كاتب الموضوع :
Jay
المنتدى :
الارشيف
Chapter Two
Two hours later Stacey wanted to scream. She was operating on two levels — one the competent wedding consultant, making sure everything went perfectly for her client. The other, a frustrated woman who couldn't stop thinking about Zach.
The crowd at the St. Francis Yacht Club made it impossible to pause even for a moment to search out any one particular person. Still, even as she kept an eye on the celebration, she searched each dark-haired man who came into her line of sight. If he had been at the church, he was sure to be at the reception.
Then it happened. For another endless moment, Stacey locked eyes with Zach Taylor, the husband she had not seen in seven years. Not seen, not heard from, tried to forget. The activity surrounding her faded, it was as if she and Zach were alone in the universe.
Reality returned when Stacey's assistant nudged her.
"The music will be starting soon, and the dancing. Should we do anything to hurry them along in eating?"
The spell broken, Stacey dragged her eyes away and looked at Lila. "No, the music will automatically have them finishing. After a few dances, we'll have the bridal couple cut the cake."
She wanted to look around. Wanted to see what Zach was doing. Was he coming to speak to her? Or had he slipped out of a side door, not wanting a confrontation?
"Then the older crowd can feel free to leave," Lila said wisely. Stacey nodded, her throat tight with tension. Every cell was attuned to Zach. She couldn't be focused on him, she needed to concentrate on the tasks at hand.
"You look as if you need a drink," a deep, once familiar voice said. Zach Taylor stood next to her, holding out a glass of champagne.
Lila smiled brightly and slipped away. Stacey wanted to call her back, but her voice wouldn't work. She stared at the champagne.
"I'm working, I don't drink when I'm on a job," she said stiffly. She couldn't bring herself to look up into the dark eyes she knew she'd recognize. The scenarios she'd so often pictured faded. The reality was she didn't have a word to say to him. Her heart fluttered, memories crowded painfully in her mind. Of the love she'd once felt for him, the awe that the hell-raising favorite son of their home town had noticed her. Their final words yelled in anger.
"How have you been, Stace?" he asked. He took a sip of the sparkling beverage.
Her eyes tracked the glass, watched his lips caress the edge as he drank. Lips that had once brought her to ecStacey. And shattered her world when they spoke goodbye.
"Just fine," she said, glancing around, wishing desperately someone would rescue her, or that she'd find the strength to walk away. She didn't want to be within a mile of Zach and his seductive lips, his bedroom eyes, his overwhelming sexy magnetism. But her feet felt rooted. Seven years had passed. Hadn't she built up any resistance? She did not love him. She didn't even like him. But she couldn't walk away.
That was his way, not hers.
"Zach, here you are. Jason's been looking for you." The pretty blond bridesmaid came up and took his arm. She smiled at Stacey. "It's a fabulous wedding. When I get married, I want you to be the consultant!" She turned back to Zach. "Come on, Jason and Marcie are ready for the toasts, and you're elected to give one.
"
Zach looked at Stacey. "I'll call you."
"Don't bother."
"It's no bother." Without warning, he leaned over and kissed her.
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