Goodbye, Zach.
He stilled. But then he dropped his shoulders and gave a sad smile. Goodbye, Doll-Face.
She braced her hands on his shoulders and broke free of his arms, stumbling a couple of steps in her high heels.
He reached for her, but shed already put enough space between them.
Goodbye, Zach.
He stilled. But then he dropped his shoulders and gave a sad smile. Goodbye, Doll-Face.
Her eyes started to burn, and she quickly turned away, walking out the door.
Watching her two sisters dancing under the sparkling lights of the central ballroom at the Ten Peaks Country Club in downtown Denver, Abigail couldnt stop smiling. Mandys gown was clean and classic, strapless with simple lines that flowed gracefully as she danced in Calebs arms. Katrinas dress had a sweetheart neckline and glittered with shimmering embroidery, beadwork and sequins. Where Mandy had gone with a silver-link necklace and hoop earrings, Katrina wore cascades of white sapphires, interlaced to a point just above her cleavage. Her dangling earrings and elegant bracelet made up the set. She looked delicate and beautiful in Reeds arms.
Abigail had served as maid of honor, while Lisa was a bridesmaid. Seth and Travis stood up for the grooms. Their father was sitting now, at the head table near the multitiered cake that was flanked by two bridal bouquets. But hed done an impressive job of escorting his daughters down the aisle. After the wedding, he and Abigails mother were definitely considering an extended stay here.
The lights were dim around the dance floor as everyone watched the two bridal couples in their first waltz. Abigails feet were sore, but in a good way. It had been weeks since shed worn high heels, and she felt feminine and beautiful in her knee-length, plum-colored bridesmaid dress. Made of airy chiffon, it had a soft, strapless bodice, a two-layer skirt and a sleek waistline.
Abby? A deep voice resonated close to her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
She twisted to come face-to-face with Zach. She blinked, unable to make sense of his appearance.
Hi, he offered.
What are you doing here?
He was dressed in a well-cut three-piece steel-gray business suit, his silver tie in a sharp knot, his crisp, white shirt allowing him to blend with the other guests.
I need to talk to you, he whispered.
Im a little busy.
The crowd broke into applause as the final strains of the waltz came to a close. The string quartet immediately launched into another song.
Mandy picked Seth from the crowd, while Katrina laughingly asked Travis to dance. Reed Terrell snagged Abigails hand and smoothly pulled her onto the hardwood floor. He swung her gracefully into his arms. For a large man, hed always been a great dancer. Hed been a year ahead of her in high school, and theyd danced together many times before.
Whos that? he asked, leaning to be heard above the music.
Abigail glanced back at Zach. Her heart tripped at his handsome, sexy looks.
Zach Rainer, she told Reed. He owns Craig Mountain Brewery.
He was invited to the wedding? Reeds tone was incredulous.
Hes here looking for me.
Reed stopped.
Dont, Abigail warned. She knew her neighbor well enough to realize he would step in to solve whatever problem was at hand. Dressed in a wedding tux or not, he was completely capable of tossing Zach out on his ear. Ill handle it.
Reed hesitated a second longer, but to her relief began dancing again. Whys he crashing my wedding? he asked.
I dont know yet. I havent had a chance to talk to him.
He a friend?
Sort of.
Reed stared down at her, eyes narrowed. There something youre not telling me?
She gave a light laugh. There are many, many things Im not telling you, Reed. But dont worry about it. Its all good.
Are you in some kind of trouble?
Not at all. Unless you counted her overwhelming desire to haul Zach off to the nearest hotel room and ravage him. That was a whole lot of trouble.
He looks ticked off.
Hes impatient.
Well, he can bloody well wait until my weddings over.
Stop, Abigail ordered. Katrinas going to kill me if I get you all riled up.
Im not riled.
Yes, you are.
You dont know riled, Abby.
Abigail grinned. Welcome to the family. She stretched up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Youve got a great family, said Reed.
It just got greater. She glanced at Caleb who was laughing with Lisa. Two new brothers, and a new cousin.
Seth just thanked me and Caleb for evening things up between the genders again.
We women did have the upper hand there for a few weeks.
The song wound down.
You better get back to Katrina.
Reed scowled in Zachs direction one more time. You let me know if he gives you any trouble.
Absolutely, Abigail lied.
As Reed walked away, she felt someone come up behind her.
Care to dance? asked Zach.
She turned. Youre not supposed to be here.
Like I told you, I need to talk to you.
Can it not wait?
Without waiting for permission, he drew her into his arms.
It seemed simpler to dance than to make a scene by arguing about it. Plus, that would bring Reed to her side in a heartbeat, so she went along with Zach.
He settled her close. You want to meet up later instead?
I do not.
It was worth a try.
You crash my sisters wedding, and now youre hitting on me?
I cant seem to help myself.
Try, Zach. Try.
His tone stayed intimate, and his hand moved up and down her back, tracing the bare skin between her shoulder blades. You take my breath away, Doll-Face.
She steeled herself against the softer feelings creeping into her psyche. You see that guy over there? The groom? The one I was just dancing with?
I do.
See how big he is? Well, he likes me. And hes already ticked off at you.
I like you, too.
You like me naked. The second the words were out of her mouth, Abigail realized they were a colossal mistake.
She mentally braced for his retort, but Zach didnt reply. Instead, he gathered her closer, seeming to mold his body to hers. She fought the arousal that gripped her body, but it was useless. Images of their night together were back in force.
I need to talk to you, he repeated, voice barely a rasp. And I cant wait. Can we go outside?
His tone brought a thousand questions into her mind. Why was he here, after all these weeks? Had he missed her? Had he come back for her, to pursue their relationship?
She tried to control the hope that surged inside her. She realized in a split second that she wanted him to pursue her. She wanted to be with him again, free from all the complications that had tangled them in knots.
She gave him a mute nod, and he took her hand in his, leading the way from the dance floor to patio doors that led to a lighted garden. Conflicting thoughts continued to spin around in her mind. Sure, he lived in Houston, while she lived in Lyndon. But there were airplanes. There were hotels. Maybe they could spend weekends together someplace in the middle.
Anticipation tightened her chest as she realized she was going to say yes. If he wanted to try something long-distance, shed agree to it. And then maybe they could find that nearest hotel right now and spend the night in each others arms. Her breath caught and her heartbeat thudded deep.
He came to a halt at the far edge of the concrete patio, turning to face her, taking his hand from hers. The music and voices wafted out from the reception, while pot lights glowed softly from the hedges and garden beds, reflecting off the planes and angles of his face. He was an incredibly attractive man.
Abby, he started.
Yes? She waited, not moving, not breathing.
The application was rejected.
She blinked. It took a second for her brain to switch gears.
The committee turned us down, he elaborated.
The water license? she all but stammered.
Yes.
She took a shaky step back, mind refusing to accept reality. You dragged me away from my sisters wedding to tell me you didnt get your precious water license?
He looked confused. What else?
Excellent question. She pressed her fingertips against one temple. Oh, I dont know. Nothing, I guess. What is your problem?
I just told you my problem.
And this couldnt have waited until tomorrow?
Youre leaving tomorrow.
Yes, I am. Goodbye, Zach. She took a step toward the reception.
He snagged her upper arm. Hear me out, Abby.
No. She was not going to let him do this. Shed done her best. Shed caved to every single thing hed asked of her. And to add insult to injury, shed apparently become infatuated with him along the way.
I need you.
She glared at him. You need a bankruptcy attorney.
Youre giving up? Just like that.
Just like that? There is no just like that. I did everything I could, everything I could think of. Every fact, figure, argument and rationale I could dream up went into that paper, Zach. There is nothing, nothing more I have to offer.
I dont believe you.
Too bad.
He dropped his hand from her arm, raking it through his short hair. There has to be something.
Theres nothing. You and a hundred companies like you want variances. The State has decided you cant have them right now. Theyve made a rule, and theyre following it, Zach. Youre just ticked because they wont break it for you.
Im not asking anyone to break the rules. Im only asking for a little logic and reason.
Youre asking a government for logic and reason.
His lips flattened in obvious anger.
You see the flaw in that, right? she pressed.
I see you giving up.
This is not my problem.
Youre right. Its my problem. But while you stand there secure in that knowledge, Abby, ask yourself one thing. He stepped forward, crowding her. Ask yourself what you would do if this was your family.
His gaze held hers, and she felt her resolve falter.
If it was your ranch on the line. If it was Seths and Mandys and Katrinas and Traviss jobs. Would you throw up your hands in defeat? Or if you thought I could help, would you not track me down, back me into a corner and force me to agree?
By blackmailing you? Shed like to think she wouldnt, but maybe she would.
By any means possible.
Her throat became dry, and her voice became strained. I tried to help you, Zach. I truly, truly tried.
He took the last step that brought him directly in front of her. One more time? he asked. Tonight. When youre done here, before you go back to Lyndon. Lets think it through one more time. You and me.