Runaway Bride Page 5

  “But why would you need to write it when you have your own fairytale with me?” he asked.

  She didn’t know how to respond to that. Her relationship with him wasn’t quite the way she envisioned the relationships in her romance novels. There was no excitement in being with him. She had been pleased by his attention when they first started dating, and even more pleased when her mother approved of him. But she didn’t find that she necessarily missed him when he wasn’t with her. She was comfortable with him. She felt she could be content to spend the rest of her life with him. For sure, her mother wouldn’t fight her marriage like she’d fought Caitlyn’s two marriages. But it dawned on her that Nick didn’t seem to know her—really know her. However, to be fair, she wondered how well she knew him.

  “Tell me about yourself,” Lexie said.

  He shot her an amused look as the server brought them their drinks. “What is this about?”

  She waited until the server left before leaning forward, her elbows settling on the table.

  “Lexie, your elbows…” He pointed to them.

  With a sigh, she placed her hands back on her lap. In some ways, being with Nick reminded her of being with her mother. The two were much too hung up on proper etiquette, no matter where they were.

  “Alright. To answer your question,” he began, “I’m a heart surgeon with multiple awards to my name. I pride myself on saving lives. In fact, that’s why I decided I would become a doctor when I was a child.”

  “I know the facts. What I want to know is who you are. What are your interests outside of work? What are your dreams? What makes you passionate about life?”

  “I am a doctor, Lexie. I save people’s lives. I devote my life to helping others. I want to save every patient who comes my way. There is no greater purpose or passion than that.”

  “Maybe I need to be more specific.” She tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear and gave it another try. “I love the beach. The color of the water is so magical. I’ve never seen a better blend of blue and green than the water along the coast. See?” She motioned to the window, and though he turned his attention to the Emerald Coast, he didn’t seem impressed. “The beach is one of the few places in this world that makes me feel at peace. The smell of the salt water, the warmth from the sun, the feel of the cool sand when I dig my feet into it, the sound as the waves crash into the shore… I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s so romantic, especially when I can be with someone whose company I enjoy.” Her mind unwittingly went to Mark and the pleasant stroll they’d shared. Clearing her throat, she forced her mind back to Nick. “Why don’t we go for a walk along the beach sometime?”

  “Lexie, the beach is great. Really, it is. I’m not denying that. It’s why I bought a house on it.” He took a sip of his drink and shrugged. “But I don’t have the luxury of wasting my time going for a walk on it. I’m an important person. I get called in at all hours for surgery. Walks are great. I think you should keep doing them. They’ll keep you looking good.” He winked at her. “Maybe you can find a friend to walk with. Now, is there anything else you want to tell me about you or anything else you want to learn about me?”

  Disappointed, she shook her head. “No. I think I know everything I need to.” There was nothing more to him than what he’d already told her. He was a doctor who had devoted his life to his profession. While there should have been something noble in it, she couldn’t help but think he lacked any real substance.

  “Good. Now that we’ve cleared the air on all that,” he said as he placed a book on etiquette in front of her, “ask your mother if she’s acquainted with the stuff in here. If so, then there’s no need to read it. She can instruct you on how to behave at the art exhibit.”

  She picked up the book and stared at it, thankful that with her gaze lowered, he wouldn’t see the unshed tears in her eyes. This wasn’t what she wanted for her marriage. She might not have taken the time to think about what she wanted her life to be like, but this certainly wasn’t it.

  “Lunch is served,” the server called out in a chipper tone as she set the plates full of steaming food in front of Nick and Lexie. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

  “I’m fine. Lexie?” Nick asked.

  Forcing herself to smile, Lexie blinked back her tears and made eye contact with the server. “No, I don’t need anything else.” As the server walked away, Lexie slipped the book into her purse, unsure of what she should do about Nick.

  ***

  “Lexie? Is something bothering you?”

  Lexie blinked, unaware that she’d let her mind drift off while her mother rummaged through the rack of black dresses in the department store. Her mother stared at her with an expectant look on her face, and she decided if she was ever going to talk to her mom, this was the best chance. “I met with Nick today for lunch.”

  “Yes, I know. You showed me the book he gave you.” Her mother chuckled. “Don’t worry about a thing. The book is slightly outdated. Fortunately for you both, I keep current on the latest trends. You’ll impress everyone at the art exhibit.”

  “No, it’s not that. It’s just that,” she shrugged, “I don’t know how to say it.”

  Her mother turned to face her. “What is it, honey?”

  “Well, I had a conversation with him today that made me wonder if I’m making a mistake in marrying him.”

  “Oh, Lexie,” her mother said, her voice sympathetic. “What you’re feeling is normal. Every woman who is about to get married wonders if she chose the right man.”

  “Did you?”

  “Of course, I did. Marriage is a lifetime commitment and it’s not one to be taken lightly. A lot of people think it’s all about your feelings, but you have to be practical. As much as it’s a nice sentiment that love is all you need to be happy, the truth is that it won’t put food on the table or a roof over your head. You want a man who can provide for you and your children.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “Is there something else bothering you?”

  Lexie crossed her arms and shrugged again. “Mom, I don’t think Nick is interested in me, as a person. I think he only values me for what I can do for him.”

  “That’s one of the practical ways of looking at marriage, honey. Marriage is a partnership where both sides do something for each other.”

  “But what about love?”

  “Nick has said he loves you. I was there when he proposed and he said he wanted to be with you because he loves you.”

  “Yeah, I know.” But for some reason, it didn’t feel like love. It felt more like…contentment.

  “Lexie, love isn’t always butterflies and songs and sunshine. It’s doing what’s best for the other person.”

  “But I think Nick wants me to be with him because it’s best for him, not because he wants what’s best for me,” Lexie pressed, praying her mother would understand what she meant.

  Her mother glanced around them before she took her by the arm and led her to a secluded place in the store. “I’m going to share something with you that I haven’t told anyone else.”

  Interested, Lexie nodded and closed the gap between them. “What is it?”

  “When I married your father, I wasn’t in love with him. I married him because he got along with my parents and I got along with his. Over time, I discovered that he has been a secure part of my life. No matter what’s happened, he’s been there for me. And now I love him with all of my heart. It wasn’t something that happened right away. It happened softly, over time. Your marriage with Nick could be the same way.”

  “I see what you’re saying,” Lexie whispered.

  “Does that help answer your doubts about getting married?”

  “Yes, it does.”

  “I’m glad we had this talk. You know, I love your sister and brother, but I can’t talk to them the same way I can talk to you.”

  “I enjoy our talks, too.”

  And Lexie did. When her mother wasn’t trying to contro
l things, she was a very pleasant person to be around. It was a shame this side of her mother didn’t present itself more often, but maybe it would after she got married. Maybe up to this point, her mother had been so worried about seeing her married to a good man that she felt the need to control as much of her life as possible. And maybe Nick would fall in love with her over time like her mother had fallen in love with her father. Maybe she’d also fall in love with him. Her mother was right. Nick would give her and her future children a stable and good home and she had no doubt he’d be faithful to her.

  Relaxing, Lexie smiled. “Thanks, Mom. I’m ready to look at dresses now.”

  Her mother returned her smile and led her back to the rack.

  Chapter Six

  Lexie studied her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She fluffed her hair one more time and decided she looked as attractive as she possibly could. Hopefully, she would make a good impression on everyone at the art exhibit.

  Her cell phone rang, so she went to her bedroom and turned down her stereo. She checked the caller ID and saw that it was Nick.

  “Hi, Nick,” she greeted. “I’m all ready to go to the exhibit.”

  “I wish I could go. I’ve been looking forward to it all week.”

  She frowned. “But?”

  “There was an accident,” he replied. “There are three injured and two are in critical condition.”

  “That’s terrible!” Even as she felt sorry for the injured people, she had the selfish inclination to breathe a sigh of relief since she had been dreading the art exhibit.

  “It is, but thankfully, your mother taught you everything you need to do tonight.”

  “What?”

  “I know it’s horrible timing, but this exhibit is important. This is the perfect chance to get an ‘in’ with Doctor Morris and his wife. I need you to go.”

  “But… I won’t know anyone.”

  “Can you find someone to go with? What about your brother? Maybe your mom?”

  “Well…” She shifted from one foot to another. While she knew her mother would be thrilled, she didn’t feel like having her mother around in case she said or did something foolish. And her brother was working tonight. Then she thought of Mark. He wouldn’t be working. Given her past conversations with him, she didn’t think he would criticize her if she goofed up at this important event. “Okay. Yeah. I think I can find someone to go with.”

  “Perfect. Thank you, Lexie. Make sure to compliment Mrs. Morris on her choice of colors in the painting,” Nick advised. “Doctor Morris said she wasn’t sure if they worked well together, so if you ease her nerves, I think you’ll make the right impression.”

  “I like the colors in her painting. Got it.”

  “You’re a gem, Lexie. I’ll talk to you later tonight to find out how things went.”

  After she said good-bye, she hung up and went to her purse to pull out her wallet. Please let Mark be free tonight, she silently prayed. She wasn’t sure how likely that would be. Someone as good looking as him was probably on a date. She retrieved his business card and debated whether or not to call him. The thought of going with her mother instead prompted her to dial his number. Her heart raced as she listened to the ringing tone on the other end. It’s not a date, she thought. It’s calling in a favor.

  He picked up on the third ring. “Hey there. This is Mark Tanner.”

  “Hi, Mark.” She cleared her throat. “This is Lexie. I’m the one who called the tow truck for you.”

  “I remember who you are. What’s up?”

  He sounded happy to hear from her, so that was a good sign. Taking a deep breath, she said, “You know that art exhibit I have to go to tonight?”

  “Yeah.”

  “As it turns out, Nick can’t go. I thought that meant I wouldn’t have to go, but apparently, I do. I know it’s awkward and last minute, but is there any way you can go with me?”

  “Sure. I’d be happy to. Give me time to put on a suit, and I’ll be over to pick you up.”

  Relieved, her shoulders relaxed. “Thanks, Mark. I really appreciate this.”

  “Think nothing of it. I owe you that favor, remember? I’ll see you soon.”

  She told him good-bye and hung up. While she waited for him to arrive, she put her make-up away and turned off the stereo. It wasn’t long before there was a knock at her door. She picked up her purse then answered it.

  Mark’s hair was still damp from a recent shower, and he wore a dark blue suit that complemented his eyes. Her heart fluttered in excitement. She knew he was handsome, but seeing him dressed up only emphasized his good looks.

  “Wow,” he whispered as he scanned her. “You look amazing.”

  Her face warmed. “I was about to say the same about you.” Shocked she spoken that thought aloud, her cheeks grew hotter. Averting her gaze from him, she pulled the address out of her purse. “The gallery is here. Do you know how to get there?”

  He took the piece of paper from her and read it. “Yep. You ready to go?”

  She nodded and closed the door. On the way to his car, she said, “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything important that you had going on tonight.”

  “There’s nothing going on that I can’t do tomorrow.” After they got into the car, he turned the ignition and said, “I’ve never been to an art gallery before. Can you brush me up on what I should or shouldn’t do? I don’t want to embarrass you tonight.”

  “There doesn’t seem to be much to it, really. I mean, my mom had articles on etiquette and Nick even had a book, but in the end, it sounded simple enough. I think as long as we nod and smile a lot, we’ll be just fine. That’s what I do whenever I meet any of Nick’s coworkers. I think most of them want to feel important.”

  “That can probably be said about anyone. I think we all like to feel as if our life matters.”

  “That’s true, but when I said they want to feel important, I meant that they have a tendency to be a bit,” she thought for the right word, “snobbish. They want to be more important than other people around them.”

  As he drove down the street, he glanced in her direction. “It sounds like you don’t enjoy talking to them.”

  “I don’t know what to say and sometimes I think they’re nice to me because they have to be, because of Nick. Does that make sense?”

  “It does.”

  “So now you know why I’m glad you’re coming with me. I feel comfortable talking to you. I feel like I can tell you anything and you won’t look down at me.”

  “Why would I? You’re smart, you got a great sense of humor and you’re kind. I’m sure they see that in you, too, when they’re talking to you.”

  “Actually, when they’re talking to me, I think they’re being polite. I don’t think they really like me.” She’d never voiced that thought aloud. But now that she had, it seemed to make the whole thing more real.

  “You sense that?”

  “Yeah.”

  “If you sense it, then there must be something to it.”

  She glanced out the window and looked at the buildings as they turned down the street that would take them to the art gallery.

  “Lexie?”

  The soft tone in his voice made her look in his direction. She couldn’t help but note the attractive way his brown bangs fell over his forehead. He really should be on a date instead of escorting her to a boring art exhibit.

  “Lexie?” he asked again.

  Breaking out of her thoughts, she turned her gaze away from his, afraid he’d detect the uncertainty in her expression. She wasn’t supposed to be thinking of him as anything but a friend. She was engaged to Nick for goodness’ sake! Clearing her throat, she shifted in her seat. “What?”

  “I just want you to know that even if the people who will be there don’t like you, I do. You won’t have to feel like you’re alone in a room full of people.”

  She looked at him then and smiled. “Thanks. I appreciate that.” After a moment, she ventured, “So, it just occurre
d to me that you know about me and Nick. You know, how I’m engaged to him. But I never thought to ask if you’re dating anyone.”

  “Right now, I’m between girlfriends.”

  “I’m sure you won’t be for long.”

  “I don’t plan to be.”

  “Do you have someone in mind?” she asked, not sure why the idea should bother her, especially when she was engaged to someone else.

  He shot her a disarming grin. “Yeah.”

  Curious, she was ready to ask him more about it when he pulled into the parking lot of the art gallery. Her attention went to the group of cars. She recognized a couple of them, so at least she’d know some of the people here tonight. She straightened in her seat and grabbed her purse.

  “It’ll be okay, Lexie.” He reached out and gently placed his hand over hers. Giving her hand a light squeeze, he added, “I won’t run off and leave you alone.”

  Trying not to notice the way her skin tingled from his touch, she chuckled. “It’s silly, isn’t it? I have to keep reminding myself they’re just people.”

  “Will it help if you picture them in their underwear? Maybe they won’t seem so intimidating then.”

  “I’ve never been able to imagine people just wearing their underwear.”

  “No kidding?”

  “No. I see them in exactly what they’re wearing.”

  “I guess that trick doesn’t work for everyone.”

  She noticed that his hand was still over hers. Though she thought she should pull her hand away or at least point out to him that he was still touching her, she kept quiet. It was a friendly touch. There was nothing more to it than that.

  He removed his hand. “I see those men are wearing tuxes.”

  She followed his gaze. “Those are Doctors Travis and Wright. They always wear tuxedos, except when they’re working. Your suit is fine.” Finding a man who wasn’t wearing a tux, she nudged him in the arm and motioned to him. “See? You’re not alone. There are some men who aren’t wearing tuxes.”