by Ana Blaze
“Colin.” Beth straightened her shoulders. “You’re not going to give another toast.”
“Their first dance was to a song she called ours on our third date.”
Beth winced. “That’s …”
Colin pointed to the band. The lead singer nodded and started a new song. Colin smirked. “They’re playin’ our song, love. Dance with me or I find a microphone.”
“What is this?” Beth looked towards the band and grimaced.
The lead singer pointed at her and thrust his hips in her direction. He proceeded to sing a corny tune Beth remembered playing during the credits of a nineties’ teen drama. Colin tugged her closer. “I told him to pick something romantic. I was thinking perhaps Nat King Cole, maybe some Sinatra. This is also a fine selection.”
She relented with a laugh. “One dance. Then I have to get back to work.”
His arm slid around her waist and pulled her body close. He rested his chin against her head as though they’d danced together a dozen times before.
Beth heard him humming along with the music as they swayed and she smiled.
It was a bad idea. She was always careful to avoid being too friendly with the wedding party or their guests. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to push him away. The man was having a truly rough week and he’d given a good toast. One dance wasn’t too much to ask. She was professional enough to ignore the unexpected pleasure of being wrapped in his arms.
“I wasn’t going to steal the cake, you know.”
Beth pulled back slightly and looked at him with an arched brow. “What are you talking about?”
“I was just planning on writing a wee message in the frosting. Cake boy didn’t have to get all worked up.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing! I was wheeling it into better light when he came at me with a wooden spoon. I had a nanny hit me with a spoon once -- didn’t like it.”
“You’re a handful, Colin Pratt.”
He grinned. “Your hands are tiny. I’m at least two handfuls.”
“That’s … nice. Was the photographer finished with you?”
“The photographer is an ogre. I choose not to associate with his type.”
Beth sighed. “Colin, the photographer is a woman.”
His eyes widened. “That explains a lot.”
“Do I want to know?”
He sighed heavily. “Why are we talking about me? Tell me more about you.”
“I’d like to survive this wedding with my job intact. That means I need you to stop doing shots of … what are you drinking?”
Colin shrugged. “It’s blue.”
“Okay. I need you to stop drinking that and try the coffee. Also, maybe you could eat something and … it’s probably best if you stay away from the bridesmaids.”
“Why would I want those daft tarts when I have you?”
Beth frowned. “Colin, you do realize that I’m not your —”
He placed a finger over her lips. “Shh. Did you know that if you cut a sea star in half it will grow new legs?”
“I’ve heard that.”
He frowned and grabbed her shoulders. “But why do you want to cut them in half? They didn’t mean to scare the fishes.”
“I’m not going to cut any starfish. The song’s done, and I’ve got to get back to work.” She gave him a big smile as she removed his hands from her shoulders.
“We didn’t do the dip.”
“It wasn’t really that type of song.” Beth scanned the room. “It looks like they need my help over there.” She pointed vaguely to the other side of the room and hoped he didn’t ask questions. She was there to work, not enjoy Colin’s antics.
His lips curved downward, but he let her go without argument.
Beth shook her head, watched him strut across the room, and went to find Tony. It was definitely his turn to supervise the best man.
Beth’s phone vibrated with a 911 text from her assistant a mere forty minutes later.
Tony was no match for Colin. Her assistant was better suited to cleaning than crisis management. And coffee. Tony was a coffee-making magician.
“I tried, Miss Chase. I really did. But he’s impossible.”
“What’s the problem?”
“He told the flower girl her mother was an alien and that she was only waiting for the girl to get big enough to eat.”
Beth stared at Tony for a moment, stifling a giggle. “I’ll handle it. You go tell the band they need to play an extra hour. The Pratts are extending their reception.”
Tony nodded and hurried off.
Beth found Colin sitting on the floor in the lobby of the reception hall, hiding behind a large, potted palm tree. “You can’t terrorize the flower girl. She’ll probably have nightmares now.”
Colin laughed. “That girl eats nightmares for breakfast. She’s the thing nightmares fear. They probably think she hides beneath their beds.”
“Mr. Pratt, I think it’s time we get you a taxi. Which hotel are you staying at?”
“Call me Colin.”
Beth tried again. After nearly thirty minutes and another dance, she finally succeeded in getting Colin into a cab. She handed him a bottle of water as he got in the cab. “Drink the entire bottle before you go to sleep. Goodbye, Colin.”
Hopefully the hotel had a doorman.
Chapter Three
BETH BEAMED AT THE large bouquet of flowers sitting on her desk Monday morning. “Wow,” she muttered as she opened the card. “Best congratulations-on-your-promotion flowers ever.”
She gasped as she read the card. The flowers weren’t from Eli after all.
I’m sorry. The words are not enough and the flowers are not either, but I hope you will consider them a start.
–Colin Pratt
Once again, he’d surprised her. Never before had an unruly wedding guest sent an apology bouquet. She smiled at the large pink and yellow blooms. They were cheerful and complimented her mood perfectly. She placed the vase on a side table just as someone knocked quietly on her doorframe.
“Oh! Hello.”
Colin Pratt stood there, smiling shyly. “My mother always said that some things had to be done in person, and apologies are one of those things. You did a wonderful job on Saturday. I regret that I made it more difficult for you to do so.”
Beth smiled. “There’s no need to apologize. I know you had your reasons.” He was cleaned up today: a fresh shave, nice green shirt, charcoal grey slacks, and non-bloodshot eyes. It suited him, but she wished he hadn’t slicked his hair back. She wanted to see those light brown curls in their glory. Beth checked her hair and straightened her sweater on instinct. She wasn’t trying to attract a man, and she was definitely not trying to attract Colin Pratt. He was mess.
At least she was wearing sexy boots.
“A poor excuse for my behavior. I hope I did not insult you.”
“Not at all. The flowers are beautiful. Thank you.”
Colin stood for a moment looking at her feet. “I should leave you to your day. Again, I wish to thank you for your help. You’re spectacular, that is — your work. You did a splendid job.” He gave a single nod and turned to leave.
“Mr. Pratt,” Beth started. Colin returned his attention. “The line you were trying to write: maybe something about being in a hurry to get hitched.”
He looked surprised. His mouth opened and closed twice before he found words. “Yes, I think that could work.” He smiled warmly and took a step into her office. “I am, no doubt, out of line even asking, but I’ll … Would you join me for dinner?”
Beth was tempted. She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but she was. He was cute. She liked to hear him talk; and even when he’d been a pain in her ass, he’d made her laugh. It was a grey area. Her work with his brother was done, but dating Colin was still murky, not worth venturing for a man who lived an ocean away. “I’m sorry. You seem like a nice man, but it would be unprofessional for me to —”
“I understan
d. I’ll —”
The earth moved, literally. An earthquake shook the ground and everything on it.
“Bloody Hell!” Colin shouted, grabbing at the wall as he looked to Beth with terror-filled eyes.
Beth was startled, but remained calm. “It’s just an earthquake. It’ll be done in a few seconds.”
The shaking stopped and Colin let out a hoarse laugh. “Well, that is certainly an experience.”
Beth smiled at the suddenly very pale man in her office. “You get used to it if you live here long enough. Do you want to have a seat? I can get you a glass of water or something. Tea?” British people drank tea, right? That was like a rule.
Before he could respond, the shaking started up again. Harder.
“The picture!” He rushed toward Beth and shoved her to the side. A large wooden-framed photo fell from the wall behind her desk and crashed to the floor sending a spray of glass splinters across the carpet.
“Whoa.” Beth took another step away and smiled. “I —”
The small shelf Beth used to display her most treasured professional awards came loose, toppling a large, glass, diamond-shaped statuette directly onto Colin’s head. The tremors continued.
Beth scooped up her bag and grabbed his arm. “Here.” She pulled him down to crouch beside her. “Are you okay?” She moved his hand away from his head and cringed when she saw blood oozing from the bump swelling near his hairline. The sound of glass breaking in the hallway made them both jump. Beth shook her head, pulled a scarf out of her bag, folded it and pressed it against his head. “I can’t believe you did that. Colin? Talk to me. Are you okay?”
“Don’t think I could get used to this.”
Beth smiled as the shaking stilled. “Yeah, well head injuries aren’t really the norm. I appreciate the save, but why didn’t you just tell me to move?”
“I suppose in retrospect that does seem …” He winced. “Can we get up from the floor now?”
Beth shook her head. “I think we’d best give it a couple minutes, just in case ...”
“In case the earth decides to swallow us whole?”
“Right. How bad does your head hurt?”
“It’s nothing. Just a scratch.”
Beth rolled her eyes. “Yes, very manly. Now, seriously, how bad?” She peeked under the scarf and winced at the extent of the bleeding.
“Might give the headache I woke up with yesterday a run for its money.”
Her lips twitched. “Yeah, but you earned that one.”
He frowned. “I didn’t know they’d slipped me a Xanax in my morning coffee.”
“What?” Beth looked at him in shock.
“My father had the family doctor prescribe something to help with the stress. I am normally capable of having a few drinks without making a total arse of myself.”
“They drugged you. That’s … Shit, Colin.”
He shrugged.
Tony yelled from the hallway. “Beth, are you all right?”
Beth chuckled at the panic in his voice. “I’m fine, Tony, although Mr. Pratt has had better days.” She smiled at Colin. “Come on. I think we can get up now.” She helped him up and directed him to sit in her desk chair. “Let’s get you fixed up. I have some supplies in my bag.”
Tony rushed in, looked at Colin and gasped.
“Tony, have you checked the other offices to see if anyone else needs help?”
“What?” He continued to stare at Colin.
“Go see if anyone needs help.”
He looked at her and nodded. “Yeah. Right. I’m on it, boss.”
Beth turned her attention back to Colin, slowly peeling the scarf off his forehead. She used a wet wipe to clean the blood away but fresh blood soon replaced it. “I think the bleeding is slowing down,” she said, hoping to convince them both. Beth smiled at him encouragingly and used another wipe before dabbing the bump with antibiotic ointment and taping gauze in place to cover the area. “There. You’ll be as good as new in no time.” She brushed his hair away from the bandaged area. “Thank you, for … thank you.” Beth leaned in and placed a light kiss on his lips.
Colin pulled away to stare at her with surprise in his eyes and a slow-building smile shaping his lips.
Beth chuckled as she moved to throw away the scarf and first aid garbage. He grabbed her arm and pulled her closer, bringing her mouth back to his and sliding his finger into the hair above the nape of her neck as he kissed her deeply.
When she heard herself moan, Beth pulled away. “I’m sorry that was …” She touched her lips. “I think we both just got a little caught up in the excitement.”
Colin looked like he was going to argue for a moment. “Of course, you’re right.”
“Why don’t I go get you that water now?”
“No, that’s not necessary. I’m quite —” He pushed himself up, only to wobble and grip the edge of the desk. “I believe I may be ill. Is there a lavatory?”
Beth placed her hands on his shoulders and pressed him back into the seat. “You probably have a concussion. Just sit down for a minute and then I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Colin sat down. “There’s no need. I’m certain I’ll be fine in a moment.”
“I’m taking you to the hospital,” Beth told him firmly. “Tony?”
Her assistant appeared in seconds. “Right here, boss. What can I do for you?”
Beth smiled. He was a little annoying at times, but she’d never seen anyone more excited about being an assistant. “I’m going to take Colin to the hospital. He got hit pretty hard. I think he might have a concussion.”
“Colin?”
“Mr. Pratt, from Saturday’s wedding. You remember the best man.”
“Oh. Yeah. I’m just not used to hearing you …” he trailed off and shook his head. “What can I do?”
“You can clean up the broken glass in here and cancel my appointments for this afternoon. Reschedule them for later this week.”
Tony nodded eagerly and Beth walked back to Colin. She slipped her tote over her shoulder and placed her hand on his arm. “I’m going to help you stand up. Nice and slow, okay?” She draped his arm over her shoulder as he rose.
“I can walk without assistance.”
“Let me help, just in case.”
He gave in with a sigh and slid his arm around her waist.
Chapter Four
BETH GLARED AT THE television playing cartoons in the emergency room waiting area. Someone else could’ve spent an hour fighting the traffic. Someone else could be stuck in a chair with giant cracks in its vinyl seat. Beth crossed her legs and shifted her weight to the side. It didn’t help. It was literally a pain in the ass.
If someone else had brought him, she wouldn’t have embarrassed them both by trying to join him in the exam room. The memory of his chuckling brought heat to her cheeks again. Something about Colin Pratt made her act like a silly girl.
She pulled out her phone and checked her updated schedule. Tony had moved all her appointments, so she worked on notes for the next day.
“You stayed.” Colin sounded surprised.
Beth nearly bounced out of her seat.
Colin, freshly bandaged, stood in front of her with a slightly bewildered expression. “I’d have gotten a cab back to my hotel.”
“You were injured in my office. It’s my responsibility to make sure you get back to the hotel safe and sound.”
“Or you like me.”
“I —”
“Fancy me.” He smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m every bit as surprised as you are.”
Beth dropped her phone in to her tote. “Are you on sedatives again?”
“Nothing fancier than Tylenol. It’s a minor concussion. No real concerns, although I should wait a couple days before flying. Possible headache or something.” He held up the informational printout the nurse had given him.
Beth took the paper from him and quickly scanned it. Someone was supposed to keep watch for changes in behavior, slurre
d speech, or a dozen other signs of a more serious injury than the doctor currently suspected. “Who else is at your hotel?”
“There are hundreds of rooms, Miss Chase. I didn’t ask for a roster.”
“I meant to ask if your father or a friend from the wedding was staying there.” She handed him back the papers. “Do you have someone to check in on you?”
He hesitated, then grinned. “Have dinner with me. You can check on me yourself.”
“Colin.”
“My father and everyone else--I believe--flew home yesterday. I stayed in hopes of doing a bit of sightseeing and to avoid even the slightest chance of sharing an eleven hour flight with Hunter’s mother.” He shuddered as though the mere thought was enough to give nightmares.
“You can stay with me.” The words were out before she fully considered them and once they were, she worked hard to justify the plan, if only to herself. The poor man looked pale and exhausted beneath the large bandage on his forehead. He needed a friend to keep an eye on him for a day or so. It wasn’t a big deal. She was just being a good person. “I have a guest room.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I can’t put you out that way.”
“You won’t be,” she assured him with a smile. “The paper says you need to rest. You can do that at my place. It would be easier for me, really. I won’t have to keep calling the hotel to remind them to check in on you.”
“If I stay at your place, will you have dinner with me?”
“Yes.” She grinned. “But it won’t be a date.”
“Of course not.”
Damn, he was cute, standing there all bandaged up and smirking like he’d just won. Beth swung her bag over her shoulder and headed towards the exit. She needed to make it clear that she’s wasn’t interested in him romantically. It would be great if at least one of them believed it.
She paused and looked up at him before unlocking the car doors. “It’s really not a date.”
Colin leaned closer. “So you’ve said.” His gaze dropped to her lips for a few seconds, but he made no move to kiss her. “I’ve merely sparked your sense of responsibility.”
