Cinderella Dreams (1Night Stand Series) Page 2

  Movement behind me snapped me back into action. I captured each bridesmaid on her stroll down the aisle, some serious, some giggling, before Diana filled my lens. She moved with the grace of a ballerina and when she stepped next to Ray, he beamed at her.

  I almost forgot to take the shot. For a split second, I saw myself on that altar in the same perfect scenario, a Cinderella transformed into a glowing bride. But who stood beside me? I couldn’t see his face.

  My mantra failed me. You’re a professional, I chided myself in a less-than-Zen tone. I steadied my hand and pressed the shutter button.

  When the bride and groom exchanged emotional vows, Matt caught my eye. He appeared tense, ready to spring to my aid should I swoon. Or maybe hold me back if I attempted to throw myself at the groom’s feet, wailing. No, Ray had hired me to do a job. Matt knew I wouldn’t ruin the wedding with any drama. So why all the attention?

  Suppressing a sigh, I moved to the back of the church to photograph the bride and groom walking down the aisle together. Arm in arm, they could pass for supermodels. The perfect couple. Getting a bad shot of them would be impossible. These would be the best photos of my career.

  Guests tossed confetti, and the bride and groom strolled down the church steps with theatrical flair. My camera clicked away, my professional instincts taking over. I followed them to the limo.

  Matt strode over. “I’m supposed to ask you to meet them outside the hotel. Near the gazebo.”

  How had I never noticed his palpable presence before? Brut cologne never smelled so masculine on anyone. An urge came over me to taste it on his neck, his chest….

  I kept my head down. “I’ll go there right away.”

  “Listen, Gen….” His hand warmed my back.

  Everything in me wanted to surrender to that warmth. Instead, I shrugged it away. “I’m fine, Matt. This is my job. I’m very good at it. I’m not going to ruin it for Ray.” I hoisted up my photographer’s bag.

  He opened his arms as if to embrace me. “No, I—”

  I skirted him. “I don’t want to keep them waiting.” Why couldn’t I think straight near him?

  Before he could see my distress, I hurried to my car and sped out of the parking space. If I was lucky, the reception wouldn’t last until midnight. I wanted to put this job behind me and move forward with my life.

  Another buzz shot through my head. What was I forgetting? Something important.

  I steered my Beetle into the hotel lot. It would come to me eventually. I grabbed my gear and followed the gowned and tuxed crowd across the grass.

  The bridal party glowed against the manicured courtyard. The groomsmen hammed for me in their Risky Business sunglasses. Covered in wisteria vines, the white gazebo with its dangling purple flowers provided a perfect frame for the pictures. Ray smiled into the lens, cheek to cheek with his bride, as if I were some random photographer he’d found in the phone book.

  I’d been infatuated with him for a year before he asked me out. Maybe I was too self-conscious, too eager to please, too nervous about the relationship that it couldn’t help but fulfill my expectations of doom. When he broke up with me, he told me he liked me “as a person” and hoped we could still be friends.

  When he called a month ago, some wild voice of unreason in the back of my head screamed, Yes! He wants you back! But that voice clammed up when Ray asked if I had discount rates for “special friends.” He broke my heart all over again, but I gave him the discount after hearing his sob story about having to help pay for the wedding, since her parents wouldn’t foot the bill for her second trip down the aisle.

  “Do me a favor, though,” he said in a muted tone. “Don’t tell her we dated, okay?”

  Not merely wounding my heart, but my professional pride as well. I said, “Of course,” and then bit my lip to stop myself from saying anything else. Just as I bit my lip now, going into the hotel to set up for their grand entrance. I was going to need some serious ChapStick before this night ended.

  I set up my tripod, and soon the bridesmaids and groomsmen walked through the flowered archway in pairs. I went rigid when Matt walked in, stiff as a cake-top figurine, mouth in a tight line as he stared into the camera, directly at me. Come to think of it, he hadn’t smiled in any of my shots. The maid of honor did, though—up at Matt. She batted her false lashes and dug her glittery long nails into his suit jacket. Fuming, my hands arched into claws, and I forced myself to take the picture.

  He and his cloying partner strolled ahead. I could feel his stare as he passed. It took all I had to train my gaze on the next couple entering the hotel. I must be coming down with something. My head abuzz, I couldn’t shake the fog clouding my mind. Some distant thought nagged, but so indistinct, I had no idea what it meant. Every time I saw him, the feeling grew stronger. It would come to me later.

  For the next few hours, I focused on getting the best angle and lighting for each photo. My aim kept coming back to Matt. When I didn’t hold him in the frame, I remained aware of his every movement.

  I captured his toast to the happy couple, telling myself I had to get extra pictures, just in case. I zoomed in to a perfect head shot. When he glanced over at me, something electric zinged through the lens and into my nervous system.

  I had to steady my hand for the standard wedding cake cutting, followed by the rough scramble during the bouquet toss, and the new couple’s first dance, a Madonna wannabe dancing a little too close with the bride’s father. Maybe I would leave that last photo out. I didn’t want this wedding to be painful for anyone else.

  And holy cow, when had Matt learned to dance so well? Sexiness in motion. Trying to impress the maid of honor? It worked. She swayed her ass close to his swiveling hips. Mesmerized by his moves, I let the Nikon droop and imagined strutting right up to him, fitting myself between his pulsing legs. When I finally lifted my gaze to his face, he was singing along with Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” If he was one of the band, I was a front-row groupie. Tempted as I was to toss my panties at him, I instead raced to the ladies’ room and splashed cold water across my face and neck. Not exactly the release I needed, but I had to keep my head on straight and finish this job.

  My attempt at projecting confidence broke after re-entering the reception room. Matt held a woman close, slow dancing to The Police’s “Every Breath You Take.” Wow, I could relate to those lyrics tonight. Every move he made, every step he took, I was watching him. Wishing he held me instead of that—

  They swiveled, and tension released from my muscles. Ray’s grandmother. What had gotten into me?

  Maybe I should eat. I’d picked at my plate earlier, so I returned to it. I stabbed some wilted lettuce onto my fork. As I raised it to my mouth, Ray’s grandmother weaved through the tables to a nearby chair.

  Breathless, she laughed. “That man has some moves.”

  The DJ urged everyone on their feet for a conga dance, and the maid of honor grabbed Matt’s hand.

  “Does he?” Too bad he wasted them on every female in the room but me.

  “Oh, sweetie.” She waved me off.

  How pathetic. Even Ray’s grandmother ranked ahead of me.

  “Go for it, Genevieve.”

  “For what?” My false nonchalance couldn’t fool a two-year-old.

  “Don’t let fear hold you back.”

  “No, of course not. I never do.” Or I always did.

  “Then go get him.”

  I fiddled with the Nikon strap while the maid of honor hung onto Matt. The night slipped away, second by second, and every passing moment filled with greater urgency.

  A fork sailed past me and landed on a plate with a clang.

  Ray’s grandmother leaned toward me. “Don’t waste the precious time you have left.”

  I blinked to clear the fuzziness in my brain. “What?”

  “You never beamed at Ray the way you moon over Matt.”

  “Sure I did.”

  His grandmother’s cocked brow was her sole argu
ment.

  Matt veered from the conga line toward my table. Too bad I didn’t grab my Nikon. The maid of honor’s sour expression would live in my memory for an eternity.

  “Mind if I join you?” Had he toasted the happy couple a few times too many? But then, so had everyone else.

  “I will if you smile. You’ve been ruining my pictures all night.”

  He plopped sideways onto the chair beside me. “Are you kidding? After the way he treated you, I’m supposed to smile? Ray’s lucky you showed up today.”

  I tried to sound perky, and to ignore the zing in my belly when his knee grazed mine. “All in the past. Things work out for the best.” Yikes, I was quoting Mom. I wished I could disappear.

  Matt grinned. “Yeah, they do, don’t they?”

  The DJ began spinning the song I couldn’t seem to escape these days: “867-5309.”

  “Ugh, I hate this song.” I gulped champagne, my restraint slipping away.

  He sat straighter. “Why?”

  “I’m so tired of hearing ‘Genny, I’ve got your number.’ It’s a terrible pickup line, but guys like to think they thought it up themselves. Yeah, how original.”

  His arm slid around the back of my chair. “I asked the DJ to play it.”

  Tensing as I waited for his touch, I peered at him to see if he was teasing, but sincerity shone through in his seriousness.

  “Will you dance with me?” He was adorable with his tie askew and his hair tousled.

  And tempting. I almost said yes, but remembered. “Can’t, sorry. I’m on the clock.”

  “Oh, right.” More pensive than I’d ever seen him, he drummed his fingers on the white linen tabletop.

  A sense of urgency came over me. I stood, ready to give up on my meager meal. “Guess I better get back to work.” I looped the camera strap around my neck.

  “Ray’s a real jerk,” he blurted.

  My face went hot but I told myself it was the alcohol talking, not Matt. “You don’t have to say that.”

  He furrowed his brows. “I mean, for letting you go.”

  Surprise replaced embarrassment as I stared down into his hazel eyes. “Thanks.” I wasn’t sure how else to answer, but I wished he’d say more. I’d forgotten how good he made me feel just being around him, talking to him.

  He gazed up at me with so much hope, I couldn’t help imagining him on one knee, opening a ring box. Stupid Cinderella dreams.

  The buzz in my head spread to my chest. Remember, an echoing whisper warned.

  His smile grew lopsided. “I always had a crush on you. You knew that, right?”

  The tension grew electric and ping-ponged through me. Was he kidding? I scanned the room to make sure this wasn’t a setup, that Ray and pals weren’t huddled together somewhere, laughing.

  They weren’t. Everyone else danced. Everyone but me and Matt and Ray’s grandmother, but I was fairly certain she wouldn’t have concocted such a scheme.

  A strange sensation passed through me. “No, I never knew.” I’d always thought my little crush on him one-sided. Thought the kiss we shared my idea, not his, even if he indulged me with greater enthusiasm than I’d anticipated.

  “I know you’re working tonight. But do you think maybe….” Yearning filled his eyes as he groped for words.

  “What?” I was trying not to hope, but those Cinderella dreams were tough to shake, especially in the face of his soulful eyes. Whatever they’d put in his cologne seemed to make me woozier than champagne, and I wanted more.

  He exhaled, as if he’d been holding his breath. “Do you think we could go out tomorrow? I have to leave in a few days, and—”

  Leave? No, I couldn’t let him. “Not tomorrow. Tonight.” The fog in my head thinned.

  His eyes crinkled in a smile. “You’re right. Why wait? We’ll find an all-night diner.”

  “Or just hang out.” In his car, anywhere. I had to keep him with me, though I couldn’t explain it.

  Over the speaker system, Madonna sang “Crazy for You” and the DJ invited every couple in love to the dance floor.

  Matt jerked his head toward the swaying crowd. “Sure you can’t take a break for one song?”

  Follow your heart popped into my head. Had Mom said that? Something told me no, but could there be a better time to start getting on with my life? “You know, I’ve given this job my all today. A dance sounds perfect.”

  He stood so fast, his chair tilted over backward. Then he removed the camera strap from my neck so gently, it seemed the most romantic thing any guy had ever done for me. Arm around my waist, he led me to the floor and pulled me close.

  I reminded myself I had to maintain a professional appearance, but found it difficult to concentrate with Matt’s thighs brushing against mine. I had to fill the silence. “How’s life in San Diego?”

  His eyes burned into mine. “It’s been a rough year. Long days setting up the new office don’t leave much free time. I haven’t often checked out the nightlife.”

  He made the city sound so lonely. “I’ve always wanted to go there.” Now that he lived there, its list of attractions had expanded by one.

  His arms tightened around me, bringing his face inches away. “You’ll have to come visit me.”

  Joy bubbled through me, an effervescent yearning for the kiss we’d shared. A ghost of a memory flew past, some haunting specter of sadness. Don’t let him get away. Follow your heart. “I will.”

  Softly, he sang with the music: “I never wanted anyone like this,” and nuzzled his cheek against mine.

  I closed my eyes, afraid to believe what was happening, but wanting it to last. “I missed you after you moved.” More than I had wanted to admit at the time, I realized. Without Matt there, Ray and I had little in common. How had I not seen it before?

  He murmured, “I missed you, too. I wanted to call.”

  I leaned away to search his eyes. “Why didn’t you?”

  His smile vanished. “Ray said he suspected you’d fallen in love with someone else.”

  My eyes shot venomous daggers across the crowded dance floor in vain. No Ray in sight. “He unceremoniously dumped me about a day after you moved. I haven’t dated since.” Why did that seem like ages ago?

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes, seriously.”

  His embrace tightened. “I don’t want to lose touch again.” As if to illustrate, his hands moved down my back, and he eased closer.

  Every bit of me came alive with anticipation. “No. Let’s not…lose touch.”

  Soft and warm, his lips pressed against mine. Better than any fairy tale. This was real. Excitement burst inside me. My veins hummed the “Hallelujah Chorus” while in my head, Joni Mitchell sang I could drink a case of you. I wanted more.

  Someone giggled nearby, and Matt lifted his mouth from mine, though he still held me close. I roused myself from the recesses of my brain, reeling from bliss, to follow the direction of his gaze.

  The bride and groom smiled at us. “We’re taking off,” Ray said.

  “To start our honeymoon,” Diana said.

  Good lord, already finishing each other’s sentences.

  Matt and I spoke in unison. “Have fun.” Still woozy from his kiss, it no longer bothered me Ray had married Diana. From within Matt’s warm embrace, the world seemed different. Better. I no longer needed a rose-colored filter for my camera lens. All I needed was Matt to hold me and not let go.

  Ray and Diana exchanged a smile. “Told you,” he said.

  “I never doubted.” Still smiling, she shook her head at me. “He knew you two were perfect for each other.”

  “I am not the jerk I used to be. Not since I found my princess.” Ray extended his hand to Matt. “You thought I forgot your best man’s gift? Have fun. It doesn’t have to be only a one-night stand, you know.”

  My brain clanged, a pinball machine hitting the highest score. One-night stand? It sounded so familiar but I couldn’t place it. Despite my confusion I knew, suddenly, the real re
ason Ray and I had split. I had fallen in love with someone else—Matt. But his move to the West Coast killed any hope for a relationship, so my subconscious squashed the notion. It hadn’t stopped me from moping around for weeks afterward.

  No reason to mope now. I smiled up at him.

  Diana tugged at Ray’s sleeve. His parting glance held a mix of regret and envy as Matt whispered in my ear, “Let’s get out of here, too.”

  The heat in his eyes melted my fears away. “Yeah. Unless a bridesmaid starts a brawl, this wedding’s a wrap anyway.”

  He squeezed me, and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “God, I missed your sense of humor. One of the things I love most about you.”

  My knees unhinged. Did he say love? Now I understood what people meant by swooning. One realization snapped me back. “Hold that thought. I’ll be right back.”

  I ran to the table, grabbed my Nikon, and charged outside, catching Ray and Diana. Or rather, my lens did—him holding the limo door open, them sharing a kiss, his wink before he climbed in after her, their back seat kiss making a lovely silhouette on the departure.

  A sigh escaped. My job finally done, I found Matt waiting inside for me.

  His smile rekindled the earlier buzz. “All set?”

  If I’d entertained any notion of resisting, it dissolved as Matt guided me to the table. Much more entertaining to think of him, naked. Me, naked. Wrapped around him.

  I couldn’t tear away my gaze. “Why are we stopping here?”

  He slung the strap of my camera bag over his shoulder. “For the rest of your equipment.”

  “Oh, right.” I was more interested in his equipment, but thank goodness he had the presence of mind to retrieve my camera bag.

  On the way out the door, he also grabbed a bottle of the bubbly. “We have a lot to celebrate.”

  I nestled closer under his arm. “Oh yeah.” Champagne couldn’t make me any more woozy than Matt’s touch already did.