“That’s flattering.”
Now it was his turn to touch him. She grabbed his hand. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong. It’s just the way you’re presented in the local press and how people talk about you.”
Maybe he wasn’t a cookie sheet, she thought. Maybe he was actually a jelly roll pan.
The image made her smile, which made his scowl deepen. “You’re really starting to tick me off,” he muttered.
“I thought you said you had a well-developed sense of humor.”
“I do. You’re not being funny. Whatever you think about me, you’re wrong.”
She was beginning to think that might be a possibility.
He pulled out his trusty PalmPilot and pushed some buttons. “We still need a caterer, a photographer, flowers, a cake, a dress, tuxes. It’s a long list.”
“We’ll get through it. I’ll e-mail Julie the information on this place. At least we know we’re having the wedding and reception in the ballroom. That’s something.”
“Lucky us.”
She stared into his dark eyes and smiled. “Thanks for being so understanding about everything with my grandmother. It helps to talk about it.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll call you and we can set up our next taste testing.”
Then he stunned her by bending down and kissing her. Only this kiss wasn’t about garlic or proving anything. At least she didn’t think it was. Instead it was quick, hot and bone-melting.
His hands rested on her shoulders, holding her in place. His mouth claimed hers with an expertise that made her more than willing to take this wherever he wanted to go. She lost herself in the pleasure of touch and lips and need.
He wasn’t what she expected. This wasn’t what she expected. She found herself responding to him in ways she hadn’t expected.
He tilted his head and brushed her lower lip with his tongue. She parted for him. He swept inside, teased into arousal, then pulled back and straightened.
“See you soon,” he said.
What? He was leaving? He was going to kiss and run?
“But you…Why’d you…”
He smiled. “We were interrupted. I like to finish what I start.”
From [email protected]
I can’t thank you enough. I really, really owe you for all your hard work. Thanks for taste-testing the first caterer and sorry it didn’t work out. But you’re right. I want fabulous food at the wedding and so does Ryan.
Interesting about the whole garlic/kissing thing. I hadn’t thought that too much garlic could ever be a problem, but at a wedding? You’re so right. So, did Todd demonstrate the perils of garlic kissing?
We’re having the best time. I can’t wait to get more pictures and e-mails from you. Again, you’re a total goddess for doing this!
Love and hugs, Julie
Marina opened the cardboard box and reached for the tape dispenser. After sealing the bottom of the carton, she flipped it over and then looked at the bookshelves in the hallway.
“Does Julie really need to keep all these?” she asked, even though she already knew the answer.
Willow stuck her head out of the bedroom where she’d gone to tackle clothes. “Of course. They’re books. She’ll keep them forever.”
“Does Ryan know what he’s getting into? The whole pack rat thing?”
Willow grinned. “She’s not a pack rat and yes, he knows exactly what he’s getting into.”
“Well, I didn’t have a clue,” Marina grumbled. “Between helping you pack Julie’s place, you handling the renovations at their new place and me planning Julie’s wedding, she is going to owe us big time. We’re going to have to break our legs or something and force both of them to serve us.”
“She’ll be there every second of our recovery,” Willow promised. She held out her left hand and pointed. “Would you hand that to me?”
Marina didn’t turn to see the object in question. Instead she stared at her sister’s ring finger—or more specifically, at the stunning diamond ring glinting there.
“You’re engaged!” Marina yelled. “I’m so happy for you.”
Willow laughed, then they were hugging and jumping up and down together.
“It’s so beautiful,” Marina said, grabbing her sister’s hand and studying the impressive cushion-cut stone surrounded by baguettes. “When did this happen? You didn’t say anything. How could you not blab the second you saw me?”
“It was hard,” Willow admitted. “But I wanted a great reaction and you gave me one.” She stared down at the ring. “As to the when, it was just last night. Kane and I had talked about getting married before, when he came to his senses and realized he loved me. But between then and now there hasn’t been a word. I was willing to give him time to get used to the idea of just being in a serious relationship.”
They moved into the living room and fell onto the sofa. Marina smiled at Willow’s happy expression.
“Who would have thought that the strong silent type would turn out to be such a great guy,” she said, thrilled that Kane had been the one in a million Willow deserved.
Her sister sighed. “I know. It’s a miracle. He’s incredible. Last night we were having dinner together. It was really romantic and there was music and suddenly he was on one knee and holding out the ring and saying he wanted to marry me and be with me forever.” Tears filled her eyes. “I never thought my life could be so wonderful.”
Marina hugged her again. “I’m happy for you. Beyond happy. Delighted. Giddy. There are other words I can’t think of right now.”
“I’m happy, too,” Willow said.
Marina leaned against the cushion. “Two of my sisters getting married. I’ll be the old maid aunt, a favorite of the children, but you adults will worry that I’m slowly slipping into madness.”
Willow rolled her eyes. “Please. You’re too smart for that. But I would say to be careful. Love is in the air and all that.”
Marina shook her head. “I’m immune. Which is fine with me. I’m not looking to get married anytime soon.”
“What about falling in love?”
“Maybe next year.”
In truth, she liked the idea of falling for a guy. But along with the desire to be in love was a healthy dose of fear. Giving away her heart looked a little to much like giving away her sense of self. First Aunt Ruth, then her mother. Marina wasn’t willing to be like either of them.
“So, another wedding,” she said. “Have you two picked a date?”
“We’re thinking spring. Well, after Julie’s wedding, but before the baby’s born.”
“I can help with the planning. I’ll be an expert.”
“I would love that,” Willow told her. “I wouldn’t know where to start.”
“Just ask me anything. Or Todd. He’s actually pretty good at the whole wedding planning thing. Just don’t tell him I said that.”