Page 46 of Kiss Me at Midnight
“Never mind, honey,” Lily said quickly. “I’m happy to see you–all of you–even if you lost sleep. But honestly, I’ve got everything under control.” That was a whopper of a fib, but Lily was going to see this through. She’d signed a contract and she was determined that Rachel wouldn’t get the best of her or see her break.
As usual, her sisters paid no attention to Lily’s wishes. They glossed over greeting Grandma Dotty and pounced on Jud.
“How long have you known Lily?” Violet sidled up next to him.
“And what are your intentions?” Aubrey faced him head on.
Maggie shouldered her way into his face. “Forget all that and tell me if you knew about that steamy picture we saw of you two. Did you have anything to do with it being sold?”
Jud took it all in stride, slipping on his sunglasses and giving them a charming smile. “I met Lily Sunday. I didn’t know the picture was being taken, obviously. Neither one of us did. We’ve been paired on this trip because we’re the best man and maid of honor. And we just hit it off.” He wove his way through their defensive line and put his arm around Lily’s waist.
She allowed it, but only long enough to say, “We’re not a thing. That kiss was just one of those impulsive moments that quickly fade into ancient history.” She slipped free.
“Disagreeing,” Jud said with the beginnings of a frown on his face. “We’re going to dinner this weekend when we get back to New York.”
“We’re not.” Lily headed toward land.
“We got here just in time,” Violet announced.
Lily grimaced, but since she was ahead of the pack, she was certain no one saw. “Everyone looks like they could use a cup of coffee. Let’s go have breakfast and then we’ll find a place to shop.” Shopping always lifted her sisters’ spirits. And Charleston’s King Street was filled with all kinds of shops.
“I don’t watch your show,” Maggie told Jud mulishly. “I don’t watch any of those superhero shows or movies.”
“She doesn’t know what she’s missing out on.” Grandma Dotty gave a shout of laughter. “Imagine him in tights.”
“They’re actually compression armor,” Jud said good-naturedly. “Every aspect of my suit has a purpose.”
The Summer sisters dissolved into peals of laughter.
“What’s so funny?” he demanded.
Lily turned at the dock’s gate. “You’re starting to believe your character’s press.”
“Yes, but it’s a very well-developed character.” Jud struck a superhero pose–legs widespread, fists on hips.
The Summer sisters swarmed past him, filling the air with their laughter.
There were several car services waiting in the marina’s parking lot, which said a lot about how exclusive the marina was. Somehow, Jud managed to claim a car and fill the back seat with himself, Lily, and Grandma Dotty. The girls grumbled and took the second car.
“I see now why I was warned.” Jud half-turned, back to the car door. “This is the Summer Trial by Fire.”
“The Kissing Test,” Grandma Dotty nodded, earning an elbow nudge from Lily. “I wouldn’t worry. If your feelings for Lily are true, you’ll be fine. And tonight, when you see the dress Marta picked out for her…It will be magical, like Cinderella transformed for her prince.”
Jud gave Lily a tender smile, to which she muttered, “And then everything goes back to the way it was.”I am such a downer today.
“Life will never be the same.” He tsked. “Cinderella will be rescued by Titanium Talon and they will live happily-ever-after.”
Their driver gasped, staring at Jud in the rearview mirror. “It’s you.”
“It certainly is,” Grandma Dotty said crisply. “Now, I know Jud told you to bring us to some swanky hotel for breakfast, but I want to go to a restaurant that serves egg salad sandwiches. And if you don’t listen to me, I can be difficult.”
“Whatever the lady wants.” Jud drew Lily’s hand into his, searching her face. “Because I have a feeling she’s the only Summer in my corner. Am I right?”
Lily tried to pull her hand back. “You’re making this into something it isn’t, which will only make it worse with my sisters.”
“Those sisters of yours want the same thing I do–to see you happy.” Jud lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
The warmth of his lips sent a trail of heat through Lily’s arm, trying to melt her heart.
