Magical Weddings (118 page)

Her cell phone chirped with an incoming text. She opened the phone to a picture of chewed up woodwork and a hole in drywall with a message below:
Bankston has struck again. I guess I shouldn’t have corralled him in the utility room while I was proposing to the hot girl next door. LOL.

Last night she should’ve mentioned that Airedales didn’t appreciate being confined. They needed room to breathe.
Soothe him by speaking gently
. She drummed her fingers on the bathroom counter waiting for ‘Soothe him? How about me?’ Instead she got,
Take this mongrel off my hands! Please?

I’ll cook you dinner sometime. Bring Bankston. This way you’ll both get to know Greta.

So it’s a NO to adopting him?

Lindy ignored the question.
Talk to you soon
. She flipped the phone closed and went to find Greta.

She found the crafty cat in the bedroom perched on the nightstand next to the lava lamp playing with the charge-cord. “What is it with you and that cord?” She petted his back. “You set me up the with the cord and lava lamp. I’m not falling for it again or next thing you know I’ll get a real marriage proposal.” She snickered. “Come on, prima donna, I have a can of Fancy Feast with your name on it.”

Greta jumped off the nightstand.

Lindy turned to follow the feline but twisted back around. She couldn’t resist running her hand up and down the lamp. “What do you have in store for me today, genie?”

****

Gunther had his nose buried in reports when Clive Wilks waltzed in. “Good afternoon, boss.”

Clive hawk-eyed the papers spread across the desk. “Brushing up on banking policies, I see.” He looked pleased.

“When you’re out of the office, I want to lead effectively. If someone has a problem I have to know how to handle it.”

Clive took the empty chair across from Gunther. “Atta boy.” He tapped the edge of the desk. “Something has come to my attention.” He cleared his throat.

Whatever the something was had to be awkward or a delicate matter because it wasn’t normal for his boss to hesitate or shift uncomfortably in the chair. Possibilities of what might be happening ricocheted through Gunther’s brain until one in particular made him groan under his breath–Anastasia. She’d said things weren’t over. Had she gotten to Clive with a weepy, inflated version of their breakup?

Clive held up two fingers. “There are actually two things we need to discuss. First, Imogene wants to have dinner with you and your fiancée. Saturday night around seven? We could try the new microbrewery and restaurant on Fourth Street.”

“Lindy and I would be happy to spend an evening with you and the lovely Imogene.” Gunther propped his elbows on the desk. “The second thing is a little more complicated?”

Clive sifted air through his teeth. “Yep.”

If Clive knew the relationship between him and Lindy wasn’t as it should be, he wouldn’t have invited them to dinner. “So what’s up?”

“It’s about Lindy. Indirectly.”

The hair on the back of Gunther’s neck prickled. “What about her?”

Clive wrung his hands. “The pet store where she works is in financial trouble.”

Of all the scenarios he could’ve heard he hadn’t expected that one. “How much trouble?”

“Nearing foreclosure.”

“Damn.” Lindy’s hunch had been right.

“Due to privacy constraints you can’t say a word to Lindy. But as our soon-to-be named VP one of your duties is to deal with the problem.”

Gunther kept his groan internal. “What do you need from me?”

“If the owner is going to default we can possibly head it off before it happens. We’ve sent notices but she seems to be ignoring them. I’d like for you to get a feel for things, but again, don’t discuss this with your fiancée.”

Gunther leaned back in the chair. “I think I know where to start.”

****

Lindy was saturated clear down to her bra and panties. When she walked her sneakers squeaked. Gone was the softly curled hair from the morning. In its place, a high pony tail.

The daytime hours at the store had been a breeze. She’d had enough customers to stay busy. The evening shift, however, was putting her to the test. Cerise always referred to Wednesday night as the beauty shop shift. Dogs were given haircuts, mani-pedi’s and baths. So far she’d made beautiful a Yorkshire terrier, Silky terrier, Shih Tzu, Cocker Spaniel and Bichon Frise. She was about to tackle a Border collie whose owner was miffed that her dog had dumped his water bowl to make mud pies. The adorable pooch was coated with dry mud from his whiskers to his tail.

Sipping from her water bottle she spoke to the dog in a whisper. “Your turn, Ralph.”

Dark brown eyes blinked up at her with mud-crusted lashes.

Lindy crouched down and stroked his ears. “I get the feeling you’re not fond of baths.” Using a damp cloth she gently wiped his face and lashes. “We’ll take it slow, okay?” Stuffing cotton balls in his ears, she led him to a clean tub.

“What’s with the cotton balls?”

Lindy jumped. “Oh my gosh, Gun’. You scared the bejesus out of me…again.”

“Sorry.” Gunther’s smile went from ear to ear.

“You don’t look sorry.”
You look handsome and yummy.
Instead of a suit he was dressed in jean shorts and a blue golf shirt.

“I’m totally sorry.”

“Uh huh.” She donned a pair of Playtex gloves. “The cotton balls are to keep as much water out of Ralph’s ears as possible to prevent infection or irritation.”

Gunther ran his gaze up and down Lindy until she shivered.

“Why are you here?”

“I thought I’d check out where my fiancée works.”

“Fiancée,” Lindy repeated in a mumble. “That takes some getting used to.”

“Any chance you’d like to get a bite to eat when you’re done.”

The mention of food made Lindy’s stomach churn with anticipation. “Oh God, I love you,” she said spontaneously. The remark was meant as gratitude not affection. She felt the heat of embarrassment stain her cheeks. “The handful of grapes and mozzarella cheese stick I had for breakfast weren’t enough to tide me over. My belly has growled louder than the dogs when I used the sprayer on them.”

“You haven’t eaten in over fourteen hours?”

Lindy shrugged. “It’s been a long day and I left home without the salad I’d made for my lunch.”

“There’s not much to you as it is. If you don’t eat you’ll wither away to nothing.” He massaged her shoulders. “I just noticed you’re not wearing your glasses.”

“I wasn’t pressed for time this morning so I’m wearing my contacts.”

The bells on the door jingled.

“Mr. Wilks,” Lindy smiled. “Rochester is all finished.”

“Excellent.” Clive Wilks clapped his hands. “Gun’, you ole dog, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Gunther shook his boss’s hand. “I’m taking Lindy to dinner after she closes.”

Clive’s eyes pinged with interest. “Congratulations on the engagement, Lindy. Imogene is excited to have dinner with you two on Saturday.”

“Thanks, Clive.” Despite being damp, Lindy leaned into Gunther.

“I haven’t brought her up to speed about Saturday.”

“My wife wants to help you celebrate.”

Lindy put a hand to her mouth, genuinely in awe of their kindness. “That’s so sweet.” She smoothed back an unruly lock of hair that escaped the hair tie.

Clive scanned the store, tucked Rochester in the crook of his arm and dropped a wad of bills on the counter. “Thanks for taking care of Imogene’s baby. See you on Saturday.”

Lindy waited until Clive was out the door before she made big eyes at Gunther. “We’re dining with your boss and his wife?”

“Relax. It’ll be fine.”

“You’ll have to coach me with what I can and can’t say.”

“I’m not going to coach you, sweetheart. But we should spend as much time together between now and Saturday so we’re comfortable with each other.” He grinned. “They’ll know something is up if I peck you on the lips and you turn beet red.”

“I’m turning red right now just thinking about you pecking me on the lips.”

“Well then,” he drew her close with an arm around her waist, “we need to kiss until it feels as natural as breathing.”

Lindy pushed away. “Not.” The thought of kissing Gunther made her warm all over. Ralph whimpered. “I know the feeling, Ralph.”

Gunther’s extraordinary eyes gleamed with more confidence than should be legal.

“I have a dog to shampoo.”

“I can help if you want.”

“I’ve got this. There’s no sense in both of us being soaked to our underwear.”

“Maybe you should bathe them in the buff.”

“Maybe you should quit messing with me.”

Gunther whispered close to her ear. “I’m not messing with you.”

Lindy flicked soapy bubbles at him.

Gunther gave her a gentle shoulder-bump. “Mind if I have a look around since I have no idea what owning a pet store entails.”

“Have a look.” She tested the water to make sure it wasn’t too hot for Ralph. When it was the right temperature she sprayed his fur enough to wet it for shampoo.

Gunther strolled through the store while Lindy washed the collie. From the corner of her eye she watched him inspect the hamsters and then move to the aquarium of turtles. “Now this is a pet I can handle. I’d like to trade Bankston for ten turtles.”

“Yeah. No.” Lindy laughed. “Those pictures you sent this morning were
interesting
.”

“Lesson learned. Never lock the mangy mutt in a room by himself.”

“You know, Gun’, he really
can
turn into your best friend if you give him a chance.”

“I’d rather have a bale of turtles.”

“You know a group of turtles is a bale? I’m impressed.”

He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I also know you look damn cute when you’re soaking wet.”

“Yesterday you saw me with bed-hair from getting up late. Today I’m soaked to the gills and plastered with dog hair.”

“You’re attractive with or without bed-hair.” He gave her the iffy hand. “I’m undecided about the dog hair.”

Lindy rolled her eyes but inside she was bursting with joy. Their engagement was for show but the feelings Gunther was stirring were real.

****

Gunther placed the pizza on the table and popped the tabs on two cans of soda. Lindy had declined eating in a restaurant because she was too worried about her appearance, so they decided to kick back with pizza.

Craning his neck he got his first glimpse of Lindy’s home while she was in the bedroom changing into dry clothes. It was exactly as she said. Everything was harvest gold or olive green but stylishly retro instead of old-fashioned. She’d added some contemporary pieces too. Harvest gold geometric design throw pillows accented the sofa while olive green vases with a dimpled texture sat tastefully around the room.

A loud moan filtered from the bedroom.

Gunther smiled behind a sip of Dr. Pepper. Evidently she’d gotten a look at the smudges of mascara under her eyes.

From out of nowhere a yellow ball of fur jumped onto the table. Gunther drew back in surprise. “I assume you’re Greta.”

Green eyes stared him.

He moved the pizza box and the cat batted his hand.

Lindy strolled into the kitchen wearing cutoff jean shorts, a soft pink t-shirt and bare feet. Her ponytail was newly combed and she was minus the smudges. She smelled of soap and deodorant. “I wish you would’ve said something about the mascara.”

Gunther took another sip of soda. “I didn’t want to make you self-conscious.”

“Thank you, I think.” Lindy shooed the cat from the table. “Greta, you know you’re not allowed on the table.” Greta meowed and brushed against her legs while keeping an eye on Gunther. “She’s marking me as hers.”

“Hate to tell ya, cat, she’s also mine.” Gunther raised a cocky eyebrow. “For a little while anyway.”

“Let’s take the pizza into the family room.”

“Good idea. It’s time to get comfortable with each other.” Again, he arched an eyebrow.

“You’re an incorrigible flirt, Gunther Justin.”

“Am I flirting?”

“Big time.”

Lindy turned on the TV and channel-surfed until it landed on The Big Bang Theory. “My favorite show. Imagine that. A nerd who loves to watch nerds.”

“Wolowitz is the guy I was in high school minus the colorful clothes.” Gunther waited for Lindy’s reaction.

Lindy’s brown eyes glinted with interest. “Good to know. You didn’t also get a robot hand stuck on your… You know, like Wolowitz did in that one episode.” She grinned while chewing a bite of pizza.

“Ha. Ha. Nooo!”

Lindy put her feet on the coffee table and crossed them at the ankles. Gunther did the same.

They fell into companionable conversation about their parents and moved on to details about their childhood.

“My brothers and I would make sleds out of cardboard and ride them down the stairs.” Gunther pointed to his tooth. “Broke this baby off when I smacked into the front door. My parents were less-than-thrilled. The dentist, however, now owns a condo in Malibu thanks to me.” He snorted a laugh. “I probably only financed a chair in his posh pad, but still.”

Lindy leaned in for an inspection. “A cap, huh?”

Gunther ran a finger across his teeth. “Most of them are caps. It’s extravagant, I know, but I have a certain image I want to convey.”

“Would the image be perfection?”

“No.” Although, she was probably right. Even though he was no longer the guy who got knocked around in high school he still felt the need to prove himself over and over. It’s why he was so driven.

“Liar. Everything about you is perfect, yet you chose an imperfect fiancée.”

“I think you’re perfect.”

Lindy reached over and messed up his hair. “Thick hair. Great smile. Bedroom eyes. And a total bullshitter.”

Gunther had just taken a drink of Dr. Pepper and it sprayed out. He kicked her foot with his. “For not knowing long, you seem to have a half-bead on who I am. The part about my hair is accurate. The other stuff is open to interpretation.” He was thrilled she thought he had a great smile and bedroom eyes. “Except the part about me being a bullshitter is completely false.”