Wildflower Wedding (7 page)

Catch Me If You Can

W
HEN THEY CROSSED THE ROAD AND HEADED BACK UP
to Wedding Row, Gabby felt a stab of disappointment. The night that she never wanted to end was almost over. They'd walked in silence for about the last five minutes, making Gabby wonder what was on Reese's mind. Had tonight been as special for him as well? They'd talked about childhood memories, snowball fights, playing tag, and chasing fireflies on warm summer evenings. Reese still had that lopsided grin, the sideways tilt to his head when he laughed. And when they'd slow-danced, being in his arms had felt almost . . . magical.

Gabby glanced over at Reese, thinking for the millionth time how handsome he looked dressed in the suit. The skinny tie had long ago been removed and placed in his pocket and his jacket was now slung over his shoulder, but that somehow added to his sexy appeal. They strolled down the sidewalk along the riverside, pausing halfway to sit on a park bench and look out at moonbeams dancing across the water.

Gabby wanted him to reach over and take her hand, but he didn't. She knew he was moving cautiously, catching up and letting her get to know him. She told herself that she was glad and yet all she could think about was if he was going to kiss her good night.

“It's a gorgeous summer evening,” Gabby commented.

He nodded but continued to gaze out over the water as if deep in thought.

“Tired?” Gabby ventured, wondering if something was wrong.

“A little. It's been a long week and next week is going to be pretty crazy.”

“Are you worried about opening the restaurant?”

Reese glanced at her and then looked down at the pavement. “Yeah, Uncle Tony needs this to go well. And so does my mom. They're both such good people and haven't been dealt an easy hand.”

Gabby put her hand over his and squeezed. “I'm sure it will be successful. Your uncle has been in the business for a long time. He knows what he's doing.”

“That's true.” Reese shrugged. “But it was different in Brooklyn. I mean, yeah, we took a hit during the recession. The rising cost of operating Marino Pizza made times tough, and competing with chains was becoming more and more difficult. But Uncle Tony wouldn't even consider buying into a franchise when he made the decision to come to Cricket Creek. He wants complete control and I don't blame him.”

“Oh, I know. Flower shops have to compete with grocery store purchases that are a lot more convenient. But people in Cricket Creek support each other, Reese. You'll be fine six months down the road.”

Reese raised her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being you.” He gazed at her for a moment and then said, “We should probably get going.”

Gabby nodded and then stood up. Something was still on his mind, she could tell. All too soon Flower Power came into view. Gabby's heart started beating harder. Should she invite him in? It was late, but she remained closed on Sundays so she could sleep in. But letting him into her apartment at night meant moving forward in this relationship. Right? Before Reese walked back into her life, Gabby had thought that Drew Gibbons would be her perfect match. Gabby suddenly heard her mother's warning to find Mr. Strong and Steady echo in her mind. Not knowing what to do as they rounded the side of the building, she glanced over at Reese once more, trying to read his mind.

At the bottom of the steps she said, “I had a lovely time tonight, Reese. Thank you for going with me.”

“You're welcome,” he replied in a soft tone, and then sighed. “Ah, Gabby, damn . . .”

“What?” Gabby felt her heart skip a beat.

“Don't send me away.”

“I . . .” She looked up at his handsome face bathed in the moonlight and swallowed hard. She didn't want him to go and yet . . .

“Okay . . . all right.” He inhaled a deep breath but took a step closer. “No, it's not all right.”

“Reese, what's wrong?”

“Ah . . . Gabby.” He looked up at the night sky and shook his head before gazing at her again. “All I could think about was holding your hand on the walk home. And now . . . now all I want to do is kiss you and yet I can feel you pulling away.”

“I'm not pulling away. I . . . I wasn't sure what you were thinking.”

“Can't you feel it, Gabby? This thing between us?”

She swallowed. Of course she felt it. Longing. Desire so potent that it consumed her thoughts . . . scared her. And Reese was so dangerously sexy. She could lose herself in his arms. Fall deeply in love with him. Dare she risk it?

“I'll go. I'm glad you had a good time.”

Gabby nodded, but when he reached over and caressed her cheek, it was her undoing. Gathering courage, she gave him a slow smile.

“Gabby, what are you doing?”

“I think I'm about to throw myself at you.”

Grinning, Reese put his suit coat over the nearby railing, took a step back, and opened his arms wide. “I'll catch you.”

With a little laugh Gabby launched herself at him. As promised Reese caught her easily. And then he kissed her. Playful at first, spinning around while she clung to his shoulders, but then suddenly she threaded her fingers through his hair and kissed him with the pent-up passion she'd been feeling since the first touch, the first kiss. He was temptation. Danger. And she wanted him with an all-consuming hunger.

Gabby tossed away the caution that she'd been holding over her head like an umbrella for such a long time. And she simply let go and gave in to the moment.

Let it rain. . . .

His lips felt so warm so soft . . . so seductive. She opened her mouth for more, dipping her tongue in to taste, to tease, to tempt. He kissed her on and on beneath the canopy of stars, the light of the moon. Crickets chirped, frogs croaked, and a cat meowed, oblivious to Gabby's life-changing moment. This wasn't a kiss stolen in high school or the nearly being kissed in her shop. This kiss was deliberate. Delicious. Wanted. Needed.

Still kissing her, Reese carried her up the steps to the landing leading to her back door.

“My . . . keys,” she said, breathless and between kisses. “In . . . my . . . purse.” She slid down his body to a standing position but had to cling to him for support. Fumbling with the clasp, she managed to get her purse open, but with a low, sexy chuckle Reese took the keys from her trembling fingers and opened the door.

As soon as they were inside he swept her off her feet, making her giggle until he smothered her laughter with another sweet, hot kiss. He let her slide slowly down his body and then kissed her bare shoulder, holding her close. Gabby tilted her head to the side, giving him better access to her neck, and he took full advantage. His hands spanned her waist and then moved upward to caress her bare back, causing a hot tingle to slide down her spine.

Gabby wanted to reach up and untie the halter, allowing her breasts to tumble free, but she knew that having his hot mouth on her bare breasts would be her undoing. As much as she longed to take him into her bedroom and make wild passionate love to Reese, she knew it was too much too soon.

“God, I want you, Gabby.”

“Reese—”

He put a fingertip on her lips. “No, you don't have to say it. I know it's too soon. As much as I want you right now, I want this to feel right. I want you to be ready to take that step.”

“Thank you.” She splayed her hands on his chest and smiled up at him. “Because, Reese, if you keep kissing me like that I won't be able to resist much longer.”

Reese groaned up at the ceiling. “I don't know if I should think of that as good timing or really bad timing.”

Gabby giggled low in her throat. “You'd better go before those fancy buttons on that shirt go flying.”

His eyebrows shot up. “So you want to rip my shirt off?”

Gabby felt heat creep into her cheeks. “The thought went through my mind.”

Reese closed his eyes and sucked in a breath. “You're killing me, girl.”

Gabby leaned her forehead against his chest. She knew that one tug on his hand and she'd have him in her bed, sexy as hell and gloriously naked.

Reese gently tilted her chin upward. “Hey, if the time was right we'd already be making love. As hard as this is to do, I'm walking out the door. Because another minute of you looking at me like that and I won't be able to go. My resistance is only so strong and I'll have to kiss you again.”

Gabby nodded because if she spoke it would be to tell him to stay.

“But I want to see you again. This week is going to be a crazy one, but let's find time to get together, okay?”

“I'd like that,” Gabby replied, and then walked him to the door. He leaned in and kissed her briefly but sweetly and then headed out into the night.

Gabby immediately felt a sense of loss after he left. What would it be like to be his girlfriend? To make love to him and wake up wrapped in his arms? She looked over and spotted the candy necklace on the table and smiled. “Amazing,” she whispered.

While she got ready for bed Gabby relived each kiss, smiled at some of the jokes he'd told and stories of his mother and uncle fighting over spices in the kitchen. Gabby remembered how troubled he'd been as a teenager and marveled at the man he'd grown into. And yet there was still an edge of sadness lurking in his eyes. As horrible as it was for Gabby's mother to die, it must be so very hard not to have closure with his father. Gabby shook her head, wondering how a man could up and desert his wife and child. She remembered Mike Parker as being a nice guy who seemed to love his family. They weren't rich, but he provided a steady income and had a reputation as being a good mechanic. But Gabby was no stranger to seeing men leave her mother. Her father did even before she was born. Men left. It was a fact of life.

Well, Gabby had promised her mother that she'd find Mr. Strong and Steady and she intended to keep her promise.

Oh, but it had felt so good letting go of her worries, her inhibitions, if only for a little while. Her thoughts drifted to Drew, and Gabby knew that kissing him wouldn't come close to the chemistry she felt with Reese. Kissing Drew might be pleasant. Safe. And yet when she tried to envision kissing Drew, she didn't feel the slightest longing to do so. Kissing Reese felt explosive. Dangerous. And so she reminded herself to tread carefully. Chemistry wasn't everything. She also reminded herself that she hadn't dated all that much, so she was pretty clueless when it came to being in a long relationship. Gabby also knew that some of her restless longing stemmed from helping Addison plan flowers for weddings. Seeing happy couples so much in love had Gabby wishing that someone special would look at her with adoring eyes.

“Just slow down,” she said sternly before turning off the light.

But like it or not, her thoughts of Reese and being in his strong arms stayed with Gabby and sleep eluded her for a long time. Out of frustration she grabbed a pillow and hugged it close, but it was a poor substitute for a warm, sexy male body. Going slow might be smart, but it sure wasn't nearly as much fun.

Water Under the Bridge

“D
AMN IT, UNCLE TONY, I CAN'T GET THIS ICING TO THE
right consistency,” Reese complained.

“Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”

No, the problem was waking up in an empty bed. Reese shot his uncle a glare. Thoughts and dreams of Gabby Goodwin had caused him a few restless nights.

“Forget about the Italian cream cake and go see Gabby,” his uncle said in a gentler tone.

“Are you kiddin' me? We open in less than two hours.”

“Yeah, so go see her now. You've been a grump-ass all week long.”

“Like you haven't been?” Reese challenged.

“Would you two quit bickering?” Tessa said. “I'm going to box both your ears if you don't.”

Tony put the pan of lasagna in the oven and then wiped his hands on his apron. “You look like you need to tell us something. Everything okay out in the dining room?”

Tessa nodded. “The flowers Gabby brought over are lovely. Everything is stocked, set up, and ready. Cara, the cute little hostess, arrived early and both servers are already here.”

“Then what's the problem?”

“Tony, it's only ten and we already have people coming by. I hope we're not slammed.”

“Oh, I don't think we will be. With no advertisement?” He waved a dismissive hand through the air. “No way. I mean, I hope we're steady, but I don't see how we could be slammed.”

“Word can carry pretty fast in Cricket Creek,” Tessa warned. “Do you think we should call in some extra help?”

“Who?” Reese asked, and his mother shrugged.

“I don't know. Maybe some of the people who applied for the server's job?”

“Without proper training and at this late notice?” Tony asked.

“I guess I'm just nervous,” Tessa admitted. “I'm sure it will be fine.”

An hour later they had a line out the door.

Reese wiped the sweat from his brow and then spread sauce on pizza dough with lightning speed. They hadn't stopped and people kept coming in. His mother ran here and there trying to do everything at once. Uncle Tony looked as if he was ready to have a meltdown. This was precisely the scenario they didn't want to have happen.

A moment later Reese looked up to see Gabby walking through the kitchen door.

“I don't mean to barge into the kitchen, but my goodness, you have a huge crowd out there.” She jammed her thumb over her shoulder. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Reese glanced over at his uncle and then shook his head. “Gabby, you can't close the flower shop.”

“Please, at least let me help through the lunch rush. Joy is at Flower Power right now, so I can spare a few hours.”

“I can't ask you to do that,” Reese said.

“You're not asking, I'm offering,” she said with a meaningful look. “Just like you've delivered some flower arrangements for me and put my flowers on your tables with a business card. All I want in return is for you to save me a piece of the Italian cream cake,” she added with a smile, and then rubbed her hands together. “Now, how about giving me an apron so I can start busing tables?”

Tessa tossed her an apron. “You're an angel.”

“I'm happy to help,” Gabby said, and then hurried out into the dining room.

“She's a keeper, that one,” Tessa called over to Reese.

Reese smiled. “Tell me something I don't know.” He wanted to go out and give her a hug, but the orders kept coming. When the dining room proved to be too full, they were suddenly bombarded with takeout orders and delivery. Reese made a mental note to talk to his uncle about setting up additional outdoor patio seating. While patrons seemed to be taking the long wait and other mishaps in stride, Reese worried that this could hurt their business. First impressions meant everything. By the frown on Uncle Tony's face, Reese could tell he feared the same thing.

Gabby rushed in to help do dishes next to Ryan, a high school kid who looked as if he was going to have a panic attack when the pots and pans piled up like a mountain of stainless steel that might come to life like a Transformer. At one point the dishwasher clogged and when Tony went over to fix it, Reese had to rescue a too-crisp pizza. When he turned his back, Jamie, the new server, had already picked it up. Reese crossed his fingers, hoping that the customer liked it that way.

No one could have predicted this big of a crowd. Just when Reese thought it couldn't get any worse, Gabby came rushing through the double doors, put down some dirty dishes, and headed over to Reese. He didn't like the look on her face. Uncle Tony noticed it too and raised his eyebrows. “What's wrong?” Reese asked.

“I overheard that the woman sitting in the far corner is a food critic for the local paper.”

Reese swallowed hard. “And?”

“I think her pizza was overdone and she ordered salad, but apparently you're out. Do you think you should send her some dessert or something?”

“Yeah, do that,” Tony agreed.

“Maybe you should go out there and sweet-talk her,” Reese suggested. “Take the dessert out yourself.”

“I can't, Reese. I'm making more lasagna for tonight. And I'm a big ball of sweat. I'd likely offend her.”

“I'll take the dessert out,” Gabby offered. “Where's the Italian cream cake?”

“I was saving the last piece for you,” Reese protested. “Take her something else.”

“No, you can make more. Where is it?”

Reese gave Gabby the generous slice of cake and couldn't resist giving her a quick kiss. She blushed and he thought it was so damned cute. He watched her hurry out into the dining room, wondering what cool thing he could do for her to show how much he appreciated how she jumped in to help.

A minute later Gabby came back in with the cake still in her hand. Reese felt his stomach drop to his shoes. “Did she refuse the dessert?”

Gabby shook her head. “No, she'd already left. I'm so sorry, Reese.” She put a hand on his arm. “Hey, I heard lots of people out there saying some great things about the food. I'm sure it's fine. She'll give you a good review. She seemed really nice.”

Reese nodded. “Well, it's water under the bridge now,” he said with more conviction than he felt. “Listen, we should have a little bit of a lull before dinner. Do you need to leave?”

“No, I already called Joy and told her to lock up. I can stay and pitch in.”

“At least stop and eat,” Tony said to her.

“Now, that I'll do,” Gabby promised. “But first I'm going to run to the market and pick up whatever y'all need for salads. Make me a list while I go clear some tables.”

Tessa watched her push through the double doors. “She's still as sweet and caring as ever. I remember when she was just a little girl she would bring us tomatoes from her garden, so proud of her produce!” She tilted her head. “She'll make a good mama someday.”

Reese rolled his eyes. “Mom . . .”

“I'm just sayin'.” Tessa turned and pushed through the doors and then reentered with a frown.

“What?” Tony and Reese asked at the same time.

“Nothing,” Tessa answered, but Reese hurried over and looked out the door.

Reese spotted Drew sitting at a table chatting up Gabby. He wore a suit and tie and didn't have a hair out of place. Reese, on the other hand, had pizza sauce splattered on the front of his shirt and smelled like garlic. When Drew put his hand on Gabby's arm, it was all Reese could do not to storm out there and toss the jackass out the door. Until now Reese didn't know he had a jealous bone in his body, but he sure as hell was seeing green. He turned away before he did something stupid.

“She's just being polite,” Tessa said.

Reese shrugged and went back to putting pepperoni on the large pizza. He tried not to let it get to him, but the thought went through his mind that though Gabby might find him desirable, was somebody like Drew what she really wanted for the long haul?

As if reading his mind, his mother poked him in the chest. “Hey, that guy's got nothin' on you. Remember that, okay?”

Reese gave his mother a quick peck on the cheek. “I will.” He watched his mother walk through the door and then glanced over at his uncle. Both of them were such hard workers with such big hearts and both had been stomped on by the one each trusted the most. How did that even happen?

Reese sprinkled shredded provolone over the sauce, trying to keep his focus on the task at hand. He remained all too aware that life can come at you in unexpected ways and when you don't even begin to see it coming. But when anger had consumed him, sucking him under like quicksand, Uncle Tony had stepped up, providing the stability and discipline he so desperately needed at the time, allowing his mother to pick up the pieces of her life, heal, and go on. Once the restaurant was up and running smoothly, Reese was determined to push his mother into filing for divorce and getting the closure she so richly deserved.

When Gabby walked back through the doorway, Reese gave her a smile. He might be wearing sauce instead of a suit and he wasn't the mayor of Cricket Creek, but he wasn't about to stop pursuing Gabby Goodwin. She'd held a special place in his heart for a very long time, and now that he was back in Cricket Creek where he belonged, he was determined to show her that there was much more to him than met the eye.

When the seemingly never-ending rush finally subsided, Reese insisted that Gabby go home and rest. As much as he longed to see her later, Reese knew that the cleanup and prep work for tomorrow would keep him there well into the night. He retrieved the cake and insisted on sending some lasagna with her as well.

“Hey, thanks so much for helping,” Uncle Tony said to her, and Tessa rushed over and gave her a hug.

“My pleasure,” Gabby insisted. “I've learned that small businesses need to stick together. And hey, I'm impressed at how much work goes into running a restaurant. Like I told Reese earlier, I heard lots of great comments on the food. I can't wait to try the lasagna.” She held up her foam box. “I'm thinking midnight snack.”

Reese leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I'll call you.”

She nodded. “I'd tell you not to work too hard, but that would be silly.”

“Reese, walk her out the door,” Uncle Tony urged. “You need a breather.”

Reese gave him a grateful grin and then opened the kitchen door for Gabby. Once they were outside he took a deep breath of evening air. “Wow, now, that was quite a day.”

Gabby placed a hand on his arm. “It's nearly over. Things will calm down now. A new restaurant in a small town is a big deal.”

“I just hope that the reporter is kind to us. I think she got one of the few mess-ups of the day in spite of the huge crowd. Talk about bad luck.”

“Like I said, she seemed nice enough.”

“Do you know her name?”

Gabby shook her head. “Can't say that I do. She must be new in town.”

“Ah well . . .” He inhaled another breath and then smiled at her. “I've thought about you nonstop all week, you know.”

“I know now.” She smiled. “And your text messages were a little bit of a clue.”

Reese scrubbed a hand down his face. “I wish I could leave.”

“I wish you could too. But I understand.”

Reese ran a fingertip down her cheek. “Would you do me another big favor so I can make it through the night?”

“What would that be?”

“This. . . .” Reese took her hand and led her around the side of the building bathed in the semidarkness away from curious eyes. After gently prying the to-go box from her fingers, he put it on the ground and then pulled her into his arms. “I've waited all day, no, all week for, this.” He bent his head and captured her mouth with the kiss that he'd been thinking about since she walked into the kitchen. To his delight Gabby wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. She felt warm, pliant,
willing,
making it so hard to pull back and let her go home. “Well, that was stupid.”

She tilted her head to the side. “The kiss?”

“Oh no. Gabby, the kiss was amazing. But no way will it last me all night long.” He rubbed his thumb over her moist bottom lip. “It only makes me want more.” With a sigh he pushed away from the wall and said, “But I have to get back in there. We'll start getting some late night pizza orders.”

“When will I get to see you?” Gabby wanted to know.

The question pleased him so much. “I'll find time. I promise.”

“I'll hold you to it.”

When she turned to go Reese put a hand on her shoulder. He wanted to ask if he could come by her place later, but he didn't want it to sound like a booty call, so he refrained, reminding himself to go slowly, but it was killing him. “Come over tomorrow for lunch?”

Gabby nodded. “Okay.” She bent down to pick up the box and then eased up on tiptoe to give him a light but slightly lingering kiss on the lips.

Reese groaned and looked up at the sky. “This sucks so bad.”

Gabby laughed and gave him a flirty wave as she walked away. Reese stood there watching her until she turned the corner. He knew he had a goofy smile on his face, but he just couldn't help it. If this was what it felt like to fall in love . . . well, it felt pretty damned good. Reese shook his head. With any luck it would only get better.