“Bryce said he’d handle it, but—”
“Maybe.” She typed quickly. “But just in case, I’ve put Trevor on it.”
Nicole exhaled. At least he wouldn’t face this alone. “Do you think…this might shake him up enough that he’ll stop playing?”
Kendra held her gaze. “I hope not. I’d hate to think that worthless woman could make such an awful thing happen twice.”
Charity looked the same. He’d forgotten that little mole on her cheek. And the faded scar on her chin where she’d fallen on the playground as a kid. The past eleven months collapsed, as if he could pull her into his arms and pick up where they’d left off.
The empty room was silent except for the steady drip of the bar faucet he kept meaning to fix. Then the motor on the industrial sized refrigerator in the kitchen clicked on.
Charity moved toward him and slid a hand up his chest. “Miss me?”
Same pale pink lipstick. He swallowed and stepped back. “Not anymore.” Gotta get ready. Zane’s wedding.
“Then you did miss me.”
His ears buzzed. “Listen, I—”
“I missed you, Bryce, baby.” She moved closer. “Like crazy.”
He retreated. “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Keep coming at me. I have to…I’m going upstairs.”
“Why?”
“Zane’s wedding. I need a shower.” Handle this, McGavin. Give it to her straight. “Then we’ll talk.”
“We can talk upstairs.” Her brown eyes darkened. “Or have fun in the shower.”
“No.” A wave of nausea hit him.
“Then we’ll just talk.”
“Yeah, okay.” Jaw tight, he headed for the stairs.
“I made a mistake, leaving you.”
Words he used to long for. He started up.
She followed. “But I’ve realized we belong together.”
“We don’t.”
“Of course we do.”
Broken dreams. His chest hurt as if he’d taken a beating. He reached the landing.
“You gave up your music when I left.”
He stiffened. “You knew?”
“I heard.”
“When?”
“A couple of weeks after I left.”
He shuddered as his last illusion exploded.
“If you gave up your music, that proves that I’m—”
He spun to face her. “Uncaring?”
“I cared! I just—”
“I lost my music and you didn’t come running?”
“I went a little crazy, okay? But I cared! I still—”
“Bullshit!” Breathing hard, he turned away. Get a grip. This only makes it harder. He walked into his bathroom and pulled out a can of shaving cream. “You’d better…wait downstairs.”
“I’d rather stay here.” She leaned in the doorway watching him the way she had so many times when they’d lived together.
He lathered up and grabbed his razor. Hell, he was shaking like a damned leaf.
“Give me a chance, baby. I’ll make it up to you.”
“You can’t.” He nicked his chin, snatched a hand towel and wiped away the blood. More blood. Damn it.
“You cut yourself.”
“Never mind.”
She moved into the bathroom. “Let me—”
“Never mind!” He whirled on her. “Get out!”
“Okay, okay.” She backed out of the bathroom.
He shut the door. After finishing his shave without slicing himself again, he showered and dried off. It was quiet in the apartment. Had she left? Might be too much to hope for.
He hadn’t brought any clean clothes in with him so he secured a towel around his hips and stepped out of the bathroom.
“My favorite outfit.” She lay on his bed without a stitch on. “Come on over here, cowboy. Let’s kiss and make up.”
At the sight of her lying on the same bed where he’d made glorious love to Nicole, something snapped. “Get up.”
“Why?” She stretched. “I’m so—”
“Put your clothes on, Charity. Now.”
She sat up. “You’re upset.”
“Oh, I’m way past upset. I want you gone.”
Her eyes glistened with tears. “You’re right to be angry, but—”
“Get dressed.” He gathered her clothes off the floor and tossed them on the bed.
“But—”
“I said, get dressed.”
She stood and began putting on her clothes. “Okay, so maybe you’re not ready for sex, yet. But we can work this out.”
Arms crossed, he regarded her silently. What had he ever seen in her?
“Bryce, please.” She finished buttoning her blouse and turned to him, crocodile tears streaming down her cheeks. “We’re so right for each other. I love you.”
Quite a performance. He didn’t believe a word of it. “We were never right for each other.”
“Of course we are!”
“No, we’re not. But I’ve found someone who is right for me. Someone I—” He caught himself before he told Charity something he’d never told Nicole.
“The woman who dropped you off?”
“Yes. She’s amazing. All I could ever want or need.”
“Ha! I doubt that. Who is she? Never mind. I’ll find out. I’ll have a little talk with her and let her know who’s back in town.”
An icy calm settled over him. “I wouldn’t advise it.”
She blinked.
“I mean it. Leave. Her. Alone.”
She retreated a step. “I’ve…never heard you talk like that.”
“Maybe that’s how I talk now. And I need you to leave. It’s time for me to get ready for a wedding.”
She backed toward the door. “You’ve changed. You used to be a lot nicer.”
He pinned her with a look that could cut glass. “So did you.”
The look did the trick. She turned and hurried down the stairs.
He waited until she’d started her truck’s engine before he took off the towel and quickly dressed. As he headed downstairs, a garment bag over his shoulder, the sound of an engine indicated a truck had pulled into the lot. Damn it! Surely she wouldn’t come back after—
“Hey, bro!” Trevor walked through the door. “Was that Charity’s truck I saw speeding through town?”
“Yeah.” Bryce grinned with relief.
“She’ll be lucky if she doesn’t get a ticket. She was driving like her tail was on fire.”
“Good. Why’re you here?”
“Mom texted me. Thought you might need backup. But clearly that’s unnecessary.”
“Clearly.” Bryce clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go to a wedding.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Moving robotically through her routine, Nicole prayed that her hours of experience would help her do a decent job on the hairstyles. While curling, pinning, fluffing and spraying, she calculated how long it had been since Kendra had texted Trevor.
Surely Trevor would be at the GG by now. Then again, maybe he hadn’t been able to get there right away.
In the meantime, Bryce was alone with a woman who’d crushed his spirit eleven months ago. Could she do it again? Would he allow her to?
Kendra might have information, but private conversations were impossible in the crowded condo. There was no opportunity to ask until finally it was Kendra’s turn in the chair.
Nicole waited for a moment when everyone else was occupied. “Any news?”
“I got a text from Trevor. Charity is gone. And Bryce is fine.”
Nicole’s hands stilled and she sagged with relief. “Thank heavens.”
“Thank you.”
Her gaze met Kendra’s in the mirror. “Oh, I didn’t—”
“Yes, you did. And I’m grateful.” Her eyes filled with warmth. “Now we can enjoy the rest of the day.”
“Yes.” She drew in a deep breath. “Yes, we can.”
A
fter a break while everyone grabbed some food, Nicole quickly changed into her dress, a favorite of hers that blended shades of blue and green. Then the bridal party dresses took the spotlight and Mandy was showered with praise.
First everyone exclaimed over the bridesmaids as they put on their dresses, created with fabric that swirled with fall colors. Then Jo helped Mandy into the confection of a bridal gown that she’d made for herself.
Nicole had never seen anything like it. The material appeared white until Mandy walked past a sunny window. Then it shimmered with iridescent color, as if she were wearing a dress inset with fire opal. The design was simple—a sleeveless bodice and graceful floor-length skirt. It fit perfectly with no gaps in the neckline, no tight seams, hem exactly right with her heels.
April stood next to Nicole. “It’s a work of art.”
“Sure is.” She glanced over at April’s dress. “Yours, too. The woman’s a genius.”
“I know.” April grinned. “We all look effing amazing.”
“Okay, all you lovelies!” Deidre clapped her hands. “It’s show time!”
Nicole picked up her guitar and walked with the bridal party to their designated area that was screened off from the guests. Then she followed Deidre, Judy and Christine into the garden. Rows of white chairs faced a charming gazebo decorated with ribbons and fall flowers. The chairs were nearly filled when she took the seat that had been reserved for her at the far end of the front row. That spot would allow her to easily go up for her guitar solo.
As soft country music played in the background, Zane arrived with his brothers. Nicole had seen them together before, but not like this, in matching suede vests, black hats, white Western shirts and string ties. Their jeans were crisp and new and their black boots were polished.
A murmur rippled through the crowd as the McGavin brothers lined up shoulder to broad shoulder next to the gazebo. The murmur had a feminine lilt to it and sounded very much like mmm. She had to agree with that assessment, especially regarding the man standing in the middle of that group.
His gaze found hers and their connection snapped into place with an almost audible click. Then he winked. Ah. That was a very good sign.
The minister was a woman. She gave a short nod and the intro music began. Faith came down the carpeted aisle holding a bouquet of mums and fall leaves. She glanced at Cody and their smiles made it clear they were deeply in love.
Next came Mandy’s friend from New York, who’d flown in yesterday, followed by April, who claimed all of Ryker’s attention until she took her place among the other bridesmaids. Then Kendra appeared, sassy in the up-do Nicole had created for her. The love shining in her eyes was reflected on the faces of her sons.
The music swelled, and Mandy appeared on her mother’s arm. The guests stood. Mandy was a vision as sunlight brought out the subtle color of her incredible dress. As she and Jo drew closer, sunlight also sparkled in the tears streaming down their faces. They held tight to each other and made the walk with careful dignity.
All five men took turns swallowing and softly clearing their throats. Zane thumbed moisture from his eyes before stepping forward to join his bride. He and Jo embraced before she took her place in the first row.
Nicole hadn’t expected to be this moved, and when her part in the ceremony arrived, she prayed she wouldn’t tear up while she sang Annie’s Song. It was a close call, but she made it through.
And then it was done. Zane and Mandy hurried back down the aisle as the guests clapped and cheered.
Nicole carried her guitar to the reception and left it in a storage room she and Bryce had scoped out during the rehearsal. Then she walked back into the reception hall. The room was large enough for linen-draped tables to be grouped around a generous-sized area for dancing.
Bryce sat on a stool, guitar at the ready. A mic on an adjustable stand had been placed in front of him. He glanced at her when she came in and flashed her a smile.
She smiled back and managed a quick thumbs-up. He seemed steady, but no telling what was going on under that surface calm.
His voice was strong as he spoke. “I’d like to ask my brother Zane and his lovely bride Mandy to take the floor.”
The guests whooped and hollered as Zane led Mandy to the center of the dance floor.
“I’ve known Zane all my life, and Mandy most of my life. You were always meant for each other, and thank God you finally figured it out. I’m sure we’re all relieved about that, right?”
The crowd shouted their approval.
“I appreciate the confidence you’ve shown by allowing me to play a song for your first dance. I’ll do my best not to mess it up.”
That got a laugh, but Nicole knew it wasn’t a joke. She crossed her fingers.
“So here’s Whenever I Waltz with You, dedicated to Zane and Mandy.” He cleared the hoarseness from his throat. “Love you guys.” He waited for the applause to die down. Then he looked straight at Nicole and strummed the first chord.
For one terrifying moment, she was afraid he wouldn’t go on. Then he took a deep breath, broke eye contact and launched into the song. He played it flawlessly. And if his voice was a little gruff, that only added emotional impact.
As he had when he’d first sung it in her kitchen, he put everything he had right out there. The guests stood completely still as if mesmerized by the song and the couple moving gracefully around the floor. Zane’s gaze locked with Mandy’s as they swirled and dipped.
Then he broke into a smile of such pure happiness that it took Nicole’s breath away. She wanted to shout at Bryce to look at his brother, to look and see what this gift meant. She glanced at Bryce. He’d seen it! His wide grin would stay with her forever.
As he sang the final lyrics, his gaze sought hers. And that’s when I know that dreams can come true, whenever I waltz with you.
The song ended and a moment of appreciative silence was broken with thunderous applause. Zane kissed Mandy and then went over to hug his brother. Mandy demanded her hug and then all the brothers were there, followed by Kendra, Jo and the rest of the Whine and Cheese Club. Faith and April added to the mob scene.
Nicole watched through happy tears. She couldn’t see Bryce anymore because he’d been swallowed up by the crowd of people surrounding him. The DJ put on a new song and the floor filled with dancers. She stood on tiptoe, but still her view was blocked.
Then a strong arm circled her waist. “Looking for me?”
She turned to meet his smiling eyes. “How did you sneak up on me like that?”
“I’m magic.”
“That’s for sure. You had them in a trance.”
“The main thing is, Zane was happy. Did you see his face?”
“Yes.” Her throat tightened. “He loved it.” She reached up and touched his cheek, sweaty from all he’d put into that song. “How did it feel, being in front of an audience again?”
“Fantastic. Didn’t know how much I’ve missed it.”
“And Charity? Is she—”
“History.”
“Back where she belongs.”
“No kidding.” He tugged her closer. “Listen, I have a topic I’d like to discuss if you don’t mind.”
“Here?”
“The sooner the better. It’s something I need to get off my chest.”
“Okay.”
“The thing is…” His gaze intensified. “I love you.”
Her breath caught. The party noise faded to a soft buzz as all her senses focused on this beautiful man. He loved her. How great was that?
“This morning I damn near told Charity that I love you, but that seemed ridiculous.”
“I agree.”
“You should be the first one to hear it.”
“Good call.” She cupped his face in both hands. “And you’re the first one to hear this. I’ve been in love with you ever since you leaped over the bar to defend me from Ray.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. And now I finally get to say it.
I love you, Bryce McGavin.” Standing on tiptoe, she kissed him.
Sweeping off his hat, he kissed her back. For a long time. With enthusiasm. At last he lifted his head to gaze at her. “I can’t remember ever being this happy.”
She smiled. “Me, either.”
“I just need one more thing.”
The love shining in his eyes took her breath away. “What’s that?”
He released her and held out his hand. “A waltz with you.”
Epilogue
Everything was set. Bryce had found a white leather fringed jacket in a used clothing store and he’d tied a red bandanna around his head, just like Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock. Nicole sat at a table in front with a control panel that activated the strobe lights and a fog machine was already going at the back of the stage. The Fender sat in a holder on stage.
Nicole started stomping her feet and chanting McGavin, McGavin, McGavin.
Although he was cracking up, he managed to strut onto the stage with the proper arrogance. Nicole went crazy, screaming and letting lose with some catcalls.
Then he picked up the Fender. She’d pestered him mercilessly about this and he’d secretly wanted to do it ever since seeing the guitar in its battered case.
Nicole hit the control on the strobe lights and that flipped an internal switch. He launched into Purple Haze and the crowd of one went wild. The guitar was a dream. It coaxed him to be audacious, to be flamboyant, to claim his inner rock star.
He executed moves he didn’t know he had. He understood why his musical idols had indulged in orgies after a performance. The energy practically demanded it.
Nicole was on her feet for most of the song, only leaning down to adjust the strobes now and then. Mostly she was rocking out with him. When it was over, she leaped up and down like a maniac. He took several bows and then her panties hit him in the face.
Picking them up from the stage, he peered out at her. “You did not just do that.”
“Hey, don’t quit! Encore, encore!”
A Cowboy's Heart (The McGavin Brothers Book 4) Page 18
