Читать книгу The Gypsy Ribbon - Shannon MacLeod - Страница 9

2

Brandon, FL, US –Present Day– the last week of April

Lisbeth Vargo threw a baleful look over her shoulder at the full-length mirror in her small apartment bedroom, glaring at the way the fabric of her new dress clung to her behind. Lily lay sprawled across the bed, watching her try on the knit outfit and trying her best not to giggle at her friend’s disconcertion.

Beth rapidly shifted her weight from one leg to the other. “I can’t possibly wear this. See, just look at my butt when I move. Looks like two bobcats fighting in a sack back there.” She looked back over her shoulder again and grinned, “At least they’re healthy bobcats, wouldn’t you say?”

Howling with laughter, Lily clutched her stomach and waved a hand frantically for Beth to stop so that she could catch her breath. When at last she was able to speak, she said, “The dress looks fabulous on you.” Suddenly she wriggled around on the bed and felt around underneath her. “You’ve made a book up in the bed again,” she giggled as she reached beneath the covers, “Let’s see what you’re reading this week.”

Beth shrieked and lunged for the paperback, but Lily snatched it back from her fingers at the last second. “Touch of the Highlander,” Lily read, flipping through the pages of the historical romance, “Ooh, this one sounds good. Doona ye ken how bad I’m wanting ye, lass…”

“Give me that,” Beth laughed, plucking it neatly from Lily’s hand. “It’s research.” She dropped it on her bedside table and waggled a menacing finger. “I need to know what to ask for specifically when I’m conjuring up my dream man.”

Glancing around the bedroom, Lily spied the carefully arranged cluster of candles on the desk. “Let’s see. Yellow for attraction, red for love, hibiscus and jasmine petals in the bowl …yes, my little witchy friend has indeed been busy.”

Beth appraised herself in the mirror once again and grudgingly decided that maybe it did look okay, although not the kind of clothes she was accustomed to wearing. The gray sweater dress did wonderful things for her lush figure, accentuating the long legs and generous breasts. It also, much to her dismay, hugged the slight extra padding she carried over her stomach and hips and she picked at the material trying to will it to loosen just a little. She was hardly overweight, just–as she put it-lumpy in places she shouldn’t be.

“Quit it. You look great,” Lily ordered. “Better than mortal man deserves.”

Giving in, Beth gave her dark red curls a toss and nodded, “Indeed, if you say it, it must be so.” She regarded her friend in the mirror. “Are you getting nervous yet?” she asked in a more serious vein.

Lily blushed slightly and smiled. “A little, I guess. It’s hard to believe the wedding is only a few days away. It seems like just a week or so ago I went to the Castle with you to apply for that job.”

Beth remembered back to that day around seven months before. She worked as a Tarot card reader at Castle Wilde, the renaissance faire theme park owned by Dan and Meg Wilde, the groom’s sister and brother-in-law. She had dragged her friend with her to apply for a job reading the cards part-time. Lily had met resident artist, occasional cast member and soon-to-be husband Ian there and the rest, as they say, was history. Their relationship hadn’t been always smooth, however, marred by a complicated love triangle and nearly culminating in the death of all three. Now that the drama was over, Lily was happier than she had ever been, getting ready to begin a new life with the man of her dreams–literally–and Beth was ecstatic for them both.

She eased out of the dress and carefully hung it up, slipping back into her familiar jeans and her favorite Dr. Seuss t-shirt. Giving her unruly hair a good shake, she turned to Lily and finally voiced the question that had been on her mind for the last couple of days. “So…how was it meeting the whole family?” she drawled.

“He’s very sweet,” Lily replied promptly, “not what I expected at all.”

Beth tried her best to appear nonchalant at that statement, but knew Lily would pick up on her excitement. “You’re describing the whole family as a he?”

Lily giggled. “You’re not fooling anybody. I know who you’re asking about, and James was very nice. Funny. Even handsomer up close, if that’s possible. He’s got a little bit of a beard now, it suits him very well. It’s amazing how much he and Ian look alike when they’re standing right next to each other.”

Beth stared up at the large Horizon poster hanging near the bed. James stood in the foreground wearing leather jeans that had to have been spray-painted on, shirt unbuttoned, his arms folded arrogantly across his broad chest. The gold hoop dangling from one ear gave him a careless piratey air. She was certain that the camera lens must have melted from the carnal Trouble with a capital Oooh Baby look it captured.

“The whole family’s got the same color eyes, you know,” Lily continued.

Beth knew, all right. As a huge Horizon fan, she had enjoyed some pretty interesting fantasies over the years about the lead singer, most of which involved him, her and…well, him and her. Stunned into speechlessness at the revelation that James was Ian’s younger brother, she nearly fainted dead away when she learned that he would be her escort in the wedding party. The diet had started immediately, but as yet hadn’t succeeded in defeating the last ten pounds that had declared open warfare on her hips.

Lily followed Beth’s line of sight and peered up at the poster. “Have you ever taken a good look at the medallion he’s wearing? Ian has one just like that.”

“He mentioned it in an interview once. It’s a Celtic dragon - his grandmother painted it for him. He’s a Fire sign, so that makes sense,” Beth answered.

Lily nodded. “Ian’s has a hawk on it.” She checked her watch and jumped off the bed. “I need to get moving if I’m to make it to the Castle by six. Think they’ll start the rehearsal without the bride?”

“You’re not allowed to walk down the aisle at rehearsal anyway, ees verrah verrah bad luck,” Beth intoned in her best gypsy accent. “You get a stand in to walk up the aisle, then you and the Prince meet on the stage.”

“Are you ever going to stop calling him that?” Lily giggled then held out an arm so Beth could see her watch. “You’d better get ready too. I’ll see you there.” Snatching up her purse, she scrambled for the door and waved as she fired her parting shot, “Wear the dress. It looks great on you!”

Beth laughed and locked the door after Lily left. She headed back toward the bedroom to start getting ready, but abruptly changed her mind and sat down on the couch, pulling the wooden box on the coffee table closer to her. She opened it and took out her Smith-Waite Tarot deck and shuffled it, thinking of the upcoming evening.

What can I expect tonight?

She laid out three cards face down, and turned them over one by one. The first card was the four of Wands. “We’re having a party,” she sang, reaching for the second card. Eight of Wands, swift events unfolding. “Hmmm…” she murmured, turning over the last card. The Knight of Wands, passionate and impulsive. She put the cards back in the box and with a smile headed for the shower, thinking that perhaps passionate and impulsive would be just what the doctor ordered, in whatever form it chose to come.

Castle Wilde closed early for the evening wedding rehearsal. By the time Beth stepped through the gates of the list field, everything was in full swing. In the months prior, Meg had informed her that a true Irish wedding goes on for at least a week. Although Beth had thought it a colorful exaggeration at the time, she now suspected Meg had spoken the truth. The members of the wedding party were having a delightfully chaotic time much to the disconcertion of the director. That poor woman ran to and fro, trying unsuccessfully to herd all of her rebellious ducklings into a tidy row.

“Beth!” Camille Evans, mother of the bride, waved her over. “Thank goodness you’re here. We can get started now,” she called to the harried director. Camille was a bit on the frantic side herself as she grabbed Beth by the arm and led her over to two women. Both were petite with flame colored hair, the younger of the two pregnant. “Beth, this is Moire Kelly and Meghan Wilde, Ian’s mother and sister. Wait, you work for Meg, so you already know her.” Camille glanced around, spied her next target and took off toward him at a trot. “Ian! I need to talk to you about…”

Beth laughed. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Kelly. You too, Meg.”

“I’m delighted to finally meet the famous Beth. Ian and Lily have told me so much about you.” Moire smiled.

Meg giggled and took Beth’s hands in hers, giving them a happy squeeze. “You look lovely this evening, Beth. That dress is stunning on you.”

Murmuring her thanks, Beth picked at the knit again where it clung to her hips. Meg gently swatted her hand away. “Stop it,” she whispered. “You look wonderful.”

Attired in a lovely floral dress that swirled around her when she moved, Lily glided up bearing two plastic cups. She took a sip of one and handed the other to Beth, who peered into it and sniffed. “What is this?”

The bride-to-be grinned and took her friend by the arm. “It’s mead, kind of a spiced wine honey thing and it’s excellent. C’mon, I’ll introduce you around.” She led her to the edge of the crowd gathered near the stage and pointed out the other family members present. “You see the tall black-haired man talking to my dad? That’s Ian’s brother Sean. The ginger-haired lady next to him is his wife Leslie. She’s from Scotland, has the coolest accent. Sean runs Gallia Diamond Corporation from where they live in South Africa. They’ve got three of the most adorable kids. Their twins Siobhan and Ryan are our flower girl and ring bearer.” She sipped her mead while they walked. “All the Kelly brothers and sisters are just about two years apart. Sean’s the oldest, then Meg, Ian’s in the middle, then James and Heather.”

A tall blond man walked by with a pretty young woman on his arm. His face lit up when he saw Beth and Lily. “Beth!” Renaud exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. One of the Castle’s most popular cast members and fencer extraordinaire, the handsome Frenchman was also one of Beth’s good friends. Releasing Beth, he turned to Lily and shook his head with mock sadness. “Lily, ma chere, you I dare not touch. Ian might see and I like my face just as it is, thank you. You look tres belle, Beth,” he added. “Have you met Ian’s sister Heather? She’s studying to be a chef at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. You’re due to graduate soon, non?”

“Mais oui.” The beautiful green-eyed blonde smiled sweetly. “I feel as if I already know you,” she said, clasping Beth’s hand. “Ian and Lily speak of you so often.”

Beth laughed and replied, “Only the good stuff is true, though.” She had just lifted her cup to take a sip of her drink when she sensed a presence behind her. She froze, holding her breath in anticipation. There was only one Kelly left to meet.

“Me next,” a lilting baritone purred. The bearer of said voice stepped into view and Beth’s heart skipped several beats as she gazed into the most beautiful green eyes she had ever seen. Lily grinned and introduced the newcomer.

“Beth, this is James Kelly, Ian’s brother. James, meet my best friend and maid of honor, Beth Vargo. You’ll be escorting her.”

Beth’s tone belied the excitement shivering through her body as she calmly offered her hand. “Pleased to meet you,” she said.

* * * *

Mine.

His entire body resonated as that one single word exploded through him. James took her hand and brushed his lips across her fingertips, his gaze never leaving hers. “The pleasure is all mine, darlin’,” he said softly.

Christ almighty, she’s gorgeous. Now this was a real woman. They stared at each other without speaking until the wedding planner clapped her hands and called, “It’s time to get started, people.”

James managed to tear his gaze away first. Turning to Lily he grinned and said, “I believe Renaud is escorting Heather and as I have now found my partner, you should probably run along and find that homely bastard you’re marrying.” He looked around in feigned alarm. “Feel free to not tell him I said that.”

Laughing, they all moved toward the center of the field where the rehearsal began in earnest. James still hadn’t released Beth’s hand, instead tucking it into the crook of his arm while they walked. “So you’re Lily’s best friend,” he said conversationally. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Ian thinks highly of you. High praise indeed since he doesn’t think highly about hardly anyone.”

Beth hesitated a moment before speaking. “The Prince is…quite the piece of work,” she said slowly, “but he worships the ground Lily walks on and I approve of that.”

James doubled over with an explosion of laughter. “The Prince? Sweet Jaysus, where’d that name come from?” he wheezed, once he was able to speak again.

“It’s short for Prince Charming,” Beth confided solemnly.

James snickered again. “Prince, indeed. Aye well, he does have something of a noble bearing. Not poor common folk like me, I’m afraid.”

“Common isn’t a word I’d use to describe you,” Beth said then bit her lip as if to catch the words. James didn’t comment but cast a sideways glance at her and smiled.

* * * *

The rehearsal went as well as could be expected considering the amount of irreverent fun the alcohol had initiated. After an hour and a half, the newly hoarse director was somewhat optimistic that everyone knew where they were supposed to be and when. With a stern admonition to be on time and sober for the wedding, she turned them all loose to leave for the rehearsal dinner. The group started as one toward the parking lot, but once there began a spirited discussion about who was riding with whom.

Ian and Lily pulled Beth aside. “Would you like to ride over with us?” Ian asked, snaking his arm around Lily’s waist and giving her a playful tickle. She smacked his hand in mock exasperation.

“Nah, I hate being without my car,” Beth grinned. “I’ll see you both over there.” Her spine tingled and she got all shivery inside, knowing that when she turned around, James would be standing there. And yes, he was.

“I didn’t drive and I don’t really know the area,” he shrugged. “Would you mind if I rode with you? I promise to behave,” he said with a crooked grin, “unless of course you don’t want me to.”

Beth gave herself a mental pat on the back for resisting the urge to throw herself on him right there and then, and nodded numbly that yes, it would be fine if he rode over with her. Lily waved and called back, “Drive carefully!”

Ian gave James a hard look but said nothing as he spun on his heel and followed his fiancee.

Casting a wary glance toward the back of his retreating brother, James turned to Beth and said cheerfully, “Ready?”

Waving for him to follow her, Beth headed for her car. She was relieved that it was for the most part pretty clean, all the fast food bags having been cleared out and nearly all of the French fries recovered from their hiding place under the seat. The old lilac Saturn had seen better days, but was still holding its own. James whistled when he saw it. “What a great car,” he exclaimed.

She turned to give him a withering glare and saw the look of appreciation on his face. He wasn’t kidding. “I like it,” she admitted as she got in, “It’s old, but it still runs pretty good.”

“It’s great,” James repeated, easing into the passenger seat, “full of character. Reminds me of a car I had once. Mine wasn’t purple, though,” he laughed.

On automatic pilot, she backed out of the parking space and threw the car in gear. Okay, time for an emergency meeting, her brain sent out to the rest of her body. James Kelly, internationally-known rock star and the gorgeous brother of my best friend’s fiance is sitting in my junky old car talking to me like he’s just an average, normal guy. This is not happening. Men like him don’t look at girls like me. Men like him want beautiful, tall and skinny, not plain, short and chunky. Her heart, however, elected to skip the meeting.

To Beth’s surprise, they talked easily and non-stop all the way to the restaurant, and when they pulled into one of the last remaining parking spaces at the back of the lot, James jumped out and ran around the car to open the door for her. Offering her his hand to help her out, he gave her a bright smile. “Shall we, Miss Vargo?”

Charmed, she grinned back and said, “Why certainly, Mr. Kelly.” She took his arm again and he patted her hand as they walked toward the front door of the restaurant.

“Your dress is lovely,” James commented.

“Thanks,” Beth blushed. “It’s not the sort of thing I normally wear, but it’s comfortable. That’s a nice suit,” she said, indicating his obviously expensive jacket.

“Thanks yourself,” he smiled. “It’s not what I usually wear either, but Ma said–and I quote–‘If ye show up for yer brother’s weddin’ in leather pants, anything ripped or dangling from yer earlobes, ye’d best commend yer soul to God because yer ass will belong to me.’”

She bit her lip to keep from laughing at the dire admonition repeated in the high feminine pitch. “Your mom really said that?”

“She did,” James said somberly. “Terrified me too. As you can see, I’m observing the warnings and cleaned up all proper-like for the festivities.” Beth nodded and still managed to keep a straight face until he added under his breath, “I hope she don’t check my underwear, though.”

About half of the wedding party had already arrived and the harried servers ran back and forth taking drink orders. James ordered a glass of wine for himself from a star struck waitress and turning to Beth asked, “And what is your pleasure, m’dear?”

You naked in a great big champagne glass. “I’ll have the same, thank you,” Beth nodded.

The bride and groom made their appearance, along with the rest of the wedding party, family and close friends, and everyone laughed, drank and mingled while they waited to take their seats at the long table. Beth moved from group to group chatting, never losing sight of the fact that not once did James leave her side, attentively gesturing for refills when her glass was empty and making small talk. He occasionally put a gentle hand to her lower back to guide her through the crowd almost possessively. Was he flirting with her? Not bloody likely…she snorted delicately.

When they reached Ian and Lily, Beth overheard as Ian leaned next to James’s ear and whispered, “A private word, if you please.”

“Ladies, if you would be so kind as to excuse us,” James bowed low to Beth and then to Lily, who giggled at his formality. Beth looked at Ian with a question in her eyes, feeling the strange undercurrents of something she just couldn’t quite put her finger on. Ian just smiled and nodded, then took hold of James by the upper arm and dragged him from the room.

* * * *

Once in the hallway near the restrooms, James wrenched his arm free from Ian’s iron grip and took a good look at his brother. “Here now, leave off. What’d I do?”

“I just wanted to take a moment to explain this potentially life-threatening situation you’ve managed to get yourself into,” Ian said, his face carefully devoid of any emotion. “Beth is a lovely woman. She is Lily’s best friend, and they are very, very close. If you hurt Beth, it will hurt Lily. If you hurt Lily, it will hurt me, and if you hurt me, I will cheerfully drown you in the pond and apologize to Ma later when you’re not there for Christmas.”

James felt the color drain from his face then flood back. “You’d drown me? Seriously?”

Ian nodded, solemn as a judge. “I’ll let you call Ma first to tell her you love her. I couldn’t kill you knowing you hadn’t done that, but afterwards, yes…I will drown you and smile in the doing of it.”

James suppressed a grin. “I consider myself duly warned.” Cocking his head sideways he remarked, “Jaysus, you’re still a right vicious bastard, aren’t you? All that pent-up male energy. Maybe you just need to get lai–” Ian growled and James threw his hands up in self defense just as Meg’s husband rounded the corner.

“Leave the two of you alone for one minute and you’re gearing up to kill each other,” Dan Wilde laughed. “Some things never change, I reckon.” Shaking his head, he stepped around them and pushed open the restroom door.

The loud squeak of the closing door muffled James’s calculatedly impassioned plea of “Not the face!” followed by a loud thump and a heated little pushy-shovey match that quickly dissolved into chuckles. ”You can’t think I mean to hurt the girl,” James snorted, suddenly unsure if Ian were teasing or not.

“I wouldn’t think you’d mean to but it could still happen, all the same. Just putting you on notice, little brother–best mind yourself.” Ian’s face gave away nothing.

The restroom door opened and Dan popped his head out. “Safe now, is it?”

“Course it is, Danny boy,” James scoffed. “I took him down easy.” Together they all headed back toward the party, jostling each other boisterously as they walked down the hall.

With a cheeky grin, James walked directly over to the ladies and proffering his arm to Beth said, “I believe they have us seated together. May I have the honor, milady?” He turned and gave Ian a raised eyebrow in open defiance. Ian said nothing, but reached into his jacket pocket. Pulling out his cell phone, he held it up for James to see then pointed to Moiré, deep in conversation with Camille. James winked and nodded in understanding then turned his full attention back to Beth, escorting her to her seat.

* * * *

Ian ducked his head and smiled, delighted that the seed of the forbidden fruit had been planted in such fertile ground. Lily didn’t miss that and taking his hand leaned over to look more closely at her husband to be. “You look inordinately pleased with yourself,” she whispered. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing,” Ian replied vaguely, not meeting her gaze.

Not buying that for a minute, Lily followed his line of vision to where James and Beth sat talking and smiling. She rose up on tiptoe to give him a conspiratorial kiss on the cheek. “Just let me know if you need any help,” she said, grinning.