Embrace Me (6 page)

Harper chewed her bottom lip. “That's a definite check in the ‘pro' column.”

Lip chewing
and
a pro and con list? Allie knew she was on the verge of saying yes. It was all but a done deal. “So, can I have HR start the paperwork as soon as we get back?”

Harper cocked her head to one side. “You really think I can do it?”

“Without a doubt.”

“Okay.”

“Okay as in yes, you'll take the job?”

“On a trial basis. With the stipulation that you will fire my ass if I'm not cutting it. But yes.” Harper grinned. “It's a yes.”

Allie launched herself at Harper, nearly knocking both of them to the ground in her exuberance to hug her best friend.

“Air,” Harper sputtered. “Need air.”

Allie reared back and laughed. “Sorry, I'm just so excited. Not only do I know the foundation will be in great hands, but I will get to see my best friend every day again.”

“Well, I don't know about that. Us peons don't rub elbows with the brass on a daily basis.”

Allie shot her a look.

“I'm playing. But seriously, Allie, you have, like, a million responsibilities. The foundation is only one part of Ingram.”

“True. But while we might not work together every day, you'll just be down the hall.”

“You're putting me on the executive floor?”

“Well, you would be an executive, so—”

“Holy shitballs!” This time it was Harper who caused the two women to collide.

Allie laughed as she tried her best to keep her balance. “I take it you approve?”

Harper squeezed Allie even tighter and made some sort of noise that resembled a sound of agreement. Over her shoulder Allie could see Hudson and Nick, barely visible in the distance.

“C'mon, we better catch up.”

“No kidding. That man of yours gets mighty hangry, and if he beats us to the boat you know he'll blame me for making him wait.”

“Hangry?”

“Hungry and angry.” Harper shrugged as though it made perfect sense. “Hangry.” She started down the hill at a fast clip, then came to an abrupt stop and screamed.

“It bit me!” she shouted.

“What bit you?”

“I don't know, but something did.” Harper bent forward and yanked her jeans up her leg. Just above her sock was a series of red welts.

Nick ran up the hill at a full sprint. “Are you okay?” he asked, out of breath. Fear and concern filled his eyes. “I heard you scream. What happened?”

“Something bit me,” Harper repeated.

He squatted to examine Harper's shin while Allie scanned the brush for the offending animal. Within seconds Nick burst into a fit of laughter. “Babe, nothing bit you. It was a nettle, that's all.”

“A nettle?” Harper asked. By her tone and expression, you'd have thought she'd been told it was terminal.

Nick nodded. “A stinging nettle. Hudson and I used to play with them when we were kids.”

“So I won't die?”

“No,” Hudson said as he approached. “But Nick almost did when he tried to rub one on me.”

“That's because you were an uptight stick in the mud who couldn't take a joke. Guess some things never change, huh?”

“If by that you mean you're still the same pain in the ass you were as a kid, then no, they don't.”

Harper's head swiveled back and forth, watching the two brothers as though their verbal sparring was a tennis match. “Uh, hel-lo,” she finally interrupted. “Damsel in distress here!”

Nick's laughter faded as he took in the sight of Harper, her leg red and swollen and her eyes filled with unshed tears. “Oh babe, I'm sorry. Here, let me help you” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist and taking the weight off her leg. “Better?”

She gave a small smile. “Nothing a little TLC from my favorite boy won't fix.”

“Tell ya what, when we get back to the room I'll put you in a bath with those fancy smelly salts you like, and we can order up a bunch of room service.” He shot his brother a smug grin. “Hudson's treat.”

“Deal. But only if you join me.” Her smile widened. “Wouldn't want to waste all that naked sudsy time.”

Hudson frowned. “Filter, Ms. Hayes. Get one.”

Alessandra Ingram Sinclair married Hudson David Chase, for the second time, at sunset on a terrace in the foothills of the Alps overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Como. It was a simple ceremony consisting of vows similar to the ones they'd spoken to each other four months prior in a snow-covered barn, but this time they were surrounded by their closest family and friends. It was intimate and personal and exactly what they had both wanted.

The bride wore white, an idea that seemed a bit silly to her at first seeing as how she was already married. But it was tradition and, more than that, the Grecian-style dress she'd selected held a bit of nostalgia for them as well since it was a near replica of the one Allie had worn on the Orient Express. She'd hoped the similarity wouldn't be lost on Hudson, and as she began her walk down the petal-strewn aisle, she knew without question he was remembering that magical night. His entire face beamed with love and adoration as he watched her move toward him, but it was the way his eyes darkened as she drew closer that made her suspect he was wondering if what she wore beneath the gown was the same as well. Her suspicions were confirmed when everyone took their seats for dinner.

“That dress is lovely,” Hudson said. “Reminds me of Venice.”

Allie grinned. Mission accomplished.

He leaned closer so that his lips brushed against her ear and whispered, “Can I assume the undergarments are reminiscent of that evening as well?”

They were, of course, with one small exception. While she was in fact wearing a white satin-and- lace corset underneath the ruched silk, this time she'd gone without the matching lace thong, opting instead for only a pale blue garter and white silk stockings. A soft blush warmed her cheeks as she imagined Hudson's reaction.
No panties, Mrs. Chase? I so approve.

But for now there was dinner to contend with. And dancing. And cake. Which meant Allie had plenty of time to tease and torment her husband. She licked her lips and Hudson's eyes flared ever so slightly. “You'll just have to wait and see,” she said in a sultry voice at total odds with the innocent smile she wore on her face.

“Oh, no you don't. That's the game you played yesterday on the hike.” His eyes dropped to the plunging neckline of her gown while his hand slipped discreetly below the table. “It will be hours until I'm finally alone with my wife.” His fingers curled around hers as he guided her hand to his lap. Allie's mouth opened on a small gasp when she felt the erection straining against the front of his tuxedo pants. “And I have a very pressing matter that needs immediate attention.”

“Oh,” she said. Her voice had gone all breathy, betraying the arousals that surged between her legs. “That is very . . . pressing.” Her words were accented with a flex of his hips. “Urgent, almost.”

“Indeed.”

Allie knew she was playing with fire but couldn't resist. Slowly, so as not to draw attention above the table, she caressed him. Hudson's face remained impassive, seemingly unaffected by her touch, but when her explorations became a bit more bold he stilled her hand with his.

“Excuse yourself and meet me in our room.” His voice was low and rough.

“We can't just leave. It's too small of a gathering. Not to even mention we're the center of attention.”

“Precisely. It's our wedding, Alessandra. We can. And we will.” Hudson held her stare, his gaze authoritative and yet somehow pleading all at once. The way he had of mixing sweet and commanding was an intoxicating blend, one that left her powerless to deny him. He placed a gentle, openmouthed kiss on her bare shoulder. “Now go.”

Allie set her napkin on the table and was about to push her chair back when the clinking of silverware against a glass stopped her.

Hudson groaned. “As always, the redhead has impeccable timing.”

Allie looked up to see Harper, cutlery in hand. The glimmer of mischief in her eyes said she was well aware of what she'd just interrupted.

“May I have your attention, please.” She set the knife down and stood. Once the chatter quieted and all eyes were on her, she picked up her champagne flute. “Since Allie and Hudson were kind enough to include us this time around,” she teased, running a hand down the Vera Wang gown Allie had designed especially for her, “I would be remiss in my maid of honor duties if I didn't offer a few words to the bride and groom.”

“God help us,” Hudson mumbled.

“I heard that, big guy. But I'll have you know that this will be a nickname-free toast straight from my heart.” Harper squared her shoulders and took a deep breath, and Allie knew without question she was running through the mental checklist of items she'd learned in the speech class she'd recently taken. For someone who never seemed at a loss for words, Harper hated to speak at any type of gathering, even one as small as this.

“When I first met Allie, I thought for sure she would be a nightmare.” Harper smiled at her best friend. “She was the heiress with the proverbial silver spoon, how could the two of us even work together, let alone become friends? But it only took an afternoon to realize that Allie Sinclair was one of the kindest, most down-to-earth people I'd ever met, and it took about all of one week for her to become not only my bestie, but my sister.” Her voice cracked on the last part, but she quickly recovered. “Not to mention she stocks Haagen Daz
and
vodka in her freezer and is down for lending out her designer handbags. I mean, what's not to love about this woman? Then along came the Buff—.”

From the other side of the table Colin cleared his throat in a less than subtle reminder.

Harper shot him a grin as she continued. “Then along came
Hudson
,” she said, putting an emphasis on the proper use of his name. “And I can honestly say, I've never seen Allie happier.” She looked at Hudson and playfully narrowed her eyes. “You better be good to my girl, cause if not you'll have me to contend with.” She lifted her glass higher in the air. “To Allie and Hudson,” she said before taking a sip. “Phew, now that the public speaking portion of the evening is done, I will hand this over to the best man and order myself a martini. Or two.” Her obvious relief was met by a round of gentle laughter.

Nick stood and ran a hand through his wavy hair. “So yeah, I can honestly say I never thought I'd see the day that the great Hudson Chase had a ball and chain.” His eyes darted to Allie and his cheeks flushed red. “Um, no offense, Allie.”

Allie smiled at her young brother-in-law. “None taken.”

“See, that's why you're the perfect chick; I mean, woman. Not only do you forgive me when I put my foot in my mouth, but you somehow managed to tame my pain-in-the-ass brother.” There was another ripple of quiet laughter along with more than a few nods of agreement. Hudson shook his head, but the grin that tugged at the corner of his mouth revealed the truth. It was quite simple: Hudson Chase was happy.

“All joking aside,” Nick continued, “I knew you were different the moment I met you ten years ago, because Hudson was different. I'm just glad he finally managed to convince you to give him another chance, because I couldn't have handled all the moping, not to mention all the whoopings in the boxing ring, if he hadn't.”

Nick grew more serious. “It was just me and Hudson for a long time. Hell, sometimes it wasn't even that. But we made it through, and now you're here and anyways, I'm really glad you're part of our family now, too, Allie. And not just because you make the best green bean casserole I've ever eaten.” He cracked a small grin. “But because my brother spends his life taking care of everything and everyone, and it's good to know someone has his back, too.” He winked. “Aside from me, of course.”

He dug a tattered piece of paper out of his tuxedo jacket. It wasn't often that Nick was dressed in what he referred to as a “monkey suit.” But on the occasions that he was, the resemblance between the two brothers was even more striking. With the exception of their eye color—Hudson's a bright blue and Nick's a warm brown—and the seven-year age gap, they could have practically passed for twins.

“My mom used to have all these crazy expressions stitched on pillows and shit. But there was one I remember from when we lived in the Michigan house with our dad and if they were here I think this is what they would say.” Nick cleared his throat. “‘Love doesn't make the world go 'round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile'.” He lifted a flute of sparkling water. “To Allie and Hudson. May you have one helluva ride.”

Hudson stood to shake his brother's hand, but Nick was having no part of such formalities and instead pulled him into a tight hug. As Allie watched them, her eyes began to fill with tears of joy.

“Alessandra.”

Allie quickly dabbed her eyes, then turned to find Ben Weiss standing behind her chair. “I know the bride usually dances with her father at this point,” he said. “And while I know I could never take Richard's place, I wonder if you might do me the honor? If you think it appropriate, that is.”

A lump formed in Allie's throat, and for a moment she feared one stray tear was going to turn into a full-on sob. Growing up she'd known Ben Weiss as far more than just her father's best friend and corporate attorney—he'd been the uncle she never had. In the days following her parents' murder he'd been her rock, the source of strength and stability she clung to in the mayhem that had become her life. And when she took her place at Ingram, he'd been there, too, guiding and advising her whenever she needed it, while at the same time giving her the room to grow into her own. Having him share this day with her not only seemed appropriate, it was exactly what she needed.

“I'd love to,” she said, holding out her hand.

Ben led her to the small dance floor on the terrace. Bows of white lilies were draped across the stone balustrade and their sweet scent wafted in the cool evening air. “You look beautiful,” he said.

Allie smiled. “Thank you.”

“If you don't mind my saying so, I think your parents would be quite proud of you.”

“I'd like to think so.” There was no doubt Allie was living a life far different than the one her parents had attempted to orchestrate. When they'd brokered a secret deal with Julian that offered Allie's hand in marriage in exchange for a corporate bailout, they'd been thinking of Ingram Media, not her happiness. But now Ingram was stronger than ever and Allie was more than just happy; she was content, at peace, and in love. While the road to forgiveness would have been difficult, Allie couldn't help but wish they'd had the chance to try. And while her life was still a work in progress, she hoped they would have been proud of the woman she was becoming.

“I believe it's customary for the groom to cut in,” Hudson said. Allie met his gaze and he smiled. It was the same shy smile from so long ago. The one that melted her heart every damn time, whether at a beach in Michigan, a lake house in Wisconsin, or a villa in the foothills of the Alps. Hudson Chase was her soul mate. She'd known it from the very start. Making it official was only a formality.

Ben kissed Allie's hand and placed it in Hudson's. “I would tell you to take good care of her, but I have no doubt that you will.”

Hudson shook hands with Ben, then slid his arm around Allie's waist, pulling her close. “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.

“It's perfect. All of it. I'm actually sad to see the party end.” She smiled. “Although I'm looking forward to our night in the honeymoon suite.”

A slow grin formed on Hudson's lips. “I'm afraid there's no honeymoon suite in your immediate future, Mrs. Chase.”

Allie frowned. “There's not?”

He shook his head. “But I assure you the night is far from over. We have a ten-hour flight ahead of us.” He spun her away, then with a sharp tug yanked her body flush against his. “Which ought to be just enough time for what I have planned.”

 * * * 

Allie wasn't sure if she would be able to walk off the plane. As usual, her insatiable husband had been true to his word, making good use of their time in the air. When they landed in the Maldives she was a quivering, sweaty mess.

“I don't think you've ever looked more beautiful,” Hudson said as they slid into the black limousine that was waiting for them when they arrived.

Allie gave a sleepy laugh as she curled against his side. “Yeah, right. I'm sticky and disgusting. But it's all your fault, so you'll just have to deal with it.”

Hudson wrapped his arm around Allie's shoulders. “Is that so?

“Mmmhmm.” Her eyes drifted shut. “If you weren't such a sex fiend I would have had a chance to take a shower before we landed.”

A low chuckle vibrated deep in Hudson's chest. “Guilty as charged.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Don't get too comfortable, Mrs. Chase. We won't be in the car for long.”

Allie lifted her head and peered out the window. “Are we close?”

“Hardly. But we won't be arriving by land.”

She sat up just as they passed through the gates of a small marina. Most of the boats had already been taken out for the day, but in the distance Allie could see a speedboat bobbing in the turquoise water.

Once they were out of the limo, Hudson led her down the dock where a uniformed attendant waited. “Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Chase,” the man said, extending his hand. “My name is Raul and I'll be your driver this morning.” Raul squinted up at the sky to where the sun burned bright and hot. “Although I guess it's nearly afternoon,” he added with a small laugh. “Please, right this way.”

Once they were safely on board, the motor roared to life and within no time they were speeding across the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Allie wanted to stay awake so as to take in the sites, not to mention the lovely bit of scenery seated next to her with his fingers entwined with hers. But the fatigue of the sleepless night and the white noise of the boat's engine were a hard combination to fight. The twenty-five-minute ride to the resort passed in a blur as Allie dozed in and out of sleep, and before she knew it they were pulling alongside a small dock. A winding path lined with lush foliage and brightly colored hibiscus flowers brought them to the open-air lobby. The exposed beams of the ceiling soared to a peak high above the coconut palms, and just beyond the front desk the lagoon shimmered like a field of diamonds in the late-morning sun.