Page 43 of New Year, New Guy
‘I don’t know.’ If she hugged her sister she’d crease the sleek white satin dress with its billowing medieval sleeves and never be forgiven. ‘It won’t happen again.’
‘Of course it will. You can’t switch off like that.’ Polly laughed and clicked her fingers. ‘But we’re in a better place now and that’s a good thing.’
Laura cleared her throat and plastered on a bright smile. ‘Come on, let’s go and put poor Johnny out of his misery.’
‘Let’s hope Hunter likes the new sparkly version of my sensible older sister.’
With her hair swept into a soft up-do and the addition of a delicate silver necklace and drop earrings she had to admit the dress looked tolerable. ‘I’m sure he’ll appreciate it later.’ They’d already shared a laugh about his gratitude over the stockings.
The music started and Laura nodded at Polly, their thoughts running along the exact same path. She’d offered to escort her sister down the aisle or suggested their Uncle Arthur as an alternative but Polly insisted on walking alone. No one could take their father’s rightful place. Her sister’s smile returned as she stepped forward.
Laura’s glance lighted on Hunter. It was hard not to notice him when he stood head and shoulders above everyone else. Her smile broadened at the sight of his distinctive jacket with glittering silver embroidery to match her dress. Knowing he’d chosen it in solidarity with her increased the growing depth of her feelings for him. For a second she almost slipped up and used the dreaded L word.
‘Are you going to take my bouquet or not?’ Polly hissed and she brought her attention back, but not after catching the hint of amusement curving Hunter’s lips.
As the couple spoke their vows she gave up the effort to hold back tears and they trickled down her face, no doubt taking her carefully applied make-up with them. The certainty in Polly and Johnny’s voices set off an unwelcome surge of envy. By her own wedding day she’d already been having doubts about Mike and should have listened to them instead of convincing herself it would all work out.
‘You definitely outshine the bride.’ Hunter’s familiar scent announced his presence behind her as the photographer attempted to shuffle them all around to his satisfaction.
‘It would be hard not to in this dress.’ She dragged her gaze over him. ‘Of course I can’t live up to your unique choice of wedding attire. Did you bring that with you from Nashville?’ It struck her as something an old time country music singer might have worn.
‘Believe it or not, I found it here and not at a fancy dress store either. I tracked down a shop catering to the entertainment business.’
‘It’s entertaining all right.’
Hunter slipped his arm around her shoulder. ‘Couldn’t have you grabbing all the limelight.’
‘You’ve certainly succeeded in snatching your share.’ Laura brushed a kiss over his warm cheek. ‘I appreciate your thoughtfulness.’ More than a few curious glances came their way, and she suspected they’d be the cause of rampant speculation at the reception and maybe a touch of green-eyed jealousy from a certain Irish lady.
‘It’s my middle name.’
True, but there’s a lot more to you than that and here isn’t the right time or place to say so. Her expression must have conveyed her thoughts because his eyes darkened.
‘Later.’
Her logical, professional side told her that the luscious warm tingle spreading through her body was nothing more than a state of responsiveness to sensory stimulation triggered by his husky whisper. Her heart told her that was rubbish.
‘Smile for the camera.’ Hunter nodded towards the photographer and shifted his hand around her waist. The discreet squeeze he sneaked in sent her smile off the charts.
* * *
He didn’t give a damn what anyone else thought about his fashion sense, or lack of it, not when it made Laura this happy. Heck he’d stroll through the streets naked if . . . well, maybe he wouldn’t go that far, but the thought was there.
Johnny slapped his shoulder. ‘Nobody’s going to mistake you for an uptight Brit in that get-up.’
‘Yeah, well, I can’t help if you’re all boring as hell.’ Hunter grinned. ‘My lady likes it, and that’s all that matters.’ Laura’s sharp glance and his old friend’s obvious surprise made him consider retracting the words but it was too late now.
‘Better go, my wife is getting impatient.’ He smiled broadly. ‘Sounds bloody amazing to say that.’
‘I’m sure it does.’ He received another sideways look from Laura who read his every thought and intention these days. He’d grown out of his youthful wilfulness and led a very productive life now, so was it completely out of bounds to wonder if they might experience that same level of happiness one day? ‘We’ll see you at the reception.’
‘Make sure the bridesmaid gets there safely.’
‘Will do.’ They only had to walk a few metres to a small hotel down the street making it not much of a challenge. Before Laura could launch into him for making assumptions that weren’t his to make, Hunter swept her to him for a long kiss. ‘Did I mention how damn beautiful you look today?’
‘Smooth-talking charmer.’
‘Don’t forget the later thing I just promised.’ He lowered his voice. ‘Let’s go enjoy ourselves, and we’ll sort the rest when we’re done bein’ the life and soul of the party.’
