Second Chance Girl
Page 40

Then he moved his mouth against hers and she couldn’t think anymore. She could only react, tilting her head slightly and parting her lips.
His tongue slipped inside and stroked hers. Fire shot through her at the first touch, then burned hotter and brighter with every second of contact. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her body against his. He put his hands on her hips, as if encouraging her to stay. Silly man—didn’t he know she had no plans to ever leave? He was—
She drew back and covered her mouth with her hand. Desire battled with worry. How much was because he wanted to and how much was because he was embarrassed about what had happened before?
“Carol?”
“I don’t want to be a makeup test.”
“Is that what you think?”
“I’m not sure.”
“No. I don’t accept that. You felt it just now, when I touched your hand. That’s why I kissed you. There isn’t another reason.”
He reached for her hand again and pressed it against his groin. She felt the hard ridge of his erection and her doubts faded. She looked at him and smiled.
“Oh.”
“Yes, oh,” he teased, as he drew her close. “Now where were we?”
Sophie raised her head and barked. She scrambled to her feet and ran toward the door. A second too late, Carol saw she hadn’t closed it completely, allowing Sophie to nose it open and disappear into the parking lot.
“Dammit,” Mathias growled as he raced after her. “Sophie, get back here!”
Carol followed, terrified the little beagle would be hurt if she got onto the street. “Sophie, come back! Sophie, I’ll give you a cookie.”
She burst outside and then stumbled to a stop when she saw the beagle being hugged and petted by two people she’d never met before, yet were oddly familiar.
The man swept Sophie up in his arms. “How’s my best girl? Come on, kisses please.”
Sophie obliged with tongue swipes. The man’s obvious resemblance to Mathias and Nick had her guessing this was Del Mitchell. She turned to the woman and recognized the pretty, green-eyed blonde from the teleconferences.
“Carol!” Maya practically squealed her name as she held out her arms. “In person at last. Yay!”
They hugged, then Maya introduced her to Del.
“This is the friend I was telling you about,” Maya said. “She models my veils and keeps Mathias in line. Thank you so much for helping me. You don’t know me from a rock and you just stepped in and started doing things.”
“It was fun,” Carol assured her. “A lot of my friends are in the wedding business. I enjoyed being on the inside this once.”
Del put down Sophie and shook hands with Carol before pulling Mathias into a bear hug. Sophie danced around, barking her excitement.
“When did you get back?” Mathias asked as he led everyone into the studio.
“We arrived in LA yesterday,” Del told him. “Spent the night by the airport before driving out here. I thought we’d head to Fool’s Gold first, but Maya wants to check on the wedding details.”
Maya laughed. “Yes, how terribly shocking that the bride is concerned about such an event. However do you stand me?”
“I manage.” Del pulled her close and kissed her. “Still want to do it? Be shackled to me for the rest of your life?”
“As if I’d let you go now. I finally have you trained the way I like you.”
The teasing was sweet but what impressed Carol was the intensity in the way they looked at each other. Their connection was tangible, as if she could reach out and touch it. They belonged together.
Maya turned to Carol. “We saw Millie on the drive in. She’s so beautiful. We’re really looking forward to getting some footage for you. The way she walks and those big eyes. What a sweetie.”
“You’re going to really like her,” Carol said.
“Just stay away from the zebras.” Mathias winked. “They have attitude.”
Del put his arm around Maya. “You can’t scare us, bro. We’re experienced world travelers.”
Mathias slapped him on the back. “You say that now. Let’s talk when it’s two hours before you walk down the aisle. Your knees will be shaking.”
“Only with anticipation.”
Maya rolled her eyes. “They’re always like this. You haven’t really lived until you’ve been in a room with all five Mitchell brothers.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Carol admitted.
Del glanced at Mathias. “You still okay with us staying with you?”
Carol blinked in surprise. Despite the big house and friendly personality, Mathias had always been a little on the solitary side. When he spent time with his bridesmaids, he went to their hotel room. When he hung out with his brothers, it was always somewhere that wasn’t his place. To the best of her knowledge, she was the only person who regularly visited him. Until now.
She looked at him and raised her eyebrows. “You’re going to be busy.”
“It’s no big deal. I asked the housekeeping service I use to spruce the guest rooms and make sure there were towels.” He turned to Maya. “Do you need more than that?”
“Not at all.” She laughed. “We’ll be fine. Thank you for letting us stay with you until the wedding.” She touched Carol’s arm. “I was terrified to leave my dress in a hotel room for several days. What if Del saw it or stepped on the train?”
“I’d never do that,” her fiancé protested.
“Not on purpose.” Maya smiled at Mathias. “You saved me, little brother-to-be, and I’m very grateful.”
“You’ve been traveling for a couple of days,” Carol said. “You must be exhausted. Let’s get you settled.”
Mathias sighed. “She’s prodding me. Did you see that? It was subtle, but I saw it.”
“Give it up, bro,” Del told him. “You’ll never win.” He whistled for Sophie. The dog raced toward him and jumped. Del caught her in his arms. “Come on. I’ll let you drive if you promise to be careful.”
Sophie barked in agreement.
Maya fell into step with Carol. “I didn’t know you two were dating. Not that Mathias talks about his personal life much, but still.”
“We’re not,” Carol said, careful to keep her voice low. “We live kind of next to each other and we’re friends. He’s the one who convinced Ronan to donate a piece of artwork to raise money for Millie’s herd. I know all three Mitchell brothers who live here. It’s a small-town thing.”
She pressed her lips together when she realized she might just be talking a bit too quickly. Maya’s expression was knowing but all she said was, “I’m glad you’re on the team.”
Carol had no idea what that meant, but decided to simply go with it. Protesting too much would only add to the confusion. If Maya said anything to Mathias, Carol was sure he would set her straight. They were friends. Neighbors. Absolutely nothing more.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THE BOARDROOM HAD a warm and friendly feel, or maybe that was more about how Violet hovered at his side. Ulrich knew he would forever link the two in his mind. After nearly a week in his hotel room, he’d insisted on going out for the evening and Violet had suggested a few hours at The Boardroom.