“Aw, mine looks like a dick, a big fat dick.” Marina looked down at her phallic-shaped cake she’d been carefully trying to decorate, wondering if she should even bother to try and finish it, it looked like such a disaster.
“What’s it supposed to be?” Silver-haired Irena smirked from across the table as she artfully added the finishing touches to her perfect, sparkly pink, butterfly-shaped cake.
Smoothing her palette knife up and down its twelve-inch length, Marina wrinkled her nose. “It’s supposed to be a rocket ship for my nephew’s fifth birthday. But no way can I let the kids get a look at this, unless I want to scar them for life.”
Her pretty blonde sister Annika laughed as she added the highlights to the comical googly eyes on her ghostly white cake, that looked good enough to be in a bakery showcase. “Yeah, I’m sure mom wouldn’t find it too funny if you pulled out a big, honking penis cake at the end of the party.” Then she tipped her head and asked, “And why is it black, because it’s so big?”
As the others all joined in and giggled, Marina rolled her eyes as she worked at making the tip a little pointier, and less smooth and helmet shaped, as she tried to explain. “I was going for a shiny gray, like a spaceship, but I guess I got carried away with the food coloring, and it turned out a deep, dark black. Mind you, since this is the closest I’ve been to one in months, I might just take it home and eat the whole thing myself… really slowly, inch by inch.”
The ladies were still snickering, when their tall, dark uber hunky, instructor Henry walked back into the room, caught the tail end of what they were saying and sidled up to take a look. Chuckling the moment he saw it, he shot Marina a grin and told her, “It might not be too bad if you could make the rocket boosters at the bottom look less round and more cylindrical, because right now they look a pair of…”
“Yeah, I know.” Marina agreed, smirking back at him, as she realized that the foot long dick, she’d inadvertently created, also had a pretty impressive looking pair of gonads dangling from the base.
The heat in his piercing, silver-blue gaze was nearly enough to melt her panties as he looked into her eyes and quietly murmured, “Why don’t you stay after class, and we’ll see if we can fix it.”
Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she nodded. “Sure.”
Her sister looked positively giddy as she caught the interaction going on between the two; flashing a teasing grin at Marina as Henry began to make his way around the table to look at the other cakes. Ignoring her sister’s pointed look, Marina went back to smoothing the icing, while her mind wandered off, wondering what it would be like to enjoy a little alone time with someone so insanely hot.
Eyeing him carefully in his perfectly fitted chef’s whites, as he stopped to comment on each cake, she guessed he stood about 6 foot two, a nice height she thought, to her five foot seven. With the most gorgeous, long-lashed slate blue eyes she’d ever seen. And such thick, lush dark hair, that she could just imagine running her hands through, while he was busy between her legs getting her off, making her cry out, ‘Oh god, Henry, yessss!’
Then her mouth fell open and she looked around the table as she realized that last part about her fantasy of having her come on his tongue, just kind of slipped out. While the rest of the ladies giggled at her outburst, she noticed the object of her desire, was cocking an eyebrow, and giving her a very naughty grin.
Her cheeks feeling like they were burning up, Marina wished she could crawl under the table and disappear. Straightening her spine, trying her best to resume her composure, she had to force herself to try and pretend that she hadn’t just invited him to do a helluva lot more than take a longer look at her naughty cake.
Hoping the laughter would die down once she left the room Marina decided to go and wash up in the bathroom to try and get the food coloring off her hands. When she came out, she realized everyone was gone. Well, everyone except for hot stuff, who was still quietly chuckling as he looked over her kinky cake.
“I’ve got an order for a big, black penis cake for a bachelorette party that would love something like this,” he told her as he built up the tip to make it look even more like a phallic symbol, even giving it a slit. As he worked on spicing it up even more, Marina joined in and laughed; glad he wasn’t rubbing in the fact that she was still terrible at cake decorating, even after a half dozen classes.
“Can it be fixed?” she asked, stepping in beside him.
Shaking his head, he put down his palette knife. “I think it might be better just to start over. And you can take this one home and enjoy it. I’ve got some plain white cake slabs in the fridge that we can cut into shape, and it shouldn’t take long to decorate.”
“But I hate to waste your time.” Watching him get the other cake out, Marina felt guilty about making him stay after the class, wondering if she shouldn’t just go buy a cake and forget about going to the trouble of trying to make another one.
As he set down the new cake, he just shrugged. “No worries. I’ve got four dozen cupcakes to decorate for a kids’ party at the local women’s shelter, so we can work on those while we’re at it.” She watched as he pulled over a big bowl of white icing and added a few drops of orange food coloring, mixing it all together as he explained, “And I can show you a quick way to decorate a bunch of them at once, using a star tip, so they don’t have to be so precise.”
Once he’d filled a piping bag, Marina watched amazed, as he quickly piped perfect little orange stars over six of the tiny cakes. “Wow. They already look like pumpkins. You’re just so good at that.”
Henry just smiled as he kept squeezing out the little stars. “Once we add a brown stem to the top, a green leaf for contrast and some darker icing for the eyes and a gap-toothed smile, they’ll be done,” he said as, one by one, he added the finishing touches to show her what he meant.
When he had six of them done, he handed her the piping bag. “Now, why don’t you give it a try?”
Feeling like she had two left thumbs, Marina bit into her lip and tried to remember how to hold the bag, without having the icing shoot out the back end, deciding she’d embarrassed herself enough for one day without coating herself in orange frosting.
“Here, let me help you.” Seeing her hesitate, Henry got in behind her and slipped his arms around her. “Remember, you twist the bag in the middle, pushing the icing to the end, making sure to get all the air out. Then you hold it closed with your thumb as you pipe, directing the tip with your other hand.”
As he helped her manage the piping bag, Marina was so hyper aware of his big, hard body pressed against her back, she could feel her breathing getting choppy as her heart began to pound. Breathing him in, she liked that he smelled like a man should smell, kind of musky with a hint of something sweet, possibly vanilla, considering that he was a pastry chef.
“Like this?” she asked, wrapping her thumb around the bag, to try and keep it closed to hold it all in, while also trying to remember how to breathe.
He leaned in even closer to guide her hand. As he wrapped his hand around hers, she couldn’t tear her eyes off of his darkly matted forearms or the little dark hairs on the top of each long, lean finger. She’d always loved the sight of a man with body hair, especially dark and thick like his, it made him look so manly.
Her mind wandered off, imagining how hot he’d look naked with a thick patch of dark chest hair trailing all the way down his body, to what she already knew would be something she’d love to explore.
Then he spoke again, and her head snapped up, and she remembered where she was and what she was supposed to be doing, when he said against her ear, “That’s it. Now keep a steady pressure on the bag, and squeeze out a star. But then ease up, so you don’t put a point on it.”
When she finally managed to turn her focus off of her instructor and his nice, hard body and back onto icing the cupcake, when she looked down, she couldn’t believe she’d actually done it!
Instantly, her face lit up with a smile, she just looked so pleased with herself after she’d managed to create a single, perfect little star. When she turned her head and looked back at him, the way she was grinning from ear to ear, Henry was tempted to touch a kiss to the end of her nose. She just looked so adorable and so thrilled that she’d managed to accomplish such a tiny little feat.
Suddenly, realizing how close together they were standing, he took a step back, and cleared his throat. “Looks like you’ve got the hang of it. Just try and keep the stars close together and nice and even, while I put a base coat on your cake, so the crumbs won’t ruin the icing.”
Watching her hunch over each little cupcake, she looked so tense. Without even thinking he stepped behind her, ran a hand over her shoulders, and gently massaged his way down her spine as he told her, “Relax. Don’t get so tense, Marina. This is supposed to be fun, remember?”
“I know.” She nodded, fighting the urge to shiver. Just the feel of his hands on her was enough to get her all tingly and get things heating up down below. It had been so long since she’d enjoyed the touch of a man, she barely remembered what it felt like. But knowing he was just being kind she knew there was no point in letting her imagination run away with her.
After doing as he’d suggested and shaking out her shoulders, she reached for the larger tipped piping bag with the chocolate icing and tried to add a stem to the cupcake. “Uh, oh,” she said, biting into her lip and wincing when she saw she’d created something obscene looking again.
“What’s wrong?”
Marina covered the cake with her hand, almost afraid to show him. “Promise you won’t laugh?”
Trying to keep a straight face, he said, “I promise.”
Flinching, she looked up to see his reaction as she uncovered what she’d done. “It looks like a bum hole on a big orange butt. I think I pushed it in too far, and even gave it a crack.”
Henry threw back his head and laughed. “Looks like you’ve got a real knack for creating dirty cakes.”
Marina broke up, too, as she studied her handy work with a shrug. “It’s a gift, I guess.”
They kept laughing as Henry got into it and piped two big boobs on another cupcake, then added a pair of very erect brown nipples. “So, what do think of that, naughty enough for you?”
“I think we’d better make sure that none of these get to the shelter, or they’ll be calling the cops.”
Still chuckling, he agreed. “I think you’re right.” He nodded at the bag with chocolate frosting. “Pick up the bag again, and I’ll show you how to make a stem.” With his hand wrapped around hers, he gently helped her squeeze the bag to show her how it was done. “I just push the tip in where I need it to go, kind of deep, and then I slowly drag it out.”
Lifting her gaze to meet his, her eyes dancing with amusement, he realized what he’d said. “Nothing lewd about that,” she quipped as he helped her drag out a short, brown stump. “It’s not very long though, is it?” she remarked, as she studied the little nub.
Chuckling, Henry rolled his eyes. “It’s only meant to be a little stem on a pumpkin, and not something that could get me arrested.”
Trying to pull herself together, her eyes still glinting with amusement, she smirked. “If you say so. Guess I’d better try and keep them short and stubby, so they won’t be confused with anything else.”
He pulled out his phone. “You mean something like these,” he said, as he went through his naughtiest collection of cakes. Showing her everything from a naked, very well-endowed woman jumping out of a cake, to a pair of bare breasts barely covered in a lacy white bra, to his most requested design for bridal showers and bachelorettes; a huge, over-sized penis cake.
Her eyes popped when she saw the last one. “Oh, wow! And I thought mine was dirty. That looks like the real thing,” she said, pointing wide-eyed at a picture of a long, thick, skin-toned cake that looked good enough to lick, it was just so lifelike.
“The ladies at the bridal shower all seemed pretty happy with it,” Henry said, chuckling.
When he went to put down his phone, Marina grabbed his wrist. “Wait, what was that last one?” Henry brought up the picture again and showed her an absolutely gorgeous, intricately decorated castle that had to be the prettiest cake she’d ever seen. “Holy smokes! That’s not just a cake, that’s a work of art. It’s just so beautiful,” she said, turning her head to look at him, she was just so blown away by his talent.
“The governor’s daughter had a medieval themed wedding, and she wanted me to create a fairy tale castle for their cake.”
As Marina studied the intricately piped leaded glass windows, soaring towers and wooden drawbridge, complete with a moat, surrounded in shrubbery and tiny little flowers, she remarked, “It must have taken days to put in so much detail.”
Henry nodded, recalling all the back-breaking hours he’d put into it. “It paid off, though. She was so thrilled with it, they insisted on doubling the bill. And a year later they hired me to create a cake for her baby shower.”
When he showed her the cherubic baby in a basket cake, with a big pink bow on top, Marina sighed. “Oh, that’s so sweet. I’m sure she must have loved that, too.” But then she looked up at him, curious. “With your high-end clientele, your business must be booming. So, why would you want to waste your time teaching classes to hopeless cases like me?” Then things got a little awkward when she noticed he went quiet and wouldn’t meet her gaze. Wondering if she’d gone too far, she jumped in and said, “I guess you’ve got your reasons, no need to answer.” Picking up the piping bag again, she went back to decorating the cupcakes, hoping to let it drop.
Trying to build up his decimated his bank account was his main motivation, but he wasn’t about to tell her that, or he’d have to open up and tell her everything. As sweet as she was, he wasn’t ready to bare his soul to anyone, just yet. Not even his brother knew what his situation really was, although they were as close as twins.
Knowing she hadn’t meant to pry, and hating how uncomfortably quiet things had gotten between them, he was glad when she finally lifted her gaze and looked at him. Brushing a few loose reddish blonde hairs back from her eyes, he tucked them behind her ear and decided, despite how much fun they’d been having, that they’d better stop fooling around and get back to work on the cakes. Her big green eyes locked on his, she nodded when he said, “We should probably put these aside and get a start on your cake now.”
Though he let her do most of the work, he stayed right beside her until she’d created a pretty impressive looking rocket ship. Iced in shiny, silver frosting, he imagined it would thrill her little nephew, who she’d said was crazy about everything to do with outer space. Just to finish it off, he carefully added an astronaut waving from the cockpit, making it look even more life-like.
Smiling down at their creation, Marina squeezed his arm and gushed, “Thank you so much for taking the time to help me with this, Henry. I know Nathan’s going to love it, and so will all his friends.”
“Well, you did all the work, so no need to thank me. You’ve just got to relax and try to enjoy what you’re doing, and you can make anything you want.”
As they boxed up her two cakes, Marina laughed as Henry made sure to mark the one that was for her nephew’s birthday with big black letters that read: Rocket Ship! so she wouldn’t embarrass herself by accidentally showing up with her kinky cake. After he’d finished the last details on the cupcakes, they boxed those up, too.
When everything was cleaned up and put away, Marina took a look at her watch and flinched when she realized it was getting late. “I just remembered my sister was my ride today, so I’d better call an uber if I want to get these cakes home in one piece.”
Henry shrugged. “Or I could drive you. The kids’ party is tomorrow, so I’ve got to drop these off tonight.”
“If you’re sure it won’t be out of your way. I live just north of here.”
He winked. “Then luckily, we’re going the same way.”
Good god, after he’d gone and changed, Marina had to bite into her lip to keep from moaning. How was it possible that he looked every bit as hot in jeans and a cable-knit sweater as he did in his chef’s whites?
Which had her wondering if she shouldn’t just call an uber after all, unless she wanted to embarrass herself by drooling all the way home.
Sitting beside him in his van, she had to force her gaze out the window so she wouldn’t get caught staring at his profile. He was just so good to look at, especially with that sexy five-o’clock shadow lining his jaw. Licking her lips, she imagined how amazing he’d be to kiss.
She was so deep in thought, that when Henry’s phone rang, he gave her a curious look when he noticed her jump in her seat as he answered it with his blue-tooth. “Hey, Chris, how’s it going?” he said, when he saw it was his brother.
“Okay, I guess. Though, Jenn’s making me a little crazy; she’s so hyped about the wedding. Now she’s decided she wants everyone in costume. And I’m sure mom won’t be too thrilled to hear that, after she hunted everywhere to find the perfect dress. I know she wasn’t too happy about us getting married on Halloween, especially at the old Beaumont Estate that’s supposed to be haunted.”
“At least it’ll be a wedding no one will ever forget.”
“Yeah, hopefully because they had fun; and not because it was the creepiest thing they’d ever been to.”
Marina could see the amusement in his gaze as Henry grinned at her, while they listened to his brother. Changing the subject, Henry said, “I got the sketch Jenn sent me for your cake this morning, and I’ve been thinking about the design.”
“Yeah, guess you noticed, even the cake is pretty out there. I don’t have to tell you, being an actress, Jenn’s got a real flair for the dramatic. So, naturally she wouldn’t go for anything traditional like a typical, three-tiered white cake with a pair of love birds on top.
“She had to go all out with the creepy haunted house theme, complete with a spooky grave yard, and a pair of vultures staring down at the tombstones. But since Jenn loves the way it looks, vultures and all, if that’s the cake she wants, then that’s the cake we’re having.”
Henry chuckled at the face Marina pulled, when she turned her head and looked at him wide-eyed as Chris described their gruesome wedding cake.
“Well, I can make it for you, no problem, with vultures, bats, ghosts and goblins or whatever you want.”
“Thanks, bro’, we really appreciate it. Don’t forget, Jenn wants you to come with a date, or she’s threatening to sit you beside her cousin Deandra.”
Henry’s brow wrinkled as he tried to think back. “Which one was she?”
“Remember that curvy goth chick you met at our place at Christmas, who wouldn’t leave you alone. Head to toe in black, right down to her Doc Martins, with long, jet black hair, dark heavy makeup and a deep, sinister laugh that’s scary as hell. If I were you, I’d find someone to bring, or you’ll end up spending the night with the mistress of darkness glued to your side.”
“Thanks for the warning.” Looking across the car, he noticed Marina pretending to be staring out the passenger window. But the way her shoulders were shaking, obviously she was trying her best not to laugh at what sounded like the fix-up from hell.
Dragging a hand over his face, and watching her out of the corner of his eye, he wasn’t exactly thrilled to be discussing his private life in front of one of his students, especially her. “I’ll do what I can, but no promises.”
All sense of fun gone his brother’s tone suddenly grew serious. “Henry, it’s been nearly two years now. Don’t you think it’s time you got back in the game?”
Though he hated to get into it, especially in front of her, heaving a sigh he said, “Not that it’s anyone else’s business, but I like my life the way it is. I’m doing just fine on my own. And I sure as hell don’t need anyone screwing with my head. And have any of you even considered the fact that maybe I don’t want back in the game?”
“We just want to see you happy, Henry. And we hate to see you alone.”
Henry glanced over at Marina, anxiously biting into her lip, obviously uncomfortable with the turn in the conversation, he softened his tone. “Chris, I’ve got friends I hang out with. I’ve got my classes, and I’m always busy. So, you don’t have to worry about me.” When the light turned green, a little embarrassed at his outburst, he muttered, “Anyway, traffic’s starting to move again, so I should go.”
“Even just for the wedding, try and find someone to bring, okay? Mom’s worried about you, too. She thinks you’re on your own too much. And she’s even talking about finding you a date. And I know you don’t want that. Or you could wind up with one of our cousins, and probably one of the weird ones. If you do decide to show up with someone, if nothing else, it’ll get everyone off your back for a while.”
“If I thought it would work, it might be worth it.” Deciding he’d heard enough, Henry blew out a breath and said, “I’ll talk to you later, Chris. Say hi to Jenn for me.”
“Oh, one more thing before you go. Sounds like my stag is on again, and it’s going to be tomorrow night. I know it’s short notice, but I really hope you can make it. I didn’t care if I had one or not, but my buddies insisted, said there was no way was I getting hitched without one last night out with the guys.”
“So, where’s it going to be held?”
“Um… at a strip club,” Chris said sheepishly.
Henry eyebrows shot up. “And Jenn’s okay with that?”
“Yeah, she’s cool. She said as long as I look and don’t touch, she’s fine with it. She also told me that I should go and enjoy myself, knowing it’ll be the last time I ever look at another woman naked.”
Glancing across at Marina, Henry chuckled. “So, what’s the name of this place.”
“It’s The Boom-Boom Sha-Boom Room, on one of the back service roads, out by the airport.”
“Sounds classy.”
Chuckling, Chris said, “Yeah, I thought so, too.” “So, can we count you in? The foods supposed to be good. And there’s a card room in back. So, we can play poker after the guys have had their fill of teasing me about getting married and forcing lap dances on me.”
Marina smirked, as Henry looking none to thrilled, shook his head and said, “Yeah, I’ll be there. So, guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Wondering what she’d thought of his outburst, Henry drove in silence for a while trying to decide what to say. Until Marina looked over at him and quietly admitted, “I haven’t dated in over a year. Just got tired of it. Tired of all the lies, and trying to impress people I didn’t even know, who I mostly never wanted to see again. My family is after me too, always trying to make sure I get out. Which is why my sister Annika keeps dragging me to all these different classes, trying to prevent me from turning into a crazy cat lady if I’m left on my own, I guess.”
Brow raised, he turned and looked at her. “Why, how many cats do you have?”
“Right now, I’ve got three, but I had four till one passed away last month.” Turning her gaze out the window, she let out a sigh, as she thought of her. “Precious had a good life, though. She was seventeen, and pretty healthy till the end. I had her since I was seven, when I found her abandoned as a kitten in a parking lot.”
Henry reached over and squeezed her hand. “Sorry to hear that. But I don’t think three qualifies you to be a crazy cat woman, at least not yet.”
He felt relieved when she smiled across the car at him, though he was surprised to learn that she was only twenty-four. Since he was about to turn forty, he decided, even if he was interested — which he wasn’t — that she was way too young to even think about asking out.
Then he smiled back at her when she said, “Guess because I work from home designing interior spaces, they all worry that without a man in my life, I might also turn into a shut-in that never leaves the house.”
“Sounds like we have that in common. I know my family worries about me. But they don’t realize that I’m happy as I am, whether I’ve got anyone in my life or not.”
“I hear you. My grandmother used to say you have to learn to enjoy your own company, or you’ll never be good company to anyone else. And I believe that, too.”
Henry looked across at her and just stared for a moment, deciding they really did have a lot in common. For someone so young, she had a good head on her shoulders, and was really fun to be with. And she didn’t take herself too seriously, unlike Tatyana, who even from the start, had never been very easy going.
Marina looked up as they pulled into the driveway of the two-story yellow brick shelter, decorated top to bottom for the season. Covered in fake spider webs with two big, fat pumpkins on the front porch, and hand-crafted witches, ghosts and skeletons hanging from the eavestroughs.
She noticed Henry pulled out his phone and called to let them know that he was outside with the cupcakes. Probably because they wouldn’t appreciate some strange man showing up unannounced and knocking on their door, especially at night.
Marina watched the front door open, as an older lady with salt and pepper hair swept up in a bun, stepped outside to meet him. She smiled as Henry walked over to meet her, her eyes shining with delight as she accepted the big, long box of carefully decorated treats. “Oh, the kids are going to love these, Henry. Thank you so much for taking the time to make them. You’re always so kind to us.”
Henry just shrugged. “It’s the least I can do. And I hope the kids enjoy their party.”
When he got back in the car, Marina was eyeing him quietly as he pulled out onto the street, till finally she patted his hand and said, “That was nice of you.”
He shrugged. “I like to help out wherever I can.”
She just nodded, deciding he was even nicer than she thought.
“Have you had dinner yet?” he asked as they drove along a busy street, lined with restaurants and shops, as they headed towards her house.
“No, I didn’t have time. I was almost late for class tonight, thanks to one of my long-winded clients who wouldn’t get off the phone. So, I’ll probably just fix myself a sandwich when I get home.”
Henry put on his turn signal, pulled up in front of a quaint little bistro, leaned in and whispered against her ear, “Or, while we’re out, we could grab a bite to eat, so neither of us has to settle for a sandwich.”
She was still grinning at him as he came around and opened the van door for her. She noticed as he walked her inside, with his hand at her lower back, the owner’s face lit up with a smile the moment he saw them walking in together. “Hey, Henry, long time no see.”
“Yeah, I’ve been busy.” He nodded at his lean, dark-haired friend, dressed in a fitted black suit with a narrow red tie. “Marina, this is Nando, who runs the best bistro in town. And Nando, this…uh, my friend Marina.”
Though she grinned at his awkward introduction, Marina liked to think they were friends, because it seemed he really was a nice guy that she was hoping to keep as a friend even once the class was over.
Once he’d seated them in a quiet corner near the back, Nando lit the candle on their table, and smiled as their faces were bathed in a warm, romantic glow. “How about a tasting plate, for the two of you to share?” Nando suggested, as he spread white linen napkins over their laps.
“Anything you don’t like?” Henry asked Marina while Nando waited to hear what she’d say.
She shook her head, looking back and forth between them. “No, I’m easy. I like pretty much everything.”
That was a relief, considering how many women he knew who always seemed to be on some kind of special diet, or were just plain fussy.
Looking pleased, Nando winked. “Then I’ll be back soon with some wine and your dinner.”
Marina thought it might be awkward having dinner with Henry, since they only knew each other from class. But soon they were talking about everything under the sun, and laughing a lot, too. She realized, he was just so easy to be with and so much fun, she kind of wished it wasn’t going to be just a one-time thing.
Placing a platter brimming with grilled meats, vegetables and seafood between them, Nando smiled proudly at his offering as he poured them both a nice glass of dry red wine. Her mouth watering as she eyed all the delectable looking morsels on the overflowing platter, Marina just hoped that Henry wouldn’t be able to hear her empty stomach growling from across the table.
The moment she tried the baked shrimp nestled in a bed of creamy, melted goat cheese, her eyes rolled skyward, and she actually moaned out loud. It was so unbelievably tasty she realized she could have happily eaten a whole plate of just the shrimp.
Pleased to see she was enjoying her meal, Henry carved them both a slice of medium rare steak, that he watched her savor with a side of sautéed portobello mushrooms. That she seemed to be enjoying just as much, judging by the sexy little moans coming out of her after every bite.
“Everything’s just so good. I can see why you enjoy coming here. I know I’ll be back,” she told him as she reached for a slice of warm, crispy-crusted baguette to dip into the melted garlic-laced butter from the escargot they’d already polished off.
As he topped up her wine glass, Henry agreed. “I know, right? It’s nothing fancy, but the food’s always amazing.”
Even after she swore that she couldn’t eat another bite, when his friend Nando came back and tempted them with three little desserts to share; a crème caramel, a chocolate-raspberry fudge cake with fresh whipped cream, scattered with fresh, tart raspberries and a warm, caramel-nut tart, she smirked as she reached for her fork. “Guess I’ll just have to spend an extra hour on the treadmill tomorrow.”
Chuckling at how much she was obviously enjoying a little taste of the three sweets, Henry was glad now that he’d decided to stop for something to eat. Or he would never have had the pleasure of sharing such an intimate meal with her.
****
When he pulled up in front of her house, they’d had such a nice night, Marina leaned in and impulsively pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. “Thanks for that delicious dinner, and for the ride, and especially for the help with the cake, Henry. I never could have done it without you.”
“No worries”, he said, as he reached up and touched a hand to his cheek, surprised that she’d actually kissed him. Finally, remembering where they were, he looked out at her tidy little house, illuminated by the street lights, and remarked, “You’ve got a nice place.”
Following his gaze, Marina shrugged. “It’s not much, but it’s mine.”
It was a comfortable looking house in a nice neighborhood. And he thought she was lucky at her age to have put down some roots, which was something he was still hoping to do one day, once he finally got his life back on track again.
Although she said she could manage, he still got out and helped her carry the cakes up to her front door. Then he smiled the moment she turned the door handle, when they were greeted by three mewling little fur balls that seemed pretty happy to see her. After giving them each a little pat on the head, he stood back up, feeling a little awkward, he shrugged. “Well, I guess this is goodnight.”
Tempted to at least give her a kiss goodnight, even just on the cheek, he decided against it, because they hadn’t really been on a date, they’d just shared a meal. Walking back to his van, he turned his head and gave her a wave, as she picked up the little white cat and waved back.
Funny, they’d been having such a good time that he kind of hated to leave. Though he definitely wasn’t interested in starting anything with anyone new, he had to admit, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed as hard or enjoyed himself as much. She was just so funny and sweet, and so easy to be with, and pretty easy on the eyes, too. Which had had him thinking about things he hadn’t thought about in a long time. Like what it would feel like to get naked with her and trace his tongue over every inch of her sweet little body…
****
Back at his place, sitting in his boxers on the edge of his bed, Henry picked up his phone, took a look at the time, and seeing that it was almost ten, tried to decide if he should call her or not. Then a shudder went through him as he considered the alternative. Just the thought of Jenn’s cousin Deandra, all in black with that hideous laugh, had him deciding that he might as well try his luck.
“Hey, Marina, it’s Henry. I got your number off my class list, and I hope I’m not calling too late.”
“Oh, hi, Henry. No, I’m still up. I didn’t forget anything, did I?”
“No. I was just thinking. I’m sure you heard the conversation I had with my brother about them wanting me to show up with a date. Since neither of us is seeing anyone, I wondered, if you didn’t already have plans, what you’d think of coming to the wedding as my plus one. No one has to know that we normally don’t see each other outside of class. And who knows, a Halloween wedding might even be fun, especially in an old haunted house.”
“But am I expected to wear a costume?”
“I’ll take care of that. You decide what you want to wear, and I’ll pick it up.”
Marina bit into her lip, smiling. “So, are we talking naughty nurse, or something a little classier, like a fairy princess?”
Henry Chuckled. “Personally, I like the sounds of a naughty nurse, but I’ll have to look into the dress code. I’m pretty sure Jenn, being the bride, wouldn’t want anyone in anything too sexy or over the top. So, I’ll have to ask.”
“It does sound like it’ll be more fun than your average wedding.”
“I bet it will be, knowing those two. So, what do you say, Marina, will you come?”
“Sure, I’ll come.” Sitting up in bed, with a silly grin on her face, she stared down at her phone, half-wondering if the whole thing was just a dream. And that her hot as sin cake decorating instructor hadn’t just asked her to join him at his brother’s wedding, as his plus one. “If you’re sure there’s no one else you’d rather ask?”
“No. I just thought since we’re both flying solo lately, it might be fun to spend a few hours together. We had some laughs after class tonight, so I’m sure we can get through a wedding together, especially one as crazy as this.”
Though he couldn’t see her, she just nodded, feeling slightly disappointed that he didn’t sound like he had very high expectations for even a pretend date with her. “Okay,” she agreed. “Sounds like a plan. Once we figure out what we’re wearing, I’ll be there.”
“Thanks, Marina. You’re a life saver.”
After they hung up, Marina put her phone down, flopped back on the pillow, reached for the remote and turned on the TV. She’d been yawning and ready for bed when he called. But now her mind was racing as she wondered what it would be like to even have a fake date with someone as hot as Henry Wilde, who she’d secretly been crushing on from the moment she’d first seen him.
A little curious about his past, after the conversation she’d overheard in the car, she picked up her tablet and decided it might be a good idea to google him to see what she’d find, especially if they planned to spend an entire day together.
The week before, when she’d been channel surfing, she was surprised to see him on TV as a judge in a baking contest. Then all she’d done for the entire program was wait for the camera to turn back on him, because she thought he was so much nicer to look at than any of the cakes.
Scrolling down the page on her tablet, she found an article about his television appearances. And no surprise, scrolling down a little further there were loads of pictures of him with beautiful women. Including a famous ballerina, who was clinging to his side smiling up at him, looking like they were way more than just friends.
Which made her realize why he had decided to ask her to be his date for the wedding, since she didn’t stand a chance against any of the models and actresses that seemed to be his type. So obviously, there was no danger of them getting involved.
Putting aside her tablet, Marina turned out the light, wondering what she’d gotten herself into by agreeing to be Henry Wilde’s companion, even for a single day.
Just starting to drift off, she nearly jumped out of her skin when her cell phone chimed again. Her heart pounding, wondering if it was Henry calling back hopefully to say something dark and sexy, she groaned when she turned on the light, reached for her phone, checked the call display and saw it was just her sister. Knowing she’d want a play by play of what happened between the two of them once they were on their own, she decided not to share anything more than what they did with the cakes.
“Hey, you,” Annika said. “Hope I didn’t wake you. I just got home from mom’s and I couldn’t wait to hear what happened.”
Marina shrugged, because the truth was, there wasn’t much to tell, although they did have fun. And he’d also shown her that he had a pretty good sense of humor, at least once the two of them were alone. “Henry helped me decorate another cake that actually looks like a spaceship. And I brought the other one home, if you want to come over for coffee tomorrow to help me eat the nasty thing.”
After Annika laughed at that, she said, “So… that’s all that happened? And I was so hopeful. I’ve noticed the way he looks at you, and I was sure he was interested. I just can’t understand why he wouldn’t try anything when he had you all to himself.”
Deciding to keep quiet about the dinner they’d shared and the invite to the wedding, since even Henry had said that it wasn’t really a date, Marina basically told her the truth. “Sorry to disappoint you, but nothing happened. Except that he taught me how to use a star tip.”
“On you, or on a cake?”
Though she laughed, Marina wondered what would have happened if they had gotten busy with the icing, because she knew exactly where she’d like to ice him, before she took her time and slowly licked him clean. Heaving a sigh, she said, “Sadly, just on some cupcakes. I helped him decorate some little pumpkin cakes for a kids’ party at a women’s shelter.”
“Oh, how sweet of him to do something like that. But that was it? Not even a kiss goodnight?”
“Nope. He drove me home. I thanked him. We said goodnight, and that was it.”
“Then I think you’d better dress a little sexier for our next class, and show some cleavage, and see what happens.”
Not that she’d tell her sister, but Marina had already been thinking about finding a sexy Halloween costume to wear to the wedding, that would really show off her girls. Still, she couldn’t imagine giving him a show of cleavage at their cake decorating class. “I don’t think so. If he’s not interested, he’s not interested. And I don’t think flashing the twins is going to do anything to change his mind.”
“Could be he’s not into women, and that’s why he didn’t try anything with you. Though he looks pretty straight to me.”
Starting to yawn, Marina decided to change the subject. “So, will I see you for coffee tomorrow?”
“Hopefully, I’ll be there sometime in the afternoon. I’ve got brunch with Ryan tomorrow, that hottie I told you about that I met at the gym, that’s all tall, dark, handsome and nothing but muscle. So, don’t put the coffee on till I phone to confirm, just in case lunch turns into something more,” Annika said, with a naughty laugh.
“Okay, then I’ll wait to hear what happens. I hope you enjoy your lunch, while I snack on my naughty cake. Talk to you soon, sis.”
After she’d put down her phone and turned the light out again, smiling to herself, Marina decided she’d wear a turtle neck to their next class, if for no other reason than to piss off her meddling sister.
Saturday morning, about to sit down to a plate of scrambled eggs, Marina had to run to get her phone from the bedroom when she heard it chiming. Assuming it was her sister, she automatically said, “Hey, you.”
Then she laughed, when Henry said, “Hey you, too. You sound a little breathless. Hope I’m not getting you at a bad time.”
She always felt a little breathless around him, but he didn’t need to know that. So, she said, “No. I just had to run and get my phone that I forgot in the bedroom.”
“Well, I thought I’d let you know that my brother’s fiancée Jenn has got the costumes arranged for us. Her friend’s a costume designer and he said he’d be happy to fix everyone up. We just have to go down to his studio and decide what we want to wear, whenever you have the time.”
Knowing the wedding was only a few days away, she suggested, “Well, I’m free for most of the day, if you are. As long as I get to my nephew’s birthday party by around four, I should be okay.”
“Yeah, I could pick you up, say around eleven?”
“Sure. I’ll see you then.” She imagined her sister wasn’t going to make it for coffee, if she was out swooning over her hot new guy. So, it sounded like she’d be spending another few hours she wasn’t expecting to spend with hunky Henry.
Her doorbell rang just before eleven. When Marina answered, she was surprised to see, that in addition to looking hot as hell in snug black jeans, leather jacket and body-hugging sweater, that he’d also come bearing gifts, at least for the cats. After she’d thanked him for the three bags of cat treats, Patches, Dolly, and Buddy warmed up to him pretty quick, when he crouched down to let them eat out of his hand, while stroking their furry little heads. Chuckling at the sounds of the three of them purring their little hearts out, he looked up at her and explained, “Thought I’d better start off on a good footing, so they’ll know they can trust me.”
Marina laughed as Buddy her big, black twenty-five-pound monster, stood up on his hind legs and tried to snatch the bag away from Henry, after he’d already eaten most of what he had in his hand. “Well, I’d say you’ve definitely made a friend with Buddy, who as you can probably tell, really enjoys his food.”
“He is a big cat. But I think he’s big all over, even his paws.” He shook out a few more treats for him, and stroked his back. “I think Buddy’s just a big boy, aren’t you, big guy?”
Touched that he’d take an interest in them, Marina expression softened as she watched him warming up to her cats, since she knew not everyone liked them. But he seemed pretty happy to be making friends with her furry little roommates.
****
Darius’s studio was in a massive second floor loft down by the waterfront. The moment they walked in, Darius’s face lit up with a smile when he set his gaze on Marina, pointed a finger at her and announced, “I know just what you’ll be wearing, you sweet thing, with all that gorgeous strawberry-blonde hair, and those big, beautiful green eyes.”
Then he winked and said, “But I think we’ll keep your boyfriend guessing until the day of the wedding.” Surprised at first, she laughed when he reached out and cupped her chin in his hand, looked into her eyes and said, “You’re such a pretty young thing, I just hope he knows how lucky he is to have a gorgeous woman like you for his lady.”
Henry chuckled too, since Darius seemed to be a natural born tease, and obviously not exactly into women. Mincing his way over to a row of men’s costumes, he looked back over his shoulder at Henry, narrowed his big brown eyes, and quickly sized him up. “And I think a drop-dead hunk of man like you would make a very dashing James Bond, or perhaps an even more stylish Great Gatsby. What do you think?”
Not really into dressing up, Henry glanced at the rack of costumes, and shrugged. “You’re the stylist, so I’ll wear whatever you think works best.”
Darius smile grew wide, as slowly, he let his gaze slide over Henry from the tips of his black leather boots to the top of his sexy head of thick, dark hair. “Personally, I think you’d look amazing no matter what we dress you in, big guy, even just a sheet,” he said throwing back his head and letting out a throaty laugh.
Laughing right along with Darius, Marina agreed. With his looks, Henry didn’t need a fancy costume to try and look good. Still, she thought he would look incredibly hot dressed as a very dashing 007.
When Henry tried on the perfectly fitted jet black suit with a black bow tie, crisp white shirt and polished black shoes, the moment he walked out of the fitting room, Marina and Darius grinned at each other, nodding their approval. As a straight-faced Henry did the classic pose, pointing his arm, pretending he had a gun in his hand, both Darius and Marina laughed and said, “I think you’ve got your costume.”
Then it was Marina’s turn. But before he took her back to see the dresses, Darius crooked his finger at Henry, smiled and suggested, “Why don’t I get you comfy on my big mauve couch with a cappuccino, and a magazine to leaf through, now that we’ve got you settled. And I can help your lady find something guaranteed to please you.”
Sitting with his coffee, his brow raised, Henry gave Marina a teasing smile as Darius led her away to a room at the back of his studio that looked to be filled with rows of colorful floor-length gowns.
“This,” Darius said, pulling a red sparkly dress off the rack with a flourish, “is what I picture you in.” Pointing out her features, he said, “With that sweet set of curves, and all that long red hair swept over one shoulder, and those big emerald green eyes made up to show how just lovely they are, no one will be able to tear their eyes off you, you’ll look so enticing.” He winked. “And I guarantee,” he leaned in and whispered in a throaty purr, “that hunk of a man of yours, won’t be able to keep his hands off you.”
Now that he put it like that, although at first, she’d thought the dress might be just a little too over-the- top. With its thigh-high slit, and cut almost as daringly low in the front as it was in the back, knowing she’d definitely get a rise out of Henry, she decided to try it on.
Holy smokes! Was it ever sexy; probably the most daring thing she’d ever worn. Since she was quite slender, but still fairly curvy, the dress was a little loose, especially in the waist. But wow, with it’s built-in bra, did it ever make her 34C’s pop, like she’d never seen them pop before.
Shaking his head, smugly grinning at how incredible she looked in the sexy, red sparkler, Darius assured her, “You’re such a slender little thing, I can see it’s a little big on you. But I could have my seamstress take it in while you wait, and then it’ll fit you like a glove.”
After having the dress fitted and pinned into place, while waiting for the alterations, Marina looked through a few more dresses. She had to agree with Darius, as she rifled through the racks, though most were quite pretty, there was nothing nearly as eye-catching, or quite as daring, as the flame red dress he’d chosen for her.
Once he’d bagged it up, she and Darius both strolled out grinning at each other like they were sharing a naughty secret. As Henry cocked an eyebrow, while eyeing the bag. “Don’t I even get to see it?”
Shaking a finger at him, Darius told him, “You’ll see it soon enough, big guy,” as he slyly winked at Marina.
Knowing her sister had the perfect pair of hot-pink high-heels, and Darius had been kind enough to include a pair of long, purple gloves to finish the look. She knew all she had to do was go on-line and practice some dramatic makeup to give it the full effect. With her long, reddish-gold hair curling down over her shoulder, Marina was pretty sure she could pull it off. And she just hoped that Henry would like what he saw, once she’d transformed herself into what she hoped would be a very sexy little vixen.
Traffic was slow on the drive back. After he’d stopped to pick up the cake at Marina’s place and then dropped her off at her mother’s house for her nephew’s party, Henry knew he had to hurry, if he was going to get out to the Boom-boom Sha-Boom Room in time for dinner and the show.
As he walked in the door, once he got used to the dim lighting, and the near deafening pulse of the bass pounding from the speakers, he noticed the place was packed. Up on the stage he saw there was already a very well-endowed topless girl, sliding her curvy body up and down along a stripper pole, licking her lips and smiling coyly at the crowd.
He came up behind his brother, seated front row center, and gave his shoulder a squeeze.
Chris turned in his seat and flashed a smile. “Hey, Henry, glad you made it. Dinner’s in back, so grab yourself a plate and pull up a seat.”
As Henry dished himself up some lasagna and Caesar salad, and a few wings along with some garlic bread, though he was happy to be there for his brother, he just wasn’t feeling it. Probably because he could picture Marina from the night before, smiling at him from across the table, and decided he’d much rather be out with her, than sitting watching a bunch of strippers flashing the crowd.
Pulling up a seat beside his brother, Henry was just about to have pull on his beer, when a pretty young Asian lady, with shimmering black hair down to her waist, dropped into his lap and slid her hands through his hair.
The crowd all laughed and cheered, and Henry played along, smiling as she rubbed her pert little tits across his chest.
“I think she likes you,” Chris said, laughing.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Henry just nodded, wishing she’d crawl onto his brother and quit grinding on him, considering that it was his stag.
Even when he was younger, he’d never been into strip joints. It just felt so fake to have a strange woman grinding her pussy in his lap, trying to act like she was enjoying herself, when neither of them was getting anything out of it.
****
At Marina’s mother’s house, the party in full swing, her nephew smiling from ear to ear with everyone gushing over the beautiful space-ship birthday cake, surprised that she’d actually made it. Though she admitted that she’d done it with a lot of help from her instructor. That had her sister teasingly wiggling her eyebrows at the mere mention of Henry.
With the kids running around playing games, laughing and squealing, as the two of them started cleaning up, Marina leaned in an asked, “So, how was your brunch with Ryan?”
“Oh, I think I’m in love,” she said with a little shiver as she giggled. Keeping her voice down, Annika confided, “We talked for hours, and he wants to see me again tomorrow. It just felt like we clicked, and now I can hardly wait to see him again.”
Marina nodded as she thought of Henry, and the fun they’d had over dinner as she wondered if he was enjoying his naughty night out with the boys.
When she got home that night, she agonized over it for a bit, till finally she sent him a text:
The cake was a big hit. Nathan loved it! Thanks again.
Though he had a lousy hand, he was glad to be playing poker in the back room without anyone sitting in his lap, when he heard his phone ping with a text. He put down his cards and smiled as he read her message.
He texted back:
Glad to hear it.
His fingers hovering over the keys, he was tempted to say more. He reconsidered, and put his phone away, deciding they’d have plenty of time to talk at the wedding, now that he’d been told that it was a bigger event than he’d thought.
****
It was the day before Halloween and Marina had everything packed, ready for the wedding. Though she could hardly believe that Henry had only just learned that it was a three-day event, and he’d sheepishly called her the night before to tell her. Which meant they’d be sleeping at the inn together, but unfortunately in separate rooms.
At least they’d have a few days together before it all came to an end. Hopefully three fun-filled days, so she’d have something to look back on, when she was back to being on her own again.
Marina took one last look around before locking up, finding it odd that there were no furry little bodies winding around her legs as she reached for her bags, ready to go. Lucky for her, she had a neighbor who treasured every chance she got to watch her cats, after losing her twenty-year old Persian to old age just the year before.
She’d just stepped out of the house when Henry hopped out of his van and strode up to help her with her bags. Flashing her a smile, he held open the van door for her, and told her, “I really appreciate you helping me out like this.” Then he surprised her when he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek, before he went to stow her things in the back.
Once they were both buckled in, brow raised, he reached over, squeezed her hand and asked, “Ready?”
She smiled back him. “As I’ll ever be.”
The drive was absolutely beautiful, the bright afternoon sun shining down on nothing but mile after mile of brilliant orange, red and golds. An absolute riot of fall colors, every hillside and valley looked as pretty as a picture post card as they made their way north along the highway to the old Beaumont Estate.
Henry glanced across the car at her and smiled to himself, deciding she was the perfect combination of sexy and sweet and just so down to earth. Which was a nice change from the type of women he usually dated.
She looked pretty sexy too, in skin-tight deep brown leather pants that really showed off her long, shapely legs with a tiny matching jacket and snug white sweater, that perfectly showcased her perky breasts. He found he was having a hard time keeping his eyes on the road, she was such a distraction.
He reached over and turned on the radio, and tuned in to some soft jazz, so they wouldn’t be sitting in awkward silence as they made their way up the highway. While he did his best to keep his gaze focused on the road.
Curious about what he’d told his family, Marina looked across at him. “So, does your family think we’re involved, or do they know that we’re just friends.”
He looked kind of guilty as he fessed up. “I hope you don’t mind, but I told my brother that we’ve been seeing each other for a few months, just to get the heat off me, so they’ll stop trying to fix me up.”
She smirked. “Guess we’ll have to put on a bit of show then, so they’ll think we’ve got something going on.”
Chuckling, he wiggled his eyebrows as he smiled back, since he had no problem engaging in a little PDA with someone as delightful as she was. He could already imagine how incredible it would feel to hold her close on the dance floor and maybe even have a taste of those sexy lips, while his hands wandered down her back, till he was cupping her shapely little backside. Of course, just to keep his family off his back, he reminded himself again.
Once they’d made their way up the winding road that led to the estate, as they passed through the tall, wrought iron gates, Marina eyes went wide as she looked around trying to take it all in.
The Beaumont Estate itself was absolutely beautiful; a large stately two-story stone and glass, slate roofed mansion, fully restored to its former glory. But the surrounding grounds were just bursting with color, the jewel-toned fall leaves shimmering on the trees in the light breeze, and the lush green lawn scattered with groupings of autumn-hued mums adding even more color to the well-tended gardens, were what really caught her eye.
As her gaze settled on a pair of majestic white swans floating side by side in the pond centred in the middle of the grounds, surrounded with even more colorful flowers, she murmured, “This is just so beautiful, I can see why they chose a setting like this for their wedding, even if it is supposed to be haunted.”
Once he’d parked the van in the lot beside the estate, leaning over to look out her window, Henry nodded as he followed her gaze. “It really is something, isn’t it? And I’ll bet the wedding pictures will be amazing in a setting like this.”
They noticed the inn where they’d be staying was conveniently located at the back of the estate with a walkway connecting the two buildings. As they walked in, Marina was so busy admiring the Halloween décor, with hay bales, pumpkins, gourds and colorful mums in pretty groupings around the lobby that she didn’t notice the shocked look on Henry’s face. She finally looked over when she noticed he’d stopped dead in his tracks muttering, “I can’t believe my father’s here.”
His father, a tall, good looking man with salt and pepper hair, looked over and noticed his son just then, and gave him a hesitant smile. As they watched him making his way over to join them, Henry muttered to himself, “I just hope he hasn’t been drinking.”
“Good to see you son,” his father said, awkwardly extending his hand, looking uncomfortable as he waited for Henry to accept it.
When it finally dawned on him what he was doing, Henry quickly put down their bags and reached for his father’s hand, gave it a firm shake, and patted his shoulder. “Good to see you, too, Dad.” Then he glanced around and quietly asked, “Does mom know you’re here?”
After taking a cautious look around, his dad shook his head. “Not yet, I don’t think. I only decided last night, after talking to your brother, that I have as much right to be here as your mother does. Chris said he wanted both his parents here for his big day. So, your mother’s just going to have to accept the fact that I’m part of the family, whether she likes it or not.”
Not sure how to introduce them, Henry looked at her and shrugged. “Marina this is my dad, Hank Wilde. And Dad, this is uh…my girlfriend, Marina Jansson.”
Trying to hide her smirk, Marina gave him the side-eye over the ‘girlfriend’ comment, but still smiled at his dad, and shook his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wilde.”
“Oh, you can call me Hank. My father was Mr. Wilde, but I’m just plain old Hank.”
While his father worked his charm on Marina, Henry took a moment to look him over, glad to see he was clean shaven for a change, and that his clothes were clean and there were no stains on his shirt or his navy-blue sport coat. What really struck him though, was that he couldn’t smell any booze on his breath, when he normally reeked of cheap whisky. Seeing as he’d managed to clean himself up, he just hoped he could stay sober long enough to get through the wedding without embarrassing himself or his family, especially his brother, who’d been brave enough to invite him.
Hank nodded at their suitcases sitting on the floor. “Well, guess I’d better let you two get settled in, while I get a drink… of soda water,” he said with a pointed look at his son. “Just so you know, I haven’t had a drop to drink in over six months. So, you don’t have to worry about me tripping up and ruining your brother’s big day.”
“Glad to hear it, Dad. Then I guess we’ll catch up with you a little later.”
“Sure thing,” he said with a wistful smile as he turned and headed, thankfully towards the restaurant, instead of the bar.
They were in line checking in, when Henry spotted his tall, sandy-haired brother Chris, waving and smiling from across the lobby as he made his way over to them.
“Hey, glad to see you’re here early,” he said as he joined them in the line up.
When Chris smiled at Marina, waiting for an introduction, Henry looked at her, gave her another awkward smile, and said, “Marina, this is my brother Chris, the soon to be groom. And Chris, this is my girlfriend Marina.” Marina noticed he didn’t trip over calling her his girlfriend this time, or his brother might have picked up on it.
Obviously happy to see his brother with someone, Chris’s looked back and forth between them beaming, once he heard that they were a couple. Reaching out, he shook Marina’s hand with both of his, and said pointedly, “It’s really nice to meet you, Marina.”
Smiling as she eyed Henry, Marina said, “You, too.”
Then Chris, looking a little anxious asked his brother, “So, did the cake make it here in one piece? Jenn can hardly wait to see it.”
“I was going to get us checked in first, then I’ll drive it around to the kitchen, so they can find a cool place to store it. But it should be fine, I had it boxed in to keep it steady on the drive up. And I brought some extra icing in case it needs a touch up.”
Chris nodded, then eyed his brother for a moment, and finally looking a little uncomfortable, drew in a breath and said, “Uh… before you go to check in, I should probably mention that dad’s here.”
“I know, we saw him when we came in. And thought he was looking pretty good.”
“Yeah, he is. He’s really cleaned himself up.” Then Chris hesitated before he told him the rest. “The thing is, the place is fully booked. So, when dad finally agreed to come, I had to give him the extra room you asked for. And I hope that won’t be a problem.”
Not expecting that, Henry and Marina just stared at each other for a moment, till Marina realized that Chris was waiting for an answer. She decided she’d better try and explain away the need for an extra room, so he wouldn’t wonder why they weren’t sharing, considering they were supposed to be dating. “No, it’s fine, Chris. We just thought it would be fun to dress in separate rooms, so we wouldn’t see each other in costume till right before the wedding.” She gave Henry a teasing smile. “But I guess one of us will just have to get dressed in the bathroom.”
Relieved that she’d played along, Henry reached out and squeezed her hand, hoping she could see how grateful he was that she was keeping up the ruse. Even though they’d just been told that they’d have to share a room, which neither of them had planned on.
“Well, I’m glad you’re okay with it.” Then Chris took a look at his watch, and took a deep breath. “Now I’ve got to go and meet with Jenn and the Minister. The wedding rehearsal is at six, and the dinner will be right after in the main dining room. And I’ve still got to get dressed. I just hope it all goes smoothly, especially with mom and dad.”
Noticing how rattled he looked, Henry put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Just take a few deep breaths, Chris. Everything’ll be fine. Why don’t you go and find your bride and try and have some alone time with her before the rehearsal, while we get settled in.”
After his brother nodded and walked away, as soon he was out of earshot, Henry turned to face Marina, hoping she was really okay with it. “Marina, I’m really sorry about the room. But if there’s a couch, I can sleep on that, or I could even crash in the van, if I have to.”
“Henry, I’m sure we can share a room. It’s not like we’re…” she waved her arm around trying to decide how to put it. “You know, actually involved or anything. And there’s no way you’re sleeping in a van when you’re here for your brother’s wedding.”
Relieved, Henry managed a smile, deciding he liked her feisty side, and the fact she was cool with them sharing a room.
On the ride up in the elevator, the air was crackling with tension. Neither saying a word, as they wondered how it was going to work, with the two of them having to share a room for two whole nights, especially considering the fact that they weren’t even dating.
After Henry unlocked the door to their room, and they stepped inside, you could have heard a pin drop in the carpet as they both stood and stared at the single queen size bed sitting in the middle of the room, feeling like it was staring back at them. Then they both looked around and noticed there was no couch, only two red ornate wing-backed chairs on either side of the window with a little table in between.
Suddenly, Marina started to laugh, and finally the tension broke, and Henry laughed, too. “Looks like we’ll be sharing more than just a room,” she said, eyeing the bed with the beautiful burgundy and white hand-stitched quilt, as she wondered what side of the bed he preferred to sleep on.
After he’d put their bags down, glad she was okay with it, Henry took a look at his watch. “I’d better go take care of the cake.”
“Oh, how did it turn out?”
He shrugged. “I think Jenn will be pretty happy with it. It sure looks scary enough.”
Marina grinned. “Have you got a picture of it?”
“Actually, I do.” He patted his pocket. “I’ve got a couple of them on my phone.”
“I’d love to see it.”
Chuckling, Henry took hold of her by the chin, and dropped a kiss on the end of her nose. “You’ll see it probably about the same time I finally get a look at that dress you’ll be wearing to the wedding.” He laughed at the way she narrowed her eyes on him, as he winked and said, “I’ll be back soon.”
Smiling to herself as she unpacked her things, Marina realized though it wasn’t much of a kiss, and was only on the end of her nose, it was still the second time that he’d kissed her.
When Henry came back with two cappuccinos and a couple of pastries to tide them over till dinner, Marina was impressed that he was so thoughtful. He could have just had a coffee on his own, and she’d have never known. But the fact that he’d thought of her, made her really want to thank him with a kiss, but smack on the lips this time.
As he handed her the coffee, she settled for stroking her hand over his cheek and murmuring, “Thank you, Henry. It’s really sweet of you.”
He shrugged out of his jacket, and had to clear his throat to tell her, “The wedding cake looks good. Now I just have to hope that it makes it to the reception room in one piece for the cake cutting and the pictures.”
They enjoyed their coffee together sitting by the window, looking out over the grounds. But when Henry glanced back at the bed, although so far, he’d manage to keep everything platonic, he almost dreaded the idea of crawling into bed with her.
He had a pretty strong feeling if she so much as touched him, once they were in bed together, his resolve would crumble faster than a dried-out cake.
“I think I’ll get a shower, and change for dinner. Unless you want to go first?” he said, as he got to his feet, deciding he needed a distraction so that he’d stop staring at the damn bed.
“No. You go ahead. I’m sure I’ll take longer than you, and I don’t want to keep you waiting. I might even have a soak in the tub to try and unwind, before we have to put on a show for the rest of your family.”
Henry shook his head, resisting the urge to groan. Just the thought of her warm and wet and covered in bubbles was enough to get things stirring in his boxers. He could just imagine how sexy she’d look lying back, soaking in the tub with her nice full breasts just barely peeking out above the water.
Gazing down at her, he picked up a lock of her silky, red hair and slid it through his fingers as he said, “Well, at least we like each other. So, we won’t have to fake that.”
Looking up at him, her gaze softened because the more she got to know him, the more she liked him. Smiling into his eyes, she agreed, “No. We definitely won’t have to fake that.”
After he’d had his shower, while Marina was in the bathroom getting ready, Henry got dressed in his new charcoal gray suit and burgundy tie. Taking a look at himself in the mirror on the back of the door, he wondered what she’d think of him dressed-up for a change. Turning to the side, taking a longer look at the cut of his fitted suit, he thought he cleaned up pretty good, but he’d find out pretty quick if she thought so, too.
Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, he turned on the TV and anxiously waited.
A few minutes later, when she strolled out of the bathroom, he could hardly believe his eyes. She just looked so enticing in her silky, black body-hugging dress with sexy red heels, that he could barely get a word out.
He got to his feet, walked over to her, and cleared his throat as he did a slow perusal over every inch of her. “Wow. You look beautiful,” he murmured, once he finally remembered how to speak.
Marina reached out and straightened his tie, smiled into his eyes, and almost touching his lips, whispered against his mouth, “And you look very handsome.”
When she stepped away to get her purse, Henry was tempted to pull her into his arms and finish what she almost started. Now all he could think of was having a taste of that sexy mouth.
Then he looked at the bed, that seemed to be looming in the middle of the room, and thought they’d better go down for the rehearsal dinner before things went any further.
Still, the way she smiled into his eyes in the elevator on the way down, he couldn’t resist lacing his fingers through hers, lifting her hand to his lips, and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. Winking, he said, “Thought we’d better practice a little PDA, before we have to spend the night with the family.”
Feeling a little breathless, just from the touch of his lips, Marina just nodded, wondering again, what she’d gotten herself into by agreeing to spend three whole days with him.
Both of them were smiling into each other’s eyes as the elevator doors opened to the lobby as they stepped out arm in arm.
Henry spotted his mother, who saw the two of them approaching her together and her face lit up, at least at first. But up close, he could see she looked upset.
Still, she smiled and warmly shook Marina’s hand as Henry introduced them, before she leaned in and whispered to her son, “Did you know that your father was here?”
Henry nodded. “Yeah, we saw him when we got here. He’s looking good, though. Said he hasn’t had a drink in months.”
Anxiously wringing her hands as she looked around the room trying to spot him, she murmured, “I just hope it’s true. I’d hate for him to cause a scene and ruin the wedding.”
Henry noticed the small group of close family and friends gathered at the door and nodded his head. “I think the rehearsal’s about to start, so we should head outside.”
Henry looked up and noticed his father Hank chatting with his brother and fiancée Jenn. When his dad looked back and saw him with his mother, his expression softened and he gave her a watery smile that Henry noticed she returned, though her bottom lip was quivering. She just looked so emotional seeing her husband again, he squeezed her arm, and whispered, “It’ll be okay, Mom.”
Marina picked up on it too, and searched Henry’s gaze wondering what was happening between them. When he whispered against her ear, “I don’t think they’re over each other.” As she looked back and forth between them, she gave him a hopeful smile, since they both seemed pretty emotional.
Then she looked up and her mouth fell open when she realized exactly who his brother was marrying. Wide-eyed, she turned and looked at Henry. “Your brother is marrying Jennifer Wakefield? I had no idea. Didn’t she just win an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for that Studio 54 movie?”
Henry shrugged. “Chris is a lighting technician that does a lot of work in movies. They met on a shoot a few years back, and they’ve been together ever since.”
“Oh,” Marina said, feeling a little stunned as she watched his brother and his celebrity fiancée approaching.
But the way pretty blonde Jenn’s smile lit up her face as she pulled her in for a hug, kissed her cheek, gave her a little squeeze and said, “You must be Marina, it’s so nice to meet you,” instantly put her at ease.
Then Henry leaned in, pressed a kiss to his soon to be sister-in-law Jenn’s cheek, and told her, “Only a few more hours now.” Nodding his head at his brother, he teased, “There’s still time to back out. You sure you want to do this?”
Jenn’s bright blue eyes glittered with a mixture of affection and amusement as she smiled at her soon to be groom. “I know it’s crazy, we’ve been together so long, but I can hardly wait to finally be able to say that he’s mine.”
Chris wrapped his arm around her waist, pulled her to his side, and the emotion in his eyes as he looked into hers, before he leaned in and tenderly kissed her, had everyone blinking back tears. Clearly, they were madly in love.
Slightly embarrassed to be getting so caught up, when Marina turned her head to wipe away a tear, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Henry’s parents were off on their own quietly talking. She tapped Henry’s arm and subtly pointed towards them.
After watching for a moment Henry tipped his head in their direction so his brother could see what was happening.
Chris nodded. “Well at least they’re talking.”
When everyone had walked up the garden pathway to gather around the rose covered arch for the wedding rehearsal, the minister had everyone laughing, she was so much fun. She told everyone that it was the first time she had to go out and get herself a pointy hat to officiate a wedding. Then she cupped her hand around her mouth and joked in a stage whisper, “Though if you ask her, I’m sure my wife thinks I should be wearing one all the time.”
The laughter subsided when she looked at Jenn and Chris, smiled and said, “I feel so honored to be marrying such a lovely young couple, that I can tell are very much in love.”
Then looking out over the small crowd, she asked, “Who will be giving away the bride?”
When Jenn’s mother and father walked up together both tearfully smiling, the rehearsal got under way.
Marina barely noticed that Henry had his arm around her the whole time, she’d gotten so comfortable with him.
When she smiled up at him, the way he looked down, winked and smiled back, she felt her heart squeeze. And she decided even if he was only pretending to have feelings for her, she was happy to be enjoying every minute of it.
Later, as the dishes were being cleared away after the soup course at dinner, Henry, smiling deep into her eyes, stroked a finger over Marina’s cheek. Though a casual observer would be fooled into thinking that he actually cared, knowing it was all for show, had her wishing so hard that what they had between them was real. And that maybe, he’d finally seal the deal and kiss her.
Her breath hitched as he slowly dipped his head, his breath warm against her lips, her pulse racing as he inched closer. Sure, that he was finally going to touch his lips to hers, she let her eyes drift shut.
Then a man came up behind them, and shocked them both when he tapped him on the shoulder and told him, “Henry, your brother’s out in the lobby, and he needs to go over a few details about the wedding tomorrow.”
As her heart sank, the only consolation was that Henry looked as disappointed as she felt, at being interrupted when he was about to finally go in for a kiss.
With a shrug he said, “Be right back.”
Chris was pacing out in the lobby, and the moment he saw his brother, he gestured for him to follow him outside. Once they were out in the garden, he looked around before he asked in a hushed voice, “So, did you put the opening where I told you?”
Henry nodded. “Yeah, the biggest tombstone lifts up and the opening is about 2 inches square, just like you asked for.”
Chris dug into his pants pocket, pulled out a small blue velvet box, popped it open and showed him. Henry smiled as he looked down at the gold class ring before looking back up at his brother.
“Jenn’s one regret is that she never finished high-school, because she got into acting so young. So, I phoned her old high-school. And after I explained, the principal decided to give her an honorary degree. Apparently, she was tops in her drama class and only needed two more credits to get her diploma. She would have gotten it too, if she didn’t have to go on location for her first movie shoot, making her miss the last few weeks of school.”
“That was nice of him to do that.”
Chris nodded. “I thought so. He said he’s a big fan of hers, and the whole school’s pretty proud that she went there.”
“It’s probably their only claim to fame.”
Chris chuckled. “Yeah, probably.” Then he looked at the ring again. “When Jenn and I cut into the cake and she finds this, I’m going to show her the diploma. I just hope she doesn’t break into tears, when she realizes that she’s finally managed to graduate.”
Henry clapped his brother on the shoulder. “It’s a really nice gesture, Chris. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.”
Chris nodded as he handed him the ring. “Jenn said she didn’t want any jewelry or anything for a wedding gift. But I’m sure this’ll mean way more to her than any fancy necklace or bracelet I could have bought her.”
“I’m sure it will.”
About to go back inside, Chris stopped and looked at his brother. “Hey, Jenn and I were wondering how come you’ve never mentioned Marina before. When we talked on the phone the other day, you never said you were seeing anyone when I asked you about bringing a date.”
Hating to lie, especially to his brother, Henry decided it might be best to more or less tell him the truth. “Marina is in one of my classes. We stayed late to work on a cake one night, and I offered to drive her home. We’d both skipped dinner so we stopped for a bite to eat, and we just kind of hit it off.” Looking past his brother, as he thought of her, he said, “But I noticed her the first night she walked in the room. It was kind of hard not to, with that long, red hair, and those big green eyes. And she’s really sweet and pretty down to earth, too.”
Chris chuckled. “Sounds serious.”
Henry thought on that for a minute, shrugged and admitted, “I really do like her. She’s like no one else I’ve ever met. But I’m not looking for anything long term. So, I don’t think it would be fair to her to lead her on. She’s pretty young, and she’s got her whole life ahead of her. So, I don’t want her wasting her time on me.” Then he smiled at his brother, and patted him on the back. “But I just want you to know that I’m really happy that the two of you are living your dream and finally getting hitched. You’re really good together, and I’m happy for you, bro’.”
Chris smiled, as he heaved a sigh. “Yeah. Sometimes I can’t believe that she actually wants to share her life with a guy like me, when she can have almost anyone she wants. But I’m just glad that whatever it is she sees in me, makes her happy.”
“Hey, don’t sell yourself short. I’m sure most of the people she meets are just hoping to ride her coattails, to see where it can get them. But Jenn knows you love her for who she really is, and not because she’s famous.”
Chris nodded thoughtfully for a moment, then he looked his brother in the eye. “And I hope if you and Marina are meant to be, that it works out for you, too.”
Henry didn’t answer, mostly because he didn’t know what to say. Maybe if he hadn’t gone through what he had with Tatyana he’d be open to something new, especially with someone as sweet as Marina.
Deciding to let it drop, Henry put the ring box in his pocket, tapped it and said, “I’ll hide this in the cake tomorrow.” Then he nodded towards the door. “Now we’d better get back inside, or they’ll be wondering what happened to us.”
When he sat down at the table beside her again, brow raised, Marina looked over at him and asked, “Everything okay?”
Henry smiled, reached over and squeezed her hand. “It’s all good.”
By the time coffee and dessert were being served Marina and Henry were both eyeing each other, looking a little anxious. Sliding his hand into the back of her hair, gently massaging her nape, he leaned in, touched his lips to her ear and whispered, “You know I could still sleep in the van, and let you have the room.”
Marina could feel her breath hitch as her nipples grew achingly hard, just from the heat of his breath, and the things he was doing to her poor quivering body as he continued to work his fingers into her scalp.
He had her feeling so blissed out, licking her lips, she was about to tell him, ‘I’m sure we’ll be fine sharing a bed,’ when Chris came up behind them and cleared his throat to get their attention.
His eyes narrowed, Henry turned his head and waited to see what he wanted. Chris was smirking as he leaned closer and said, “Sorry to interrupt. But Jenn and I kind of felt bad about you two losing the extra room. And the thing is, she’s starting to feel a little superstitious about me seeing her tomorrow before we’re married. So… we wondered what you’d think of the two of us sharing a room. Then Jenn and Marina could have your room. And they can both get dressed tomorrow without us seeing them before the wedding.”
Henry held Marina’s gaze trying to gage her reaction. But knowing it was probably for the best, before she could even think of what to say, he shrugged and said, “Sure, I’d be okay with that.”
Marina managed to force a smile as she agreed. “I’d fine be with it, too.”
When Marina unlocked the door to their room, and flung her purse on the bed, she noticed that Henry’s suitcase was already gone, replaced by a trolley cart with everything Jenn would need for the wedding.
Taking her makeup off in the bathroom, muttering to herself, as she tossed each tissue into the waste basket; she noticed it sure as hell hadn’t taken him long to decide that she wasn’t his type.
She couldn’t believe how fast he’d said, ‘Sure,’ when his brother had suggested that he bunk in with him and let Jenn share a room with her.
After she’d stripped off her clothes, and got into her pink boy shorts and matching T-shirt, Marina wrapped herself in one of the fluffy, white hotel robes hanging on the back of the door. She’d just reached for her toothbrush to brush her teeth, when she heard someone knocking.
Half-wondering if it might be Henry reconsidering, she opened the door and found Jenn standing on the other side in the hallway, looking a little sheepish. She looked so young and vulnerable with her face scrubbed clean and her blonde hair up in a pony-tail, that she barely recognized her. “I hope you’re really okay with this,” Jenn said, before she even stepped inside.
“Of course,” Marina assured her, as she pulled the door open to usher her in.
Jenn walked over to the bed, sat down, and explained why she thought she should stay in another room. “I was talking to my grandmother this morning, that sadly won’t be coming because she’s not very mobile anymore. And she said she hoped Chris wasn’t going to see me in my dress before the wedding tomorrow. According to her, it’s really bad luck. Her brother saw his bride before they were married, and they broke up a few months later. Ever since, she and her sisters always wondered if that was why.” She looked up at Marina and smirked. “I know it sounds crazy, but she kind of spooked me when she said that.”
Marina got on the bed beside her, and they both scooted up to rest their backs on the headboard, like two old friends.
“I don’t think it’s crazy,” Marina said, as she shifted the pillow behind her back.
“Anyway, that’s why I asked Chris about Henry and I switching rooms.” Jenn grinned. “I just hope I don’t snore and keep you awake, or you’ll be begging Henry to come back.”
Then Jenn reached into the pockets of her robe and started to dump bag after bag onto the bed. She winked at Marina. “My naughty little secret. When I’m nervous, I indulge. Though, even Chris doesn’t know how bad I am.”
Marina’s eyes flared as she thought about all the drug use amongst celebrities that she’d heard about. Nervously eyeing the little pile of paper bags, she winced as she admitted, “I’m sorry, Jenn, but I don’t do drugs.”
Jenn looked at her confused, then she looked down at the bags and threw her head back and laughed. Finally, she pulled herself together, and told her, “Neither do I. I know way too many people who’ve gotten into trouble, so I’ve never touched the stuff.”
Then she opened a bag, held it out and said, “Look, it’s just gummy bears and sour worms.” Opening another one, she looked inside. “And I’ve got marshmallow bananas and strawberries and mint leaves, black balls and all kinds of good stuff.” She shrugged. “I always brush my teeth after, but I still feel guilty.”
Now that she knew it was just candy, when Jenn held open a bag, Marina dug in and took out a few gummy bears and worms. “I haven’t had these since I was a kid,” she said as she popped one in her mouth.
“There’s an old-time candy store near where we live that’s sells all my favorites. But Chris doesn’t know that I’m in there every week topping up my stash.” Grinning, she pointed at her as she chewed on a gummy. “So, this had better stay between us girls.”
Marina made a gesture of zipping her lips, before she smiled and reached for a marshmallow banana.
Then she felt Jenn watching her, and she looked back at her wondering what was up.
“I’m sure Henry’s glad that you’re not into drugs, after the disaster with his last girlfriend.”
Not sure what to say, Marina waited to see if there was more.
Finally, Jenn heaved a sigh, and looked her in the eye. “I probably shouldn’t be the one telling you, but from what I’ve heard, he went through hell with her. Tatyana was a ballerina, and very pretty. I think he met her at a party. And they hit it off.
“She’d stopped dancing by then, because she’d been hurt. Her leg was broken in a fall, and she had a few surgeries to try and fix it. What Henry didn’t know was she’d that gotten addicted to her pain medication. And when the doctor’s cut her off, she started buying whatever she could find on the street.
“When she finally told him what was going on, he offered to put her in re-hab. I heard he had to spend a fortune to get her in a descent place. But she didn’t like the rules and wouldn’t stay, so she walked out. But he didn’t find out, until after she was dead.”
Marina eyes went big. “Did she die from an overdose?”
“No. Someone saw her trying to score some drugs, an argument broke out and she was pushed onto the road, and got killed by a taxi.”
“Oh, how awful, to die like that. And poor Henry,” Marina said, as thought back to the conversation in the car with his brother.
“I think they’d been done for a while, but he still took it pretty hard. I think Henry’s the type who never gives up on anyone he cares about, like his dad.”
Marina nodded and patted Jenn’s hand. “Well, thanks for sharing that. I kind of wondered what happened, but didn’t want to ask.”
Since they’d both gone quiet, Jenn grabbed the remote off the night stand. And as they snacked on the little bags of treats, trying to put their dark conversation behind them, they laughed themselves silly over a hilarious old Britcom, aptly called One Foot in the Grave, considering where they were staying. It was so funny they were nearly rolling on the bed and wiping at their eyes as one ridiculous scene after another unfolded.
When a commercial came on, Jenn looked over at Marina and remarked, “As you can imagine, Chris and I were really happy to see Henry with you tonight. And I was wondering how you two met, since he’s never mentioned you before, and yet Chris said you’ve been dating for a few months.”
Marina wrinkled her nose as she picked out another candy. “My sister keeps enrolling us in different classes, because I work from home and she thinks I don’t get out enough.” She looked up at her, and pointedly said, “Probably because I’ve basically given up on dating. And right now, we’re doing cake decorating with Henry.”
“Oh, then you must be good for the two of you to have clicked, he’s such a perfectionist.”
Marina laughed. “Hardly. I think I’m the worst in the class. Which I think is why he took pity on me and helped me out. I guess we kind of connected over how awful I am with a piping bag.” She reached for her phone. “Wait, I think I’ve got a picture, and I can you show what I mean.”
When she showed her a picture of her horrible dick cake, Jenn’s eyes went big and she looked at her and blinked. “Oh, my god. Is that a…”
Before she could finish, Marina chuckled and shook her head as she took a look at it, too. “I know what it looks like, especially with what’s dangling from the bottom. It was supposed to be a rocket ship cake for my nephew’s birthday, but obviously it didn’t turn out that way. Which I think was why Henry was kind enough to help me do another one that I could show my family.”
Looking across the bed at her Jenn wiggled her eyebrows. “Well, Henry seems to really like you. I can tell from the way he looks at you. And it’s been a long time since he’s been interested in anyone. So, I’m really glad you two are together.”
Marina hated to lie, especially since Jenn was being so open. So, she took a breath and told her the truth. “Henry just asked me to come to the wedding as his plus one. And we’re not even dating.”
“Oh.” Jenn looked a little confused. Then a light bulb went on and she pulled a face. “So… you two have never…?” When Marina shook her head, Jenn nodded thoughtfully. “No wonder you asked for separate rooms.”
When Marina didn’t say anything, Jenn eyed her for a moment, then decided she’d test her. “Then I guess you’re glad that you won’t have to sleep with him, at least for tonight.” Waiting for her reaction, Jenn picked up on the fact that Marina didn’t jump right in and agree, which had her slowly starting to smile. “Or, maybe you were looking forward to spending the night together. And now thanks to me and my silly superstitions, Henry’s sleeping with his brother and you’re stuck having to share a bed with me.”
Marina looked up and met her gaze. “I really don’t mind sharing a room with you, Jenn. But…”
“But Henry doesn’t know that you’re into him, does he?”
Marina looked down at her hands, shook her head and quietly said, “No.”
Jenn’s face broke into a smile, as she excitedly reached out and squeezed Marina’s arm. “Well, then I think we’re going to have to do something to get Henry to sit up and take notice, before he crawls back into his shell and we lose him again.”
“I’m not about to chase after him, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
Jenn flashed a sly little grin. “You won’t have to. Once he gets a look at you tomorrow, he’ll will be the one doing the chasing.”
The little spark of mischief in Jenn’s eyes as she grabbed her phone and started texting, had Marina wondering if she should just play along, if only to see what would happen.
After they’d turned off the TV, they still laughed and talked for a while, till Jenn took a look at the clock, pulled a face and decided it might be time to get some sleep.
In the bathroom, side by side, sharing their guilty secret, they grinned at each other in the mirror as they gave their teeth a good hard brushing.
Though Marina had wondered what it would have been like to share a bed with Henry, she was glad now that she and Jenn had gotten a chance to get to know each other. It felt like they’d already bonded. She realized too, that though Jenn was pretty famous, she was also surprisingly down to earth and someone she’d enjoy having as a friend.
Once they turned out the lights, Jenn surprised her again, when she crawled across the bed, pressed a kiss to her cheek and quietly whispered, “Thanks for this, Marina. Not very often I get a chance to kick back and have fun and just be myself. And I really had a good time with you tonight.”
She felt kind of sorry for her, as she realized the life of a movie star wasn’t always a bed or roses, Marina patted her hand and murmured, “I had a good time with you, too.”
Heaving a happy little sigh, Jenn curled up on her side of the bed and started to drift off almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.
In the morning, as they cracked open their eyes, they both looked at the door and groaned at the sound of someone impatiently knocking, like a woodpecker, relentlessly tap, tap, tapping, demanding to be let in. “Oh god, whoever the heck that is, make them stop,” Jenn pleaded, pulling her pillow around her ears to try and drowned out the sound.
Since she was closer, Marina grabbed her robe, tugged it on, brushed the hair out of her eyes and went and looked through the peep hole.
“Oh, it’s Darius,” she said smiling over her shoulder at Jenn who was sitting up in bed rubbing at her eyes.
Darius’s face broke into a big broad smile when Marina pulled open the door to let him in as he looked back and forth between them. “Just look at you two lovelies, all fresh-faced and ready to be transformed.”
Handing a tray with two coffees and a bag of biscotti to Marina as he glanced around inspecting the room, he informed them, “Hair and makeup people are on their way, so I thought you could use a little something to wake you up, before we get started.”
Waggling his eyebrows, he eyed the bed, with a naughty laugh. “Oh, if I were into women, the fun we three could have in that nice, big bed.”
Jenn just laughed as Marina handed her a coffee, and she took her first sip and rolled her eyes. “Thanks for being such a life saver, Darius. Sometimes, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Well, lucky for you, sweet thing, you’ll never have to find out.”
After she’d had her shower, Marina could barely believe what was happening, when “the team” went to work on turning her into the sexy vixen that Darius envisioned.
There was such a buzz of activity going on around them, that she couldn’t see what was happening with Jenn, until they were both done, and staring amazed at their reflections in the mirror.
“Holy smokes, look at you,” Jenn said, flashing a grin as her gaze swept over Marina. “Wait till Henry gets a look at you. I think his eyes are going to pop right out of his head.”
“And you look absolutely gorgeous, Jenn. I never would have thought that Marie Antoinette would be a perfect costume for a bride. But wow, I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. And your hair looks amazing, all swept up in that nest of curls.”
Jenn smirked, as she tucked in a tendril. “Well, some of it’s mine, and some of it’s extensions, but I think it turned out okay. I almost got to play her in a French Historical Drama, but they picked a French actress instead. But I fell in love with the era and all the elaborate clothing and hair pieces they wore. So, I decided it might be fun, since I’ve only got a little time off at Halloween between shoots, if we had a costume wedding instead of going traditional. We also decided that having it over three days would give our two families a chance to bond, while they’re here to celebrate.”
“I think it’s was a wonderful idea. And I’m sure everyone will have fun.”
Darius came up behind them, admiring their reflections in the mirror, he heaved a satisfied sigh. “I think you both look absolutely divine.” Then he checked the time on his phone, and his eyes popped as he said, “Now, you’d better get a move on, Miss Jenn, or your groom is going to wonder if you’ve changed your mind.”
“Well, I can’t have that,” she said laughing, as she picked up her full skirt, took Marina by the arm and headed for the door.
Jenn made her way to her parents’ room first, so they could all head downstairs together.
The moment her mother opened the door and saw her daughter, she instantly burst into tears. “Oh, sweetheart, you just look so beautiful. I can’t wait to see the look on Christopher’s face when he sees you in that gown.”
“You look really pretty too, Mom.” Smiling, Jenn looked over her mother, dressed in pale pink as a nineteen-twenties flapper with a little feathered head band and her blunt-cut blonde hair softly framing her pretty face.
Her father smiling proudly, walked out to join them, dressed as an old-time mobster in a black pinstripe suit with a wide burgundy tie and white rose on his lapel. Pressing a kiss to his daughter’s cheek, his voice cracked with emotion as he told her, “You look like an angel.”
Then his eyes grew wide, as he gave Marina a once over and told her, “You look incredible, too. I think that boyfriend of yours won’t know what hit him, when you walk up and take his arm, dressed like that.”
They were at the door leading out to the garden, the string quartet striking up the first notes of Here Comes the Bride when Jenn gasped, and looked at Marina in a panic. “Oh, no, I forgot my bouquet!”
Darius, rushed up to her murmuring, “Calm down, sweetie. Darius has everything under control.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead, as he handed her the bouquet of white lilies, tied with a white satin ribbon. After slightly adjusting her low-cut bodice, heaving an elated breath, he smiled into her eyes. “You look absolutely stunning. Now, go and marry your man.”
Then he winked and said to Marina, “And you, my darling, are coming with me. I want to try and shield you as best I can till the ceremony is over. So, that man of yours has nothing to distract him when he gets his first look at you, in that gorgeous, sexy red dress.”
Marina felt a shiver go through her as she looked up and got her first look at Henry. He made such a dashingly handsome James Bond, standing beside his brother as his best man, just to the right of the white rose covered wedding arch.
Henry flashed Jenn a warm smile as she began the walk up to meet her groom. She looked gorgeous in her off-white gown, clutching her father’s arm as she wiped away a tear. As she took the last steps to join them at the archway, Henry had her grinning and blushing as he whispered to her, “You look beautiful.”
As Chris stood waiting for his bride to join him, Marina decided that the only way to describe the groom was absolutely resplendent. He looked so regal in his pale blue, heavily brocaded velvet suit, gold silk waist coat and buckled shoes. And with his white knee britches and high-necked lace shirt, he really looked the part of Marie-Antoinette’s husband, King Louis XVI.
Jenn and Chris tenderly smiled into each other’s eyes as they joined hands to commit their lives to each other.
Out of the corner of her eye, Marina noticed Darius wiping away a tear and sniffling into a lace hanky she’d seen him pull from the pocket of his purple velvet disco suit. Seeing her smirk, he just shrugged, gave her a little smile and pulled a second one out of his other pocket and offered it to her.
They were seated behind a group of people that all seemed to be wearing either very tall hats, or big elaborate wigs. Marina quietly laughed, seeing the way that Henry was tipping his head, trying to find her in the crowd. Though she realized, she had to carefully peek around their big heads, just to be able to watch the ceremony.
The wedding itself was short and sweet, though filled with emotion. Everyone seemed to be wiping at their eyes as Jenn and Chris read the vows, they’d written to each other. Not only promising to love each other in good times and bad, and for as long as they both shall live, but as expected, taking the opportunity to playfully tease each other a little, too.
Chris looked into Jenn’s eyes and trying not to laugh, solemnly told her, “And I promise to try and keep you safe from falling equipment, even if I owe this day to a light that nearly crushed you.” Then he pointedly eyed her as he grinned. “I also promise to try and tame your sweet tooth, at least as much as I can.”
Jenn giggled as she looked over her shoulder and spotted Marina quietly laughing.
Then Jenn’s expression sobered, as she gazed up at her groom, and the crowd hushed as she kept a straight face as she told him, “And I promise to love you… and your Star Wars Collection, and even give it its own room in the basement once our new house is finally finished.”
Everyone laughed out loud at that, and Chris just shook his head, though Henry could see his brother was laughing, too. Since anyone who knew him, knew that he was a total Star Wars geek from the time he was a kid.