Page 58 of Unravel You

“I’m sure you’ll get a chance to do that tonight.” Anabelle patted my hand. “I added her to the guest list, like you asked.”

“Thank you. Okay, makeup time.” I rubbed my hands together. Anabelle looked beautiful without any of this stuff, but she wanted a different look, and that was something I understood well. The need to believe I deserved the guy I loved.

When our faces were properly made up, I walked to the closet and got into my dress, one I’d brought from home. It was a strapless, long dress in a champagne color. The fabric was silky and so soft to the touch. I ran my hands across the bodice that cupped my breasts just right. My friend Annie had a real knack for picking out dresses that made Derek look at me as though I were the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. I was so addicted to that look in his eyes and the way it made me feel.

Out in the bedroom chamber, Anabelle paced the length of the double doors.

“You’re not going to chicken out, are you?” I asked.

“No, of course not. I just need a minute. Why don’t you go ahead? We’re already like half an hour late.” She opened the door and gestured for me to go. “You look incredible, by the way.”

“Thanks. You too.” I held her hands in mine and squeezed them. “I’ll see you downstairs.”

I strolled down the long corridor of expensive paintings toward the buzz of excited voices mingled with soft classical music. The foyer looked gorgeous done in oversize floral arrangements. Gardenia perfume welcomed me at the top of the grand staircase, where Derek walked up to meet me.

He groaned in my ear, gripping my waist. “You really are trying to kill me.”

“I’m not.” My blood rushed through my body.

“You look amazing.” He met my gaze, and I wished we could be upstairs or at the very least, alone.

“Derek,” a man with a round belly said from the door.

“And here we go.” He took my hand and ushered me through the throng of people who had already gathered in the foyer and dining room.

I shook hands and smiled at a myriad of faces. Derek stayed true to his word and never left my side. He also never let my champagne glass go empty, which I was very grateful for. The introduction of friends and family went on for a good forty-five minutes. I answered the usual questions of where we’d met and where we would live after the wedding, and how many more children we were having. To my surprise, Derek wasn’t turned off by that question at all. Kids with this beautiful man was definitely something I’d be willing to consider.

“Okay, I think everyone’s pacified for now. Let’s get some air.” Derek walked me toward the basement. On his way out, he grabbed a bottle of champagne. We crossed the expansive sitting area between the gym and the wine cellar, where Wesley and Matt sat deep in conversation. “Ignore them.” Derek pulled me outside.

“Oh, wow. I hadn’t realized how much I needed fresh air.” I picked up my dress and strolled along the stone pavers.

I followed the path that led to the gardens. People were here and there, but for the most part we were alone. I sat on one of the benches along the tall hedges, and Derek refilled my glass.

“I know it doesn’t seem that way, but that was the worst of it.”

“It did feel like the worst of it.” I chuckled.

“Everyone loved you. Like I knew they would.” He unbuttoned his jacket and sat next to me.

I rested my head on his shoulder and relaxed. “I’m glad you’re not so tense anymore.”

“I was what?” He held me tighter.

“When you came home earlier today, you seemed so on edge. What happened?”

“We said no more secrets, right?”

“Yes.” I sat up. “What happened?”

“Okay, it’s nothing bad. I was going to tell you tomorrow when things settled down, but I guess this is as a good time as any.” His kiss took me by surprise, but only for a beat, and I kissed him back. When he spoke again, I’d almost forgotten he had something to say. “Yesterday afternoon, we went to a pub for beers after golf…” His gaze went past me toward the patio deck upstairs.

I shifted my body to see what had him furrowing his brows as if he’d wanted to kill someone. “What is it?”

“One second. Security guards are on the move. Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll be here.” I touched my lips where his mouth had seared me seconds ago.

He met up with the guys in dark suits and skinny ties, wearing earpieces. They reminded me of the agents from that movieThe Matrix. Derek stuffed his hands in his pant pockets. To the untrained eye, he looked casual and calm. But his face said something else. He was pissed. After their exchange, he walked back into the house with his guys.

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