Chapter 24 #2
Absolutely. He wasn’t talking about the dress.
When the last of the guests gave their congratulations to the bride and groom, everyone hustled out to the limo. Blake and Carli had one for them. The ladies had another, and he and Brian were invited to ride inside.
“I’ve got my car,” Brian said. “I’ll take that.”
“Evan is going to come with us,” Mercedes stated without asking him first. He should be upset, but her hand squeezing his convinced him that it was a good idea.
Annie and Harrison already sat in the back on one side.
Deanna climbed in on the other. He and Mercedes pushed in next to his sister.
First time he didn’t mind being squished into the back of a car.
The floral scent wafting off the woman next to him was mesmerizing.
It was as if she’d cast a love spell on him and he couldn’t break it.
When she gazed up at him, with her elegant face and deep gray eyes, he knew he didn’t want to.
Sitting this close to Evan in the back of a limousine, when he looked like a flippin’ celebrity, had a star-studded cast of butterflies doing a Broadway number inside her stomach.
Mercedes wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
He smelled so good, and she longed to nuzzle her nose in his neck and inhale the intoxicating scent that was Evan.
But she’d wait until later. If she was lucky, she could get him on the dance floor, and they could hold each other close without anyone the wiser.
Not hiding their relationship but not hogging the spotlight with a declaration.
Did she ever remember him dancing? Certainly not much.
Could she get him to make an exception for today?
Sneaking a peek at him now as they drove to the reception hall, she shivered. He’d done a close shave for the day and had even gotten a haircut, not too short but trimmed and styled. Add in the tuxedo and he’d rival a Hollywood star any day. And he was hers.
For now. With the emotions she’d been feeling lately, she didn’t think she’d want anyone else.
They pulled up at the venue, and Evan’s eyes grew wide.
His weren’t the only ones. Deanna snapped her mouth shut after her jaw had dropped open.
Mercedes had seen it several months ago when she’d gone with Carli to drop off some information and check on a few details.
It had impressed her back then and still had her shaking her head.
Traditionally, the bride’s family footed the bill for the wedding reception, but Blake’s mother had put her foot down and refused to go to the American Legion.
The woman was a dedicated snob. The Jamesons couldn’t afford this venue.
Blake had suggested that he and Carli—mostly Blake—would pay for a good portion of the bill, which suggested his mother had wanted an even fancier place than this.
As they climbed out of the limo and ambled up to the front doors, both etched glass, Evan scowled. Must be nice to have the money to get married at such a posh place.
The foyer had a fountain with coins in the bottom. Dive for some of those, and it might cover a few drinks.
He laughed and slung his arm over her shoulder. They picked up their place cards at the table outside the ballroom, then found their seats.
Brian waved to them from the doorway, signing, We all need to take pictures of the wedding party and family.
They followed Brian to a back door that led into a fenced-in garden with flowers and trees everywhere, as well as a small gazebo and a bench by a tiny stream. Shortly behind that was a wooden bridge over the stream. Plenty of photo ops here.
Seriously? Evan examined the area. What is all this?
It’s so you can have beautiful pictures of the special day.
His frown increased. What’s wrong with standing next to a wall?
Mercedes stared at him intently. What’s your problem today? You’re being very negative. It’s Carli’s big day. You should be happy for her.
Evan’s face fell, and he lowered his eyes to the ground.
I’m sorry. Fancy stuff like this really makes me nervous.
I grew up pretty simple, and all this elaborate decoration isn’t what I’m used to.
But you’re right. I am happy for my sister.
Not because she’ll be rich now, but because Blake really loves her and he seems like a decent guy.
I think everyone wants someone who’ll love them for themselves.
Was he talking about himself? She loved Evan for who he was, and she’d seen him at his worst and at his best. Should she tell him? Was he in the same place with his feelings as she was? How could she tell? He’d said he’d had a crush on her forever, but a crush wasn’t the same as love.
The photographer gathered everyone around and one of the interpreters gave directions.
They started with pictures of the wedding party in a number of poses and positions, then added in family and moved some in and out in different configurations.
For some reason, the photographer asked for a picture of her and Evan.
When she peered over at Carli, her former roommate grinned and signed, You never know.
You never know what? Was she playing matchmaker? Too late. She and Evan had already matched up with each other. The trick was to keep them matched together.
Mercedes got a short break when pictures were taken of only the family. The Jamesons might include her in everything and make her feel like one of them, but she wasn’t blood, something she’d heard Blake’s mother talk about on numerous occasions.
At one point, Evan chatted with his grandfather, and Mercedes caught a bit of the conversation.
He was asking about the Level Two book and if Evan was having any success.
The handsome man glanced her way and nodded.
She assumed he was telling his Pops about them working together.
She also caught Evan asking for help with some of the math.
She was glad to see his grandfather nod enthusiastically.
Getting past his pride was Evan’s biggest hurdle.
When the photos were finally finished, they all trooped into the hall as they were introduced. The best part was after the bride and groom’s first dance, the wedding party got to join them on the dance floor. She happily went into Evan’s arms and held him close as they glided around the floor.
They didn’t say much as they danced, their hands busy holding the other, but she didn’t mind. It felt wonderful, and there was no place else she’d rather be. The expression on Evan’s face was lovely to see. He obviously was enjoying himself. She eased back just enough to sign, Do you like to dance?
He chuckled. Since I can’t hear the music, dancing has never been a favorite activity of mine. However, I have to say, I’ll dance all night if I can hold you like this.
Her heart thumped louder through her veins. I’ll put you down for every dance.
His eyes rose, and his lips twisted to the side. I might need to keep a few free. For my sisters and mom. If that’s okay?
Oh, boy. His reply made the love she felt for him expand and grow. Of course.
The song ended, and soon they were back at the table and dinner was being served. Evan made good attempts not to diss the fancy location, but every now and then his feelings came through on his face.
Be nice, she warned him.
Only for you. And Carli.
The food was wonderful, and even Evan had to admit it. If you’re not going to eat that roll, I’d be happy to dispose of it for you.
In your garbage disposal mouth?
His dimple popped out with his responding smile. Absolutely.
She sat back and allowed him to snatch her roll, wishing she didn’t always have to watch her weight. I’ll have to eat salads for the next month.
He frowned at her. Why would you do that?
So my hips continue to fit into my clothes.
His gaze drilled into her. I told you there’s nothing wrong with your hips. In fact, they’re one of my favorite parts of you. Aside from the curls and your gorgeous eyes and your fantastic arms and long legs. And that mischievous grin that comes out whenever you get sassy.
Sassy, huh? I’ll give you sassy.
His eyes flashed with something she could only call desire. Oh, I hope you do. I love you when you’re sassy.
He loved her? Did he mean it literally? He loved her? Or he loved it when she was sassy? Could she ask for clarification, or should she respond generically? Only when I’m sassy?
He made a weird face but answered, Not just then.
It wasn’t quite the declaration she was hoping for, but she’d take it. Now to figure out how to respond in an equally ambiguous manner. Me too. Not just when you’re sassy.
Evan did a quick scan of the crowd, then leaned in for a very brief and perfunctory kiss. That’ll have to hold me for now. But take note: I’ll want more later.
Mercedes held her hands up like she was writing something down, all while excitement raced up and down her spine.
When the dinner plates were cleared away and the wedding cake was served with fresh raspberries and ice cream, the speeches started. Fortunately, Harrison and Deanna kept them short and sweet. The DJ started up the music again, and many of the guests headed to the dance floor.
Evan studied the room, and Mercedes wondered what he was looking for. When he swiveled back to her, he cocked his head toward the dancers. Interested? I’m not very good at fast dancing and from the way people are moving, I assume that’s what’s playing.
She looked at him coyly. It is a fast number, but you can take your cues from me.
She led him to the patch of wood in the middle of the floor. The song was one they could still dance together. Follow my lead.
They clasped hands, and Mercedes swung her hips back and forth, then pushed Evan away. Before their hands disconnected, she pulled him close again. She did this over and over, adding in twists and other dance moves. She was surprised how easily he followed along.
You’re pretty smooth there. Have you been holding out on me?
He grinned. I’ve got an excellent teacher.
The music was loud, making her glad they could sign. When it ended, more music began again. Another song. A slow one.
Without responding, he tugged her closer and wrapped her in his arms. They swayed to the music. It was magical. Even though Evan had no idea what it sounded like, he seemed completely in tune with her body and its movements.
They sat the next few songs out and chatted with other guests. Mercedes was having a wonderful time. Partly because she knew many of the guests, but mostly because of the attention Evan gave her. Nothing too overt, but she felt it, and that’s what mattered.
During one of the last slow songs, as his arms held her tight, she recalled the words he spoke last night at the rehearsal dinner.
They were heartfelt and showed what an outstanding person he was and how much he loved his sister.
He teased her often, but in his heart he loved her and only wanted the best for her.
Once they’d said goodbye to the happy couple, Evan took her hand and steered her toward the door. Brian is giving us a ride home. Do you have everything?
Oh, she hadn’t even thought of how she was getting there. She’d gotten a ride to do hair and makeup earlier, so she didn’t have her car. Those three glasses of wine she’d imbibed must have muddled her mind a bit.
Once she found her purse, she nodded and followed along.
She jumped in the back seat as Evan got in the front.
The drive wasn’t long, but it was enough time to think about what could happen tonight.
They’d been kissing and a little more for several weeks already.
Heck, they’d known each other for years.
Was he ready for the next step? Was she?
When they pulled in front of their apartment, Evan opened her car door for her. She called out, “Thanks, Brian. Appreciate the ride.”
He replied, “Happy to help. See you later.”
Evan had the door already open by the time she climbed the few stairs.
She tossed her purse on the couch as he closed the door behind them and locked it.
He turned around, and she took in the handsome man in his tuxedo.
More or less. The tie had been removed and was hanging out of his pocket, and the top two buttons of his dress shirt were undone.
The little peek of chest hair had her mind going straight to the bedroom.
Could she get his mind going there, too?
Sashaying in his direction, she swung her hips, knowing he always said he loved them. Desire stirred in his eyes as he took a deep breath in.
“Everything okay?” she asked playfully.
“Absolutely perfect. In every way.” His gaze never left her.
She curled her finger toward him in a “come here” gesture.
He obeyed right away until he pressed against her.
The room was dim, with only a small light on in the kitchen, but she could see his expression, and it got her revved up.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed her lips to his. He wasted no time in kissing her back.
His mouth was potent, and the room spun from the intensity of it.
With her hands in his hair, she grasped his head and plundered.
A groan slipped from his throat as he dug his fingers into her hips and pressed them flush against his hard body.
The one that was getting harder every second. She wanted more.
Seemed he did, too, when he cupped her bottom, squeezed, and nibbled on her neck. She couldn’t get enough of him. Her hands were reaching for his buttons when he eased back.
“You’ve had too much to drink. I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
But it’s what she wanted. “I had three glasses of wine over six hours. I’m hardly wasted.”
His brows knit together. “And you still want to be with me?”
When would he finally get her message and understand what he meant to her?
“I’ve wanted to be with you for a very long time. Your speech last night kind of pushed me to think that time is now. Please, don’t make me wait any longer.”
His eyes flared and his breathing picked up. “You’re sure?”
“Positive.”
His dimple popped out again. “It’ll have to be your room because I have a feeling it smells better than mine.”
She laughed, then wrapped her arms around his neck again. “My room,” she mouthed, hoping he could read her lips. She didn’t want to take her arms from around him long enough to sign.
When he scooped her into his arms, she gave a tiny gasp. No one had ever done that to her. He strode down the hall with purpose and kicked the door shut once they got inside. Then, his lips descended on hers again and no words were needed.