Unbridled Pursuit (Novak Springs Book 2) (6 page)

The spring air added a slight ambiance to the venture. It was light, crisp, and warm enough to give Vitoria a little skip in her step. The boutique was upscale and filled with every type of dress imaginable. It had frilly, fluffy, and yards of white lace floating through every nook and cranny. As soon as she stepped inside, she could feel the crazy, stressful vibe of the brides-to-be as they flitted around the shop in bundles of barely suppressed energy. There were only three, each assisted by an attendant showing them potential dresses.

Ginnifer was in the back corner talking to one of the shop’s associates. Her butterscotch-blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail, a few delicate strands hugging her face. The woman assisting her pulled a dress out of a storage area and handed it to Ginny. As it was encased in her arms, Ginny turned and glanced at Vitoria standing by the door. Tori smiled as she observed them. Ginny waved her hand, motioning for her to join them. Tori’s stilettos pressed into the carpet without a sound as she made her way to Ginny’s side.

“I was beginning to think you’d never get here,” Ginnifer exclaimed.

“I’m only a few minutes late. It took longer to get ready than I anticipated.”

“Well you’re here now. This is Peggy. She is our consultant.”

“Hello, Ms. Miene. It’s so wonderful to finally meet you in person.”

“We have talked on the phone several times. Is my dress in?” Vitoria asked.

“Yes, I will go retrieve it from the back storage room. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll be back.”

Peggy walked off in the opposite direction. Her chestnut-brown hair floating down her back in bouncy waves with each movement, she disappeared behind swinging door.

“So is this your dress?” Vitoria pointed to the bundle of ivory satin and lace Ginny held in her hand. “Are you going to try it on so I can see it?”

“That’s the plan,” Ginny replied. “I’m going to go inside the dressing room and put it on. Send Peggy in when she gets here. I want you to get the full effect all at once.”

Ginnifer went inside the changing area and clicked the door shut. Vitoria sat in one of the chairs scattered around the circle of mirrors. Peggy returned carrying a garment bag. She placed it on a hook outside the room where Ginny was changing into her wedding gown.

“Is Ms. Zeiss inside?” She motioned toward the door.

Vitoria nodded in the affirmative.

“Yes, Peggy, I’m in here. Can you come in and button up the back of the dress?”

Peggy opened the door and went inside. Vitoria could hear them rustling around and the quiet tone of their voices as they spoke. She couldn’t hear the actual words, but she got a happy vibe from their exchange.

Several seconds rolled by, leaving Tori with time to think about the previous night. Wes and his hot punishing kiss. Why had he kissed her? What did he expect to gain from such an action? It frightened her how much passion he managed to stir inside her in such a short time. How could someone claim to hate her and then kiss her as if she was the only thing that mattered? It left her confused and unsure how to proceed.

The first moment she saw him, her heart had pounded in her chest in a rapid staccato. She didn’t believe in love at first sight—but with Wes she’d been willing to find out if it was true. Then he opened his mouth and ruined all her fantasies. He’d taken an instant dislike to her. Tori had wanted to strip him naked and get to learn every inch of him.

Wes seemed to have other ideas—like flaying her alive.

He needed to decide if he wanted to take her to bed or decimate her life.

Who was she kidding? He’d destroy her either way. Tori knew one thing for certain. Wes either had to leave her alone or jump all in. If he couldn’t leave her in peace, they would be constantly at each other’s throats. It wouldn’t bode well for their shaky truce. If he continued to randomly kiss her, it could lead them down a path neither one of them wanted to go.

Ginnifer’s laughter interrupted her thoughts. She walked out of the dressing room, a vision in ivory satin. The gown had a classic sweetheart neckline embellished with silver and sparkling jewels down the center. The skirt was full and covered in a rich, embroidered-lace appliqué. It flared at her hips with a short lace train down the back. The veil she chose had a similar gorgeous lace appliqué as the skirt of her dress. It skimmed the edges of the sheer material and trailed down to  fingertip length.

“Do you like it?” Ginnifer asked as she spun in a circle.

“Oh, it’s absolutely perfect!” Vitoria gasped at how beautiful her best friend looked in the gown she chose. It suited her in every way possible. She glowed with delight as the skirts swished around her.

“I’m glad you like it. I knew it was the one for me as soon as I saw it. Once I tried it on, I was in love—not as much as I love Dallas, but damn close.” Ginnifer’s laugh floated around them, coating them with her resounding joy.

“I don’t believe you could have found a dress that fit who you are any better. You’re going to blow Dallas away.”

“Oh, I certainly hope so.” Ginnifer trailed her fingers across the delicate lace of her gown. “I suppose I should take it off now. They’ve already prepped it for the needed alterations.”

“Yes, you should. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to it before you’re big day.”

Ginnifer scrunched her nose up, and a small giggle gurgled from within her. “Yeah. Can you believe it? I’m getting married. Something I never thought would actually happen.”

“I’m in awe of you. I’m not surprised Dallas swept you up as soon as he saw you. You’re the best person I know.” A well of emotion swept through her. Vitoria waved her hand in front of her trying to gain control of her sudden need to cry. “He’s so lucky to have you.”

Ginnifer pulled Tori into her arms and hugged her tight in her embrace. “You’re special too. Don’t ever forget it.” Ginny released her and stepped back. “Now I’m going to go take off my dress. Once I’m done, I expect you to slip yours on so I can see it on you.”

Ginnifer left Tori’s side and went inside the dressing room to remove her gown. Tori sat down in a chair to wait. Why couldn’t she find someone to love her? Was there something wrong with her? Ginny was her best friend—of course she believed she was special. If she was wonderful and unique, why hadn’t she been able to find someone who wanted her as much as she wanted them? Not just desire, but the whole shebang. She needed to feel that elusive, wonderful emotion that had escaped her for so long.

Ginny gave it to her on a small level. With her best friend, she was able grasp something of what real love could be. Absolute acceptance and unconditional love, something her parents never gave to her while she grew up. Instead, they played her and her twin, Vivian, against each other. They saw it as a way of driving up their competitiveness. All they accomplished was driving a permanent wedge between the sisters.

Vitoria hadn’t actually talked to Viv in years. She had no idea what her sister was doing these days. The last time she saw her was after she graduated from college. Vivian had flown back to the east coast to visit. They hadn’t said much to each other. It worked better that way. The less they said the fewer chances of using it against each other later. It was what their parents expected.

When Ginny entered her life, she hadn’t been open to friendship. Somehow she wormed her way inside her heart and had been there ever since. Vitoria couldn’t lose the one person she had come to count on. The only friend she’d ever had.

A sound filled the space around her. A slight creak and click of the door in front of her and she glanced up to see Ginnifer standing in front of her. “The room’s all yours. Go put on your dress.”

Vitoria stood up and grabbed the garment bag off the hook. She strolled into the separate room and unzipped it to reveal a lovely sky-blue bridesmaid’s dress. Her fingers traced over the delicate material. A soft sigh fell between her open lips. Stepping away from the dress, she took off her clothes so she could try it on. After she was stripped down to her bra and panties, she slipped the dress on. The dress was long, a sheath with lace all over it. The strapless neckline dipped low and hugged her breasts. It was almost too long. Alterations would need to be made to adjust for her short stature. Tori slipped on her stilettos and walked out to get Ginny’s opinion.

“Oh, it’s so beautiful on you. I knew that color would match your eyes.” Ginny clapped with excitement. A grin spread on her face, so huge it almost went ear to ear.

“It’s a tad long…”

“That’s what alterations are for. Peggy is going to pin it up for you.”

Peggy motioned for Vitoria to step onto a platform shaped like a circle. She spread the dress around it. “Are you going to wear heels this high during the wedding?”

“Yes, I like my high heels,” Vitoria replied.

“Good, then this will be an accurate measurement.” She began to pin up the dress around Vitoria. After several minutes, she stopped and surveyed her handiwork. “Will this length be manageable for you?”

Vitoria twirled to get a feel for how the dress would move. “Yes, this will do nicely.”

“Good. How is the bodice? Do you think you might need it tucked in tighter?” Peggy asked.

Vitoria skimmed the top of the bodice with the tips of her fingers. She gauged the room around the edges. “No, it is fine. Unless I lose weight, it will hold up well.”

“All right, if you take the dress off I will write up the order for your alterations. When you are done place the garment bag on the hook. I will retrieve it when I’m done.”

“Thanks, Peggy.” Vitoria stepped down and went to remove her dress.

She took off her gown and placed it carefully back into the bag. Vitoria dressed and stepped back into her stilettos. She exited the room and hooked the garment bag to the door.

“Are you ready to get some lunch?” Vitoria asked.

“Yes, I’m starving. I know just the place to go. It is a short walk from here.”

“Really? I like the idea of walking. What kind of place is this?”

“It’s a little café I discovered when I was here before. I’ve been dying to try it but have always been in a hurry to get home.”

“Well, lead the way.” Vitoria motioned to the door.

Ginnifer nodded and walked out the door of the bridal shop. The sun was high in the sky and warmed Vitoria’s face. She turned toward it with her eyes closed and basked into the heat as it skirted across her cheeks.

With a sigh of contentment, she opened her eyes to see a familiar face a few feet away entering a taxi. Her caramel hair was sheared to the base of her chin in a bob. A crimson streak ran through her hair and framed her face on both sides. A look Vitoria never would have guessed her sister would willingly wear.

“Vivian!” she called out.

Her sister turned her head and saw her. A look of fear crossed her features. She turned away and entered the taxi. The car sped away from the curb.

“Did you see that?” she asked Ginnifer.

“I did. I’m not surprised. You know how your sister is. Got to say that is a different look on her though. Almost didn’t recognize her until you called her name.”

“She seemed afraid. I don’t understand.”

“You haven’t talked to her in a while, it’s hard to say what is going on with her now,” Ginnifer replied.

“Viv has never been the type to scare easily. I’m worried.”

“Well she knows you’re here. Maybe she will reach out to you. Not much else you can do,” Ginnifer reassured her.

“I suppose. Let’s go get some lunch.”

They continued on to the restaurant. Vitoria’s thoughts were never far away from her sister and her odd behavior as she entered the taxi. No matter what Ginny said, she knew something was off. She intended to find out what was going on with her estranged sister.

The restaurant, a French bistro situated on the corner, was both quaint and quintessential. A few tables were sitting outside adorned by matching umbrellas and two white wicker chairs. Petite black decorative fencing surrounded the seating area. They entered the establishment, went to where the hostess stood, and waited for her to acknowledge them. Her obsidian hair was cut in a cute pixie style—and for once Tori noticed, someone who was actually shorter than she was. She couldn’t have been more than five feet tall. She wore a uniform of a black pencil skirt that hit her knees, a white peasant blouse, and black ballet-style flats. Something seemed very familiar about her, but Tori couldn’t figure out what it was. Oh well, it would come to her when she least expected it.

“Good afternoon,” she greeted them. “Do you want to sit inside or outside?”

“Which do you prefer, Ginny?”

“It’s really nice outside.” She tilted her head pondering the idea. “I’d like to have lunch out there.”

“That’s fine with me,” Vitoria replied. She turned to the waitress. “We’ll take a table outside.”

“Very well, if you’ll follow me, I will show you to your table.”

She led them back out the front door of the restaurant and showed them to a table situated at the side corner, near the black fence. They each sat in one of the white wicker chairs.

“A waitress will be with you in a few minutes to take your order. Can I get you something to drink while you wait?”

Tori glanced up. “I want a sparkling water with lemon.”

“Oh that sounds good.” Ginnifer nodded her head. “I’ll have the same.”

Vitoria watched the hostess walk away. The niggling feeling she somehow knew her still sat firmly in her mind. Maybe she would place her before they left. In the meantime, she had to decide what to eat.

“What looks good to you?” Ginnifer asked.

Vitoria looked down at the menu. “I’m thinking about getting the
Salade de Poulet Croissant
.”

Ginnifer scrunched her nose up. “You and your proper French. Is it bad I’m getting a hamburger?”

“Not at all.” Tori’s laugh was light and carefree. “At least they make it sound fancy on the menu. It says it’s a house-made beef brisket burger, Cambozola cheese, tomato jam, rosemary aioli on a brioche bun.”

“Really? Tomato jam? People actually make that stuff and
eat
it?” Ginnifer asked.

“Apparently it is haute cuisine. I’ve actually had it before. With the right stuff it’s pretty good.” Vitoria stared up at her. “I thought you’d eaten here before?”

“No, I saw it when I drove by last week and wanted to try it.”

“Ah, I must have heard you wrong.” Tori shook her head. That’s what she got for being distracted. Seeing her estranged sister and being kissed by a man who professed to hate her—it scrambled her brain a bit. “I think it is a lovely place, so far.”

The hostess returned with their drinks and sat them in front of them. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No, we’re fine for now,” Ginnifer replied.

The hostess walked back inside the bistro. Tori turned to Ginnifer. “Does she seem familiar to you?”

“A little. She kind of reminds me of Dallas’s ex-fiancée, Melody. She has a similar look to her. Although Melody had long, curly hair and a little more height on her, our hostess shares a remarkable resemblance to her in the face.”

“Perhaps that is what I’m seeing.” Tori tilted her head. “I’m not sure what it is but I feel like I should know her.”

“I’m sure it will come to you. You’re usually pretty good with faces and names.”

“Yeah, maybe, I guess I’m a little bit off my game.” Vitoria picked up her bottle of water and opened it. A slight fizz sounded in her ear as she removed the cap. The lemon had a nice fragrant citrus smell as she squeezed the juice into her water. She let the drained shell slip into the water to allow the flavor from the peel to absorb into it.

“Have you ladies decided what you would like to order?” Tori glanced over to see a blonde woman holding an order pad in one hand and a pencil in the other.

“I believe we have made a decision,” Ginny said. “I would like a hamburger.”

“How would you like it prepared?” The waitress began to write down the order.

“Medium-well.”

Her pencil tipped she asked, “And for your side?”

“What are my choices?”

“Frites or a salad,” she rattled off.

“What are Frites?” Ginnifer asked.

“Frites is a fancier French way of saying fries,” the waitress explained.

“I will take a salad with a vinaigrette dressing.”

“What can I get for you miss?” she asked turning her attention to Vitoria.

After scanning the menu one last time, she decided to stick with her original choice. Once the waitress left, Tori turned her attention back to Ginnifer.

“So, how’s the rest of the wedding plans going?”

“Good. We arranged for a new venue for the reception—as I mentioned before. They’re also going to be handling the catering. We went over all the details with them before we had dinner with you last night, including the menu.”

“What exactly happened to the mess hall building on the ranch?”

“Do you remember during our vacation on the ranch a pipe burst in one of the cabins—causing a lot of water damage? They had something similar happen in the mess hall. The entire kitchen flooded. We didn’t notice at first because we didn’t have anything booked over the winter months. The pipes froze, and then when it warmed up, they exploded. It’s a horrible mess.”

“Wow, it sounds like it. How disappointed were you that you had to move the location?”

“At first? Devastated.” She stopped to take a sip of her sparkling water. “It felt like something was out to destroy my happiness—fate saying you aren’t meant to be happy. I squashed that like an annoying bug and moved on. Nothing and no one is going to ruin any of the joy I’ve found.”

“Good for you. I’m glad you found a different solution.”

“Me too—which brings me to a different subject.” Ginnifer bit her lips between her teeth.

“Why does that not sound good?”

“I kind of sort of did something you told me not to.”

Vitoria sat up, giving Ginnifer her full attention. She pierced her with her eyes. “What did you do?”

“I asked Dallas about Eric.”

Vitoria groaned as soon as the words left Ginnifer’s mouth. How could she go and do the one thing she told her not to? Now Dallas would run to Wes and tell him she was asking about him. She didn’t need for him to have another reason to come gunning for her. He already made her life as miserable as possible.

“Why? I told you to leave it alone.”

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself—if I could find out who this Eric was then maybe it would explain why Wes is so combative with you.”

Ginnifer had a point. She’d had a similar thought when Wes brought up his name. Whatever the motive, this Eric was important to Wes in some way, and he associated him to Vitoria. “Since you asked, what did you find out?”

“He is or rather was Wes’s best friend.”

“Was?” Vitoria perked up and leaned her arm on the table. “What happened? Did they have a falling out?”

Ginnifer shook her head a concerned frown on her face. “Worse—he was murdered a couple years ago. Dallas doesn’t know the details. The only information he could give me was that Wes was distraught and grieved for months afterward.”

Vitoria was stunned at her news. Murdered? She couldn’t even begin to imagine what she’d do if she lost Ginnifer—and in such a horrendous way? No wonder Wes had such a huge chip on his shoulder.

Wait—why or how did he tie his best friend’s death to her? How could he possibly believe she might know Eric or something about his murder? When she first met him, she jumped to the erroneous conclusion he must know her sister, but all the signs pointed to this Eric somehow.

Maybe Viv knew Eric… When she located her sister, they were going to have a long chat. She needed to find out what the hell was going on. This animosity Wes displayed toward her had to come to an end. Maybe if she found out what his problem with her was—the kissing would turn into a good thing. They could explore the chemistry exploding between them. Tori believed in being honest with herself. She wanted Wes, always had. She’d like to find out if they had something worth delving into. He kissed her—and she couldn’t stop thinking about it.

“It doesn’t explain why he hates me, but I intend to find out.”

“How?” Ginnifer asked.

“By tracking down Vivian. She has to know something.”

“Well good luck with that. She didn’t appear to want to talk to you earlier.”

Vitoria sighed. “She’s going to have to shut up and deal with it. It’s about time we had a heart-to-heart and cleared the air ourselves. We’re grown adults and should start acting like it. No matter what our parents did to us as children, we should be able to set that aside long enough to have a civil conversation.”

Ginnifer nodded “Agreed.”

The waitress came and delivered their order. Ginnifer picked up her fork and speared some lettuce bringing up to her mouth. She chewed with relish enjoying her food. “The dressing on this salad is amazing.”

“You’re enjoying your lunch yes?”

Tori looked up to see a charismatic gentleman on the other side of the decorative black fence. “Mr. Santiago, so good to see you again,” Vitoria replied. She remembered the striking man from the day before at the realtor’s.

“The pleasure is all mine, senorita.” His lips tilted into a smile, bringing out his dimples.

Vitoria was momentarily stunned by his masculine beauty. She wanted him to carry her away and give in to the romantic fantasies his presence invoked within her. Shaking them away she responded, “What are you doing here?”

“I’m meeting a business acquaintance for lunch. I noticed you and your lovely friend as I was walking by and thought I’d say hello.”

“Oh, how rude of me. Ginnifer this is Miguel Santiago—Mr. Santiago, this is my friend, Ginnifer Zeiss.”

Miguel placed his hand on his chest as he spoke, oozing charm and extreme sex appeal. Enough to make her insides quiver with need. “It is I who am the rude one interrupting your meal. Please call me Miguel. I see no reason for us to be so formal.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miguel,” Ginnifer replied. “How did you two meet?”

Vitoria didn’t want Ginnifer to know about her plans to move to Seattle yet so she responded before Miguel could get a word out. “Oh, we ran into each other yesterday afternoon after I arrived—he was kind enough to hold open a door for me so I didn’t get drenched from the rain.”

“Indeed. It would not do for such a beautiful woman as yourself to get drowned by the Seattle downpour.”

Vitoria wanted to sigh in contentment. He was such a beautiful man, fascinating and sexy with such nice manners. Why couldn’t Wes be like this with her? He was always so angry and belligerent whenever he neared her. The only time he didn’t glare at her with scorn was when his lips were searing her soul. Miguel was appealing and gorgeous. Why couldn’t she want him the same way she desired Wes? “Thank you again for your assistance.”

“Perhaps you would be willing to share a meal with me while you are in town? You mentioned being busy yesterday—has your schedule perhaps cleared up enough to allow time for me?”

He was so sincere when he asked her. How could she deny him? “Yes, I can squeeze you in somehow. Do you have a time in mind?”

“Why not tonight?”

Vitoria nodded her head. “Yes, I can do tonight.”

“Excellent. I will pick you up from your hotel at seven if that time suits you.”

Vitoria dug through her purse for a pen and paper. She wrote down her hotel information and handed it to him.

“It does.”

He bowed before them. “I will take your leave now. Enjoy your meal, ladies.” His eyes poured over Vitoria. “Until tonight then.” He left them alone at the table.

Ginnifer fanned herself. “You didn’t mention meeting him.”

“Honestly, I forgot. I was busy.”

Lusting after Wes Novak—something not entirely healthy for her peace of mind. Maybe it was a good thing she had a date with Miguel. Perhaps he was the key to getting over her unwanted desire.

“Yes, yes you were.”

Wait…did Ginny insinuate she’d been involved with Miguel in the carnal sense? Vitoria leaned forward and smacked her. “Not like you’re implying.”

Ginnifer raised her eyebrow. “You’re reading way too much into my words. I think you doth protest too much.”

Vitoria cheeks heated with embarrassment. What her friend didn’t realize was she did have a little fun with another man—Ginnifer’s soon to be brother-in-law. Wes’s lips were forever branded on hers. Ginnifer referred to Miguel though, not Wes. Tori wasn’t ready to put her experience with him into words. So she returned to the subject of her date. A man more than willing to spend time with her—more importantly—one whose gaze didn’t reflect hostility back at her. “He’s awfully charming.”