at all.
Pacing the study, or “the groom’s room”, as Lauren’s new assistant had corrected him, Ray twitched at his tie. He was slowly suffocating.
Thinking of Lauren didn’t help at all. Contrary woman. The honey-eyed blond was the hottest armful he’d ever held, but way too stubborn for his taste when they weren’t locked in a clinch. Their fling, for want of a better word, was over.
Until two days ago he hadn’t seen her since Christmas, when she’d called time on their trysts.
How stunning to realize he’d actually missed her. But any hope of expending his nervous energy by reigniting the chemistry between them while they were hooked up for the wedding festivities had fizzled out when she had refused to meet his gaze at the rehearsal. Or any time since.
Okay. Message received.
All for the best. In spite of his hopeful initial reaction, he’d been truly unnerved as he’d watched her walk down the aisle toward him. The sight had been a punch to the gut. He hadn’t stopped twitching since. Confirmation that he’d been smart to keep it casual, to let her end things between them.
He paused in front of a gilded mirror. He smoothed his short sandy hair back into place and straightened his tie. Pull it together, he silently chided himself. You’re sounding more like a wuss than a director known for going into the trenches with his stuntmen and actors.
“Relax,” Garrett said from his place behind the desk. “Anyone would think it was you getting married instead of me.”
“I don’t know how you can be so calm.”
Ray dropped into the chair in front of the desk, picked up his camera and shot the groom. To occupy his hands, as well as his mind, he’d decided to give the bride and groom the gift of an insider’s perspective on their wedding: pictures and videos no photographer would have access to.
“The waiting is excruciating. How much longer before this gig gets going?”
Garrett’s gaze shifted to the mantel clock. “Soon. And it’s easy to be calm when you’re sure of what you’re doing.”
“Marriage is a trap for the unwary. Standing up there in front of everyone is a lonely place to be.”
Okay, he knew that was warped even as the words slipped out. His memories had no place here.
“I won’t be alone.” Garrett laughed off the outrageous comment. “I’ll be joined by the woman I love. Until then you’ll be by my side.”
Garrett opened the bottom drawer in the solid oak desk and pulled out a bottle of aged whiskey and a single crystal glass. After pouring a good dollop into the glass, he pushed it across the oak surface to Ray.
“Maybe this will help settle your nerves.”
“No, thanks.” Ray turned down the shot. Normally he’d accept and relish the burn. Today he’d remain stone-cold sober. The way he felt, adding alcohol was not a good idea.
“I don’t understand you, dude.” Garrett shook his head. “You’re the one who told me I’d be safe with Tori.”
“It’s easy to see she makes you happy.” Ray ran a hand over his jaw. Just because marriage wasn’t for him didn’t mean others couldn’t benefit from the bond. “And of course you have that whole Spidey sense of approval going for you.”
Apparently the twins were natural matchmakers and got a special “feeling” when they saw two people who belonged together. Lauren had gotten the feeling about Garrett and Tori, but hadn’t said anything until after they were engaged.
Garrett arched a dark eyebrow. “Mock if you want. I’m reaping the rewards.”
“Sorry. The truth is you deserve the best. Don’t mind me—weddings make me twitchy.”
“So you said when I asked you to be my best man. Thanks for doing this for me.”
“You’re the closest thing I have to a brother. Of course I’m here for you.”
“What’s your deal anyway?”
Ray shook his head. “Ancient history. Too depressing for the occasion.”
Too depressing, period. He didn’t talk or think about those times.
A knock sounded at the door and Lauren’s assistant stuck her head in. “It’s time, gentlemen.”
“We’ll be right there,” Garrett assured her, and surged to his feet. He looked at Ray as he rose too. “Are you ready for this?”
Ray waved Garrett forward, then clapped him on the back when he passed. “Let’s get you hitched.”
Outside, Ray stood at his friend’s side in the shade of the gazebo as music filled the air and the bridal party started toward them. Nick Randall escorted his mother to the front row. As soon as they were seated, Lauren began her journey down the rose-strewn runner.
Ray couldn’t take his eyes off her. She wore a strapless, figure-hugging silver gown, showing her curves to sweet advantage. The fading sun gleamed in golden curls swept to one side, leaving one creamy shoulder bare. She grew more stunning the closer she got.
He completely missed the bride walking down the aisle as his gaze lingered on the maid of honor. Watching her, he remembered their first heated encounter in the laundry room of his home on Thanksgiving. Desire stirred.
Not wanting to embarrass himself, or his friend, he turned his attention—and his camera—to the ceremony. The officiate spoke, and then Garrett and Tori exchanged the poignant vows they’d written themselves. Weddings might make Ray itch, but as a film director he recognized powerful dialogue when he heard it.
He received the signal to hand over the rings. Garrett kissed his bride. The officiate introduced the couple as Mr. and Mrs. Black. And finally the time came for Ray to touch Lauren as they moved to follow the couple up the aisle in a reverse procession.
As before, she refused to look at him as he linked her arm around his.
“You look beautiful.” He laid his hand over hers and squeezed. Forget her decree. He wasn’t ready to let her go yet. Changing her mind was exactly the distraction he needed.
She bunched her fingers into a fist, but didn’t look at him.
“You girls outdid yourselves with the decorations.”
She rolled her amber eyes. “You could care less about the decorations.”
“Not true. As a director, I admire a well-organized scene.”
“I’m sure Tori will be glad you approve. It’s her vision.”
They reached the end of the aisle. Lauren immediately pulled free of him.
“Don’t wander off. We’ll be doing photos in a moment.”
“Yes,” he tossed out with droll humor. “I got a copy of the itinerary.”
That
