Page 76 of The House on Blueberry Lane

She was in such a happy mood today that even the irritating sound of Webb’s voice didn’t annoy her. She glanced up at him and smiled. “Hello, Webb.”

He tilted his head and looked at her. “You look happy. Is it because you caught the bridal bouquet, which traditionally means you’re next?”

“Not at all. I’m happy because one of my dearest friends got married to the man she loves.”

He chuckled. “Yes, Sierra Crane did well for herself by snagging a wealthy husband, who’ll get even wealthier now that he’s in line for Reid Lacroix’s job. I can remember when her father worked for that gas station Vaughn’s parents owned.” He sipped his wine and then added, “I bet old man Miller is rolling over in his grave, knowing his son married beneath him.”

Velvet studied him over the rim of her wineglass. Then lowering it, she said, “Is it always about wealth for you, Webb? Specifically, who has it and who doesn’t?”

“Not always but usually,” he said, grinning, like he was amused by her question. “Like Sierra, I have no problem with anyone wanting to better themselves by attaining a higher social class. If you recall, I’ve offered you the same opportunity, but you continue to play hard to get.”

“All you want is me in your bed.”

“Yes, for starters,” he admitted. “And if I’m satisfied with you there, I have no qualms about proposing marriage. You are a beautiful woman who would make any man a trophy wife worth having.”

The smile dropped from Velvet’s lips. “Well, as far as I’m concerned—”

“Hi, Webb. Excuse me. Velvet could I borrow you for a second?” Bryce asked, looping her arm with Velvet’s and not waiting for her response.

When they were out of hearing range of Webb, she looked at Bryce. “How did you know I needed rescuing?”

Bryce laughed. “Your expression. One minute you were smiling and then suddenly one of those I’m about-to-read-his-ass looks appeared on your face, so I figured I needed to act quickly.”

“And I thank you for doing so.”

“No problem,” she said. “And congratulations on nabbing the bridal bouquet. I thought Laura Crawford was going to plow everybody down to grab it. My gosh, she’s been married before. I’m glad you were the one who caught it.”

“Well, even with her back turned, I think Sierra deliberately tossed it to me.” When Velvet saw the twinkle in Bryce’s eyes. “My catching it doesn’t mean a thing.”

“Okay, if you say so.”

When everyone began clapping and cheering, they looked to where Vaughn and Sierra appeared from inside the house, arm in arm and with so much love shining in their eyes that anyone looking at them could both see it and feel it. They were dressed for traveling and it was obvious to all that they were ready for their honeymoon to begin.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

VELVET FELL IN love with Key Largo instantly. Jaye had made all the arrangements and a private car had picked her up from the Miami airport when she’d arrived Sunday. The beautiful villa where they were staying was right on the ocean and had everything they needed.

She loved the ocean view from practically every room and especially liked the privacy fencing, affording seclusion on the beach. The Florida weather was perfect, beautiful and sunny, and she was looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors. This was the first real spring break vacation she’d taken since moving to Catalina Cove.

Jaye arrived Monday around noon. The moment she heard the key in the lock and saw the door open, she crossed the room to be engulfed in strong arms. His kiss let her know he’d missed her, and she hoped the way she returned the kiss let him know that she’d missed him as well.

Instead of sweeping her off her feet and taking her to the nearest bed, like she thought he would, he suggested they walk on the beach. She’d figure that would come later, after they’d made love. She pushed aside the thought that all the times they’d made love had been her idea. Never his. Why? What if he wasn’t feeling it with her like he used to? There was no doubt that he enjoyed their time in the bedroom and at no time had he held back on anything, but still...

Under the brightness of the day and the warmth of the Florida sun, Jaye kissed her again, and her thoughts vanished. She wasn’t sure what affected her the most, the heat of the sun or the heat from his kiss. She decided it was from his kiss, which was causing fire to rush throughout her body.

By the time Jaye had released her mouth, she could barely stand on both legs. She had to clutch the front of his shirt in order not to sink to her knees. He lowered his head to murmur in her ear, “Tell me what you want, baby.”

Why did she have to tell him when he knew? However, if hearing her say it was the only way she would get it, then she had no problem doing so. “I want you, Jaye.”

That was when he swept her into his arms and headed back inside the villa.

JAYE HELD VELVET as she slept in his arms. The moment he had walked into the villa, he’d wanted to carry her to the nearest bedroom. But he’d held back, although he knew that wasn’t what she was expecting. He didn’t want her to assume sex was the only thing on his mind—even if it had been at the time.

He had suggested they go outside because he had needed to get his libido in check. But after they’d kissed and he’d seen the desire in her eyes, he’d known what she wanted. Still, he wanted her to speak her desires aloud and tell him what she wanted, and then he would give it to her.

She had yet to tell him that she wanted his love. Was she beginning to feel comfortable with not having it? Well, he didn’t intend for that to happen and this week he intended to step up his A-game.

She stirred and her eyes opened. She looked at him and then at the clock on the wall. She frowned. “It’s evening, Jaye. Why didn’t you wake me?”

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