by Sable Hunter
Denver was so relieved to feel her respond. He’d craved her, longed for her, fantasized about her for so long that he actually questioned whether this was real or another dream. “You like this, don’t you, Miss Bryn?”
“Yes, very much,” she responded quickly, tossing her head back, inviting him to kiss her neck as he thrust up inside of her over and over – hard, deep – filling her again and again until he couldn’t hold back his cum. With a harsh grunt, he filled her with his seed. But still he didn’t stop, he couldn’t stop. He wanted more and more. He wanted to fuck her all night. “Hold on, baby.” Keeping their connection, he laid her flat, giving himself leverage and freedom to move. “Wrap your legs around my hips.”
Bryn did, holding onto him as he pumped and pumped, his face taut with ecstasy. She loved to watch his expression, she wanted this to go on and on. Closing her eyes, she reveled in the pleasure. In. Out. In. Out. Hard. Fast. Deep. Deep. Deep. She felt herself rising. Soaring. Flying. As he pounded into her, she felt as if she was leaving her body to sail through the air. As she cascaded through the stars, he kept going, on and on, bellowing his pleasure.
“It’s so good!” Bryn cried as she felt ecstasy rise and swell and pulse within her. Her whole being hinged on the rhythm of his thrusts – until something popped, and she swooned, crying out her pleasure. On top of her, Denver stiffened, plunged deep, then jerked out. Taking himself in hand, he pumped his cock up and down. Bryn felt hot drops rain on her chest and belly. She was amazed. Enthralled. And when he parted her thighs wider and rubbed his still swollen cock through her sensitive vagina, letting the broad head nudge her clit – she came again. Even harder.
“That’s right, Miss Bryn. You’re mine, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Denver. I’m yours.” Truer words had never been spoken.
He bent to kiss her again, but this time he clasped her close and rolled to the side, taking her with him. Bryn was incapable of doing anything except breathing. He kissed her gently, then rose, bringing a warm wash cloth from the bathroom. Tenderly, he cleansed her, pressing the warm rag between her legs where she was beginning to feel a bit sore. Afterward, he laid down next to her and wrapped her up in his arms. He was huge. Warm. Encompassing. She felt more secure at that moment than she’d ever felt in her entire life.
“I’ve told you my secret,” he whispered. “Next, you’ll have to tell me yours.” Bryn heard him, but she said nothing. “Just go to sleep, darling. I’ll take care of you.
Bryn took him at his word and sleep she did.
Until early in the morning, before the crack of dawn, she woke to a new world. Everything was different. Everything had changed. She felt completely made over. Now, she was privy to the same secrets that everyone else knew.
Glancing over Denver’s shoulder, she checked the time. Nearly six o’clock. “I’ve got to go,” she muttered to herself. Today was Tricia’s wedding day. The shop would be open in the morning, then they’d close in the afternoon to get ready for the ceremony. Since she had to open up, Bryn knew she couldn’t lay in the bed all day. Giving Denver a quick kiss, she eased out of bed and redressed. She didn’t know what time he’d planned on rising, but she wouldn’t wake him, she’d leave him a note. Finding a pen and a scrap of paper on the dresser, she wrote a message. I loved every second with you. Enjoy your sleep. I have lots to do to get ready for the wedding. See you later. Bryn” Laying the note on her pillow, she slipped from the room and out the door. The distance from his trailer to the pavilion wasn’t very far. Soon, she was on the road and headed home.
…About an hour later, Denver opened his eyes and felt for Bryn. His hands came up empty, but he could still smell her. Grabbing her pillow, he held it to her face. “Why did you leave?” he asked the silent room. “Bryn!” he called, just to make sure. When there was no answer, he rose to take a shower and get dressed. It was then he found the note. Picking it up, he read her dainty writing and smiled.
“Well, we did it.” The sex had been damned perfect. He’d never come so hard in his life. To say he was happy was a huge understatement. He wanted to do something for her, some grand gesture. Hell, he couldn’t even send her flowers, she worked at the dang florist.
As he climbed into his truck and turned on the radio – it hit him. The perfect idea.
Grabbing his phone, he looked up the number to the radio station.
Soon, a song would go out, dedicated to Miss Bryn Harmon.
* * *
“What are you grinning for? You look like the cat that ate the canary.” Freddy asked as he sauntered across the shop. “Oh, but wait, you wouldn’t eat a bird. You raise them from the dead!”
“Shut up, Freddy.” She wiggled her hands at him the way he’d done to her. She laughed when he jumped as if he expected fire to fly from her fingertips. “What are you doing here this early?”
“I’m at the bride’s disposal. Running errands. Carting things between here and the ranch. Bottom line, I do what I’m told, Saint Bryn.”
“Don’t call me that, Freddy. I’m no saint.” She blushed, remembering what she’d done with Denver the night before. “I’m just like anybody else.”
“Not from what I saw.” He came closer. “Do you want to tell me how you did it?”
“No, I don’t want to tell you anything.”
Their chatter almost drowned out the music from the radio. Bryn was too irritated with Freddy and too immersed in the arrangement she was making to hear what the DJ was saying.
“Hey, turn that up. I think they just said your name.”
Bryn whirled around. “What?” She upped the volume, just in time to hear. “That’s right folks, another song dedication. This song, Broken Halos, goes out to Bryn Harmon from Denver Bolden.”
As the song began to play, Freddy slapped his knee. “Boy, the man knows you, doesn’t he? I bet he loves that hoodoo you do so well.”
“Hush or I’ll turn you into a pillar of salt.” Freddy backed up a little and Bryn had to laugh. “Don’t worry. I’ll be nice. Just let me listen to my song.”
Bryn closed her eyes and swayed to the music. If you listened to the words, they weren’t exactly happy ones. But she knew Denver remembered hearing her play it so often. He just assumed it was her favorite song. And for that moment it was – just for him.
As soon as Freddy left to take a load of centerpieces to the ranch, she grabbed her phone. It might not be the best time, but she was going to try to get in touch with him. With a shaking hand, she hit the button to call Denver.
In a moment or two, he answered. “Bryn?”
“Yes, it’s me.” She cried softly. “Thank you for the song.”
“Thank you for last night.”
“I enjoyed it as much as you did.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” he said. “I was worried, especially after I woke up and you were gone, but then I found your note.”
“You needn’t have worried. I just needed to open the shop this morning. Couldn’t you tell I loved every moment last night?”
“Well, I didn’t want to assume anything…”
She could hear the smile in his voice. “Well, rest assured, I’m addicted to you now.” Her own boldness made her blush.
Denver chuckled. “I’ve never been anyone’s drug of choice before.”
“I know you’re busy. I just wanted to tell you thank you. I cried when I heard them announce the song dedication.”
“It’s an odd song, I hope I chose well.”
“You thought about me, Denver. What song you chose doesn’t matter.”
“Okay.” She sounded pleased, but he began to wonder if his song selection might have been a bit off. “We’ll find a song to call our own soon, then I’ll call in and dedicate it to you all the time.”
“Sounds wonderful.” She hugged herself tightly and smiled. “I’ll see you at the wedding.”
“Yes, you will. Save me a dance.”
“I don’t dance.” Bryn sighed. “But, I’ll save you
all of them anyway.”
Denver smiled. “That’ll do, Miss Bryn, that’ll do.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Denver turned the steering wheel sharply, then applied the brakes hard. Nothing like arriving at a wedding on two wheels. He’d been late for the rehearsal, but he intended to make it to the wedding on time. Bounding from his truck, he sprinted across the parking lot, making for the dressing room where Lance and his groomsmen were biding their time until the ceremony. When he pushed open the door, he grinned to see Lance and Jacob facing one another with serious looks on their faces. He was out of earshot, but it was apparent Lance asked Jacob a question. Jacob’s answer was a solemn “I do.”
Denver sauntered in to join them. “Hey, did I miss something? You two already saying your vows to one another?”
Lance shook his head and Jacob tossed another boutonniere box toward Denver. “Flower up, cowboy. We’ve got to get this man to the church on time.” At Lance’s panicked expression, Jacob laughed. “Church. Pavilion. Same difference. We haven’t moved the ceremony or lost the bride or anything.”
“You are clearly having too good of a time, Boss.” Denver leaned against the wall, trying to figure out how to pin the flower on his chest. He needed Bryn here to make sure he did this right.
“I know it.” Jacob followed Noah to the door. “I just love weddings.”
“You’re such a big girl.” Noah shook his head, handing his big brother the keys. “You drive the SUV and I’ll ride the horse down and tie him behind the pavilion.”
“Thanks.” Lance acknowledged all his friends. “I don’t know if Tricia will enjoy riding off into the sunset with me, but she told Avery…” His voice trailed off.
“Are you kidding?” Denver exclaimed. “Women eat stuff like this up. She’ll love it! I called into the radio and had a song dedicated to Bryn and I thought she’d never stop crying.”
“Bad song, huh?” Noah quipped.
“No, it was a good song. She loved it. I’ve heard her playing the same song over and over again.”
“What was the name of the song?” Jacob asked.
“Broken Halos.”
Lance almost choked. “Uh, Denver, you do know Bryn used to be a nun, don’t you?”
Denver froze. “A nun? Like a Nun nun? No!” He did not know. The news almost knocked him to his knees. Like clockwork, everything fell into place in his mind. No wonder. Now, everything made sense. A sinking feeling hit him in the pit of his stomach. He’d always known she was too good for him – and now, he knew why.
Jacob and Noah started laughing. “I think we may need to take him to confession.”
“Well, he can start with Pastor Sinclair.” Lance glanced at his watch. “Let’s go. I don’t want to keep Tricia waiting.”
Almost in a trance, Denver took his place in the line-up of groomsmen. He was flattered he’d been asked to stand up with Lance, but his mind was not on the ceremony. As they filed into the area designated for the actual ceremony, his eyes immediately scanned the room for Bryn. Sister Bryn.
A tingle on the back of his neck forewarned Denver just before his gaze collided with hers. She was standing near the table set up for guests to register. As they signed Tricia’s memory book, she offered them a small bag of bird seed to throw at the bride and groom as they rode off into the sunset, and another bag filled with candy-covered almonds, each treat labeled with Lance and Tricia’s names and the date. Bryn gave him a smile and a slight uplift of her hand. Not wanting to draw attention to himself in front of everyone, he didn’t return the gesture, but he did give her a slight nod of greeting.
He saw her drop her hand and look a tad embarrassed. Denver felt bad, but the shock he’d just received had knocked him for a loop where she was concerned. When the music started, he turned toward the center in time with the other groomsman, all watching the processional. He smiled when Jacob’s son, little B. T., came down the aisle as proud as punch, carrying the pillow with the rings tied on top. Angel, Joseph and Cady’s daughter, served as Flower Girl, and she charmed everyone by dropping the petals one by one. Finally, Pastor Sinclair, had to tell her to speed up the process or they’d be there all day.
The whole congregation stood as Tricia came down the aisle and Denver could see there were very few dry eyes in the crowd. Everyone it seemed, loved a wedding. As for him, he smiled at all the right moments and he tried to listen to the preacher’s message, or at least appear to – but his mind was on Bryn and what he’d learned about her. Obviously, this was the secret she’d kept from him. He kept stealing glances at her and every time, she was looking right back at him.
When Desiree Holt rose to sing Keeper of the Stars, he sought out Bryn once again. As in the old cliché, they stared at one another from across the crowded room – but Denver felt conflicted. Had they done something wrong? No wonder she’d seemed so innocent. He felt guilty, as if he might’ve soiled her. Why hadn’t Bryn told him the truth? She’d been sheltered, protected. Cloistered.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ladies and Gentlemen, it pleases me greatly to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Lance Rogers.”
As applause rang out in the pavilion, the bride and groom kissed, then Denver fell into place to escort Nathan’s Kristen down the aisle. He was a bit embarrassed to offer her his arm after the way he’d lambasted the young couple for doing nothing wrong. She, on the other hand, smiled as if nothing had ever happened.
Denver was relieved, but he felt as if he’d just cleared the first hurdle. Now, for the real test. He had no idea what he was going to say to Bryn. Should he act as if he didn’t know the truth? Should he come right out and tell her he knew her secret. He didn’t know what to do. The only thing he knew for certain was that he’d never felt more unworthy in his life. What was she doing with him? Testing her wings?
“Thank you, Denver. You are a fine escort.” Kristen gave him a slight curtsy before dashing off to be with Nathan.
“You’re welcome,” he called out, feeling a little awkward, standing in the middle of a crowd, yet standing alone.
“Hey.” A soft voice spoke behind him. He jerked at the sound.
“Bryn.” He turned to face her, trying to keep his face blank of emotion. Denver didn’t want her to know he knew – not yet. Not until he could figure some things out for himself.
“Would you like to dance? I’ve been practicing.” She held out her hands, expecting him to take her in his arms.
He didn’t disappoint. “So, you’ve been taking dancing lessons?”
The music was slow, romantic. The Tennessee Waltz.
“No, just watching videos and practicing in front of the mirror. I’m not very good,” she admitted, a contented smile on her face.
“This must be really strange to you.”
Bryn frowned. “What do you mean?”
Denver cleared his throat. “I mean you haven’t attended many weddings, have you?”
“No, this is my first.” She counted out the waltz steps in her head, hoping not to embarrass herself by treading on Denver’s feet.
“I guess all girls plan their wedding, don’t they?”
Bryn felt a tad uncomfortable. “I suppose most do.”
“How about you? Did you ever see yourself as the bride?”
“Are you proposing?” Bryn asked, trying to lighten his mood.
“No” He answered quickly. “I was just making conversation.”
“I see.” Bryn didn’t see. “Have you ever thought about being married?”
Denver didn’t answer for a moment, then he nailed her with a stare, his feet coming to a dead stand still. “You know the kind of person I am, Miss Bryn. What kind of husband material would I be?”
“What is that supposed to mean?” She didn’t understand his mood. She’d slept in his arms last night, they’d made love. Bryn had given her virginity to this man. The last time they’d talked, he’d been loving. And now, now he seemed like a stranger.
“I let people
down, Bryn.” Did he have to say anything more?
“Hey, everyone, Tricia is about to cut the cake!” Kristen called out and the music stopped.
Denver and Bryn had no choice but to move along with the crowd to the reception area. “I need to serve punch,” she told him stiffly. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“Of course.” He gave a slight bow, watching the woman he adored walk away from him. Did he even know her?
Denver hung back as toasts were made and gifts were given. He chose not to imbibe in a cup of punch, mainly because he didn’t know what to say to Bryn. If he wasn’t part of the wedding party, he probably would’ve left already. As it stood, he remained on the fringe of the festivities, watching Bryn and wondering what he was going to say to her next.
Clearly, they needed to talk.
Bryn knew something was wrong, she just didn’t know what it could be. Had she done something wrong? A sense of unease and dread filled her heart. Just her luck, the man she chose to give herself to, changed his mind the next day. “Well, if he’s going to break up with me, he’s going to have to do it to my face.” She smiled sadly at her thought. At least she knew the proper lingo. When things began to wind down and the bride and groom took their leave, the whole crowd moved to the entrance to throw the birdseed and see them off.
Bryn wasn’t prepared for what happened next. Tricia turned her back at them and tossed her bouquet. She looked up in the air, watching the roses like they were an incoming bomb. Bryn dodged, she weaved, she made every evasive move she knew – but the bridal bouquet landed in her open arms. The crowd cheered – then gasped, then laughed when Bryn tossed the bouquet back into the air and ran away.
Denver witnessed the whole spectacle. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Bryn was avoiding the bridal bouquet as if it were poison ivy. As she ran, she didn’t look where she was going and barreled right into him. He caught her, steadying her, “Hey, it’s okay.”
She looked right into his eyes. “Is it?”
