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His voice was soft and sincere as he leaned over and kissed Holly on the cheek and shook Sam’s hand. His words and actions emitted such love. She felt truly blessed to know such a man.
Much of the dinner banter revolved around the wedding. Holly asked both her and Jody to be bridesmaids, and to help with the plans. Her sister would serve as the Matron of Honor, but seeing as she lived so far away, it would be difficult for her to perform all the duties of a Matron of Honor in the four weeks until the wedding.
Concern rippled through her. Four weeks, we only have four weeks to get this together? She knew her friend well; the wedding would be extravagant and things would have to be perfect.
As the ladies chatted non-stop about the wedding plans, Elizabeth heard Joe ask Sam how he was feeling about things. “It feels great. I’m so excited. This isn’t exactly the order I planned on, but I love her and want to be with her forever.”
Joe smiled reassuringly. “That’s great, Sam. I’m happy for you. Being married and having a family was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“It’ll happen for you again, Pal, I know it will.”
Joe glanced over at her and caught her gaze. Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest. The intensity of his gaze was invigorating, yet frightening.
* * * *
After dinner, they went into the bar area where a band was playing and found a table off to the side, and took a seat.
The tempo of the music slowed, and Joe held his hand out to Elizabeth. “Would you like to dance?”
“Sure.”
He closed his hand around her small, warm hand which fit perfectly into his. Her skin was soft and smooth against his palm; utterly refreshing.
After leading her to the dance floor, he placed his free hand at the small of her back, and drew her close until her soft breasts pressed lightly against his chest. Every nerve ending in his body stood at attention.
As they swayed to the music, she rested her head on his shoulder. His greedy nostrils continuously inhaled her tantalizing scent. He couldn’t get enough of her, and he wanted nothing more than to take her home and make love to her. The thought of her naked made his blood boil. He wondered when she would be ready, if she would ever be ready to let a man fully love her and touch her.
For a moment, he was happy, truly happy, as he swayed to the music with her in his arms. She fit so perfectly. Unfortunately, his happiness was short-lived as thoughts of Patrick and what he had done to her kept invading his pleasant thoughts, haunting him, and angering him. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t block the horrifying thoughts.
After several dances, the clock finally struck midnight and the New Year was welcomed. Joe glanced quickly about the room at all the couples engaged in passionate, New Year’s kisses. He eyed Elizabeth’s sensual mouth, wanting to take it with his, claim her rose-colored lips, and absorb her flavor. He gazed into her inviting eyes. She looked like she wanted to be kissed, but a tiny bit of doubt hung over him. The debate in his mind grew heated. He tilted his head down and gave her a quick peck on her forehead, instead.
“Happy New Year.”
––––––––
Elizabeth gazed into Joe’s dark chocolate eyes, wondering why in the world he didn’t kiss her on the lips like he did the night before she went to New York. They’d been having such a good time, and until the stupid peck on the forehead, she thought she’d succeeded in sending out the welcoming vibe.
“Happy New Year, Joe,” she said sadly as she turned and quickly walked away from him. Her worst nightmare had come true. He didn’t want her anymore because of what happened to her.
“Elizabeth, slow down. Wait a minute. What’s wrong?” he asked.
She spun on her heel to face him. “What’s wrong? What’s wrong? You tell me!” she snapped. “I want to go home.” She stomped off toward the coat room.
She heard Joe tell the others they were leaving before his heavy footsteps followed her to the coat room. He stayed one step behind her as she continued on to the parking lot toward his truck. He reached to open the door for her.
“I got it. Don’t bother,” she barked she lifted the handle herself and climbed into the truck, slamming the door behind her.
Joe climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine.
She kept her gaze focused on the road in fear looking at him would cause her to crumble completely. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife, and the silence only added to her apprehension. What was he thinking?
He pulled the truck into her driveway and she darn near jumped out while it was still moving. She heard his door slam, and then the clunk of his heels behind her. Her hands shook so bad from her fury she couldn’t get the key in the slot to unlock the door, which made her even angrier. He took the key from her hand and unlocked the door.
He followed her into the house. “Elizabeth, I’m sorry. Whatever I did to upset you, I didn’t mean it.”
She spun and clamped hold of his confused and sorry gaze with hers. Peering into his eyes for just that one second made her unable to stay angry with him.
She shifted her gaze to her feet. “I’m sorry Joe. It’s me. It’s all me. You’ve been a great friend to me, and I treated you poorly tonight. I’m sorry.”
