"It won't.” She grabbed his gaze and held it seductively. “That is unless you make it."
His heart triple timed. There was a time when he'd fantasized about her saying such bold, flirtatious statements. She'd gotten good at it. Real good. “Lady, you have no idea what you do to me."
Her lips curved knowingly.
"You're wearing makeup,” he realized suddenly. Other than the night they'd first made love, she'd never worn makeup.
"Yes. Is it too much?"
"No. It's perfect. You're perfect. You're beautiful.” He lowered his lips to within a few tempting inches of her coral colored ones. “I want to kiss you, but I'm afraid to mess up your lipstick."
"You won't. It's one of those non-smudge brands."
"Oh goodie.” Will moved his mouth to hers.
A clearing throat interrupted them. He scowled and turned from Sandra to find the drummer standing behind them. Will cocked his brow. “Yes?"
The drummer looked down at his black boots and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I wanted to say I'm happy for you two.” He glanced up at Will. “And I'm sorry I've made things tense between us."
Will studied his sincere expression. “We've been together a long time."
The drummer nodded. “Yeah."
"Let bygones be bygones?"
"Thanks, man.” The drummer gave him a relieved smile. “I appreciate it."
"Sure.” Will socked him on the shoulder. “Better get back to your date. She's looking lost."
The drummer turned and shuffled away.
"That was nice of you."
Will linked fingers with Sandra. “He's a good guy, just annoying at times.” He flicked his hand in the air. “But forget about that. I have news.” He grinned. “Guess what?"
"What?"
"Veronica called a little while ago.” He puffed his chest up proudly. “I'm gonna be an uncle."
Sandra laughed. “Well, congratulations, Uncle Will."
He steered her toward the elevators. “She's six weeks along. She and Rico are ecstatic. They're already picking out names. You should've heard Maria's little excited voice. She was..."
Sandra followed him into the elevator, listening to him jabber about becoming an uncle. Imagine what he'd be like when he became a father. He'd make a great daddy.
Five minutes later, they sat across from each other in their limo. Sandra held Will's stare as he thoughtfully considered her. What was he thinking?
A few seconds later his face softened into a loving smile.
She smiled back.
"I heard Nighttime Production wants to buy our song for a movie,” he said. “I also heard a rumor that it may be up for a Grammy next year."
Sandra blinked. “Are you serious?"
"Yep."
"Wow."
They grew quiet again and continued to study each other. Then Sandra remembered. “My mom called me while I was getting ready. Mary Wood had a heart attack and died."
Will sat up. “What? And you waited this long to tell me? That's the last thing I expected to hear. How do you feel?"
She shrugged. “I don't feel the loss. I don't mean to sound callous, but the news didn't phase me. I'm not going to be mean and say she got what she deserved, but it's almost like I expected something like this to happen."
What a waste of life with the childhood Mary had been subjected to and the bitter, hateful woman it'd made her.
He slid back into his seat with a contemplative look. “You don't sound callous."
That was all they said about Mary Wood as they slipped back into silently staring at each other. Moments ticked by. Sandra shifted and crossed one knee over the other, giving him a view of her bare thigh.
He lowered his attention from her eyes to her leg, then reached forward and ran his hand inside the dress's slit and up to the curve of her hip. “You did that on purpose."
Sandra nodded slowly.
Will kissed her exposed thigh. “What are you wearing under that?"
"You'll find out later."
He groaned and dropped his head to her lap. She laughed and skimmed her fingers through his hair. He had a way of making her feel sensual, desirable, uninhibited.
Will moved to sit beside her in the limo. He lifted her left hand and stroked his thumb back and forth across the tops of her fingers, studying them intently, deep in thought, as if looking for something. She'd hardly ever seen him that way.
Finally he lowered her hand and leveled serious eyes on her. “Sandra, I'm so lost in love with you I don't know what to do with myself."
She let out a silent breath of relief. For a minute there she wasn't sure what was going to come out of his mouth. With a smile that she hoped showed how much she cherished him, she traced the outline of his face with her finger.
He slipped his hand inside his pocket and then placed a tiny, white box in her lap.
Sandra stared at it, afraid to open it, afraid it might be something other than an engagement ring. She'd wanted this for months, ever since their reconciliation. She'd hoped that he'd propose, but neither of them had brought up the subject of marriage. They both had said they wanted to spend their lives together, but they'd never talked in concrete terms.
Almost a year had gone by since they first met. If somebody had said to her twelve months ago she'd be living without flashbacks or nightmares, she'd experience every emotion from laughter to tears, she'd be reunited with her real family, Aunt Jane would die of a heart attack, and Will Burns would be in love with her, Sandra would've laughed and walked off. But all of it was true, and every day she counted her blessings for her amazing life story.
"Open it,” he encouraged quietly.
She took it in her hands and lifted the lid. “Ooohhh,” she breathed. “It's gorgeous."
Will pulled the ring from its satin case and slid it on her finger. “Marry me, Sandra. Please."
She searched his face with all the love in her heart. “I-I had hoped-I mean...” She closed her eyes. “Oh, Will. My life has been so incredible lately, and you've just completed it. There isn't anything I want right now, but this."
"Is that a yes?"
Laughing, she threw her arms around his neck. “Of course it's a yes."
Will squeezed her. “You don't mind if I announce it to the world tonight, do you?"
She shook her head, too emotional to talk.
The limo stopped and somebody opened the door. Will grabbed Sandra's hand and tugged her out behind him. Flashing bulbs went off and reporters rushed toward them.
"Will, do you think Tourist will grab the Grammy tonight?"
"I certainly hope so.” He pulled Sandra into his side.
"Who's your date tonight?” another person asked.
Will linked fingers with her. “Everyone, this is Sandra Barslow.” He kissed her hand. “My fiancée."
People sucked in surprised breaths. Microphones were shoved in front of her face. Cameras seemed to come out of nowhere. Flashes erupted before her eyes. Then she felt Will's fingers squeeze hers reassuringly. She smiled and basked in the loving warmth that flowed through her body.
Meet the author:
* * * *
Shannon Greenland is the award-winning author of two novels. She lives with her husband and adopted mutt off the coast of Florida. Shannon uses both sides of her brain by teaching math during the day and writing at every opportunity. Her novels have repeatedly hit the top seller list and been used for instruction in high schools and universities. When she's not teaching or writing, she's enjoying school holidays, sailing, and relaxing on the beach.
* * *
Visit www.echelonpress.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.
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Laura's Secrets Page 23
