Page 28 of The Bride's Secret

“My plans for the room?” He ran a hand through his hair muffing it further. “I didn’t have any plans for the room. That woman might never speak to me again.”

“I’m sorry. I think. Who was she?”

“A client. First and foremost. A brand new client who will now back out before she even signs.”

“Oh no, she’s the one?”

He nodded. “Unless I can get her back. Which I will try to do today. After I work out.” He indicated that’s where he was headed. But before walking down the hall, he stopped right in front of her. She could smell the soap he used on his hands this morning. He looked down into her eyes. “I’m happy you’re all right. I wanted to talk last night, work things out.”

“You, wanted to talk?” Her face smiled before she could even stop it.

“Well, of course, didn’t you think last night was worth discussing?” His mouth quirked up in a crooked smile. “At least for the amusement factor?”

She shook her head. “No way. I won’t be amused in a long, long time. I ruined something for you. Already you’ve given so much and now our farce might have lost you the biggest client you’ll ever get.”

He leaned against the door. “Well, not the biggest client we willeverget. There might be bigger ones. Still. To get.” He shrugged and looked so adorable she stepped up to him and leaned her face into his chest. “I’m sorry anyway. MMM. I love being right here.”

He ran his hands up and down her back.

“The thing is, Wyatt, I ruined some things for you and I’d like to make it right. What can I do? Should I show up at her office?”

“I don’t know. Let me try and talk to her today first. It’s a misunderstanding but I don’t know if she’ll be ready to do business. The part that bothers me most is the truth of the story.”

Carisa stepped back, confused. “Which part?”

“She is most upset with me right now because I am cheating with another man’s fiancé.” His eyes were pained, his mouth crooked and he almost didn’t look her in the face.

“Oh, Wyatt, no. I’m not with Heath. I’m not going to be with Heath. I left him long before you came along.”

“Technically that’s not true.”

“Well, okay, you left with me, but in my heart… I left him in my heart long before you came along.”

“I’m not feeling any better right now.”

She reached up and put both hands on either side of his face. “I’m so sorry you feel this burden. Don’t let it disturb your peace. You’ve been nothing but a hero, and I’ll love you forever for it.”

Wyatt stood. “The truth though?” He ran his hands up and down Carisa’s arms.

“What is the truth?”

“Once I kissed you, I didn’t even care if I was with another man’s fiancé. And that makes me a total tool.”

“Please don’t say that. It’s not even true. But, let’s go back to a part of that I thought sounded intriguing. Something about once you kissed me…” She reached up his chest with her hands and stood on her toes to try and be closer.

“You liked that, did you?”

“I liked what you said, but I think what I liked most was the kiss.”

His smile started small and then grew.

“But you keep forgetting to kiss me.”

“Whatever, forgetting.”

“Well, I don’t know what else you want to call it. You kiss me here.” She pointed to her cheek. “And here.” She pointed to her other cheek. “And here.” She ran a finger down her neck. And then she touched her lips. “And here?” She reached up and ran the same finger along his lower lip. “Wyatt. I’m falling for you. I can’t help it. I don’t know why or if it’s right or wrong, but when I saw you with that woman, I felt sick inside. I can’t lose you before we even begin.”

He pulled her tight and pressed his mouth to hers. At first she was shocked. After so many near misses, she had stopped expecting him to actually kiss her thoroughly, but he kissed her again and again, almost feverishly, quickly. Until she put her hands at the side of his face and slowed things down. She kissed him once and again and pulled at his bottom lip and then his top and then wrapped her hands around his neck, and he picked her up while his mouth explored hers. Until she was about to melt into a puddle. Then he put her down. “Wow.”

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