Chapter 30
30
Cora stood before the full-length mirror on the back of her bedroom door, smoothing her hands over the silky dark blue material of her dress. The draped neckline was modest yet elegant, while the thin belt cinched her waist perfectly, accentuating her figure before the skirt cascaded gracefully to just below her knees. Navy pumps with a playful strap at the ankle added a touch of flirtation, their three-inch heels making the most of her silhouette. She’d taken extra time curling her hair into soft waves and applying her makeup with a subtle hand. As she tilted her head, a faint smile touched her lips. Tonight, she didn’t just feel ready. She felt radiant.
She didn’t often go to weddings, but Jeremy was invited to Mark and Karen’s wedding, and she was happy to go as his date, especially since she knew Karen. She hadn’t made many friends since moving to the Eastern Shore but was slowly carving out time to meet others, even if they were generally in her profession.
A firm knock on the front door snapped her out of her thoughts, and her pulse quickened. With one last glance at her reflection, she inhaled deeply and steadied herself before stepping into the hallway. She reached the door and opened it, her breath catching as her gaze landed on the man standing on her stoop.
Jeremy was a vision of rugged sophistication. The navy suit hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, the pale blue shirt beneath highlighting the vivid blue of his eyes. His beard was trimmed, and the fresh cut of his hair hinted he’d taken extra care with his appearance, too. Her eyes wandered over him, taking in every detail, and when they met his again, she whispered the only word she could muster. “Wow.”
His lips curved into a slow, teasing smile. “You can say that again, sweetheart.”
Her gaze locked onto his, and the world outside faded momentarily. His eyes twinkled in a way that made her heart trip over itself. As if drawn by an invisible force, he stepped forward, his hands warm and steady as they slid around her shoulders, pulling her close. His lips captured hers in a kiss that sent a shiver of warmth cascading through her. It was fierce yet tender, his mouth moving against hers with a passion that left her breathless.
Cora melted into him, her hands gripping his jacket as though it were the only thing anchoring her to the floor. One of his hands skimmed the tips of her curls, careful not to undo the work she’d put into them. She kissed him back, her fingers trailing up his chest, needing the connection to steady her nerves. When he finally broke the kiss, it was only to place soft, lingering touches at the corners of her lips.
“I take it you like the dress?” she asked, her voice low, her lips tingling from his kiss.
“Babe, I don’t just like it. I love it. I love the dress, the shoes, your hair, your face…” His eyes softened as he cupped her cheek. “But more than that, I’m crazy about you.”
Her laughter was soft, almost shy, as she eased back just enough to meet his gaze. “I’m glad. It feels like everything is happening so fast, but…” She shrugged lightly, her smile tinged with vulnerability. “I’m glad you’re crazy about me. I’d hate to think I was in this alone.”
Jeremy’s lips tipped upward into a smirk she used to find irritating. Now, it was something she adored. “Alone? Not a chance.”
She stepped back with a small laugh, brushing a hand over her skirt. “Well, I guess I’m ready to go. I just need to grab my purse.”
As she turned, he groaned, a sound that made her pause. “What I really want to do,” he said, his voice rough with desire, “is stay here and take you to bed. Or maybe bend you over the sofa, lay you out on the dining room table, press you against the shower wall… and eventually make it to the bed.”
Her breath hitched, heat flooding her cheeks and pooling low in her belly. Her eyes widened as she stared at him, her voice barely above a whisper as she repeated her earlier emotion. “Wow.”
Jeremy’s grin was wicked. “I hope that’s a good wow.”
“It’s a very good wow,” she murmured, her voice shaky but playful. “But if you keep talking like that, we’ll never make it to Mark and Karen’s wedding.”
He chuckled, his tone teasing as he leaned in closer. “Mark and Karen are so in love, they won’t even notice if we’re not there.”
Cora swatted his arm lightly, laughter spilling from her lips. “Come on, big boy. Let’s get going. The sooner we make an appearance, the sooner we can leave. And maybe…” She glanced over her shoulder, her lips curving into a sly smile. “Maybe I’ll let you make good on some of those plans when we return.”
Jeremy sighed heavily, tilting his head back dramatically as his hands rested on his hips. “You’re killing me, Cora,” he groaned, but the glint in his eyes told her he was far from upset.
Her grin widened as she reached for her clutch, feeling a giddy warmth spread through her. Tonight might be about celebrating someone else’s love, but she couldn’t help but feel the spark of something extraordinary blooming between them.
Once at the church, they slid into a pew near the back, finding the room crowded with friends and family.
Mark stood at the front of the ceremony, and though Cora had only met him briefly, she could instantly recognize the depth of love etched into his expression. His eyes softened with every step Karen’s daughters took down the aisle toward him. There was no hesitation as the two girls reached the front. Instead of stepping aside, they walked straight to Mark, wrapping their arms around him in tight, heartfelt hugs before taking their places.
Cora felt a lump form in her throat. The gesture was simple yet deeply touching. Mark’s face lit up even more as the young boy and girl he and Karen were fostering followed. Just like the daughters, they hurried to him, offering hugs filled with smiles.
Then Mark’s pride seemed to reach higher as his son entered. The young boy strode forward, his gaze locked on his father. When he reached the front, he didn’t hesitate, pulling Mark into a fierce and affectionate hug before stepping to his side.
Cora blinked against the sting of tears, her chest tightening as she watched the scene unfold. When Karen appeared at the back of the aisle, her radiant smile illuminating the room, Cora could no longer hold back her emotions. Karen’s tea-length cream-colored dress swayed softly as she walked, elegance and simplicity perfectly complementing the joy that radiated from her. There was something undeniably magical about witnessing two people so deeply in love pledging their lives together, but it was more than that in Mark and Karen’s case. It wasn’t just a union of two hearts; it was the merging of their families into something extraordinary.
Cora’s gaze slid to her side, catching Jeremy’s profile as he watched the ceremony unfold. His smile was genuine, his blue eyes warm with appreciation for the love and commitment before them. Her heart fluttered when, as if sensing her attention, he turned to look at her. Their eyes met, and in that instant, the world around them seemed to fade.
It was just them.
The intensity of his gaze sent a shiver through her, not because it overwhelmed her but because it grounded her in a way she had never known. She’d never felt so seen. Jeremy’s blue eyes twinkled with something more profound than amusement, and when his arm slipped around her shoulders to pull her close, the warmth of his embrace enveloped her completely. Her head rested lightly against him, and the subtle scent of his woodsy and clean cologne filled her senses. At that moment, she realized she was precisely where she wanted to be.
The reception downstairs in the fellowship hall proved far more enjoyable than Cora had anticipated. The room buzzed with life and laughter, a DJ spinning an assortment of upbeat songs that had even the most hesitant dancers swaying in their chairs. Tables lining the hall were laden with simple yet delicious food courtesy of the American Legion Auxiliary. She’d sampled nearly everything, her plate piled high with comfort foods that brought back memories of family gatherings. On the other hand, Jeremy had unapologetically gone back for seconds—nearly thirds—before eyeing the dessert table with determination.
She laughed as he stood and took her hand, a playful grin lighting up his face. “Let’s dance,” he said, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “That way, I can work off some calories and not feel guilty when I go for round two of desserts.”
Cora chuckled and let him lead her to the middle of the dance floor. Dancing wasn’t something she typically enjoyed—it always felt awkward, like she didn’t quite know where to place her hands or how to move her feet. But with Jeremy, it was effortless. His arms guided her naturally, his hands strong and steady on her waist as they swayed in time with the music.
She looked up at him, the laughter still lingering in her smile. “You’re pretty good at this,” she teased.
He leaned closer, his voice low and warm against her ear. “I have my moments. But I think it’s you. You make this easy.”
Her heart skipped a beat, her cheeks warming under his gaze. The feel of his arms around her made everything else fall away. For the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to simply exist in the moment and enjoy their connection.
Jeremy pulled her closer as the song shifted into something slower, his cheek brushing against her temple. She relaxed fully into his embrace, her hand slipping from his shoulder to rest against his chest. The steady beat of his heart beneath her palm was as calming as it was thrilling.
And as they moved together on the dance floor, Cora couldn’t help but wonder if this night was the beginning of something truly remarkable.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Jeremy’s voice was low, a warm whisper against her ear that sent a pleasant shiver down her spine.
Cora turned her head slightly, her smile soft and genuine. “If I had come to the wedding alone, I would’ve sat quietly in the back, eaten by myself, made just enough polite conversation not to seem rude, then slipped out before the dancing started. But being here with you…” Her eyes met his. “It makes me feel comfortable. It makes me want to stay, laugh, and enjoy myself.” Her smile deepened as she tilted her head. “What about you? Are you enjoying yourself?”
His gaze held hers, steady and full of something that made her heart skip a beat. “If I had come alone,” he said, his voice rich with affection, “I’d probably be sitting with the detectives, talking shop, eating way too much, and then planting myself at the open bar until it felt acceptable to leave.” He reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingertips lingering on the curve of her neck. “But being here with you? It’s not just a good time. It’s the best time. I feel like the proudest man in the room, having you on my arm.”
Warmth bloomed in her chest, and her smile widened. “I love it when you smile at me, Cora,” he murmured, his eyes locked on hers. “I feel it deep in my chest every time.”
Jeremy’s arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer until she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her. The sensation made her breath hitch, the moment as intimate as if they were the only two people in the room. His voice dropped lower, brushing against her ear like velvet. “And when you turn one of those smiles my way, I feel it… well, everywhere. Including my cock, which, sweetheart, is currently about to knock a hole in my pants.”
Cora’s laugh burst out unexpectedly, a sharp and delighted bark that made her clap a hand over her mouth. She could feel the curious glances of nearby guests, which only deepened her blush. “Jeremy!” she hissed, biting her lip to suppress her laughter. “You can’t say things like that to me in public!”
He leaned back slightly, clearly pleased with himself, a crooked grin lighting up his face. “First of all, no one’s paying attention. They’re all too wrapped up in their own romances. And second…” His grin widened into a smirk. “I guarantee they’re thinking exactly what I’m thinking… when can I get out of here and take my girl home?”
Cora’s cheeks burned, but she couldn’t help smiling back at him. As the song drew to a close, she glanced toward the bride and groom. “Mark and Karen are about to make their exit. We can offer our congratulations, then slip out quietly.”
Jeremy didn’t wait for another word. Stepping back, he grabbed her hand and led her off the dance floor with purposeful strides. After exchanging warm hugs and heartfelt congratulations with Mark and Karen, they maneuvered through the crowd, hand in hand, until they slipped through the doors into the cool night air.
Jeremy hurried toward his vehicle, his grip on her hand firm but tender. The drive back was swift but careful, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel as though the anticipation were too much to contain. When they finally reached his driveway, he pulled in and suddenly stopped, turning to her with a look that made her pulse race.
“Stay there,” he ordered softly, sliding out of the SUV and rounding the front in record time. He opened her door and effortlessly scooped her into his arms instead of offering his hand. One arm supported her back while the other slid beneath her knees, holding her close as he bumped the car door shut with his hip and locked it with the fob.
“Jeremy!” she protested with a laugh, but her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck.
He didn’t answer, his jaw set in determination as he carried her up the steps and to the front door. Somehow, he unlocked the door while holding her cradled in his arms. Once inside, he kicked it shut behind them, the soft thud echoing in the quiet space. Setting his keys on the small table by the door, he looked down at her, his gaze searing.
“This dress is gorgeous,” he said, his voice husky and low. “Beautiful. Probably expensive. And I know you’ll want to wear it again.” His eyes darkened as they trailed down her body. “But right now, all I want to do is tear it off you.”
Cora sucked in a sharp breath, her heart pounding as his words settled over her. “You’re right,” she said, her voice soft but steady. “It is a beautiful dress, and I do want to wear it again. So how about this—I’ll slip out of it before you ruin it?”
A crooked grin broke across his face. “Deal.”
Jeremy set her down gently, his hands lingering at her waist as though reluctant to let go. She smoothed her hands over the fabric and tilted her head. “There’s a hidden zipper,” she explained, twisting slightly to show him. “On the side, not the back.”
He groaned softly. “Fucking hell. I’ve been staring at this dress all night, trying to figure out how to get it off you.”
Cora laughed, the sound light and teasing as she reached for the zipper, pulling it down slowly. The fabric loosened, and she unhooked the snap at the shoulder before letting the dress fall in a soft, shimmering pool at her feet. Bending gracefully, she carefully picked it up and laid it over a chair.
When she turned back to him, now clad in nothing but a strapless bra, matching panties, and her heels, Jeremy’s breath audibly hitched. His eyes roamed over her, reverent and hungry, and at that moment, Cora felt utterly cherished.