Marriage Matters - By Cynthia Ellingsen Page 0,167

just happy,” Chloe said, her voice a little too bright. “Happy my grandmother’s getting married and happy that . . .” Holding his gaze for a moment too long, her bravado slipped. “I’m happy that I’m just a guest at the wedding,” she admitted. “And that I’m going there with you.”

Ben’s gaze melded into hers. “Yeah. Me, too.”

Whiskers scampered across the room, the new toy jingling away.

Dropping her eyes, Chloe headed for the bathroom. She chided herself for being so ridiculous. The only way that she and Ben could go back to being friends was if she’d stop acting like some schoolgirl with a crush. Maybe he’d been in love with her at some point, but that didn’t mean he was anymore. A lot had happened, a lot had changed. She needed to stop thinking about it and just get on with her life.

She could start by taking the stupid rollers out of her hair.

“Have a seat or something,” she called. “I’m sure there are some magazines or something for you to look at. I’ll be ready in—”

Suddenly, Chloe felt two strong arms wrap around her from behind. She sucked in a sharp breath as Ben turned her toward him and pulled her in close. Her face was squashed into the sharply starched lapels of his suit, but she couldn’t imagine a better feeling. Other than, of course, the hard sinew of his body underneath his clothes and the strength of his thighs against hers. They held each other for a long moment, their hearts beating with the same frenetic rhythm.

“Oh, man,” Chloe finally said, her voice muffled. “I don’t think I can do this.”

Ben’s body seemed to stiffen. “Do what?”

“Pretend like this is a fucking friendship hug.”

Ben was silent for a moment. The only sound in the room was Whiskers batting at her new toy. “That’s good news,” he said. “Because this isn’t going to be friendly at all.”

Taking her face in his hands, Ben crashed his mouth into hers. Chloe felt a jolt of desire more powerful than violence rush through her as he probed her lips open with his tongue and his mouth melted into hers. Her robe fell open and his hands were everywhere as he kissed her face, her neck and her body.

In a tangle of flesh and joy, Ben lifted her up and carried her over the threshold of the bedroom.

Eighty-one

Kristine looked around in delight. The enormous church where June’s wedding was to be held was still decorated for Christmas, just as they’d planned. Garlands draped the pews, while red and white poinsettias dotted the aisles. The wedding planner had added clusters of holly decorated with tulle and bright red berries. White candles glistened from tall holders and a harpist strummed softly, filling the church with music.

Charley, the silver fox, stood waiting at the altar. He was impeccably handsome in a simple gray suit. His back was straight and his hands were folded as he patiently awaited his bride.

Kristine smiled at him as she slid into the pew. He nodded, giving her a slight wink. “I like that man so much,” she told Chloe. “He has really brought out the best in June.”

“It’s bizarre,” Chloe said. “Who would have thought that tiger could be tamed? If we’re not careful, she might expect us to run our own lives.”

Kristine thought about that for a moment. “That will never happen,” they chorused.

Laughing, Kristine reached out and pulled her daughter into a half-hug. Rue was sitting two pews over and eyeing them with disdain. Kristine let out a little sigh. Subtly indicating Rue with her chin, she said, “Are you doing okay?”

Chloe followed her gaze. Giving Rue a bright smile, she waved. The old woman tossed her head and looked away. “Oh, she’ll thank me soon enough,” Chloe promised. “Mark my words on that one.”

Kristine nodded. Based on some of the things Chloe had said, it wouldn’t surprise her if Geoff did indeed get back together with his ex-wife. In some ways, that could be the best thing for everyone.

“Besides,” Chloe beamed, “I’m sorry, but . . .” Turning to Ben, she patted him on the knee. “This is the man I love.” Looking slightly embarrassed, she said, “Can I say that yet? The whole ‘I love you’ thing? Or is it too soon?”

Ben, who had been busy reading the program, closed it and grinned. “Dating tip number seven thousand: Only if you are totally confident that the guy you’re saying it to is going to say