Chapter 29
The spa day bridal shower was a smashing success. Molly was radiant and seemed to float on air as they entered the restaurant. The guys should be waiting for them. Melinda was looking forward to seeing Adam. It had been a week since they had seen each other. She had been busy with the shower details and clients and Adam was working a job north of town. She checked the mirror in the entrance and wiped a smudge of lipstick from her lower lip.
Standing inside the dining room, she watched as the couples paired up. A stab of sadness momentarily washed over her. John would have liked this wonderful group of people who had become her close friends. He would have especially liked Adam. Both men had that quiet strength people instinctively recognized. It was comforting that in a few ways they were a lot alike.
There he was. She pressed her hand to her midsection to quiet the flash of nerves. Her eyes never left his as he made his way to her side. He looked dashing in his dark slacks, gray herringbone jacket and light blue shirt, which was open at the throat. The way he carried himself Adam looked every inch of a military man, even without the uniform.
“Mel.” He took her hand in his. It was warm and firm. “You look stunning.” He pulled her close and kissed her cheek. “And smell even better.”
She felt the flush creep up her cheeks as she glanced down at her deep forest green dress. It was simply tailored as she didn’t want to stand out. The hairstylist had curled her already wavy hair and piled it on top of her head. After her facial, she felt as if her face glowed. The cosmetologist had done an excellent job with her makeup as she didn’t look made-up. She had contoured blush to follow the angle of her high cheekbones, and although her makeup was subtle, her eyes shimmered with a touch of gold on the lid and a swish of purple under her lower lashes.
Pleased he seemed to think she was attractive, she said, “You’re looking pretty snazzy yourself.”
“Can I buy you a drink?” He tugged her hand and steered her farther into the room.
She looked around. “Everything looks perfect. Just as I had hoped.”
Adam glanced at the room. “You and Stacey out did yourselves.”
Melinda could feel a flush warm her cheeks. “Molly and Tim deserve a special night before their big day.”
“You’ve played a big part in their happiness.” He gave her a quizzical look. “How many couples do you think have walked down an aisle because of you?”
“You’re giving me too much credit. But, if I was keeping track,” with a laugh she said, “and I do, I’d say at least twenty-one couples, give or take.” She knew she was beaming. She was very proud of what she had accomplished since starting It’s Just Coffee.
“That’s forty-two satisfied clients.”
“Look at you, doing math on the fly.” She bumped his shoulder. It wasn’t the first time she noticed he was tall and solid.
“Smart aleck.” He chuckled. “For the record, I’m a whiz at trivia games too.”
“I’ll keep that in mind if I’m looking for a partner.” She paused and felt her face grow warm. If Adam noticed the quip, he didn’t say anything. “For games.”
They stepped up to the bar and Adam ordered her a glass of red wine. She raised an eyebrow as he did. “Would you prefer something else?” he asked.
“No. I just didn’t realize you were paying attention to my preferred beverage choice.”
“Of course I do.” He leaned in toward her. “It’s a bad habit, watching over the people in my life.”
Feeling suddenly nervous, she looked down. What would it be like to have Adam aware of more than just her wine preference?
He grinned. “We’ve been through a lot since we met, don’t you think?”
She looked up at him through her lashes. “A building project, a trip to the ER, adoption of the four-legged kind.” She stopped short of adding in dating. “Speaking of which, how is the fur baby?”
“Skye is growing like a weed. She’s discovered sleeping at the foot of my bed means she can stretch out or curl up at will.”
“I see the smile on your face. You’ve fallen under her spell.”
“I never thought I was much of a cat person, but Skye is a lot of fun to have around.” Adam put his hand on the small of her back and ushered her to the table. “I snuck in before and saved us seats.”
The room was set in four tables of six with an additional two tables, one with an assortment of appetizers and the other set with coffee service. “Stacey thought having a plated meal would be elegant, and I have to agree it was the right choice.”
“Do you know everyone here?” Adam asked her.
“Well, I’ve been introduced to everyone a few times and I know the ladies much better after today. There is something about bonding over manicures.”
Adam snorted. “I can imagine. Do you mull over color selections, making sure toes and fingers match?”
“Stop teasing me.” Again, she could feel her cheeks grow warm. “You’re a brat.”
“Oh wait, looks like the bride and groom to-be are taking their places.” Adam pointed to the next table over. “I hope it’s okay that we’re sitting with Will and Stacey.”
“Of course. They’re a great couple.”
“Stacey’s super sweet. Will came to life when he met her.”
“What do you mean?” Melinda looked up at Adam.
“He spent time with me when I was in the hospital recovering. I think it brought back some of what he had been through before he got out of the Corps. I kept telling him to go home and that I’d be fine, but he insisted on staying.”
“He’s a good friend.” Melinda wanted to bring Adam back from wherever he seemed to be going. “Look.” She pointed to a tray. “They just set out stuffed mushrooms. Would you like a couple?”
“Oh, that sounds good. I’ll get them for us.”
Melinda watched him walk across the room. For a moment she thought he was limping. Maybe it had to do with the burden he carried from his final tour. The weight of the world on his shoulders. She made a mental note to ask Stacey if Will had any residual effects from his tour. If he did, she could recommend someone. Being haunted by the horrors of a war had to be difficult. She knew better than most that sad memories lingered and reared their ugly head when least expected.
Adam came back to the table and pulled out her chair. He set down the small plate with several options for appetizers. “I wasn’t sure what else you might want.”
“Thank you.” She patted the cushion next to her. “Have a seat.”
Adam eased down and gave her a tight smile. “Sorry. I needed a breather.”
Gently she asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not tonight. We’re here to celebrate our friends.” The music changed to Elvis Presley singing how he can’t help falling in love. Adam held out a hand. “Dance with me?”
“Didn’t you want to sit?”
“Not when the King is singing.” He wiggled his fingers. “Please?”
It’s been a long time,” Melinda stated. “I might step on your toes.”
“I’m tough.”
Melinda took his hand and in one fluid motion stood as he pulled back her chair. Not letting go, he escorted her to the dance floor. It was just the two of them. He slid one arm around her waist and with the other held her hand in his. She felt delicate in his arms. It had been a long, long time since she danced like this. Felt like this.
He pulled her closer and inwardly she sighed. This was nice, very nice. She swayed to the melody, the lyrics casting a spell over her. As the song ended, she dropped her head to his shoulder, unwilling to look into Adam’s eyes. That was a song for lovers.
“Thank you, Mel.” His voice was low and husky. Just for her ears he said, “You’re an excellent dancer.” He relaxed his arms and she stepped back.
“It was nice to dance again, and you’ve got some smooth moves too.”
He looked down at her and tilted her chin up. He gazed into her eyes. His voice smooth, he said, “No doubt it was my partner.”
Her breath caught, was he about to kiss her? Her pulse quickened and her blood warmed in her veins. She realized she wanted Adam to kiss her.
Adam cleared his throat. “We dance well together.” He guided her back to the table. His manners were impeccable as he held her chair again.
What just happened? Melinda was confused. She sat down and murmured, “Thank you.”
Salads were being served, which left little time for anything more than casual conversation. After he pulled in his chair, Adam’s thigh rested against hers, hidden from view under the tablecloth. Melinda didn’t make a move away from him. She glanced his way and caught his eye. His brow quirked as if asking if she was okay. Slowly she winked and returned to her salad. It was as if they shared a secret or communicated as a couple would.
Molly’s parents were sitting at their table, and Melinda was happy to answer questions about It’s Just Coffee. Molly’s mom, Clair, was fascinated with the entire process.
“Back when I was young, you met a man, fell in love and got married. Nowadays, it is much more complicated. By the time I was Molly’s age, I had two young children.”
Melinda understood where she was coming from. “It’s not that easy anymore. People are waiting longer and then do all they can to find the right partner.”
Clair patted Melinda’s hand. “Dear, I’m very pleased with Tim. You did a wonderful job as their matchmaker.”
“Thank you. I always say I get the credit, but it’s really my clients who do the hard work by opening their hearts to the possibility of love. It is intimidating to allow yourself to be vulnerable to another.”
Stacey interjected, “She successfully matched me and Will too.”
Taking the opportunity to shift the focus from her business, Melinda said to no one in particular, “Have you been to Newport before, or will this be your first time?” Her eyes scanned the table.
Will said, “I’ve been, but never to the mansions, so it’ll be a first for me.” His eyes caught Stacey’s. “For us.”
Molly’s dad, Mark, said, “My wife has dragged me through every mansion that is open for the Christmas season. She just loves the decorations.”
Clair snorted. “Mark, that’s rich. If I recall, it was your suggestion that Molly contact the historical society to see how to secure Rose Mansion for the wedding.”
He beamed. “Guilty as charged. However, you have to admit this will be the perfect setting for our little girl and Tim. Imagine starting your married life at one of the most romantic places on the East Coast.”
Adam took this moment to jump into the conversation. “I’m looking forward to the shindig. Mel and I are going together. We’re going to check out the local winery, wander through the shops and who knows what else.” He winked at Mel. “And, we have finding the best eggs benedict with lobster on the list too.”
Stacey glanced at Will, who in turn looked at Mel. She held up her hands and grinned. Unwilling to share her budding relationship with Adam, she said, “We struck a deal. I’m driving and he has to buy breakfast.” Anxious to avoid additional questions she stood and lifted her glass. “To Molly and Tim. May your wedding be filled with lots of wonderful memories with friends.”
The evening passed with more dancing and toasts. When the party began to break up Melinda remembered she had left her car at home. “Stacey, can I catch a ride with you and Will?”
“Of course.” She caught Will’s attention and pointed to Melinda. He gave a nod and he and Adam came over.
Adam said, “Mel, I can take you home.”
“I don’t want you to have to go out of your way.”
He chuckled. “You seem to forget I live above their garage, so we’re all going the same direction.”
Feeling a little foolish, she laughed. “I’d love a ride. Thank you.”
“Will, let’s get the girls’ coats.”
They moved to the coatroom and Stacey tugged on Melinda’s arm. She hip-bumped Melinda. “Are you going to ask him in for a nightcap?”
“It’s just a ride home, don’t make more of it than it is. After all, I’m sure he’s tired. It’s been a busy day for everyone.”
Melinda’s eyes never left Adam. She had an involuntary shiver of nerves. Should she ask him in?
“A cup of decaf would be a nice gesture.” Stacey grazed her hand. “And maybe a little goodnight kiss?”
Oh yes, a kiss would be the best way to end this night. Melinda sighed.
Stacey pulled her into a quick hug. She whispered in Mel’s ear, “Have fun.”
Adam walked toward her with her coat open ready for her to slip into. “Ready to go, Mel?”
She tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “Yes. I’m ready.”
The short drive to Mel’s seemed to be over in a flash. Adam pulled into her driveway and put the truck in park. Should he turn it off?
“I’ll walk you to the door.” He opened his door, and Mel asked, “Would you like to stay for a cup of decaf or tea?”
He swallowed a laugh. He wasn’t a tea drinker. “Decaf would be great.”
He hopped out of the truck and hurried around before Mel could get out. He pulled open the door and held out his hand. She took it and slipped from the seat into his arms. He held her close and looked down into her eyes. He hadn’t kissed her the last time he held her this close. He wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip by him again.
He dipped his head and tentatively brushed her lips with his. Mel took a step deeper in his arms, and that was all the encouragement he needed. He took his time kissing her until she was breathless. It was pure heaven.