by Nomi Summers
But hadn’t there been real chemistry between them last night? Regardless, he probably got every girl he wanted. Surely, with all of his money, he didn’t have trouble getting women to fall at his feet. Well, he’d met his match because she wasn’t going to be played by Luke Bradford. She was not about to have a broken heart two Christmases in a row.
But if that was truly how she felt, then why did the thought of being rescued from this cabin leave a hollowness inside her chest?
The pounding on the door echoed throughout the cabin, and Jordyn moved from the window to the door to open it for Shane.
“Are we ever happy to see you,” she greeted him when the door swung open, letting a blast of cold air into the cabin.
Shane knocked the snow off his boots on the doorframe before entering. “I saw your Explorer in the ditch. I hoped I’d find you two in here. Man, it’s cold in here.”
“No power,” Luke told him, moving to the fireplace to put on another log.
“We don’t have full power up at the lodge yet either, but we have generators to power part of it so the wedding is still on. I called the electric company and they have crews in the area working on it, but they couldn’t give me a time.”
“That’s great news. How’s Avery holding up?” Jordyn asked.
“She’s a ball of nerves. Not ideal for our wedding day, but it will all work out. If nothing else, this will make for a great story one day,” Shane joked, but she could tell he was just being positive for Avery.”
“Can you get me out of that ditch?” she asked.
“Of course. I have a tow hitch.” Shane glanced over her outfit, as if he’d just now noticed she was in Luke’s clothing. “I’ll leave you two alone to get dressed. Meet me outside once you’re ready.” The corners of his lips quirked before slipping out the door.
There was an awkward silence that filled the cabin after Shane exited. “Well, I’ll go change and leave your clothes in the bedroom,” she finally said.
“Why don’t you just wear what you have on. You’ll stay warmer than you will in your dress from last night.”
“Okay, well, I’ll give your clothes back before the weekend’s over.” She reached for her coat.
“I’m not worried about it,” his tone was dismal, and it had been since she’d put the brakes on their kiss. She’d barely slept; she’d tossed and turned all night, replaying the kiss over in her mind, unable to shake the feeling of Luke’s soft lips on hers. She’d heard him tossing in the recliner as well and wondered if he was just as flustered. His tone told her the answer to that question was yes.
“Are you coming?” she asked, waiting by the door. “Your car is up at the lodge.”
“No. I think I’ll get cleaned up and walk up to the lodge in a bit since Shane cleared the roadway.” He folded the blankets from their makeshift beds, but wouldn’t look up at her.
“Okay, well, thanks for a fun night, considering the circumstances.”
“Yeah, you too,” is all he said.
She slipped out the door and pulled it hard behind her, the bright winter morning snapped her back to reality. She’d been right. The moment he didn’t get what he wanted, he’d stopped being nice to her and went back to being the jerk she’d run into in the lobby yesterday morning. It was foolish she’d almost fallen for his charm.
Well, one thing was certain. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.
The wedding ceremony was set for 3 p.m., to be followed by cocktail hour, and a reception immediately thereafter. The groomsmen were supposed to head into town to Ripples Bar and Grille for lunch, but considering the storm had knocked power out in Arbor Shores, they decided to meet in the lounge to have a bite to eat and throw back a couple of beers since that half of the resort was powered by generators. Shane had come back down to tell Luke the new plan and offer him a ride, but he wasn’t ready just yet. He needed some time alone to process the night he’d just had.
Luke showered and got dressed casually for the first half of the day and walked up the steep hill with his tux in hand. He now regretted not taking the ride up from Shane; it was a farther walk than he’d thought and a cold one at that, and as much as he was curious about what was going on with the app, he’d been happy to spend some time alone in the cabin with his thoughts. He was humiliated that he’d misread his connection with Jordyn.
What also gnawed at his brain was the thought that he was about to let someone else take credit for his creation ‘just for the money’ as Jordyn pointed out. He’d never thought about it like that before, but was she right? It’s not like he needed the money. Each time he’d sold one of his apps, he’d made millions and had far more than he needed. People loved VidChat, so what if he held onto it? He might even make more money in the long run than from the buyout by keeping the rights. Maybe the setback with the app update was a blessing in disguise. He had a lot to think about. If he was honest with himself, he’d never quite felt right about letting VidChat go in the first place. Something about it never set well with him, even when he’d received the lucrative offer. Perhaps he was more attached to his creation than he’d considered.
“Hey man, pour yourself a glass from the pitcher,” Shane said, greeting him as he entered the lounge. Shane huddled around a circular table in the corner with the rest of the groomsmen.
Luke poured himself a beer and took a seat as Shane introduced him to the rest of the crew before asking, “So, what happened with you and Jordyn last night? She looked awfully comfortable in your clothes this morning.” Shane leaned back in his chair and lifted his brow, awaiting a response.
“It’s not how it looked. We just crashed at my cabin to get out of the cold, and I gave her some clothes to wear. Nothing happened.”
“Nothing yet, anyway.” Shane smiled.
“Nah, I’m not into her like that,” he told his friend. It wasn’t the truth, but he wanted to end this conversation before it went any further. The truth was, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind—her smile, her laugh, that kiss. The fact that she had this effect on him bothered him more than anything else. Even more than what was going on with his app.
Jordyn peeled off the clear plastic that hung over her bridesmaid dress and pulled it from the hanger. The ladies had been at the spa all morning getting massages and facials followed by hair and makeup. The wedding was set to begin in thirty minutes, so it was finally time to put on the crimson-red dress and all the other final touches. Avery had bought all the bridesmaids diamond snowflake earrings that hung daintily just below the earlobes. Jordyn tried not to think about how expensive the earrings must have been, but then, it’s not like Shane and Avery couldn’t afford it. She had never received such an extravagant gift. She’d cherish the earrings forever.
All morning, she’d been busy trying to keep Avery’s mind off the no power situation, but by a freak wedding-day miracle, it had come back on as soon as they’d made it to the bridal suite for hair and makeup.
“Hey, I haven’t had a chance to ask you yet because we’ve been so busy all day,” Avery started as Jordyn moved behind her to fasten her necklace. “What happened between you and Luke last night? Shane said you two looked awfully cozy this morning.” Avery had a teasing tone in her voice, but still, it made Jordyn uncomfortable. She wasn’t that kind of girl, and she didn’t want anyone to think something may have happened between them, because it hadn’t.
“It’s not what you think,” she told her.
Avery swung around after the necklace was secure. “Well, today’s a new day,” she said with a wink.
A knot formed in Jordyn’s stomach. She glanced at her watch. In twenty minutes, she would have to see Luke again. This time, she would stay strong and immune to his charm.
That was the plan, anyway.
Chapter 7
Lined up behind the doors at the back of the ballroom, the bridesmaids and groomsmen were side by side with their respective partners. Jordyn had said a brief hello to Luke and offered him a small
smile, but she stayed looking straight ahead. Any minute now, it would be time to walk, and she couldn’t wait to get some distance between them because the light scent of his cologne was transporting her back to last night, and boy, could he ever hang a tux. The wind had been sucked from her lungs when he’d walked in sporting his black tux, crimson bow tie, and matching lapel.
The doors to the ballroom opened and the melody of “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9” filled the air. She and Luke were set to walk any minute, and he offered his arm for her to loop hers through. In the moment he took her arm in his, a charge passed between them. As much as she tried to fight the feelings that had developed for him—as much as they frustrated her—it felt good being on his arm. As they made their way down the aisle, she couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be his, to have her place beside him for more than just a weekend. But could someone like Luke ever truly settle down? She didn’t have any clue what his life was like out in LA, but she had her suspicions.
As fast as the thoughts had come, she’d dismissed them. Why would she feel that way, anyway? Her resolve to steer clear of him went out the window the moment he’d walked in, causing her to feel weak and ashamed, and those weren’t feelings she was used to.
At the front of the ballroom, a second decorated Christmas tree, that matched the one in the lobby, stood tall. Only this one showcased the wedding colors, adorned only in crimson red and silver decor. The pitched windows behind the tree opened to a blanket of white snow with evergreens peeking out in all the right places. It had finally stopped snowing and the sun was fighting its way through the clouds to illuminate the property. It was a dream and the epitome of a perfect Christmastime wedding. For a moment, a twinge of lost Christmas spirit fought its way to her heart.
When she and Luke arrived at the Christmas tree where the officiant was waiting, Luke paused before he dropped her arm and took his place on the groom’s side of the altar, while Jordyn stepped to Avery’s. It was almost as if he wasn’t ready to let her go. Now, standing across from him, she spared a quick glance in his direction only to find him staring right back at her. He gave her a smile and a wink, and then looked ahead to watch the rest of the wedding party make their way, two by two, down the aisle.
Frustration rippled through her and she blew out a breath, reminding herself that she stood at the front of a roomful of wedding guests, and she needed to put on a smile, even if it hurt. Why was he sending her mixed signals? That morning, he’d been cold to her, but now a smile and a wink? He was tough to figure out, but she’d best not dwell on trying to crack the code that was Luke Bradford. Today was all about Avery and Shane.
Avery appeared at the back of the ballroom as the music switched to the bridal march, indicating it was time for her to walk down the aisle. The guests rose from their seats.
She was stunning in her snow-white dress, holding a poinsettia bouquet. She looked straight at Shane as she made her way down the aisle. Jordyn took a moment to glance over at Shane herself, and it was clear he was choked up admiring his bride. Witnessing the love between them, Jordyn realized that was the kind of love she longed for. And why couldn’t she have it? During their nuptials, she decided she would not settle until she found a love like Shane and Avery’s, and that meant not giving Mr. Only-in-town-for-the-weekend a second thought. Sure, she’d be cordial to him, but she wasn’t going to allow him residence in her mind for another minute. There was no sense in it.
After the ceremony ended, the wedding guests moved to the lobby for cocktail hour while the wedding party was ushered around by the photographer to take wedding photos. The photographer had to get creative and moved them to various places in the main lodge since it was too cold to go outside. Although, Shane and Avery did go out alone for one shot with the snow covered grounds in the background. That would make a gorgeous wedding photo for their mantel, but Jordyn was happy to watch it unfold from inside the warmth of the lodge.
“They make a great couple,” Luke said, walking up beside her.
She looked over to find Luke standing next to her, admiring the couple through the window. “They do. They’re very blessed.”
The two stood and stared straight ahead, neither of them seeming to know what to say next. Jordyn struggled with the right words. She wanted to bring up last night. She longed to talk about the kiss that still lingered on her lips and had invaded her thoughts every second of the day. But this wasn’t the time nor the place. The entire wedding party stood around them, watching Shane and Avery, and the photo outside happened quickly. The newlyweds were already headed back inside.
Somehow, during cocktail hour, the staff transformed the ballroom from the setup for the ceremony to round tables adorned with centerpieces of silver pillar candles surrounded by fresh holly for the reception. Along the front, on either side of the Christmas tree, a long table stretched the length of the floor-to-ceiling windows, awaiting the wedding party, with Shane and Avery seated in the center of it all. But first, they’d all have to be announced by the DJ and make their entrance.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise to welcome the wedding party. First up, Luke Bradford and Jordyn Jacobs!” she heard the DJ announce into the microphone. Luke held out his hand, she took it, and they made their way through the ballroom as the crowd cheered. The warmth of his strong hand cradling hers made her weak in the knees, and she just prayed she’d make it to the front of the ballroom and to her seat before they gave out.
At the front of the ballroom, Luke willed himself to drop Jordyn’s hand and take his seat, but he hadn’t wanted to. Something about her soft hand in his felt so natural, and he wished he could hold onto it just a little longer.
Why was she acting standoffish today? Had he done something to offend her? Perhaps he’d misread their connection last night. Or maybe she was still upset about the kiss. He needed to apologize. If he’d only get the chance.
After the bride and groom had their first dance, dinner was served, followed by the cutting of the cake. Luke glanced at his watch for the third time in the past ten minutes. When was all the traditional wedding stuff going to end and the fun begin? He had to get Jordyn alone, but how?
Finally, as the dessert plates were cleared, the energy in the room shifted. The DJ put on the typical wedding music that got the guests out of their seats, indicating that the formalities had come to an end. Now, it was time to party and enjoy the rest of the reception, and most everyone had moved to the dance floor to do the Electric Slide in unison. Except Jordyn. She’d made her way to the bar at the back of the room and was, at least for the moment, finally alone. It was his chance.
“Here you are, madam,” the bartender said as he handed her a glass of white wine. “Anything for you, sir?” the bartender asked, announcing Luke’s presence to Jordyn, who glanced over at him before taking a sip of her wine. She turned her body around to rest against the bar as she watched the crowd of dancers.
“No, thank you,” he told the bartender and then moved closer to Jordyn, taking his place beside her.
“Having a good time?” he asked, fighting to find something to say.
She glanced at him and gave him what appeared to be a forced smile before returning her gaze to the dance floor. “I am.”
She wasn’t being rude, but she wasn’t being the same fun, flirty Jordyn he’d connected with in his cabin last night, either. He needed to have a conversation with her to squash whatever awkwardness had developed between them. But why did he care so much? He’d leave on Monday, and he’d never see this woman again. That thought alone stabbed at his chest.
The Electric Slide ended, and the DJ transitioned the music to a slow song. “This one’s for all you lovebirds out there,” he said into the mic.
This was Luke’s opportunity. “Care to dance?” He held out his hand to her, but she just looked down at it.
“Um, not right now.”
Now what? “Please? Just one dance?”
She hesitated f
or a moment before placing her glass on the bar and slipping her hand in his as he led her through the room and over to the dance floor.
“At Last” by Etta James played through the speakers as he pulled Jordyn into him and rested his arms around her waist. She placed her hands softly on his shoulders, and he could smell her sweet scent. Her nearness caused him to fluster like a thirteen-year-old boy.
She gazed over his shoulder, and he longed for her to look at him. He only had a few minutes to say what he wanted before the song ended. So, here went nothing.
“I just wanted to get you alone so I could apologize for last night.”
“Oh? What for?” She still peered over his shoulder, refusing eye contact.
He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I kissed you, remember?”
“I know,” she said matter-of-factly.
“I don’t know what came over me. I must’ve misread our connection, and I owe you an apology.”
“What connection are you referring to?” Was she playing coy?
“I just thought … I guess I just felt something between us. I thought you were feeling it, too. But now I know I was wrong. It was one-sided. Anyway, it won’t happen again.”
She finally looked up at him and locked eyes. “I’m not interested in being anyone’s weekend fling. I’m not that kind of girl.”
He loosened his grip on her, taken aback by her assumption of him. “I wasn’t looking for a weekend fling.”
“Well, then why would you try to kiss someone who after tomorrow you’ll probably never see again?”
