The Best Man

by Ana Blaze

  She bit her lip to keep from chuckling too loudly. “I have seen you without your clothes on.”

  He nodded. “That’s right. How did that go over again?” His head dipped to the side and studied her.

  “I was under the impression you knew how to behave in public as long as you weren’t dosed with Xanax and the entire contents of the courtesy bar. Should I have prepared a list of appropriate dinner topics for you?”

  “Ah, like the rain in Spain? No worries, love. If I have learned anything from television we are now expected to surreptitiously survey the couples around us and guess at their lives.”

  Beth giggled. “Is that so?”

  “Definitely. Take this lovely couple to our right.” He inclined his head in the direction of a grey-haired woman who was arguing with the white-haired man across from her. “Oh. Don’t look directly at them! Sneakiness is an essential part of this mating ritual. So, what do you think, first date or high-priced escort?”

  Charmed and feeling playful, she leaned closer. “No way. Clearly, they’re spies. Only they work for enemy organizations. Twenty-five years ago they met on an assignment that involved seducing each other and accidentally fell in love. Now they meet in secret once a year in honor of the life they couldn’t have because of their duty to their respective groups.” She sat back in her chair and grinned.

  “That’s good.” Colin nodded. “Damn, that’s brilliant. You must go on a lot of dates because you are very good at this game.”

  She nodded to a young couple across the room. “Go ahead. Try again.”

  He nodded. “Cause a distraction so they don’t see me looking.” He glanced over at them quickly and then back. “Challenging.”

  “If you’re not up for it …”

  Colin held up his hands. “I didn’t say that. I’m just suggesting that successful completion of this mission should allow me access to the next level.”

  “The next level of what?”

  “Us. I want to know your middle name, at least one honestly embarrassing story, and I want to be in your bedroom tonight.”

  Grinning, she shrugged. “Deal. Impress me.”

  “This is their third first date.”

  Beth raised an eyebrow.

  “Hear me out, love. Their first, first date went horridly awry. He made an utter fool of himself but knew immediately that she was the only girl for him. Seeing no other option he obviously created a vessel for time travel and went back to try again. Their second date went only slightly better, so he is trying a third time in hopes that she will agree to go out with him again.”

  “Do you think she’s going to say yes tonight?”

  His eyes softened when they met hers. “I hope so. But if she doesn’t he’ll keep trying until she does.”

  “He does seem persistent — what, with the whole time machine thing.”

  “He has to be. He’s never fallen for a woman quite so hard before, and first impressions are very difficult to override.”

  Beth nodded. “My middle name is Rose.”

  “That’s … My mother was named Rose.” His voice took on a wistful note.

  “If another man told me that I’d be sure it was a pickup line.”

  He smirked. “And it no doubt would be. All other men are total scum. You should give up dating them completely.”

  She rolled her eyes. “What kind of stuff do you write? You write, don’t you? You said that last night.”

  He stared at her for a moment before responding. “How do you feel about poetry?”

  Her lips twitched. “You write poems. Poems?”

  “Of course not.” He shook his head. “Only total saps write poetry. I write manly guides to … manliness, and also … motorcycles.”

  “So that’s a yes on the poetry? I thought you said something about short stories.”

  He sighed. “I write, in general, everything. The poetry is the worst. I’m complete rubbish at it, but I like it the best. I also write short stories — generally in the science fiction genre. I have one entirely un-publishable novel and a few more unfinished, but almost equally unlikely to find an audience.”

  “Tell me one of your poems.”

  He leaned across the table. “No.”

  Beth leaned in and dropped a sweet kiss on his mouth, smiling as she sat back again. “I’m glad I came out with you tonight.” She was having fun, nearly too much fun given their temporary status. The air sparked between them.

  He grinned and sat back in his chair. “I am too, Beth. But, I’m still not going to recite any of my poetry.”

  “Fair enough, though I’ll bet hearing one would have gotten me all … hot for you.”

  Colin snorted. “Doubtful. Besides, we both know you just changed the subject so that you could get out of telling me your embarrassing story.”

  Beth nodded to the waitress as she placed their food on the table. Colin gave the woman a quick smile and said, “Thank you.”

  “I don’t have any embarrassing stories.” She twirled some pasta around her fork, brought it to her mouth, and groaned in appreciation. Colin was smirking at her. Beth blushed. “This is really good.”

  “I’m very happy to see you enjoying it.”

  “This whole don’t-mind-me-I’m-just-a-shy-book-guy thing is totally an act, isn’t it?”

  “Book guy?”

  “You know what I mean. The nice manners and excellent vocabulary come in handy by getting girls to lower their shields, and then you swoop in with all the innuendo and … touching.”

  “Ah, yes. You’ve got me. I’m a dreadful rogue.”

  Beth giggled. “Knew it.” She ate a few more bites of her pasta alfredo and watched him. His gaze was settled on the table and his forehead tensed in thought. “What is it?”

  “I suppose I’m trying to decide if you truly believe that and, if so, whether or not I should attempt to change your mind.”

  “I don’t think you’re a rogue, Colin. Although, the fact that you use the word makes me think you should try your hand at writing a romance novel.”

  He winced. “That is a rather female-dominated genre. There’s not a lot a male readers or male authors.”

  “Not confident enough in your manhood to write a romance?”

  “My manhood is … fine. My history of utter failure with women… that’s an issue.”

  “It can’t have been that bad.”

  “Have you forgotten how we met? My fiancée left me for my brother, and that’s still the most successful relationship I’ve had to date.”

  “Why?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. You tell me.”

  “You’re a good looking guy, Colin, and you’re smart, funny.… you come on a little strong, maybe.”

  He held up his hand. “That is actually a new thing that I seem to be trying.”

  “So you don’t normally announce your plan to win a girl’s heart two days after you meet?”

  “Not aloud, no.”

  “Oh.”

  “How’s that going, by the way?”

  She couldn’t help smiling. “Might be working.”

  Chapter Ten

  BETH SHOWERED AND DRESSED before Colin woke up. She considered just leaving him a note, but the sight of him asleep --all cute and rumpled -- was too appealing. She bent down to give him a quick kiss and Colin swung his arm around her shoulder. He pulled her onto the bed and rubbed his hand down her back. Frowning, he opened his eyes. “You know I like the heels, but the rest of this get up seems a bit much for what I have planned.”

  “I’m going to swing by the office.”

  “I thought your boss gave you the week off -- something about nursing me back to health.”

  “He did, but I still have to check on a couple things; make sure my assistant isn’t in over his head.” Beth wriggled free, stood up, and straightened her dress.

  “I might need a sponge bath. I’m quite dirty.”

  “I’ll be back in a couple hours.” She shook her head. H
e was incorrigible. Since when did she like incorrigible? “And I’m pretty sure the dirty is a pre-existing condition.”

  “Perhaps, but the symptoms never present this dramatically.”

  “I’ll grab something for lunch on my way back. You should get some more rest.” She walked towards the door. “Don’t forget to take the pills the doctor gave you. And call my office if you need anything, okay?”

  “Yes, Mum.”

  She turned back towards him and wrinkled her nose. “Don’t call me that. It’s totally creepy.”

  Colin laughed as he stood up and walked over to her. “You’re right. It’s much hotter when you call me, Daddy.” He toyed with her ponytail.

  “That’s not going to happen either.” His lack of clothes was far too distracting. She had to get out of there before the urge to lick his abs won out.

  “We’ll see.” He leaned close for a deep kiss. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning.”

  “Still say it would be better if you came back to bed.”

  Beth laughed. “I won’t deny that. But I still have things I need to do.”

  “You’ll admit that you’d rather be here with me?”

  “I suppose.”

  He nodded. “Good. Seems like progress.”

  She kissed him once more before slipping out.

  ****

  Beth was pleased to find her office cleaned, and a picture of calla lilies hung to replace the one that had fallen. Hopefully it, and the new shelf, was attached to the wall more firmly than their predecessors had been. She scanned her message book and made her first call while her laptop started up.

  “Nora? Beth Chase. What can I help you with?” She made sure to smile even when speaking on the phone, just in case the adage about hearing a smile was true.

  “Can you shrink my niece?” Nora responded without missing a beat.

  Beth chuckled. “Growth spurt since the dress fitting?”

  “She’s like a magic bean sprout. Grew five inches overnight! I called the bridal shop but there’s no time to get another dress made. We can still get her in the damn dress, but it barely reaches her knees now and all the other dresses are tea length. I mean, that’s why we ordered this dress in the first place and …”

  “I understand.” Beth cut her off before she could get too worked up. “We’ll figure something out. Don’t worry.” She tapped a few keys and pulled up her notes.

  “That’s easier said than done.”

  “Three days out everything feels like a crisis. Just remember that four days from now you’ll be laying on the beach next your very handsome and devoted husband.”

  “I still haven’t packed. That’s bad, right? I should be packed by now.”

  “Relax. Throw a couple of sundresses and a bikini in a bag.”

  Nora giggled. “I suppose you’re right.”

  “Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. I’ll call up the dress shop. They can’t make a whole new dress, but they can add some fabric to the hem.”

  “Won’t that look obvious?”

  “Yes, so we won’t try to match the white. We’ll have them match the pink from the belt on your dress. It’ll look like it was meant to be there.”

  “That … that could work. Right? That’s doable.”

  “Definitely. Can your sister bring the flower girl to the shop this afternoon?”

  “I’ll call her right now.”

  “Why don’t you leave that to me? You go pack for your honeymoon and try to relax.”

  Beth explained her plan to the seamstress, got a promise from the bride’s sister that the kid would be in the shop twenty minutes after she got out of school that afternoon, and the mini-crisis was averted.

  “Why are you here?” Tony frowned at her from just inside the doorway

  “It’s my office.” She pointed. “See. It says so right on the door. Beth Chase: Wedding Planner.”

  “I have everything under control. Really.”

  “I know you do. I just wanted to check in, make sure everything is all set for Saturday.”

  Tony blushed. “Why? Did she say something?”

  “Why would she say something?”

  “For the record, she said I was cute. I wouldn’t have done it if she hadn’t.”

  Beth’s stomach dropped. “Done what?”

  “Kissed her.”

  “You kissed the bride!?”

  “What? No. Claire.”

  “The Claire who works here? That Claire?”

  He nodded and dropped into the chair in front of her desk.

  “That’s … wow.” Claire, their newest junior planner, was sweet and adorable. Tony could do a lot worse.

  “Yeah, but now it’s all weird.” He shrugged.

  “Right. Are you two going to be able to work the wedding together this Saturday?”

  “We will. I promise I won’t let you down. And Claire is … she’s really professional.” He grinned dreamily.

  Beth stared at him for another moment. “All right. Why don’t you go have a talk with Claire now and let me finish up a few things here?”

  He paled, but stood up. “Are you sure you don’t need my help with anything?”

  “Go away, Tony.”

  “Fine.” He pouted, but left.

  Beth scanned her email, sorting it into the appropriate files. She frowned when she reached one with Colin Pratt as the subject line. Her stomach churned as she clicked on it.

  To Whom It May Concern:

  Mr. Pratt has rented a lovely flat from me for the past three years. He has been a model tenant throughout this period. All monies owed are paid well in advance, and the neighbors have had only positive things to say about him. I must, however, caution that he should never be allowed to assist the electrician again. I am confident though that he learned this lesson well enough the last time and it shan’t be an issue again. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions.

  Mrs. Elliot Smith

  Beth read it twice, then printed it out.

  She held it up to him when she got home. “Why am I getting emails from your landlady?”

  Colin smiled. “Oh, good. Mrs. Smith is always very prompt.”

  “Colin?”

  “References. You should be hearing from one of my colleagues, and a former student later this afternoon. I tried calling the prep school I attended and found them rather unhelpful. In fact, I’m beginning to suspect that the whole permanent record story is nothing more than a myth. Very disappointing.”

  “Right, but why am I getting references?”

  “I’m simply making certain that you have all the information you need to make your decision. I’ll have my accountant write something up as well. Would you be interested in seeing my transcripts from university?”

  “No, what? Your … Don’t have your accountant send things, that’s … creepy. I don’t decide who I date based on their credit history. I’m actually -- Damn it, Colin; I can’t believe you’d think that.”

  “I’m not only asking you to date me, Beth. You know what I want. It seemed fair that you know I don’t rely on bad poetry to support myself.”

  “Good. I’ll take your word on it.”

  “I didn’t mean to insult you. I merely -- You must see that you have me at a bit of a disadvantage. You know that I need you. I’m still quite unsure about where you stand on this.”

  “You can’t … need me. We only just met. That’s crazy.”

  “Love is crazy. You cannot tell me that you work with love all the time and don’t know that love is utterly without rules.” He pulled the sheet of paper from her hand and held it up. “You like statistics and sure things, I get that, and I’m trying to give it to you. The truth is, none of that matters to me. I’m in love with you; desperately, shockingly, maddeningly in love with you.” He pulled her into a hard kiss. “Marry me.”

  Beth nearly gave into the kiss despite the alarm bells clanging in her head. “No!” She pushed at his chest. “This i
s really not cute anymore. You’re acting crazy.”

  “Have you truly never read Nietzsche? There is always some madness in love. You must know that. It’s always a leap of insane and unsupportable faith. We could date for a decade before getting married and you’d still have to take that leap. Why not take it now? Jump. I’ll catch you and spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy.”

  Beth stared at him for a moment, trying to figure him out. “I’m sorry, but …”

  Colin followed her, snatched her hand and spun her around so her back was pressed against the wall near her bedroom door. He kissed her again, one of his magic kisses that left her weak in the knees and nearly distracted from the matter at hand.

  “You can’t just get all sexy every time I disagree with you.”

  His teeth teased her earlobe. “Quite right,” he murmured.

  “I’m trying to have a serious conversation here.”

  “We’re amazing together. Tell me you don’t feel it too?”

  “Of course I feel something, but it can’t be love.”

  “Why not?”

  “It takes more than a couple days to know if you’re compatible enough to share your life with someone.”

  Colin touched her temple. “You’re talking about something that comes from here instead of the thing that comes from here.” He placed his hand over her heart.

  “Yeah, well I’m pretty sure the body part you’re thinking with is a bit lower.”

  Shaking his head, he pulled her hand up and placed it on his chest. “You’re under my skin, Beth. There isn’t a part of me that doesn’t want you.” He brushed her hair off her forehead.

  “You took a pretty hard hit to the head the other day.”

  “It started before that. You floored me the moment we met.”

  “You’re claiming love at first sight?”

  “Is it so hard to believe?’ Colin skimmed her bottom lip with his thumb. “You have a stack of videos in the other room that tell me you want to believe in happily ever after. Take the chance.”

  “Those are fantasies, pretty stories about pretty people. I like them, but I don’t think they’re real.”

  His hands kept moving; they slid up her neck, down her arms. They tugged her shirt out of her skirt and caressed the small of her back. “Want to know what I think? I think you liked me from the start. I think you felt this connection too, right away. You tried to act all proper but you couldn’t wait to get your hands on me.”