Harlequin Special Edition September 2014 - Bundle 1 of 2: Maverick for HireA Match Made by BabyOnce Upon a Bride

by Leanne Banks

  “Thanks,” she said, and drank in the sight of Nick dressed for the wedding. She’d seen him in jeans and naked. At the moment, he looked like a devil in a suit. His natural sexiness would prevent him from ever looking too proper. “You look nice, too.”

  “Thanks,” he said and shot her a naughty glance. “I wonder what it would take to get you out of that dress. Or maybe I just want you to keep it on the first time. I can’t remember the last time I saw you in a dress.”

  Surprised, yet a little aroused by his suggestion, Cecelia shook her head. “I can’t believe you’re even thinking about that right now.”

  “You’d be surprised how much I think about it,” he said.

  Cecelia bit on her lip. “You’re making me nervous,” she said. “And I’m already a little nervous about this wedding. I know I wanted them to get together, but do you think they’re rushing it?”

  “It’s not up to us to tell them how to run their relationship. I’m glad if talking to Will helped him realized how much he wants Beth in his life. They’re both adults. They should know what they want.”

  Cecelia nodded. “True,” she said. “It’s just so fast.”

  “Maybe when you get to be their age, you don’t believe in wasting time,” he said.

  “True again. I just want them to be happy,” she said.

  “Stop worrying. We’re going to this thing to wish them a wonderful future. I wouldn’t normally encourage a man toward marriage, but I think Will and Beth will be good for each other.”

  Cecelia felt a pinch at Nick’s reminder of his opinion of marriage. In his mind, it was for other men. Not him. She should remember that. It was just very difficult to think about his commitment to not being committed when she was holding him in her arms and he was kissing her as if she were the only woman in the world. Even though she knew she wasn’t the only woman in the world, especially Nick’s world.

  The more she thought about it, the more her stomach hurt so much she couldn’t talk. Although Will didn’t live that far away, the moments of silence seemed to crawl by.

  “You got quiet,” Nick finally said. “Are you still worried about Beth and Will?”

  She shook her head. “No. I think you’re right. They’re old enough to know what they’re doing.”

  “Good,” he said with a firm nod. “No need for you to be worrying about anything.”

  And that was where he was wrong, but she bit her tongue to keep from confessing her fears. Her feelings for Nick seemed to be growing exponentially every day. If he knew that little fact, he’d probably run screaming from her. For a terrible half moment, Cecelia wondered if it would hurt less if she did the running first. The problem with running from Nick was that she didn’t know if she could bear the prospect of never holding him in her arms again.

  Cecelia’s stomach twisted again. She had gotten in too deep with this. She wondered how she was possibly going to survive this...affair. She hated the word, but she needed to stop fooling herself.

  A few moments later, Nick pulled into the Duncans’ driveway. Cecelia got out and reached into the backseat for the small gift she’d brought them, along with a spaghetti casserole.

  “I’ll carry it for you. That was nice of you to fix a meal and get a gift. I just got them a card and a gift certificate to a grocery store,” Nick said and carried both the casserole and the gift to the front porch.

  “The gift is a wedding picture frame. I brought my camera and I’m hoping I can give them a photo from today to put in it. I know they’re not going on a honeymoon, so I thought Beth might like at least one night off from cooking.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be glad to get it,” Nick said, balancing the casserole and gift in one hand as he knocked on the front door.

  Cecelia heard the scurry of little feet just before the door opened. Eyes wide with excitement, Will’s granddaughter stared up at them. “We’re getting married!”

  Nick chuckled. “So you are. I have some food I need to put in the fridge. Can you let us in?”

  “Yes, sir,” she said, practically dancing with happiness. She wore a tiara, dress and slippers with bunny ears. The combination was magical.

  “You’re wearing such a pretty dress,” Cecelia said to the little girl as Nick took the casserole to the kitchen.

  “Mimi Beth got it for me,” she said proudly, twirling in a circle. “I love purple.”

  “It looks beautiful,” Cecelia said. “And I love your shoes.”

  “I love bunnies, too,” the little girl said. “I gotta go see Mimi Beth again,” she said and skipped down the hallway.

  Cecelia glanced after her. “Just precious.”

  “You gotta watch that kind,” Nick said. “She’ll have you wearing a pink boa and playing tea party before you know it.”

  “I would love to see you wearing a pink boa,” Cecelia said.

  “When hell freezes over,” he said.

  Cecelia couldn’t resist teasing. “What a shame. It would be such a turn-on,” she said in what she hoped sounded like a sexy voice. Heaven knew, she didn’t have much practice.

  Nick shot her a look of surprise. “Oh, really?” he said and lowered his voice. “I had no idea you had a little kinky side.”

  Cecelia giggled and he immediately caught on to her game.

  “That’s a little evil. You shouldn’t taunt a guy like that,” he warned.

  “I don’t think you’ve been deprived lately,” she retorted.

  “I feel deprived if I can’t be kissing you whenever I want,” he whispered.

  A rush of heat scored through her as Will approached them, walking with his cane. “There you are,” he said and extended his hand to Nick. “I’m so glad you two came.”

  Cecelia forced herself to switch gears from the sensual invitation in Nick’s voice. “We wouldn’t miss it,” she said and reached to hug Will. He was dressed in a dark suit that looked brand-new, and he looked so proud Cecelia thought he might burst.

  “Are you doing okay? Any nerves?” Nick asked.

  “Not too bad,” Will said. “I told Beth I get concerned that she may change her mind after she lives with us for a while, and she told me she’ll reassure me every day. That son of hers is a good boy, too. Almost a man. I’m darn lucky,” he said and shook his head.

  The minister waved them into the room and Will cocked his head toward the living room. “Time to get this show on the road. Melba and Gene are already waiting.”

  Cecelia joined Nick in the family room, where a bouquet of roses sat on a table and Melba waved from the other side of the room. Their landlord wore a faded pink floral dress edged with lace. Dressed in pants, a white shirt and tie, Beth’s son, Ryan, and Will’s grandson, Jacob, stood next to each other, looking slightly uncomfortable but at the same time pleased.

  The minister turned to Beth’s son. “You can go get your mother and escort her into the room.”

  Jacob turned on a small CD player and a romantic country tune filled the air. Melba reached for a tissue and sniffed.

  Cecelia felt a surge of sentimental emotion and sniffed, too.

  Nick handed her a handkerchief.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Seconds later, little Sara entered the room, sprinkling the wooden floor with pink rose petals. Beth, wearing a cream, lacy dress with a hem that stopped just below her knee, appeared in the doorway with her son. She looked straight at Will and the radiance on her face made Cecelia’s chest tighten with emotion. Cecelia looked at Will and his love and devotion shone in his eyes.

  Cecelia had never felt as if she was an overly emotional woman, but witnessing the love between them did something to her. It was all she could do not to start weeping. Blinking back tears, she took slow, shallow breaths. Why was she reacting this way? she asked herself. Distressed, sh
e slid a sideways glance at Nick. It was his fault, she realized. She was all worked up and emotional because she’d gotten involved with Nick. Cecelia was going to have to get herself under control. She didn’t know how, but she had to do it. This kind of emotion was going to ruin her life if she didn’t.

  “Dearly beloved,” the minister began, and Cecelia watched as Beth and Will joined their lives and families. She couldn’t remember a more beautiful wedding, and Cecelia got Nick’s handkerchief wet enough she figured she’d better buy a new one for him.

  After the sweet ceremony, everyone toasted the bride and groom with assorted beverages. The kids drank a little soda, while the adults drank just a little wine. Beth had baked a cake and everyone enjoyed a piece. The boys ditched their ties as soon as possible and camped in front of the television to watch a football game.

  Beth and Will just seemed to glow. “Thank you so much for coming,” she said to Cecelia then turned to Nick. “And thank you for talking to Will.”

  Nick coughed with discomfort. “I think he would have come around on his own,” Nick said. “I just may have sped things up a little bit.”

  “No need to put off happiness at our age,” Will said and put his arm around Beth. He looked at her with adoring eyes then turned back to Nick and Cecelia. “No need to put off happiness at any age,” he said and laughed.

  Cecelia blinked, wondering if the older man was hinting. She wondered if he sensed there was anything going on between her and Nick. Her cheeks heated in self-consciousness. Wanting more than anything to take the attention off herself, she clasped her hands together.

  “Congratulations again to both of you,” she said. “We are so happy for you.”

  “Yes, we are,” Nick said. “And I think it’s time we let these young ones get started with their married life. Y’all take care, now. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t,” he said with a wink that made everyone laugh.

  Cecelia and Nick left for the car and she let out a breath of relief. “You don’t think Will knows about us, do you?” she asked Nick as he started the car.

  “No. Will doesn’t know. You’re just paranoid,” he said.

  Maybe she was, she hoped, and noticed that Nick looked as cool as a cucumber. “It must be nice to not feel worried about hiding a sexual relationship. You must have a lot of experience,” she said, unable to keep a hint of bitterness from her voice.

  He just chuckled. “I don’t usually have to hide my relationships, but Will and Beth are too wrapped up in each other and their families to notice much about anyone else.”

  Cecelia thought about what he’d said and nodded. “You’re right.”

  “Of course I am. I’m also thinking we don’t have to wait until dark to spend some time together,” he said.

  She glanced at him in surprise. “Why do you say that?”

  “Melba and Gene won’t be home for a while. Let’s make good use of the time,” he said in a low, husky voice that sent a ripple of sensual awareness inside her.

  She bit her lip. Cecelia had just about decided she needed to slow things down between them. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

  He took her hand and lifted it to his mouth. “I’ll show you what a good idea it is when we get back to the rooming house.”

  She looked at his strong hand holding hers and that mouth that did such wicked, wonderful things to her. Cecelia felt her good sense leaking away.

  All the while home, he toyed with her hand, lacing his fingers through hers, rubbing his thumb over the inside of her palm and then inside her wrist. Cecelia felt a shocking arousal in all her sensitive places.

  He was just touching her hand. Why was she getting so worked up?

  As much as she tried to tell herself that her reaction was ridiculous, it didn’t prevent her from her need. By the time Nick pulled the truck next to the rooming house, she was hotter than a firecracker.

  Chapter Twelve

  Every time Cecelia felt as if she got herself together enough to gain a little control and decided to draw some boundaries with Nick, he did something that got past her. Such as the rose he left in her bedroom the other afternoon and the doughnut he brought her and then her favorite sandwich, which he barely allowed her to eat before he made love to her until she could hardly breathe.

  It was all troubling, but she didn’t have a lot of time to focus on her imbalance because she was working during the day and loving during the night. Her Aussie friend, Liam, called and begged her to meet him for one last drink, since he was headed back to Australia.

  Cecelia agreed. She had enjoyed spending time with Liam on the few occasions she’d met with him. He was entertaining, nonthreatening, and she loved his accent. She considered calling Nick to let him know she was meeting Liam then reconsidered. Nick never vetted his activities or meetings with her.

  Not bothering with lipstick, she walked into the Ace in the Hole and immediately spotted Liam and smiled. “Hey,” she said and met him at the bar.

  “G’day, Cecelia,” he said, rising from his seat and embracing her. “I haven’t seen much of you lately.”

  “Crazy busy with work and volunteering for a few things. This lovely middle-aged couple got married recently. What about you? You’ve finished the repairs and renovation on your mother’s house?”

  “Yeah, yeah,” he said and gave a crafty smile. “And I’ve talked her into coming back with me for a while.”

  “Good for you,” she said, sitting down on the stool he’d saved for her.

  “Now, if we can just talk her into staying,” Liam said. “So, I would appreciate your email for reference. If we can persuade her to stay, then we may have to eventually sell her home here.” He handed her a piece of paper. “So if you don’t mind?”

  “Of course not,” she said and wrote down both her email and cell.

  “Looks like someone’s having fun,” a familiar male voice said from behind her.

  Cecelia felt a shot of panic then scolded herself for the feeling. “Nick,” she said, turning around. “You met Liam once before. He’s from Australia and he’s going back.”

  “Oh,” he said, clearly faking disappointment. “Sorry to see you go,” Nick said, extending his hand. “You don’t like it here?”

  Liam shrugged. “I have a ranch and I’ve got to get back. I’ve talked my mum into going with me for a visit, but we’re not sure she’ll stay. I’ve been remodeling her house. Time for us to leave before your Montana winter arrives.”

  “Wise man,” Nick said. “Your mother will appreciate missing our winter, but she may complain just to drive you crazy. That’s what my family would do.”

  “Very true,” Liam said. “You must be close with Cecelia. She’s a good girl. I knew it the first moment I saw her. Very generous and helpful with advice for my mum’s house.”

  “She is,” Nick said, meeting her gaze, clearly still not sure about Liam and his intentions.

  “Oh, he’s so flattering,” Cecelia said. “Makes a girl feel good even though he’s in a committed relationship back in Australia. That accent doesn’t hurt either.”

  Liam laughed. “Thank goodness I met a few good people here in Rust Creek Falls. I wish I’d had a chance to spend more time with you, Nick. Bet we could share a few stories,” he said.

  Cecelia saw Nick finally relax. “Bet we could,” he said. “Listen, I need to meet with a colleague, and he’s just walked in the door.” He extended his hand to Liam. “Good to meet you again. If you’re ever back in town, look me up,” he said. “See you later, Cecelia,” he said and nodded before he walked away.

  “Nice guy,” Liam said after Nick left. “How lo
ng have you two been seeing each other?”

  “We’re not really seeing each other,” she said.

  “Looked like it to me,” Liam said. “He was ready to punch me.”

  “That’s an exaggeration,” she said. “He’s just a little—”

  “Possessive,” Liam said. “Has he asked you to move in or get married?”

  “No,” she said. “It’s a little complicated.”

  Liam gave an expression of disapproval. “You deserve a good man. Don’t let him take advantage of you.”

  “He would never do that,” she said. “We’ve known each other since we were children.”

  Liam leaned toward her. “For some men, commitment feels like death. They don’t know how much their life will improve.”

  “You sound as if you’re speaking from experience,” she said.

  Liam shrugged. “Maybe. Drink your beer. Beer is good for you.”

  She laughed and took a sip. “I prefer water, but since you’re leaving, I’ll make an exception.”

  “Good girl,” he said.

  Cecelia enjoyed hearing Liam’s voice, but she was always aware of the fact that Nick was on the other side of the bar. She caught sight of Nate Crawford walking toward Nick. Nate was reconstructing a broken-down building out of town into a luxury lodge.

  “Keep in touch, lovely girl,” Liam said to her and kissed her on the cheek.

  His compliment was a balm to her tortured soul. “I will. Now that I have your email address, I can hound you to death.”

  He laughed as he stood and whispered in her ear. “Go visit your lover,” he said.

  She took a quick breath. “Don’t say that. No one is supposed to know.”

  Liam shook his head. “Don’t let it stay that way. Any good man would be proud to have you.” He gave her another kiss on the cheek. “G’night.”

  Cecelia watched him leave and felt the sting of loss. It wasn’t as if she was all that close to Liam, but he’d been kind to her and made conversation so easy. Sighing, she stole a glance in Nick’s direction and decided to make a quick stop by his table. She rose and walked toward him.