The Gypsy Ribbon Read online

  She recovered quickly and trying to ease the tension giggled. “Like the Terminator?” she asked.

  His eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Are ye makin’ light of my emotions, wench? Throwing my heart at yer feet ain’t good enough fer ye?” he huffed in a thick brogue, but the twinkle in his eye gave his true feelings away. “Guess I’ll have to be convincin’ you, then.”

  Not waiting for a response, James tugged her from the dance floor and towards the bride tent. Once inside the unlit pavilion, Beth’s bravado turned tail and fled at the sudden realization that they were alone. The gap in the tent flaps provided a single beam of light, casting its two occupants in muted shadow. Alone. In the dark. With James Kelly. Oh, my…. She gulped hard, uncertainty slamming into her in full force. “Um…what are we doing in here?” she asked, her voice quavering. “Isn’t there a light switch by the…uh…”

  She never got to finish that question. “This,” James said simply. He stepped in closer and putting both large hands around her waist pulled her the rest of the way to him. Her breasts pressed against his chest and the warmth of his body set hers on fire. He lifted one hand and cupped her chin, raising her face to meet his. “I’m going to kiss you now, Beth.”

  She opened her mouth to protest, but her objection died quickly as his lips brushed hers in the barest taste of a kiss. As soon as they touched, there was…a spark, Beth thought, like a catching fire.

  Her eyes flew open to catch James’s dark eyes blinking back at her in surprise. “Did you feel that?” he whispered. They kissed again, once, twice, a dozen times. He brushed his thumb at the corner of her lips, encouraging her to open for him. When she did, his velvety tongue touched hers, teasing it into a slow mating dance.

  Slowly she looped her arms around his neck and waved goodbye to her last coherent thought, losing herself in the kiss. A soft sigh escaped from her mouth into his and threading her fingers through his hair, she pulled him closer. He responded by claiming her mouth fiercely and possessively, molding his hard body against her softer one. All of his hard body, she realized frantically, and her mind struggled to regain control.

  He moaned softly as he relinquished her mouth and trailed slow, open-mouthed kisses down her throat to the pulse point in her neck. “I always thought kisses sweeter than honey were just words in a song,” he sighed. “But yours are, beautiful girl.”

  * * * *

  Beth made a weak attempt to tug away but he stubbornly refused to let her go. “Would you like some more convincing?” he whispered softly. “I meant what I said. If you’re not interested, I’d like to be knowin’ that now.”

  When she nodded mutely, James chuckled and shook his head. “That was not a simple nod your head question, darlin’. It’s your words I’m needin’.” He gave her a bone-melting smile. “Now either you answer me or I’m going to kiss you again. Never mind, I’m going to do that anyway,” he said, pulling her back into his embrace. Beth’s resolve snapped like a dry twig. She grabbed him with both hands and pulled him hard against her, kissing him back with all the passion she could muster. He laughed softly against her mouth. “Should I take this to mean you’re interested, then?” he asked.

  “Mmm-hmmm,” was all Beth could manage. Something delicious yet unfamiliar grew, a budding warmth spreading all over her body and heading straight for that small space right between her….the harsh voice of reason threw a bucket of ice water on her wakening libido. You’re in a tent at Lily’s wedding. Do you have any idea how embarrassing this would be if you got caught? What would Meg say?

  That internal battle raged only a moment. This isn’t the place for it, but…he really, really acts like he’s interested in me. Me. Go figure. Holy shit, the man can kiss, she thought dreamily before her thoughts wandered off again.

  His hands moved down her back and slowly slid over the curve of her bottom. Before the kiss could deepen further, the tent flaps suddenly whipped opened and a dark form loomed in the doorway.

  “Beth? Are you in here?”

  6

  They froze as a feminine shape entered and flipped on the overhead lights. “Beth? I thought I saw you come in here. What are you…Oh!” Leslie’s piercing blue gaze darted from one to the other, rounding first in shock then tilting up at the corners with amusement. “James! There ye are,” she said, her Scots burr broadening. “Sean’s out lookin’ for ye both, and so’s your ma. The bride and groom are to be leaving soon and you’ll want to be there for their going.”

  James grudgingly loosened his hold on Beth. “Right, tell ‘em we’ll be along in a minute,” he mumbled. When Leslie propped her fists on her hips and made no move to leave, he flashed a roguish grin and teased, “Dinna fash, Leslie. We’ll be right there. I promise.” Chuckling, she exited the tent and James turned to Beth with an exasperated sigh. “We’re not done,” he said firmly.

  She smiled and took his arm. “For right now I’m fairly convinced you’re serious,” she said, willing her lips not to twitch with nervous laughter.

  “For right now?” he asked indignantly, “Just right now? I…” He saw the mischief dancing in her eyes and laughed. “Okay, for right now. I suppose I can live with that.” They walked toward the tent opening, but James pulled her to a stop before they stepped out into the night. “I like kissing you,” he whispered, brushing his lips across her cheek.

  Beth lowered her head and murmured, “I liked it too” so quietly, he almost didn’t hear her.

  * * * *

  Having exchanged their magical garb for twenty-first century traveling clothes, Ian and Lily stood by the stretch limousine ready to be whisked away, saying their last minute goodbyes. Ian grabbed James in a fierce bear hug. “Let me know how you’re doing?” he whispered.

  James nodded. “I’d ask you to do the same, but I imagine you’ll be doing pretty fine,” he drawled, casting a pointed glance over at his beaming new sister-in-law.

  Ian laughed and clapped him on the back. “Be well, Seamus.”

  “And you,” James nodded, giving Lily a quick hug and kiss on the cheek for good measure.

  Beth and Lily hugged tightly, tears flowing down both faces. “I’m so happy for you,” Beth whispered, “Have a great time and enjoy each other. Details when you get a chance, please.”

  “I solemnly swear.” Lily grinned, crossing her heart. Ian took Lily’s hand as she stepped into and slid across the seat of the big car. James howled with laughter when Lily jerked, tumbling him inside behind her. Slamming the door behind them, the driver ran around to start the car to a resounding chorus of cheers, but it moved only a few feet before stopping again. When the moon roof slid open Ian’s auburn head appeared first followed by Lily, who popped up like a blond jack-in-the-box. “Wait. Beth,” she yelled.

  Beth glanced up just in time to catch the bridal bouquet thrown at her with the delicate precision of a major league pitcher. With matching grins, the newlyweds waved, then disappeared back inside the darkened car, which promptly sped off into the night.

  “Well, that was subtle,” James quipped before dissolving into helpless laughter. They made their way through the crowd back towards the reception area. Something didn’t seem right, however, and he frowned in concentration until he finally narrowed it down. “When did Ian throw Lily’s garter?” he asked.

  Beth thought for a moment. “It must have been when we were…weren’t there,” she finished with a blush.

  He thought about it and decided that was a reasonable explanation. “Something to drink, darlin’?” he asked as they walked past the bar. Pointing to the wooden cask, James held up two fingers. The goblets of mead appeared as if by magic and he reached into his trews pocket to drop something in the tip jar. His hand closed around something that felt like an elastic band of ruffled satin. He didn’t need to pull it out to see that it was borrowed and blue, and he smiled against the rim of his glass at how much his gruff brother truly loved him.

  * * * *

  The next hour was filled with dancin
g and more dancing, and as both the band and the evening began to wind down, Beth felt the day catching up with her. Her phone vibrated in the hidden pocket of her gown, and she pulled it out to read the text:

  made it to the hotel ok– thank you for everything– love you!

  She showed it to James and he grinned. “Guess their evening’s pretty booked - - so what are your plans now that this shindig’s breaking up?”

  She bit back a yawn. “It’s been a long day for me, I’m afraid I’m pretty tired. I’m not used to all this frivolity,” she said, chuckling.

  He nodded. “I’m tired too and much as I don’t want to think about it I have to get up early in the morning.” Taking her hand, he led her back out to the floor for the last dance of the evening, a slow love song. He pulled her close, and they swayed together in time to the music.

  As the final notes of the ballad sounded, James lifted her face to his and gently kissed her. “I would ask you to come back to my hotel, but I think that would undermine all the progress I’ve made this evening.” He smiled. “May I at least escort you home?”

  Beth looked around and saw they were among the last guests. Only Dan and Meg remained with them on the dance floor. “I had planned to ride back with Meg. I’ll just let her know I’m going with you.”

  “Allow me.” James gave her a last spin around, dancing her closer. “Wonderful hooley, Mr. and Missus Wilde,” he called to the other couple, “you did ‘em up proud. Begging your leave, I’m going to see this lovely lady home now.”

  Meg’s grin nearly split her face in two. “Of course. You two run along and have fun. Drive carefully and James? Behave yourself and don’t forget to come by for breakfast before you leave in the morning,” she warned and waved again before taking Dan’s arm and heading back toward the tent.

  Smiling, James steered Beth toward his car. “Pregnancy seems to be agreeing with her,” he remarked. “They’ve been wanting a child for so long. Personally, I think it’s a girl and if I’m right, God help us all. Between her dad and her uncles, she’ll be spoiled rotten, no doubt about it.”

  They passed under one of the few remaining torches still lit. James suddenly stopped. “Wait a moment.” He reached in his pocket, pulled out his cell phone and activated the camera. “Smile,” he said, snapping her picture.

  “What was that for?” she said, smoothing her hair self-consciously.

  “In case I get to thinking I dreamt it all, I’ll have this to remind me,” he said, holding up the phone. “Speaking of which, I’d like to get your address before I leave.” To answer her curious look he added with a cryptic smile, “Maybe I’ll send you a postcard. Just so you don’t forget me.”

  She shot him an incredulous look but gave a pert toss of her head and teased, “Like that’ll happen.”

  ****

  James was quiet on the drive over to her apartment. As he walked her up the stairs to her door he said, “I had a great time with you yesterday and today. As soon as the tour’s over, I’ll be back. Don’t say it,” They both laughed. “I mean it,” he continued once he collected himself. “Soon as it’s over, I’ll be back and I want to see you. Would it be all right if I were to call you here and there?” he asked with his most charming smile, adding, “and if you were to want to call or text me, that’d be all right too.”

  “I…ah…don’t have your number,” Beth mumbled, fumbling around the deep pocket for her errant phone.

  “It’s in that one,” he said, pointing to the other pocket. Taking her phone, he added himself to her contacts. “You can call me anytime, sweetheart.” He smiled. He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to her fingertips, then pulled her forward and gave her a kiss so achingly tender several more pieces of heart armor fell away. He held her tight and whispered against her ear. “I want to know you better. Promise you’ll give me a chance to show you I’m not as bad as they say.”

  Her breath caught in her throat at the pain she heard unspoken in his words. She leaned back and looked him squarely in the eyes. “I geev you solemn gypsy oath. You haf my promise,” she said in her best Rom accent.

  James looked confounded for a moment then burst into laughter. “You do that pretty well. Make me laugh, I mean,” he said. “Not many can do that anymore, it seems.” He traced the line of her cheek with a finger and gave her a wicked grin. “Are you going to invite me in?”

  She giggled. “No.”

  James heaved a dramatic sigh. “I thought not. I’ve got some more convincing to do first, don’t I?”

  “That you do, Irish,” she laughed and with that challenge issued, he swept her in his arms and covered her face with loud, smoochy kisses.

  Beth gave him a playful shove. He pantomimed stumbling back, pulling her close to him as the iron railing prevented their tumble down to the first floor. “I think I’m falling for you,” he quipped then lowered his mouth to hers for one long, hot kiss that stole her breath along with every single one of her senses.

  When at last he released her he said, “Thanks for the promise. I’ll be holding you to that.” She smiled and lifted her hand in a slow wave as he bounded down the stairs toward his car.

  Later Beth lay awake, reliving each moment of the last two days over and over again. It occurred to her that for as much as James laughed and smiled, there were times the smile didn’t reach his eyes. She wondered at the source of his sadness until she drifted off to sleep, still dancing in her dreams.

  It was nearly noon the following morning before Beth managed to get her eyes open. She rolled over to look at the clock and realized that her magical week had finally come to an end. James was gone. His flight had left hours ago. As far as Beth was concerned, the last three days were going to end up being a story she would tell her friends in the nursing home about the time she went out with a famous rock star. They won’t believe it, either, she decided, dragging herself out of bed.

  After a big bowl of Lucky Charms, she ran the channels on the TV only to find nothing worth watching. She remembered it was Sunday, and Sundays meant coupons. Throwing on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, she pulled her hair back in a ponytail, and grabbed her keys to go pick up a newspaper. When she opened her front door, something fell, startling her. She looked down in disbelief.

  A lovely bouquet of spring flowers wrapped in crimson tissue had been wedged in between the doorknob and door frame. She nearly missed the note as she picked up the flowers and took them back inside. Opening the small envelope, she pulled out the card.

  I didn’t want to wake you so early, but I told you I’d tell you today you were the most beautiful woman there last night. I’ll be back for you.

  J.

  She shrieked with delight then clapped a hand over her mouth, looking around to see if anyone else saw her. Deciding there were no witnesses, she closed the door and set about rummaging through her cabinets for a vase. Not finding one, she grabbed a dried arrangement that had seen better days, threw out the dead flowers and plunked the fresh bouquet in its new home.

  After a few moments of fierce deliberation about what she should say, she sent him a simple text.

  Thank you for the flowers

  She didn’t get a response back, but with a satisfied grin told herself she wasn’t going to take it personally.

  * * * *

  When his phone vibrated, James looked down at the text, smiling as he read it. He would have loved to respond–or better yet call–but at that particular moment he was the lucky recipient of the riot act his manager was reading. James slouched in his hotel room chair, wishing like hell he were somewhere else. Anywhere else. Trig class…the dentist….at least the dentist gave happy gas. He sighed. There was no help for it. “What exactly is chafing your ass, Aaron?”

  “What the hell were you thinking going to a mall without bodyguards?” Aaron yelled as he threw the folder containing the pictures down on the table next to James. The packet bounced once then landed with a soft thud next to his elbow. “You just can’
t do things like that. Your safety is paramount. And who’s the girl?” he demanded.

  When James didn’t offer any explanations, the manager snatched up the folder again. He pulled out a picture from the mall restaurant and waved it in front of James’s face. “Holding hands? Who are you, America’s fucking sweetheart? What’s her name?” Aaron’s face grew redder by the minute. Dropping that picture on the table he pulled out another, this one of the two of them sharing the last kiss on the dance floor. “And this,” he bellowed, “What the fuck, Kelly?”

  James exploded out of his chair and snatched the picture from his hand. “Who took this?” he roared. “That was a private party. Nobody had any right to be there taking pictures of me. Who took it, Aaron?”

  The older man shrugged. “Didn’t get a name. It looks like it was shot with a long lens. Likely they weren’t even on the property.” He smiled. “Nice picture, though, don’t you think?” Aaron walked over to the hotel window overlooking the Birmingham skyline rocked back and forth on his heels.

  “James,” he began in a fatherly tone, “you know it’s not good for your image to be seen doing boy-next-door shit like this. You’ve worked hard to become who you are, and I’d hate to see it all lost over something stupid.” Aaron scratched his chin thoughtfully. “So…here’s how we’re going to do to fix this mess. After tonight’s show, you’re going to the after party–big photo op, the press are already getting their asses in gear to be there. I’ve arranged for some quality girls to arrive with you. Can’t wait for you to see them.” He beamed. “These are porn star-looking bitches, all legs and tits.”

  James turned his full attention to the photo, trying to recapture the good feeling he had when Beth was around. He was looking at one of the most naturally beautiful women he had ever seen. How could some artificially enhanced woman who likely would melt near a radiator come close to that?