Point of No Return (35 page)

“What’s this?” I teased, reaching up to tug a bit at the tie. “Another attempt at a tie?”

“Well, I went all out,” he said with a shrug, the corner of his lips tipping up. “Took me forever to get it right, and if Taylor says he had to help me, he’s lying.”

I laughed. “You look amazing, but it’s not
. . .
you.” I tugged on the tie until it came loose, then undid the top two buttons of his shirt. “That’s you,” I said with satisfaction, pressing the silken tie flat as it dangled on either side of his collar.

Kade wasn’t even looking at what I’d done. His gaze was fixed on my face, a small smile playing about his lips.

Taking my right hand, he threaded it through his bent elbow, resting my palm on his left arm.

“Ready?” he asked.

I nodded. I was more than ready.

Glancing up, Kade gave Taylor a nod. The crew assembled near the bow, Captain Hugh at the head and all of them facing us. They looked glad to be there. It seemed everyone really did love a wedding.

Kade walked me slowly toward the bow and the setting sun, the music drifting around us. I could smell the heavy perfume of the flowers mixed with the salt of the ocean. The lights above us danced in the breeze and gave everything a fairy-tale quality.

“You wore the shoes,” Kade said softly as we walked.

I glanced down. The toes of my blue shoes peeped from underneath my gown with each step I took.

“They’re my ‘something blue,
’
” I replied, glancing up at him with a twinkle in my eye. “Plus, I seem to remember you telling me a while back what I
wouldn’t
be wearing the next time you saw me in them.”

Kade gave a low groan. “I love you.”

I grinned. “I know.”

It seemed like I shouldn’t be smiling so much for such a solemn occasion as my own wedding, but I couldn’t help it. Kade had always made me smile, no matter the circumstances.

Kade didn’t look away from me as we made our way across the deck, his gaze seeming to drink me in. I kept an eye on the deck, which rolled a bit with the waves. I didn’t want to end up falling on my ass, but Kade’s presence at my side was strong and steady. I glanced up at him every few steps, feeling a little shy at the adoration in his eyes.

We drew to a halt in front of Captain Hugh, who was waiting with an indulgent smile on his face. Kade took my bouquet from me and gave it to Jennifer to hold as he clasped my hands in his.

Kade’s eyes captivated me and I barely heard Hugh begin the ceremony. The bottom of the sun had just hit the ocean’s edge and the burnished golden rays bathed us in a warm glow. The cry of a seagull resonated through the baritone rumble of Hugh’s voice, the pulse of the waves a steady undercurrent.

The breeze gently tousled Kade’s hair, as if touched by loving fingers. His hands were warm and reassuring as they covered mine, his thumbs tenderly brushing my knuckles.

“I have,” Kade said, answering a question I hadn’t heard. I glanced questioningly at Hugh then back at Kade. “He asked if we had written our own vows,” he said. “I have.”

I was surprised. This was unexpected. But then again, when had Kade ever done what I’d expected?

“From the moment I saw you, I was lost,” Kade began, moving a little closer to me. “You hold my heart and my soul. I promise to be with you, to be your friend and your lover. I’ll be your strength when you’re weak, your comfort when you’re sad. You are the best part of me, and the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I will love you, for always.”

His beloved face was a blur, tears welling and spilling down my cheeks. Reaching into his breast pocket, Kade took out the white linen square and softly brushed my tears. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to my cheek.

I blinked rapidly, taking the handkerchief and quickly dabbing my eyes. I replayed his words through my mind, memorizing them and the cadence of his voice as he’d spoken the vows so I would always remember this moment.

I looked at him, the love shining in his eyes, and I spoke from the heart.

“Kade,” I said, my voice thick with tears, “I looked in your eyes and saw my perfect match. You’re every good thing I’ve ever dreamed my husband would be. I never knew who and what I could be, until I met you. You see the very heart of me. It beats only for you, and always will.”

Kade’s eyes were very bright, the blue so clear it seemed I’d get lost in their depths.

“I’m going to need that pocket square back,” he deadpanned, drawing a little laugh from me. The slow smile on his face was entrancing.

“The ring,” Hugh said, handing it to Kade. “Repeat after me.”

Taking my left hand, Kade slipped off my engagement ring to slide a platinum band with more diamonds embedded in it onto my finger, then replaced the engagement ring, repeating “With this ring, I thee wed, and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you.”

Hugh handed me a thick plain platinum band. My hands shook as I took Kade’s left hand in mine. Everything blurred again as I pushed the band over his knuckle and into place. I wished I could stop time, freeze this moment for just a little while longer.

“With this ring, I thee wed, and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you,” I vowed, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Kade cupped my face in his hands, leaning down to kiss me. His lips were soft as they moved over mine. His tongue was a gentle brush before he lifted his head. Distantly, I heard the crew applauding, then Kade had wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me in his arm. I twined my arms around his neck, holding on as he swung me around in a dizzying circle. He laughed and I kissed the joy from his lips.

No longer was I Kathleen Turner. I was Kathleen Dennon.

Our kiss deepened and Kade let me slide down until my feet touched the deck once again. He pulled back and I abruptly realized the crew had melted away and that the music playing had changed.

“Hope you don’t mind that I picked the first dance,” Kade said. “It seemed fitting.”

The strains of a song I recognized washed over me. It was “Kiss Me.”

“I wouldn’t have pegged you for an Ed Sheeran fan,” I teased. My hands moved to his shoulders as Kade began to slowly turn me in time to the melody.

“I’m not usually,” he said, “but heard this, and thought of you. When I missed you, I’d listen to it, and dream.”

I had no words, but we didn’t need any.

And we danced.

C
HAPTER
E
IGHTEEN

K
ade took me to a hotel on Oahu for our wedding night. At least it was supposed to be a hotel, even though it seemed like another part of the fairy tale to me. We ended up being shown to our own little bungalow right on the beach. The bedroom had an entire wall that could be opened to the outdoors, giving us a spectacular view of the ocean.

“I can’t believe this,” I said, staring at the waves glistening in the moonlight.

“Can’t believe what?” Kade murmured. He stood behind me, his arms sliding around my waist as his lips brushed the skin of my shoulder.

I still wore my wedding gown. When we’d arrived, there had been a private candlelit dinner arranged for Kade and me, and I’d had lobster for the first time ever.

“Can’t believe we’re here, in this place,” I said, then turned in his arms. “Can’t believe we’re married.”

“Believe it,” Kade said, and I felt a tug on the tie at the back of my dress. “You’re mine.”

The tie fell loose and the straps drooped. A shrug of my shoulders, and the white chiffon was lying in a puddle at my feet. All I wore now was my jewelry and my blue stilettos.

“I believe this is what you requested,” I teased, reminding him of when he’d told me:
The next time I see you wearing those shoes, they’ll be the only thing you’re wearing
.

Kade was silent, his gaze slowly traveling down my body and back up. He was still dressed, though he’d discarded his jacket and rolled back the cuffs of his sleeves.

“I wish you could see yourself,” he said, his voice low and rough. “The moonlight makes your skin shine and your hair and eyes turn silver. Like a mermaid. My mermaid.”

He reached out a hand, trailing his fingers up my stomach to my breast, barely brushing a nipple, then up to my collarbone, and finally lightly clasping my neck.

The waves crashed and pounded on the shore, but I could barely hear them over the beating of my heart. Even though we’d made love many times, this was different. This would be the first time I’d make love with
. . .
my husband.

I reached up, slipping the buttons of his shirt free, then tugged the shirt from his pants and pushed it over his shoulders and down his arms. There was a soft rustle as the cotton dropped to the floor to join my dress.

Kade kissed me, taking his time to tease my lips before slipping his tongue inside to tangle with mine. He tasted of the champagne we’d drunk with dessert. My hands rested on the warm skin of his chest, the firm planes underneath my fingers reminding me of his strength. I could feel the hard length of him pressing against my stomach and an answering ache bloomed between my legs.

It was a matter of a few quick tugs for me to undo his pants. I pulled back slightly, moving my lips to his chest. His skin was soft beneath my tongue and I could feel the beat of his heart under my fingertips. My tongue grazed his nipple and I heard his sharp intake of breath.

I lowered the zipper of his pants, pushing them down as I dropped to my knees. I wanted to show him how much I loved him, pay homage to his amazing body.

His erection stood proud and long, jutting out from his body. Glancing up, I saw Kade avidly watching me. I held his gaze as I slowly licked him from root to tip, swirling my tongue around the head before taking him in my mouth.

Kade groaned, his eyes drifting shut. His hands tangled in my hair as I lightly sucked. The taste of him, the feeling I got when I watched his face transform into one of pained ecstasy, was like a drug. Moisture dripped from me, coating my inner thighs as I slid him in and out of my mouth, my hands cupping his amazing ass. Soon, he forgot himself, his hips thrusting his heavy cock in my mouth. I was so aroused, I thought I might come from just watching him, knowing I could do this to him. Kade panted, his chest glistening with a light sheen of sweat, moans and gasps falling from his lips. I couldn’t stand it anymore and I lowered a hand to ease the ache between my thighs.

“No,” Kade gasped, abruptly pulling away. “Want to be inside you.”

He’d scooped me up off the floor before I’d even processed what he’d said, then we were on the bed, my legs wrapped around his waist.

Grasping my hands, Kade interlocked our fingers and stretched my arms over my head before burying his cock inside me.

I was so aroused, it didn’t take long before I was coming, my cries cut off by his mouth on mine. Kade moved hard and fast, prolonging my orgasm. He came seconds later, tearing his mouth from mine as he cried out, his body shuddering, the thick length of him pulsing deep inside me.

I was breathing hard and it was difficult to tell whose heartbeat I felt, his or mine. Kade’s head was buried in my neck, then he was kissing me again, a long, lazy kiss that made my toes curl.

“You’re so fucking amazing,” he murmured against my lips. “God, I love you.”

“Ditto,” I managed to reply. “On both counts.”

We lay there like that for a while, both of us getting our breath back, before Kade moved to lie beside me. I turned to face him.

Rays of moonlight scattered across the room and the bed as we each looked into the other’s eyes.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

“I know I’m good, but there’s no need to thank me,” he said, his lips quirking up at the corners.

I laughed, punching him lightly on the arm. “Not for that,” I said. “For today. It was beautiful. Perfect. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you for that.”

Kade reached an arm around my waist, pulling me close to the cradle of his body. “I would do anything for you,” he said simply.

I nestled against him and heaved a deep, contented sigh, the soothing sound of the ocean lulling me to sleep.

Kade woke me during the night. I’d turned in my sleep, my back to his chest spoon style. Now my leg rested on top of his as his cock moved inside me. His thrusts were slow and deep, his fingers slipping between my legs to tease my clit. His lips were pressed against my neck, the touch of his tongue sending a shiver through me. I turned my head and he kissed me. My body felt like molten heat, the fire he was building spreading through me. Soon I was panting, begging for him to move faster, harder, but he wouldn’t, and I didn’t even see my orgasm coming until it overwhelmed me. I splintered apart under the force of it, stars exploding behind my eyes.

Kade groaned at the feel of my body gripping his straining cock, his fingers digging into my hip. Then he was moving me to my stomach. My body felt boneless as he pushed my knees underneath me, lifting my backside up, then I cried out again when he pushed inside me, my flesh overly sensitive.

This position let me feel every inch of him as he pounded into me. Kade losing control was something I couldn’t resist and soon I felt my body tensing again. His hands held my hips steady, and the sound of our bodies coming together and our combined moans and gasps filled my ears. This time when I came, I took Kade with me, both of us flying over the edge together.

Kade was still asleep when morning came, whereas I was wide awake. I grabbed the tuxedo shirt he’d shed the night before and pulled it on. There was a small television in the living room, so I closed the French doors to the bedroom and made a pot of coffee, then turned on the TV. Hawaii was five hours behind the time back home, so even though it was early on Oahu, it was a fine time to call Alisha.

I switched on my phone for the first time in over a week, unsurprised to see a ton of voice mails, all from Alisha. I cringed as I listened to them. Kade had some serious apologizing to do to Alisha and Lewis. After I’d listened to the last one, I dialed her number.

“Oh my God, I thought you were dead!” were the first words out of her mouth.

“I’m not,” I assured her. “Though I could very well have been if Kade hadn’t shown up.” I thought I’d better start greasing the wheels immediately for her to forgive him.

“What happened?” she asked. “Did you get my messages? Did Kade tell you what he did? He is such a bastard, Kathleen!”

Okay, it might take more than grease. Kade might have to send Alisha and Lewis a couple of first-class tickets to Hawaii, too.

“I’m so sorry about that,” I said. “Is Lewis okay?”

Alisha spent the next several minutes telling me how he was doing, and it seemed he was healing nicely—and from the sound of it, he was also enjoying the resulting attention Alisha was lavishing on him maybe a little too much.

“But don’t think for a second that I’ve forgiven Kade,” she said. “And why didn’t you ever tell me he could be so
. . .
so
. . .
”

“Scary?” I provided.

“Among other things,” Alisha said. “The way he just stood there and pulled the trigger so easily. It scared the shit out of me, Kathleen.”

“I’m really sorry,” I said. “He’s not like that. I mean, he is, but he’s not. Not really. I’m just
. . .
I’m sorry.”

Alisha gave a huge sigh. “It’s okay. Lewis is okay. And thank goodness you’re okay. You are, right? He didn’t hurt you or anything?”

“Of course not,” I said. “I’m doing good. I’m in Hawaii. And
. . .
I’m married.”

That took a moment to sink in and then my ear was splitting. “You’re
marrie
d
?” Alisha shrieked.

I grinned. “Yeah. Last night. Kade and I got married. I guess I’m on my honeymoon now.”

“Oh my God, Kathleen, that’s wonderful!” Alisha squealed, her earlier animosity toward Kade apparently forgotten. “I’m so happy for you! And in Hawaii? How romantic! Tell me everything!”

So I told her pretty much everything, the Reader’s Digest Condensed version, right up through the purple flowers and sunset wedding.

“I heard about the senator,” Alisha said when I was through. “It’s been all over the news. That’s the guy who threatened you if you didn’t break up with Blane, right?”

“Yeah, that was him,” I confirmed.

“Blane’s been on the news, too,” she said hesitantly.

“Is he okay?” I asked, suddenly worried.

“He seems fine. He’s been doing the press thing about his uncle. I think the funeral is tomorrow, maybe?”

My eyes slipped closed and I rubbed my forehead. I ached to talk to him, know how he was doing, and I wished there was a way I could still be someone who provided comfort to him, though I knew that wasn’t possible right now.

“You know there’s talk of the Massachusetts governor appointing Blane to the empty seat, right?” Alisha asked.

My eyes flew open. “What? No, I didn’t.”

“Yeah. There’s been a lot of coverage about Blane, including that thing where they arrested him for Kandi’s murder when someone else really killed her—and lots of people like him. I guess there’s just under two years left of that senator’s term, so they’re saying since Blane was his great-nephew and only heir, the governor might appoint him. You know, kind of like a Kennedy.”

“Wow,” I breathed. Blane, a United States senator. That would be something.

“I know, right?” Alisha said.

We went on to talk about other things and I told her a little bit about Hawaii, but my mind was stuck on what she’d said about Blane. I wondered if he’d want a position like that, then chastised myself. Why wouldn’t he? He’d been running for governor. Why wouldn’t he jump at the chance to be a senator?