Church service, brunch, the plane ride, and even coming home to an empty house had all passed in an unbelievable whirl. Vanessa just knew she would fall asleep the instant her head touched the pillow. She’d been wrong. The weekend’s excitement hadn’t worn off; a glance at the bedside clock confirmed, two o’clock in the morning. And she could not shut off her brain. She’d had so much fun!
“If you’re so happy, why can’t you sleep?” she grumbled as she punched her pillows.
There was no need to search for an answer. Her reason was tall, dark, incredibly gorgeous, and kissed like a dream. She hadn’t said more than a few words to Ralph the entire day. It was understandable, considering they were never alone.
Vanessa had held it all in. Even Laura couldn’t get anything out of her. She wasn’t ready to share. As much as she loved Laura, Brynne, Trenna, and Maureen, Vanessa didn’t plan on sharing the details of her agreement with Ralph. She still hadn’t completely processed it all. And she’d spent hours going over every word.
Who would believe it? It seemed like something out of a movie. She’d gone and made a date to spend the night with a man she wasn’t sure she even liked. It was crazy! Totally unlike the shy, safe woman she’d always been. She was not one to take risks. Yet here she was, planning the most gigantic gamble imaginable…sleeping with Ralph Prescott.
She did like him! Over the past weeks, Vanessa could honestly say there were lots of things she liked about Ralph Prescott. He was more than a rogue and womanizer. Even a lowlife player had a few good points. Take Greg Cummingham. He, too, was all those things, yet he had fathered the twins. Ralph was not nearly as bad as Cummingham. And he was part of a wonderful family.
Despite Ralph’s tremendous financial success and good looks, he was a regular guy who was down-to-earth. He’d been considerate and protective of her and revealed a genuine interest.
Even though she hated his reputation with women, that hadn’t stopped her from fantasizing about him day after day or dreaming about him night after night. Disagreeing with the way he ran his sex life certainly hadn’t kept her from asking for a night in his bed. Ralph was man enough to make even a large woman feel ultrafeminine. When he’d looked at her, kissed her, and complimented her beauty, for a moment Vanessa had actually believed him.
To say the man was shocked when she propositioned him would be putting it mildly. Vanessa giggled as she recalled his shock, yet he hadn’t ignored or dismissed the question. He took her seriously. She grinned suddenly, intrigued by the possibility he found her as attractive as she found him. Her heat raced at the thought. But why was she taking this so seriously? They would share what some people might consider no more than a one-night stand.
This night wouldn’t be what either one of them would call normal. Yet it was something Vanessa longed to share with Ralph. For one magical night, she could be like her girlfriends. She would experience her special man’s lovemaking.
And then she would go back to her regular routine of taking care of kids and working while trying to balance it all on her own. What mattered was that she would walk away with a beautiful memory that no one could take away from her.
Vanessa was not the only one having trouble sleeping that night. As Ralph prowled the dark confines of his large, luxurious den he couldn’t stop thinking about Vanessa. Why hadn’t he refused? He had certainly felt the need to walk away from what his instincts warned was a trap, which was ridiculous. It was Vanessa he was dealing with, a woman he knew he could trust.
Yet he couldn’t say no, especially after seeing the longing in her eyes. He suspected a refusal would be a crushing blow. For such a quiet, unassuming lady, she had thrown him off-balance. He still couldn’t believe it.
If someone had told him how the evening would end, he would have argued them down and sworn they weren’t talking about the lady he’d known for years. Vanessa Grant? No way! And he would have been wrong.
Ralph swore beneath his breath. The lady had shocked him. He still hadn’t wrapped his mind around the fact that Vanessa had propositioned him. For a few moments he’d been busy trying to figure out who the woman was, and what she had done with Vanessa. Vanessa was a good girl. She didn’t sleep around. Any man with half an ounce of self-respect would assume she’d temporarily lost her mind.
Ralph called himself every kind of fool he could think of. Of course when he finished, nothing had changed. He still faced the same reality. Next Saturday, he had a date with Vanessa. And he would not be kissing her good night at the end of the evening. When it was all said and done, they would be sharing a bed.
He had a single goal. To see to it the beautiful lady got what she wanted. He planned to pleasure her until she couldn’t so much as recall Ron’s name. All he had to do was figure out how he could manage that without her winding up hating him and him hating himself.
What she asked went against his grain, yet he could not, in good conscience let her go to another man. Despite what she said, he believed she could be tempted by Ron. That possibility left him coldly furious. She had asked him to become her lover. He accepted and was going to honor that promise.
He also hadn’t gotten over the fact that he would have preferred to make it a weekend date, while she insisted on limiting their arrangement to a single night. She had also decided to keep their agreement between the two of them. He didn’t like it, not that he planned to broadcast their arrangement. After one lousy night they both would walk away, as if it had never happened.
Sprawling back in an oversize armchair, he laughed without amusement. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t been there and done that. He’d never been big on relationships. His way, when it was over, no one was left holding a bag of disappointments or hurt feelings. It was no big deal. So why didn’t it feel right?
He’d be a bold-faced liar if he didn’t at least admit to himself that the taste of Vanessa’s sweet mouth had not been nearly enough. She had left him painfully aroused. To make matters worse, whenever she’d got within touching distance today, he ached. One taste of her lips had left him eager for more. He wanted her…badly. Right or wrong, good or bad, he couldn’t walk away from what she was offering, not in this lifetime. He could think of a hundred and one reasons, why he shouldn’t give in to her tempting beauty. None of those reasons mattered. He was a man of his word. He was going to keep his promise. And he would deal with the unavoidable consequences later.
“Courtney Ann, if you don’t sit still, I will never get finished. I thought you wanted your hair up like mine?” Vanessa scolded her six-year-old sister. She’d brushed her hair into a high ponytail, secured it before pinning the curls in place. She left loose hair to frame the little girl’s brown face.
“I’m tired, Nessa, why did Curtis get to play, and I can’t.” She pointed to her twin brother, who was parked in front of the television with his collection of small cars on the living-room sofa and had been ordered not to move. He was dressed in a pale gray tuxedo.
Vanessa smiled. “Curtis is not going to be a flower girl, like you and Shanna. He has to carry a ring, while you get to drop the flower petals. Right?”
Courtney nodded eagerly. “Right!”
“You look so pretty. Now, be still for a few minutes and let me finish.” Vanessa went to work with the curling iron. Before she could finish, Curtis was in the door of her bedroom.
“Can I go sit on the sunporch? I won’t get dirty on the swing. Honest.”
Vanessa saw the mischievous gleam in his dark brown eyes, the swing he had in mind was not on the sunporch but in the backyard. He looked so handsome in his suit and white shirt, with the rose vest and bow tie matching the bridesmaids’ dresses. She smiled, “We don’t have time to play, sweetheart.” After finishing the curls, Vanessa pinned a cluster of tiny pink roses into her sister’s hair. “All done, Courtney.”
She had barely gotten the words out of her mouth before Courtney, in a white ruffled slip and tights and white patent-leather shoes dashed past Lana on her way into the living room to join her twin. “Courtney!”
Lana laughed. “I’ll get her dress and help her into it. You finish getting ready. We can’t have the maid of honor in her robe.”
“You look beautiful. Turn around let me see the back,” Vanessa gushed.
Lana was dressed in a dark green vee-neck ankle-length chiffon-layered dress. Her hair was curled around her shoulders, and her soft brown skin was lightly made up.
Vanessa smiled, proud of her sister and the way the dress she had made turned out. She had designed and embroidered all the bridesmaids’ dresses, but had only made her own as well as Brynne’s wedding gown.
“Thanks. I’d better hurry. The limousine will be here soon.” Vanessa sighed, gazing at her sister. “Are you sure you don’t mind driving the kids and yourself to the church? I can call Brynne and explain.”
“Stop worrying. We will be fine. Now you hurry and finish up. Brynne is expecting you and the other ladies to help her dress. She is going to look lovely in that bridal gown you designed especially for her.”
Vanessa smiled. She’d always loved sketching clothes and sewing. She was especially honored that Brynne had decided to wear one of her creations for her wedding. She’d learned to sew at her mother’s knee. It wasn’t until she was in her teens that she began to design bridal and evening gowns. She’d been working on a degree in business and hoped to open her own bridal boutique one day. After her mother passed, she was forced to postpone those plans. Once the children were in college, she hoped to go back and finish her own degree. In the meantime, she had her collection of sketches to build on.
“Oh, Nessa, I can’t wait to see all the dresses. The wedding is going to be so beautiful…all your designs. Mama would have been so proud.” Lana kissed her cheek. “Hurry.”
She gave Vanessa a tiny shove before she closed her bedroom door.
Smiling, Vanessa turned to gaze at the dress spread out on her bed. The dark rose silk was strikingly beautiful but plain, with its square neckline and long, flowing skirt cut on the bias, except for the ivory embroidered midriff accentuating her trim waist. All the bridesmaids had picked Vanessa’s designs that best flattered their figure types. Thank heaven Brynne had insisted on hiring two seamstresses to do the actual sewing. Vanessa concentrated on the bride’s gown.
It was a true labor of love. The beautiful strapless, ivory silk gown’s midriff and train were embroidered with white silk ribbon flowers and pearls. It was no secret that Brynne could afford a Vera Wang gown, if she chose because, like Maureen, she came from a well-to-do family.
As, Vanessa stepped into her dress, she smiled. She hadn’t expected Ralph to ask her to be his date for both evenings. Although flattered, she decided to exercise caution, preferring to maintain their privacy. Last night at the rehearsal dinner, she’d stayed as far away from him as she could. He called several times earlier in the week to try and change her mind, but in the end, he respected her decision.
The first time he’d called, she had been at the sink and nearly dropped the phone into the soapy dishwater. She was shaking by the time she’d dried her hands. With the phone to her ear, she ignored the curious look Lana had sent her as she hurried into her room and closed the door behind her. She had been thankful that the twins were playing a board game out on the sunporch.
When he asked if he could see her some night that week, she had been shocked but quickly insisted it wasn’t necessary.
Ralph seemed disappointed. When he reminded her that he really wanted to take her to the rehearsal dinner, she was relieved that he couldn’t see her because she could not stop smiling.
There was a lengthy silence, then he asked about Saturday night. But Vanessa insisted she had to make sure the kids were settled. It would be simpler if later she met him at his place.
He sighed softly, said he was looking forward to Saturday night, then hung up. This had seemed like the longest week, and now that it was only hours before the wedding, she was a nervous wreck. Vanessa stared at her image in the mirror. Her eyes filled with fear. Her face was made up, her thick hair pinned into a knot, and loose curls framed her face. She wore her mother’s choker-length pearls and matching stud earrings. She couldn’t help pondering what Ralph would think. Would he like what he saw? Would he still find her desirable?
“The limo is here, Nessa!” Curtis yelled, pounding on her closed door.
When she opened the door, he nearly fell in. “I heard you, Curtis.” She leaned down and kissed his cheek. “I’ve got to go. You be good and listen to Lana.”
He nodded his understanding.
“Courtney, come give me kiss. You heard what I said to your brother. It goes for you, too.” After kissing her, Vanessa smoothed her hair. She paused to hug Lana before asking anxiously, “How do I look?”
“Good,” all three of them said at once.
Vanessa laughed. “Right answer. See you at the church. And please don’t be late. And drive carefully.”
“We’ll be there early,” Lana promised, urging her to the door. “Bye.”
Vanessa joined her friends inside the limousine. Like her, Trenna, Laura, and Maureen were in dark rose silk dresses, embroidered with ivory. Vanessa’s heart raced with joy. “You all look wonderful. Where are Kelli and Anna?”
“They are meeting us at Brynne’s,” Maureen exclaimed.
“You’re right. We do look fabulous.”
They all laughed.
Trenna confessed. “I’m so nervous. You’d think I was the one getting married.”
“I know what you mean,” Vanessa echoed, knowing her jittery nerves had more to do with what would happen after the wedding. The unanswered question that swirled through her mind was did she have the nerve to go through with their plan. What if she chickened out at the last minute? Ralph would have every right to be furious.
“We are going to party tonight,” Laura cheered.
“Absolutely,” Trenna added.
Maureen reached over to squeeze Vanessa’s hand. “I have never looked so good. And it’s all your doing. This dress turned out beautifully.”
“Thank you.” Vanessa beamed.
“I’d love for you to design a gown for both me and my grandmother, for the women’s center annual fund-raiser. This year it’s going to be a black-and-white ball.”
Vanessa’s eyes went wide with excitement. “I don’t know what to say.” She smiled, afraid to believe. Maureen wore beautiful clothes, most of which were bought in New York during fashion week. Maureen’s grandmother often appeared in the society pages of the newspaper. She was a patron of the arts and had founded the Women’s Crisis Center.
“Your designs are wonderful, Vanessa,” Maureen insisted.
Vanessa’s smile was filled with sincerity. “Thank you. Let’s hope Brynne’s happy with her wedding gown.”
Kelli and Anna were already there. Brynne was a nervous wreck, and the ladies went to work getting her and little Shanna ready. When they were done, they stood back to admire their handiwork.
“You are so beautiful,” Vanessa whispered with tears in her eyes.
“It’s not me. It’s this dress.” Brynne was an exquisite bride. The dress fit perfectly. She also wore a diamond tiara and layers of a long ivory veil that flowed to the floor. At her throat was a diamond-and-pearl necklace. She had teamed it with matching earrings and bracelet.
“Mommy, you look like a princess!” Shanna beamed up at her.
“So do you, sweetheart. Turn for me.” Shanna happily whirled. Her pale pink lace dress had an empire waist like Courtney’s.
“Are we ready, ladies?” Anna asked eagerly.
They were in Brynne’s bedroom.
“Not yet. I have something for you.” Brynne opened the dresser drawer and began to hand each of them a slender box, a well-known, jewelers’ name printed on the lid. She thanked and hugged each one of them in turn. “Okay. Open it!”
The ladies squealed with pleasure when they found diamond bracelets with their initials in eighteen-karat gold forming the clasp.
There were hugs and kisses all around. Brynne scolded that no one could cry, or they would have to start all over. And she didn’t plan on being late for this wedding.
“Let’s get moving, ladies. We’ve got men to impress,” Kelli insisted.
Every one laughed and started moving to the waiting limousines.
Vanessa stood smiling in front of Ralph, Brynne, and Devin on her left as the photographer took picture after picture of the wedding party. They were all lined up in front of the church. Shifting from one tired foot to the other, she struggled with her frazzled nerves.
“Tired?” Ralph whispered, close to her.
“Of smiling…yes,” she whispered back. Curtis and Courtney stood in front of her. “My feet are what’s aching.”
“Hmm, I’ll see what I can do about that later,” Ralph said into her ear. His voice was low and sexy, so much so, if she hadn’t been listening closely, she would have missed the comment. She stood stunned as shivers of desire caused her heart to pound in her chest. Before she could collect her thoughts, her little brother tugged on her hand.
“Nessa, I’m tired,” Curtis complained.
“I’m hungry” Courtney added.
“It shouldn’t be much longer. Smile,” she coaxed.
Just then Shanna, who was being held by her dad, said in a loud whisper. “Daddy, I’ve got to go…”
“Me too,” Curtis and Courtney chimed in.
Vanessa smothered a laugh, “Come on.” She motioned for Shanna to join them.
“If you like, I can take Curtis,” Ralph offered, drawing her eyes to the smoldering heat in his dark hungry gaze.
Vanessa, used to doing nearly everything on her own, nearly refused until she saw her little brother’s smile. Evidently Curtis found a short time in a man’s company appealing, reminding her that growing up in an all-female household wasn’t easy for him. He missed not having a father in his life. Unfortunately, there were some things she couldn’t do for him, no matter how hard she tried.
“Yes. Thank you.” She smiled up at him.
The responsive warmth of Ralph’s smile momentarily caused her to forget what she was supposed to be doing. Shanna swiftly reminded her of the need to hurry by tugging at her hand. By the time the two little girls were finished, Vanessa had regained her composure. She didn’t want anyone to guess how uneasy she’d been all day. Or how eager she was to be wrapped in Ralph’s strong arms.
One thing was clear. Vanessa would chicken out if she let herself dwell on what could happen later that night and didn’t just relax and let go. She’d been waiting a long time to feel like a woman. She had no doubts that Ralph was the only man to handle this special job.