The Honeymoon That Wasn't

by Debbi Rawlins

  “Oh, yeah, I’m fine.” Dakota sighed. “Relatively speaking.”

  “Uh-oh. Is this about work or Tony?”

  Dakota hesitated. What the hell was she thinking? Did she really want to get her sister involved? But if not Dallas, whom else could she talk to? “Tony,” she said quietly, the admission feeling like a lead weight on her tongue. “Have you talked to him?”

  “Yesterday. What happened?”

  “Did he say anything?”

  “About you?” Dallas paused, and Dakota could hear her taking a sip of coffee. “Not really. I asked him if you guys wanted to come over for dinner tomorrow night and he reminded me that you had the bar association dinner. That’s about it.”

  “Oh.”

  “So?”

  “What?”

  “So you didn’t call me at seven-thirty in the morning just to ask if I spoke to Tony.”

  Dakota cleared her throat. “No, I, um, I’m not sure why I called to be honest.” She wasn’t lying. If Tony had said something then that would have opened the conversation. But he hadn’t said a word, probably because he hadn’t given her another thought.

  “I figured you wanted my opinion as to whether you should ask him to go to the dinner.”

  “No,” she said a little too quickly. “I mean how boring would that be.”

  Dallas laughed. “Tony is never bored. In fact, if the dinner gets too boring, he’ll liven things up.”

  Dakota didn’t say anything.

  “Are you afraid he’d embarrass you?” Dallas asked slowly.

  “Of course not. It’s just that Cody and Dad and my boss and, well you know, everyone will be there.” Meaning those who could influence her career. She briefly closed her eyes. “Oh, God, Dallas, please tell me I’m not getting to be like Cody.”

  “You’ve got a ways to go yet.” Dallas laughed softly. “But I’d hate to see you head in that direction.”

  Cody’s world revolved around his career. Everything he owned or did somehow enhanced his position in the firm or legal community. Is that how Dakota wanted to end up? Was being a judge so important to her that the journey should be sacrificed?

  Don’t let the bastards win again.

  Tony’s words haunted her.

  She knew damn well what he’d meant. College. The dean. Her whole life she’d allowed other people to decide what was right for her. Her mother and father and Cody. But Tony was right. She was a damn good attorney. Her merit alone would have to be enough.

  “Dakota?”

  “What?”

  “Don’t snap at me. I wasn’t the one who called you.”

  “Sorry.” She looked at her watch. A cab was going to be tough to find soon with everyone trying to get to the office. “Look, Dallas, I have to go.”

  She had to talk to Tony. Before it was too late.

  17

  TONY POURED his fifth cup of coffee and then remembered his cell phone was still in the living room where it had been charging since last night. He didn’t expect any calls. Most of them he wasn’t answering anyway. But on the off chance that the bathroom wallpaper he’d ordered had arrived early, he’d been checking for messages.

  And shit, yeah, he wanted to know if Dakota had called again. Ironically she’d finally left her direct line number. But he just wasn’t ready to call her. He was still mad and hurt at being rejected. And since that had nothing to do with her precious career, he doubted she gave a rat’s ass, so why put himself through it again?

  One message. From his mother. She wanted to know about dinner. Nothing from Dakota. Probably got tired of him not returning her calls. Disappointment made his coffee taste bitter so he set his mug on the end table, then sprawled out on the couch. The good thing about leather was that it didn’t matter if his jeans and shirt were dusty as hell. He’d gotten up earlier than usual, close to five, and immediately had gone to work in the guest room.

  With so much time on his hands, he’d made awesome progress in the past week. Sylvia was going to be happy. His neighbors most likely weren’t. In fact, they’d probably throw a party when he left the neighborhood. Even though he tried to keep the pounding and drilling confined to midday.

  The thought of leaving still didn’t sit well. Not that it should matter where he lived if he weren’t seeing Dakota. Besides, Sylvia had found him another town house on the east side for which he was about to sign a contract. It was a sweet deal and Sylvia already had two buyers who were interested.

  God bless lazy rich people. Life had been pretty damn good lately. Only Dakota would make it better. He abruptly stood and grabbed his mug. Sneaky unwelcome thoughts like that really pissed him off. The woman had issues to resolve. Nothing to do with him. Nothing he could do about it.

  On his way to the kitchen, the doorbell rang. He looked at his watch. Who the hell could that be at eight-forty? He wasn’t expecting a delivery. He used the peephole. What the—?

  Dakota stood with her arms wrapped around herself, without a coat, and shivering.

  He took a deep breath and opened the door.

  “Hi.” She looked him up and down. “Glad I didn’t wake you.”

  “Come in.”

  She gave him a tentative smile and walked past him.

  “Where’s your coat?”

  “I forgot it.” She moistened her lips. “I was in a hurry,” she said, her voice breaking when her teeth chattered.

  “But it’s only in the thirties.”

  “Believe me, I know.” She gave a shaky laugh, vigorously rubbing her arms.

  “Come here.” He didn’t have to say another word. She walked into his arms and they stood quietly in the foyer as he warmed her. “Don’t you have enough sense to come in out of the cold?” he whispered, enjoying the feel of her, the smell of her more than he should.

  “That’s why I’m here.” She tilted her head back to look at him, her eyes searching his face, her words loaded with meaning. She had a smudge on her nose, probably from his T-shirt.

  He moved back, glanced down at his dusty clothes, and then at her beige suit. He didn’t want to think about what her words implied. Better not to read too much into them. “Look what I did.”

  She looked, ignored it, and smiled at him. “Will you come to the bar association dinner with me tomorrow night?”

  Taken by surprise he reared his head back. “Tomorrow?”

  She nodded.

  “I’ll have to check my calendar.”

  She blinked. “Okay.”

  “That was a joke.”

  “Oh.”

  He stared at her for a moment, wanting to pull her against him but knowing they had some talking to do. “Coffee?”

  “Definitely.” Rubbing her hands together, she followed him into the kitchen.

  “About this dinner, your date cancel at the last minute, or something?”

  She gave him a dry look. “No, I was going alone. If you don’t count my brother and father.”

  “Ah, they’ll be there, huh?”

  She nodded, and immediately took a sip from the steaming mug he handed her.

  “And it won’t be a problem with me going?”

  “Why would it?” She conveniently looked away to pull up a bar stool.

  He smiled and poured himself more coffee. “Why?”

  “Why what?”

  “Why did you change your mind?”

  She shrugged. “I—it wasn’t that—” Her shoulders sagged. “I’m tired of forgetting my coat.”

  He laughed. “What?”

  “I’m tired of not laughing. I’m tired of not having something to look forward to at the end of the day. And I definitely don’t want to let the bastards win again.”

  Tony smiled.

  “Most of all, I miss you.” Her lips quivered. “With you I live life in color. Without you it’s black and white.” She shook her head. “I can’t do black and white anymore.”

  He put his mug down. “I’ve missed you, too.”

  She tried to fake a pou
t but a smile tugged at her mouth. “So why didn’t you return my calls?”

  “Because I wanted you to figure out what you wanted. If you thought I’d stand in the way of your career then I was willing to back off.”

  She opened her mouth to protest, but then said nothing and sheepishly looked down at her hands. “You’re right. I’m embarrassed to admit that the thought had crossed my mind that you couldn’t fit into my life.” Her laugh was terse. “Then I realized I didn’t even have one.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “No, it’s not. I was an ass.”

  “Look, I don’t know where this is going,” he said, tugging her toward him until she went into his arms. “But I’m on the bus. Wherever it takes us.”

  “Me, too.” Sliding her arms around his waist, she sighed. “Do you know how long this past week has felt?”

  He rested his chin on top of her head. “Oh, I have some idea.” He smiled and inhaled the fresh herbal scent of her shampoo. “What did you mean about being tired of forgetting your coat?”

  She moved back to look at him. “I was in such a tizzy all week I kept forgetting my coat, my purse, where I put my keys. I couldn’t even concentrate on work. Basically, I was a mess.”

  “Ah, so you’re just using me.”

  Grinning, she traced a finger down his fly. “Shamelessly.”

  “Better not start something you can’t finish,” he said, his jeans immediately starting to get snug.

  “We should go away for a weekend again. To another island, or maybe someplace in Vermont where we could get snowed in for a week.” She quickly added, “But this time I’m paying.”

  “I’m the old-fashioned type. That would hurt my feelings.” He leaned in for a kiss but she resisted.

  She looked seriously at him. “Would it bother you being with a woman who makes more money than you?”

  “Nah, I could get used to it.”

  She obviously couldn’t tell if he were joking or not, and it seemed important to her.

  He stole a quick kiss, and then said, “While you’re here, would you do me a favor?”

  She seemed startled, but nodded. “Of course.”

  “I need some legal advice.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “Okay.”

  He went to the corner cabinet where he kept his paperwork and brought out the contract Sylvia had dropped off. “If you could look over this contract before I sign it…”

  “You know I’m not a contract lawyer.”

  “Yeah, but you’ve got to be able to do a better job of reviewing this than I can.”

  “What sort of contract is it?”

  “Real estate.”

  “You’re selling this wonderful brownstone?”

  “Nope. I’m buying another one.”

  She frowned. “Let’s see.”

  He handed it to her and watched her face as she read over the document. Normally he wouldn’t reveal personal information like this. In fact, no one but his attorney and accountant knew his financial status. But since Dakota seemed hung up on the money issue he figured this was as good a way as any to let her know he could afford a lousy vacation.

  She frowned again when she got to the terms of sale part. “Have you read this yet?”

  “Pretty much. Great price, huh?”

  “This says you’re agreeing to pay cash.”

  “Yeah, I know. My accountant doesn’t like it. Says I’m foolish and I should borrow, but I prefer to pay cash and then get a credit line for the renovation material. It’s been working out great so far.”

  Her brows drew together in confusion. “How did you pay for this place?”

  “Cash.”

  Her lips parted in surprise, and he really wanted to kiss her. He would later. “How many houses do you own?”

  “Just this one right now. I don’t like to juggle more than two at a time. Then I’d have to start hiring people and I like working by myself just fine.”

  “Wow!”

  “So the contract looks okay?” he asked with a straight face.

  “Um, yes, fine.”

  He took the papers from her and set them aside. Then he took each of her hands and put them on either side of his neck. “One more question,” he said, while molding his palms to her hips. “It won’t bother you going out with a guy who makes more money than you, will it?”

  She pressed her lips together, wincing. “Ouch! I guess I deserved that.”

  “I’ll give you something you deserve.” He lowered his head and she met him halfway.

  Their lips barely touched but his body had already ignited. Deepening the kiss, he pulled her close so she could feel his desire. She clutched his shoulders and moved against him, swaying and rubbing and awakening every primal instinct he possessed.

  “Have a feeling you’re gonna be late for work?” he whispered against her mouth.

  “What work?”

  He pushed off her jacket but he only got her out of one sleeve before she unbuckled his belt. Her nipples were hard and pressing through her bra against her white cotton blouse. He touched one, circling it with his forefinger, and she whimpered softly.

  “Want to try another room?” he asked. “Lots of blinds and curtains.”

  “Hmm, how about the bedroom for a change?”

  He smiled. “What a novel idea.”

  Epilogue

  One year later

  TONY COULD HEAR the San Angelo clan laughing from clear across the large banquet room. Cousins he hadn’t seen in years were here. His great aunt Francesca had come all the way from Rome to see him get married. He was glad to see her.

  He stared at Dakota, sitting beside him, looking extraordinarily beautiful in her cream-colored silk dress. “Quite a diverse group we have here, huh?”

  “Gee, you noticed.”

  They both laughed. On the right were the San Angelos, talking, laughing, dancing and sampling the hors d’oeuvres with gusto. On the left were the Sheas’ friends and colleagues, looking shell-shocked. They probably still hadn’t gotten over the amount of rice that had been dumped outside the small Manhattan church where he’d promised to love and cherish Dakota just a short hour ago.

  Like he needed a piece of paper or preacher to tell him to do that. He looked at his new wife, emotion swelling in his chest. God, but how he loved this woman. Smart, gorgeous, kind and the best friend he’d ever had.

  By mutual agreement, the ceremony had been simple. No attendants in tuxedos or fancy dresses. The exchange of vows had been kept short. The party, however, they’d gone all out for. With an equal amount of diplomacy and firmness they’d managed to maintain control of the event.

  Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, they had food stations set up in each corner serving ethnic finger food. Every form of liquor was available from two very busy bars. His sister and Dallas had handled the decorations and flowers, which turned out tasteful enough to even meet his new mother-in-law’s approval.

  “This doesn’t seem real, does it?” Dakota said softly and laid her head on his shoulder.

  “Tired?”

  “Exhausted.”

  “Exactly what we were trying to avoid by having a small wedding.”

  She brought her head up to smile at him. “But then we invited half of New York to the party.”

  “Yeah, well, we’re only doing this once.”

  “You better believe it.” She leaned in for a brief kiss, then her lips curved in a mischievous smile. “If you’re a good boy, you might get lucky tonight.”

  “I’m always good. Ask any of the ladies.”

  “Why do I put up with you?”

  “I can think of one big reason.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Oh, brother.”

  “Speaking of whom.” Tony motioned with his chin toward the door where Cody had just arrived. “Did you notice my proper use of whom?”

  “I did.”

  Someone got in the way and Dakota craned her neck to keep sight of Cody. Her hair was down and she’d done
something to make it slightly curly. She looked beautiful. But of course she always did. Especially when she first woke up in the morning.

  “Okay, now watch. I’m not wrong about this.”

  Tony sighed. “You and Dallas should go into business together. Matchmakers, Inc.”

  She gave him one of her stern lawyerly looks. “Are you complaining?”

  “No, ma’am.”

  “Anyway, I’m not matchmaking. Sara isn’t right for him, and she told me yesterday she’s going back to Atlanta. I’m simply observing. In fact, I’ll bet you that he makes contact within…” She checked her watch. “Five minutes. Are we on?”

  “What’s the bet?” He checked his watch, too.

  “You don’t trust me?”

  “Why would I? You’re a lawyer.”

  “Say that louder.” Dakota gave him a cheeky look and turned back toward Cody. “Aha!”

  Curious himself, Tony spied Cody talking to Sara. “Well, whaddya know. He’s smiling. First time, huh?”

  “Hey, that’s my brother you’re talking about.” She grinned. “But I think you’re right.”

  She also had the best smile. The best eyes. The best hair. The best heart. She was everything any man could possibly hope for.

  And she was all his.

  And he was hers.

  Forever.

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-5095-0

  THE HONEYMOON THAT WASN’T

  Copyright © 2006 by Debbi Quattrone.

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.

  All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.

  This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.