Faith shivered. She didn’t know what to make of Shane’s sudden attentiveness. She clapped when the happy couple were announced man and wife, then whooped as they kissed, and exited down the center aisle. The reception would be held at a restaurant just out of town, surrounded by a lush garden where photos had already been taken earlier in the day. She and Shane farewelled Charity, who’d decided not to stay, and drove over together. They were early, so they walked through the gardens while they waited for things to kick off. He couldn’t seem to keep his hands to himself, and she loved it. First, he rested a hand in the small of her back, then slid it over her hip, around the curve around her butt, and repeated the motion. She wasn’t even sure he knew he was doing it. Around them, the flowerbeds burst with color, and their light perfume permeated the air.
Shane took her hand and drew her around a corner so they were separated from the other wedding guests by shrubbery. As soon as they were out of sight, he grabbed her by the hips and drew her to him.
“Can I kiss you?” he asked.
Her heart hammered in her throat. No one could see them, which meant he wasn’t playing a role. He truly wanted to kiss her. She should refuse, but he was too tempting. Instead of replying, she took the initiative and pressed her lips to his. He pulled her closer, returning the kiss. She swayed into him, breathing him in, loving the way he tasted and smelled. Better than ice cream. So much better. Their tongues touched, and he groaned. Lust speared downward. Holy moly, she’d love to hear that groan every day. Preferably when they were both naked and he was sliding inside her.
He drew back, panting, and touched his forehead to hers. “God, Faith.”
She angled her head, reclaiming his mouth. She hadn’t had enough of him yet.
“Whoa, sorry!” The exclamation made them leap apart. “We’ll just, um....”
Faith righted herself and turned. Brooke and Jack were standing at the end of their private grotto, their cheeks flushed as they held hands.
“We were looking for a private spot,” Jack said wryly. “Guess we need to find one that’s not already taken.”
Brooke giggled, and her hand flew to her mouth. She looked mortified. “We’re so sorry. I guess the wedding got us all excited, what with being so recently engaged ourselves.”
“No problem,” Faith said breezily, as though people walked in on her making out with the guy of her fantasies all the time. “We’ve had our turn. We’d better get back to the party now.” She drew Shane away, noticing the way Brooke’s eyes widened and turned speculative. Everyone in town knew she and Shane were only dating for appearances, but now people might begin wondering if there was more to the story. Not that she expected Brooke to gossip, but these things tended to find their way into the world.
“Well, that was awkward,” Shane said as they returned to the group. “I’m sorry. I just couldn’t seem to stop myself.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for,” she assured him. “Let’s see who we’re sitting with.”
It turned out they’d been seated at a table with her parents, Leon’s parents, and Leon. Way to make things awkward. Since they were the first to go inside, Faith rearranged the name tags so she wasn’t sandwiched between Shane and Leon because that wasn’t a situation she wanted to be in. Before long, other people filtered in and joined them.
Dinner was buffet-style, and when they finished eating, they made conversation around the table. It was then that she noticed Shane’s arm creeping along the back of her chair. When Leon asked her what it was like living in the bay, his hand dipped down and stroked the side of her neck. She shivered and leaned into the caress. His touch ignited all of her senses, and she couldn’t help but hope that maybe it wasn’t all acting. As he removed his arm and rested his hand on her thigh beneath the table where no one could see, she wanted it to be for no other reason than that he liked to touch her.
They sat through speeches and toasts, and with each one that passed, Shane grew bolder, caressing the inside of her thigh with his thumb, working higher, dangerously near to the place where all her body heat had centered. If only he’d close the final distance. But he didn’t. Probably just as well because she doubted she’d be able to hold herself together if he did. She wanted him too much.
When the music started, she shot to her feet. “Want to dance?”
Shane’s brow furrowed. “I’m not what you’d call a great dancer. Or even a passable one.”
She smiled. “As long as you’re an enthusiastic one, I don’t care.”
Grabbing his hand, she drew him onto the dance floor. A slow song played, and she looped her hands behind his neck and swayed from side to side, pleased when he began moving with her. He’d been right—he was a terrible dancer, but each time their bodies brushed, awareness flared between them, and based on the darkening of his eyes, she wasn’t the only one who felt it.
If she’d ever seen him this way before, she’d have been a goner. The absentminded professor was a distant memory. The man in his place resembled The Incredible Hulk far more than Dr. Bruce Banner. His gaze was intense, his jaw tight, and he looked like the slightest provocation could send him up in flames. She wanted to provoke him. She’d always been the type to poke a sleeping beast.
Swaying closer, her mouth near his ear, and she murmured, “I think you should kiss me.”
She drew back just in time to see his Adam’s apple bob. “For the ruse?”
She shook her head. “Because you want to.”
One brow cocked up. “I do?”
She nodded. “Yes, you do.”
She half expected him to laugh it off, but the dimness of the dance floor and the romance of the wedding must have worked their magic because he released her hips, cupped her face between his palms, and kissed her full on the mouth. Desire exploded like starbursts behind her eyelids. Pressing closer, she tangled her tongue with his, tasting wine and cheesecake on his breath. She gave up on any semblance of dancing and put everything she had into the kiss, hoping he could tell how much it meant to her and how much she wanted him.
They broke apart, both breathing heavily, and he searched her eyes—for what, she didn’t know—then he wiped his mouth on his sleeve. She ran a finger around her lips in case her lipstick had smudged, and they took up where they’d left off—with the dancing, not the kissing.
A couple of songs—and another stolen kiss—later, a voice called her name. She turned and found herself facing Mason Delphine. He was resplendent in a white tuxedo and black shirt, but she didn’t give a glowworm’s ass.
“Can I cut in?” he asked, addressing her rather than Shane, no doubt recalling their run-in at the mini-mart when Shane had called him on his crap. She fanned herself. It made her hot even thinking about it.
“No,” she said pertly. “You may not.”
Mason’s hand wrapped around her upper arm, and she remembered the way his calloused palms used to drive her nuts. “Come on, Faith. I know I screwed up, but it was years ago. I want a chance to make it up to you.”
Okay, she was not letting this asshole from her past mess up the best night she’d had in forever. She shrugged his hand off and stared him down. She might have cowered last time she saw him, but in this dress, she felt like the boss bitch she knew she was, and she wouldn’t shrink from anyone.
“Why would I give you a second chance when I already have a perfect man?”
With that, she hauled Shane into her arms and swept him into the dance.
* * *
Shane was trying to get his head around the unexpected turn the evening had taken when a shrill ringing from his jacket pocket interrupted their dance.
“Sorry, I need to check this,” he said, knowing it could be about the kids. His stomach sank when he saw that it was Bex. “Is everything okay?” he asked as the call connected.
“I hate to interrupt your night, but Dylan isn’t feeling well, and I’m not sure what’s wrong.”
His good mood evaporated, and with a hand gesture, he excused himself from the dance floor to somewhere quieter. “Is he vomiting?”
“No, but he’s clutching his stomach and moaning. He says his head hurts too. I thought you’d want to know.”
“I do, thank you.” Even if his date was about to go up in flames. “I’ll be over soon. We need to make sure it’s not his appendix, although if his head hurts too, that would be unlikely.”
She sighed. “I’m sorry, Shane. I know how much you were looking forward to tonight.”
“It’s okay. The boys come first.” They always would. That’s what being a father meant. “See you in five.” Hanging up, he turned to find Faith at his side.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
Running a hand through his hair, he wished—for the first time he could remember—that he could have a night off from daddy duties. “Dylan is sick, and Bex doesn’t know what it is. She’s worried. I’m really sorry to do this to you, but I need to go home.”
She nodded. “Of course you do. I’ll come with you.”
Disappointment settled in his gut. He didn’t want to ruin her fun. She’d been having a great time, and he had no doubt someone else would happily partner her once he’d gone. Perhaps that Mason guy. Yeah, okay, so maybe he wouldn’t mind if she left with him.
“That would be great, thanks. I might need someone to watch Hunter if Dylan needs to go to hospital.”
She paled. “You think it’s that bad?”
“I’m not sure. Let’s go and find out.” Together, they gathered their things and headed out to the car. Faith shivered, and Shane cranked the heater up to keep her warm. He stopped at Bex’s place, and she greeted him out front with the boys and bundled them into the vehicle.
“How are you doing, buddy?” Shane asked as he drove home.
Dylan moaned. “I don’t feel good.”
“Is it your stomach?”
“Yeah, but not like pukey sick. It just hurts.”
Uh oh. That could be appendicitis. Or potentially some kind of indigestion or cramp.
“When we stop, I want you to show me exactly where it hurts.” He pulled up the drive and put the car into park. “Faith, can you take Hunter inside, please?” He handed her a key.
“Come on, cutie pie.” Faith roused Hunter, who’d been napping, and he looped his arms around her neck so she could carry him in. Meanwhile, Shane unbuckled and checked on Dylan.
“It hurts here,” Dylan said, gesturing broadly to his upper abdomen.
Shane frowned. Now he could understand Bex’s confusion. That wasn’t where you’d find an appendix. Perhaps indigestion was the more likely option. “What did you have for dinner?”
“Chicken and veggie stir-fry.”
“Come on. Let’s get you inside, and we can figure out whether we need to go to the hospital.”
Dylan’s eyes widened. “It’s not that bad.” He poked his stomach. “Really. I don’t know why Bex made such a big deal of it.”
Suspicion gripped Shane. His son had never been a good liar, and right now, something was up. He stepped out of the car and strode around to the other door. “Do you need me to help you inside?”
His suspicion increased when Dylan scuttled out of the back. “I think I’m starting to feel better.”
If he’d felt anything other than peachy the entire evening, Shane would eat his hat. He was getting the impression his son had faked an illness. The question was why.
“Did Bex give you anything for the pain?” he asked as they walked inside. “Panadol?”
“Yeeeah.” He drew the word out, reluctant to answer.
“Did it help?”
“Not back then, but maybe it’s kicking in now.”
“Uh-huh.” In the lounge, Shane instructed Dylan to wait on the couch while he went to get a thermometer. Faith had wrapped Hunter in a blanket on the armchair and vanished into the kitchen. When Shane returned, thermometer in hand, Dylan squirmed. “Open up.” As he’d expected, his son’s body temperature was perfectly normal.
Faith came around the corner, bringing a tray laden with mugs. She set it on the coffee table. “Hot chocolates for everyone. Proper ones, made with Belgian chocolate.”
“Marshmallows?” Hunter asked.
She winked at him. “And marshmallows.”
What a sweetheart. He’d cut her night short, and rather than ditch him, she was helping them out.
“Oops.” They all turned just in time to see Hunter slosh brown liquid down his chin and onto his lap.
Faith bolted upright. “Don’t move, honey. I’ll grab a towel.”
The minute she left the room, Dylan narrowed his eyes at Shane. “Why’d you have to bring her home with you?”
Shane’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”
Dylan stood, shoulders back, pain apparently forgotten. “I don’t know why you think she’s so special. Her hair is a weird color and she dresses like she’s from the past.”
A whimper in the doorway made them both turn. Shane’s heart plummeted to his shoes when he saw Faith standing there, no doubt having heard every word. But before he could insist his son apologize, she pasted a smile on and breezed into the room, towel in hand. She dabbed Hunter dry while tension crackled around her, then lifted him out of the chair.
“Why don’t you and I go read a story?” she suggested, and when he nodded, she carried him from the room.
Shane paced over and closed the door behind her, then he whirled on Dylan. “I hope you’re pleased with yourself. You hurt Faith’s feelings, and she’s never been anything but nice to you.”
To Dylan’s credit, he looked pained, but still defiant.
“Are you even sick?” Shane asked.
“No,” he admitted, downcast. “But I don’t want Faith to take Mum’s place. We don’t need anyone else. We’re fine just like we are.”
“Oh.” Deflated, Shane sank into a chair. “Is that what you think she’s trying to do?”
“Well, yeah. I mean, everyone around town says you’re together, and her parents think you are, and then you went to the wedding. That’s the sort of stuff you do with a girl you like. The kind of thing you used to do with Mum.”
Shane sighed. It seemed he had some explaining to do and an apology to make. “Look, I need to tell you something, but first, you have to understand that nothing excuses your behavior tonight. You worried Bex and me, and Faith had to leave her cousin’s wedding early because of you. That’s not acceptable.”
Dylan ducked his head and mumbled something.
Shane powered on. “That said, Faith and I are not dating. Hey, look at me.”
Dylan raised his eyes, glowering.
“Buddy, I’d tell you if I was dating someone. Hunter is too young to understand, but you deserve to know if there’s a woman in my life.” Crossing the room, he knelt beside his son. “What I’m about to say is a secret. Do you promise not to repeat it to anyone else?”
Dylan nodded.
“I need the words.”
“I promise,” he muttered.
“Good. Faith’s parents wanted to match her up with that guy, Leon, but she wasn’t interested, so I helped her out by pretending to be her boyfriend. That’s what friends do. They help each other.”
A frown marred Dylan’s forehead. “You were faking it?”
“Yes.”
“You and Faith aren’t really dating?”
“No, we’re not.” Although he couldn’t help wondering whether it would be so bad if they were. Technically, their reason to pretend had passed, but he liked to think the kisses and touches between them had been more than just keeping up appearances. For his part, they certainly had been. “I think you owe Faith an apology.”
Dylan had the decency to look ashamed of himself. “Yeah, I know.”
That might be the best Shane was going to get. “I expect you to make it right.”
Dylan’s shoulders straightened. “I will.”
For the sake of curiosity, Shane asked, “If I were dating Faith, why would that make you so angry?”
Dylan shrugged, expression turning sullen—his default as of late. “She’s nice, but I like us the way we are. If Mum came back, that would be one thing, but this is different.”
Shane frowned. “What would make you think there’s any chance of your mother coming back? She’s been gone for years.”
Dylan’s shoulders hunched. “She says she might come back when she gets too old to be a movie star.”
She does?
It was the first he’d heard of it, and he was going to have to have words with Diana. She couldn’t go putting ideas like that in her son’s head.
“That won’t be for a long time yet, Dyl. Maybe never. Actresses can have long careers these days. Besides, even if she did come back, we wouldn’t get back together.”
“You don’t know that.” The words were defensive. “Caleb’s parents just got back together, and they said it would never happen.”
Ah, now things made more sense. Damn Caleb’s parents for planting ideas in Dylan’s head. He needed to accept that Diana was never coming back.
“Yes, I do know.” But he wasn’t going to push the matter. Dylan was worked up enough as it was. They’d talk about it when he was calmer.