Blue Moon (7 page)

Real?

Sam wanted to scream. Tear her updo out. No. She wanted to rip every strand of Cathy’s hair out. Before she could take action on the fiery revenge surging through her veins, Jennifer and Francois caught her arms. Sam struggled against them like a madwoman.

If she could just get her fingers around Cathy’s throat…

“Sam! Someone has called security.” Jennifer gave Sam a jerk. “Let’s take a walk.”

“Sweetheart,” the cosmetician’s tone was soft and sympathetic. “When you’ve calmed down, come back and I’ll finish.”

Finish? Makeup was the last thing on Sam’s mind. Murder was the first thing.

While her sister half dragged her away, their mother went to console Cathy. That in itself fueled Sam’s fury. Anger so alive it threatened to consume her burned brightly. Who was the victim in all this mess? Cathy? Hell no.

“Breathe, Sam.”

Air flooded her lungs as she opened her mouth, almost choking her. “I can’t believe it. That bitch!”

Heavy footsteps took Sam through the jewelry and then through the purse section. She had shrugged off her sister’s grasp somewhere between the earring counter and accessories. All she could think of was that Kyle was innocent. For two years she had put them both through a living hell.

He was innocent but Cathy was not.

Sam and Jennifer were approaching women’s wear when her sister cautiously began to speak. “Sam. Think.”

Think? That was all she’d done since she returned to Seattle. Her head hurt from all the thinking.

“Kyle tripped over himself to be with you, to give you everything you desired, while George acted as if Cathy was his soon-to-be trophy wife.”

“And I’m supposed to care, why?” Spite hung onto the last word.

“Come on, Sam.” This time Jennifer snapped at her. “You know damn well what I’m talking about. George wanted someone to show off in front of his law firm. Cathy had the big diamond ring. The large house to look forward to, but you had love. You had Kyle and dreams and a future together.”

“A love that Cathy tore out of my hands.”

“I don’t blame you for being angry.” Jennifer fought back tears. “What she did to you is unforgivable.” They strolled quietly through racks and racks of women’s shoes before Jennifer spoke again. “You okay, Sammy?” Leave it to Jennifer to think about someone else on the biggest day of her life.

“Yes,” Sam lied. A sense of dread crept into her bones. “We need to get back.” She tried to smile, but the corners of her mouth refused to cooperate. “You’re going to be married in a couple hours.”

The fact was she had a lot to think about. What would she say to Kyle? Could they pick up where they left off? Could she ever look at him and not see Cathy, naked, in his arms?

Time was pressing hard on them as they returned to the makeup counter. Cathy and their mother were nowhere in sight. Inquisitive glances flew their way, but Sam ignored them. No matter what had happened earlier, today was Jennifer’s day. For her sister’s sake, Sam needed to keep focus. There was time to deal with the fucked-up situation later.

“Lovey, come take a seat.” Francois dabbed at the black smudge across Sam’s face, and then he quietly began to repair the damage.

The cosmetician who had been working on Cathy took Jennifer aside. “Your mother and sister took a taxi home.” She spoke softly, but Sam heard every word, thankful that they wouldn’t be locked in the car for the thirty-minute drive home. She wasn’t ready to face anyone and that included her mother.

Finished, Jennifer and Sam moved hastily through the mall. Nothing was said as they located the car in the parking lot and her sister slid behind the wheel.

“Jenny?”

“Huh?” She steered the car onto the side street.

Sam inhaled a steady breath. “Don’t let this ruin your day.”

Again, large tears blossomed in her sister’s eyes, but didn’t fall as she blinked them away. “I just wish things had been different. If you want I’ll send Cathy away.”

Oh God. How had this day gotten so screwed up?

“No. You can’t do that. If Cathy isn’t present everyone will notice and start asking questions. I can’t go through that and neither should you.”

Jennifer nodded. “What will you do about Kyle?”

The truth was Sam had no idea what she would do or say, until the opportunity was forced upon her.

Jennifer, always the voice of reason, spoke the obvious. “He deserves a second chance.”

“I know, but—”

“Sammy, do yourself a favor—let it go. Both of you deserve more.” A grin spread across her sister’s face. “You know, we could make it a double wedding.”

Unexpected laughter burst from Sam’s mouth. “You’re kidding, right?”

Her sister’s mischievous grin said differently. “Just think about it. The four of us could tear up Italy.”

No. Sam and Kyle had too much to talk about. They lived different lives now. And, in truth, Sam was scared. She wasn’t the same person she had been two years ago and neither was Kyle.

Arriving late to the house, they had to park down the street due to all the vehicles. Like two schoolgirls they giggled as they weaved through the empty cars trying to sneak inside the house without being seen. Abruptly Jennifer stopped, Sam running into the back of her.

“Look.” Her sister’s voice was filled with awe. “There he is.”

Sam’s breath caught with something close to the same admiration her sister must have felt, because Kyle was standing next to Brad. Both men were dressed in black tuxes, but Sam only had eyes for Kyle, even though the yard was overflowing with guests. His dark skin was a stark contrast against his white shirt. Ebony hair framed a handsome face that sent her heart fluttering.

All those thoughts she hadn’t allowed herself to consciously think about for the past two years flooded her head with feelings that tugged at her heart. As she gazed upon him everything seemed so different—so clear now that she could look at him again with no barriers, no feeling of betrayal. She’d missed him so very much. But what really mattered was that she loved him—had always loved him.

Sam released an audible sigh at the same time as Jennifer. They glanced at each other and started to giggle again.

“We better hurry.” Sam grabbed her sister’s hand and they darted inside.

When they finally made it to Jennifer’s bedroom, their mother was waiting on them. Without a word, she glanced at Sam. Smiling softly, she closed the distance and gave Sam a big hug.

Tears sprang to life. A rogue one rolled down Sam’s cheek.

“None of that now.” Her mother swatted her playfully on the butt. “We have a wedding to attend to. I’ll help Jennifer. You go get dressed and we will meet up here.”

Sam turned to walk away, but stopped, facing her mother once more. “Mom?” Batting back emotion building at an alarming sped, Sam cleared her throat.

Dammit
. Even after all that had happened, she needed her mother.

Warm palms cupped her face, her mother’s expression tender. “Everything will be okay, sweetheart. Trust me.” She kissed Sam on the cheek. “Go get dressed.”

As Sam left the bedroom, she fought with the mixed bag of feelings churning inside her. After two years, betrayal and lies, how could things ever be okay again?

Chapter Seven

Music played low in the background. A flowery aroma blended with a combination of different perfumes and colognes to fill the air. The ring bearer and flower girl had already departed down the white carpet leading toward the lattice arbor where the minister and Brad waited.

The clicking of hurried heels on tile caused Kyle to turn around from where he and Allen, a friend and groomsmen, stood on the patio. Cathy came through the opening first. Ducking her head and looking away from him, she weaved her arm through Allen’s and they stepped forward. Sam was next to arrive as she appeared in the archway. She took a single step and then another toward Kyle and all the air surrounding him evaporated.

Stilettos gave the illusion of height. Yet it was the long satin, teaberry strapless gown with its crisscrossing bodice and skirt that put the finishing points to the tall slinky image she made. Each sway of her hips awoke his desire, raised memories of last night. For a moment all he could think about was sweeping her off her feet and carrying her upstairs to make mad, passionate love to her.

When Sam caught his hungry gaze, she smiled and his heart skipped a beat. It was the first
real
smile she had gifted him since her return.

With her hair swept up in a cascade of curls adorned by small flowers and her porcelain skin picture-perfect, Kyle was almost afraid to touch her. Switching a bouquet of white and burgundy roses sprinkled with baby’s breath to one hand, she laced the other through his extended arm.

The feel of her next to him made his eyes briefly close. It felt so good to hold her. “Beautiful,” he breathed, though the single word didn’t do her justice.

Through long, coy eyelashes she glanced up at him. “Thank you.”

Soft. Seductive. All woman.

At that moment nothing existed in his world but the woman beside him. Kyle couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“Psst… Sam.
Kyle!
” Jennifer’s tone pitched, pulling his attention. Anxiety rose in her tense expression. She jerked her head toward the white carpet. “Go.”

Shit
. So enchanted with Sam, he had forgotten where they were and what his job was—to lead her down the aisle. When he turned back to her, laughter danced in her eyes. Was it her happiness for her sister or had she had a change of heart about them?

Kyle stumbled on a rise in the carpet, but Sam was there to steady him as she had always done before when he needed her. Even the snickers from the crowd didn’t faze him as he reveled in the fact she stood beside him.

As they approached the minister he was reluctant to release her, but the sighs from the throng told him Jennifer was making her way down the aisle. A quick glance at Brad revealed love shining in his friend’s eyes. It was worth Kyle parting with Sam. Releasing her, he took his place next to the groom.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister announced.

Kyle blinked.

The ceremony was over? He hadn’t heard a word of it.

Puzzling over Sam’s behavior had stolen his attention. If the troubles of last night plagued her, it wasn’t evident. A large grin spread from ear to ear as she hugged Jennifer and then Brad.

“Congratulations.” Kyle slapped Brad on the back, before dragging Jennifer into his arms.

“You and Sam are next,” she whispered in his ear. Jennifer squeezed him tightly before letting go.

He and Sam?

He opened his mouth to ask for an explanation, but a swarm of well-wishers sabotaged him, moving him further back into the crowd. What had she meant? Had she and Sam discussed last night? Had Sam really changed her mind?

Lightheaded, he scanned the yard for Sam, but she was nowhere to be found. The place buzzed with excitement as everyone took a moment to speak with the bride and groom.

“Kyle,” Mary called his name. “It’s picture time. Where is everyone?”

Oh goody
. Picture time.

What he really wanted to do was find Sam and talk to her, even though he’d sworn he would leave her alone—let her make the next move. Anxiety prickled his skin. Where was she?

As Jennifer and Brad marched to Mary’s tune, and the photographer snapped one photograph after another, Kyle walked through the crowd. He’d almost given up when Sam’s sweet voice floated up from behind him to caress his ears.

“Kyle?”

Palms sweating, he slowly turned to face her.

Nibbling on her bottom lip, she stepped closer. Apprehension screamed across her terse expression. “We need to talk.”

Kyle swallowed hard. This was it. Sam was ready to talk, which had to mean that last night had meant something to her—
he
had meant something to her.

“There you are.” Mary broke in between them, grabbing each of their arms and pulling them forward. “It’s picture time.”

Kyle almost groaned his frustration. Fuck the pictures. No way did he want to lose this opportunity. “Mary, please?” The plea in his voice was humiliating but worth it.

The woman glanced from him to her daughter and her eyes misted. “Fifteen minutes.” She hugged Sam, whispering, “Keep those eyes dry.” Releasing her grip, she scurried toward the bride and groom.

Silence stretched between them.

“You wanted to talk?”

Fidgeting with her dress, her fingers gliding along the low neckline, she took in the crowd around them. “Not here.” She didn’t wait for a response, heading off toward a quiet grove of trees where she stopped, her back to him. “I’ve made such a mess out of our lives.” She whirled around, her eyes locking with his.

So much pain swam in those blue depths. Kyle wanted to reach for her, hold her close, but insecurity raised its ugly head and made him pause. He couldn’t stand for her to push him away. Calling on his strength, he shored his shoulders just in case this conversation went south.

“Cathy told me the truth.” A shuddering breath raised her breasts. “She did this to us.”

His forehead furrowed. “I don’t understand.” What had Cathy told Sam? Had what her sister said made a different?

“Cathy wanted out of her wedding.” Sam licked her lips. “George…Cathy—” She hesitated as if she needed time to gather her control. “Oh God, Kyle. Can’t you see?” She rushed on to say, “Cathy used you that night to get out of her wedding. She hated what we had together.”

Anger rose on swift feet. That night had
not
been an accident? Red-hot fury raced through his veins. The fuckin’ woman had trapped him in a lie. Used him. Destroyed his and Sam’s future.

Every time I close my eyes I see you with her. I don’t want to live with that memory in my head each time I look at you.

Sam’s heartbreaking words from last night echoed through his head. Even innocent, he was guilty. The gravity of the truth was chains wrapped around his heart. His chest hurt.

“Kyle?” Sam laid a hand on his arm. “Do you understand? Nothing happened?”