The Honeymoon That Wasn't

She dropped the napkin over her plate and pushed in her chair.

“Aren’t you going to finish your dinner?” Tony couldn’t quite keep his amusement in check. “No dessert unless you clean your plate.”

She ignored him and addressed Dallas. “You two go ahead and have your talk.”

“Come on, Dakota. You just got here. Besides, I need to talk to you, too.” Dallas gave her a pleading look that almost had her caving. After all, tomorrow was Dallas’s big day….

As hard as it was to say no to her sister, Dakota shook her head and picked up her briefcase. Tony was headed someplace she didn’t want to go. At least not here. Certainly not with an audience. “I’m leaving.”

“I’ll have them bring your bananas Foster.”

“Think I’ll pass.” In spite of herself, Dakota glanced at Tony.

“Hmm, that’s what you call that stuff. Some guy named Foster must have come up with it, huh?”

Dallas laughed.

Dakota couldn’t tell if he was kidding or not.

“They’re supposed to offer cognac and then we’re done here,” Dallas said, looking over her shoulder at the headwaiter, who’d already brought out the bottles of brandy. “So if you can’t stay—”

“What?” Tony spread his hands. “No dancing?”

“Down, boy. That’s tomorrow night,” Dallas quipped. “As if you can dance.”

“You talkin’ to me?” Tony scoffed. “Do you have any idea who taught Travolta his moves for Saturday Night Fever?”

“What were you, about three?”

He shrugged, a grin curving his mouth. “I’m just saying…”

Dakota shook her head, a little envious of their easy camaraderie. “As I said, I’m leaving.”

Tony stuck out his chin in acknowledgment. “See ya tomorrow.”

“Right.” Everyone at the table seemed preoccupied so she skipped a farewell and headed for the door.

“Don’t be late,” he added.

Dallas half groaned, half laughed.

Annoyed, Dakota stopped, but then thought better of turning around and calling attention to them. She kept walking, wondering how in the hell she’d ever found this man attractive.

WATCHING HER SISTER walk out in that ramrod straight I’d-better-get-out-of-here-before-I-kill-somebody posture Dallas knew too well, she sighed. “Why do you have to antagonize her?”

Tony dragged his gaze away from the empty doorway. “I think she likes me.”

“You’re impossible.”

He smiled. “A little wine, a little tango tomorrow night…” He flattened a hand to his belly and made a swaying dance move. “She’ll be ripe for the picking.”

“Excuse me? We’re talking about my sister here.”

“Hey, I’m just talking about asking her out. Where’s your mind at?”

She gave him a mock glare. Tony was a great guy. Perfect for Dakota if she’d give him a chance. But she wouldn’t. Too many expectations blocked the way. Father wanted her to be a judge, and Cody, a senior partner at the law firm where Dakota worked, not only expected her to rake in the dough but attract high-end clients. Mother, well, she always expected too much of everyone.

“Seriously, Tony, I need a favor.”

“Shoot.”

She glanced over at Eric’s friend to be sure he wasn’t listening, and then leaned closer to Tony. “Remember how I met Eric. Through a prank his friend Tom pulled?”

“Yeah.”

“We think he’s up to something again. Like sabotaging our honeymoon.”

“No way.” Tony gave Tom a harsh look. “Not your honeymoon.”

“You don’t know Tom. He lives to create the perfect practical joke.”

“Want me to talk to him?”

“No, no. I don’t even want him to know we suspect anything. What I would like you to do is act as a decoy.” Dallas felt Eric stirring behind her. Obviously he’d heard, or at least knew what she was doing. They’d discussed the ploy. He didn’t agree with her interference. But of course he didn’t understand the complexities of growing up a Shea.

“Decoy? How?”

“You can take a long weekend, right?”

“Uh, yeah,” he said slowly.

“Ever been to Bermuda?”

Tony frowned in disbelief. “You’re not saying—you’re kidding.”

“The plane leaves right after the reception. The hotel is already booked and paid for.”

“Do you know how crazy this is?”

Eric’s cheek touched hers as he leaned close enough for them to hear. “That’s what I told her.”

She elbowed him. “Be quiet.”

“Just tell him you’re going to Hawaii.” Tony chuckled.

“He heard Eric making the arrangements but he doesn’t know that we decided to go on a cruise instead. I want to keep it that way.”

“This still sounds crazy. It’s not like he’s gonna follow you to Bermuda.”

“Have I ever asked you for anything?”

“Wow, Dallas, go ahead and turn the screws, why don’t you?”

“It’s a free vacation, for goodness’ sake.”

“You realize there’s one huge hole in this plan,” Tony said, giving Eric that smug condescending male look she hated. “Don’t two people normally go on a honeymoon?”

It was her turn to look smug. “Of course. That’s why Dakota will be going with you.”

Hell, why didn’t she say that in the first place?

2

“I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU man and wife.”

Tony watched Dallas and Eric embrace, and then looked at Dakota. Her eyes were glassy, blinking rapidly, and her smile quivered slightly as she gazed at her sister.

Today was the first time he’d seen her with her hair down, longer than he’d expected, hanging just below her shoulders, light brown and full of honey-colored highlights. And really shiny. Outside he’d caught a glimpse of her entering the chapel, her hair a brilliant silky mass floating around her shoulders.

He was one of those suckers for women with long hair and Dakota was way up there on the perfect scale. His groin tightened, thinking about tomorrow, Dakota, a sunny beach, a skimpy bikini and all that hair.

Assuming she’d agreed to the plan. Dallas was supposed to have talked to her this morning. Him, he already had a small bag packed, waiting in his car to be transferred to the limo. Dallas didn’t think there’d be a problem with Dakota, only that she might not want to stay the whole weekend. Just turn around and come back to Manhattan tonight. That’s where he’d have some convincing to do.

She looked over at him just then and he smiled. Her lips curved ever so slightly. Ah, progress. But she gave up eye contact, her gaze going back to her sister as the cello music started, signaling them to leave the altar and start down the aisle. Dallas and Eric went first and then everyone else in the wedding party followed in no particular order. The men wore tuxedos and the women long dresses. The way Dakota filled out the dark red dress made it hard to keep his eyes on Dallas and Eric. The neckline wasn’t too low but it showed off a tempting amount of pale satiny skin and a hint of cleavage. He was lucky enough to walk behind her, or maybe unlucky, because the gentle sway of her hips and the way the dress cupped her curvy backside got a reaction from him that he had trouble hiding.

They got outside and pews of friends and family followed, hugging, kissing cheeks, shaking hands, but not a single grain of rice was thrown. Probably not a custom at high-class weddings. When his sister had gotten married, his pop distributed a whole twenty-pound bag of rice. Made a special trip to Chinatown to get it.

“Okay, everyone.” After the initial commotion, the photographer motioned the wedding party to stand in front of one of the large stained-glass windows.

The Union Church of Pocantico Hills was really something. Even tourists stopped to see the stained-glass windows created by two modern artists, Matisse and Chagall. Not that Tony knew squat about either of them, but he’d read the literature put out for tourists. Today the place was off-limits on account of the wedding. The Sheas obviously had some major clout in Tarrytown.

Impressive circle of friends, too, who stood off to the side in their expensive suits and silk dresses and pearls. Tony recognized several faces from the legal community. Couldn’t place their names. He’d seen them on the news or in the newspaper.

“Excuse me, sir. Stand here, please.” The tall, thin hawkish-looking photographer gestured for Tony to stand beside Dakota.

The guy didn’t have to ask him twice. Tony sidled up beside her, their arms and hips touching, and inhaled her mysterious scent. Maybe he’d sniffed a little too enthusiastically because she gave him an annoyed look. Or maybe it was the touching part she didn’t like.

“Dallas looks beautiful,” he whispered while the photographer got everyone else into place.

Dakota immediately softened. “And happy.”

“Is it gonna seem weird that she’s married?”

“Not really.” She shrugged, her arm rubbing his. “Nothing will change.”

Tempted to ask about tonight’s plan, he kept his mouth shut while the photographer finished positioning everyone. Tom stood too close to risk him hearing of the counterattack.

“Everyone ready?” The photographer clicked off two shots.

For the next twenty minutes, they were separated, pushed back together, coupled, shuffled from one stained-glass window to the next, the entire time the photographer muttering how difficult this was with everyone chatting and laughing.

Mrs. Shea stood back, commiserating, shaking her head and sliding her husband long-suffering looks. The honorable Judge Shea didn’t seem to give a crap. Good for him.

Once the photographer was satisfied, or maybe because Dallas had whispered something to him, they disbanded and got into the waiting limos. The guests followed in their separate cars and everyone headed for the reception at the Shea’s country club.

Tony was lucky enough to share a limo with Dakota. Too bad Nancy, Trudie and Wendy climbed in behind them. Could’ve been worse. He could’ve gotten stuck with Mr. and Mrs. Shea, and Cody and his snotty society date.

“Hey, how do you like being surrounded by all these women?” Wendy asked, while trying to get her long legs into a suitable position. She was a dancer, an extra on Broadway if he remembered correctly.

He stretched an arm out along the back of the seat and got comfortable, then gave her a cocky grin. “I can handle it.”

“I bet you can.” She gave him an inviting smile he wished Dakota had given him.

But she sat across from him with her face turned toward the window and didn’t even react to what was going on.

Until Wendy said, “Hey, Dakota, I guess you’re next.”

“Next?”

“To bite the dust.” Wendy grinned at Dakota’s wide-eyed expression. “Tie the knot. Whatever they say these days.”

“Why me? You’re older.”

“Ouch.”

Dakota grinned. “Shouldn’t you be the one getting antsy? Watching that biological clock.”

“Ruthless, aren’t you?”

Trudie laughed. “That’s what makes her a good lawyer.”

Dakota’s grin tapered off.

No one seemed to notice but Tony. They all kept teasing each other back and forth while Dakota shrank back against the seat. Good to know she was touchy about the lawyer thing. Not that he was stupid enough to repeat the jokes he’d heard. Okay, so maybe he would’ve let a couple slip, but now he knew.

“So is like everybody gonna stay dressed like this, or can we change?” Wendy asked as they turned off the street and onto the lush country club grounds.

“I don’t know, but I was hoping somebody would ask.” Nancy looked to the others, and then focused on Dakota.

“I doubt Dallas cares one way or the other,” she said, “but we’d better wait until after dinner so the photographer can get the rest of the pictures.”

“Yeah, we don’t want your mom freaking out.” Wendy tugged at her dress. “The same moron who invented high heels must have come up with this gem.”

“Fair is fair.” Tony couldn’t resist. Not that he was particularly fond of ties. In fact, he hardly ever wore them—only when he absolutely had to.

Wendy smiled at him. “You are so damn cute. I can’t believe Dallas kept you from us all these years.”

Heat crawled up Tony’s neck. Thankfully he knew he wouldn’t turn red. He didn’t embarrass easily but Wendy was something else.

“Now that Dallas has ditched me, I’m looking for a roommate if you’re interested.” Wendy gave him an impish grin, shifting so that their legs touched.

“Hey, he’s already taken,” Nancy said, rubbing a familiar shoulder against his.

He gave her a sharp look. So did Dakota.

Nancy laughed. “My six-year-old thinks he’s it. She lights up like the Fourth of July every time she sees him.”

Tony reared his head back. “Megan’s six already?”

“Yep, she had a birthday two months ago.”

“Man, then I haven’t seen her in almost a year.”

“You should come by sometime.” Nancy smiled. “It would make her day.”

“Yeah, maybe next weekend. I owe her a teddy bear for her birthday.”

Wendy spoke up. “Nanc, I didn’t know you were married. I thought you were one of us.” When she frowned, Wendy added, “You know, single.”

“I’m divorced,” Nancy replied. “Does that count?”

“Oh, yeah. Definitely.” Wendy peered out the window at the impeccably manicured greens and small man-made lakes, stretching on for acres. “Wow, this place is awesome.” She looked at Dakota. “Do you know if any Broadway people were invited?”

Dakota shrugged. “I don’t think so.”

“Just the boring legal types, huh?”

Trudie groaned and darted a look at Dakota. “Wendy, would you shut up?”

Dakota just laughed. “I know what you mean.” She faked a yawn. “Bunch of long-winded, pontificating blowhards.”

Everyone got quiet and stared at her.

Tilting her head to the side and smiling, Dakota added, “With a few exceptions, of course.”

God, she was gorgeous. Tony just stared. He couldn’t look away. With that soft smile on her peach-tinted lips, the way the late-afternoon sun filtered into the windows and lit her hair, she should have been spread out across a billboard. Wouldn’t matter what product she peddled. Hell, even nail clippers. Any red-blooded guy would buy it.

Obviously he wasn’t the only one with that opinion because Wendy said, “Jeez, Dakota, why aren’t you modeling like Dallas?”

“I like what I do.”

“You can practice law later. Make the easy bucks now while you still have the looks.”

Trudie shook her head with disgust. Apparently she also noticed Dakota’s defensive posture. “What part of keep quiet don’t you understand?”

“Come on, Trudie, I’m just saying—”

“Hey, we’re here. There’s Dallas and Eric.” Tony’s timely interruption was met by a quick smile from Dakota. He winked back and she abruptly turned away, and he could’ve sworn her cheeks had started to pinken.

But she hid it while stepping out of the limo and leading them to the foyer to stand in the reception line where people were already waiting to congratulate the bride and groom.

Why the rest of the wedding party had to stand there was beyond him. Nobody cared if they were there or not. But now wasn’t the time to question the tradition so he obediently positioned himself between Nancy and Trudie as Mrs. Shea instructed.

After more pictures were taken and everyone had had a crack at Dallas and Eric, the wedding party was finally allowed to enter the private dining room. More like a ballroom with tables and chairs for at least a hundred and fifty guests. Fresh flower arrangements, mostly orchids, were everywhere. Two bars were set up on either side of the room, manned by bartenders wearing tuxedos. He couldn’t imagine how much this had set the Sheas back. Of course that kind of money was no sweat to them.

“Hey, where are the balloons?” he asked Dakota.

She gave him a weird look as if she hoped he was kidding but wasn’t sure. And then surprised him by asking, “Do you want a drink?”

“Sure.”

“Come on.”

He followed as she led him around the guests who had already lined up in front of the bars. Several white-gloved waiters stood to the side and she whispered something to the short husky one who nodded and smiled ecstatically as if she’d just agreed to have his children.

Tony watched the guy abruptly turn around and then disappear through a side door that blended with the wall and had been invisible to Tony. “Where’s he going?”

“To get our drinks.”

“Ah.” He nodded. “Come here often, do you?”

She arched a brow at him. “You want to wait in that line?”

“No, ma’am.”

“All right then.”

“Do we stay right here and wait or is there a rendezvous point?”

A smile tugged at her lips. “Don’t worry. You won’t get mobbed. This is a very civil bunch. They’ll only complain to management.”

“That I can handle. By the way, tell me you didn’t order me champagne.”

“I didn’t order you champagne.”

“Not to sound ungrateful.”

“Uh-huh.”

The waiter reappeared holding a small tray in one hand, and used the other to hand Dakota a glass of white wine and Tony a bottle of beer, his usual. Without a glass, too. Obviously she’d noticed what he was drinking last night.

The weekend was starting to look up.

Maybe she planned on taking Dallas up on her offer of a free minivacation with him. Before bringing it up, he glanced over his shoulder to make sure Tom wasn’t around. No, but Wendy was headed their way.

Damn.

The only consolation was that Dakota looked just as disappointed.

Her red hair windblown, Wendy smelled faintly of tobacco as she approached. She looked from the glasses in their hands to the increasingly long line at the bar. “Where did you get the drinks?”

Dakota gestured vaguely over her shoulder. “A waiter was walking around with a tray.”

“Cool.” Wendy wandered off in the direction Dakota had sent her.

Tony chuckled.

“I didn’t lie.”

He didn’t care. She’d gotten rid of Wendy. That’s what counted. Not that he didn’t like Wendy, but he wanted Dakota to himself. He wanted to lose himself in those sexy gray-blue eyes, and bask in the anticipation of tonight. Miles away from here. Alone. Nothing to do but get to know one another. Spend long leisurely hours of exploring each other’s bodies.

That line of thinking had to stop. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, trying to stop the blood from rushing south. He took a healthy gulp of icy cold beer and then met Dakota’s amused eyes.

Dakota smiled and took another sip, her lashes long and thick resting on her cheeks. She barely wore any makeup, didn’t have to. Her features were almost perfect. High cheekbones, a pert nose, full lips, her skin so flawless it was almost translucent. Her eyes were smaller than Dallas’s, more gray than blue and deeper set, but she was every bit as gorgeous.

Man, he’d like to see the faces of everyone the first time she walked into a courtroom. Not the typical lawyer, that’s for sure. Unless she always dressed for work the way she had last night, conservative and drab.

A trio of violinists in the corner started playing elevator music, but at least they kept it low-key. Up front there were two stages, one slightly elevated with band equipment and the other a parquet dance floor.

“Uh-oh.” Tony saw Mrs. Shea heading toward them with obvious purpose. “I think we’re about to be summoned.”

Dakota looked over her shoulder, immediately tensing. “I have a feeling she wants me.”

Interesting how tense she got at the mention of her mother. He knew a little bit from Dallas about the formidable Mrs. Shea, prominent college professor and demanding mother. The woman had done one really good thing for her girls. She’d encouraged them to go for an education instead of trade on their extraordinary looks. Had to give her credit for that.

Dakota sighed. “I’d better go see what she wants.”

“I have a better idea. Let’s take a walk.”

She looked at him, the disbelief in her eyes slowly fading to uncertainty. “We just got here.”

“So. Do you want to ditch her or not?”

Her lips parted in indignation, but a flicker of excitement sparked in her eyes. She briefly glanced over her shoulder again, caught her mother gaining on them and said, “Let’s go.”

3

DAKOTA LED Tony out of the banquet room to a side patio, knowing she’d pay hell for the disappearing act. In fact, she wouldn’t put it past her mother to hunt them down. Except it was getting cold outside, with nothing on the fairway to block the biting wind, enough that it might insure them some privacy.

She swallowed. Was that what she wanted? To be out here alone with him? This was foolish. She knew how it would turn out. They wouldn’t just talk. Facing him, she smiled. “Bad idea. It’s a little too cool.”

“Here.” He shrugged out of his jacket, the white dress shirt straining against his broad chest. “Put this on.”

“No, really, that’s okay. Then you’ll be cold. Let’s go back—”

He slipped the jacket over her shoulders, and then turned her to face him. Unfortunately, she couldn’t see his expression. The patio was very dimly lit by a pale blue glow, courtesy of the parade of solar lights staked along the perimeter. The thought infused her with a dangerous excitement that made her nipples tighten and her resolve weaken.

“This should keep you warm.” He pulled the lapels together and she stumbled toward him, steadying herself with her palms against his chest.

“Sorry,” she whispered and straightened, reluctantly letting her hands fall away.

He released the lapels and cupped her shoulders, then ran his palms down her arms. “You smell good.”

She shivered when his warm breath fanned her cheek, and he took her cold hands, sandwiching them between his slightly callused ones. She’d never been with a man with work-roughened hands. How would they feel touching the tenderest part of her body? Stroking the area around her nipples? The soft skin between her thighs?

He lowered his head and her breath caught when his lips brushed hers. But only briefly before he whispered, “I can’t wait for later.”

“Later?”

The sound of the French doors opening had them guiltily jumping apart. Thankfully it was Dallas, the long white gown obvious even in the dim light.

“Hey, you guys, dinner is going to be served in twenty minutes.”

Dakota sighed. “You came out here to tell us that?”

“Better me than Mother. Anyway, Dakota, I need to talk to you.”

“Now?”

“Yep. Sorry, Tony. I need her for five minutes.”

He gestured with his hand. “I’ll see you inside.”

“Here’s your jacket,” Dakota said, pushing it off her shoulders and then handing it to him.

“Keep it while you’re outside.”

“I’m not staying out here. It’s cold.”

“Trust me,” Dallas said, “it would be better if we talked out here.”

Dakota didn’t like the sound of that. Even Tony frowned as he tried to give her back his jacket. She shook her head. “I’m okay.”

After shooting Dallas a curious look, he left them alone. Dakota was pretty curious herself. “What’s going on?”

“I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Okay.”

“It’s kind of big, but I really, really need you to do this for me,” Dallas said. “Okay?”

“Well, what is it?”

“Promise me you’ll do it first.”

Dakota snorted. “Right.”

“Come on, Dakota, have I ever asked you for anything? You’re my sister. It’s my wedding, and I need this favor badly.”

“What already?” She waited, but Dallas’s chin stubbornly went up, and the truth was Dakota would never refuse her sister anything. “All right. I promise.”

“I need you to play decoy for me tonight after the reception.”

“Why?”

“You know how Eric’s friend Tom likes to play practical jokes. We’re pretty sure he’s going to try and sabotage our honeymoon.”

Dakota shook her head at her sister’s paranoia. “He wouldn’t do something so juvenile.”