Mixed, p.6
Mixed, page 6
part #2 of Breaking Free Series
“I’m still mad you didn’t tell me about him sooner. You’ll have to pay for that. Why didn’t you tell me he was going to be performing here tonight?” she said, smacking him in the arm.
“I didn’t know it would be a big deal.” He held up his arms to block her shots.
“I told you before, I was a fan. If he comes back, please let me know. I literally ran into him as he was leaving tonight, but I didn’t realize it was him until he left. And I didn’t get to hear him play. You owe me for that one.”
“Yeah, I know. He mentioned coming back sometime soon and when he does you’ll be the first person I call.”
“I’d better be. So, tell me, what the hell is going on with you?”
“How much time do you have?”
“All night. Oh, and you’re going to Lucas’s wedding this weekend, right?”
“Yes, I am, but I completely forgot about it until Liam stopped by earlier.”
“You know Cheryl’s going to be there?”
Mark’s jaw clenched and he swore he heard his jawbone creak under the pressure of his bite.
“Yes, I know, but I can’t not go.” He groaned, sitting in his desk chair.
“Well, you can’t go alone. Cheryl would smell blood in the water and pounce. You know that woman is unstable. She’d probably drug you just to get you to sign the paperwork to sell this place.”
“Tell me about it. Are you going to the wedding?”
“Nope, I have a conference.”
“Shit, where am I going to find a date on such short notice?”
“What about Miss Almost Kissy Face?” She pointed her thumb toward the closed office door.
“Jen? You think she would go for it?”
“From the way you two looked when I walked in here, I would say she would most definitely go for it.”
“I don’t want her to get the wrong idea.”
“The wrong idea, like you almost kissing her while standing in the middle of your office? That kind of wrong idea?”
Heat crawled across his face, thinking back to everything he’d wanted to do to Jen, only a few minutes ago. “Always such a nitpicker. I’m taking about a relationship. My life is a mess right now, I can’t drag her into it.”
“You know what I mean. But would it really be the end of the world if something did happen there? You’re divorced. She seems really nice. She’s an amazing artist, and I have to say that does really tell you something about someone. A creative soul and all that.”
“Wouldn’t have anything to do with your chosen profession, now would it?”
“Maybe a little bit, but I think she would be an excellent choice.”
“Okay, I’ll ask her. Maybe it will be fun.”
“You say that like you don’t know Lucas and Liam. That wedding is going to be incredible. I’m so sad I’m going to miss it.”
“I’ll ask her tomorrow. It’s a date.”
9
“I need a favor,” Mark blurted out the second she answered the call.
"Hello to you too.”
“Sorry! Hey, Jen. It’s me, Mark.”
“Hey, Mark, what’s up?” she said, dragging her pencil across the page. The scene unfolded under her hand as she tried to recall every curve and line of one of the best memories she’d ever had of her mother. It was another in a line of these, yet it always felt off. Even though it never felt quite right, sketching it always lightened whatever mood she was in. It was her go-to pick-me-up.
"Remember when you mentioned to my ex that you were my girlfriend?"
Yeah."
"I need a huge favor. A mutual friend is having a wedding this weekend. I completely forgot about it, but I need to go. Cheryl will be there with a plus one, so I'll need a date. And since you mentioned to her that we were dating. I thought that maybe you could possibly go with me?"
"Sure," she answered without even hesitating.
"I know it's short notice and you've probably already—did you say yes?"
"Yeah."
“Really?”
“Yeah, why not? There will be good food, some booze, and music, I presume?”
“Of course, the Drake brothers know how to throw a party.”
“Cool. I’m in.”
“Okay, great. You know this probably means that we’ll have a run-in with Cheryl again.”
“I already said I was in, no need to sweeten the pot. I can handle myself. Don’t worry, I won’t embarrass you or anything.”
“No, I wasn’t thinking that at all. But I wanted to make sure you knew we might see her there.”
“Don’t worry, I’m good. Is there a dress code?”
“They said come as you are on the invitation. We have a surprise for you.”
“Sounds cryptic. I have a dress and some shoes I’ve been dying to wear, so you’re doing me a favor by taking me out this weekend.”
“I’m thinking that you’ll probably outshine the bride this weekend.”
“Such the charmer. There’s no need to lay it on so thick. I already said yes. As long as I’m not too hung over the next day we’re good. I have a thing to go to, so let’s not have another shot-for-shot competition again, okay?” She laughed and put down her pencil.
“No promises.”
“Did you get the referral email I sent you for a lawyer?”
“Yes, I did, thank you.”
“No problem, he’s a good guy and he’ll make sure to give you good advice about the best way to proceed.”
“Thanks for your help with this.”
“No worries. See you on Saturday.”
“See you on Saturday.”
She looked absolutely breathtaking. That was the first thought that ran through his head when Jen walked into the bar. Her pale blue dress brought out her eyes and the high heels she wore showcased her gorgeous legs. She’d had to clear her throat and wave her blue clutch bag in his face as he stood there like a moron. The case of beer he held was a lot heavier than he remembered. Charlie grabbed the case from him and he shook out his arms.
“Thanks,” he groaned, his arms screaming in relief.
“I guess I should take it as a compliment, yes? Made you speechless?” She kicked up one of her heels and struck a pose.
“I think all the other guys at the wedding are going to be jealous, including the groom.”
“Now you’re just laying it on extra thick.”
“No, I’m serious. You look gorgeous.”
Her cheeks flushed red and she avoided his gaze. Breaking himself out of his trance, he offered her his arm.
“Right this way,” he said, hooking her arm around his as they walked toward the kitchen. Rox let out a strong wolf whistle as they walked through the kitchen to the alley where he’d parked. She did a small curtsey for the whistling kitchen staff as they beat a hasty retreat. Mark held the door open for her and she slid into the car. He had to hold himself back from the strong urge to run his hand up her long leg, showcased so mouthwateringly in front of him. She bopped him on the head with her clutch as she caught him staring once again.
“Do you want me to drive?” She chuckled.
“No, I’m good. Let’s go.” He closed the door and walked around to climb in the driver’s side. He stole one more glance at her legs, then started the SUV up and they were on their way.
The first tip-off that this was not going to be a regular wedding was the fitting for custom outfits when they arrived at the ceremony. They were ethereal, fantasy-themed dresses for the ladies and costumes complete with swords for the men. Mark adjusted the jacket and sword in the hall as he waited for Jen to finish.
She breezed into the hall, looking even more breathtaking than she had in the blue number from before. The layers of the gown flowed around her and she had a crown of flowers in her hair. She was nervously biting her lip as she stood at the entryway to the hall. Awkwardness forgotten, he crossed to her and stared at her, as dumbstruck as he had in the bar.
“You look amazing,” he said, unable to take his eyes off her.
“I feel like an idiot.”
“No, I feel like an idiot.” He gestured down to his tights. “You look absolutely amazing.” She held out her dress and doing a small curtsey.
“Thank you, milord,” she said, chuckling.
The other guests came pouring out of their respective dressing rooms. This must have been what it was like for models behind the scenes of a fashion show. It was absolute chaos as people were being sewn into gowns and having last minute alterations done. But they all walked out looking like something out of an elven fairy tale. There was one thing that Anna and Lucas were good at, and that was making an impression.
The ceremony was a short affair at a nearby ancient-looking church. Mark wouldn’t have put it past Lucas to have had it built especially for this day. The happy couple was nice enough to arrange for carriages to shuttle everyone from the church to the house where they were having the reception. An unexpected perk to the day was that Cheryl hadn’t shown up to the wedding ceremony, so maybe she wasn’t coming to the reception either.
Jen and Mark walked into the massive outdoor garden that butted up against the panoramic view of the ocean overlooking crashing waves and jagged rocks. They walked down the stairs and onto the grass where all the tables and dance floor were set up. He plucked two flutes of champagne from the waiter’s tray as he passed and handed one to Jen.
“Thanks!”
“I never even asked you—how do you know the happy couple?”
“I went to college with Liam and Lucas, the best man and the groom. They’re twins. I was roommates with Liam, but we all lived on the same floor together and we’d play videogames until about 3 a.m. most nights.”
“Sounds like you were very productive,” Jen said, taking a sip from her glass. He smiled as she scrunched her face as the bubbles tickled her nose.
“I wasn’t. I’m glad I didn’t fail out, but those two, especially Liam.” Mark let out a low whistle. “They could have done the school stuff in their sleep. They were working on their apps and websites and stuff like that all the time. They saw college as a nice holding tank for them while they figured out all the tech stuff.”
“Cool. So where are we sitting?” They passed by the tent card table and located their cards. Thankfully, it appeared that the seats for Cheryl and her plus one were clear on the other side of the garden.
They found their table and Mark looked down as she slid her shoes off and ran her feet through the grass. He laughed. Even with the new costume, she hadn’t wanted to ditch the heels. Apparently, heels and grass did not mix.
“Why didn’t you tell me the reception was going to be on grass?” She elbowed him in the side.
“How was I supposed to know that was even a thing you needed to know? And with everything that’s happened today, did you really think I would be able to anticipate anything?” He laughed and took another sip of his champagne.
“At least I got to wear my killer heels for a little while. They were awesomely beautiful and I don’t get a chance to take the pale blue beauties out enough.”
“I’ll never understand how much women love their shoes.”
“It’s kind of like how you like booze.”
“Point taken then, and I completely understand.” As if summoned by her wishes for comfort, a server appeared next to them with a decorated bucket filled with flip flops.
“You’re a godsend,” she said to the server, holding onto his arm as she rifled through the bucket looking for a pair that would fit her. “Such a great idea!” She beamed as she slid them on and breathed a sigh of relief.
The reception was in full swing now. There were around two hundred people there. As if summoned by his happy thoughts, Cheryl sauntered in and brought him crashing back to reality as she posed at the top of the steps with her boyfriend. He didn’t know who she was posing for, but that was one of those things he noticed once things turned sour. She was always all about the show. Like the show of being a good wife.
Mark decided to avoid her at all costs. He’d had an enlightening conversation with the new lawyer about his case and he was sure that she’d be served with the revised settlement papers tomorrow. It didn’t solve his investment problem with The Bramble, but it did mean that her loan stuff wouldn’t come into play if he had to sell it. Those loans would be solely hers to deal with since they’d been signed without his knowledge and permission. If they really wanted to push it, they could go after her for fraud.
“May I have this dance?” He held out his hand to Jen, who took it, and they made their way to the dance floor. The music playing was a melodic slow song, perfect for close dancing amongst the other couples on the floor. He pulled her to the middle of the floor and wrapped his arms around her waist as she held onto his neck. It was a bit middle school, but she wasn’t complaining.
“How long do you think it will be before Cheryl tries to accost you?”
“Saw her come in, did you?”
“More like noticed all the fresh air being sucked out of the outdoor venue.” She rolled her eyes and nodded her chin toward where Cheryl sat at her table. “How far do you want me to take this girlfriend ruse tonight?” Jen raised an eyebrow, teasingly. His heart sped up.
“How far do you want to take it?”
“I asked you first.”
“I asked you second.”
She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “I’m wondering if all this was a ploy to get me to kiss you again. All you had to do was ask, Mark.” She peered up at him through her eyelashes. This woman was going to be the death of him. He bent his neck, bringing his mouth closer to hers.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” The announcement from the MC interrupted him right before their lips touched. He pulled back and maneuvered toward the stage, keeping his arm around Jen’s waist. “We would like to introduce you to the bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Drake!”
The happy couple came running out from the entrance to the garden, holding hands and smiling as butterflies were released. They greeted their guests and Lucas called for the waiters to bring more drinks. Some things never changed.
Liam followed right behind with the maid of honor as the bridal party made their rounds. There were more than a few surprises planned for the evening. An entire troop of Lord of the Rings-inspired elves arrived after the appetizers to show off their archery skills, then it was a puppy petting zoo that was set up, complete with actual puppies for guests to cuddle. That was a favorite of all the women. He really needed to pay more attention to what the hell his friends were into nowadays. Who did this?
10
The evening was a blur of music, drinks, and a little more PDA than Jen intended. It all started with that almost-kiss Mark gave her. Her toes were curled in her flip flops in anticipation of that kiss. His bright blue eyes peered down at her, and his ridiculous cupid’s bow was ready for a lick. Then the MC interrupted and it cooled things off for a while. Not if Jen had anything to say about it—since she was pretending to be his girlfriend for the night, she figured that should at least come with a kiss.
His friends were generous with the booze and were not using substandard stuff. It was all top shelf. The fireworks were a surprise that had everyone heading out of the tent as soon as the sun set. She couldn’t help but wonder how successful these college roommates actually were. Did they make it with their web business, or did they have really generous, wealthy parents? Mark was vague when she asked, which made her even more suspicious.
The dance floor undulated with nearly every person at the wedding out there. Most of the attendees were up rocking and shaking and bouncing to the ‘90s classics that were being pumped out by the live band. This was after the theme band complete with period costumes departed. There were, of course, the more traditional reception theatrics like cutting the cake and throwing the garter. The final, these-are-not-normal-people clue—as if everything else wasn’t enough—was when two well-known rock front men came strolling out onto the stage to sing a few songs. Who were these people?!
They were dancing away to classic hits when Liam tapped on Mark’s shoulder.
“Sorry again that we had to invite Cheryl. You know how Anna is. She never wants to upset anyone,” he said, butting into their dance as he bopped his way across the dance floor. He twirled one of the bridesmaids around next to him as he leaned into Mark and Jen.
“No problem. Having her here meant I got to ask this lovely lady to be my date tonight to protect this wedding from a Cheryl-sized meltdown.”
“And who might you be?” Liam reached for her hand, bringing it up to his mouth and giving the back of it a chaste kiss. She opened her mouth to respond, but Mark whipped her around and cut off her reply.
“Her name’s Jen, she’s my date, and she’s not going to fall for your tricks.”
Liam held up his hands, backing away. “Touchy, touchy Mark, I was only asking the lady a question.”
“So how did you end up with this stick in the mud, Jen?”
“This stick in the mud wowed me with his impressive member during a nude drawing class and I just couldn’t resist. Fell instantly in love and we’ve been together ever since.” She grinned up at him as they moved alongside Liam and the maid of honor. Laying it on thick, she wanted to be convincing as his date for the evening as she spotted Cheryl making her way toward them.
“The barracuda is on the prowl,” she whispered to him.
“Huh?”
“Cheryl is making a beeline straight for us,” she said, gently tilting her chin toward her. Liam also turned his head in that direction and grabbed his date, trying to intercept her.
“I knew this would happen eventually, even with you here,” he sighed.
“Let me handle it. Do you trust me?”
“Yes?”
“Seriously, that’s the best you have?”
“Yes, Jennifer Taylor, I trust you. There! Is that better?”
“Much!”
“Mark! That’s so romantic,” she gushed, holding onto the side of her face. “Can you believe it? Mark has just asked me to move in with him!”
