It hit her that the day’s actions carried long-lasting effects. Down the road, when she married for real, she would always remember this day… and she knew the memory would mar that future event.
Hearing Nolan close the closet door outside the bathroom, she jolted out of her depressing thoughts. Washing her hands quickly, she dried them on one of the thick towels. Reapplying her lip gloss, she plastered a smile on her face, as fake as their wedding. Throwing open the door, she beamed up at him. “I’m ready.”
11
While Lynn had been in the bathroom, Nolan tried to gain control over his confused and confusing emotions. The day had not gone as planned, and he was torn between throttling Nancy for her harebrained scheme and throttling his mother for not making the other reservation. Considering the kiss he instigated, he also battled the idea of being thrilled that he and Lynn were sharing a space so that he could get to know her better and hating the idea of sending her conflicting messages. I leave in a month to go back to my team. There’s no room for any relationship.
Even as he rejected the idea of a relationship, he found his gaze dropping to his left hand where the wide, white gold band rested. He was surprised it didn’t feel heavy or awkward but instead felt perfectly natural.
Maybe there’s room in my life for a casual relationship. More than just a fuck… more like a fuck buddy. He winced at the idea and shook his head. She’s not that kind of woman and I’m glad. But still… maybe a few more shared kisses will work her out of my system. We can enjoy our time here and then part as friends.
As he closed the closet door, he turned as she alighted from the bathroom. Looking as beautiful as ever, he leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek, not wanting to smudge her lip gloss. Smiling, he took her hand and they headed back down the elevator to the restaurant.
The meal was everything he hoped it would be. Thick, juicy steak. Perfectly-cooked lobster tail. A baked potato that was loaded with butter and sour cream, the outer skin salted and crunchy. Intrigued by the idea of tempura-battered green beans, he was not disappointed. Lynn had ordered the same dinner, and he wondered how she would handle all the food. She was only able to eat about half but, as ravenous as he was, he managed to finish her steak for her.
They were placed in a circular booth and had slid around so that they were sitting next to each other. At first, there was almost a foot between them but, as the meal continued, they drifted closer.
The server kept their wine glasses filled, and by her third glass, she giggled. “I never drink this much, but this is really good.”
He was not a wine connoisseur, but the red he was drinking was the perfect complement to his steak. Lynn had opted for a white, and he grinned as she finished her glass. The server brought their small, round, beautifully-decorated wedding cake that had also been part of their package. This time, the server poured champagne.
“Oh, my God, I’m going to bust out of this dress!” she whispered, leaning against his shoulder.
He wrapped his arm around her and squeezed. “We’ll take a walk after we have our dessert.”
He lifted his glass of champagne and turned toward her, watching as she mimicked his actions. Her eyes were wide as she waited to see what he was going to say. Having not planned any special words, he blurted, “To the most beautiful woman, the most beautiful bride.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, she blinked, and he could swear there was moisture gathering. Before he had a chance to say anything else, a tremulous smile curved her lips. “That was lovely. Thank you.”
He wanted to lean in and capture her smile with a kiss, but she clicked his champagne glass before taking a sip. Following her lead, he drank as well. Once their glasses were drained, she sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder.
“You’re not going to get drunk and take advantage of me, are you?” he asked.
She turned her wide-eyed gaze up to him and huffed. “I’m not big enough to take advantage of you.”
He laughed and tightened his arm around her shoulders. “Come on, let’s take that walk.” He slid from the booth and, with linked fingers, gently drew her to his side. They walked out of the restaurant and past several exclusive shops as they made their way into the cavernous lobby. Continuing down the hall toward the swimming pools, they exited near the back through wide glass doors. Walking paths were illuminated with lamps and fairy lights hung from the trees. The sun had just slid beyond the mountain, the vision in the distance capturing their attention.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Their fingers were still linked, but she wobbled slightly as her shoulder rubbed against his arm.
Wanting to keep her steady, he wrapped his left arm around her shoulders and smiled as she reciprocated, sliding her arm about his waist. Now, with her tucked tight to his side, they wandered along the path amongst the tall trees and decorative flowers and bushes planted along the way.
Guiding her over to a bench, they sat, snuggled closely together. He turned toward her, the vanilla scent of her shampoo teasing his nostrils, and he inhaled appreciatively. Placing his lips on her forehead, he was surprised when she lifted
