are great, but your mom seriously has a one-track mind right now.”
“Yeah. Sorry about that.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her turn toward him. They hadn’t spoken directly to each other the entire time they were having dinner and he was relieved to find that things weren’t going to be awkward after the kiss.
Don’t think about it…
And Daniel knew he wouldn’t; at least not while he was in the car with her. When he was home alone, all bets were off because Josie Sullivan was one hell of a kisser.
Just another reason he was seriously resenting his brother.
How could he possibly get a woman like Josie and then continually disregard her for his job? Was that why she agreed to go out with him that night? Because Tyler was always neglecting her? If she were his, he knew he wouldn’t take her for granted. He’d only gotten a taste of the passionate woman she was, and he knew if he had the chance to experience that–was free to experience it whenever he wanted–there wasn’t a job out there that would keep him from her.
Okay, so Knox possibly had a point last week…
“Why are you sorry?” she asked, interrupting his thoughts. “Honestly, she is exactly like every other parent of a soon-to-be bride or groom. It’s a big deal for them to see their child getting married.”
“Are your parents like that right now?”
“Nope,” she said confidently. “My brother and his wife just had a baby, so I haven’t told them about the engagement. I didn’t want to take anything away from them right now. This is the first grandchild and Skye and Elliott deserve to have all the attention on them and sweet little baby Bella.” She sighed wistfully. “I’ve been so busy at work that I haven’t spent any time with them, but tomorrow Leanna and I are bringing lunch over so we can gush over the baby and hang out with Skye.” And with a smile she added, “And there will be cupcakes.”
Unable to help himself, he laughed. “Does that mean I don’t have to share mine tonight?”
“Nope! I’ve been thinking about that cupcake all through dinner.”
“You didn’t enjoy the lasagna?”
When she glanced away, he kind of had his answer. “I don’t mind Italian food, but it’s definitely not my favorite.”
“But…didn’t I hear my mother saying how Ty told her it was?”
She nodded. “He probably just forgot.”
Or didn’t pay attention, he thought, and it only fueled his frustration.
And rather than fixate on it, he changed the subject. “So what else is new with Elliott? Obviously it’s been years since I’ve seen him.”
“I don’t know if the car ride is long enough for this story,” she began with a small laugh, but then she went on to tell him how her brother had proposed to four different women since his senior year of high school and was left at the altar by the fourth. His family then put him under a relationship embargo for a year, but that didn’t stop him from getting involved with Skylar–one of Josie’s best friends and her other business partner. “So yeah, now they’re married and have a new baby.”
“Wow. He really wanted to get married.”
She nodded. “He really did, and it stumped so many people because it’s not usually the guy who’s anxious to get married.”
“True.”
“What about you? Do you want to get married?”
> He shrugged. “Not particularly. I mean…I’ve basically been in the Navy for most of my adult life so there was no time to even think about it. And now that I’m home, my focus is on getting the company started.”
All Josie did was nod again.
“But good for Elliott,” he said with admiration. “He went after what he wanted and he’s happy.”
“I know, right? And I really am happy for them–even though I was pissed at first.”
“Why?”
“Because they kept it all a secret! And when I found out, I was so mad at them both.”
“Again, why?”
With a groan, her head fell back against the seat cushion. “There’s like…a rule, you know? You don’t date your sister’s best friend or your best friend’s brother or…you know what I’m saying!”
“Did Elliott give you grief about Tyler?” he asked.
“Ew, why?” Then she gasped and looked away and Daniel almost slammed on the brakes in shock.
They turned into their community and he decided to park at his place and then walk her home. He already knew she was going to tell him it wasn’t necessary, but after that last comment from her, he was more determined than ever to get to the bottom of whatever was going on between her and Tyler. He wasn’t going home without some answers.
It wasn’t until they were parked that she looked at him in confusion. “Um…I’m down the block.”
Nodding, he opened his door and climbed out. Opening the back door, he grabbed the box of cupcakes and pulled out the one she requested before walking around to meet her. “I’ll walk you home.”
“That’s really not necessary,” she murmured.
“Humor me.”
They walked silently down his driveway and down the sidewalk. When they crossed the street and got to her driveway, she stopped. “So, um…this is me.” Her voice was a little shaky and she wouldn’t meet his gaze.
Gently, he grasped her by the elbow and urged her to keep walking to the door. That’s when he knew he had to speak. There was a bright white rocking chair and a small table on the porch and he placed the cupcake down on it. “Okay, want to explain that ‘ew’ comment?”
She shrugged and studied her feet. “I just…it was…” After letting out a long breath, she blurted, “It’s none of my brother’s business who I date.”
Daniel stared down at the top of her head. “And yet you didn’t give him the same courtesy.”
Now she looked up. “Excuse me?”
“Seems to me you’ve got a set of double standards. You were pissed because he dated your best friend and then you say it’s none of his business that you’re dating his.”
“It’s not the same,” she argued, a little fire coming back to her. “Maybe we came to an agreement after he and Skye got involved, did you ever think about that? Maybe we both realized how ridiculous that stupid rule was and how we’re both adults who should mind their own business!”
“Did you?”
She blinked up at him. “Wait…what?”
“Did you?” he repeated. “Come to an agreement?”
Her eyes closed briefly before she turned to grab her cupcake. “This is a ridiculous conversation.” Next, she pulled her keys from her bag. “Thank you for the ride–both to and from your parents’ place. I’m sure we’ll see each other again at some point.” Turning her back to him, she went to unlock the door. “Goodnight.” She ducked her head as the door opened and it was clear she was dismissing him.
Yeah…no.
Reaching out, he grabbed her arm and forced her to look at him.
And she had vanilla icing on her lips and the tip of her nose.
“You seriously couldn’t wait to get inside to taste it?” he teased, and fortunately, she smiled.
“Wait until you try them. They’re crazy delicious.”
With the smallest of tugs, she was pressed up against him. “I’d like to try it right now.” Lowering his head, he claimed her lips with his. She tasted of vanilla and sugar and a sweetness all her own. He felt one of her arms wrap around him as she kissed him back, and he peeked and saw her other arm was holding the cupcake a safe distance away from them. It was almost enough to make him laugh, but that would mean breaking the kiss and there was no way in hell he was doing that.
Josie made that soft little humming sound like she had earlier right before she deepened the kiss. Her tongue touched his and it was like hitting the launch button. They were only a few inches from the inside of her home, and he wanted nothing more than to lift her and carry her inside.
A much better option than the inside of his Explorer earlier.
One hand anchored up in her long silky hair as his mouth slanted over hers repeatedly. He could go on like this for hours and it wouldn’t be enough. He broke the kiss long enough to take a breath, but she moved before he could dive back in for another taste.
With wide eyes that were a little dazed, she slowly took a step back and into her house. “I…I…need to go. Thank you again for the ride.” And before he could even respond, the door was shut in his face.
He had no idea how long he stood there, but eventually her made the short walk back to his place, cursing his lack of control the entire time.
6
“The best relationships are the ones you never saw coming.”
Unknown
“Oh my goodness. Look at how tiny her little hands are,” Josie said with wonder. “They’re so small but she’s got such a strong grip.” Leaning down, she kissed her niece’s downy head. “I’m going to spoil you so much.”
“Diapers,” Skylar said as she sat down at the other end of the sofa. “She would love lots and lots of diapers.”
“Well that doesn’t sound like fun at all,” Lea said from her spot across from them. She picked up a gift bag. “I bought her a stuffed bear and a pretty dress.”
“And she’ll love them, but if Aunt Josie is looking to shop, I’m just giving her some helpful hints,” Skye told her before she leaned back and got comfortable. “I am so glad you guys are here. I’ve missed you!”
Josie was enthralled by the baby in her arms. Her skin was so soft, she made the cutest little sounds, and she smelled like baby powder and animal crackers.
Wait…was that really possible?
There was no way she was going to tell Skylar that her daughter smelled like cookies and figured she was mistaken. Either way, she kissed Bella’s head and sighed happily.
“You look good with a baby in your arms,” Skye said. “You’re a natural.”
“Oh stop. I think we both know it’s because it’s only been ten minutes and she’s not mine. Can you imagine how neurotic I’d be as a mom?”
“Believe me, I’m neurotic,” Skye replied. “But I’m also a little sleep deprived so I’m more relaxed than I’ve been this last week. So, give me some gossip! Anything not baby or business related.”
Lea bounced in her seat and held up her hand. “Me! I’ve got gossip!” She smiled broadly. “Okay, so remember my cousin Charlene? The bridezilla who almost married Brody’s brother Travis?”
They both nodded.
“Well, it seems she went a little off the rails after everything got called off. She went down to Key West for a week, hooked up with some busboy, and is, right now as we speak, pregnant.”
“No!” Both Skye and Josie cried as Lea nodded.
“It’s true! And apparently, he’s pursuing her and hoping to marry her. For a green card!”
“No!” they both cried again as Lea nodded.
“Is she going to marry him?” Josie asked, trying hard not to laugh.
“She doesn’t want to. If anything, I think she’s trying her best to avoid him, but he’s been very persistent.”
“Is it wrong how much I love that?” Skye said with her own laugh.
“And as for Travis, he is dating a very nice girl who works for King Hospitality in their accounting department. She’s extremely sweet and they both seem very well-suited
for each other. Travis said he’s going to take it slow this time but did ask me to bake a dozen chocolate cupcakes for her this weekend.” She sighed happily. “I hope it works out for them.”
“For all you know, those cupcakes will help her fall madly in love,” Skye teased. “Use extra icing. If he wants to impress her, go heavy on the icing.”
Leanna reached into her bag and pulled out a covered bowl. “Speaking of…are you allowed to have chocolate?”
“In small quantities,” Skye said as she looked longingly at the bowl. “Is that icing?”
“It is.” Lea held it out to her along with a spoon.
“Do not let me eat all of it!”
Josie grinned. “Lea, you’re in charge of prying it out of her hands. Mine are full with this beautiful baby.”
“Why don’t we eat lunch first and then you can have the icing?” Lea suggested.
“But just know that we also brought cupcakes,” Josie added. “A good variety, too.”
“Oh! Speaking of cupcakes, how did Daniel like them?” Lea asked. “Did he love them? Did he have a favorite?”
“Um…”
“Who’s Daniel?” Skye asked, looking between the two of them.
“Tyler’s brother,” Lea replied before Josie could. “And he is yummy! Oh my goodness. Former Navy SEAL and the perfect male specimen.”
“Wow…that’s interesting,” Skye said with a smirk. “And how did he get his hands on your cupcakes? Does Brody know that you’re just giving them away to random men?”
“Oh stop,” Lea said with a laugh and a blush. “That is so not the case. He came to pick up Josie last night for…”
Josie tried to give her the signal for “shut your damn mouth,” but it didn’t work.
“What? What did I say?”
“What’s going on?” Skye asked. Then something dawned on her. “Oh…did Tyler fix you up with him?”
Leanna snorted and turned away, but it was enough to frustrate Josie and pique Skye’s interest even more.
Letting out a long breath, Josie kissed Bella’s head again before looking at her sister-in-law. “Okay, I have to tell you something, but you are not allowed to tell my brother.”
You May Kiss the Groomsman Page 8
