by Leah Atwood
“Hear.” She paused. “Hear.”
They tapped their glasses and drained their remaining cider.
Man, he was glad Bryce and Sophie were in a limo by themselves. He hadn’t meant to cause a scene, and at least they didn’t have to be a witness to it. The car came to a stop, and he opened the door before the driver had a chance to do his job. He jumped out, in desperate need of fresh air.
Looking around, he spotted the photographer posing Bryce and Sophie in front of a pond so that the setting sun was reflected in the water behind them. From what Rob understood, this was the park where they’d met and thus, wanted wedding pictures here.
A small overhang was located at the park’s entrance. There was nothing under it except a water fountain and a trough-looking thing that he didn’t know the purpose of, nor did he care to find out. He only wanted a minute to himself.
No such luck.
“What in the world was that?” Adam, his friend and the fourth member of their band, came up behind him and grasped his shoulder, forcing him to turn.
“What was what?” he asked, keeping his voice neutral.
“Don’t play dumb. It’s not a good quality on you.” Releasing his grip, Adam took a step back. “Let her be. She’s not that type of girl.”
“It was a harmless toast. ‘To Dani, and to me not being the last man on earth.’ What’s so wrong with that?” He really, really needed to quit before he dug himself deeper, yet even that self-warning didn’t stop him.
“Look, I don’t know her well, but I know she’s like a sister to Bryce. Let her be—she’s not your type, and she’s obviously fed up with you, for good reason.”
“How do you know my type?” The bitter tone of accusation rang between them. Yep, he should have shut his mouth a minute ago.
Adam opened his mouth to speak then shut it. His jaw dropped before his facial muscles loosened and his lips spread to a wide grin. “Wait a second, this isn’t just a game, is it? You really do like her.”
He didn’t answer right away. Instead he looked over to the car where the others were gathered. Dani stood slightly away from the others while the photographer still worked on the perfect picture for the bride and groom. She was completely unmindful of her beauty and appeal, of the somersaults his stomach did every time she came near. Her dark brown, pinned up curls were coming loose. Even from here he could tell because he’d spent so much time watching her today that he could spot any difference in her appearance.
His gaze travelled lower, to where her bare feet peeked out from the bottom of her dress that she was holding to prevent it from dragging against the ground. He knew her toes were painted a shade of purple that matched her fingers. They also had a dotted silver scroll design on them. Earlier, he’d spotted a glimpse of them when she’d slipped off her shoes.
Adam cleared his throat. “I’m going to take that as a yes.”
“She’s different.” He shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“That’s how it all begins, my friend.”
Reality and memories rammed into his chest. There would be no beginning. Not with Dani, not with anyone. “Looks like they’re motioning us back.”
“Yeah, let’s go. Just promise me you’ll let up on Dani, okay? Keep the peace until we leave tomorrow.”
“Sure.” A false smile was plastered on his face. It was a role he’d continue to play, the shallow guy without a care in the world, the musician out with a different girl every week, the man who took nothing seriously.
He wouldn’t want to disappoint all those who expected it of him, now would he?
THREE HOURS LATER, some of the angst had lifted from his mood. The reception was in full swing and going off without a hitch. To everyone’s relief, the press had stayed away, largely in part to erroneous information that Caroline—the band’s manager—had leaked, stating that the wedding was next weekend.
Still, he was glad no one involved with the preparations had slipped, an impressive accomplishment considering Bryce’s fame and the number of people involved in planning the wedding. The only reason he even knew about that number was because Bryce had stars in his eyes where Sophie was concerned. He seemed to think Rob and the others had equal enthusiasm for the wedding.
To be fair, he was happy for Bryce. Adam, Jay, and he were his best friends, the first people he’d let himself get close to in a long time. Even then, they didn’t know the real him as he’d once existed.
Sitting at his assigned table, his hand rested casually on the white linen tablecloth and his fingers were curled around a goblet of water. He lifted the glass, took a swig then set it down next to a plate with a half-eaten piece of cake. The dessert was good, but he’d never been one for sweets.
Across the banquet hall, couples danced to an upbeat song. He spotted Gracie dancing with her great-grandfather, and laughed. Bryce’s daughter had everyone wrapped around her little finger, including him. By default, he’d been the babysitter yesterday while all the women went to get their nails done and Bryce was picking up relatives at the airport.
Twenty minutes into the gig, against his adamant protests, Gracie had convinced him to paint her fingernails. How was he to resist when she turned on the tears, upset because she’d been excluded from the grown-ups’ outing? Bryce wasn’t going to let him live that one down anytime soon.
Someone tapped his shoulder. A blonde he vaguely recognized appeared at his side. She was attractive, even with the heavy makeup, but her dress was too revealing for his tastes. Contrary to his reputation, he appreciated a woman who maintained modesty. Like Dani.
“Care to dance?” The blonde stood there, posed in a stance that told him she was confident he’d say yes.
He thought to decline. “Thanks, but…” He stopped, seeing Dani on the open floor, dancing with a man he didn’t know. Unwarranted jealousy made him change his mind. He flashed his best smile and stood. “Actually, I’d love to dance.”
“Great.” She grabbed hold of his arm, and sidled up to him, closer than what made him comfortable.
They stepped onto the dance floor and he already regretted his answer.
“Here for the bride?” He would have asked her name, but didn’t want to give any indication of interest.
“Yes, Sophie and I were friends in college.”
Funny, but she didn’t seem the type of woman whom Sophie would have chosen as a friend. Just his luck, a slow song was next. The lights dimmed, and the blonde wrapped her arms around his neck as though they weren’t strangers. He placed his hands above her hips, not around her back, forcing her to put some space between them.
“You’re a guitarist, right?” she asked.
“Among other things.” That just happened to be for what he’d gained fame.
“That’s so cool. I dated a guy in a band once.”
He tuned out the vapid chatter and focused his gaze on Dani, several feet away. Her back was to him, and he had a clear view of her partner’s face. The guy appeared a lovesick puppy. Was he Dani’s boyfriend? He hadn’t stopped to consider that she might be involved, but Bryce had talked about her like she was single.
The song ended, and Rob disengaged himself from the blonde, quicker than propriety allowed. He never did find out her name, didn’t care that he hadn’t.
Before the next song began, he crossed the distance to Dani. Cocky smile in place, he tapped on the other guy’s shoulder. “May I cut in?”
To his surprise, Dani released the man’s arm with a speed that made his departure from the blonde seem slow. The poor sap was left standing with a dumbfounded expression on his face, his mouth slightly gaped open.
Dani took hold of Rob’s arm and dragged him a few feet away, closer to the edge of the dancing area.
“I knew you’d see it my way eventually.” He winked, determined that she wouldn’t know how much he wanted this dance.
“Not another word,” she warned in low tones, dropping her hand from him. “One dance—that’s it. Sadly, you’re more a
ppealing than Webster Malone.”
His eyebrows rose. “Webster Malone?”
“An old family friend,” she explained with a shudder. “We went to an eighth grade dance together years ago, and he’s been chasing me since.”
“He’s a little dopey, but he looks like a nice enough guy. Why not give him a chance?”
“Don’t call him dopey. And he’s just not for me, okay?”
His smirk widened. “So what you’re saying is you like me better than at least a portion of the male population?”
Daggers shot out from her eyes, and she poked a finger to his chest. “Don’t twist my words.”
“Are we going to dance or not?”
“As long as we’re clear this dance means nothing.”
“Keep telling yourself that, sweetheart.” His arms encircled her, his fingers pressed gently against her back.
He thought she’d press away. Instead, she shifted closer to him.
Even in heels, she barely reached his shoulders. The berry scent of her hair teased his senses. When was the last time he’d noticed such a thing? He wanted to touch a curl, wrap it around his fingers to feel the silky tresses. His heart skipped a beat.
His breathing took on an erratic pace, and his palms became clammy. The bowtie choked him, or was it the onslaught of memories combined with the feelings Dani stirred in him. He couldn’t be here. Mid-song, he pushed away, breaking their contact.
Exit. Where was the closest exit? He spied the red light over a door. His heart thumped, and he thought it might explode. Escape was his only choice. Eyes trained on the exit, he left Dani. Unable to look at her for fear she might see past the façade, he continued on until humid summer air hit him.
Chapter 3
Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.
Heavy eyelids fought to open. Dani reached over and smacked the snooze button on her pesky alarm clock before rolling over and throwing a pillow over her head. Six a.m. came way too early when she’d gone to sleep only four hours ago.
But I had to check on the restaurant. She pursed her lips. No, she didn’t have to go to Bayou Bits after the reception last night, but she went anyway.
That’s why she’d hired Angela as an assistant chef, and she was more than capable. Retired from full-time work, Angela had spent many years as a sous chef for an upscale restaurant in New Orleans. She knew the ins and outs and even had the formal training that Dani had never received. There was absolutely no reason to doubt her ability to handle the dinner crowd last night.
Except that Dani was a control freak when it came to the restaurant. It was her life, her dream, and she wanted to oversee every detail. Relinquishing responsibility didn’t come easy to her.
Be honest with yourself.
The alarm sounded again, interrupting her conscience’s recrimination. Good, she didn’t want to deal with it this morning, not while running on a couple hours of sleep. She tossed the pillow off her head, threw back her comforter decorated with an orange and yellow poppies print and sat up on the edge of the mattress.
She scowled and turned off her alarm clock then grabbed the elastic band off the nightstand. She reached behind her head, gathered her hair, and secured it into a ponytail. Still fighting against sleepiness, she shuffled her way into the kitchen. She stared at the coffeemaker, decided coffee wasn’t going to be sufficient, opened the fridge, and grabbed an energy drink.
Mom would have a fit if she knew. Robyn Trahan had been a stay-at-home mom and happy homemaker throughout Dani’s formative years, not returning to the workforce until Dani’s senior year of high school. She prided herself on always having a hot breakfast for her husband and only child.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, she would say. Dani smiled, remembering all the times she’d heard it. Unable to have more children, her parents had always doted on her, and her childhood had been idyllic, a real Leave it to Beaver type experience. She had many fond memories of helping her mom in the kitchen, and it was those times that cultivated her love for cooking and subsequently, her dream of opening a restaurant.
She downed her fruit flavored drink, vowing to eat a healthier, more substantial lunch. Sunday school and church didn’t start for three hours. Strongly tempted to go back to bed for a few hours, she returned to her bedroom.
No, you set your alarm early for a reason.
Goodness, she hated when her conscience told her the opposite of what she wanted. Her mind and body didn’t have the energy for a run this morning, yet she knew it would be good for her. The run was her Sunday morning ritual, her time for prayer and meditation to start her week on the right path.
Forgoing her bed, which still looked inviting, she walked to her dresser and pulled out a pair of pink sweat pants and a white T-shirt. Once she’d changed, she grabbed her phone and earbuds from her nightstand and left the room.
Her teal and gray Nike running shoes were in the mudroom. She went to put them on, leaning over to tie the laces. A warm, brown nose rubbed against her arm.
“Good morning, Pip.” She sat up, bringing her orange and white striped tabby with her.
Secure in her arms, Pip curled into a ball and looked at her with adoring golden eyes.
“Guess you finally wanted some attention.” She stroked his soft fur, from his head down to his back, then tickled him under his jaw. Pip meowed, then jumped down and ran into the kitchen, stopping in front of his food bowl. Dani laughed. “Should have known.”
Pip was a cute, but anti-social cat, only seeking out attention on his terms and usually when he wanted something. Other than that, he kept to himself, hiding in corners of the house, especially if Dani had visitors. But, he was her cat, and she loved him. His low maintenance attitude made him a great match for her hectic schedule.
Dani went to the pantry and opened a new bag of cat food. She dumped a scoop of cat chow into Pip’s bowl, giving him a final rub between his pointed ears. Once outside, she stuck her earbuds in and set her phone’s MP3 player to an upbeat mix of praise music.
Green grass glistened under a blanket of dew. A thin layer of smoky fog hovered several inches above the ground, extending upward a few feet. Temperatures were below average for the end of May, dipping down into the fifties. Dani sucked in a long breath and rubbed her hands up and down her arms to ward off the chill.
The sooner she began running, the sooner she’d warm up. She exhaled and took off down her driveway. Making a right, she passed by her black metal mailbox with its little red flag erected, and along the cane fields that bordered her home. The farther she ran, the more her goal changed. She didn’t want to think about the week ahead. She didn’t want to think about anything. Her focus shifted on running, nothing more. The song playing barely registered, its current purpose only to provide background noise to block out all thoughts.
One foot in front of the other, she ran, her arms swinging in opposite sync of her legs. She pushed herself, running faster, harder than her usual jog—past her turn-around point and beyond her normal allotted time. Burning sensations spread over her calves.
Still she kept going, trying to outrun the startling thought she couldn’t clear from her mind. The thought, feeling, she didn’t want to have, nor admit. Her lungs were on fire. She had to stop.
Her arms flew upward in surrender. “I admit it—I like Rob—I don’t want to, but I do and now I’m angry and humiliated at the way he ditched me last night.”
As if to answer, a wind gust swayed the tall stalks of cane on either side of her.
Breaths came out ragged and heavy. She hunched over, taking air in as she could. The stalks of cane returned to their rigid positions. They stared at her, waiting for elaboration, an explanation to why one person could make her lose her cool.
“He’s all wrong for me.” Using the back of her arm, she swiped at the beads of sweat on her forehead then stood upright. “There’s nothing about him that makes my list of qualities to look for in a man, not to mention, I’m not even interested in lookin
g for someone.”
She bent her arms and rested her laced hands on top of her head. “I didn’t want to feel any attraction to him. All week I fought it, and then what? He humiliated me, left me standing alone in the middle of a song.”
He’d played her, all right—it had been a game all along. Why had she let Gram and Gina’s words play tricks with her mind? Because she’d wanted to believe it. Something sparked in the limousine, but she couldn’t explain it. Energy arced between them, and she’d felt his eyes follow her many times after that.
Then he’d asked her to dance. Their verbal sparring kept an invisible barrier between them, but she couldn’t deny the security his arms provided and how right it felt to be there. So right, that an unwelcome sigh of contentment had risen from her chest.
And then he bailed.
He’d gotten what he wanted, he’d attracted her. His mission was over.
At least he’d had the decency to avoid her after that. No more secret glances, no more flirting, no more eye contact. He’d disappeared outside for twenty minutes and when he’d finally returned, he wouldn’t even look at her.
If only she had someone to talk to, but whom? It was too mortifying, and anyone she confessed to would call her ridiculous for getting worked up over something so trivial, except it wasn’t insignificant to her.
For someone so focused on goals, who kept her heart guarded as to not distract from those objectives, feeling that bond with Rob had shaken her world. She didn’t know what to do with it or what it even meant. Was there anything to do? Rob had made his intentions clear.
Did you pray?
This time she didn’t ignore her conscience. She hadn’t bothered praying at all last night, or since Rob had shown up wreaking havoc in her life. Instead, she’d run off to the restaurant, throwing herself into work. Conviction weighed on her heart. There was no time like the present to make things right. Her return trip home was a slower pace, which she spent praying for guidance on how to deal with her attraction to Rob.
