Can't Say No Page 6

  “Oh, Nessa, I can’t wait to see all the dresses. The wedding is going to be so beautiful…all your designs. Mama would have been so proud.” Lana kissed her cheek. “Hurry.”

  She gave Vanessa a tiny shove before she closed her bedroom door.

  Smiling, Vanessa turned to gaze at the dress spread out on her bed. The dark rose silk was strikingly beautiful but plain, with its square neckline and long, flowing skirt cut on the bias, except for the ivory embroidered midriff accentuating her trim waist. All the bridesmaids had picked Vanessa’s designs that best flattered their figure types. Thank heaven Brynne had insisted on hiring two seamstresses to do the actual sewing. Vanessa concentrated on the bride’s gown.

  It was a true labor of love. The beautiful strapless, ivory silk gown’s midriff and train were embroidered with white silk ribbon flowers and pearls. It was no secret that Brynne could afford a Vera Wang gown, if she chose because, like Maureen, she came from a well-to-do family.

  As, Vanessa stepped into her dress, she smiled. She hadn’t expected Ralph to ask her to be his date for both evenings. Although flattered, she decided to exercise caution, preferring to maintain their privacy. Last night at the rehearsal dinner, she’d stayed as far away from him as she could. He called several times earlier in the week to try and change her mind, but in the end, he respected her decision.

  The first time he’d called, she had been at the sink and nearly dropped the phone into the soapy dishwater. She was shaking by the time she’d dried her hands. With the phone to her ear, she ignored the curious look Lana had sent her as she hurried into her room and closed the door behind her. She had been thankful that the twins were playing a board game out on the sunporch.

  When he asked if he could see her some night that week, she had been shocked but quickly insisted it wasn’t necessary.

  Ralph seemed disappointed. When he reminded her that he really wanted to take her to the rehearsal dinner, she was relieved that he couldn’t see her because she could not stop smiling.

  There was a lengthy silence, then he asked about Saturday night. But Vanessa insisted she had to make sure the kids were settled. It would be simpler if later she met him at his place.

  He sighed softly, said he was looking forward to Saturday night, then hung up. This had seemed like the longest week, and now that it was only hours before the wedding, she was a nervous wreck. Vanessa stared at her image in the mirror. Her eyes filled with fear. Her face was made up, her thick hair pinned into a knot, and loose curls framed her face. She wore her mother’s choker-length pearls and matching stud earrings. She couldn’t help pondering what Ralph would think. Would he like what he saw? Would he still find her desirable?

  “The limo is here, Nessa!” Curtis yelled, pounding on her closed door.

  When she opened the door, he nearly fell in. “I heard you, Curtis.” She leaned down and kissed his cheek. “I’ve got to go. You be good and listen to Lana.”

  He nodded his understanding.

  “Courtney, come give me kiss. You heard what I said to your brother. It goes for you, too.” After kissing her, Vanessa smoothed her hair. She paused to hug Lana before asking anxiously, “How do I look?”

  “Good,” all three of them said at once.

  Vanessa laughed. “Right answer. See you at the church. And please don’t be late. And drive carefully.”

  “We’ll be there early,” Lana promised, urging her to the door. “Bye.”

  Vanessa joined her friends inside the limousine. Like her, Trenna, Laura, and Maureen were in dark rose silk dresses, embroidered with ivory. Vanessa’s heart raced with joy. “You all look wonderful. Where are Kelli and Anna?”

  “They are meeting us at Brynne’s,” Maureen exclaimed.

  “You’re right. We do look fabulous.”

  They all laughed.

  Trenna confessed. “I’m so nervous. You’d think I was the one getting married.”

  “I know what you mean,” Vanessa echoed, knowing her jittery nerves had more to do with what would happen after the wedding. The unanswered question that swirled through her mind was did she have the nerve to go through with their plan. What if she chickened out at the last minute? Ralph would have every right to be furious.

  “We are going to party tonight,” Laura cheered.

  “Absolutely,” Trenna added.

  Maureen reached over to squeeze Vanessa’s hand. “I have never looked so good. And it’s all your doing. This dress turned out beautifully.”

  “Thank you.” Vanessa beamed.

  “I’d love for you to design a gown for both me and my grandmother, for the women’s center annual fund-raiser. This year it’s going to be a black-and-white ball.”

  Vanessa’s eyes went wide with excitement. “I don’t know what to say.” She smiled, afraid to believe. Maureen wore beautiful clothes, most of which were bought in New York during fashion week. Maureen’s grandmother often appeared in the society pages of the newspaper. She was a patron of the arts and had founded the Women’s Crisis Center.

  “Your designs are wonderful, Vanessa,” Maureen insisted.

  Vanessa’s smile was filled with sincerity. “Thank you. Let’s hope Brynne’s happy with her wedding gown.”

  Kelli and Anna were already there. Brynne was a nervous wreck, and the ladies went to work getting her and little Shanna ready. When they were done, they stood back to admire their handiwork.

  “You are so beautiful,” Vanessa whispered with tears in her eyes.

  “It’s not me. It’s this dress.” Brynne was an exquisite bride. The dress fit perfectly. She also wore a diamond tiara and layers of a long ivory veil that flowed to the floor. At her throat was a diamond-and-pearl necklace. She had teamed it with matching earrings and bracelet.

  “Mommy, you look like a princess!” Shanna beamed up at her.

  “So do you, sweetheart. Turn for me.” Shanna happily whirled. Her pale pink lace dress had an empire waist like Courtney’s.

  “Are we ready, ladies?” Anna asked eagerly.

  They were in Brynne’s bedroom.

  “Not yet. I have something for you.” Brynne opened the dresser drawer and began to hand each of them a slender box, a well-known, jewelers’ name printed on the lid. She thanked and hugged each one of them in turn. “Okay. Open it!”

  The ladies squealed with pleasure when they found diamond bracelets with their initials in eighteen-karat gold forming the clasp.

  There were hugs and kisses all around. Brynne scolded that no one could cry, or they would have to start all over. And she didn’t plan on being late for this wedding.

  “Let’s get moving, ladies. We’ve got men to impress,” Kelli insisted.

  Every one laughed and started moving to the waiting limousines.

  Vanessa stood smiling in front of Ralph, Brynne, and Devin on her left as the photographer took picture after picture of the wedding party. They were all lined up in front of the church. Shifting from one tired foot to the other, she struggled with her frazzled nerves.

  “Tired?” Ralph whispered, close to her.

  “Of smiling…yes,” she whispered back. Curtis and Courtney stood in front of her. “My feet are what’s aching.”

  “Hmm, I’ll see what I can do about that later,” Ralph said into her ear. His voice was low and sexy, so much so, if she hadn’t been listening closely, she would have missed the comment. She stood stunned as shivers of desire caused her heart to pound in her chest. Before she could collect her thoughts, her little brother tugged on her hand.

  “Nessa, I’m tired,” Curtis complained.

  “I’m hungry” Courtney added.

  “It shouldn’t be much longer. Smile,” she coaxed.

  Just then Shanna, who was being held by her dad, said in a loud whisper. “Daddy, I’ve got to go…”

  “Me too,” Curtis and Courtney chimed in.

  Vanessa smothered a laugh, “Come on.” She motioned for Shanna to join them.

  “If you like, I can t
ake Curtis,” Ralph offered, drawing her eyes to the smoldering heat in his dark hungry gaze.

  Vanessa, used to doing nearly everything on her own, nearly refused until she saw her little brother’s smile. Evidently Curtis found a short time in a man’s company appealing, reminding her that growing up in an all-female household wasn’t easy for him. He missed not having a father in his life. Unfortunately, there were some things she couldn’t do for him, no matter how hard she tried.

  “Yes. Thank you.” She smiled up at him.

  The responsive warmth of Ralph’s smile momentarily caused her to forget what she was supposed to be doing. Shanna swiftly reminded her of the need to hurry by tugging at her hand. By the time the two little girls were finished, Vanessa had regained her composure. She didn’t want anyone to guess how uneasy she’d been all day. Or how eager she was to be wrapped in Ralph’s strong arms.

  One thing was clear. Vanessa would chicken out if she let herself dwell on what could happen later that night and didn’t just relax and let go. She’d been waiting a long time to feel like a woman. She had no doubts that Ralph was the only man to handle this special job.

  Six

  “You look surprised,” Vanessa blurted out nervously. “As if you weren’t expecting me.” She stopped suddenly. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

  Ralph smiled as he backed away from the door, allowing her entrance into the spacious foyer of his home. It was after eleven before they were able to get away.

  “Why not? It’s true.” He eased the colorful silk-fringed shawl from her shoulders. “Pretty.”

  Vanessa blushed, not knowing if he was referring to her or the shawl, a gift from Brynne. She resisted the urge to tug down the black, clingy dress she’d worn last weekend. When she selected it, she recalled how he had looked at her and complimented her.

  “Thank you.” She lifted her chin and pulled back her shoulders. She wasn’t going to start the evening hiding what God had given her.

  Ralph’s smile widened as he dropped her shawl over the back of the chair flanking a tall, high-polished, ebony table. “Would you like a tour?”

  Smiling, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, she nodded.

  Ralph offered his arm, and she took it. He had changed also. He was wearing a navy T-shirt and jeans that followed the lean lines of his tall muscular frame. His feet were bare on the gold-and-beige marble floor.

  “Living room.” Directly across the hallway was a large and beautifully furnished beige-and-wine room. They walked through the spacious formal dining room, decorated with oriental-style table, sideboard, and high-backed, cushioned chairs.

  “Beautiful,” she said, as they entered the spacious kitchen, with granite countertops and stainless-steel, state-of-the-art appliances. From there, they walked through the fully equipped game room, home theater, and downstairs to the indoor basketball court and pool area. They ended the tour in the luxuriously furnished den at the back of the large house.

  She moved to stand in front of the French double doors, glad her nerves had eased somewhat. “What can we see from here?” Vanessa asked as she peered into the dark.

  “The outdoor pool, tennis and basketball courts,” he said, leaning against the mantel, where candles flickered in the fireplace.

  “Goodness. All this for one man,” she exclaimed, then covered her mouth. “I didn’t mean to…”

  Ralph laughed. “Relax. You didn’t offend me. My aunt said the same thing when she first saw the size of the house and grounds. It’s large, but then I am a big man. Besides, it was a great investment. How many cars can one man drive? Two’s my limit.”

  “According to Jay Leno, several garages full,” she joked.

  Ralph chuckled. “I’m not that flashy. I was raised in modest homes, first with my folks, then my aunt and uncle and cousins. Believe me, I have enough stuff.”

  Large leather sofas faced each other in front of the fireplace. A lush leather recliner was positioned opposite. A large flatscreen television was mounted above the marble fireplace. The desk was near the floor-to-ceiling bank of windows. The drapes were wine silk and the thick area rug in lush burgundy, red, blue, and cream covered the hardwood floor.

  Vanessa nodded. “I like this room. It’s not only beautiful but comfortable.” Then she let out a small gasp as she felt his lips brush her nape. She’d been longing for his touch, to be held by him. Finally, she was here.

  She stared at the tray filled with assorted cheese, crackers, finger sandwiches on the wide ottoman in front of the sofas.

  He took her hand, urging her over. Once she was seated, Ralph didn’t sit beside her but went over to the built-in shelving that housed the bar. He leaned down to open a small refrigerator and lifted out a pitcher of an iced drink.

  “Tea,” he explained as he filled two long-stemmed crystal glasses. He handed her a glass before he sat down beside her and stretched his long legs out to the side of the ottoman.

  “Hungry?”

  “You’ve thought of everything.” She took a sip, hoping she wouldn’t choke; her nerves were back the instant he sat down, her senses suddenly on high alert.

  “I do my best,” he replied, his dark eyes caressing her creamy dark skin.

  “In a second, you are going to tell me you cook, clean, and decorate,” she teased, surprising herself. Finally, she was able to relax a bit more.

  “Cook, yes. Clean and decorate, no. I have a housekeeper. My aunt and cousin Anna decorated my home, Gavin’s homes, and Devin’s home here and in St. Louis. They also did my house in Los Angeles before I moved back here.”

  “You guys are so spoiled.” Vanessa laughed, determined to overcome her fears. She was here because he wanted her. She had waited forever to be alone with him, his attention solely on her.

  “With love, absolutely.” Ralph grinned. “That’s family. And it goes both ways.”

  Vanessa nibbled on a sandwich. “Mmm, good.”

  “Anna’s recipe for homemade sandwich spread. Deviled egg?”

  Impressed, she asked, “When did you have time to do this?”

  “This morning. It wasn’t hard. I really do know my way around the kitchen. My aunt made sure all her children knew how to take care of themselves. We all had a night to cook at home. Anna is not the only chef in the family. She just has the degree to back her up.” He shrugged. “Normally, I don’t take time to put together more than breakfast. I’ve gotten lazy. I’m on the list of bachelors who have their weekly evening meals prepared by Anna’s catering company. I always have a freezer full of something good. It’s a great service for me and profitable for them.”

  Vanessa nodded. Anna and her business partner, Janet Matthews, had started their catering business working out of Anna’s home kitchen. They made and delivered homemade meals mainly for the Detroit Lions’ football team’s single players. Gavin had been one of Anna’s clients before they fell in love and married. Although both women were married, their business was still going strong. Plus, there was no shortage of weddings, banquets, graduations, and baby showers in the metro area in need of a good caterer.

  Ralph was studying her as he took a healthy swallow of ice tea. He surprised her when he asked, “Why so quiet? You aren’t nervous, are you?”

  Vanessa stiffened, then took a deep breath. “I suppose I’m still in shock. I don’t know what I expected. Your house is fabulous, but you don’t need me to tell you that. It’s all a bit overwhelming.”

  Judging by his expression, he liked her response. “It’s a house, Vanessa. Nothing more than a boatload of stuff. I thought you could see past the obvious.”

  “Obvious?”

  “To what’s important.”

  “Oh,” Vanessa said, wondering if he was ever going to kiss her.

  He took another sip of tea, watching her. After returning his glass to the tray, he asked, “What are you thinking?”

  “Why?”

  “Your eyes are soft, kind of dreamy.”

  Vanessa blushed.<
br />
  He insisted, “Tell me.”

  “I was wondering if you were ever going to kiss me.”

  “Absolutely.” He looked deep into her eyes before he placed a finger under her chin, tilting her face toward his. He pressed his firm lips against hers. His kiss was soft and almost tender, causing Vanessa to relax against his broad chest.

  She sighed softly, allowing him access to the interior of her mouth. As his tongue stroked hers, Vanessa stopped thinking and began feeling. He aroused a wealth of emotions. She kissed him back, turning until her full breasts were pillowed against him. Lost in a maze of sensuality, only the need to breathe forced her to pull away.

  Her breathing, quick and uneven, her eyes met his. His dark gaze seemed to glow as he studied her full red lips.

  “So sweet,” Ralph whispered, his voice rough with need, an instant before he pressed open-mouthed kisses against her throat.

  Vanessa shivered, having no idea her neck was so sensitive, especially behind her ear, until Ralph warmed the area with first his breath, then his tongue. She trembled as desire traveled along the surface of her skin, spreading to her nerve endings. Embarrassed when her nipples quickly turned into beads of need and her feminine core moistened, Vanessa didn’t want him to guess how much she longed for him. She quickly moved away.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Vanessa blinked as she forced herself to think, to find an answer that did not reveal her vulnerability to him. “Nothing,” she lied, reaching for her now-watery glass of tea. She drank it anyway.

  “Vanessa, if you’re uncomfortable with anything I did, tell me.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  He shrugged. “I’m not trying to take advantage of you.”

  Needing to know, she asked, “You no longer want me?”

  Although he chuckled, it held no humor. His voice was deeper than normal, almost gruff when he admitted, “One thing a man’s body does not do is lie. If you care to look, you can see how much I want you. But I also don’t want you to have any regrets.”