The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy Read online

  The slow song ended, and Maverick led her to a cozy outdoor couch for two. Through the open French doors, they had a perfect view inside the parlor. For a quiet minute, they watched the goings-on.

  “I love to people watch,” she said. “Sometimes on my hospital breaks I’d go to a nearby coffee shop, sit outside, and make up stories about the people walking by.”

  “Yeah? Tell me about that guy in the striped blue shirt.” Maverick lifted his chin toward a trim middle-aged man with dark hair.

  “Oh, he’s a duke from England. His wife is American and his family was terribly disappointed that he didn’t marry a duchess, but she won them over when she served her famous apple pie on a silver platter.”

  He smiled at that.

  “Your turn,” she said. “The woman in the yellow dress.”

  “She’s a lottery ticket winner from Oklahoma. She gave away half her winnings to a horse charity and the other half she spent on jewelry.” A great backstory given the enormous diamond around her neck.

  “See that guy there?” Kennedy lifted her chin toward one of Reed’s friends. “He’s a jewel thief, and later tonight he’s going to steal Oklahoma’s diamond necklace and replace it with a forgery.”

  Maverick gave a nice one nod and then waved toward a server weaving through the crowd. The woman immediately smiled when she spotted him, like she’d been searching for him. “There you are,” she said. “Two hot chocolates as requested.”

  “Thanks, Tanya.” Maverick accepted the two glass mugs on the tray, handing Kennedy one. “Careful, it’s hot.”

  “Enjoy,” Tanya said, taking her leave.

  “Is this your mom’s special recipe?” Kennedy blew on the drink, the decadent smell of chocolate reaching her nose.

  “It is.”

  “This is a nice surprise. Thank you.”

  Maverick took a sip of his hot chocolate, a bit of whipped cream remaining on his upper lip.

  “You’ve got some—”

  He leaned over and kissed her, effectively erasing the smudge from his mouth. “You were saying?”

  She smiled and licked her lips before surveying the parlor again. “Your turn again.”

  “The man in white with the bow tie,” Maverick started, “he’s the heir to the Charmin fortune, which is why he’s never in a crappy mood.”

  Kennedy laughed so hard, hot chocolate shot up her nose.

  “Sorry. You okay?” Maverick handed her a cocktail napkin.

  “I’m fine.” She gathered herself, none the worse for wear. “Now be quiet for a moment so I can take a proper sip.” She sipped. She sighed. “This is the best hot chocolate ever.”

  “I’m glad you think so.”

  “Okay, see that lady standing next to Andrew and holding a cocktail in her hand? She’s a beekeeper and loves to get buzzed.” Kennedy grinned, waiting for Maverick to crack up.

  He barely smiled, the big jerk!

  “Hey, that was funny!”

  “You can’t try to be funny. You either are or you aren’t.” His playful tone and sparkling stare were more than enough to curb her complaint.

  “I hear you and I raise you a hot chocolate,” she said.

  His upturned lips and dimples were the least funny thing on the planet, and instead so sexy and appealing, she had to look down at her heels for fear of rubbing up against him like an animal in heat.

  “Deal.” And did his voice have to be so deep and seductive?

  Maverick had effectively rendered clear thinking impossible, so she recycled some information that popped into her head. “See that tall man with the blond mustache? He’s a bounty hunter and his last bounty was a…was a woman with amnesia and she told him…” She paused for dramatic effect. “‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’”

  He laughed. “Okay, you win.”

  “Just like that?” She had a feeling he’d gifted her the win out of the goodness of his heart.

  “You came through on the spot, and that counts for double.”

  She pressed her lips together in an appreciative smile. What a difference seven years made. In college he would have one-upped her without hesitation, or at least tried. They’d battled so often back then. Clashed at every opportunity. She hadn’t taken any time to understand him or see his good qualities—she’d disliked him and his know-it-all attitude at first glance. Had they given each other more courtesy and less attitude, would they have been friends? More than friends? She’d never know.

  They sipped their hot chocolates in easy silence until a yawn snuck up on her.

  “Tired?” he asked.

  “A little. All the fresh air and sunshine this week have really relaxed me. I have a tan line for the first time in forever, even with the sunscreen you so kindly supplied me with.”

  “Really? You sure? Maybe I should double-check those lines.” He regarded her with a lopsided grin.

  “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours,” she fired back, unable—and unwilling—to stop the physical pull between them.

  He quickly stood with his hand out to help her up. “Let’s go.”

  She loved the urgency in those two words. The desire and intensity in his gaze.

  Rather than leave through the parlor, Maverick held her hand and led her across the veranda. They entered the inn through the living room and arrived at her room less than a minute later.

  Once inside, butterflies kissed her skin. She struggled to maintain her composure. She had the sexiest cowboy alive in her room and a bed three feet away. What would they do with all that extra space compared to a sleeping bag?

  The door clicked shut, and the two of them stood in the middle of the room staring at each other. His eyes touched on every inch of her body as he took his time running those baby blues from her head to her feet and back up. She did the same, committing every inch of him to memory.

  “Ladies first,” he said.

  She didn’t hesitate. Just untied her dress, wiggled her shoulders to free the material, and let it fall to the floor.

  Maverick sucked in a breath, his clear appreciation turning her nipples into hard points.

  “Your turn,” she told him.

  He peeled off his shirt with one arm and tossed it aside. Next, he lost his pants, kicking off his shoes and socks in the process. His boxer briefs did little to hide how much he wanted her. The man had it going on and then some. Wet heat blossomed between her legs.

  “The rest,” he said, his voice deep, husky, demanding. She loved it.

  She removed her bra and panties, his hawklike stare watching her every move.

  “Heels, too.”

  “You don’t want me to leave them on?” Didn’t all men have dreams of a naked woman in heels?

  “No.”

  She slipped off her shoes at the same time he eliminated the distance between them and scooped her into his arms. “I like you just as you are.”

  “Short?”

  “And stunning.” He placed her on the bed, positioning himself above her.

  Hard muscles against her soft ones.

  Sun-kissed lips against the shell of her ear, down the column of her neck. To the valley between her breasts. He sucked on one nipple, then the other. Kissed down her stomach, spread her legs, and licked her to oblivion.

  Clutching the comforter, she screamed his name.

  “Delicious,” he said, rising to kiss her lips. To share her taste.

  She reached down and took him in her hand. Guided him to her entrance. With one sweet surge, he sank into her.

  “Jesus,” he whispered against her temple.

  They moved in tandem. His warm breath coasted over her hairline. He whispered sweet things. Dirty things. And this time, they came together.

  He collapsed beside her. Brought her under his arm to rest her head on his ch
est. She curved her body against his in satisfied bliss.

  “Nice tan lines, by the way,” he said.

  She pressed a smile against his smooth skin. “Thanks.”

  “How about a quick shower and then I’ll tuck you in?”

  “Sounds perfect.” She led him to the bathroom, where they soaped each other under the warm spray of water. Maverick washed her hair, something no man had ever done before. She almost fell asleep standing up.

  After a quick towel dry, she slipped on her nightgown and crawled under the bedcovers. Maverick dressed and then joined her, sitting on the side of the bed. He fiddled with the sheet, taking his tuck-in duty seriously, and she laughed.

  “Hey, watch it. This service isn’t for just anyone.”

  She laughed harder. “S-service? You’re so funny.”

  Her laughter ignited his own, and this, this right here would forever mark her thoughts of him. Laughter. Joy. New things learned and shared. Freedom. He’d challenged her to step out of her comfort zone and she’d surpassed her expectations. His too, she imagined.

  Their laughter died down. He cupped her face in his calloused hand. “Thanks for making this a week I’ll never forget, Shortcake.”

  She pressed her cheek to his palm. “I won’t, either.”

  His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, but he followed it with a kiss that would have melted her panties if she’d been wearing any. His mouth moved over hers with perfect pressure and unmistakable affection. And that was enough.

  It was enough to know she meant something.

  The kiss ended when they needed to catch their breath. “About the wedding…” he trailed off.

  “Yes?”

  “I’d love to go with you. I’ve got something to do most of the day tomorrow so I’ll meet you there. I’ll be the guy with eyes only for you.”

  Be still her heart. “It’s a date.”

  “Great. Good night.” He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, then turned to go.

  “’Night,” she whispered back.

  Even after he shut the door behind him, she saw him standing there clear as day. Would he ever leave her mind? She doubted it.

  Five days ago…

  Dear Nicole,

  There’s something I never told you. Someone I never told you about. When we met and you accused me of being a pompous jerk and pushing you away, you were right. I did that because you reminded me of my college nemesis, a woman named Kennedy Martin. She was a city girl, like you, and we hated each other on the spot. Because of that, I wrongfully mistrusted you. After you called me out on my foolishness, I realized I’d never given Kennedy the benefit of the doubt either, writing her off and pushing her buttons instead. She poked me, so I poked back.

  But in hindsight, she was also my equal. She was intriguing. And damn smart. So I apologized to you, and the rest was history. If it hadn’t been for Kennedy, I don’t think I would have pursued you. She’s the reason I fell in love with you. And now guess what? She’s here on the ranch. I’d planned to be as scarce as possible this week, but thirty seconds after being with her, we’re arguing and disagreeing like it was yesterday. I hate that she’s here. I hate the reaction she gets out of me. I hate that she makes me feel things I’m not sure I’m ready to feel. If only she’d arrived two weeks from now, after I’d left to finish our travels. Talk about bad timing.

  Miss you,

  Maverick

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The day of the wedding

  With the rose-pink light of dawn and the ranch in Maverick’s rearview mirror, he focused on the road in front of him. The drive to San Francisco took about ninety minutes but always felt like forever. He didn’t know if that was because he dreaded this day or because he couldn’t wait to talk to Nicole.

  He visited the cemetery only once a year…and this year would be his last.

  He’d decided that when he’d booked his flight for Europe. Today and his upcoming trip were about letting go and moving on for good. Not that Nicole would ever leave the corner of his heart or mind reserved just for her, but because three years had been long enough to mourn. To hold on to anger and unfairness. He’d loved her with everything he had, and even though she couldn’t communicate with him near the end, he saw the love in her eyes reflected back at him.

  Nicole’s blue eyes had always held some kind of emotion. She didn’t wear her heart on her sleeve, but in her expression.

  Kennedy’s light brown eyes with flecks of gold hold depth beyond compare.

  Not for the first time since waking this morning, Kennedy drew his thoughts away from everything else and he wondered what if… What if he told her he wanted more? Wanted to make her his, even long distance? Could he do that? Could he put his fears aside and risk his heart again?

  Kennedy breathed new life into his own. She made him optimistic about the future.

  She didn’t know it, but she’d helped with the onslaught of memories that had plagued him leading up to this morning’s drive. He’d been dreading today, and instead of anticipating sadness, he’d been wrapped up in her. Instead of focusing on what he’d lost, she’d easily kept him focused on only her.

  Her smart, sexy mouth.

  Her curiosity.

  Her endless questions and genuine interest.

  Her ambition.

  Her selflessness.

  Her touch and scent and sound.

  He blinked her away to save it for the drive back to the ranch.

  Easier said than done, so he turned up the volume on the radio. Glanced over at the roses he’d picked to lay on Nicole’s gravestone. Looked for the… Damn it. He’d forgotten the letters he’d written to Nicole over the past three years. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with them, but he’d meant to bring them to share with her in some way, as well as to let them go.

  Turning around to get them would set him back an hour, at least. And he’d risk being late to the wedding or seeing his family. He’d escaped early for a reason; he didn’t want any more sympathy or condolences. He’d had enough to last him a lifetime.

  And so he kept driving.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  The day of the wedding

  Kennedy woke from a dream about her and Maverick making out in the sand, rolling around with the waves at their feet like a scene from a movie. She smiled sleepily, loving the way her mind worked this morning. She normally dreamed about medical emergencies and saving the day, and this ranked so much higher.

  Pushing herself to a sitting position, she found Andrew sprawled out facedown on top of his bed with his pants around his knees. She bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing out loud. She hadn’t heard him come in last night (amazing sex completely tired a girl out), and apparently he’d had such a good time that he couldn’t be bothered to undress all the way.

  This had “blackmail photo” written all over it. Not that she’d ever do something like that, but it would be fun to tease him with it when necessary. She looked at the nightstand for her phone so she could take a picture before remembering she’d left it inside her purse.

  Even though Andrew slept like the dead, she tiptoed across the room to retrieve her bag off the couch. Pulling the phone out as quietly as possible, she snapped shots of him from every angle before leaping back into bed like nothing had happened and checking her phone for missed calls or texts.

  There were three more calls from Hugo and Maria. Two voice messages. Shit. A heavy weight landed on her chest. She quickly listened to Maria’s frantic voice.

  “Kennedy, it’s Maria. Hugo is in the hospital,” she sobbed. “He fainted while swimming and almost drowned. Please call me back.”

  Second message: “We don’t know if he’s going to make it,” she wept. “Please come if you can. We need you.”

  A loud, inarticulate scream tore from the back of Kennedy’s
throat as she jumped to her feet. Not Hugo. Please, God, not Hugo.

  Andrew shot up off the bed and almost tripped over himself. “What’s wrong?” he called out, catching his balance.

  She could barely speak through her tears, but somehow he understood what she told him about Hugo. “I ha…I have to go,” she muttered.

  “Of course you do,” he said, his calm voice helping to settle her down. She forced herself into doctor mode: composed, analytical, helpful. Hysterics did her no good.

  “Driving will take too long. I need to fly,” she said.

  “You pack and I’ll find out where the closest airport is and get you a ticket.” Andrew’s fingers flew across his phone.

  “Thank you.”

  Five minutes later, packed, dressed, and ready to speak without losing it, she called Maria back. The doctors hadn’t given Maria a prognosis, but Hugo’s brain had been deprived of oxygen for several minutes. Kennedy told Maria to tell Hugo she was on her way and that she expected a magic trick when she got there.

  Her hands shook as she put the phone down. She’d lost patients before—it came with the job. But Hugo had seamlessly moved from patient to friend to family, and she’d never lost someone so special before.

  The soonest flight was in two hours, which left time for her to find Maverick and say goodbye. The inn and grounds were a hustle and bustle of wedding activity, and because of that, Kennedy stayed silent. She’d momentarily forgotten what day it was, and out of respect for Reed and Elle, their family and friends, and the Owens family, she kept her distance. She didn’t need to bring anyone down with the reason for her sudden departure.

  After searching for Maverick around the inn and at the barn, she asked Andrew to drive by his cabin on their way to the airport. He didn’t answer the front door when she knocked, so she tried the handle. Finding it unlocked, she let herself inside.

  “Maverick?” she called out.

  No answer. No sound at all.