Plus, after what had happened to Meredith at the rehearsal dinner, she wouldn’t want the attention on her again.
For the next fifteen minutes, Linc concentrated on his best man job and dutifully signed where he was asked and smiled when requested. He noted Meredith did the same thing. Ethan and Isabella were wrapped up in each other and when Marnie joined them for photos, everyone else was forgotten.
He chanced another look at Meredith and caught her wiping away a tear. One thing his father had always taught him was to carry around a handkerchief, a habit he was grateful for now. He pulled out the small white square and pressed it into Meredith’s hand.
“Here.”
For the first time since they’d partnered up after the ceremony, she smiled at him. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He waited a heartbeat before continuing. “I know I asked you earlier how you’re feeling, but are you having any pain?”
The little bit of lightness in her gaze dimmed and he could’ve kicked himself for reminding her. He couldn’t help it though. He needed to make sure she was okay. Something he should’ve done when he’d seen her at the shelter.
“I’m feeling fine and no pain.” She glanced down at the flowers in her hand before pasting a strained smile on her face. “You’d never know that we created a life. All it took was one needle to eradicate any trace of a future boy or girl.”
He winced at the lack of emotion in her voice. Shit, how was it he always managed to fuck things up between them? He supposed it would be best if, after today, they kept their interaction to a minimum, just the occasional run-in any time Ethan and Isabella had a get-together.
He clenched his fists. He didn’t like that idea at all, which was totally stupid. He hadn’t known her that long to warrant thoughts of seeing her more than the odd time.
Of course, he still had to tell her about the dog—or maybe not. For the future of their social relationship, maybe it would be better not to say a word at all. Although that didn’t sit well with him either.
His thoughts were like mosquitoes in the swamps he’d traipsed through in South America.
Meredith sighed next to him and he struggled to think of something else to say, to try to lighten the mood between them.
“It was a beautiful ceremony, wasn’t it?” Well, now that was an intelligent comment. Not that he’d been fully paying attention, but there’d been enough clues from the guests to confirm everyone had enjoyed it.
“Yes, it really was. I just feel…”
Could he not say anything right today? Seemed even asking about the ceremony upset Meredith. “Feel what?”
Meredith sighed and looked at the little family off to the side getting their picture taken. “I missed so much being away. I know Isabella handled it all, but I can’t help but think I let her down.”
This he could deal with, because he’d experienced the same doubts earlier in the day while he and Ethan were getting ready. Linc grabbed hold of her hands and squeezed them. “Don’t ever feel that way. I’m the best man and I’ve spent the last two months in San Diego. Talk about not doing my job well.”
A small smile played across her lips. Yes, now that was a good sign.
“There’s a big difference between being a maid of honor and a best man.”
He released his hold on her, slipped an arm around her waist and directed over to where the photographer had waved at them to stand. “Really, and what is that?” he asked between the camera clicks. “I mean apart from the gorgeous dress you’re wearing. I don’t think lilac is my color.”
Her smile widened and a delicate rose hue highlighted her cheekbones. “All you have to do is say a speech and organize the bachelor party, things I could do with my eyes closed. And I don’t know.” She peered closer at him. “I think you’d look good in purple.”
Was Meredith flirting with him? There was a definite teasing quality to her voice. Well hell, if she was going to flirt…
He winked. “I’ll have you know that planning a bachelor party takes a lot of work. Many things need close attention to detail.”
She snorted, and out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Ethan’s glance in their direction. “Um, didn’t you say you were away for the last two months? How did you organize a party while you were away?”
He laughed. “You got me. I wasn’t here and I didn’t plan a party because Ethan didn’t want one.” Linc leaned closer, getting a whiff of the floral scent she wore. “If you must know, my speech is a work of art. Prepare to be dazzled by my charm, wit, and poetic words. There won’t be a dry eye in house.”
Meredith shook her head and rolled her eyes. “I can hardly wait.”
Their little exchange reminded him of the night they’d met. Conversation had flowed easily between them and he’d been attracted to her quick humor. He still was attracted to her, if he was being truthful with himself.
Perhaps tonight they could have fun together. Just two people who enjoyed each other’s company. He could totally do that, and by the looks of things, Meredith wanted to, as well. Perhaps they could even catch up for coffee or something.
Or maybe you could ask her if, you know, she’d like to join you while you walk your dog? You know, the one you adopted on the sly?
Great, now his subconscious was siding with Meredith. The fact that his thoughts were correct didn’t make him feel any better. He pushed away guilt over adopting Buster.
Tomorrow. He’d tell her tomorrow.
*
The part of the evening Meredith had been dreading was almost upon her. The first dance between the bride and groom was finishing up, which meant she and Linc would be partnering up to sway around the floor.
She’d been acutely aware of his presence all day, which wasn’t too hard considering as partners they had to stand near each other. But every little touch ignited a small flame in her and, just when she’d thought she had it doused, he touched her again.
Every time he smiled, she found herself looking at him, his confidence calling to her like that night in San Diego. Even when he was on the opposite side of the room, she knew the second he spoke. Their interaction at the church had been fun. She’d surprised herself when she’d started flirting with him; it had been the last thing she thought would happen. But it brought her out of the funk she’d slipped into when she spied Isabella kissing Marnie’s head, reminding her that her dream was out of reach again.
Since then, conversation between them had been light and fun and she’d laughed in a way she hadn’t thought possible two days ago. Laughed in a way she hadn’t done when she’d been with Mark. Laughed in a way she wanted to keep doing.
“Are you ready to be impressed by my dancing prowess?”
Fingers waggled in front of her and she lifted her gaze, taking in Linc’s free and easy grin. He looked handsome in his tux—very James Bondish.
What would he have looked like dressed in his formal dress uniform like Ethan? She couldn’t deny a man in uniform was attractive. Then again, a man in tux, one as good looking as Linc, would take the breath from even the most grumpiest of women on the planet.
Meredith shrugged as she placed her hand in his. “So long as you don’t step on my toes, I consider that a win.”
Linc pulled her close and she gasped before curling her fingers around his shoulder. “Sounds like there’s a story there.”
A shiver rippled down her spine as he spoke, his lips brushing the outer shell of her ear. He moved them around the floor with ease. Anyone would think they’d danced together a million times before.
Did sleeping with someone count as a kind of dancing?
It certainly hadn’t taken them long to work into a smooth rhythm between the sheets. She stumbled as visions of them wrapped in each other’s arms flashed through her mind.
“Careful,” Linc murmured as he tightened his hold on her.
“Dancing isn’t one of my strong skillsets.”
“If you relax and let the music flow through
you, dancing becomes easy.”
How did he manage to say the smoothest things without it seeming to be a sleazy come-on? Like in the church when he’d told her he wouldn’t let her fall. Coming from one of the guys she’d dated over the years, Mark included, it would have sounded like a pick-up line. When Linc said it, it sounded like an assertion that he would always be by her side to keep her safe.
But at this point, when she had plans lined up, a man in her life wasn’t what she needed or wanted. She’d thought Mark was everything and how wrong had that turned out? Or maybe she’d wished Mark was everything she wanted. If she looked deep inside, she hadn’t missed him that much while she’d been away, regardless of the conversations about the future he’d used to convince her to give him a second chance. Once she’d gotten to the small town, the lack of communication with him hadn’t bothered her.
She was better traveling the road of life on her own. She wouldn’t let herself down.
Linc adjusted his grip on her hand and a fissure of warmth erupted through her.
You never know. Maybe Linc’s exactly what you need.
Meredith shushed the little voice in her head and tried to remember what they’d been talking about. Ah yes, dancing. “You think I have a story about dancing? I don’t, unless you count dancing at the one and only frat party I ever went to in college. Although, I don’t think jumping up down in a drunken haze could be classified as dancing. I certainly woke up with bruised feet.” His chuckle rippled down her spine like water dripping down a window. “But I think you have a story as to why you’re so adept on the dance floor. Is there anything you can’t do?”
Linc’s muscles tensed beneath her fingertips for a few heartbeats before he visibly relaxed. What had she said that caused him to tense up like that? Surely, it wasn’t her comment about his dancing skills.
“Let’s just say that there was the occasional cotillion ball I had to attend growing up, as well as a few army balls.” He danced them around another couple. “As for the other question, there is plenty I can’t do. Lately, I’ve been making plenty of mistakes.”
A trace of bitterness laced his tone, a sound she’d never heard from him.
“Am I one of your mistakes?”
Oh. My. God. Brain, engage before speaking. Why did I say something like that?
Linc pulled her closer and bent down so that his lips brushed her ear again. “No, you are most definitely not a mistake.”
If she turned her head, their lips would touch.
The first time her lips had pressed against his, she’d been lost in the sensations flowing through her. At the time, she’d blamed it on jetlag and drinking a Cosmo on an empty stomach, but now, with the way her body warmed from the inside out, she couldn’t blame either of those things. She’d only had two sips of champagne all evening and that was during the toasts. And she definitely wasn’t suffering from jetlag.
Determined not to let herself fall into the trap that was called Lincoln Forrest, she put a little distance between them.
“Are you two having a good time?”
Meredith jumped at Isabella’s voice. She looked over Linc’s shoulder and found the happy couple dancing behind them, Isabella’s eyebrows raised high.
“We’re having a great time,” Meredith said brightly, while pulling out of Linc’s hold. “But my feet are killing me. I’m not used to wearing heels.”
Lame.
“Oh, okay, I was going to suggest a couple swap. Isn’t it a tradition that the bride dances with the best man and the maid of honor dances with the groom?”
Meredith wasn’t sure about that, but knowing Isabella, she’d pored over books listing all the traditions that had to be conducted at a wedding to send the happy couple off into a long future. After her first marriage had ended in tragedy, Meredith couldn’t blame her best friend. Tradition or not, she wasn’t going to disappoint the bride.
“Okay, one more dance.”
“Yes.” Isabella’s smile widened, which seemed impossible considering she hadn’t stopped smiling all day.
A second later, Ethan was dancing Meredith around the floor. He was just as competent as Linc, but it seemed different, a little more awkward. With Linc, it was easy and natural. Everything appeared to make sense when he held her. Like when he’d held her hand and supported her at the emergency center, something she’d never had in her life. With Linc, she could almost envision a future together. Dancing at their wedding. Gripping his hand as she labored to bring their baby into the world. Linc embracing her and their child.
She tripped over Ethan’s feet.
“Steady, can’t have you falling. Izzy will never forgive me if I hurt her best friend.”
Being hurt by Ethan was the least of her issues. After imagining an unlikely future, being hurt by Linc could be a real possibility.
But how she wanted to take a risk with Linc.
Chapter Seven
Meredith could’ve turned a cartwheel in her front seat as she parked in one of the many free bays at the pet rescue center.
It was open, wasn’t it? Wouldn’t the weekend be their busiest days?
She whipped out her phone and pulled up the center’s website, confirming they were indeed open. But she was ten minutes early, as they opened at midday on a Sunday. She should’ve thought to check before she’d headed out.
It didn’t matter. The day was beautiful and she’d take a walk. Dog’s Paradise Rescue Home was on a large tract of land, which was great for the dogs. They could run free and prospective owners could play with them in the green space.
She’d picked up all of that information from the brochure she’d read before turning out the light last night after the wedding. Enlightening bedtime reading, but she thought it would be better to read something other than her romance novel. As it was, reading about how long the center had been opened hadn’t stopped her from having dreams of Linc.
Meredith had relived Isabella’s wedding in her dreams, only she’d been the bride and Iz had been her matron of honor. She’d awakened with a start when the groom turned out to be Linc.
This was not the time or the place to relive her dreams of handsome former military men. She checked her phone again and saw that the center was officially open.
At least by getting here so early, she was assuring there no chance someone else could adopt Buster. The odds of someone going to the center, taking one look at the dog, and deciding they wanted the little guy for themselves while she’d been celebrating yesterday had to be slim.
Her attachment to the furry beast after spending less than ten minutes in his company was surprising and unusual. Never before had she made a connection with an animal so quickly.
Except maybe Linc. Even disappointed at Mark’s news, you took one look at Linc at the bar and felt a pull like you’ve never felt before, all thoughts of Mark’s betrayal forgotten. And you felt it again last night, which is why you freaked yourself out while dancing with Ethan.
Nothing good would come of letting herself get attached to Linc. They’d had one night together. One magical night, but she couldn’t forget her goals for her future. Goals that didn’t include a man—only a baby. With her track record, relying on a man to always love her wasn’t in the cards. She had no plans to risk her, or her future child’s, heart on a declaration of love. Yeah, love worked for other people, just not her.
Meredith pulled open the door to the center, determined to forget about all that had gone wrong in her life. She made herself think of unicorns and rainbows, like she had when she’d been grieving the loss of her parents. They might not have been happy together, and her last thought before the truck had hit them was that they’d be better off getting a divorce, but it didn’t mean she didn’t miss them with every fiber of her being and wished they were still living.
Sheesh, talk about opening another, more tragic door. Yeah, a dog was a good idea. A pet would give her unconditional love, exactly what she needed and wanted. Plus, Buster looked like the ty
pe of dog that would be totally fine with a baby in the house, when the time came.
“Good afternoon, I’m Patty, and welcome to Dog’s Paradise Rescue Home. You’re out and about early. We’ve only just opened.” The perky brunette who manned the front desk greeted her.
“Hi, Patty. Yeah, I got the time wrong. I didn’t realize you opened later on a Sunday.”
Patty smiled. “You’re not the first person to do that. The dogs should be ready to be for visitors in a few minutes. We’re just getting some out to play in the grounds.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I was here the other day and I saw a dog I’d like to adopt.”
“Excellent, do you happen to recall the dog’s name or breed?”
“His name is Buster and I think he may be a Pomeranian. He’s mainly black but has brown fur around his cute little face and chest. I fell in love with him the second I saw him.”
If Patty thought it strange she hadn’t adopted the little fella on her previous visit, she didn’t say anything. As she clicked away, Meredith looked around. The rescue center had gone out of its way to make it a welcoming environment. So many pictures on the wall of people with the pets they been able to save.
Oh, my God.
Her hands shook as she reached out to grab at the counter. Patty’s outline blurred as a bright light swamped Meredith.
Was she passing out? Blindly, she took a couple of steps back, the backs of her legs connecting with the couch in the lobby. She sat down with a thump, jarring breath back into her lungs. She let her purse drop to the floor and sat motionless, her hands dangling between her knees.
The miscarriage wasn’t her fault. The baby wouldn’t have lived. This was comparing apples and oranges. But facts didn’t heal a broken heart.
She needed to survive this one breath at a time.
She only hoped that when she went through with the sperm donation, she wouldn’t experience another ectopic pregnancy. The doctor had assured her it was unlikely, but with the way things happened in her life, Meredith wouldn’t put it past fate to mess with her again.
The Matchmaker’s Match Page 6
