Line of Fire (4 page)

“And in a few more months, baby toys all over the house. Don’t forget those.”

“Oh, God.”

Tommy laughed as a dazed Zack led the procession out the door. Maybe this falling in love crap wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Yeah, remaining in lust sounded like a whole lot less trouble.

Or he thought so, until they arrived in the church’s foyer and he saw her.

Shea, at the head of the line, in her place as maid of honor. Curly sable hair piled on top of her head, little diamond studs glittering in her ears. Her sweet elfin face bright with happiness, caught up in the joy of the occasion.

His gaze caressed the graceful column of her throat to the swell of her breasts hugged by peach silk. The fabric of the dress nipped at her small waist, flared a bit at her gently rounded hips, and flowed to her dainty toes. God, he wished he could see her toned, pretty legs.

He stared, drinking in the sight of her. Letting her fill his soul. She was elegance personified. She was beautiful.

She’s mine. And I’m hers.

Somehow, he had to convince her of that before he lost his mind.

Shea took Six-Pack’s arm, wrapping her slender fingers around his biceps, and together they strode into the chapel at a sedate pace. Tommy squashed a nasty surge of jealousy, watching Zack’s best man escort her to the front. To hell with the fact that Six-Pack and his wife, Kat, were deliriously happy. Tommy didn’t breathe right again until they broke apart and took their places on either side of the altar.

How he’d get through the reception without killing her date, he didn’t know.

“Psst!”

Startled, he blinked at Kat, whom he’d been paired with since her hubby was the best man. Crap, it was their turn and he was holding up the procession. Julian and his fiancée, Grace, had already gone, followed by Sean and Eve, who regarded each other, wide-eyed, as though they’d never met before. Weird.

Tommy offered his arm to Kat and they started off, leaving Manny and his bridesmaid, one of the nurses Cori worked with, to go last. This thing couldn’t be over with soon enough.

Because having to stand there and look at Shea from across the short distance separating them, and not be able to touch her, knowing she’d accepted another man’s company over his, was the purest form of agony.

Thankfully, the music swelled and Cori’s arrival distracted him from his misery. She wore a high-waisted cream gown that accommodated her growing pregnancy. Honey brown hair tumbled about her bare shoulders because Zack preferred it down, and Tommy couldn’t blame him. His new wife-to-be was a real stunner. The fact that shy Zack had scored a former exotic dancer still tickled the shit out of him.

Joaquin led Cori carefully up the three steps. With everyone in their places, the preacher began. By the time her brother gave her away to Zack, the sniffling had already begun, tissues dabbing here and there. Jesus.

At least the air conditioner came on, and a collective sigh of relief burst from the guests. In his coat, however, it would take forever for him to cool off. And he still had the reception at Zack and Cori’s house to suffer through. For a long moment, he actually considered skipping out after the wedding.

Shea probably didn’t want him around. Didn’t care—

And then he caught Shea staring at him. Unmasked longing pooled in those big brown eyes. Or was it wishful thinking?

Either way, he knew there was no way he’d chicken out. Not now. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

He shot her his best smile, and when she returned it, lips curving slowly upward, he wanted to shout out loud. Because, he suddenly realized, she hadn’t sought her date out in the crowd. Not once.

But she’d been watching him. Only him.

That had to mean something good. Had to.

Tommy, my man, you’re still in the game. Don’t quit now.

Shea might have come to the wedding with the ultra-polished middle-aged dude in the thousand-dollar suit.

But he’d be fucked sideways if she was leaving with him.

4

Shea hoped nobody expected her to comment later on the preacher’s lovely words. If so, she’d have to bluff her way through. The old man’s voice faded to a monotonous drone as she devoured the sight of Tommy standing just a few feet across from her. All six delicious feet of him.

His dark suit hugged a body hardened by physical activity, emphasizing his broad shoulders and narrow hips. His chest and abs were rock-solid underneath his white dress shirt, toned and lean rather than bulky. The sculpted body of an athlete—a football player if she remembered correctly. Right this second, she found it hard to hold the jock label against him, though God knows she had good reason.

For one wild second, she wanted to push the jacket off his shoulders, tear off the staid tie, and rip open his shirt to get her first real gander at the golden skin waiting for her touch.

No! He’s too young for me, too much like an eager puppy. He can’t possibly have enough experience to know what he wants in life. He probably plays the field, breaks hearts left and right. I’d be better off with an older, more settled man, like Forrest. Right?

A trickle of sweat rolled between her breasts that had nothing to do with the heat in the chapel.

Her eyes swept past his hips to mile-long legs she imagined opening to cradle her inside, snug and secure in his heat.

Oh, God! Don’t go there.

She shifted to relieve the uncomfortable ache between her thighs and gave her attention to his face. The man was quite simply beautiful. He had the face of an angel, with high cheekbones, full lips, dusky brows arched over crystal blue eyes that sparkled with mischief most of the time. Now they caught her gaze, smoldering hot, not allowing her to look away.

His smile took her breath away, made her pulse hammer in her throat, every silly girlish thing she’d ever read. Never had she felt anything like the way his nearness made her quiver inside—even back then—and it frightened as much as it excited. Still, she found herself smiling back, nerve endings tingling, as though her mouth, her body, had a will of their own.

The wedding was over before she knew it, Zack kissing his bride, and the private moment she and Tommy shared was broken. Or perhaps not so private, standing before a chapel full of guests. But it was strange how everything else had disappeared, as though they’d connected without physical contact.

The wedding party turned and filed out, and she wasn’t sure whether to be thankful at the absence of the tension between them. Tommy Skyler disrupted her hard-won safe world, and part of her hid, terrified and trembling at the implication.

The other part desperately longed to live again.

In the foyer, she released Howard’s arm and sought Tommy. Now that they were free from the biggest part of their duties, it would seem unfriendly not to at least speak to him. But before she could take a step in his direction, a hand caught her elbow.

“There’s the prettiest woman in the room,” a pleasant voice said.

Shea half turned to greet her date, surprised at having to squelch a stab of annoyance. She mustered a smile for Forrest, but was unable to return the compliment, no matter how much she genuinely liked him. Because the sexiest man in the room had just been greeted by a knockout, leggy blonde in a strappy, barely there summer dress . . . who was now hanging on to his arm.

And planting a kiss at the corner of his mouth.

Her heart froze. Tommy brought someone else. Had she honestly expected him to mope and pine alone all afternoon? Yes, dammit!

She tore her gaze from the perfect, striking couple with a massive effort. “Hey, you. Nice wedding, don’t you think?”

Forrest curled his fingers around hers and brought them to his lips. “Absolutely. I love weddings. There’s something about the promise of a new beginning that gets to me.”

The right words from the wrong lips.

Now what on earth made her think that? Forrest was a very attractive man. Light sandy brown hair, earnest hazel eyes, a nice enough build. He stood a bit over six feet, and his body was a bit soft, especially around the middle, but he wasn’t heavy. He was an important man with a stressful office-type job, so he likely didn’t take care of himself the way he should.

“Yeah, they get to me, too,” she said, aware of him waiting for a response. “Thanks for bringing me. I know this isn’t exactly what you had in mind when you asked me out.”

His puzzled expression cleared. “Are you kidding? I’m having a great time, and we still have dinner to look forward to, just the two of us.”

“Yes, we do.” But her mind strayed to another invitation, issued by a man who wasn’t safe at all. One who made her feel scraped raw after every encounter.

Was he going out with the blonde tonight?

“Shea, are you all right? You seem preoccupied.” He glanced across the now-crowded foyer in the direction she’d been staring.

“Hmm? Oh, yes! I’m fine.” She waved off Forrest’s concern. “Oh, look, they’re waving the wedding party back in to take the pictures. It shouldn’t take long; then we’ll head out to the reception, okay?”

“Fine with me. Unless you’d like to skip the reception and get an early start on our evening?” A trace of hope colored his voice.

“I thought you loved weddings,” she teased. “Just telling me what I want to hear?”

“No, I do! I just thought . . .” He trailed off with a shrug.

“Well, it was a nice idea, but I couldn’t possibly skip out on Zack and Cori on their big day. I hope you understand.”

“Of course I do.” Leaning down, he kissed her temple. “We’ll stay as long as you like.”

“Thank you.” She smoothed the lapel of his suit, noting he didn’t smell nearly as good as Tommy, nor was his chest very firm under the fabric. “I’d better go in and get the photos out of the way.”

“I’ll wait out here.”

As she made her way to the chapel doors, she noticed Tommy’s date standing alone near the entrance. The girl met Shea’s eyes, her gaze unflinching, curious, but not hostile. She acknowledged Shea with a nod, which Shea returned before striding into the chapel. Okay, that was strange.

The photo session was a half hour of sheer torture, being near Tommy yet knowing they weren’t together. Her brain went places she’d rather not go, agonizing over what this girl meant to him. What they might do later. Or had already done.

When the photographer was finished, Shea practically fled, allowing Forrest to ensconce her in his Escalade. They took off for Zack and Cori’s place and if he noticed she was upset, he didn’t mention it. Instead, he distracted her with small talk.

“Will there be dancing?”

She shot him a grateful look. “Dancing, food, beer, and wine. Wait until you see the place. I helped them get stuff ready yesterday after the rehearsal, and it’s fabulous. They’ve got two big canopies outside, one to shade the dance floor and stereo equipment, and one for the sitting area, where the food will be laid out.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“Firefighters never do a party halfway, I’ve learned.”

He laughed. “So I’ve heard. Now I’m doubly glad you asked me along.”

She eyed his profile. “No offense, but you don’t seem like the let-loose, party type.”

“None taken. It’s the stuffy image associated with us city boys.” He gave an exaggerated sigh. “What’s a guy to do?”

In spite of herself, she began to relax and enjoy his company. Forrest was a dear, likable man and deserved her attention since she’d agreed to spend the day with him. She would not let her libido drown the voice of good reason.

Screw me twice, shame on me.

Forrest turned down the winding drive and whistled. “Pretty spread. Look at all this front acreage! I can see why they wanted to have the reception here instead of the banquet hall.”

“Yep. No rent, except for the tents and fans, and plenty of room for all of the guests to park and enjoy themselves.”

“Let me guess—the firemen are cooking the food and bringing the booze.”

“Are you kidding? Cori said Zack suggested he hire a caterer to save everyone the trouble and the guys almost staged a rebellion.”

“I’ll be glad to help them man the grills or whatever they need. Good thing we’re all changing clothes.”

Shea thought of her own shorts and T-shirt in the back of the Escalade and couldn’t wait to get comfortable. A hot July afternoon and peach silk were in no way compatible.

“That’s nice of you. I’m sure Zack will appreciate it.” She tried to picture Forrest dressed down, hanging out with the others, and the image wouldn’t gel. He was a nice man, but as he’d admitted himself, the typecast role of city official tended to stick.

But when they arrived, he jumped right in with enthusiasm, making himself useful to Zack’s firefighter friends who hadn’t been in the wedding party and were already at work. A handful of them glanced at him in amazement, a couple in disgust. Which wasn’t surprising considering what Shane told her about Forrest being so tight with Sugarland’s budget. Apparently the police department wasn’t the only entity feeling the financial squeeze.

In her opinion, blaming Forrest for trying to soften the blow of the economic downturn really wasn’t fair. At least nobody was rude to him, however, and soon the men were cutting up and having a good time.

Satisfied no major disasters loomed on the horizon, Shea retrieved her clothes from the Escalade and went into the house. Upstairs, she peeled off the now-sticky dress with a heartfelt sigh, then pulled on her denim shorts and pink baby-doll shirt. She hung up the dress, slipped on a pair of sandals, and hurried back to the party.

Things were getting into full swing now, guests arriving steadily, already having fun. The stereo was blasting out “Brick House” by the Commodores, getting folks into the proper mood to do the bump and grind on the dance floor. Shea didn’t realize she was tapping her foot and grinning at their antics—until she spotted Tommy and his blond babe among the people gyrating close together. Her arm was around his neck, their foreheads nearly touching.

Shea’s smile fell like a rock.

Abruptly, she turned away, the pain in her chest so real she might’ve been stabbed with an ice pick. She needed to be somewhere else, anywhere she didn’t have to see them, but couldn’t think where. Just then, Zack’s ’67 Mustang appeared—decorated with streamers and shoe polish—sparing her from making a decision. As the guests began to cheer at their arrival, Shea jogged over to meet her friends.

Zack emerged, dressed in jeans and a short-sleeved blue shirt and looking completely besotted. He hurried around to Cori’s side, opened her door, and helped her out. Shea hung back, not wanting to intrude on their first moments home as husband and wife. However, the instant her best friend saw her standing there, she squealed and closed the short distance, grabbing Shea in a big hug.

“I know I told you a dozen times this morning, but I’m so happy for both of you,” Shea said, throat tight.

“Thanks, girlfriend. This might not be my first rodeo, but I know I finally found the right man.”

“That you did. He’s wonderful, sweetie.” And after the horror of Cori’s first marriage and the subsequent dangers, nobody deserved happiness more than Cori and Zack.

“Don’t I know it!” Her friend pulled away and beamed at her. “So, are we ready to rock out, or what?”

Shea laughed. “Just don’t party too hard or you’ll be too tired to enjoy your wedding night.”

“No worries, I plan to save plenty of energy. Why waste a night’s stay at a place as gorgeous as the Opryland Hotel, right?”

“Absolutely.” She knew Cori and Zack were taking off later to stay at the famous hotel, then heading to the airport in the morning to fly to Cape Cod for their honeymoon. Cori had wanted to go to the Caymans but Zack vetoed leaving the country while she was pregnant. “Is Howard locking up the house for you?”

Cori nodded. “He and the other guys are cleaning up tonight. Everything’s in good hands.”

“Super.”

Shea noted Zack hovering behind his new wife, positively vibrating with happiness. She stepped past her friend and wrapped him in a bear hug. “Treat her like a princess, or I’ll think up some horrible punishment. Nurses know all sorts of gross things to do to a person.”

“I think her brothers would probably beat you to the draw,” he said, making a face. “Anyway, she’s safe with me.”

“I know, I’m just teasing. Go see to your guests, you two!”

With a wave, the blissful couple joined the crowd, accepting more well-wishes. Watching the festivities, she felt an almost unbearable wave of loneliness wash over her, despite her effort to stave it off. Weddings ran a close second to Christmas as far as leaving a person’s emotions stripped bare. At least during the holidays she had Shane to remind her she had someone to love and be loved by in return.

“Shea?”

She started, and spun to see Tommy standing less than two feet away. So close she detected his earthy cologne and a hint of sweat. So potently male he made her head swim.

His smile was uncertain, his blond hair artfully mussed like he’d just rolled out of bed. After a long, leisurely bout of sex.

“Um, hello.” Great going, idiot. That’s sure to impress him.

She stared at him, startled. Did she want to impress him?

“Hey,” he said softly, tucking his hands into the pockets of his cargo shorts. “Having a good time?”

The picture of him plastered to Breast Enhancement Barbie a short while ago beat her like a sledgehammer. Damned if she’d let on how much it hurt.

“Oh, sure.” The words weighed heavy on her tongue. Because despite her best efforts, the best part of her day was standing right in front of her. “Are you and your girlfriend enjoying yourselves?”

“Who, Daisy?” He paused, cocking his head. “We’re having a blast.”

“Daisy? As in Daisy Duke?” She snorted, unable to keep the green monster from her tone. “Where’d you meet her, the Waterin’ Hole?”

“We’ve been buddies since high school.” The corners of his mouth lifted. “And that’s Officer Daisy Callahan. She works with your brother.”

She latched on to the term “buddies” like a lifeline. Holy Moses. Who would’ve thought the woman built like a brick shithouse and worthy of the cover of Vogue was a cop? Not to mention a friend of Tommy’s. Way to make a total fool of yourself, Shea.