June Bride: Now and Forever Romance Read online

  “You don’t need those people,” he said. “You’ve got me. I promise to be all you’ll need for the rest of your life.”

  She snorted. Right. Until Miss Bimbo showed up.

  She scrolled through her old emails, looking for the Dorm Storm list they’d created, hoping desperately that she hadn’t deleted it.

  Her phone pinged with a message. She picked it up and burst out laughing when she saw the photo. It was Miss Bimbo herself, snarling at the camera and wagging a finger. Behind her, the “Home-wrecking Ho” sign was clearly visible. And Teresa sent a caption right out of The Wizard of Oz: “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!”

  Meredith didn’t have a dog, but the quotation was appropriate for the picture. She spent a few minutes texting back and forth with Teresa. “Great shot. Thanks for sharing.”

  “Dwayne is pulling his hair out, trying to farm out your workload to others.”

  “Tell him Sienna got my raise, so she can do my work.”

  “Ha ha! Gotta go.”

  Meredith set the phone down and took a deep breath of fresh air. She felt like a giant load had been lifted off her shoulders. Getting out of Michigan had been a good decision, even if she could never use Dwayne as a reference. Good riddance!

  She managed to locate four of her dorm sisters on Facebook before her Hotspot demanded to be recharged. As usual, she’d spent way more time than she’d planned looking at kittens and puppies and reading articles that had nothing to do with her. She’d friended the girls and hoped that they’d friend her back. Still no luck wading through old emails, but she’d have to work on that later. She needed to get back to the motel and charge her devices, not to mention get ready for her date.

  Something sparked inside her. She cocked her head to one side. Was that another feeling?

  She experimented. “Time to get ready for my date.” A tingle. “With Christopher Dann.” A definite tingle. “Well, what do you know,” she said to her MacBook. “I do believe the feeling is coming back.”

  By the time she reached the motel, she was starving. Dinner was still a while away, so she bought crackers out of the snack machine, plugged her devices in to charge, and went through her suitcases to figure out what to wear. She changed into her Hawaiian-print skirt and a long-sleeved maroon tee and slipped into black flats. She didn’t want to look any taller than she was, at least not until she had a chance to see how Chris felt about height issues.

  There was that tingle again. She glanced at herself in the mirror and was surprised to find a smile on her face. She still had time to do a little searching for email contacts, so she sat down at the little table near the window and booted up her computer.

  She avoided Facebook. Too time consuming. Instead she went straight to email.

  The first subject line on the screen sent her good mood plummeting into a dark hole. It was from Dwayne. “Screw you, you’ll have to sue me for your last check.”

  Meredith hit delete, but she was shaking inside. She closed her computer and went down the hall to get ice and a Pepsi. Then she settled on the bed with her yearbook, a pen, and a notepad, and made a list of every page where Chris’s sweet face appeared. Soon she was smiling again.

  CHAPTER 4

  Chris spent the rest of the day juggling students and classes, and trying to figure out how he was going to tell Meredith about his scheduling snafu. He wasn’t going to cancel their date. He just couldn’t. But somehow, he would have to deal with the fact that Karen was right—he did have a date already for the evening.

  By six o’clock he felt tied up in knots. Once he scooted the last of his tae-kwon-do kids out the front door, he barely had time to rush upstairs and change into street clothes. Owing to the nature of his pre-existing date, he’d laid out his dark blue suit, white shirt, and green tie. It was too late to do anything about it before Meredith arrived. He would just have to wear what he’d brought, and as for the rest of the evening, he’d wing it and hope she still had a sense of humor.

  Meredith was standing at the front door when he got back downstairs. He glanced at the wall clock. Six-fifteen on the dot. He opened the door.

  “Wow, you look great,” he said.

  Meredith’s eyes widened at the sight of his suit. “I feel a little underdressed.”

  “No worries. You’re not. I’ll explain. Shall we go?” Chris knew he was babbling again, but he couldn’t stop himself. He was all jitters over being so close to Meredith, and he was plain nervous about what lay ahead. “Shall I drive?”

  Meredith handed him the keys.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I know where we’re going.”

  “And as soon as you tell me, I’ll know, too,” she said.

  He skipped ahead of her and opened the passenger door.

  Meredith seemed pleased.

  Chris got in behind the wheel and started the car. He kept looking at Meredith. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. “You really do look wonderful,” he said.

  She smiled and dropped her gaze. “You used to tell me that every time we had Shakespeare class. Three days a week, without fail, I knew I was going to get a compliment. It was really nice.”

  Chris smiled back.

  Meredith said, “You might want to look at the road before shifting into drive.”

  “Hmm? Oh, sorry. Right. You’re just so beautiful.” He cleared his throat and forced his eyes to stare out the front window. “So, tell me all about what you’ve been doing since graduation.” He pulled into traffic.

  “Oh, the usual. Working at a boring job that I took out of desperation. Regretting that I left California. Getting engaged, and then getting dumped. Same old story,” she said, somewhat sarcastically.

  “I’m sorry you got dumped. No, wait. I’m sorry you got hurt. But I’m glad you’re not engaged anymore. That would make this evening really awkward.”

  Meredith smiled. Then, “What about you? No wife? No fiancée? No break-up stories?”

  Chris shook his head. “Nope, nothing like that. I’ve been too busy getting the gym going, doing the marketing, the promo, and all the business stuff. I found out that maybe I should have taken bookkeeping in college.”

  Meredith grinned. She watched the scenery change outside the window. “Where are we going for dinner?”

  Chris took a deep breath and let it out. “Okay, here’s the deal. And I promise you, I’ll make it up to you, okay? I mean, I just wanted to see you so bad, get back in touch, you know?” He glanced at Meredith and saw two tiny furrows between her brows. He rushed on. “I already had plans for tonight, and when I saw you, I forgot all about it. But it’s okay. All we have to do is make a quick stop, and then we’re on our own.”

  Now she really looked confused. “What? You mean you’re taking me with you to cancel your other date?” She sounded annoyed.

  “Oh no, it’s not like that. Not exactly. Honest. It will just take ten minutes. I swear.”

  Meredith’s voice sounded artificially calm. “Why don’t you just stand her up? Or reschedule?”

  Chris turned right onto a long driveway that curved like a horseshoe in front of a three-story building with white columns flanking the entrance. Meredith leaned forward to examine the facade of the building and the grounds around it. The corner of a parking lot was visible around the side. The hedges and flower beds were neatly trimmed. Two figures emerged from the building, both wearing blue scrubs.

  “You’re dating a nurse?”

  “No, no. It’s okay. I’ll explain.” He got out of the car and spoke to one of the nurses. “Do you think I can leave the car here for a while?”

  “Of course, Mr. Dann. I’m sure that will be fine.”

  “Thanks!” He moved around to open Meredith’s door, but she had already stepped out of the car.

  “They seem to know you here,” she said.

  “I come here a lot.” He shrugged. “Don’t worry, this will only take a few minutes. I just need to, um, well…I’ll show you.” He took he
r hand hopefully and led the way to the front door.

  Meredith paused to read the discreet sign next to the door. “Hey, this is—”

  “I know, I know, don’t worry. We’re not checking in or anything.”

  Meredith gave him a look. “This had better be good, Chris.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Chris flashed her a smile, then opened the door for her. Inside, he greeted the woman behind the reception desk. “Hi, Mrs. Stevens. Good to see you again.”

  “Same here, Mr. Dann. She’s in the dining room.”

  Meredith lowered her voice. “Is this some new restaurant experience?”

  Chris tugged her gently toward a plushly carpeted corridor on the left. “Not exactly.”

  Half way down the hall, two large doors stood open, and he led her through, into the dining room, which only deserved the name because food was being served at the elegant tables. Meredith struggled to take it all in. Tapestries were hung on the walls, most displaying hunting scenes, but there was one with little girls in old-fashioned dresses playing with puppies. A large marble fireplace stood against the back wall, with a gas flame on the hearth, proof that she had not stepped back in time. The serving staff wore crisp black and white uniforms. No blue scrubs in this room.

  “There she is,” said Chris, “at her regular table.” He waved and moved at the same time.

  Meredith allowed herself to be gently tugged along. He was just so eager about everything, and she found it totally refreshing. Dwayne would never have let anyone see him eager to do anything, especially not when it came to her. For an errand like this, Dwayne would have told her to stay in the car. And here was Chris, sweet Chris, champing at the bit to show her off to…his other date? She shook her head, as if to clear cobwebs, and let him lead her along.

  “Here she is, my favorite girl in the whole wide world!”

  Meredith couldn’t hide her surprise when Chris leaned over and planted a soft kiss on the forehead of the septuagenarian seated at the table. She had thick white hair, carefully styled, and she wore hints of makeup. She was dressed in a two-piece woolen suit. Its pale pink skirt covered her knees and its matching blouse had a stand-up collar. She also wore more jewelry than Meredith had ever seen outside a jewelry store.

  “Christopher! You’ll be so pleased, darling. They’re serving prime rib tonight.” The elderly woman peeked around him to get a glimpse of Meredith. “Aren’t you going to introduce us, dear?”

  Chris nodded. “Meredith Oakley, this is my grandmother, Nita Pearl Dann. Gran, this is an old friend from college, Meredith Oakley.”

  “So nice to meet you, Meredith.” Nita Pearl’s green eyes had a knowing look. “Why do I get the feeling you two weren’t planning on staying for dinner?”

  “Oh, Gran, I’m so sorry. Here’s what happened—”

  Meredith broke in. “He didn’t tell me I should dress up a bit, I’m afraid. But if you don’t mind my outfit, we would love to stay and dine.”

  Chris’s eyes widened in surprise, then glazed with appreciation.

  Nita Pearl clapped her hands together. “Outstanding! William! Set another place, please!” She reached out and took Meredith’s hand. “So delighted to meet one of Chris’s friends.”

  Meredith sat down and said, “Chris told me he had another date tonight, but he didn’t tell me how classy my competition would be.” She winked at Chris. “How long have you lived here?”

  “All my life,” said Nita Pearl.

  Meredith’s heart sank. The poor dear was sliding into dementia. She frowned a question at Chris, looking for guidance.

  Chris gave a little shrug. “This was Gran’s family home. When she reached the point where she needed help getting around, she hired staff, and when her friends started needing help, she turned it into an assisted living establishment. She really has lived here all her life. And me, too. Gran raised me since I was five.”

  Meredith took a quick breath. “Do you still live here?”

  “Oh no. Gran said I should have my own place.”

  Nita Pearl waved a hand. “It’s just a little bachelor pad. Least I could do for my only grandchild.”

  Meredith picked up the linen napkin by her plate and spread it over her lap as the staff began to serve dinner. The five other tables in the room were starting to fill up, and the happy chatter of friends filled the air. A white-gloved waiter set a plate before her, filled with prime rib, asparagus, and fancy potatoes.

  “Save room for dessert,” whispered Nita Pearl. “Baked Alaska.”

  Meredith squeezed the woman’s hand. “I will,” she said. “This is so lovely. Thanks for letting me stay.”

  Nita Pearl beamed.

  Meredith glanced at Chris, then turned to face him when she realized he was staring at her again with that look of admiration mixed with…longing? She leaned toward him. “Do you have any more surprises for me this evening?”

  Chris smiled dreamily. “How do you feel about dancing the night away?”

  Meredith started to ask where, but just then a dance band entered by the far door, and she laughed with delight instead.

  “Oh Chris, I should have paid more attention to you in college!”

  “I agree,” said Chris. “I guess you’ll have to make up for it now, right?”

  Nita Pearl lifted her fork in the air, as if suddenly recalling something. “Chris, darling, is this that wonderful Annie Oakley you used to talk about all the time?”

  Chris looked abashed. “Gran, Meredith doesn’t like to be called Annie.” He gave Meredith an apologetic look.

  She laid a hand on his arm as she spoke to Nita Pearl. “Mrs. Dann, you can call me Annie any time.”

  “And Chris?” asked Nita Pearl, a mischievous look in her eyes.

  In the background, the band struck up a tune. It took Meredith a few seconds to recognize it. Then her heart melted. They were playing Frankie Valli’s “My Eyes Adored You.”

  She said softly, “Chris can call me anything he wants.”

  When dessert and all the dancing was over, Meredith was almost disappointed when Chris returned her to her motel.

  “I had a wonderful time,” she said. “You are such a gentleman. And I love your grandmother.”

  Chris wiped imaginary sweat off his forehead. “Whew! That’s good, because before you came back to Davis, she was the only woman in my life. I mean,….”

  Meredith hummed with amusement. “Sweet, sweet Chris. Why didn’t you ask me out in college?”

  He looked down at his feet. “I was afraid you’d say no.” He shrugged. “If I just hung out with your group, I could pretend. But if you said no, I would have felt strange hanging around, and I wouldn’t have been able to see you every day. So I never got up the nerve.”

  Meredith was touched. “When do I get to see you again?”

  Chris perked up. “Is tomorrow okay?”

  “Tomorrow is perfect.”

  “Great! I’ll get my car back in the morning and come by right after.”

  “How are you getting home?”

  “I arranged for a ride before we left Gran’s. Don’t worry.” He leaned in and gave her a peck on the cheek. “See you tomorrow.”

  Inside her room, Meredith couldn’t resist taking a peek out the window. She looked up and down the parking lot, but Chris had already disappeared. And she didn’t see a taxi anywhere. In fact, there was nothing moving except a long, black town car. Odd.

  But she didn’t let it worry her. She floated about the room, getting ready for bed, replaying “My Eyes Adored You” over and over in her mind.

  CHAPTER 6

  The next three days were a whirlwind of fun for Meredith. She’d never been swept off her feet before, but she was quite certain that this was what it felt like. Chris called on his assistants to cover for his classes so he could entertain Meredith. And she could not have been happier.

  “This is so wonderful,” she said, as they walked across the Heavenly Ski Resort parking lot. “The gon
dola ride, the zip line, and tubing, all in one day. And my legs can really feel that uphill hike.”

  “You didn’t hike in Michigan?”

  Meredith made a face. “I was too busy working. Besides Dwayne would never do anything athletic. He might break a sweat, you know.” And besides, if he took me out for fun excursions, I wouldn’t be in my cubicle on weekends making him look good for the regional manager.

  Chris paused at the door of his Mercedes GL. “You aren’t still having feelings for him, are you?” He looked worried.

  Meredith made a disgusted noise. “Only if you count loathing and anger.”

  Chris smiled. “Good. I’m glad.” Once they were in the SUV, he asked, “Are you starving? We can stop in Auburn for dinner.”

  “That sounds lovely,” said Meredith. She leaned back in her seat and sighed happily. “These past few days have been the most fun I’ve ever had. Sightseeing in San Francisco, visiting the wine country, and now hiking at Heavenly.” If only you’d show some romantic interest, she thought, instead of just being old friends. “How can I ever thank you?” She turned a wistful face toward Chris just in time to meet his lips in a tender kiss.

  After three blissful seconds, he pulled away and looked aghast. “Oh! I didn’t mean that was how you should thank me. I mean, I don’t need thanking. I mean, my timing was awful.”

  Meredith giggled. “Stop it. Your timing was perfect.” She tilted her head demurely. “Except you ended it too soon.”

  “Oh really?” Chris waggled his brows at her. “Incoming,” he murmured, then kissed her again, just as tenderly but taking his time.

  When the kiss ended, Meredith was short of breath. “Wow, that was very nice.” She looked into his eyes and felt a deep stirring within. There was definitely chemistry between them. She wished they were somewhere else, maybe a sofa in front of a fireplace, so she could run some more chemical experiments. She dropped her gaze so he wouldn’t see her smiling at her own humor. “Be careful, Christopher Dann. I think I’m falling for you.”